bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Senolytic therapy to modulate the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (SToMP-AD) – Outcomes from the first clinical trial of senolytic therapy for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Orr Miranda , Gonzales Mitzi , Garbarino Valentina , Kautz Tiffany , Palavicini Juan , Lopez-Cruzan Marisa , Dehkordi Shiva Kazempour , Mathews Julia , Zare Habil , Xu Peng , Zhang Bin , Franklin Crystal , Habes Mohamad , Craft Suzanne , Petersen Ronald , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James , Salardini Arash , Seshadri Sudha , Musi Nicolas 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Cellular senescence has been identified as a pathological mechanism linked to tau and amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clearance of senescent cells using the senolytic compounds dasatinib (D) and quercetin (Q) reduced neuropathological burden and improved clinically relevant outcomes in the mice. Herein, we conducted a vanguard open-label clinical trial of senolytic therapy for AD with the primary aim of evaluating central nervous system (CNS) penetrance, as well as exploratory data collection relevant to safety, feasibility, and efficacy. Participants with early-stage symptomatic AD were enrolled in an open-label, 12-week pilot study of intermittent orally-delivered D+Q. CNS penetrance was assessed by evaluating drug levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Safety was continuously monitored with adverse event reporting, vitals, and laboratory work. Cognition, neuroimaging, and plasma and CSF biomarkers were assessed at baseline and post-treatment. Five participants (mean age: 76±5 years; 40% female) completed the trial. The treatment increased D and Q levels in the blood of all participants ranging from 12.7 to 73.5 ng/ml for D and 3.29-26.30 ng/ml for Q. D levels were detected in the CSF of four participants ranging from 0.281 to 0.536 ng/ml (t(4)=3.123, p=0.035); Q was not detected. Treatment was well-tolerated with no early discontinuation and six mild to moderate adverse events occurring across the study. Cognitive and neuroimaging endpoints did not significantly differ from baseline to post-treatment. CNS levels of IL-6 and GFAP increased from baseline to post-treatment (t(4)=3.913, p=008 and t(4)=3.354, p=0.028, respectively) concomitant with decreased levels of several cytokines and chemokines associated with senescence, and a trend toward higher levels of Aβ42 (t(4)=-2.338, p=0.079). Collectively the data indicate the CNS penetrance of D and provide preliminary support for the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of the intervention and suggest that astrocytes and Aβ may be particularly responsive to the treatment. While early results are promising, fully powered, placebo-controlled studies are needed to evaluate the potential of AD modification with the novel approach of targeting cellular senescence.
Prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus using machine learning from birth cohort study data: The Japan Environment and Children's Study
Authors: Watanabe Masahiro , Eguchi Akifumi , Sakurai Kenichi , Yamamoto Midori , Mori Chisato , Group The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Recently, prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using artificial intelligence (AI) from medical records has been reported. We aimed to evaluate GDM-predictive AI-based models using birth cohort data with a wide range of information and to explore factors contributing to GDM development. This investigation was conducted as a part of the Japan Environment and Children's Study. In total, 82,698 pregnant mothers who provided data on lifestyle, anthropometry, and socioeconomic status before pregnancy and the first trimester were included in the study. We employed machine learning methods as AI algorithms, such as random forest (RF), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and support vector machine (SVM), along with logistic regression (LR) as a reference. GBDT displayed the highest accuracy, followed by LR, RF, and SVM. In the GBDT model, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for GDM was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.59–0.75) for mothers with GDM history and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.74–0.78) for mothers without GDM history. The results of decision tree-based algorithms, such as GBDT, have shown high accuracy, interpretability, and superiority for predicting GDM using birth cohort data.
The practice of breast self-examination and associated factors among female healthcare professionals working in selected hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda: A Cross Section Study
Authors: Wolde Mulugeta Tenna , Okova Rosemary , Habtu Michael , Wondafrash Mekitie , Bekele Abebe 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background Breast self-examination is considered one of the main screening methods in detecting earlier stages of breast cancer. It is a useful technique if practiced every month by women above 20 years since globally breast cancer among women contributed to 685,000 deaths in 2020. However, the practice of breast self-examination among healthcare professionals is low in many developing countries. Therefore, this research was intended to measure the level of breast self-examination practice and determine associated factors among female healthcare professionals working in selected hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 randomly selected female healthcare professionals in four district hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. The predictor variables were socio-demographic and obstetrics variables, knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination, attitude towards breast cancer and breast self-examination. Sample statistics such as frequencies, proportions and mean were used to recapitulate the findings in univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to identify statistically significant variables that predict breast self-examination practice. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence level were reported. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Results Breast self-examination was practiced by 43.5% of female healthcare professionals. This prevalence is low compared to other studies. Attitude towards breast self-examination and breast cancer was the only predictor variable that was significantly associated with breast self-examination practice [AOR = 1.032; 95% CI (1.001, 1.065), p-value = 0.042]. However, number of pregnancy and number of children were not significantly associated with BSE practice in the multi-variate analysis. In addition, knowledge and attitude were linearly correlated with r = 0.186, p = 0.005.Conclusions The breast self-examination practice was found to be low. Attitude toward breast cancer and breast self-examination was positively associated with BSE practice. Moreover, attitude and knowledge were linearly associated. This suggests the need for continuous medical education on breast self-examination and breast cancer to increase the knowledge & BSE practice level of female healthcare professionals.
Native T1, T2 mapping and strain analysis to assess myocardial viability in the subacute phase of MI: comparison with late gadolinium enhancement
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Ali , Salehabadi Ghazaleh , Ranjbar Abdolmohammad , Meshgi Shahla , Azimi Amir , Dastmardi Maedeh , Tabrizi Zhaleh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study aims to assess the potential of myocardial strain, T1 and T2 mapping in evaluating myocardial damage severity, thereby discriminating viable from non-viable myocardium without utilizing contrast agents in the subacute phase of myocardial infarction. Fourty three patients (mean age 56.05±10 years, 86% male) and eight sex and age-matched healthy volunteers underwent 1.5 T CMR with viability protocol. The global values were compared between patients and controls, and segmental values were compared in viable and non-viable myocardium determined by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) as gold standard for viability assessment. The mean value of global myocardial strain parameters, including global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS), and global circumferential strain (GCS) in the patient's group, was significantly lower than controls. In contrast, the mean value of Global T1 and T2 in the patient's group was significantly higher than in controls. Global infarcted zone size (IZS) and grey zone size (GZS) positively correlate with the T1 and T2 mapping and negatively with strain mapping global values. A comparison of segmental parameters based on viability demonstrated a significant decrease in the values of strains and a significant increase in the T1 and T2 mapping values in non-viable segments. ROC analysis demonstrated that circumferential strain (AUC 0.827, p<0.001, 95%CI 0.792–0.861) had the highest diagnostic accuracy in differentiating viable and non-viable myocardium among segmental parameters. A cut-off of a circumferential strain of -8.809 differentiated viable from non-viable segments with 81% sensitivity and 71% specificity. The good accuracy in predicting myocardial viability, the significant mean difference between viable and non-viable parametric values, and the significant correlation between global values and enhanced and grey zone size, holds promises for using strain, T1, and T2 mapping for viability assessment without gadolinium contrast agents.
Analysis of inter-joint coordination during the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit tasks in stroke patients with hemiplegia
Authors: He Jian , Liu Dongwei , Hou Meijin , Luo Anhua , Wang Shuhao , Ma Ye 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

BackgroundInter-joint coordination is an important factor affecting postural stability, and its variability increases after fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the coordination pattern of lower limb joints during the sit-to-stand (Si-St) and stand-to-sit (St-Si) tasks in stroke patients and explore the influence of duration on inter-joint coordination.MethodsThirteen stroke hemiplegia patients (five with left paretic and eight right paretic) and thirteen age-matched healthy subjects were recruited. The Si-St and St-Si tasks were performed while each subject’s joint kinematics were recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Sagittal joint angles of the bilateral hip, knee and ankle joints as well as the movement duration were extracted. The angle-angle diagrams for the hip-knee, hip-ankle and knee-ankle joint were plotted to assess the inter-joint coordination. The inter-joint coordination was quantified using geometric characteristics of the angle-angle diagrams, including perimeter, area and dimensionless ratio. The coefficient of variation (CV) was performed to compare variability of the coordination parameters.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the perimeter, area and dimensionless ratio values of the bilateral hip-knee, hip-ankle and knee-ankle inter-joints during Si-St and St-Si tasks in the stroke group. The perimeter values of bilateral hip-knee and knee-ankle inter-joints in the stroke group were lower (P<0.05) than in the healthy group during Si-St and St-Si tasks. Although no significant bilateral differences were found, the inter-joint coordination in stroke patients decreased with the increased movement duration of both Si-St and St-Si tasks. Additionally, the CV of the hip-knee inter-joint area during the Si-St task in the stroke group was less than (P<0.05) that in the healthy group.ConclusionStroke patients exhibit different inter-joint coordination patterns than healthy controls during the Si-St and St-Si tasks. The duration affects joint coordination, and inter-joint coordination is limited on the hemiplegic side joint pairs, which may lead to inconsistency in the rhythm of the left and right leg inter-joint movements and increase the risk of falls. These findings provide new insights into motor control rehabilitation strategies and may help planning targeted interventions for stoke patients with hemiplegia.
Serum Apelin-12 as a Novel Marker of Metabolic Inflammatory Syndrome in elderly Chinese: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Xinru , Wang Jiantao , Ren Jiaoqi , Zhang Xiaoming , Wang Jinxiu , Wang Yin , Hu Yue , Zhang Yutu , He Chengfeng , Xue Wenjiao , Xiang Lvxuan , Tao Yinghong , Guo Jingchun , Zhou Houguang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Apelin-12 has been proposed as a novel adipocytokine with vital roles in metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between serum apelin-12 and metabolic inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in the elderly.
Methods: The cross-sectional study involved 224 subjects aged over 60. According to their diagnoses of the four components of MIS (type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and obesity/overweight), they were divided into two groups: the control group (0 or 1 component n=63) and the MIS group (≥2 components, n=161). Serum levels of apelin-12, adiponectin and C-reactive protein were measured by ELISA.
Results: Serum apelin-12 was significantly higher in the MIS group than in the control group (1.83 ng/mL (1.59-2.07) vs 1.66 ng/mL (1.45-1.92), P=0.001). Partial correlation analysis showed that apelin-12 levels were positively correlated with fasting insulin (ra=0.169), HOMA-IR (ra=0.183), ALT (ra=0.180), AST (ra=0.145) and CRP (ra=0.140, all Pa<0.05) and negatively associated with adiponectin (ra=-0.211) and HDL-C (ra=-0.156) after controlling age, sex and body mass index. Besides, after adjustment for age, sex, fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure and total triglyceride, apelin-12 was still determined as an independent predictor for MIS.
Conclusion: Serum apelin-12 can be an independent risk factor predicting metabolic inflammatory syndrome and may serve as a useful potential marker for the diagnosis of MIS in elderly Chinese.
Stimulated Thyroglobulin and Pre-ablation Antithyroglobulin Antibody Product Can Predict the Response to Radioiodine Therapy in TgAb-positive Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Pa-tients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Han Na , Lu Chenghui , Li Jiao , Wang Congcong , Zhao Zilong , Zhang Yingying , Liu Xinfeng , Si Zengmei , Wang Guoqiang , Wang Zenghua , Li Fengqi , Wang Xufu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective We aimed to explore the predictive value of stimulated thyroglobulin(sTg) and pre-ablation antithyroglobulin (paTgAb) product to the effect of radioiodine therapy (RAIT) in TgAb-positive DTC patients.Methods We totally enrolled 265 patients with TgAb-positive DTC who underwent RAIT after total thyroidectomy (TT) in this study. Based on the last follow-up result, patients were divided into two groups, which were excellent response (ER) group and non-excellent response (NER) group. We analyzed the factors related to the effect of RAIT.Results The ER group was consisted of 197 cases. NER group was consisted of 68 cases. For the univariate analysis, we found that maximal tumor diameter, whether with extrathyroidal extension (ETE), bilateral or unilateral primary lesion, preop-TgAb, paTgAb, sTg×paTgAb and N stage showed significantly differently in ER group and NER group. ROC curves showed the cut-off value was 724.25 IU/ml, 424.00 IU/ml, and 59.73 for preop-TgAb, paTgAb, sTg×paTgAb, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results indicated that paTgAb, sTg×paTgAb and N stage were independent risk factors for NER. For the Kaplan-Meier analysis of DFS, the median DFS of patients with sTg×paTgAb<59.73 was significantly longer than patients with sTg×paTgAb ≥ 59.73 (48.59months vs. 50.27months, p = 0.041).Conclusion We found that sTg and paTgAb conduct is a good predictor of efficacy to RAIT in TgAb-positive DTC patients. It can play a very positive and important role in optimizing treatment, improving prognosis and reducing the burden of patients.
Changes in Salivary Flow in the Elderly: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lima Patrícia O. , Barroso Heloisa H. , Silva Larissa D. A. , Almeida Herlon F. , Rocha Ricardo L. , Canuto Marcus H. , Pinheiro Marcos L. P. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the association of alcoholism, smoking habits, and daily practices on the salivary flow of 220 elderly Brazilians, between 65 and 74 years of age.
Materials and methods: This is an exploratory, analytical, quantitative study. Subjects were selected through proportional stratified sampling. The stimulated salivary flow was measured by the Navazesh method. To assess alcohol dependence and smoking, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Questionnaire of Smoking Urges Brief (QSU-B) questionnaires were used, respectively. Data were analyzed using STATA software, using Pearson's chi-square test, and logistic regression.
Results: The mean age was 69.9, the majority were women (59%), of brown ethnicity (55.9%), with up to 8 years of schooling (62.7%), income of up to a minimum wage (46.4%) and married (62.3%). There was a prevalence of 43.2% of individuals with hyposalivation, mostly aged 70 to 74 years old. There was an association between reduced salivary flow and elderly people who ingested less liquid and with those who brushed their teeth less frequently. The variables age, sex, fluid intake and craving for smoking explained, on average, 43% of the occurrences of hyposalivation in the studied population.
Conclusion: Elderly women, aged 70 and over, who drink a small amount of liquids during the day, are more susceptible to hyposalivation and need to be monitored more closely by the health team involved.
Clinical relevance: Hyposalivation in the elderly can impact their quality of life, therefore the present study is important to understand some factors that may worsen this condition.
Inclusive environmental decision-making in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from the Ogoni remediation project, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Sam Kabari , Zibima Tubodenyefa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Greater involvement of women is globally believed to enhance environmental management outcomes. However, despite being disproportionately affected by environmental degradation primarily caused by oil spills in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, women in the region are often excluded in environmental decision-making processes. Women involved in farming and fishing face increased vulnerability to contaminated land, food insecurity and conflicts driven by environmental degradation. Using a mixed approach, women, lawmakers, policymakers, regulators, civil society organizations, environmental management practitioners, and government agents responsible for environmental remediation were engaged through interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires to examine women inclusion in environmental decision-making and governance in the Ogoni contaminated land remediation project in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The results indicate that lack of trust and confidence in drivers of environmental decision-making process could affect women participation and involvement in environmental management. Although cultural beliefs and practices impede women participation in the region, women participation in itself does not translate to inclusion in environmental decision-making due to limited capacity, confidence and trust in the process. Creating platforms for capacity building, developing gender policy, adapting appropriate communication strategy, initiating women networks and strengthening social cohesion could enhance women involvement in environmental decision-making in regions with similar cultural context to the Niger Delta region.
Why may consider rainfall space-time variability in Precision Agriculture?
Authors: Pilau Felipe Gustavo , Santos Thais Letícia , Battisti Rafael , Reichardt Klaus , Gonçalves Ivo Zution 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Brazil is one of the largest soybean producers in the world, however, there are still yield gaps in crops, mainly linked to weather conditions. Based on it, this paper quantifies the spatial variability of rainfall based on two dense networks of rain gauges and analyzes the influence on the attainable productivity (Ya) of the soybean crop. The study was carried out in Piracicaba, SP. For the first rain gauge network a measuring campaign was conducted from 1993 to 1994, with 10 gauges distributed in 1,000.0 ha. The second rain gauge network measuring campaign was conducted from 2016 to 2018, with 9 gauges sampling 36.0 ha. To evaluate the influence of rainfall spatial variability on soybean yield a multi-model (FAO, DSSAT, and MONICA) simulation was used. The relative production loss (Ygrel) caused by water deficiency was simulated for 3 sowing dates and each rainfall sampling point. The results showed that the spatial variability of precipitation has a direct influence on attainable productivity (Ya). However, the magnitude of rainfall variability is not directly replicated in yield. The temporal variability, between the different sowing times, had a major influence on soybean yield.
Exclusive breastfeeding in health personnel; incidence and barriers
Authors: Nanthakomol Tonga , Nukaw Sonthaya , Kositamongkol Sudatip 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective Exclusive breastfeeding 6 months (EBF) in health care personnel are challenges due to work schedule, high workload or separation issues. This study was aimed to evaluate the incidence and factors related to EBF in our hospital personnel.Material and Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Female employees who took maternity leave within 2 years were approached. A set of questions regarding baseline characteristics, breastfeeding attitude, perception of breastfeeding obstacles, breastfeeding behavior and support from the health care system. Factors associated with EBF were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.Results There were 110 mothers who participated in the study. Mean maternal age was 32.5 ± 4.21 years, 66.36% came from the nursing department, infant’s age were 6–24 months, 46.4% of mothers had previous breastfeeding experience. Our EBF rate was 63.6%. From univariable analysis, previous breastfeeding experience, work schedule, family type, support from colleagues and workplace was not significantly associated with EBF. But breastfeeding attitude (OR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.08–1.38), perception of breastfeeding obstacle (OR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.26–1.66), breastfeeding behavior (OR = 1.17, 95%CI 1.08–1.26), and support form health system (OR = 1.09, 95%CI 1.01–1.19) were significantly associated with EBF (p-value < 0.05). From multiple logistic regression model, perception of breastfeeding obstacles (aOR 1.55, 95%CI 1.27–1.90), breastfeeding behavior (aOR 1.12, 95%CI 1.01–1.24) and support form health care system (aOR 0.84, 95%CI 0.72–0.97) remains the significant factors associated with successful EBF (p-value < 0.05).Conclusion Successful EBF were prevalent in mothers who had good attitudes to breastfeeding, perceived low levels of obstacles, and who had support from the health care system.