bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between morning blood pressure variability and cerebral microbleed burden in patients with hypertension
Authors: Zhang Dongsen , Ma Hongying , Liu Chunqin , Li Yongqiu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCerebral microbleeds (CMBs) can be understood as a type of target organ damage caused by hypertension. We aimed to explore the association of the CMB burden with morning blood pressure (BP) variability in patients with hypertension. We divided patients with hypertension into two groups: a group with 1–10 CMBs and a group with more than 10 CMBs. The duration, grade, medication, and control of hypertension were recorded in all patients. Morning home BP measurements were performed every 3 days for a month. A total of 791 patients were recruited. Full factor model analysis showed that higher morning home diastolic BP variability (standard deviation [SD], OR = 1.080, 95% CI: 1.024–1.140, P = .005; coefficient of variation [CV], OR = 1.076, 95% CI: 1.028–1.128, P = .002) was associated with more than 10 CMBs. Morning home systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability (SD, CV, average real variability) in more than 10 non‐lobar CMBs group was significantly higher than that in 1–10 non‐lobar CMBs group (P < .05).The multivariate analysis showed higher morning home diastolic blood pressure variability (SD, OR = 1.124, 95% CI: 1.031–1.224, P = .008; CV, OR = 1.099, 95% CI: 1.019–1.186, P = .015; average real variability, OR = 1.055, 95% CI: 0.995–1.120, P = .075) was associated with more than 10 non‐lobar CMBs. There was no significant relationship between morning home systolic blood pressure variability and more than 10 non‐lobar CMBs (P > .05). Higher morning home diastolic blood pressure variability was associated with more than 10 CMBs and more than 10 non‐lobar CMBs.
Analysis of the effects of M2 macrophage‐derived PDE4C on the prognosis, metastasis and immunotherapy benefit of osteosarcoma
Authors: Pan Feng , Pan Runsang , Hu Rui , Zhang Hao , Lei Shan , Zhang Lu , Zhou Changhua , Zeng Zhirui , Tian Xiaobin , Xie Quan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs), encompassing M1 and M2 subtypes, exert significant effects on osteosarcoma (OS) progression and immunosuppression. However, the impacts of TAM‐derived biomarkers on the progression of OS remains limited. The GSE162454 profile was subjected to single‐cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing analysis to identify crucial mediators between TAMs and OS cells. The clinical features, effects and mechanisms of these mediators on OS cells and tumour microenvironment were evaluated via biological function experiments and molecular biology experiments. Phosphodiesterase 4C (PDE4C) was identified as a pivotal mediator in the communication between M2 macrophages and OS cells. Elevated levels of PDE4C were detected in OS tissues, concomitant with M2 macrophage level, unfavourable prognosis and metastasis. The expression of PDE4C was observed to increase during the conversion process of THP‐1 cells to M2 macrophages, which transferred the PDE4C mRNA to OS cells through exosome approach. PDE4C increased OS cell proliferation and mobility via upregulating the expression of collagens. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between elevated levels of PDE4C and increased TIDE score, decreased response rate following immune checkpoint therapy, reduced TMB and diminished PDL1 expression. Collectively, PDE4C derived from M2 macrophages has the potential to enhance the proliferation and mobility of OS cells by augmenting collagen expression. PDE4C may serve as a valuable biomarker for prognosticating patient outcomes and response rates following immunotherapy.
Long‐term effects of ipragliflozin and pioglitazone on metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: 5 year observational follow‐up of a randomized, 24 week, active‐controlled trial
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Shimizu Satoshi , Haisa Akifumi , Yanagisawa Shinnosuke , Inoue Kazuyuki , Saito Daigo , Sumita Takashi , Yanagisawa Morifumi , Uchida Yoshihito , Inukai Kouichi , Shimada Akira 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionWe conducted a 5 year post‐trial monitoring study of our previous randomized 24 week, open‐label, active‐controlled trial that showed beneficial effects of ipragliflozin on metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), identical to those of pioglitazone.Materials and MethodsIn our previous trial, 66 patients with MASLD and type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to receive either ipragliflozin (n = 32) or pioglitazone (n = 34). Upon its conclusion, 61 patients were monitored for 5 years for outcome measures of MASLD, glycemic, and metabolic parameters. Differences between the two groups were analyzed at baseline, 24 weeks, and 5 years; changes in outcome measures from baseline were also evaluated.ResultsAt 5 years, the mean liver‐to‐spleen attenuation ratio increased by 0.20 (from 0.78 ± 0.24 to 0.98 ± 0.20) in the ipragliflozin group and by 0.26 (from 0.76 ± 0.26 to 1.02 ± 0.20) in the pioglitazone group (P = 0.363). Similarly, ipragliflozin and pioglitazone significantly improved serum aminotransferase, HbA1c, and fasting plasma glucose levels over 5 years. In the ipragliflozin group, significant reductions in body weight and visceral fat area observed at 24 weeks were sustained throughout the 5 years (−4.0%, P = 0.0075 and −7.6%, P = 0.045, respectively). Moreover, ipragliflozin significantly reduced the values of fibrosis markers (serum ferritin and FIB‐4 index), was well tolerated, and had a higher continuation rate for 5 years compared with pioglitazone.ConclusionsIpragliflozin and pioglitazone improved MASLD and glycemic parameters over 5 years. In the ipragliflozin group, significant reductions in body weight and visceral fat mass persisted for 5 years.
New Ultherapy method: Utilizing novel surgical and anatomical concepts yields outstanding results
Authors: Fatemi Farahnaz , Najafian Romina , Sadri Mohammad Amin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundMicro‐focused ultrasound (MFU) is a technique for skin rejuvenation and lifting, targeting the facial SMAS—a fibrous network encompassing the platysma muscle and parotid fascia.ObjectiveThis study aims to propose a novel and cost‐effective method (suggested by Fatemi) for Ultherapy, comparing its effectiveness with the conventional approach.Materials and MethodsA prospective double‐blind clinical trial was conducted with 30 female volunteers randomly assigned to two groups: The control group (conventional method) and the experimental group (new method). Ultherapy procedures utilized MFU technology with low energy and a higher frequency.ResultsStatistically significant differences in lifting effects and improvement in skin laxity were observed between the two groups. The new method, with a focus on the parotideal area of the SMAS, demonstrated superior outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.ConclusionThe parotideal region's accessibility, increased thickness, and safety profile make it an ideal target for Ultherapy. This not only reduces the risk of nerve injury but also yields effective collagen remodeling and skin‐lifting results.
Maladaptive personality traits and older adult relationship satisfaction: A co‐twin control approach to understanding associations
Authors: Yu Helen H. , Freilich Colin D. , Wilson Sylia , McGue Matt , Roisman Glenn I. , Krueger Robert F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveMaladaptive personality traits have been implicated in romantic relationship dissatisfaction, but the etiology of those links and the degree to which they extend to other types of relationships are unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between maladaptive personality traits and satisfaction in various relationships using a co‐twin control design to identify potential environmental contributions.MethodThe sample consisted of 1340 older adult twin participants from the Minnesota Twin Registry (Mage = 70.3) that completed the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 Faceted Brief Form and Network of Relationships Inventory (Revised for Older Adults).ResultsSeveral maladaptive personality traits were phenotypically associated with relationship dissatisfaction, with detachment and negative affect having the largest effects. Further, within twin pair differences in detachment and negative affect were associated with greater relationship dissatisfaction, suggesting that observed associations were mediated partly by the unique environment, not solely the result of genetic and familial confounding. Both phenotypic and co‐twin associations were strongest overall in the romantic partner relationship.ConclusionThese findings support the notion that maladaptive personality traits are implicated in interpersonal dysfunction across multiple domains.
Feeding ecology of the Patagonian toothfish, Dissostichus eleginoides, in Ecuadorian waters
Authors: Ordiano‐Flores Alfredo , Méndez Gudiño Katherine E. , Calle‐Morán Marcos D. , Hernández‐Téllez Ana R. , Cajas‐Flores Jacqueline M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Patagonian toothfish or Chilean sea bass, Dissostichus eleginoides, is an ecological and commercially important species captured by the Equatorian fleet in the Southeast Pacific Ocean. This study aimed to determine this species' diet composition and feeding habits captured in three geographical zones from Ecuador during 2017 and 2018. The total length and corporal mass were measured during this period, and the sex and sexual maturity states were determined from 328 individuals. A hypoallometric growth was evidenced by the size‐weight relationship in D. eleginoides, with an allometry coefficient b = 2.34, suggesting that it increases in size more than in weight. The stomach content analysis expressed as the Prey Specific Index of Relative Importance (PSIRI) indicated that D. eleginoides mainly feeds on teleost fish (88.2%) and less on cephalopods (9%) and crustaceans (2.8%). Males and females evidenced a similar diet; however, adults consumed more teleost fish than juveniles. The trophic position ⁓ 4 indicates that the Patagonian toothfish is a secondary carnivore predator with a wide geographic and diet variation related to prey availability. This is the first study regarding the trophic ecology of D. eleginoides in Ecuador, as other studies are lacking. Understanding nutrient and energy flows in ecosystems is crucial for effective fishing management with an ecosystemic approach.
A geometric‐identification–free mathematical model for recreating nonsymmetric horizontal railway alignments
Authors: Vázquez‐Méndez Miguel E. , Casal Gerardo , Castro Alberte , Santamarina Duarte 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe constant passage of trains on the railways tracks causes, in the course of time, deviations that must be corrected periodically by means of a track calibration process. It consists of designing a new layout, called recreated horizontal alignment (RHA), as close as possible to the deformed center track fulfilling also the technical constraints according to the operational requirements of the railway. In recent years, different models have been proposed to address this task. This paper proposes, first, a new geometrical model that works with continuous variables for the definition of horizontal alignments (HAs) to deal with nonsymmetric transition curves at both sides of a circular curve and second, an optimization algorithm to compute the recreated alignment suitable in sinuous railway sections. This new mathematical model frees the optimization process from the need to previously identify the geometric elements (tangents, circular curves, and transition curves) of the HA. The usefulness of this model is tested with two academic examples showing its good behavior and in a real case study, where this algorithm is compared with the solution adopted by the engineers in a section of the railway line Ourense–Monforte in the NW of Spain.
The development of an EU‐wide nutrition and physical activity expert knowledge base to support a personalised mobile application across various EU population groups
Authors: Wilson‐Barnes S. L. , Pagkalos I. , Patra E. , Kokkinopoulou A. , Hassapidou M. , Lalama E. , Csanalosi M. , Kabisch S. , Pfeiffer A. F. H. , DeCorte E. , Cornelissen V. , Bacelar P. , Balula Dias S. , Stefanidis K. , Tsatsou D. , Gymnopoulos L. , Dimitropoulos K. , Rouskas K. , Argiriou N. , Leoni R. , Botana J. M. , Russell D. , Lanham‐New S. A. , Hart K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA healthy lifestyle comprising regular physical activity and an adequate diet is imperative for the prevention of non‐communicable diseases such as hypertension and some cancers. Advances in information computer technology offer the opportunity to provide personalised lifestyle advice directly to the individual through devices such as smartphones or tablets. The overall aim of the PROTEIN project (Wilson‐Barnes et al., 2021) was to develop a smartphone application that could provide tailored and dynamic nutrition and physical activity advice directly to the individual in real time. However, to create this mobile health (m‐health) smartphone application, a knowledge base of reference ranges for macro‐/micronutrient intake, anthropometry, biochemical, physiological and sleep parameters was required to underpin the parameters of the recommender systems. Therefore, the principal aim of this emerging research paper is to describe the process by which experts in nutrition and physiology from the PROTEIN consortium collaborated to develop the nutritional and physical activity requirements, based upon existing recommendations, for 10 separate population groups living within the EU including, but not limited to healthy adults, adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, excess weight, obesity and iron deficiency anaemia. A secondary aim is to describe the development of a library of 24‐h meal plans appropriate for the same groups and also encompassing various dietary preferences and allergies. Overall, the consortium devised an extensive nutrition and physical activity knowledge base that is pertinent to 10 separate EU user groups, is available in 7 different languages and is practically implemented via a library of culturally appropriate, 24‐h meal plans.
Stakeholder theory in elections: Navigating political money, tribal tendencies, ethics, and the dark side of stakeholders
Authors: Al Amosh Hamzeh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis conceptual article explores the relationship between stakeholder theory and electoral processes, focusing on the contemporary challenges and ethical implications of applying this theory, rooted in accountability, to the political realm. Drawing on an extensive literature review to develop the theory within the political field and elections, the analysis uncovers the factors and multifaceted issues that shape stakeholder engagement in electoral contexts, and the pervasive influence of political money on the sway of tribal affiliations and identity politics—which can result in misaligned representation and unfair policy outcomes that may harm the long‐term interests of stakeholders themselves. This underscores the need for regulatory reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in elections, advocating for ethical governance to balance broader public interests against narrow stakeholder interests. Ultimately, the research provides insights into improving global electoral processes and governance, calling for policies supporting equitable, accountable, and sustainable governance practices.Related ArticlesAdegboye, Alex, Kofo Adegboye, Uwalomwa Uwuigbe, Stephen, Ojeka, and Eyitemi Fasanu. 2023. “Taxation, Democracy, and Inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Relevant Linkages for Sustainable Development Goals.” Politics & Policy 51(4): 696–722. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12547.Akwei, Cynthia. 2018. “Mitigating Election Violence and Intimidation: A Political Stakeholder Engagement Approach.” Politics & Policy 46(3): 472–504. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12256.Sohn, Hyodong. 2023. “Policy Agenda Trade‐offs for Sustainability: The Compositional Change of Attention about Energy in Legislative Hearings.” Politics & Policy 51(6): 973–1007. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12563.
Unravelling the biostimulant activity of a protein hydrolysate in lettuce plants under optimal and low N availability: a multi‐omics approach
Authors: Monterisi Sonia , Garcia‐Perez Pascual , Buffagni Valentina , Zuluaga Monica Yorlady Alzate , Ciriello Michele , Formisano Luigi , El‐Nakhel Christophe , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Colla Giuseppe , Rouphael Youssef , Cristofano Francesco , Cesco Stefano , Lucini Luigi , Pii Youry 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe application of protein hydrolysates (PH) biostimulants is considered a promising approach to promote crop growth and resilience against abiotic stresses. Nevertheless, PHs bioactivity depends on both the raw material used for their preparation and the molecular fraction applied. The present research aimed at investigating the molecular mechanisms triggered by applying a PH and its fractions on plants subjected to nitrogen limitations. To this objective, an integrated transcriptomic‐metabolomic approach was used to assess lettuce plants grown under different nitrogen levels and treated with either the commercial PH Vegamin® or its molecular fractions PH1(>10 kDa), PH2 (1–10 kDa) and PH3 (<1 kDa). Regardless of nitrogen provision, biostimulant application enhanced lettuce biomass, likely through a hormone‐like activity. This was confirmed by the modulation of genes involved in auxin and cytokinin synthesis, mirrored by an increase in the metabolic levels of these hormones. Consistently, PH and PH3 upregulated genes involved in cell wall growth and plasticity. Furthermore, the accumulation of specific metabolites suggested the activation of a multifaceted antioxidant machinery. Notwithstanding, the modulation of stress‐response transcription factors and genes involved in detoxification processes was observed. The coordinated action of these molecular entities might underpin the increased resilience of lettuce plants against nitrogen‐limiting conditions.In conclusion, integrating omics techniques allowed the elucidation of mechanistic aspects underlying PH bioactivity in crops. Most importantly, the comparison of PH with its fraction PH3 showed that, except for a few peculiarities, the effects induced were equivalent, suggesting that the highest bioactivity was ascribable to the lightest molecular fraction.
A cross‐cultural replication of “citizens' blame of politicians for public service failure: Experimental evidence about blame reduction through delegation and contracting”
Authors: Walker Richard M. , James Oliver , Moon M. Jae , Wen Wen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTheories of blame suggest that the institutional design of public service delivery affects citizens' blame of politicians for service failure, and that delegation or contracting out reducing citizens' blame of politicians. We replicate experimentally James et al.'s blame study to assess whether the findings still apply in the original, Western context, and if the findings can be generalized to East Asia (Hong Kong and South Korea). Our replications (N = 3600) show support for contracting out to the private sector as an effective institutional arrangement for politicians to avoid blame—providing evidence for this hypothesized effect that was not found by the original study in England. Blame shift effects are typically weaker in East Asia as anticipated because of cultural differences. Overall, the findings show that politicians can use cues about delegation to reduce citizens' blame for service failure, but that such strategies vary in their success according to context.
Bedload transport and deposition of mud‐grade sediments in deep‐lacustrine settings: A case study in the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Cao Yingchang , Lin Miruo , Xi Kelai , Xu Shang , Zou Caineng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith ongoing shale oil and gas exploration and development across the world, the sedimentology of deep‐water fine‐grained sedimentary rocks remains an important focus for research. In deep‐lacustrine settings, in particular, mud‐grade sediments are distributed widely. However, the very fine particle size of mud‐grade sediments limits the clear identification of micro‐sedimentary structure; the mud‐grade sediments are in most facies models believed to be deposited via suspension settling in deep‐lacustrine settings. In this study, thin‐section observations, advanced mineral identification and characterization system analyses, scanning electron microscopy observations and three‐dimensional reconstruction analysis by a focused ion beam‐electron beam dual‐beam system were conducted on deep‐lacustrine mud‐grade sediments of the Chang 73 sub‐member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin. Through this multi‐proxy approach, evidence of bedload transport of the mud‐grade sediments in the deep‐lacustrine settings is provided. During the deposition of deep‐lacustrine sediments, a significant amount of volcanic material within the mud‐grade sediments provided large quantities of high‐valence metal cations into the lake waters, which promoted the formation of flocs through electrostatic forces. Subsequently, these flocs are transported as bedload and deposited on the substrate, forming numerous floccule ripples in the deep‐lacustrine settings. When floccule ripples form, the flocs continuously pass over the ripple crests under the action of underflow and accumulate downward along the sloping surface of the floccule ripples, developing multiple foresets. Lateral migration and frontal progradation of foresets results in multiple stacked and laterally‐connected foresets, ultimately controlling the accumulation and preservation sites of these deep‐lacustrine mud‐grade sediments. The discovery of floccule ripples and foresets confirms a dynamic deep‐lacustrine setting, in which the mud‐grade particles can be transported as bedload under the action of underflow and then deposited. A new understanding of the sedimentary process of deep‐lacustrine mud‐grade particles provides a theoretical basis for clarifying the distribution of mineral composition and organic matter content in mud‐grade sediments. It further supports the prediction of favourable shale oil/gas reservoirs, promoting the efficient exploration and development of shale oil and gas resources, globally.