bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The spine-brain axis: is spinal anatomy associated with brain volume?
Authors: Grosu Sergio , Nikolova Trayana , Lorbeer Roberto , Stoecklein Veit M , Rospleszcz Susanne , Fink Nicola , Schlett Christopher L , Storz Corinna , Beller Ebba , Keeser Daniel , Heier Margit , Kiefer Lena S , Maurer Elke , Walter Sven S , Ertl-Wagner Birgit B , Ricke Jens , Bamberg Fabian , Peters Annette , Stoecklein Sophia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
First small sample studies indicate that disturbances of spinal morphology may impair craniospinal flow of cerebrospinal fluid and result in neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of cervical spinal canal width and scoliosis with grey matter, white matter, ventricular and white matter hyperintensity volumes of the brain in a large study sample. Four hundred participants underwent whole-body 3 T magnetic resonance imaging. Grey matter, white matter and ventricular volumes were quantified using a warp-based automated brain volumetric approach. Spinal canal diameters were measured manually at the cervical vertebrae 2/3 level. Scoliosis was evaluated using manual measurements of the Cobb angle. Linear binomial regression analyses of measures of brain volumes and spine anatomy were performed while adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, cholesterol levels, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption. Three hundred eighty-three participants were included [57% male; age: 56.3 (±9.2) years]. After adjustment, smaller spinal canal width at the cervical vertebrae 2/3 level was associated with lower grey matter (P = 0.034), lower white matter (P = 0.012) and higher ventricular (P = 0.006, inverse association) volume. Participants with scoliosis had lower grey matter (P = 0.005), lower white matter (P = 0.011) and larger brain ventricular (P = 0.003) volumes than participants without scoliosis. However, these associations were attenuated after adjustment. Spinal canal width at the cervical vertebrae 2/3 level and scoliosis were not associated with white matter hyperintensity volume before and after adjustment (P &gt; 0.864). In our study, cohort smaller spinal canal width at the cervical vertebrae 2/3 level and scoliosis were associated with lower grey and white matter volumes and larger ventricle size. These characteristics of the spine might constitute independent risk factors for neurodegeneration.
Fast Determination of Propofol in Human Plasma Using C18-Functionalized Magnetic Nanomaterials Followed by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
Authors: Liang Shan-Yan , Xu Xiao-Min , Wang Peng , Ye Ming-Li , Zhang Shui-Feng , Zhao Yong-Gang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Novel C18-functionalized magnetic nanomaterials; i.e., C18@poly-styrene-divinylbenzene-glycidyl methacrylate-Fe3O4 (C18@PS-DVB-GMA-Fe3O4) have been synthesized by using N, N-dimethyloctadecylamine as modifying agent, which could be beneficial to remove the blood phospholipids. The C18@PS-DVB-GMA-Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been used and evaluated in the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) procedure for human plasma prior to the analysis of propofol by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In the QuEChERS procedure, human plasma samples are directly mixed with extraction solvent and C18@PS-DVB-GMA-Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and the extraction and cleanup procedures have been accomplished simultaneously. The SFC separation was performed with a C18 column (Thermo Scientific™ Acclaim™ 120, 250 × 4. 6 mm, 5 μm) within 5 min, using thymol as the internal standard. Supercritical carbon dioxide was used as the mobile phase with methanol as the cosolvent at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was 38°C, and detection wavelength was 275 nm. A good linearity was obtained among the propofol concentration range of 0.5–10 mg/L (R2 = 0.9997) with the limit of detection of 0.17 mg/L. Recoveries were in the range of 76.5–91.9%, with RSD less than 7.9%. These results suggested that method is convenient, rapid with high accuracy and little matrix effect, and suitable for rapid determination of propofol plasma concentration.
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate treatment and rates of emergency interventions for hyperkalaemia: a propensity–score weighted case–control study
Authors: Marshall William R , Curran Gabriel A , Traynor Jamie P , Gillis Keith A , Mark Patrick B , Lees Jennifer S 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) reduces serum potassium in patients with chronic hyperkalaemia in clinical trials, but its role in the emergency treatment of hyperkalaemia is unproven. We hypothesized that SZC use for emergent hyperkalaemia would be associated with a reduction in rates of emergency interventions for hyperkalaemia.

Methods
This was a single-centre, propensity score–weighted case–control study of patients admitted with hyperkalaemia to a specialist renal centre. We randomly selected 250 patients admitted between April 2021 and September 2022 (post-SZC era) with a potassium level ≥5.5 mmol/l treated with at least one ≥10 g dose of SZC (treatment group). We randomly selected a comparator group of 250 patients admitted between January 2018 and December 2019 (pre-SZC era) with a potassium level ≥5.5 mmol/l (control group). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded and used as covariates for propensity scoring and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW). Our primary outcome measure, rates of emergency haemodialysis (HD), was tested using unadjusted models and multivariable logistic regression models on unweighted data in addition to unadjusted models on weighted data. We also reviewed rates of emergency temporary central venous access as a secondary outcome.

Results
A total of 59% were male, the mean age was 67 years (standard deviation 14) and 149 (30%) were receiving maintenance dialysis. IPTW achieved satisfactory balance of covariates between the treatment and control groups. In the treatment group, patients were 77% less likely to need emergency HD {odds ratio [OR] 0.23 [confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.31]}. This result was consistent following analysis of weighted and unweighted data. Similarly, patients treated with SZC were 73% less likely to require emergency temporary central venous access [OR 0.27 (CI 0.20–0.36)].

Conclusion
SZC was associated with a significant reduction in the rates of emergency HD and emergency temporary central venous access in patients admitted to a specialized renal centre with emergent hyperkalaemia.
Progression of aortic calcification among Japanese in Japan and white and Japanese Americans: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Mengyi , Fujiyoshi Akira , Willcox Bradley J , Li Jiatong , Kadota Aya , Kadowaki Sayaka , Seto Todd , Kadowaki Takashi , Chang Yuefang , Evans Rhobert , Miura Katsuyuki , Edmundowicz Daniel , Okamura Tomonori , Masaki Kamal H , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Sekikawa Akira 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
Continued low mortality from coronary heart disease in Japan, despite deleterious changes in traditional risk factors, remains unexplained. Since aortic calcification (AC) was an early predictor of cardiovascular mortality, we compared the progression and incidence of AC between Japanese in Japan, white Americans, and third-generation Japanese Americans in the ERA JUMP cohort. We examined whether higher blood levels of marine-derived n-3 fatty acids (FAs) in Japanese than in Americans accounted for the difference.

Methods and results
Men (n = 700) aged 40–49 years (252 Japanese in Japan, 238 white, and 210 Japanese Americans) were examined at baseline and 4–7 years later. AC was evaluated from the aortic arch to the iliac bifurcation with computed tomography and quantified by the Agatston method. Robust linear regression and linear mixed models were used to compare the progression of AC. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to compare the incidence of AC (AC ≥ 50 at follow-up) among those with baseline AC &lt; 50. Japanese in Japan had a significantly slower progression of AC than white and Japanese Americans after adjusting for age, baseline AC, follow-up time, and traditional risk factors. White Americans had a significantly higher incidence of AC than Japanese in Japan [OR = 4.61 (95% CI, 1.27–16.82)]. Additional adjustment for blood levels of n-3 FAs accounted for the difference in AC incidence but not progression.

Conclusion
Japanese in Japan had a significantly slower progression and lower incidence of AC than white Americans. High levels of marine-derived n-3 FAs in Japanese in Japan partly accounted for the difference in incidence.
Rapid identification of the predominant azole-resistant genotype in Candida tropicalis
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Yun , Liao Yu-Chieh , Chen Yin-Zhi , Chen Feng-Chi , Chen Feng-Jui , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Hsieh Li-Yun , Lan Chung-Yu , Lo Hsiu-Jung 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Candida tropicalis is a leading cause of nonalbicans candidemia in tropical/subtropical areas and a predominant genotype of azole-resistant C. tropicalis clinical isolates belongs to clade 4. The aim of this study was to reveal markers for rapidly identifying the predominant azole-resistant C. tropicalis genotype. We analysed XYR1, one of the six genes used in the multilocus sequence typing analysis, and SNQ2, an ATP-binding cassette transporter in 281 C. tropicalis, including 120 and 161 from Taiwan and global areas, respectively. Intriguingly, the first 4-mer of codon sequences ATRA of CTRG_05978 (96/119 versus 21/162, P &lt; .001, at phi = 0. 679) and the SNQ2 A2977G resulting in amino acid I993V alternation (105/118 versus 12/163, P &lt; .001, at phi = 0.81) was significantly associated with the clade 4 genotype. The sensitivity and specificity of the clade 4 genotype detection with a combination of SNPs of CTRG_05978 and SNQ2 were 0.812 and 0.994, respectively, at phi = 0.838. Furthermore, we successfully established a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay to identify the clade 4 genotype. Our findings suggest that to improve the management of C. tropicalis infections, rapidly identifying azole-resistant C. tropicalis by detecting SNPs of CTRG_05978 and SNQ2 is promising.
Aberrant Mitochondrial tRNA Genes Appear Frequently in Animal Evolution
Authors: Ozerova Iuliia , Fallmann Jörg , Mörl Mario , Bernt Matthias , Prohaska Sonja J , Stadler Peter F 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Mitochondrial tRNAs have acquired a diverse portfolio of aberrant structures throughout metazoan evolution. With the availability of more than 12,500 mitogenome sequences, it is essential to compile a comprehensive overview of the pattern changes with regard to mitochondrial tRNA repertoire and structural variations. This, of course, requires reanalysis of the sequence data of more than 250,000 mitochondrial tRNAs with a uniform workflow. Here, we report our results on the complete reannotation of all mitogenomes available in the RefSeq database by September 2022 using mitos2. Based on the individual cases of mitochondrial tRNA variants reported throughout the literature, our data pinpoint the respective hotspots of change, i.e. Acanthocephala (Lophotrochozoa), Nematoda, Acariformes, and Araneae (Arthropoda). Less dramatic deviations of mitochondrial tRNAs from the norm are observed throughout many other clades. Loss of arms in animal mitochondrial tRNA clearly is a phenomenon that occurred independently many times, not limited to a small number of specific clades. The summary data here provide a starting point for systematic investigations into the detailed evolutionary processes of structural reduction and loss of mitochondrial tRNAs as well as a resource for further improvements of annotation workflows for mitochondrial tRNA annotation.
Senolytics Enhance the Longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans by Altering Betaine Metabolism
Authors: Lan Wenning , Xiao Xiaolian , Nian Jingjing , Wang Ziran , Zhang Xiaojing , Wu Yajiao , Zhang Dongcheng , Chen Junkun , Bao Wenqiang , Li Chutao , Zhang Yun , Zhu An , Zhang Fangrong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Aging triggers physiological changes in organisms that are tightly linked to metabolic changes. Senolytics targeting many fundamental aging processes are currently being developed. However, the host metabolic response to natural senescence and the molecular mechanism underlying the antiaging benefits of senolytics remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated metabolic changes during natural senescence based on the Caenorhabditis elegans model and pinpointed potential biomarkers linked to the benefits of senolytics. These results suggest that age-dependent metabolic changes during natural aging occur in C elegans. Betaine was identified as a crucial metabolite in the natural aging process. We explored the metabolic effects of aging interventions by administering 3 antiaging drugs—metformin, quercetin, and minocycline—to nematodes. Notably, betaine expression significantly increased under the 3 antiaging drug treatments. Our findings demonstrated that betaine supplementation extends lifespan, primarily through pathways associated with the forkhead box transcription factor (FoxO) signaling pathway, the p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, autophagy, the longevity regulating pathway, and the target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. In addition, autophagy and free radicals are altered in betaine-treated nematodes. Overall, we found that betaine is a critical metabolite during natural aging and that senolytics extend the lifespan of nematodes by increasing betaine levels and promoting autophagy and antioxidant activity. This finding suggests that betaine could be a novel therapeutic target for promoting longevity.
A Novel Time Use Approach on Daily Active Engagement With Life: The Intersectionality of Race and Gender
Authors: Wong Jason , Lu Siyao , Lou Yifan , Zang Emma , Carr Deborah 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Active engagement with life (AE) is an integral aspect of successful aging. Using time diary data, this study explored how U.S. older adults structure their daily lives involving social participation and productive engagement, and the extent to which these patterns differ by race and gender.

Research Design and Methods
We used American Time Use Survey (ATUS) data (n = 17,990) and sequence and cluster analyses to identify distinctive daily AE patterns. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between AE patterns and self-rated health, and the moderating roles of race and gender.

Results
Five AE clusters were identified: Low Degree of AE (26%), Moderate Unpaid Work and Light Social Participation (39%), Persistent Unpaid Work (20%), Persistent Paid Work (10%), and Persistent Social Participation (4%). White women were the most likely and Black men the least likely to have any AE. Compared to “Low Degree of AE,” all other AE clusters were associated with better self-rated health, with these associations varying by gender and race. The strongest positive association was observed for “Persistent Paid Work,” especially among women. Racial differences in the association between AE and health were more prominent among women than men. Differences by AE were less pronounced among Black women in comparison to White women.

Discussion and Implications
We found that the association between AE and self-rated health varies by race and gender. Persistent structural barriers may prevent older adults from historically minoritized backgrounds, particularly Black women, from benefiting from AE.
Influence of park visitation on physical activity, well-being and social connectedness among Australians during COVID-19
Authors: Rivera Elise , Arundell Lauren , Parker Kate , Veitch Jenny , Salmon Jo , Ridgers Nicola D , Timperio Anna , Sahlqvist Shannon L , Loh Venurs H Y 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This cross-sectional study examined associations of park visitation with physical activity (PA), well-being, and social connectedness among 1089 participants during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In August 2020, adolescents and adults in Australia self-reported demographics, usual park visitation, frequency and duration of park visits, PA, well-being and social connectedness. Multilevel linear regression models examined associations of park visitation with well-being and social connectedness. Multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial regression models examined associations between visitation and PA. Compared to not visiting a park, visitation was positively associated with well-being (B = 3.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24, 6.60) and days/week performing PA for 30 min (B = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.39) per day and negatively associated with social connectedness (B = −3.75, 95% CI = −7.11, −0.39). Compared to visiting a park less than once/week, visiting once/week was positively associated with well-being (B = 3.90, 95% CI = 0.53, 7.21). Visiting more than once/week was positively associated with days/week performing PA for 30 min (B = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.21, 1.58) and 60 min (B = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.64) per day and with well-being (B = 4.19, 95% CI = 0.90, 7.49). Duration of park visits was positively associated with days/week performing PA for 30 min (B = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.13) and 60 min (B = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.17) per day. Our findings highlight the role of parks in positively influencing health-related outcomes and the ‘dosage’ of park use needed to attain health benefits.
Circulating Extracellular Matrix Products as Indicators of Disease Burden and Predictors of Disease Course in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Poulsen Anja , Alexdóttir Marta Sorokina , Riis Lene Buhl , Pehrsson Martin , Sørensen Lars Tue , Krarup Peter-Martin , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Karsdal Morten A , Stidham Ryan W , Burisch Johan , Mortensen Joachim Høg , Seidelin Jakob Benedict 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by recurrent inflammation and challenging disease monitoring, with invasive endoscopy as the primary diagnostic tool despite the inadequacy of standard noninvasive biomarkers. This study evaluates serum extracellular matrix (ECM) fragments, which reflect the remodeling of mucosa and submucosa, as potential indicators of disease burden and treatment efficacy. We aim to determine whether serum ECM levels correlate with the extent and severity and predict treatment response.

Methods
We conducted a prospective study comparing serum ECM formation (PRO-C3, PRO-C7, PRO-C11, PRO-C22), turnover (PRO-C4), and degradation markers (C1M, C3M, C4M, C7M) at Weeks 0, 12, and 24 in 49 UC patients and 50 healthy controls measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
ECM biomarkers, notably PRO-C11, differentiated UC patients from controls (area under the curve [AUC] 0.77), and PRO-C3 predicted endoscopic treatment response vs nonresponse (AUC 0.74). C7M separated moderate from severe disease in endoscopy (AUC 0.74) as well as mild from severe disease (AUC 0.84), as did the ratio C7M/PRO-C7 (AUC 0.82). Combining new and conventional markers, including hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, PRO-C3, and PRO-C22, achieved a combined AUC of 0.84 for predicting 24-week endoscopic response, adding index endoscopic activity increased the AUC to 0.92 compared to an AUC of 0.84 for endoscopy alone.

Conclusions
Soluble ECM fragments reflect endoscopic disease severity and extent and are also predictive of therapeutic efficacy. They may as well reflect degenerative aspects of UC and may as such be future therapeutic targets aimed at prevention of intestinal damage.
Constitutional design preferences: An experimental approach
Authors: Eshima Shusei , McElwain Kenneth Mori , Takahashi Ai , Winkler Christian G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A rich literature links the survival of national constitutions to their legitimacy among citizens. However, most studies examine constitutions as a bundle of rights and institutions, and few test the micro-foundations of constitutional preferences explicitly. This article examines how individuals evaluate both the content and flexibility of discrete constitutional elements using a conjoint experiment in Japan. Respondents were asked to rate twenty-six hypothetical constitutions that varied randomly in their enumeration of twelve rights and institutions. We find that citizens generally prefer constitutions that enumerate more provisions, with greater weight placed on human rights than political institutions. This result largely confirms theoretical expectations from earlier work on comparative constitutional design. In addition, political factors, such as partisanship, moderate preferences on issues that have long divided progressives and conservatives in Japan, such as constraints on the military and establishing national emergency provisions. By contrast, socioeconomic characteristics such as income, age, and education do not, suggesting broad demographic consensus on the merits of distinct provisions. Importantly, we further demonstrate that citizens do not trade off constitutional detail and flexibility, as suggested by existing research. Respondents who prefer the enumeration of more provisions do not necessarily want a lower amendment hurdle to facilitate adaptation to new circumstances. Preferences about constitutional flexibility appear to be based on strategic imperatives, notably the desire to cement preferred provisions and prevent changes by future majorities.
Anxious But Hesitant to Act: The Impact of Concurrent Priming of the Climate Crisis and the War in Ukraine on Public Support
Authors: Dreyer Jakob , Damsbo-Svendsen Søren 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Decision-makers and commentators are calling Europe’s present political predicament a polycrisis: a period of overlapping, urgent, and mutually reinforcing crises with climate change and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as key challenges. Our knowledge about how citizens perceive and respond to polycrisis is limited. This paper presents a preregistered survey experiment from Denmark with 4,017 nationally representative respondents. We study crisis perceptions and willingness to act for the climate and Ukraine after concurrently priming both issues. Overall, threat perceptions increase, but so does inaction. Climate change drives increases in threat perception and worry, while the war in Ukraine drives a reduction in willingness to act and pay. The results challenge the “finite pool of worry” hypothesis, which presupposes that worry about new, urgent threats will crowd out worry about existing problems, especially in the case of climate change. Rather, willingness to act under polycrisis is issue-specific and shaped by concrete pocketbook costs, as the experimental evidence illustrates. The results also have important policy implications at a time when decision-makers frequently justify political action through polycrisis discourse.
Bounds for Exponential Sums With Random Multiplicative Coefficient
Authors: Hardy Seth 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
For $f$ a Rademacher or Steinhaus random multiplicative function, we prove that $ \max _{\theta \in [0,1]} \frac{1}{\sqrt{N}} \bigl | \sum _{n \leq N} f(n) \mathrm{e} (n \theta ) \bigr | \gg \sqrt{\log N}$, asymptotically almost surely as $N \rightarrow \infty $. Furthermore, for $f$ a Steinhaus random multiplicative function, and any $\varepsilon&gt; 0$, we prove the partial upper bound result $ \max _{\theta \in [0,1]} \frac{1}{\sqrt{N}} \bigl | \sum _{\substack{n \leq N \\ P(n) \geq N^{0.8}}} f(n) \mathrm{e} (n \theta ) \bigr | \ll{(\log N)}^{7/4 + \varepsilon }$, asymptotically almost surely as $N \rightarrow \infty $, where $P(n)$ denotes the largest prime factor of $n$.