bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-hypertensive medication adherence, socioeconomic status, and cognitive aging in the Chinese community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults ≥ 45 years: a population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Li Chenglong , He Daijun , Liu Yufan , Yang Chao , Zhang Luxia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
It remains unclear whether anti-hypertensive medication use is associated with cognitive aging in general Chinese middle-aged and older adults, as well as the interplay with socioeconomic status (SES). We aim to examine associations of anti-hypertensive medication adherence, SES, and cognitive aging in Chinese middle-aged and older adults.

Methods
Our study was based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, an ongoing longitudinal national survey recruiting community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 45 years. Baseline anti-hypertensive medication use was assessed at wave 1. Longitudinal adherence to anti-hypertensive medication was assessed during waves 1 and 2. SES was assessed using income, education, employment, and medical insurance. The annual rate of cognitive change was assessed using cognitive Z scores. Linear mixed models were used to examine longitudinal associations.

Results
A total of 9229 participants were included (mean [SD] age: 57.1 [8.9] years; men: 50.8%). After controlling for blood pressure and other characteristics, participants taking anti-hypertensive medication at baseline, compared to participants not using medication, had a significantly decelerated decline in global cognition (β = 0.014; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.003 to 0.025 SD/year; P = 0.01) and memory (β = 0.021; 95% CI, 0.008 to 0.034 SD/year; P = 0.001), respectively. Similarly, participants with high anti-hypertensive medication adherence during follow-up had slower declines in global cognition (β = 0.014; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.027 SD/year; P = 0.02) and memory (β = 0.023; 95% CI, 0.008 to 0.038 SD/year; P = 0.003), compared to the low adherence group. There were no significant differences in cognitive decline between hypertension participants using or persistently adhering to medication and normotension participants. The SES significantly interacted with anti-hypertensive medication in associations with cognitive aging, with more evident associations observed in low SES subgroup (all P for interaction < 0.05). Several sensitivity analyses were conducted, observing consistent findings.

Conclusions
Adhering to anti-hypertensive medication was associated with decelerated cognitive aging in Chinese community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults, especially in participants with low SES. These findings indicate that promoting anti-hypertensive medication use could be important to achieve healthy and inclusive cognitive aging in general Chinese middle-aged and older adults living with hypertension.
The development and application of performance indicators to assess veterinarians’ adherence to the clinical practice Streptococcus suis in weaned pigs guideline
Authors: Wayop Isaura Y.A. , Wagenaar Jaap A. , de Vet Emely , Lambooij Anke , Speksnijder David C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
To combat antimicrobial resistance, initiatives have been launched worldwide to reduce antimicrobial use in humans and animals. In the Netherlands, the pig industry has made significant strides in reducing antimicrobial use, yet considerable variation exists in usage and prescription of antimicrobials between different swine farms and swine veterinarians. Clinical practice guidelines have been developed to support veterinarians to further reduce prescription of antimicrobials. In 2014, the Streptococcus suis (S. suis) clinical practice guideline was introduced. To date, no information has been collected about the extent to which veterinarians were using this guideline. Therefore, we developed performance indicators involving a six-step approach using a modified RAND/UCLA method aimed at assessing veterinarians’ adherence to the S. suis guideline. To support our results and to provide a more comprehensive understanding, we developed and circulated a questionnaire. The performance indicators and questionnaire were completed by 33 active swine veterinarians.

Results
The final set of five performance indicators encompassed antimicrobial use, the ratio 1st to 2nd or 3rd choice antimicrobials, the argumentation for using 2nd choice antimicrobials, bacteriological examination including susceptibility testing, and the use of corticosteroids. In the questionnaire, 16 questions were included about veterinarians’ behavior linked to these five performance indicators. The results revealed a wide range in antimicrobial prescription among veterinarians dealing with S. suis-related issues on farms, suggesting that further improvement of antimicrobial stewardship is possible. Our findings show a discrepancy between the performance indicators based on observed data and veterinarians’ self-reported behaviors, particularly concerning the initiation of group treatments and the possibility that the advice provided by veterinarians may not always be consistently implemented in practice.

Conclusions
The developed performance indicators on their own may not adequately reflect veterinarians’ adherence to the guideline, but collectively, they serve as a reliable indicator of adherence. By generating reliable and accurate outcomes, they complement self-reported behavior, which may be subject to unconscious self-report biases. Therefore, performance indicators are essential for use in intervention programs to measure veterinarians’ guideline adherence and should be incorporated into the development process of all clinical veterinary guidelines.
25-Hydroxycholesterol modulates microglial function and exacerbates Alzheimer’s disease pathology: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential of cholesterol esterification inhibition
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Kim Haeng Jun , Lee Sang-Eun , Song Hyun Ho , Kim Jieun , Han Jihui , Jeong June-Hyun , Lee Do Yup , Chang Sunghoe , Mook-Jung Inhee 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study investigates the role of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), a metabolite produced by cholesterol hydroxylase encoded by the Ch25h gene, in modulating microglial function and its potential implications in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. We demonstrated that 25HC impairs microglial surveillance, reduces phagocytic capacity, and increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo two-photon microscopy revealed that 25HC administration diminishes microglial response to brain lesions, while flow cytometry confirmed reduced phagocytosis in both in vivo and in vitro models. Additionally, amyloid-beta (Aβ) was shown to upregulate Ch25h expression and elevate 25HC levels in microglia, exacerbating these functional impairments. Mechanistically, 25HC was found to enhance cholesterol esterification, disrupt cell membrane dynamics, and further reduce microglial mobility and phagocytosis. Treatment with Avasimibe, a cholesterol esterification inhibitor, restored membrane dynamics and microglial function, leading to attenuated AD pathology in a 5XFAD mouse model. These findings suggest that 25HC-induced changes in microglial function contribute to AD progression, and targeting cholesterol metabolism could offer therapeutic potential.
Systematic gene expression analysis of putative target genes linked to miR-31 in 83 oral squamous cell carcinoma samples
Authors: Feldges Carolin , Jung Susanne , Purcz Nikolai , Sproll Christoph , Kleinheinz Johannes , Sielker Sonja 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The development of oral squamous cell carcinoma on the molecular level and the resulting prognosis for patients have remained poorly understood. While AngiomiR-31 was implicated in the progression and metastasis of OSCC. However, this connection has not yet been investigated in more detail and tested for its significance with regard to new therapies and the prognosis of patients.

Methods
Through a systemic analysis of putative target genes of AngiomiR-31 in OSCC, this study aimed to highlight possible prognostic markers and genes that might improve prognostic predictability in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially regarding AngiomiR-31 as an outstanding mediator of angiogenesis. The study is based on gene data from 83 OSCC samples. Potentially relevant genes were selected and sorted by TNM, grading and UICC in these 83 OSCC whole-genome microarray datasets. Data was analysed and tested for significance.

Results
Through our investigation 20 potential target genes, including tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes and genes not yet categorized, were found and their expression correlated significantly with the expression of AngiomiR-31.

Conclusion
These findings contribute to a more profound understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying OSCC progression and may have implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting AngiomiR-31 in OSCC. Further validation of these genes is needed to validate their clinical relevance and potential as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets in OSCC.
Vapor pressure deficit control and mechanical vibration techniques to induce self-pollination in strawberry flowers
Authors: Lee Hyein , Cui Meiyan , Lee Byungkwan , Myung Jeesang , Shin Jaewook , Chun Changhoo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Pollination strategies to supplement or replace insect pollinators are needed to produce marketable strawberry fruits in indoor vertical farms. To ensure the self-pollination of strawberry flowers, anther dehiscence, and pollen attachment were investigated under different vapor pressure deficit (VPD) conditions and external mechanical wave vibrations.

Results
The proportion of dehisced anthers was examined under VPDs of 2.06, 1.58, and 0.33 kPa, and the projected area of pollen clumps was assessed under VPDs of 2.06 and 0.33 kPa. After exposing flowers to a VPD of 2.06 kPa, vibrations with various frequency (Hz) and root mean square acceleration (m s−2) combinations were used to evaluate pollination effectiveness. The anthers underwent complete dehiscence at VPDs of 2.06, 1.58, and 0.33 kPa. The pollen clump ejection index was highest at a VPD of 2.06 kPa. Pollen clump detachment was effective at 800 Hz with 40 m s−2, while pollen attachment to the stigma was most effective at 100 Hz with 30 and 40 m s−2.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that high VPD promotes anther dehiscence timing and facilitates pollen clump formation, while specific vibration frequencies with high acceleration optimize pollen detachment and stigma attachment, offering an effective strategy for controlled strawberry pollination in vertical farming.
Evidence based QUality Improvement for Prescribing Stewardship in ICU (EQUIPS-ICU): protocol for type III hybrid implementation-effectiveness study
Authors: Wagstaff Duncan , Amausi John , Arfin Sumaiya , Aryal Diptesh , Nor Mohd Basri Mat , Bonney Joseph , Dondorp Arjen , Dongelmans David , Dullawe Layoni , Fazla Fathima , Ghose Aniruddha , Hanciles Eva , Haniffa Rashan , Hashmi Madiha , Smith Adam Hewitt , Kumar Bharath , Minh Yen Lam , Moonesinghe Ramani , Pisani Luigi , Sendagire Cornelius , Hasan Mohd Shahnaz , Ghalib Maryam Shamal , Frimpong Moses Siaw , Ranzani Otavio , Sultan Menbeu , Thomson David , Tripathy Swagata , Thwaites Louise , Uddin Rabiul Alam Md. Erfan , Mazlan Mohd Zulfakar , Waweru-Siika Wangari , Beane Abigail 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Approximately half of all antimicrobial prescriptions in intensive care units (ICUs) may be inappropriate, including those prescribed when not needed, in unnecessary combinations or for longer durations than needed. Inappropriate prescribing is costly, exposes patients to unnecessary side-effects and drives population-level antimicrobial resistance, the prevalence and consequences of which are greatest in low- and middle-income countries. However, the implementation of interventions to improve the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing has been variable and requires further study.

Methods
We propose a type III hybrid implementation/effectiveness interventional cohort trial in 35 ICUs in up to 11 low- and middle- income countries. The study intervention is a structured review of antimicrobial prescriptions as recommended by the World Health Organisation. Strategies to support stakeholder-led implementation include development of local protocols, registry-enabled audit and feedback, and education. Evaluation of implementation, and the determinants of its success, is informed by the RE-AIM framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research respectively. The primary outcome is a composite measure of fidelity, reach and adoption. Secondary outcomes describe the effectiveness of the intervention on improving antimicrobial prescribing. Qualitative interviews will assess relevant implementation acceptability, adaptations and maintenance. A baseline survey will investigate ICU-level antimicrobial stewardship structures and processes.

Discussion
This study addresses global policy priorities by supporting implementation research of antimicrobial stewardship, and strengthening associated healthcare professional competencies. It does this in a setting where improvement is sorely needed: low- and middle- income country ICUs. The study will also describe the influence of pre-existing antimicrobial stewardship structures and processes on implementation and improve understanding about the efficacy of strategies to overcome barriers to implementation in these settings.

Trial registration
This study protocol has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ref NCT06666738) on 31 Oct 2004. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06666738?term=NCT06666738&rank=1.
Biodiversity effects of the Russia–Ukraine War and the Kakhovka Dam destruction: ecological consequences and predictions for marine, estuarine, and freshwater communities in the northern Black Sea
Authors: Kvach Yuriy , Stepien Carol A. , Minicheva Galyna G. , Tkachenko Pavlo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The effects of war on biodiversity, habitats, ecosystem services, and water, seafood, and fishing resources are complex and long-lasting, yet their ongoing environmental analyses are limited. The Russia–Ukraine War (2022–present) comprises a unique ecological situation to examine biodiversity effects on the distinctive cold-temperate northern Black Sea ecosystem, which has an intriguing biogeographic history and high endemism resulting from geographic isolation and differentiation.

Results
We summarize negative and positive effects from the War on the aquatic (marine, estuarine, and freshwater) biota and their habitats, focusing on investigations by the Institute of Marine Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Negative effects include toxins and habitat damage from oil spills, shelling, mining, explosions, flooding, and fires; along with disregard of Protected Areas. Positive effects are reduced anthropogenic loads from less shipping, fishing, trawling, recreation, hydraulic engineering, construction, and tourism. The Kakhovka Dam’s destruction on June 6, 2023 was the greatest ecological catastrophe to date, causing extensive downstream flooding with freshwaters and pollutants that destroyed many populations and habitats. We discern that many effects have been temporary, with habitats and species replenishing, and some reverting to their historical biota characteristic of lower salinity regimes. However, significant habitat destruction, disturbances, and pollutant damages remain. Since many of the native species evolved in conditions favoring broad salinity, temperature, and oxygen tolerances, the northern Black Sea ecosystem appears pre-adapted for ecological recovery and persistence, which may equate to ecological resilience during and after the War.

Conclusions
The native biota exhibits long-term adaptiveness to marked salinity and temperature fluctuations, alongside a background of invasive species. An evolutionary and recent history of broad environmental tolerances by a large proportion of Black Sea species may enhance their ability to withstand marked environmental changes, including habitat destruction, as during the Kakhovka Dam's breakage and other stressors that continue during the Russia–Ukraine War. The Black Sea community’s overall ecological resilience is likely to facilitate persistence and adaptation to the War’s effects and the accelerating impacts of climate change, increased global transportation, and invasive species—meriting worldwide conservation agency focus and cooperation.
Alcohol accelerates the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through elevated Gram-negative bacteria in peripheral circulation
Authors: Zhang Zehua , Kang Le , Gu Yanfen , Leng Zhuyun , Chen Tao , Xu Meidong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Alcohol consumption is intricately linked to the incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study comprehensively investigates the role of alcohol-induced microbial alterations in ESCC progression. A retrospective analysis of 328 patients demonstrated that alcohol consumption markedly increases the risk of ESCC and boosts the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67. Patients with alcohol-related ESCC exhibited substantially higher blood microbiome diversity, characterized by the dominance of Gram-negative bacteria, and elevated serum lipopolysaccharides (LPS) levels. In a mouse model, alcohol consumption not only augmented tumor burden but also compromised gut barrier integrity, facilitating bacterial translocation. Significant elevations in Gram-negative bacteria, such as Bacteroidales in the blood and Escherichia coli in esophageal tissues, were observed. Mechanistically, alcohol and LPS synergistically activated pro-inflammatory pathways, including TNF, TLR, NF-κB, and MAPK, which fueled ESCC cell proliferation. Meanwhile, LPS triggered necroptosis in normal esophageal epithelial cells. These findings reveal that alcohol-induced microbial dysbiosis in peripheral circulation and LPS-mediated inflammatory responses form a novel pathogenic mechanism in ESCC. Targeting Gram-negative bacteria and LPS could provide a promising therapeutic strategy for managing alcohol-related ESCC. Further research is urgently warranted to explore the interaction between microbial changes and the tumor microenvironment.
Distance, weather, and forage conditions drive timing of autumn migration in female mule deer
Authors: Anton Colby B. , DeCesare Nicholas J. , Peterson Collin J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Seasonal migration is a behavioral strategy that animals evolved to exploit seasonally changing resources. Ungulates in northern temperate landscapes often seasonally migrate between low-elevation winter ranges and higher-elevation summer ranges, allowing individuals to exploit a diversity of forage resources during summer while avoiding extreme conditions during winter. In autumn, the timing of this behavior often overlaps with hunting seasons for managed ungulate populations. Migration presents challenges for managing ungulates when the timing of autumn migrations varies across years and migrations cross management jurisdictions.

Methods
We evaluated the spatial and temporal patterns of autumn migration using GPS collar data collected during 2017–2019 from 68 female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) that migrated seasonally within three study areas in northwest Montana. We related the timing of autumn migration to environmental variables including precipitation, snow depth and density, temperature, plant phenology, migration distance, and estimates of relative hunting intensity. We summarized variables across multiple temporal scales (2-day, and 1 week) to identify possible lagged or cumulative effects of conditions on mule deer behavior. We incorporated these variables into a time-to-event modeling framework to estimate their relative impacts on the timing of initiation of autumn migration.

Results
The collective annual space use of deer in each study area spanned up to 9 hunting districts, and individual deer used an average of 2.1, 2.8, and 2.0 hunting districts per year (range 1–4) in the Cabinet-Fisher, Rocky Mountain Front, and Whitefish study areas, respectively. Furthermore, the return of deer to winter ranges occurred over a 3-month timeframe spanning archery, rifle, and closed hunting periods. While some deer returned to winter range relatively early during archery season in September, others remained in summer range into December, after the general rifle season concluded. Declines in daily minimum temperatures and increased weekly precipitation provided the strongest cues for mule deer to begin their autumn migration. Mule deer with longer migration distances were more likely to initiate their migration sooner, and declining forage conditions also showed a modest effect on timing. Mule deer migrations occurred during times of lower hunting activity prior to its peak during rifle season.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates changing weather conditions were the primary driver of the initiation of autumn migration for mule deer. Given most migrations spanned more than one hunting district, the boundaries of management units were mismatched with the scale of ecological processes, implying that management actions in certain districts may have unintended consequences for populations in nearby districts.
Calibration of h'Es from VIPIR2 ionosondes in Japan
Authors: Teraoka Sorai , Liu Huixin , Nishioka Michi , Saito Susumu , Takahashi Toru , Kumamoto Atsushi , Ashihara Yuki , Abe Takumi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The measurement of virtual height of the sporadic E layer (h'Es) is very sensitive to the type of ionosonde used and the calibration processes. The ionosondes used by the national institute of communication and technology (NICT) has changed several times in the past, resulting in large differences in h'Es before and after the change. We propose a simple method to calibrate h'Es. We used the data of ionosonde observations at four stations, i.e., Wakkanai (45.16°N, 141.75°E), Tokyo (35.71°N, 139.49°E), Yamagawa (31.20°N, 130.62°E), Okinawa (26.68°N, 128.15°E) to calibrate the latest ionosondes VIPIR2, which were installed in May 2017. We carried out the analysis by applying the double-reflection method to the original ionogram images between 2017 and 2021. By developing an automated image detecting algorithm, we were able to process a large amount of data and achieve a calibration with high accuracy. As a result, it was found that the current VIPIR2 data had an offset of 26–28 km.

Graphical abstract