bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered dynamic functional network connectivity in drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease patients with excessive daytime sleepiness
Authors: Tan Zhiyi , Zeng Qiaoling , Hu Xuehan , Di Duoduo , Chen Lele , Lin Zhijian , Cheng Guanxun 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundExcessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a frequent nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which seriously affects the quality of life of PD patients and exacerbates other nonmotor symptoms. Previous studies have used static analyses of these resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were measured under the assumption that the intrinsic fluctuations during MRI scans are stationary. However, dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analysis captures time-varying connectivity over short time scales and may reveal complex functional tissues in the brain.PurposeTo identify dynamic functional connectivity characteristics in PD-EDS patients in order to explain the underlying neuropathological mechanisms.MethodsBased on rs-fMRI data from 16 PD patients with EDS and 41 PD patients without EDS, we applied the sliding window approach, k-means clustering and independent component analysis to estimate the inherent dynamic connectivity states associated with EDS in PD patients and investigated the differences between groups. Furthermore, to assess the correlations between the altered temporal properties and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) scores.ResultsWe found four distinct functional connectivity states in PD patients. The patients in the PD-EDS group showed increased fractional time and mean dwell time in state IV, which was characterized by strong connectivity in the sensorimotor (SMN) and visual (VIS) networks, and reduced fractional time in state I, which was characterized by strong positive connectivity intranetwork of the default mode network (DMN) and VIS, while negative connectivity internetwork between the DMN and VIS. Moreover, the ESS scores were positively correlated with fraction time in state IV.ConclusionOur results indicated that the strong connectivity within and between the SMN and VIS was characteristic of EDS in PD patients, which may be a potential marker of pathophysiological features related to EDS in PD patients.
Hypoxic acclimatization training improves the resistance to motion sickness
Authors: Wang Rui , Yan Yiquan , Tie Yateng , Zhang Qi , Pan Yikai , Li Shuhan , Fan Jieyi , Li Chengfei , Li Xi , Wang Yongchun , Sun Xiqing , Zhang Tongmei , Zhao Xingcheng 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveVestibular provocation is one of the main causes of flight illusions, and its occurrence is closely related to the susceptibility of motion sickness (MS). However, existing training programs have limited effect in improving the resistance to motion sickness. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypoxia acclimatization training (HAT) on the resistance to motion sickness.MethodsHealthy military college students were identified as subjects according to the criteria. MS model was induced by a rotary chair. Experimental groups included control, HAT, 3D roller training (3DRT), and combined training.ResultsThe Graybiel scores were decreased in the HAT group and the 3DRT group and further decreased in the combined training group in MS induced by the rotary chair. Participants had a significant increase in blood pressure after the rotary chair test and a significant increase in the heart rate during the rotary chair test, but these changes disappeared in all three training groups. Additionally, LFn was increased, HFn was decreased, and LF/HF was increased accordingly during the rotary chair test in the control group, but the changes of these three parameters were completely opposite in the three training groups during the rotary chair test. Compared with the control group, the decreasing changes in pupillary contraction velocity (PCV) and pupillary minimum diameter (PMD) of the three training groups were smaller. In particular, the binocular PCV changes were further attenuated in the combined training group.ConclusionOur research provides a possible candidate solution for training military pilots in the resistance to motion sickness.
Characterization of dynamic patterns of human fetal to neonatal brain asymmetry with deformation-based morphometry
Authors: Steger Céline , Moatti Charles , Payette Kelly , De Silvestro Alexandra , Nguyen Thi Dao , Coraj Seline , Yakoub Ninib , Natalucci Giancarlo , Kottke Raimund , Tuura Ruth , Knirsch Walter , Jakab Andras 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionDespite established knowledge on the morphological and functional asymmetries in the human brain, the understanding of how brain asymmetry patterns change during late fetal to neonatal life remains incomplete. The goal of this study was to characterize the dynamic patterns of inter-hemispheric brain asymmetry over this critically important developmental stage using longitudinally acquired MRI scans.MethodsSuper-resolution reconstructed T2-weighted MRI of 20 neurotypically developing participants were used, and for each participant fetal and neonatal MRI was acquired. To quantify brain morphological changes, deformation-based morphometry (DBM) on the longitudinal MRI scans was utilized. Two registration frameworks were evaluated and used in our study: (A) fetal to neonatal image registration and (B) registration through a mid-time template. Developmental changes of cerebral asymmetry were characterized as (A) the inter-hemispheric differences of the Jacobian determinant (JD) of fetal to neonatal morphometry change and the (B) time-dependent change of the JD capturing left-right differences at fetal or neonatal time points. Left-right and fetal-neonatal differences were statistically tested using multivariate linear models, corrected for participants’ age and sex and using threshold-free cluster enhancement.ResultsFetal to neonatal morphometry changes demonstrated asymmetry in the temporal pole, and left-right asymmetry differences between fetal and neonatal timepoints revealed temporal changes in the temporal pole, likely to go from right dominant in fetal to a bilateral morphology in neonatal timepoint. Furthermore, the analysis revealed right-dominant subcortical gray matter in neonates and three clusters of increased JD values in the left hemisphere from fetal to neonatal timepoints.DiscussionWhile these findings provide evidence that morphological asymmetry gradually emerges during development, discrepancies between registration frameworks require careful considerations when using DBM for longitudinal data of early brain development.
Garlic consumption and colorectal cancer risk in US adults: a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang Zongze , Chen Huilin , Li Ming , Wang Wei , Long Feiwu , Fan Chuanwen 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo clarify the inconsistent findings of epidemiological studies on the association between dietary garlic consumption and colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, by prospectively assessing the association in a large US population.MethodsData of 58,508 participants (aged 55–74) from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial were analyzed. Dietary data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Multivariable Cox regression analysis determined hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Restricted cubic spline regression was used to investigate the non-linear relationship, and subgroup analysis was conducted to examine potential effect modifiers.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 12.05 years, 782 CRC cases were documented, including 456 proximal colon cancer cases, 322 distal CRC cases, and 4 CRC cases with an unknown site. Moderate dietary garlic consumption was significantly associated with a reduced risk of overall CRC (HRquintile 3vs. 1: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.91, p = 0.007, P for trend: 0.434), exhibiting a U-shaped dose-response pattern, and also with overall CRC in males in the stratified Cox regression model (Model 2: HRquintile 3vs. 1: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.81, p = 0.002), but not in females. The protective association was more pronounced in men, Caucasian, and those with lower alcohol consumption. Notably, these protective effects were observed for overall distal CRC (HRquintile 3vs. 1: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.93, p = 0.021; and HRquintile 4vs. 1: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.92, p = 0.018, P for trend: 0.208); and for distal CRC in males (HRquintile 3vs. 1: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.71, p = 0.002, P for trend: 0.696), but not for proximal CRC.ConclusionModerate consumption of dietary garlic is associated with a decreased CRC risk in the US population, with variations based on CRC anatomic subsites. Further in-depth prospective studies are needed to validate these findings in different populations and to explore subsites-specific associations.
Remediation of wastewater by biosynthesized manganese oxide nanoparticles and its effects on development of wheat seedlings
Authors: Ishfaq Aneeza , Shahid Muhammad , Nawaz Muhammad , Ibrar Danish , Hussain Sabir , Shahzad Tanvir , Mahmood Faisal , Rais Afroz , Gul Safia , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z. , Hodhod Mohamed S. , Khan Shahbaz 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionNanoparticles play a vital role in environmental remediation on a global scale. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand to utilize nanoparticles in wastewater treatment due to their remarkable physiochemical properties.MethodsIn the current study, manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO-NPs) were synthesized from the Bacillus flexus strain and characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.ResultsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of biosynthesized MnO-NPs to treat wastewater. Results showed the photocatalytic degradation and adsorption potential of MnO-NPs for chemical oxygen demand, sulfate, and phosphate were 79%, 64%, and 64.5%, respectively, depicting the potential of MnO-NPs to effectively reduce pollutants in wastewater. The treated wastewater was further utilized for the cultivation of wheat seedlings through a pot experiment. It was observed that the application of treated wastewater showed a significant increase in growth, physiological, and antioxidant attributes. However, the application of treated wastewater led to a significant decrease in oxidative stress by 40%.DiscussionIt can be concluded that the application of MnO-NPs is a promising choice to treat wastewater as it has the potential to enhance the growth, physiological, and antioxidant activities of wheat seedlings.
Psychometrics and validation of the EQ-5D-5L instrument in individuals with ischemic stroke in Lithuania
Authors: Taroza Saulius , Burkauskas Julius , Mickuviene Narseta , Kazukauskiene Nijole , Podlipskyte Aurelija 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundExperiencing stroke is associated with deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQL). One of the generic tools used for HRQL assessment is the EuroQol instrument of five dimensions and five levels (EQ-5D-5L), which has not yet been validated in Lithuania. This study aimed to evaluate validity, reliability, and factor structure of the EQ-5D-5L instrument in a sample of Lithuanian individuals at the end of the first week after experiencing ischemic stroke (IS).MethodsThe study had a cross-sectional design, including 134 individuals [61.9% men and 38.1% women; median (IQR) age was 66 years (59–73) years, in the final analysis]. Alongside the EQ-5D-5L, psychological distress was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 (GAD-7); neurological impairment with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); and functional independence with the Barthel index (BI). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed for validation of the factor structure.ResultsThe internal consistency of the EQ-5D-5L instrument was 0.81. A significant ceiling effect (17.2%) of the descriptive part of the EQ-5D-5L was detected. The convergent validity of the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system was confirmed, with significant correlations with the other scales used, except for the visual analog scale. The two-factor (“physical” and “emotional”) model was confirmed by CFA, with acceptable fit [root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.045, RMSEA 90% CI = 0.000–0.145; comparative fit indices (CFI) = 0.996; non-normal fit index (NFI) = 0.983; Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.936; χ2/df = 1.27)].ConclusionThis study provides information on the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L instrument in Lithuanian individuals, showing that the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system is a reliable and valid tool for HRQL assessment. The Lithuanian version of the descriptive part of the EQ-5D-5L instrument is best expressed as a two-factor model, estimating the physical and emotional dimensions of HRQL in individuals who have experienced IS.
Comparing the efficacy of electronic cognitive behavioral therapy to medication and combination therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: a quasi-experimental clinical trial
Authors: Stephenson Callum , Moghimi Elnaz , Shao Yijia , Kumar Anchan , Yee Caitlin S. , Miller Shadé , Stefatos Anthi , Gholamzadehmir Maedeh , Abbaspour Zara , Jagayat Jasleen , Shirazi Amirhossein , Gizzarelli Tessa , Gutierrez Gilmar , Khan Ferwa , Patel Charmy , Patel Archana , Yang Megan , Omrani Mohsen , Alavi Nazanin 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a debilitating mental health disorder with first-line treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy. CBT is costly, time-consuming, and inaccessible. Electronic delivery (e-CBT) is a promising solution to address these barriers. However, due to the novelty of this intervention, more research testing the e-CBT efficacy independently and in conjunction with other treatments is needed.ObjectiveThis study investigated the efficacy of e-CBT compared to and in conjunction with pharmacotherapy for GAD.MethodsThis study employed a quasi-experimental design where patients selected their preferred treatment modality. Patients with GAD were enrolled in either e-CBT, medication, or combination arms. The 12-week e-CBT program was delivered through a digital platform. The medications followed clinical guidelines. The efficacy of each arm was evaluated using questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety, and stress severity, as well as quality of life.ResultsThere were no significant differences between arms (N e-CBT = 41; N Medication = 41; N Combination = 33) in the number of weeks completed or baseline scores. All arms showed improvements in anxiety scores after treatment. The medication and combination arms improved depression scores. The e-CBT and Combination arms improved quality of life, and the combination arm improved stress scores. There were no differences between the groups in depression, anxiety, or stress scores post-treatment. However, the combination arm had a significantly larger improvement in quality of life. Gender and treatment arm were not predictors of dropout, whereas younger age was.ConclusionIncorporating e-CBT on its own or in combination with pharmaceutical interventions is a viable option for treating GAD. Treating GAD with e-CBT or medication appears to offer significant improvements in symptoms, with no meaningful difference between the two. Combining the treatments also offer significant improvements, while not necessarily superior to either independently. The findings suggest that all options are viable. Taking the patient’s preferred treatment route based on their lifestyle, personality, and beliefs into account when deciding on treatment should be a priority for care providers.
Ergonomic dual four-bar linkage knee exoskeleton for stair ascent assistance
Authors: Kittisares Sarin , Ide Tohru , Nabae Hiroyuki , Suzumori Koichi 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Robotic exoskeletons are emerging technologies that have demonstrated their effectiveness in assisting with Activities of Daily Living. However, kinematic disparities between human and robotic joints can result in misalignment between humans and exoskeletons, leading to discomfort and potential user injuries.Methods: In this paper, we present an ergonomic knee exoskeleton based on a dual four-bar linkage mechanism powered by hydraulic artificial muscles for stair ascent assistance. The device comprises two asymmetric four-bar linkage mechanisms on the medial and lateral sides to accommodate the internal rotation of the knee and address the kinematic discrepancies between these sides. A genetic algorithm was employed to optimize the parameters of the four-bar linkage mechanism to minimize misalignment between human and exoskeleton knee joints. The proposed device was evaluated through two experiments. The first experiment measured the reduction in undesired load due to misalignment, while the second experiment evaluated the device’s effectiveness in assisting stair ascent in a healthy subject.Results: The experimental results indicate that the proposed device has a significantly reduced undesired load compared to the traditional revolute joint, decreasing from 14.15 N and 18.32 N to 1.88 N and 1.07 N on the medial and lateral sides, respectively. Moreover, a substantial reduction in muscle activities during stair ascent was observed, with a 55.94% reduction in surface electromyography signal.Discussion: The reduced undesired load of the proposed dual four-bar linkage mechanism highlights the importance of the adopted asymmetrical design for reduced misalignment and increased comfort. Moreover, the proposed device was effective at reducing the effort required during stair ascent.
Examining differences in menstrual and intimate care product use by race/ethnicity and education among menstruating individuals
Authors: Zota Ami R. , Franklin Elissia T. , Weaver Emily B. , Shamasunder Bhavna , Williams Astrid , Siegel Eva L. , Dodson Robin E. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionUnited States consumers spend over two billion dollars a year on intimate care products. These products, along with scented menstrual products, are marketed for odor control, perceived “freshness,” and vaginal/vulvar cleanliness. However, these scent-altering products may increase exposure to carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Prior research has not adequately characterized demographic differences in product use. The objective of our study is to examine racial/ethnic and educational differences in menstrual and intimate care product use among people who menstruate.MethodsWe pooled data from two US-based cross sectional studies to examine demographic characteristics and product use in 661 participants aged 18–54 years. Participants reported use of scented and unscented menstrual products (tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups) and intimate care products (vaginal douches, sprays, wipes, and powders). We examined differences by race/ethnicity and education using log-binomial regression and latent class analysis (LCA), which can identify groups based on product use patterns.ResultsOur sample was 33.4% Black, 30.9% Latina, 18.2% White, and 16.2% another identity. Approximately half the population had a bachelor's degree or more; 1.4% identified as transgender and 1.8% as non-binary. In adjusted models, scent-altering products (i.e., scented menstrual and intimate care products) were more likely to be used by those with less formal education (p &lt; 0.05). Unscented menstrual products were more likely to be used by those with more formal education. Compared to Black participants, White participants were more likely to use unscented tampons and menstrual cups and less likely to use douches and wipes (p &lt; 0.05). Using LCA we identified two groups: one more likely to use scent-altering products, and a second more likely to use unscented menstrual products. Less education and older age, but not race/ethnicity, was significantly associated with membership in the group more likely to use scent-altering products. While sex/gender composition did not statistically vary across groups, all non-binary participants fell in the unscented menstrual product group.DiscussionLower educational attainment was consistently associated with greater use of scent-altering menstrual and intimate care products. Future research should examine associations between body odor stigma, product use, and health risks at intersections of race, class, and gender.
Degradation and Transformation Mechanisms of Zanthoxylum Alkylamides Exposed to UVB Light
Authors: Wang Rui , Rao Chaolong , Liu Qiuyan , Liu Xiong 
Published: December 2023

Zanthoxylum oleoresin, a concentrated extract derived from Zanthoxylum bungeanum, is rich in non-volatile, intensely flavorful substances and amide compounds, such as hydroxy-α-sanshool, hydroxy-β-sanshool, and hydroxy-ε-sanshool. The production process of Zanthoxylum oleoresin remains unstandardized, and there is still a lack of research on the precise classification and quantification of its key chemical constituents, as well as the stability of these compounds when produced using different extraction methods. This study utilized preparative liquid chromatography to extract and purify amide compounds from Zanthoxylum oleoresin, successfully isolating three sanshools: hydroxy-α-sanshool, hydroxy-β-sanshool, and hydroxy-ε-sanshool. The stability of three these sanshools under UVB irradiation in different solvents was explored in UVB-simulated sunlight conditions to investigate the degradation or transformation mechanism of Zanthoxylum alkylamides under UVB irradiation. The findings indicate a rapid decrease in the hydroxy-α-sanshool content under UVB ultraviolet light, aligning with the second-order kinetics. This study revealed alterations in the contents of hydroxy-α-sanshool, hydroxy-β-sanshool, and hydroxy-ε-sanshool and the formation of a new compound following exposure to UVB light. This new compound, along with the three sanshools, possesses a uniform m/z 264 and shares similar chemical structures. Further analysis also uncovered that these compounds are capable of undergoing isomerization reactions under UVB irradiation. This demonstrates that UVB irradiation of certain intensities can modify the concentrations and chemical structures of these Zanthoxylum alkylamides. These insights offer crucial guidance for future studies on the processing and preservation of Zanthoxylum alkylamides and their derivatives.