bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Personality traits and technical efficiency of Chinese rice farmers
Authors: Qian Chen , Zhu Xueqin , Antonides Gerrit , Heerink Nico 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Given the complex managerial tasks and the risks and uncertainties involved in agricultural production, it is expected that personality traits may play an integral role in shaping farmers’ performance. This study uses a large rural household survey dataset collected in three rice-producing provinces in China to examine this proposition. We find that openness to experience and internal locus of control have favourable effects on technical efficiency (TE), while agreeableness and neuroticism are associated with lower TE. Cognitive skills, as measured by years of education, do not contribute to higher TE of the interviewed farmers. These results imply that the motivational component of human capital (i.e. personality traits) is of greater importance for a farmer’s managerial performance than cognitive skills attained through current formal education. The effectiveness of policies aimed at improving rural welfare may be enhanced by adapting agricultural training programmes to include fostering entrepreneurial and social skills, especially for those with unfavourable personality traits for agricultural production, in addition to improving agricultural knowledge.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Paraguay
Authors: Paniagua Maria , Ortellado José , Beaney Thomas , Clarke Jonathan , Castillo Manuel , Villamayor Abdón , Poulter Neil R , Aparicio Rocío 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of measuring blood pressure (BP) to identify new, known, and treated individuals with hypertension and to raise awareness in the general population about the importance of good BP control. In Paraguay, 3663 individuals aged ≥18 years of both sexes were recruited from May to November 2021 as part of the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign, which was initiated by the International Society of Hypertension in 2017. Volunteers of 18 regional health teams applied the questionnaire provided by the MMM 2021 organization throughout the country. Due to COVID-19 constraints, the majority of the questionnaires (52.2%) were administered in health centres of the Ministry of Health and concluded with three BP and pulse readings using OMRON-automated BP measurement devices. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or as a diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. We found that 57.4% of screenees were hypertensive and 72.9% of these (82.3% of women and 59.4% of men) had known hypertension. Of patients with hypertension, 70.1% were on antihypertensive medication, and 40.9% had controlled BP (&lt;140/90 mmHg). Among hypertensives detected, 79.7% of women were on antihypertensive medication and 44.1% had controlled BP, while 56.4% of men were on treatment and 34.3% had controlled BP. In summary, we found high levels of hypertension with high rates of awareness and treatment particularly among women, although control rates were low particularly among men. This may be because most screening was conducted predominately in hospital settings.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Pakistan
Authors: Memon Feroz S , Beaney Thomas , Bai Kavita , Ishaq Muhammad , Memon Salma , Kerr Gabriele , Poulter Neil R 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
A worldwide screening initiative called May Measurement Month is held every year with the goal of raising both public and individual awareness of checking blood pressure (BP) and its control. A total of 11 366 volunteer adults (≥18 years) were screened in Pakistan. The mean age of the study population was 47.1 ± 13.2 years and 83.8% were male. Of the 6615 (58.2%) participants with hypertension, 69.1% were aware and 4233(64.0%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of all participants on antihypertensive medication, 41.9% had controlled BP (140/90 mmHg). Of participants with hypertension, only 26.8% had controlled BP. Of the 7133 participants not on antihypertensive medication, 2382 (33.4%) were found to be hypertensive. In Pakistan, the proportion of hypertension and uncontrolled BP remains high, suggesting a widespread lack of adopting healthy lifestyle choices, sufficient healthcare facilities, awareness of checking their BP, and also inadequate management of hypertension.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nigeria
Authors: Wahab Kolawole W , Dele-Ojo Bolade , Ahmadi-Abhari Sara , Okubadejo Njide , Odili Augustine , Aje Akinyemi , Idoko Patrick , Gbadamosi Maruf , Abubakar Sani , Akintunde Adeseye , Aigbe Fred , Makusidi Muhammad , Nyandaiti Yakub , Poulter Neil R , Omotoso Ayodele B ,   MMM21 Nigeria Collaborators, Kolo Philip M , Ayoola Yekeen , Bello Halima , Alaofin Wemimo , Bello Hamzat Abiodun , Ogunmodede Ayodele , Olanrewaju Timothy , Iwuozo Emmanuel , Okafor Christian , Akinlade Mathias , Opadijo Oladimeji G , Ogah Okechukwu , Obiako Reginald , Amusa Ganiyu , Gbadamosi Hakeem , Amadi Casmir , Ale Adegoke , Ukpeh Ido , Effa Emmanuel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
There is a need to constantly assess the awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Nigeria. This study determined the frequency of undiagnosed hypertension across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We conducted an opportunistic screening of adults aged at least 18 years in the month of May 2021. Participants were recruited by trained volunteers using the May Measurement Month protocol. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using validated digital sphygmomanometers. We defined hypertension as systolic BP ≥ 140 and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or the use of BP-lowering medications. A total of 9361 participants (51.5% females) with a mean age of 40.7 ± 15.5 years were screened. Hypertension was present in 3192 (34.1%) of the participants. About half (1491, 46.7%) of the hypertensives were unaware of the diagnosis. Among the 3192 participants with hypertension, less than half (1540, 48.2%) were on antihypertensive medications, while only 36.4% of those on antihypertensive medications had their BP controlled (&lt;140/90 mmHg). About one-third of Nigerians in this opportunistic screening had hypertension, with about half of them being unaware of their diagnosis while only about two out of every five on antihypertensive medications had controlled BP. Urgent health actions are needed in Nigeria to reduce the burden of hypertension and its complications.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nepal
Authors: Inagaki Yoko , Koirala Sweta , Paudel Kiran , Tiwari Kiran , Sapkota Abhishek , Babu Soti Pabitra , Clarke Jonathan , Beaney Thomas , Poulter Neil R , Neupane Dinesh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Despite the well-recognized importance of prevention and early treatment of hypertension, the majority of adults in Nepal are not aware of their high blood pressure (BP) and are left untreated. In this paper, we report the result of the May Measure Month 2021 campaign in Nepal: a nationwide community-based hypertension screening campaign. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey was conducted in 15 districts between September 2021 and December 2021. An individual was included if aged 18 years or more and provided informed consent. Structured questionnaires were administered, and BP was measured three times in a sitting position by trained volunteers. A total of 5172 participants were included. The median age (interquartile range) was 37 (25–51), and 49.9% were female. The mean (SD) of the systolic and diastolic BP was 123.9 (14.9) and 80.2 (9.3) mmHg, respectively. A total of 1066 participants (20.6%) were identified as hypertensive (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication), of whom 399 (39.5%) and 298 (29.5%) were aware of their BP status and treated with at least one antihypertensive medicine, respectively. Blood pressure control (&lt;140/90 mmHg) was achieved in 15.6% of all hypertensives and in 56.0% of treated individuals. Multivariate logistic regression showed an association between hypertension and the following variables: every 1-year increase of age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.13 (1.11–1.15) if age &lt; 40 and OR = 1.05 (1.04–1.06) if age ≥ 40], male [OR = 1.57 (1.33–1.89)], regular alcohol use [OR = 1.59 (1.30–1.93)], and diabetes [OR = 2.63 (1.93–3.58)]. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were suboptimal in Nepal. This study supports a strong need to scale up community-based hypertension programmes in Nepal and raises the possibility of task sharing with community health workers.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Malawi
Authors: Ndhlovu Henry , Chirwa Maureen , Mbulaje Lucia , Chiwanda Jonathan , Beaney Thomas , Janssen-Telders Carolina , Poulter Neil R 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aiming at raising awareness and screening people for blood pressure (BP) for free. Malawi started participating in 2017 due to our membership with the International Society of Hypertension, and this was done mainly to raise awareness of high BP, which could be of benefit to the population. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of participants aged 18 years and above was carried out from May to September 2021 in Blantyre and Lilongwe. All BP measurements, definition of hypertension, and statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. A total of 7074 participants took part with 4348 (61.5%) being male and 2726 (38.5%) female. A total of 1525 (21.6%) participants were found to have hypertension. Of these, 84 (5.5%) were aware that they had the condition, and 81 (5.3%) of those with hypertension were on antihypertensive treatment. Of those on antihypertensive treatment, 61 (76.5%) had controlled BP. The screenings were done in just two districts and a few locations, which therefore are not representative of the whole country. This shows there is a significant need to expand screening opportunities within Malawi for early detection of hypertension to have a greater impact on the country as far as the fight against hypertension is concerned.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Zimbabwe
Authors: Gwini Rudo , Beaney Thomas , Kerr Gabriele , Poulter Neil R , Mwembe Desmond , Chifamba Jephat 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The May Measurement Month 2021 campaign in Zimbabwe was aimed at assessing the frequency of hypertension and improving awareness among the population of the sequelae of elevated blood pressure (BP). Participants aged 18 years and above were recruited at outdoor booths to fill out a questionnaire and provide three BP measurements with 1-min intervals. Of the 2094 participants, over one-third (37.3%) were hypertensive, half of hypertensives (49.7%) were aware they had elevated pressure, and less than half (45.0%) of the hypertensive patients were on antihypertensive medications. Increasing age was directly proportional to hypertension with a large leap from 9.5 to 27.7% between the 18–29 and 30–39 age groups. Hypertension remains a major public health challenge in Zimbabwe. Improving access to preventive health screening services as well as treatment facilities is essential to early detect and control hypertension.
A Risk Variant rs6922617 in TREM Is Discrepantly Associated With Defining Neuropathological Hallmarks in the Alzheimer’s Continuum
Authors: Qian Shuangjie , Zheng Yi , Jiang Tao , Hou Jialong , Cao Ruixue , Cai Jinlai , Ma Enzi , Wang Wenwen , Song Weihong , Xie Chenglong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-rs6922617 in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) gene cluster is a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we examined whether rs6922617 is associated with AD-defining neuropathological hallmarks and memory performance. We assessed the interaction between the variant rs6922617 and levels of beta-amyloid (Aβ), tau pathology, neurodegeneration, namely amyloid-tau-neurodegeneration framework, and cognition functions in 660 healthy controls, 794 mild cognitively impaired, and 272 subjects with AD. We employed linear regression and linear mixed models to examine the association. Here we find that the SNP-rs6922617 in the TREM gene cluster is associated with a higher global amyloid-ligands positron emission tomography (Aβ-PET) burden and lower fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) load. Interestingly, rs6922617 risk allele carriers exhibit a significantly reduced tau accumulation compared to the non-carriers, indicating a discrepant association with Aβ and tau pathologies. Though the participants carrying the rs6922617 risk allele do not show a correlation with poorer cognitive performance, stronger neuropathological phenotypes, and memory impairments are evident in ApoE ε4 carriers with the rs6922617 risk allele. These results support the notion that the SNP-rs6922617 in the TREM gene cluster is associated with AD-related neuropathological hallmarks, such as Aβ and FDG-mediated neurodegeneration, rather than tau accumulation. Although the direct association with memory impairment in the Alzheimer’s continuum remains inconclusive, our findings suggest a potential role of rs6922617 in facilitating neuropathology hallmarks.
Exploring Older Adults’ Subjective Views on Aging Positively: Development and Validation of the Positive Aging Scale
Authors: Park Miriam Sang-Ah , Badham Stephen , Vizcaino-Vickers Samuel , Fino Emanuele 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Historically, aging research has focused primarily on health deterioration and negative aspects associated with aging. This has limited the scope of our understanding of the experience of aging and the relationships between aging and well-being from an integrative biopsychosocial perspective. In the same vein, there is a lack of reliable and valid assessments of aging that capture the positive aspects that characterize and improve the subjective experience of this period of life, particularly one that focuses on psychosocial well-being, including meaningful experiences and activities, group memberships, and general abilities. This study presents the development and validation of the Positive Aging Scale (PAS), a novel self-report assessment.

Research Design and Methods
This was an online cross-sectional study conducted on 501 UK residents aged ≥60 years. A number of self-reported items and measures of positive aging, general health, well-being, and cognitive functioning were administered to the sample. We used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and assessed the dimensionality, reliability, and concurrent criterion-related validity of the PAS.

Results
The results suggested that a unidimensional solution represents the data well, with the positive aging factor adequately loading on 8 items, and the solution showing factorial invariance between young-old and old participants (i.e., ≥75 years). Total PAS scores positively correlate with general health, well-being, and cognitive functioning.

Discussion and Implications
The PAS demonstrated strong psychometric properties and the findings highlight correlations between the PAS and key outcomes of positive aging, including general health. Implications for research and interventions are discussed.
Prioritizing Protecting Oneself Over the COVID-19 Virus Versus Other Health and Social Needs Among Older Adults Living Alone: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Develay Élise , Dassieu Lise , Beauchet Olivier , Galery Kevin , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie , Karunananthan Sathya , Godard-Sebillotte Claire , Archambault Patrick , Launay Cyrille , Tchouaket Éric , Puzhko Svetlana , Holyoke Paul , Sourial Nadia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
People aged 65 and older, deemed most “vulnerable” by public health, were targeted by the coronavirus disease 2019 protection measures, which sought to minimize physical contact and social activities. Older adults living alone were particularly affected by these measures. However, such measures meant to protect the older population may not have necessarily reflected older adults’ individual prioritization choices. This study therefore aimed to understand how protecting oneself over the virus was considered in the prioritization of other health and social needs of older adults living alone during the pandemic.

Research Design and Methods
This study adopted a qualitative design. A total of 17 semistructured interviews were conducted between May 2021 and June 2022 with older adults living alone. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A reflexive thematic analysis as defined by Braun and Clarke was performed.

Results
Our analysis showed 2 forms of prioritization across 2 themes. This first theme focused on participants who reported prioritizing protecting themselves over the virus by limiting in-person contact and activities. The second theme showed that although several participants reported that protecting themselves over the virus was important to them, the prioritization of this need was not shared by all and, in some cases, evolved over the course of the pandemic.

Discussion and Implications
Our study demonstrated heterogeneity in the prioritization of older adults needs. Future public health recommendations should consider these variations in the needs and priorities of older adults when determining public health measures.
Integrative Omics Uncovers Low Tumorous Magnesium Content as A Driver Factor of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Rou , Hu Meng , Liu Yu , Li Wanmeng , Xu Zhiqiang , He Siyu , Lu Ying , Gong Yanqiu , Wang Xiuxuan , Hai Shan , Li Shuangqing , Qi Shiqian , Li Yuan , Shu Yang , Du Dan , Zhang Huiyuan , Xu Heng , Zhou Zongguang , Lei Peng , Chen Hai-Ning , Dai Lunzhi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is associated with increased risk and malignancy in colorectal cancer (CRC), yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we used genomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic data to elucidate the impact of Mg deficiency on CRC. Genomic analysis identified 160 genes with higher mutation frequencies in Low-Mg tumors, including key driver genes such as KMT2C and ERBB3. Unexpectedly, initiation driver genes of CRC, such as TP53 and APC, displayed higher mutation frequencies in High-Mg tumors. Additionally, proteomic and phosphoproteomic data indicated that low Mg content in tumors may activate epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by modulating inflammation or remodeling the phosphoproteome of cancer cells. Notably, we observed a negative correlation between the phosphorylation of DBN1 at S142 (DBN1S142p) and Mg content. A mutation in S142 to D (DBN1S142D) mimicking DBN1S142p up-regulated MMP2 and enhanced cell migration, while treatment with MgCl2 reduced DBN1S142p, thereby reversing this phenotype. Mechanistically, Mg2+ attenuated the DBN1–ACTN4 interaction by decreasing DBN1S142p, which in turn enhanced the binding of ACTN4 to F-actin and promoted F-actin polymerization, ultimately reducing MMP2 expression. These findings shed new light on the crucial role of Mg deficiency in CRC progression and suggest that Mg supplementation may be a promising preventive and therapeutic strategy for CRC.
Successful Long-Term Treatment of Collagenous Sprue With Tacrolimus in a 25-Year-Old With Severe Intestinal Failure
Authors: Lange Kathleen , Stallhofer Johannes , Gaßler Nikolaus , Ripoll Cristina , Stallmach Andreas 
Published: July 2024

Lay Summary
A 25-year-old male presented with chronic watery diarrhea and severe intestinal failure due to collagenous sprue. Treatments, including immunosuppressants and a gluten-free diet, were ineffective. Tacrolimus shows promise in treating refractory cases.
The curious genealogy of the “executive state”: A critical review of the latest administrative reform in Greece
Authors: Kivotidis Dimitrios 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This article critically discusses the latest reform of the Greek administration system, which took the form of an Act establishing an “executive state.” It intends to make two contributions to the existing literature. First, it offers a critique of the executive state. Existing critiques generally focus on the bureaucratic concentration of powers in the office of the Prime Minister or the abandonment of positive elements found in previous reform attempts. However, they largely accept the reform as a technical response to the crisis. In contrast, this article presents a comprehensive critique that fully addresses the historic origins and contemporary significance of the notion and institutional forms of the executive state, revealing it as a political, rather than technical, measure that reflects deeper views about the relationship between the state, the economy, and society. Additionally, the article assesses the two main effects of this administrative reform—the centralization and depoliticization of policymaking—as manifestations of an authoritarian shift. The second contribution concerns the literature on authoritarian liberalism, which examines the authoritarian tendencies inherent in liberal forms and ideals. While several authors have explored the authoritarian tendencies of institutional reform in the face of crisis, this article seeks to explore the authoritarian phenomenon as part of a process of market capture and to examine its effects specifically on administrative law and structures. Ultimately, this article argues that administrative reform in Greece follows a rather sinister genealogy, and must be understood as an essential counterpart to the generalized and sustained attack on social and political rights following the dictates of the market.