bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Development of a Fitness Age Prediction Model: The National Fitness Award Cohort Study 2017-2021
Authors: Yoon Dong Hyun , Lee Shi-Uk , Kim Jeong-Hyun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Physical fitness is considered an important indicator of the health of the general public, and in particular, the physical fitness of the elderly people is an important criterion for determining the possibility of independent living. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between chronological age and physical fitness variables in the National Fitness Award Cohort study data and to develop multiple linear regression analyses to predict fitness age using dependent variables.
Methods
Data from 501,774 (359,303 adults, 142,471 elderly) individuals who participated in the Korea National Fitness Award Cohort Study from 2017 to 2021 were collected. The physical fitness tests consisted of 5 candidate markers for adults and 6 candidate markers for the elderly adults to measure muscle strength, muscle endurance, cardiopulmonary endurance, flexibility, balance, and agility. Pearson’s correlation and stepwise regression analyses were used to analyze the data.
Results
We obtained a predicted individual fitness age values from physical fitness indicators for adults and elderly individuals, and the mean explanatory power of the fitness age for adults was [100.882 – (.029 × VO2max) – (1.171 × Relative HGS) – (.032 × Sit-up) + (.769 × Gender Male = 1; Female = 2) + (.769 × Gender = 2)] was 93.6% (adjusted R2); additionally, the fitness age for elderly individuals was [79.807 – (.017 × 2-minute step test) – (.203 × 30-second chair stand) – (.031 × 30-second chair stand) – (.052 × TUG) + (.985 × TUG) – (3.468 × Gender Male = 1; Female = 2)] was 24.3% (adjusted R2).
Conclusions
We suggest the use of fitness age as a valid indicator of fitness in adults and the elderly individuals as well as a useful motivational tool for undertaking exercise prescription programs along with exercise recommendations at the national level.
Development of a habit-based intervention to support healthy eating and physical activity behaviours for pregnant women with overweight or obesity: Healthy Habits in Pregnancy and Beyond (HHIPBe)
Authors: McClelland Julia , Gallagher Dunla , Moore Sarah E , McGirr Caroline , Beeken Rebecca J , Croker Helen , Eastwood Kelly-Ann , O’Neill Roisin F , Woodside Jayne V , McGowan Laura , McKinley Michelle C 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The number of women entering pregnancy with overweight or obesity is increasing. This can increase the risk for excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) which is associated with health complications for mother and baby. There are limited evidence-based interventions within antenatal care settings to encourage healthy eating and physical activity behaviours and support women with managing GWG.
Methods
A previous habit-based intervention ‘Ten Top Tips for a Healthy Weight’ (10TT) was adapted and made suitable for pregnancy in line with the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) complex intervention development guidelines. It involved three key activities: 1) identifying the evidence base; 2) identifying appropriate theory; and, 3) modelling processes. A core element was integrating lived experience via personal and public involvement (PPI).
Results
The original 10TTs were adapted with PPI in line with current advice on nutrition and physical activity in pregnancy. New intervention materials were devised, including a leaflet and a logbook and app for self-monitoring to be delivered alongside a brief 1:1 conversation. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) included in the new materials were coded using a number of behavioural taxonomies. An E-learning resource was created to help standardise the approach to delivery of the intervention and avoid stigmatising conversations.
Conclusion
Following MRC guidance for the development of complex interventions alongside significant PPI allowed for the successful adaption of 10TT habit-based weight management intervention into the ‘Healthy Habits in Pregnancy and Beyond’ (HHIPBe) intervention. The feasibility and acceptability of implementing this intervention in the antenatal setting will be explored in a feasibility randomised controlled trial.
Trial Registration
This study was registered on Clinical Trials as ‘Healthy Habits in Pregnancy and Beyond (HHIPBe)’ ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04336878. The study was registered on 07/04/2020.
Zinc for GNAO1 encephalopathy: preclinical profiling and a clinical case
Authors: Larasati Yonika A. , Thiel Moritz , Koval Alexey , Silachev Denis N. , Koy Anne , Katanaev Vladimir L. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
De novo mutations in GNAO1 – the gene encoding the major neuronal G-protein Gαo – cause pediatric encephalopathies largely refractory to available therapies. Zn2+ emerged to restore GTP hydrolysis and cellular interactions of pathogenic Gαo; dietary Zn2+ supplementation improves lifespan and motoric function in a Drosophila disease model. Here we show that 16 different pathogenic missense mutations cluster in three distinct groups in their responsiveness to Zn2+, and provide the safety study in a mouse disease model. We further describe treatment of a 3 years-old patient with a common GNAO1 mutation c607G > A, p.Gly203Arg with oral 50mg Zn2+ daily, as applied in Wilson’s disease. During 11 months of treatment, the patient shows cessation of daily hyperkinetic crises, improved Burke-Fahn Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale movement score and general well-being, and an excellent safety profile. Our findings warrant a large-scale clinical trial and might set the new standard of care for GNAO1 encephalopathy.
Role of Indonesian Archipelago on Global Thermohaline Circulation: Insights from Numerical Experiments
Authors: Herho Sandy , Anwar Iwan , Firdaus Gisma , Irawan Dasapta , Kapid Rubiyanto 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study employs the cGENIE Earth System Model to investigate the effects of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) and Indonesian Archipelago (IA) closure on global meridional thermohaline circulation (THC). Over a simulated period of 10,000 years, the analysis centers on critical variables, including surface density, vertical density profiles, global overturning circulation, and ocean ventilation age. The results reveal nuanced, non-statistically significant changes, emphasizing the regional influence of the ITF. Specifically, surface density anomalies manifest post-IA closure, notably in southern Mindanao and eastern Australia. Concurrently, anomalies in global overturning circulation indicate reduced vertical transport intensities in the Southern Ocean. While cGENIE offers valuable insights, its limitations underscore the necessity for incorporating more complex climate models. This acknowledgment underscores the ongoing imperative to refine Earth System Models for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interactions that shape global ocean dynamics and climate.
RETRACTED: METTL14 Promotes Lipid Metabolism Reprogramming and Sustains Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Progression via Enhancing m6A Modification of ANKRD22 mRNA
Authors: Xiong Wei , Li Lvyuan , Tang Qiling , Ge Junshang , Wang Dan , Mo Yongzhen , Wang Yumin , Xiong Fang , Yan Qijia , Liao Qianjin , Guo Can , Wang Fuyan , Zhou Ming , Xiang Bo , Zeng Zhaoyang , Shi Lei , Chen Pan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Microscale Audits and the challenges for pedestrians in residential districts of Oman
Authors: De Siqueira Gustavo , Mabry Ruth , Siyabi Huda Al , Siyabi Amal Al , Ofi Iman Al 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background:
Although countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have integrated the sustainable development agenda in their national visions. they face challenges in ensuring a livable and healthy built environment that addresses challenges of climate change and pandemic of noncommunicable diseases.
Methods:
This paper applies environmental audits to assess the microscale qualities (land use, aesthetics, pedestrian infrastructure, and safety) of residential areas of two cities in Oman, Barka and Nizwa.
Results:
The findings confirm low environmental qualities across the four subscales of the MAPs-mini in all study areas.
Conclusions:
With the rise of NCDs levels in the region, urgent action is needed to improve the quality of the built environment. Microscale attributes of the built environment have the potential to support active living while addressing the climate change challenges.
Osmotic Dehydration Kinetics of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) using a Low-calorie Sugar
Authors: Eyembe Lobe Elias , Nde Divine Bup , Sonchieu Jean 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Plantain is consumed as a stable food in most sub-Saharan countries and to some extent in southern America and Asia. To avoid deterioration of the plantain after harvest and to provide food variety, a reasonable quantity of plantain is now being transformed into flour. Osmotic dehydration (OD) is a critical step in the flour production process because it enhances the nutritional and sensory quality of the flour. There are concerns to use alternative osmotic agents to sucrose and salts to avoid their high content in the final product which have an adverse effect on the health of consumers. Suitable alternatives are low-calorie sugars (LCS) because they have low glycemic indices but which unfortunately have not been tested for the OD of plantain. The aim of this work was to study the osmotic dehydration of unripe plantain using a commonly consumed commercial LCS (Sussli) as an osmotic agent. The influence of process variables (thickness, concentration, sample/solution ratio and temperature) on mass transfer parameters; water loss (WL) and solute gain (SG) on osmotic dehydration of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) were evaluated. All parameters studied had a significant influence on weight loss and solid gain. The kinetics of the osmotic dehydration was modeled using the Azuara, Peleg and Page models. Plantain slice of thickness 5 mm, LCS solution concentration of 50% at ambient temperature (25 ± 2°C), and a sample/solution ratio of 1:10 (w/v) was judged best for osmotic treatment of plantains in LCS. Under these conditions the weight loss and solid gain were 20% and 1.73% respectively. The Peleg model best described the dehydration kinetics with the highest R2 (0.999) and the least RMSE.
Prenatal psychological distress is associated with altered placental extracellular vesicle quantity among pregnant women
Authors: Knorr Delaney A. , Yen Ying-Tzu , Zhang Ryan , Pisarska Margareta D. , Afshar Yalda , Tseng Hsian-Rong , Zhu Yazhen , Fox Molly M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Maternal prenatal psychological distress appears to alter fetal and postnatal offspring development. However, little is known about how the placenta responds to maternal psychological distress. In order to elucidate the biomechanism behind these patterns, we investigate the relationship of psychological distress with placental extracellular vesicles (pEVs). The recently uncovered role of pEVs in cell-to-cell communication affords us the opportunity to evaluate the activity of placenta cells in vivo at the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we employ novel methods to track pEVs across pregnancy in a cohort of N = 41 pregnant Latina women. We measure prenatal anxiety and depression using self-report psychometric questionnaires and quantify pEVs using immunoaffinity capture with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G at two timepoints in early-gestation µ = 12.4 weeks (SD = 2.7) and later-gestation µ = 25.2 weeks (SD = 3.0). Using multiple linear regression models, we find both maternal anxiety (ß= -0.13; robust SE = 0.06; p-value = 0.043) and depression (ß= -0.11; robust SE = 0.05; p-value = 0.023) in early-pregnancy relate to fewer pEVs later in gestation. The association of anxiety and depression with lower pEVs suggests that maternal psychological distress may dampen placental signaling. This work elucidates part of the biological cascade that links psychological distress and adverse birth and developmental outcomes.
Explainable machine learning algorithm to identify predictors of intention to use family planning among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: Evidence from the performance monitoring and accountability (PMA) survey 2021 dataset
Authors: Adem Jibril Bashir , Nebi Tewodros Desalegn , Walle Agmasie Damtew , Mamo Daniel Niguse , Wado Sudi Jemal , Enyew Ermias Belele , Kebede Shimels Derso 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Approximately 225 million people in developing nations wish to delay or cease childbearing, but do not use any form of contraception. In the least developed countries, contraceptive usage was significantly lower, at 40%, and was particularly low in Africa at 33%. It is widely believed that intentions are a strong predictor of behavior, and many interventions that aim to change behavior including that targeting family planning use rely on evaluating program effectiveness through analyzing behavioral intentions. Understanding a woman's intention to use contraceptive methods is crucial in predicting and promoting the use of such methods. Therefore, this study aims to assess the determinants of intention to use family planning among reproductive age women in Ethiopia using explainable machine learning algorithm
Method
Secondary data from the cross-sectional household and female survey conducted by PMA Ethiopia in 2021 were used in the study. Using Python 3.10 version software, eight machine learning classifiers were used to predict and identify significant determinants of intention to use family planning on a weighted sample of 5993 women. Performance metrics were used to evaluate the classifiers. To smooth the data for additional analysis, data preparation techniques such as feature engineering, data splitting, handling missing values, addressing imbalanced categories, and outlier removal were used. Lastly, the greatest predictors of intention to utilize family planning were found using Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis, which further clarified the predictors' impact on the model's results.
Result
Using tenfold cross-validation and balanced training data, Random Forest revealed a performance of 77.0% accuracy and 85% areas under the curve, making it the most effective prediction model. The age at which family planning was first used, a partner or husband older than 40, being single, being Muslim, being pregnant, having previously been pregnant, needing to have more children, having a son or daughter relationship to the head of the household, and unmet needs for spacing and limiting were the top predictors of intention to use family planning, according to the SHAP analysis based on the random forest model. The research findings indicate that a range of personal and cultural factors may be taken into account when enacting health policies to enhance family planning intentions in Ethiopia. Therefore it’s highly recommended that the intention of family planning use and initiation of family planning provision should become a standard of service delivery to achieve the 2030 SDGs.
Utility of oligonucleotide in upregulating circular RNA production in a cellular model
Authors: Ni Lu , Yamada Takeshi , Nakatani Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), are a covalently closed, single-stranded RNA without 5′- and 3′-termini, commonly stem from the exons of precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs). They have recently garnered interest, with studies uncovering their pivotal roles in regulating various aspects of cell functions and disease progressions. A notable feature of circRNA lies in the mechanism of its biogenesis involving a specialized form of splicing: back-splicing. A splicing process that relies on interactions between introns flanking the circularizing exon to bring the up and downstream splice sites in proximity through the formation of a prerequisite hairpin structure, allowing the spliceosomes to join the two splice sites together to produce a circular RNA molecule. Based on this mechanism, we explored the feasibility of facilitating the formation of such a prerequisite hairpin structure by utilizing a newly designed oligonucleotide, CircuLarIzation Promoting OligoNucleotide (CLIP-ON), to promote the production of circRNA in cells. CLIP-ON was designed to hybridize with and physically bridge two distal sequences in the flanking introns of the circularizing exons. The feasibility of CLIP-ON was confirmed in HeLa cells using a model pre-mRNA, demonstrating the applicability of CLIP-ON as a trans-acting modulator to upregulate the production of circRNAs in a cellular environment.
Mendelian randomization analysis reveals the mechanism of salidroside in the treatment of eosinophilic asthma
Authors: Sun jiazheng , Guo Hehua , Sun Yalu , Nie Yalan , Zhou Sirui , Zeng Yulan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Eosinophilic asthma (EA) is the predominant inflammatory phenotype of asthma commonly found in clinical settings. Salidroside is a phenolic glycoside molecule derived from the rhodiola plant. Furthermore, it possesses the ability to regulate apoptosis, oxidative stress, autophagy, and inflammation. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of salidroside on EA and elucidate its underlying mechanism.
Methods
The mice with asthma-like symptoms were induced using ovalbumin (OVA) and then treated with salidroside at a dosage of 50mg/kg and dexamethasone at a dosage of 1mg/kg. The effects of salidroside and dexamethasone on IgE and type 2 inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of asthmatic mice were investigated using ELISA and qPCR. The online database provided information on the pertinent targets for salidroside-assisted EA treatment. Additionally, mendelian randomization further discovered pertinent targets for salidroside-assisted EA treatment.
Results
Salidroside demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on the expression levels of IgE and type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TSLP) in model mice. The KIF3A gene, located next to the IL-4/IL-13 gene, can serve as a potential target for the therapy of EA concerning salidroside.
Conclusions
Salidroside exhibits potential as a pharmacological intervention for EA.
Investigation of the Osteogenic Effects of ICA and ICSII on Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yao Zhangshun , Huang Weixiang , Yang Yan , Zou Leiyan , Zhang Yunpeng , Zhang Jing , Luo Guangming 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

ICA (icariin) serves as the primary biologically active compound in traditional Chinese medicine Epimedium, while Icariside II (ICSII) represents one of its gastrointestinal metabolites.Although ICA and ICSII have demonstrated osteogenic differentiation- promoting effects on BMSCs, there is limited literature comparing their effects and underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to compare the osteogenic effects of Icariin and Icarisin II, along with their respective osteogenic mechanisms. In this study, we initially determined the optimal concentrations of Icariin (10− 5 mol/L) and Icariin II (10− 6 mol/L) for inducing BMSC osteogenic differentiation using CCK8, ALP activity assay, and flow apoptosis assay. Subsequently, we compared the vascularization and osteogenic capacity of the two groups through alizarin red staining assay, ELISA assay, Western Blot, and RY-PCR. Subsequently, we assessed the phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated expression of JNK, ERK1/2, p38, and AKT at different time intervals. We observed their phosphorylated expression and the expression of angiogenic/osteogenic markers after blocking with their corresponding inhibitors. It was observed that both the Icariin and Icariin II groups promoted the expression of osteogenic/angiogenic markers Runx-2, OCN, OPN, VEGF, and Ang1. While there was no significant difference in their osteogenic abilities, ICSII exhibited a stronger promotion of angiogenic differentiation markers, Ang1 and VEGF, compared to ICA. Additionally, it was observed that both ICA and ICSII could activate ERK1/2 phosphorylation, thereby further promoting the osteogenic/angiogenic differentiation of rBMSCs through the activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Co-fermented broth of forage grasses and Chinese herbal medicines improves rumen fermentation, gastrointestinal development, and microbial community in fattening lambs
Authors: Li Yongliang , Zhang Huiwen , Guo Jianjun , Song Lianjie , Li Feng , Li Bosen , Chen Wei , Sun Xinsheng , Gao Yuhong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Digestive problems in fattening lambs have been concerned in recent years. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of a co-fermented broth (FB) from 4 forage grasses and 4 Chinese medicines on rumen fermentation, gastrointestinal development, and microbial community in lambs via in vitro and in vivo tests. In vitro fermentation of 48 h was performed to determine fermentation parameters (gas production, volatile fatty acid, ammonia nitrogen, etc.) and nutrient disappearance rate at various doses of FB supplements, and optimal doses of FB were used for in vivo test for a 120-d period. Ninety weaned lambs were assigned into 3 groups, offered FB in drinking water at 0, 1:500, and 1:1000, and fermentation characteristics, microbial community, and microstructures in rumen and jejunum were evaluated. Results showed that FB improved microbial community composition and diversity via analysis of phylum, family, and genus levels. Particularly, 1:500 FB increased abundances of Firmicutes and Muribaculaceae in rumen, and Actinomycetes and Aeriscardoviain jejunum, while decreased Euryarchaeota and Methanobrevibacter abundances. Meanwhile, FB demonstrated a positive influence in epithelial development of digestive tract, exhibiting great superficial areas of rumen papilla and jejunum villus. Our results suggested that FB supplement could contribute to fermentation and microecological balance.
Operando Identification of Carbon-confined SnOx Nanodots Dynamics during CO2-to-formate Electrolysis
Authors: Jiang Zheng , Mao Jianing , Mei Bingbao , Yang Shuai , Zeng Jianrong , Sun Fanfei , Chen Wei , Song Fei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) using tin oxide-based catalysts holds significant potential for producing formate products from renewable energy, while obscurely quantification of structure changes in local configuration hinders the development of highly active and robust electrocatalysts. Herein, the operando spectroscopy revealed the quantitatively oxygen-released behavior in tin oxide nanostructure of the graphene confined SnOx nanodots (rGO@SnOx ND) under the reduction potentials, which promotes the SnOx lattice modulation by the Sn cluster and the adsorption of *OCHO intermediate by increasing the charge density. The controllable reduction degree in rGO@SnOx ND among CO2RR facilitates the excellent exceptional performance of the maximum formate partial current density of 567 mA cm−2 with 96.5 % selectivity and a 50 h long-term stability in flow-cell. These findings show that the controllable oxygen vacancies regulation determines the yield of formate, further emphasizing the importance of operando spectrosopy characterization to understand the dynamic surface structure-performance relationship.