bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myeloperoxidase activity predicts atherosclerotic plaque disruption and atherothrombosis
Authors: Nadel James , Wang Xiaoying , Saha Prakash , Bongers André , Tumanov Sergey , Giannotti Nicola , Chen Weiyu , Vigder Niv , Chowdhury Mohammed M. , Lima da Cruz Gastao , Velasco Carlos , Prieto Claudia , Jabbour Andrew , Botnar René M. , Stocker Roland , Phinikaridou Alkystis 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundUnstable atherosclerotic plaque is characterized by increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. As unstable plaque is vulnerable to disruption and ensuing thrombosis, we examined whether plaque MPO activity predicts atherothrombosis in a pre-clinical model and correlates with ruptured human atheroma.MethodsTo assess if plaque MPO activity predicts atherothrombosis, rabbits were subjected to aortic endothelial denudation, cholesterol feeding,in vivomagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of MPO activity using MPO-Gd (gadolinium), followed by pharmacological triggering of atherothrombosis, histology, and MPO activity determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) by quantifying the MPO-specific product of hydroethidine, 2-chloroethidium. To correlate plaque MPO activity to ruptured human atheroma,ex vivodetermination of MPO activity by MPO-Gd retention in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens was correlated within vivoMRI plaque phenotyping in patients, histology, and MPO activity determined by LC-MSMS.ResultsIn rabbits, pre-triggerin vivoMPO activity, validated by LC-MSMS and histology, was higher in thrombosis-prone than thrombosis-resistant plaques and lesion-free segments (R1 relaxation rate = 2.2 ± 0.4 versus 1.6 ± 0.2 and 1.5 ± 0.2 s-1, respectively, p<0.0001), and it predicted atherothrombosis. In CEA specimens, MPO-Gd retention was greater in histologic and MRI-graded American Heart Association (AHA) type VI than types III, IV and V plaques (ΔR1 relaxation rate from baseline = 48 ± 6 versus 16 ± 7, 17 ± 8 and 23 ± 8%, respectively, p<0.0001). This association was confirmed by comparing AHA grade to MPO activity determined by LC-MSMS (277 ± 338 versus 7 ± 6, 11 ± 12 and 42 ± 39 pmol 2-chloroethidium/mg protein for type VI versus type III-V plaques, respectively, p=0.0008).ConclusionsMPO activity is elevated in thrombosis-prone rabbit and ruptured human atheroma. Non-invasive molecular imaging of MPO activity predicts atherothrombosis, highlighting the potential of arterial MPO activity to detect vulnerable, destabilized atherosclerosis.
Progression Subtypes in Parkinson’s Disease: A Data-driven Multi-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Hähnel Tom , Raschka Tamara , Sapienza Stefano , Klucken Jochen , Glaab Enrico , Corvol Jean-Christophe , Falkenburger Björn , Fröhlich Holger 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is heterogeneous across patients. This heterogeneity complicates patients counseling and inflates the number of patients needed to test potential neuroprotective treatments. Moreover, disease subtypes might require different therapies. This work uses a data-driven approach to investigate how observed heterogeneity in PD can be explained by the existence of distinct PD progression subtypes.MethodsTo derive stable PD progression subtypes in an unbiased manner, we analyzed multimodal longitudinal data from three large PD cohorts. A latent time joint mixed-effects model (LTJMM) was used to align patients on a common disease timescale. Progression subtypes were identified by variational deep embedding with recurrence (VaDER). These subtypes were then characterized across the three cohorts using clinical scores, DaTSCAN imaging and digital gait biomarkers. To assign patients to progression subtypes from baseline data, we developed predictive models and performed extensive cross-cohort validation.ResultsIn each cohort, we identified a fast-progressing and a slow-progressing subtype. These subtypes were reflected by different patterns of motor and non-motor symptoms progression, survival rates, treatment response and features extracted from DaTSCAN imaging and digital gait assessments. Predictive models achieved robust performance with ROC-AUC up to 0.79 for subtype identification. Simulations demonstrated that enriching clinical trials with fast-progressing patients based on predictions from baseline can reduce the required cohort size by 43%.ConclusionOur results show that heterogeneity in PD can be explained by two distinct subtypes of PD progression that are stable across cohorts and can be predicted from baseline data. These subtypes align with the brain-first vs. body-first concept, which potentially provides a biological explanation for subtype differences. The predictive models will enable clinical trials with significantly lower sample sizes by enriching fast-progressing patients.
Overweight and its Associated Risk Factors among Students in Tertiary Institutions of Learning in Mongu District of Western Province, Zambia; A cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Mooka Larry L. , Funduluka Priscilla , Nawa Mukumbuta 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTIntroductionOverweight and obesity are key public health issues in many high-income countries and have become a major public health concern affecting all ages, including adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries. This study determined the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associated factors among undergraduate students at colleges and universities in the Mongu district of the Western Province of Zambia.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Undergraduate students aged 18 to 26 years were sampled from two colleges and one university in Mongu. Data was collected electronically by trained research assistants using a structured questionnaire using Kobo Collect software. Data was analysed using Stata version 14 software. The analysis included descriptive statistics, using counts, frequencies, percentages, means and medians depending on the distribution of the data. Chi-squared tests of association, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were done to test for association between overweight and independent variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 330 students were captured in the survey; over half of the respondents were female students 214 (64.85%), while 116 (35.15%) were male respondents. Body Mass Index (BMI) showed that 21 (6.8%) were underweight, 208 (63.0%) had normal weight, 76 (23.0%) were overweight, and 25 (7.6%) were obese. Factors associated with overweight and obesity included female sex aOR 1.68 (95%CI 1.02 – 2.76), age and alcohol intake.ConclusionsA third of the students were either overweight or obese. Sex, age and alcohol intake were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among students. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among young adults, and this calls for early interventions in learning institutions to combat obesity.
A Data Driven Approach for Choosing a Wearable Sleep Tracker
Authors: Ong Ju Lynn , Golkashani Hosein Aghayan , Ghorbani Shohreh , Wong Kian F , Chee Nicholas IYN , Willoughby Adrian R , Chee Michael WL 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTGoal and AimsTo evaluate the performance of 6 wearable devices across 4 device classes (research-grade EEG-based headband, research-grade actigraphy, high-end consumer tracker, low-cost consumer tracker) over 3 age-groups (young: 18-30y, middle-aged: 31-50y and older adults: 51-70y).Focus TechnologyDreem 3 headband, Actigraph GT9X, Oura ring Gen3 running the latest sleep staging algorithm (OSSA 2.0), Fitbit Sense, Xiaomi Mi Band 7, Axtro Fit3.Reference TechnologyIn-lab polysomnography (PSG) with consensus sleep scoring.Sample60 participants (26 males) across 3 age groups (young: N=21, middle-aged: N=23 and older adults: N=16).DesignParticipants slept overnight in a sleep laboratory from their habitual sleep time to wake time, wearing 5 devices concurrently.Core AnalyticsDiscrepancy and epoch-by-epoch analyses for sleep/wake (2-stage) and sleep-stage (4-stage; wake/light/deep/REM) classification (devices vs. PSG). Mixed model ANOVAs for comparisons of biases across devices (within-subject), and age and sex (between-subjects).Core OutcomesThe EEG-based Dreem headband outperformed the other wearables in terms of 2-stage (kappa = .76) and 4-stage (kappa = .76-.86) classification but was not tolerated by at least 25% of participants. This was followed by the high-end, validated consumer trackers: Oura (2-stage kappa = .64, 4-stage kappa = .55-.70) and Fitbit (2-stage kappa = .58, 4-stage kappa = .45-.60). Next was the accelerometry-based research-grade Actigraph which only provided 2-stage classification (kappa = .47), and finally the low-cost consumer trackers which had very low kappa values overall (2-stage kappa < .31, 4-stage kappa < .33).Important Additional OutcomesProportional biases were driven by nights with poorer sleep (i.e., longer sleep onset latencies [SOL] and wake after sleep onset [WASO]). For those nights with sleep efficiency ≥85%, the large majority of sleep measure estimates from Dreem, Oura, Fitbit and Actigraph were within clinically acceptable limits of 30 mins. Biases for total sleep time [TST] and WASO were also largest in older participants who tended to have poorer sleep.Core ConclusionThe Dreem band is recommended for highest accuracy sleep tracking, but it has price, comfort and ease of use trade-offs. The high-end consumer sleep trackers (Oura, Fitbit) balance classification accuracy with cost, comfort and ease of use and are recommended for large-scale population studies where sleep is mostly normal. The low-cost trackers, despite poor wake detection could have some utility for logging time in bed.
The ability of the LIMD1 and TRIP6 LIM domains to bind to f-actin under strain is critical for their tension dependent localization to adherens junctions and association with the Hippo pathway kinase LATS1
Authors: Ray Samriddha , DeSilva Chamika , Dasgupta Ishani , Mana-Capelli Sebastian , Cruz-Calderon Natasha , McCollum Dannel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA key step in regulation of Hippo pathway signaling in response to mechanical tension is recruitment of the LIM domain proteins TRIP6 and LIMD1 to adherens junctions. Mechanical tension also triggers TRIP6 and LIMD1 to bind and inhibit the Hippo pathway kinase LATS1. How TRIP6 and LIMD1 are recruited to adherens junctions in response to tension is not clear, but previous studies suggested that they could be regulated by the known mechanosensory proteinsα-catenin and vinculin at adherens junctions. We found that the three LIM domains of TRIP6 and LIMD1 are necessary and sufficient for tension-dependent localization to adherens junctions. The LIM domains of TRIP6, LIMD1, and certain other LIM domain proteins have been shown to bind to actin networks under strain/tension. Consistent with this, we show that TRIP6 and LIMD1 colocalize with the ends of actin fibers at adherens junctions. Point mutations in a key conserved residue in each LIM domain that are predicted to impair binding to f-actin under strain inhibits TRIP6 and LIMD1 localization to adherens junctions and their ability to bind to and recruit LATS1 to adherens junctions. Together these results show that the ability of TRIP6 and LIMD1 to bind to strained actin underlies their ability to localize to adherens junctions and regulate LATS1 in response to mechanical tension.
Brainstem premotor mechanisms underlying vocal production and vocal-respiratory coordination
Authors: Park Jaehong , Choi Seonmi , Takatoh Jun , Zhao Shengli , Harrahill Andrew , Han Bao-Xia , Wang Fan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSpeech generation critically depends on precise controls of laryngeal muscles and coordination with ongoing respiratory activity. However, the neural mechanisms governing these processes remain unknown. Here, we mapped laryngeal premotor circuitry in adult mice and viral-genetically identified excitatory vocal premotor neurons located in the retroambiguus nucleus (RAmVOC) as both necessary and sufficient for driving vocal-cord closure and eliciting mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). The duration of RAmVOCactivation determines the lengths of USV syllables and post-inspiration phases. RAmVOC-neurons receive inhibitory inputs from the preBötzinger complex, and inspiration needs can override RAmVOC-mediated vocal-cord closure. Ablating inhibitory synapses in RAmVOC-neurons compromised this inspiration gating of laryngeal adduction, resulting in de-coupling of vocalization and respiration. Our study revealed the hitherto unknown circuits for vocal pattern generation and vocal-respiratory coupling.One-Sentence SummaryIdentification of RAmVOCneurons as the critical node for vocal pattern generation and vocal-respiratory coupling.
Could Metformin use reduce abdominal aortic aneurysm risk? A Mendelian randomisation study using known Metformin targets
Authors: Saxby Katie L , Dudbridge Frank , Samani Nilesh J , Bown Matthew J , Nelson Christopher P 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionAn abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling of the main artery in the body estimated to affect 0.92% of adults (aged 30-79) worldwide. Rupture is often fatal and surgical intervention may be offered if the risk of rupture is high. There is no treatment to prevent AAA or to slow aneurysm growth aside from dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Metformin, a drug prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, has previously been associated with a potential reduction in AAA disease risk but no causal link has been shown. Here we investigate the causal link between Metformin and AAA risk through Mendelian randomisation (MR).MethodsWe conducted a two-sample MR analysis using genetic variants associated with gene expression of five Metformin drug targets that also show a genetic association with decreased glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Effect sizes are obtained from within UK Biobank for HbA1c, and within AAAgen for AAA risk, a multi-ancestry meta-GWAS analysis of 39,221 cases and 1,086,107 controls.ResultsWe identified statistically significant evidence of a causal association between a genetic proxy for Metformin action and a decrease in AAA risk, OR=0.58 (95%CI: 0.37-0.90 p=0.015). We estimate that on average a one standard deviation decrease in HbA1c, measured via Metformin gene targets, reduces AAA risk by over 40%.ConclusionMetformin use in those at increased risk of AAA may reduce incidence of disease. Clinical trials are required to assess the efficacy of Metformin in reducing disease risk.
CORRELATIVE STUDY ON BODY MASS INDEX AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE
Authors: Innocent David Chinaecherem , Vasavada Advait , Kumar Ramesh , Andani Rupesh , Ezejindu Cosmas Nnadozie , Siddiq Mohammad Arham , Innocent Rejoicing Chijindum , Dike Ihuoma Chimdimma , Lounis Mohamed 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundA few studies have found a connection between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP), which may contribute to people’s health issues. A person who has a BMI greater than what is considered healthy for their height to weight ratio is more likely to have high blood pressure, which increases their risk for conditions including type 2 diabetes, gallstones, respiratory issues, and some types of cancer. Understanding the relationship between blood pressure and body mass index is crucial.AimThe overall goal of this review is to provide evidence on a correlative study of blood pressure and BMI in the United Kingdom.MethodsA literature search was conducted on PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library to identify studies addressing the primary research question. The participants for this study were individuals in the United Kingdom aged 18 years and above. The study considered studies published from 2000–2022 and quantitative studies as well as mixed-method studies. The critical appraisal risk of bias tool was used to determine the quality assessment of the studies included in this systematic review.Results27,322 participants were involved from a total of seven eligible studies were identified from the hits. The overall pooled correlation of body mass index and blood pressure in the United Kingdom was 0.6, demonstrating that there is a correlation between the variables. From three of the studies, a correlation between body mass index (Kg/m2) and systolic blood pressure (mmHg) across the participants was noted (n = 27,322, SD: 21.4; r = 0.6, p>0.000).ConclusionBody mass index and blood pressure are strongly correlated in both the general population and tens of thousands of subgroups, suggesting that almost all demographic groups in the UK are affected by the growth in hypertension prevalence. In light of the estimates of the potential associations between body mass index, stroke, and ischemic heart disease based on the current pattern of treatment in this population, the UK and other nations going through a similar epidemiologic transition should be persuaded to address the rising prevalence of hypertension as a national priority.
E-commerce participation, digital finance and farmers' income
Authors: Yi Famin , Yao Lihao , Sun Yucheng , Cai Yi 
Published: October 2023

PurposeIt is imperative to achieve sustainable growth in farmers' earnings to sustain poverty alleviation efforts and achieve rural revitalization goals. The authors investigated the nature of the non-linear relationship between farmers' e-commerce participation and income growth, analyzed the rationale behind this correlation and examined the moderating effect of digital finance on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted an empirical investigation using rural household data from the China Household Finance Survey and the regional digital finance index compiled by Peking University. The authors employed a fixed-effect model and a moderating effect model to identify the non-linear influences of e-commerce participation on farmers' income and to analyze the positive synergies of digital finance. The authors used identification and estimation techniques to mitigate the endogeneity problem, specifically employing heteroscedasticity-based instruments.FindingsThere is an inverted U-shaped relationship between e-commerce participation and farmers' income. Digital finance reduces the declining trend in the marginal effects of e-commerce and increases marginal values. Furthermore, the synergistic effect can promote the quality and efficiency of business activities by easing credit constraints, reducing risk aversion and stimulating innovative activities, which in turn can lead to sustained revenue growth.Originality/valueFew studies have focused on the non-linear relationship between e-commerce and farmers' income. This implies that achieving sustained income growth using e-commerce alone is difficult. The synergy between e-commerce and digital finance is a feasible path for achieving this goal.
Fostering healthy ageing through understanding food coping strategies
Authors: Dyen Margot , Gourmelen Andréa , Guillemot Samuel , Malas Ziad , Tamaro Annick 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Preventative public health policies often rely on objective criteria to identify people in vulnerable situations. Age is one of the criteria when investigating the risk of malnutrition associated with ageing. By looking at changes in the food practices of individuals as they age, this study aims to seek to contribute to more precise targeting of older adults in view of the dynamic nature of ageing.

Design/methodology/approach
From a theoretical perspective, this research is based on the life course paradigm. Data were collected from 42 semi-structured interviews with retirees aged 60 and over.

Findings
The results show that some ageing events lead to immense reconfigurations of individuals’ lives, implying changes as prior food practices are extensively replaced by new ones (“rebuilding after a tsunami”). Other more diffuse and gradual effects of ageing lead to adaptations of previous food practices and, in a more localised way, areas that can be targeted by healthy eating campaigns (“plugging the gaps”). Lastly, this study shows that a normative perspective can help endorse a new social role (“getting into character”), and that relying on their human capital (“it’s a matter of perspective”) can help people cope with new age-related mindsets.

Research limitations/implications
The sample did not include individuals with serious physical or mental health problems at the time of the interviews.

Practical implications
The study identifies social, biological and psychological events related to ageing that have an impact on food practices, as well as moments and milestones for developing public policy campaigns to promote healthy eating.

Originality/value
The study gives insights into the place of food in the process of coping with ageing, showing that food can be either a problem to solve or a resource to help cope with social or psychological imbalances. The holistic view adopted contributes to identifying other events that impact food practices (and consequently health) during the ageing process.
Public health promotion of COVID-19 vaccination to rural consumers: synthesising the role of social media and religious belief systems
Authors: Jaravaza Divaries Cosmas , Risiro Joshua , Mukucha Paul , Jaravaza Nomuhle 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
The main purpose of the study was to synthesise the role of COVID-19 social media messages and indigenous religious beliefs on public health promotion initiatives among rural consumers in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted. Population consisting of 15 interviews and six focus groups was purposively sampled from Manicaland, Mashonaland Central and Masvingo provinces in Zimbabwe. A thematic approach was used to present and analyse the data.

Findings
Rural consumers believed WhatsApp messages posted by people whom they know or influential personnel like health workers. Credibility of WhatsApp messages was enhanced through its ability to send videos and audios. Teachings and indoctrination by indigenous churches and misinformation were found to be an impediment in believing COVID-19 WhatsApp messages and vaccination by rural consumers. Faith healers in indigenous churches used various practices and artefacts like holy water, stone pebbles, clay pots, flags and wooden rods to pray and treat patients suffering from COVID-19 and other ailments.

Practical implications
Social media messages, religious teachings and indoctrination may be a hindrance to rural consumers in adopting government public health promotion initiatives; hence, public health professionals need prior emic understanding and co-option of local leadership in vaccination campaigns.

Originality/value
This study outstretches the theoretical landscape in consumer behaviour and also practical contribution to health practitioners and marketers on breaking indigenous religious barriers and social media misconceptions on vaccination uptake through promotional strategies earmarked for rural consumers.