bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the psychometric properties of physical performance tests for sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Exter Sabien H , Koenders Niek , Wees Philip , Berg Manon G A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
This review provides an overview of the psychometric properties of the short physical performance battery (SPPB), timed up and go test (TUG), 4 m gait speed test (4 m GST) and the 400 m walk test (400 m WT) in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE, resulting in the inclusion of 50 studies with data from in total 19,266 participants (mean age 63.2–84.3). Data were extracted and properties were given a sufficient or insufficient overall rating following the COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of patient-reported outcome measures. Quality of evidence (QoE) was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results
The SPPB was evaluated in 12 studies, TUG in 30, 4 m GST in 12 and 400 m WT in 2. Reliability of the SPPB, TUG and 4 m GST was rated sufficient (moderate to good QoE). The measurement error of the SPPB was rated insufficient (low QoE). Criterion validity for the SPPB was insufficient in indicating sarcopenia (moderate QoE), while the TUG was sufficient and insufficient for determining mobility limitations (low QoE) and activities of daily living disability (low QoE), respectively. Construct validity of the SPPB, TUG, 4 m GST and 400 m WT was rated insufficient in many constructs (moderate to high QoE). Responsiveness was rated as insufficient for SPPB (high QoE) and TUG (very low QoE), while 4 m GST was rated as sufficient (high QoE).

Conclusion
Overall, the psychometric quality of commonly used physical performance tests in community-dwelling older adults was generally rated insufficient, except for reliability. These tests are widely used in daily practice and recommended in guidelines; however, users should be cautious when drawing conclusions such as sarcopenia severity and change in physical performance due to limited psychometric quality of the recommended measurement instruments. There is a need for a disease-specific physical performance test for people with sarcopenia.
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency and was registered a priori using the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022359725).
Impact of a prospective feedback loop aimed at reducing non-beneficial treatments in older people admitted to hospital and potentially nearing the end of life. A cluster stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial
Authors: White Nicole M , Barnett Adrian G , Lee Xing J , Farrington Alison , Carter Hannah , McPhail Steven M , Cardona Magnolia , Hillman Kenneth , Callaway Leonie , Willmott Lindy , White Ben P , Harvey Gillian , Graves Nicholas , Brown Christine 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate if a prospective feedback loop that flags older patients at risk of death can reduce non-beneficial treatment at end of life.

Design
Prospective stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial with usual care and intervention phases.

Setting
Three large tertiary public hospitals in south-east Queensland, Australia.

Participants
14 clinical teams were recruited across the three hospitals. Teams were recruited based on a consistent history of admitting patients aged 75+ years, and needed a nominated lead specialist consultant. Under the care of these teams, there were 4,268 patients (median age 84 years) who were potentially near the end of life and flagged at risk of non-beneficial treatment.

Intervention
The intervention notified clinicians of patients under their care determined as at-risk of non-beneficial treatment. There were two notification flags: a real-time notification and an email sent to clinicians about the at-risk patients at the end of each screening day. The nudge intervention ran for 16–35 weeks across the three hospitals.

Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with one or more intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. The secondary outcomes examined times from patients being flagged at-risk.

Results
There was no improvement in the primary outcome of reduced ICU admissions (mean probability difference [intervention minus usual care] = −0.01, 95% confidence interval −0.08 to 0.01). There were no differences for the times to death, discharge, or medical emergency call. There was a reduction in the probability of re-admission to hospital during the intervention phase (mean probability difference −0.08, 95% confidence interval −0.13 to −0.03).

Conclusions
This nudge intervention was not sufficient to reduce the trial’s non-beneficial treatment outcomes in older hospital patients.

Trial registration
Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12619000675123 (registered 6 May 2019).
Drinking contexts, coping motive, simultaneous cannabis use, and high-intensity drinking among adults in the United States
Authors: Cook Won Kim , Lui Camillia K , Greenfield Thomas K , Subbaraman Meenakshi , Li Libo , Kerr William C 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
High-intensity drinking (HID), extreme drinking considerably above the level of heavy episodic drinking (HED), is associated with long-term health and social consequences. There is limited understanding of HID beyond young adulthood. This study aims to identify concurrent risk factors for HID, comparing age differences among all adults.

Methods
Multinomial logistic and linear regression modeling was performed using a nationally-representative sample of adults (analytic n = 7956) from the 2015 and 2020 National Alcohol Surveys. The outcomes were any HID of 8–11 drinks and 12+ drinks for men, and 8+ drinks for women, and corresponding frequencies. Concurrent risk factors included coping motive, sensation seeking, simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis (SAC), and drinking at a bar or party. Analyses were stratified by age (18–29 vs. older) and sex.

Results
For younger men, sensation-seeking was significantly associated with HID (vs. no HED) at both levels and frequency of HID 8–11 drinks, while drinking to cope was only significant for 12+ drinks. For older men, drinking to cope was a consistent predictor for both HID level and its frequency, but sensation-seeking was not significant. Both coping and sensation-seeking were significantly associated with any HID for all women, while coping was significant for HID frequency for younger women. Frequent drinking at bars and parties were associated with greater odds of HID for all adults. With HED as referent, similar patterns of (though fewer significant) associations were observed.

Conclusions
Younger and older adults share similar risk factors for HID, with coping more consistent for older men.
Regulatory effects of antioxidants on indoxyl sulfate-enhanced intracellular oxidation and impaired phagocytic activity in differentiated U937 human macrophage cells
Authors: Iwamoto Wakana , Ikeda Tomohiro , Nishikawa Hirotaka , Hirano Masashi , Kinoshita Hideki , Ono Masateru , Kurogi Katsuhisa , Sakakibara Yoichi , Suiko Masahito , Yasuda Shin 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Indoxyl sulfate (IS), a uremic toxin, is a physiologically active sulfated metabolite, specifically in kidney failure patients. Our previous studies have shown that IS downregulates phagocytic immune function in a differentiated HL-60 human macrophage cell model. However, it remains unclear whether IS exerts similar effects on macrophage function in other cell types or in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitive immune cell models. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of IS on intracellular oxidation levels and phagocytic activity in a differentiated U937 human macrophage cell model, both in the absence and presence of LPS. Our results demonstrated that IS significantly increases intracellular oxidation levels and decreases phagocytic activity, particularly in cells activated by LPS. Furthermore, we found that 2-acetylphenothiazine, an NADH oxidase inhibitor, attenuates the effects of IS in LPS-activated macrophage cells. Representative antioxidants, trolox, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid, significantly mitigated the effects of IS on the macrophages responding to LPS.
A mature liquid fertilizer derived from cattle urine promotes Arabidopsis thaliana growth via hormone-like responses
Authors: Kato Yuta , Konishi Masaaki 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
To understand the fertilization effects of liquid fertilizer (LF) produced by aerobic microbial processing of cattle urine, we investigated the influence of LF on growth and shoot genetic responses of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. LF significantly enhanced both shoot and root growth under aseptic conditions. Although filtrate from ultrafiltration (molecular weight cutoff: 10 000) also promoted shoot growth and root elongation, the concentrate only promoted root growth. Multiple growth-promoting factors were therefore associated with the growth promotion. Transcriptome analysis of shoots following LF addition identified 353 upregulated and 512 downregulated genes. According to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses, signal transduction of a phytohormone cytokinin was influenced by LF addition. Cytochrome P450 induction triggered the related signal transitions, and would introduce the growth promotion for shoot. Primary auxin responses and abscisic acid signaling responses were also observed in the presence of LF. Ethylene signaling seemed to be insensitive.
Tokenism and women’s political communication in the pursuit of gender egalitarianism in Nigeria
Authors: Omotoso Sharon Adetutu , Bolaji Olaronke Akanni 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
With all gender bills presented to Nigeria’s Federal House of Assembly rejected in March 2022, women suffered an outrageous backlash in their pursuit of gender egalitarianism. This affirms tokenism and the government’s feigned commitment to gender parity. Reckoning that women’s political participation should augment their political representation, this article interrogates the political communication tactics of selected women in politics and non-state actors who fought for the bills. By engaging methods of critical analysis and reconstructive argumentation, we use the concept of “Feminist African Political Communication” (Feminist Afropolicom) to: (1) foreground African communicative experiences and tactics adopted by the women; (2) interrogate how tokenism trumps women’s political communication; and (3) examine how such tactics address questions of agency, space, and power.
Partitioning variance in cortical morphometry into genetic, environmental, and subject-specific components
Authors: Smith Diana M , Parekh Pravesh , Kennedy Joseph , Loughnan Robert , Frei Oleksandr , Nichols Thomas E , Andreassen Ole A , Jernigan Terry L , Dale Anders M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The relative contributions of genetic variation and experience in shaping the morphology of the adolescent brain are not fully understood. Using longitudinal data from 11,665 subjects in the ABCD Study, we fit vertex-wise variance components including family effects, genetic effects, and subject-level effects using a computationally efficient framework. Variance in cortical thickness and surface area is largely attributable to genetic influence, whereas sulcal depth is primarily explained by subject-level effects. Our results identify areas with heterogeneous distributions of heritability estimates that have not been seen in previous work using data from cortical regions. We discuss the biological importance of subject-specific variance and its implications for environmental influences on cortical development and maturation.
ZL006 mitigates anxiety-like behaviors induced by closed head injury through modulation of the neural circuit from the medial prefrontal cortex to amygdala
Authors: Zhao Liang , Qu Hui Ling , Zhang Yan , Wu Xin , Ji Qian Xin , Zhang Zhuo , Li Dan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Closed head injury is a prevalent form of traumatic brain injury with poorly understood effects on cortical neural circuits. Given the emotional and behavioral impairments linked to closed head injury, it is vital to uncover brain functional deficits and their driving mechanisms. In this study, we employed a robust viral tracing technique to identify the alteration of the neural pathway connecting the medial prefrontal cortex to the basolateral amygdala, and we observed the disruptions in neuronal projections between the medial prefrontal cortex and the basolateral amygdala following closed head injury. Remarkably, our results highlight that ZL006, an inhibitor targeting PSD-95/nNOS interaction, stands out for its ability to selectively reverse these aberrations. Specifically, ZL006 effectively mitigates the disruptions in neuronal projections from the medial prefrontal cortex to basolateral amygdala induced by closed head injury. Furthermore, using chemogenetic approaches, we elucidate that activating the medial prefrontal cortex projections to the basolateral amygdala circuit produces anxiolytic effects, aligning with the therapeutic potential of ZL006. Additionally, ZL006 administration effectively mitigates astrocyte activation, leading to the restoration of medial prefrontal cortex glutamatergic neuron activity. Moreover, in the context of attenuating anxiety-like behaviors through ZL006 treatment, we observe a reduction in closed head injury–induced astrocyte engulfment, which may correlate with the observed decrease in dendritic spine density of medial prefrontal cortex glutamatergic neurons.
The influence of spatial and temporal attention on visual awareness—a behavioral and ERP study
Authors: Ciupińska Kinga , Orłowska Wiktoria , Zębrowski Aleksander , Łępa Laura , Koculak Marcin , Bola Michał , Wierzchoń Michał 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Whether attention is a prerequisite of perceptual awareness or an independent and dissociable process remains a matter of debate. Importantly, understanding the relation between attention and awareness is probably not possible without taking into account the fact that both are heterogeneous and multifaceted mechanisms. Therefore, the present study tested the impact on visual awareness of two attentional mechanisms proposed by the Posner model: temporal alerting and spatio-temporal orienting. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of attention on the perceptual level, by measuring objective and subjective awareness of a threshold-level stimulus; and on the neural level, by investigating how attention affects two postulated event-related potential correlates of awareness. We found that alerting and orienting mechanisms additively facilitate perceptual consciousness, with activation of the latter resulting in the most vivid awareness. Furthermore, we found that late positivity is unlikely to constitute a neural correlate of consciousness as its amplitude was modulated by both attentional mechanisms, but early visual awareness negativity was independent of the alerting and orienting mechanisms. In conclusion, our study reveals a nuanced relationship between attention and awareness; moreover, by investigating the effect of the alerting mechanism, this study provides insights into the role of temporal attention in perceptual consciousness.
Globus pallidus externus drives increase in network-wide alpha power with propofol-induced loss-of-consciousness in humans
Authors: Thum Jasmine A , Malekmohammadi Mahsa , Toker Daniel , Sparks Hiro , Alijanpourotaghsara Amirreza , Choi Jeong Woo , Hudson Andrew E , Monti Martin M , Pouratian Nader 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
States of consciousness are likely mediated by multiple parallel yet interacting cortico-subcortical recurrent networks. Although the mesocircuit model has implicated the pallidocortical circuit as one such network, this circuit has not been extensively evaluated to identify network-level electrophysiological changes related to loss of consciousness (LOC). We characterize changes in the mesocircuit in awake versus propofol-induced LOC in humans by directly simultaneously recording from sensorimotor cortices (S1/M1) and globus pallidus interna and externa (GPi/GPe) in 12 patients with Parkinson disease undergoing deep brain stimulator implantation. Propofol-induced LOC is associated with increases in local power up to 20 Hz in GPi, 35 Hz in GPe, and 100 Hz in S1/M1. LOC is likewise marked by increased pallidocortical alpha synchrony across all nodes, with increased alpha/low beta Granger causal (GC) flow from GPe to all other nodes. In contrast, LOC is associated with decreased network-wide beta coupling and beta GC from M1 to the rest of the network. Results implicate an important and possibly central role of GPe in mediating LOC-related increases in alpha power, supporting a significant role of the GPe in modulating cortico-subcortical circuits for consciousness. Simultaneous LOC-related suppression of beta synchrony highlights that distinct oscillatory frequencies act independently, conveying unique network activity.
Single Method for Determination of Biocides Benzalkonium Chloride, Chloroxylenol and Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Cosmetics, Hygiene and Health Care Products by Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Thangarathinam Kumar , Narayanan Meenakshi , Kumar KS Ashwin , Arjunan Banupriya , Raja Divya Bhavani 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Benzalkonium chloride (BKC), chloroxylenol (PCMX) and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) are widely recognized biocidal compounds that require precise control and monitoring in various applications, including cosmetics, hygiene, health and ophthalmic products. In this study, we present a straightforward and highly sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the detection of these substances. The HPLC method we developed allows for the detection of BKC at concentrations as low as 1.0 ppm, PCMX at 1.0 ppm and CHG at 2.0 ppm, all with a signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio exceeding 3.0. Additionally, the method enables quantification up to 2.0 ppm for BKC, 2.0 ppm for PCMX and 5 ppm for CHG, with an S/N ratio surpassing 10.0. This validated method serves as a versatile tool for the accurate quantification of BKC, PCMX and CHG in cosmetics, hygiene products, health products and ophthalmic products. Its applicability extends across a wide range of industries, ensuring the reliable assessment of these critical biocides.
Finding land for the circular economy: territorial dynamics and spatial experimentation in the post-industrial city
Authors: Baumgartner Jasmin , Bassens David , De Temmerman Niels 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The emergence of European-wide circular city agendas calls attention to the integration of circular economy (CE) policies in urban development trajectories. In post-industrial contexts like the Brussels Capital Region (BE), land scarcity and industrial gentrification pose significant challenges for emerging circular activities that do not conform to traditional economic valuation criteria. This article highlights the significance of land as a central resource and contested means for circularity transitions through qualitative research on cases of urban circular economy hubs. We propose a spatial approach for investigating these spaces, examining the influence of regional territorial policies, land value dynamics and the planning system. Resulting from these interplays are diverse forms of circular spatial experimentation, manifesting in three local pathways (i.e. anchoring, transitory and transformative). Public versus private land ownership, stakeholder expectations, and the dual role of public institutions are the primary drivers affecting the durability and socio-economic orientation of circular economy hubs in the city.
Long-term effect of increasing water intake on repeated self-assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Rangan Gopala , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , Boudville Neil , Fernando Mangalee , Haloob Imad , Harris David C H , Hawley Carmel M , Kumar Karthik , Johnson David W , Lee Vincent W , Mai Jun , Rangan Anna , Roger Simon D , Sagar Priyanka , Sud Kamal , Torres Vicente , Vilayur Eswari 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effect of increasing water intake in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) on longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the setting of a clinical trial.

Methods
Self-completed HRQoL (using the KDQoL-SF, v.1.3 questionnaire) was assessed annually in participants of a 3-year randomized controlled clinical trial (n = 187), allocated (1:1) either to increase water intake to reduce urine osmolality to ≤270 mosmol/kg (implemented by dietetic coaching, self-monitoring tools, text messaging) or continue usual water intake.

Results
Overall, 96% and 81.8% of participants (n = 187) completed the questionnaire at the baseline and final study visits, respectively. At baseline, the physical component summary score (PCS) and mental component summary score (MCS) were similar in the two groups (P &gt; 0.05) and the five dimensions with the lowest scores in both groups were: energy and fatigue; general and overall health; sleep; emotional well-being; and pain. Within each group, there were no longitudinal changes over time. At the final visit, the PCS was higher in the increased water intake group (51.3 ± 7.6, mean ± standard deviation) compared to the usual water intake group 48.8 ± 9.3; P = 0.037) whereas the MCS was numerically similar. The improvement in the PCS was due to higher sub-scale values for physical functioning and pain (both P &lt; 0.05). By multivariate analysis, only baseline PCS and height-corrected total kidney volume were associated with the final PCS (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
HRQoL scores remained stable over a 3 year period, and were not adversely affected by the intervention to increase water intake. Future studies should evaluate the clinical significance of the higher PCS in the increased water intake group.
Physical exercise in haemodialysis patients: which type of exercise is more convenient?
Authors: Halle Martin , Manfredini Fabio , Floege Jürgen , Zoccali Carmine 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Randomized intra-haemodialysis and home-based exercise trials have demonstrated similar efficacy in improving physical performance, particularly in increasing walking distance. During dialysis sessions, patients can engage in structured, supervised activities such as cycling or resistance exercises, ensuring safety and immediate feedback from healthcare professionals. This structured nature can significantly enhance adherence, making exercise a regular part of the patient's treatment schedule. Home-based exercise offers flexibility and convenience. Patients can incorporate activities like walking, stretching or using resistance bands into their daily lives. This flexibility allows patients to exercise at their own pace and according to their preferences, fostering independence and self-management. By continuing physical activity at home, patients can maintain continuity in their exercise regimen, which is crucial for long-term health benefits. Combining both intra-haemodialysis and home-based exercises has the potential to improve overall adherence to exercise programs. Strategies such as patient education, customized plans, monitoring and feedback, and support systems can help combine these two exercise types. By integrating these two modalities, healthcare providers can create a comprehensive and balanced exercise regimen that enhances adherence, promotes independence and maximizes health benefits for dialysis patients, fostering long-term health and well-being through sustained physical activity. However, this dual approach, which caters to both the need for medical supervision and the desire for personal autonomy, has yet to be tested in randomized trials.