bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of polypharmacy with frailty severity and each frailty phenotype in community‐dwelling older adults: Itabashi Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Daimaru Kaori , Osuka Yosuke , Kojima Narumi , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Motokawa Keiko , Iwasaki Masanori , Inagaki Hiroki , Miyamae Fumiko , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Hirano Hirohiko , Awata Shuichi , Sasai Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2024

AimAlthough polypharmacy and frailty are concerns in older adults, there is limited understanding of their association, particularly regarding frailty severity and its phenotypes within this population. This study aimed to examine the association between polypharmacy and frailty severity or frailty phenotypes in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 1021 older adults from the Itabashi Longitudinal Study on Aging. Men accounted for 45.4%, and the mean age (standard deviation) was 77.9 (5.1) years. Participants were classified into frail (n = 67), pre‐frail (n = 543), and robust (n = 411) groups using the revised Japanese Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Polypharmacy was defined as using five or more self‐reported prescription drugs. Ordinal and binomial logistic regression analyses examined the association between polypharmacy and frailty severity or frailty phenotypes (weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low activity). These models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, number of comorbidities, living status, employment status, years of education, as well as drinking and smoking habits.ResultsThe prevalence of frailty in participants with and without polypharmacy was 10.1% and 5.0%, respectively. Participants with polypharmacy were more likely to have frailty (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.89 [1.40–2.57]), weight loss (1.81 [1.00–3.27]), weakness (1.50 [1.08–2.09]), and slowness (2.25 [1.29–3.94]) compared with the no‐polypharmacy group.ConclusionsPolypharmacy was associated with frailty severity and three frailty phenotypes. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate whether polypharmacy can predict the development and progression of frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 196–201.
Unpacking intercity competitive relations in the global corporate spatial organization of manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Weiyang , Qian Yuxin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDespite being a traditional research topic in urban studies, competitive relations among cities have rarely been quantified in empirical research. Drawing on methods of social network analysis, this study aims to extract intercity competitive relations at the global scale based on the global corporate spatial organization of manufacturing. The geographies of competitive relations manifest different patterns from those of global city networks based on cooperative relations. This study finds an inverse U‐shaped relationship between cities’ connectivities and their gross intensity of competition. Although most global cities have unique positions in global manufacturing competition, intensive competition occurs among some global cities, whereas extensive competition exists between wide‐ranging cities with weak global connectivities. Furthermore, there is strong competition among cities of similar size and among those located in the same region. This research not only re‐examines global intercity relations from a competitive perspective but also informs the formulation of policy‐making on competition strategies of cities.
Fabrication of mechanically robust nanoporous ZrSiO4 ceramics at low temperature with a low doping level of Mn dopant
Authors: Fu Le , Zhou Huasi , Klintberg Lena , Engqvist Håkan , Xia Wei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractZircon (ZrSiO4) ceramics have been widely used in many fields due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. However, ZrSiO4 ceramics typically possess moderately low mechanical properties, which hinders their wider application. Meanwhile, elevated temperatures (∼1500°C) are required to obtain high‐purity synthetic ZrSiO4 ceramics, which is time‐ and energy‐consuming. In the present study, we prepared mechanically robust ZrSiO4 ceramics at low temperature (∼1170°C) with a low doping level of Mn dopant (<2 mol%). The ZrSiO4 ceramic processed by hot isostatic pressing with .5 mol% Mn dopant achieved the highest flexural strength (512 MPa), elastic modulus (341 GPa), and nanohardness (20.8 GPa). These values are significantly higher than conventional ZrSiO4 ceramics. The strengthening mechanisms of the prepared ZrSiO4 ceramics were attributed to the formation of homogeneously‐distributed nanopores due to incomplete densification and submicron ZrSiO4 grains (∼300 nm). The nanopores avoided stress concentration and deflected microcracks during loading, and the submicron ZrSiO4 grains endowed the ZrSiO4 ceramics with grain refinement strengthening. The results reported in this study would offer guidance to fabricate mechanically robust ZrSiO4 ceramics at low temperatures with a low doping level of dopant.
Dose reduction is a feasible strategy in patients with plaque psoriasis who achieve sustained response with secukinumab: a retrospective, multicenter cohort study in daily practice setting
Authors: Daudén Esteban , Escario Elena , Martos‐Cabrera Luisa , Armesto Susana , Herrera‐Acosta Enrique , Vidal David , Vilarrasa Eva , Rivera Raquel , de la Cueva Pablo , Martorell Antonio , Ballesca Ferran , Belinchón Isabel , Carretero Gregorio , Rodríguez Lourdes , Romero‐Maté Alberto , Pujol‐Montcusí J. , Salgado Laura , Sahuquillo‐Torralba Antonio , Coto‐Segura Pablo , Baniandrés Ofelia , Feltes R. , Riera‐Monroig Josep , Garrido Jesus , Llamas‐Velasco Mar 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundBiological therapy dose modification is a common practice in the long‐term treatment of plaque psoriasis.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine prevalence, characteristics of patients, effectiveness, treatment survival of secukinumab dose reduction (SEC‐DR) strategy and assess its safety and cost implications.MethodsA retrospective, observational, multicenter cohort study was conducted in patients with plaque psoriasis treated with secukinumab and up to 2 years of follow‐up.ResultsIn 63/347 patients with an initial standard dose regimen, SEC‐DR was tried at any moment in 18.2% of them after sustained response. In 51 patients, the interval between administrations was increased while in 12 patients, monthly dose was reduced to 150 mg. Successful SEC‐DR was achieved in 77.8% of the patients, with sustained PASI response to the end of the study. Survival of secukinumab treatment and safety profile were not compromised by DR. The use of DR saved 33% of the cost, including failures in which standard treatment was resumed.LimitationsThe proper of the study designed and the arbitrary definition of “DR success.”ConclusionOff‐label SEC‐DR strategy was used in patients with sustained response to standard dose regimen; this strategy showed long‐term efficacy without compromising treatment survival or worsening the safety profile while also being cost saving.
A meta‐analysis examining the impact of open surgical therapy versus minimally invasive surgery on wound infection in females with cervical cancer
Authors: Yun Zhouhui , Li Xiumin , Zhu Di , Li Lijie , Jiang Shenglin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA meta‐analysis study was executed to measure the effect of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgical management (OSM) on wound infection (WI) in female's cervical cancer (CC). A comprehensive literature study till February 2023 was applied and 1675 interrelated investigations were reviewed. The 41 chosen investigations enclosed 10 204 females with CC and were in the chosen investigations' starting point, 4294 of them were utilizing MIS, and 5910 were utilizing OSM. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to compute the value of the effect of MIS and OSM on WI in female's CC and by the dichotomous approaches and a fixed or random model. The MIS had significantly lower WI (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.15–0.35, p < 0.001) with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%) and postoperative aggregate complications (PACs) (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37–0.64, p < 0.001) in females with CC and compared OSM. However, MIS compared with OSM in females with CC and had no significant difference in pelvic infection and abscess (PIA) (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.31–1.16, p = 0.13). The MIS had significantly lower WI, and PACs, though, had no significant difference in PIA in females with CC and compared with OSM. However, care must be exercised when dealing with its values because of the low sample size of some of the nominated investigations for the meta‐analysis.
Prognostic value of longitudinal HbA1c variability in predicting the development of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort observational study
Authors: Lai Yun‐Ru , Chiu Wen‐Chan , Huang Chih‐Cheng , Cheng Ben‐Chung , Yu I‐Hsun , Kung Chia‐Te , Lin Ting Yin , Chiang Hui Ching , Kuo Chun‐En Aurea , Lu Cheng‐Hsien 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionThis prospective cohort study aims to identify the optimal measure of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) variability and to explore its relationship with the development of new diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, building upon previous cross‐sectional studies that highlighted a significant association between HbA1c visit‐to‐visit variability and DSPN.Materials and MethodsIn a prospective study, 321 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent comprehensive clinical assessments, neurophysiologic studies, and laboratory evaluations at enrollment and follow‐up. Various indices, including HbA1c standard deviation (HbA1c SD), coefficient of variation (HbA1c CV), HbA1c change score (HbA1c HVS), and average real variability (HbA1c ARV), were employed to calculate the visit‐to‐visit variability HbA1c based on 3 month intervals. The investigation focused on examining the associations between these indices and the development of new DSPN.ResultsThe average follow‐up duration was 16.9 ± 6.9 months. The Cox proportional hazards model identified age (P = 0.001), diabetes duration (P = 0.024), and HbA1C ARV (P = 0.031) as the sole factors associated with the development of new DSPN. Furthermore, the cumulative risk of developing DSPN over 1 year demonstrated a significant association with HbA1C ARV (P = 0.03, log‐rank test).ConclusionsApart from age and diabetes duration, HbA1c variability emerged as a robust predictor for the occurrence of new DSPN. Among the various measures of HbA1c variability evaluated, HbA1c ARV demonstrated the highest potential as a reliable indicator for anticipating the onset of new DSPN.
Vascularization of the gastrointestinal tract of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu 1821)
Authors: Gerussi Tommaso , Graïc Jean‐Marie , Orekhova Ksenia , Cozzi Bruno , Grandis Annamaria 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOdontocetes primarily rely on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans as their main source of nutrition. In the digestive system, their polygastric complex exhibits similarities to that of their closest terrestrial relatives such as cows, sheep, and giraffes, while the entero‐colic tract shares similarities with terrestrial carnivores. The morphology, caliber, and structure of the odontocete intestine are relatively constant, and, since there is no caecum, a distinction between the small and large intestine and their respective subdivisions is difficult. To address this issue, we used the intestinal vascularization pattern, specifically the course and branching of the celiac artery (CA) and the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries (CrMA and CdMA). A series of pictures and dissections of 10 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were analyzed. Additionally, we performed a cast by injecting colored polyurethane foam in both arteries and veins to measure the caliber of the arteries and clarify their monopodial or dichotomous branching. Our results showed the presence of multiple duodenal arteries (DAs) detaching from the CA. The CrMA gave origin to multiple jejunal arteries, an ileocolic artery (ICA), and, in six cases, a CdMA. In four specimens, the CdMA directly originated from the abdominal aorta. The ICA gave rise to the mesenteric ileal branches (MIB) and mesenteric anti‐ileal branches and the right colic arteries (RCA) and the middle colic arteries. From the CdMA originated the left colic and cranial rectal arteries (LCA and CrRA). The measurements revealed a mixed monopodial and dichotomous branching scheme. The analysis of the arteries and their branching gave us an instrument, based on comparative anatomy, to distinguish between the different intestinal compartments. We used the midpoint of anastomoses between MIB and RCA to indicate the border between the small and the large intestine, and the midpoint of anastomoses between LCA and CrRA, to tell the colon from the rectum. This pattern suggested an elongation of the duodenum and a shortening of the colic tract that is still present in this species. These findings might be related to the crucial need to possess a long duodenal tract to digest prey ingested whole without chewing. A short aboral part is also functional to avoid gas‐producing colic fermentation. The rare origin of the CdMA on the CrMA might instead be a consequence of the cranial thrust of the abdominopelvic organs related to the loss of the pelvic girdle that occurred during the evolution of cetaceans.
In vitro evaluation of the application of an optimized xylanase cocktail for improved monogastric feed digestibility
Authors: Ramatsui Lebogang , Sithole Tariro , Gandla Madhavi L. , Jönsson Leif J. , Edkins Adrienne L. , Malgas Samkelo , Pletschke Brett I. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractXylanases from glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 10 and 11 are common feed additives for broiler chicken diets due to their catalytic activity on the nonstarch polysaccharide xylan. This study investigated the potential of an optimized binary GH10 and GH11 xylanase cocktail to mitigate the antinutritional effects of xylan on the digestibility of locally sourced chicken feed. Immunofluorescence visualization of the activity of the xylanase cocktail on xylan in the yellow corn of the feed showed a substantial collapse in the morphology of cell walls. Secondly, the reduction in the viscosity of the digesta of the feed by the cocktail showed an effective degradation of the soluble fraction of xylan. Analysis of the xylan degradation products from broiler feeds by the xylanase cocktail showed that xylotriose and xylopentaose were the major xylooligosaccharides (XOS) produced. In vitro evaluation of the prebiotic potential of these XOS showed that they improved the growth of the beneficial bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. The antibacterial activity of broths from XOS‐supplemented probiotic cultures showed a suppressive effect on the growth of the extraintestinal infectious bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. Supplementing the xylanase cocktail in cereal animal feeds attenuated xylan's antinutritional effects by reducing digesta viscosity and releasing entrapped nutrients. Furthermore, the production of prebiotic XOS promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Based on these effects of the xylanase cocktail on the feed, improved growth performance and better feed conversion can potentially be achieved during poultry rearing.
Context‐dependent accuracy of the cobas plasma separation card for HCV RNA viral load measurement
Authors: Qureshi Huma , Duran Ana Carrasco , Mahmood Hassan , Sarwar Zahida , Mahmood Khalid , Midde Krishna , Canchola Jesse A. , Parkin Neil T. , La Brot Benjamin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCollection and preservation of plasma are challenging in remote or under‐resourced settings. The cobas® Plasma Separation Card (PSC) is an alternative specimen type for blood‐borne pathogen nucleic acid quantitation. We assessed PSC as a specimen type for HCV RNA quantitation in Pakistan. Plasma from venous blood and PSC from finger prick blood were prepared at two sites: Site 1 (in Lahore, n = 199) consisted of laboratory‐based outpatient clinics. Specimens were prepared in the same facility and stored frozen. Site 2 was a catchment area within a resource‐limited, semi‐urban locality of Islamabad with limited access to healthcare services (n = 151). Community public health outreach staff collected blood and prepared the PSC in the participants' homes. Specimens were transported to the central hepatitis laboratory in Lahore to be stored frozen until tested. HCV RNA testing was performed using the cobas HCV RNA test in a central laboratory. Concordance with respect to RNA detectability was high at Site 1 (97.4%), but lower at Site 2 (82.4%). At Site 1, HCV viral load in plasma and PSC were well correlated across the linear range with a 0.21 log10 IU/mL mean bias toward higher concentrations in PSC. At Site 2, HCV viral load in plasma and PSC were poorly correlated. There was a 0.11 log10 IU/mL mean bias toward higher concentrations in PSC. PSC performance can be excellent in underserved settings where refrigerated transport of traditional specimens is difficult. In very challenging field settings, extra support must be provided to ensure correct specimen collection and handling.
Total factor productivity and state ownership: Evidence from China's 2008 stimulus package
Authors: Han Shi‐zhuan , Duan Taotao , Gao Han , Zhou Tianhang , Li Jie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe examine the impact of China's economic stimulus plan in 2008 on the total factor productivity (TFP) of China's listed firms. We hypothesize that firms operating in regions characterized by greater resource misallocation would experience a more pronounced decline in TFP following the implementation of the stimulus plan. To gauge the extent of resource misallocation, we employ the proportion of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) as a measure. Our findings reveal a substantial decrease in TFP for firms located in provinces with higher SOE shares compared to those in provinces with lower SOE shares, amounting to approximately 9.2%. These results highlight the unintended policy consequence of the stimulus plan for firm‐level productivity in China.
The alternative sigma factor RpoS regulates Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing response by repressing the pqsABCDE operon and activating vfr
Authors: Muriel‐Millán Luis Felipe , Montelongo‐Martínez Luis Fernando , González‐Valdez Abigail , Bedoya‐Pérez Leidy Patricia , Cocotl‐Yañez Miguel , Soberón‐Chávez Gloria 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen. Several of its virulence‐related processes, including the synthesis of pyocyanin (PYO) and biofilm formation, are controlled by quorum sensing (QS). It has been shown that the alternative sigma factor RpoS regulates QS through the reduction of lasR and rhlR transcription (encoding QS regulators). However, paradoxically, the absence of RpoS increases PYO production and biofilm development (that are RhlR dependent) by unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that RpoS represses pqsE transcription, which impacts the stability and activity of RhlR. In the absence of RpoS, rhlR transcript levels are reduced but not the RhlR protein concentration, presumably by its stabilization by PqsE, whose expression is increased. We also report that PYO synthesis and the expression of pqsE and phzA1B1C1D1E1F1G1 operon exhibit the same pattern at different RpoS concentrations, suggesting that the RpoS‐dependent PYO production is due to its ability to modify PqsE concentration, which in turn modulates the activation of the phzA1 promoter by RhlR. Finally, we demonstrate that RpoS favors the expression of Vfr, which activates the transcription of lasR and rhlR. Our study contributes to the understanding of how RpoS modulates the QS response in P. aeruginosa, exerting both negative and positive regulation.
Circular RNA CircACAP2 regulates temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis via miR‐21‐5p/PLAG1 axis
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Qu Zhuli , Shi Tingting , Zhao Huaqiang , Huang Shengdong , Ma Chuan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) remains not fully understood. Our previous studies demonstrated that miR‐21‐5p may participate in the TMJOA development and the interaction between circRNA‐ACAP2 (CircACAP2) and miR‐21‐5p. Our present study aimed to explore the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of CircACAP2 in TMJOA.Materials and MethodsThe differential expression pattern of CircACAP2 in OA and normal tissues or cells was detected. CircACAP2 biological functions experiments were performed in chondrocytes by overexpression and interference techniques. The interaction of CircACAP2 with miR‐21‐5p and downstream target mRNA, polymorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1), was predicted by bioinformatic databases and then demonstrated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The biological role of CircACAP2 in TMJOA was investigated and validated in a mouse model.ResultsThe expression level of CircACAP2 was markedly reduced in OA cartilage and directly related to chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis as well as ECM metabolism in the cartilage. CircACAP2 functioned in chondrocytes via targeting miR‐21‐5p and PLAG1. Overexpressing of CircACAP2 alleviated TMJOA in mouse models.ConclusionsThe present study unveiled that CircACAP2/miR‐21‐5p/PLAG1 axis may play an important regulatory role in TMJOA progression, which may highlight a potentially effective intervention and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TMJOA.
Transposable elements contribute to the establishment of the glycine shuttle in Brassicaceae species
Authors: Triesch S. , Denton A. K. , Bouvier J. W. , Buchmann J. P. , Reichel‐Deland V. , Guerreiro R. N. F. M. , Busch N. , Schlüter U. , Stich B. , Kelly S. , Weber A. P. M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

C3‐C4 intermediate photosynthesis has evolved at least five times convergently in the Brassicaceae, despite this family lacking bona fide C4 species. The establishment of this carbon concentrating mechanism is known to require a complex suite of ultrastructural modifications, as well as changes in spatial expression patterns, which are both thought to be underpinned by a reconfiguration of existing gene‐regulatory networks. However, to date, the mechanisms which underpin the reconfiguration of these gene networks are largely unknown.

In this study, we used a pan‐genomic association approach to identify genomic features that could confer differential gene expression towards the C3‐C4 intermediate state by analysing eight C3 species and seven C3‐C4 species from five independent origins in the Brassicaceae.

We found a strong correlation between transposable element (TE) insertions in cis‐regulatory regions and C3‐C4 intermediacy. Specifically, our study revealed 113 gene models in which the presence of a TE within a gene correlates with C3‐C4 intermediate photosynthesis. In this set, genes involved in the photorespiratory glycine shuttle are enriched, including the glycine decarboxylase P‐protein whose expression domain undergoes a spatial shift during the transition to C3‐C4 photosynthesis. When further interrogating this gene, we discovered independent TE insertions in its upstream region which we conclude to be responsible for causing the spatial shift in GLDP1 gene expression.

Our findings hint at a pivotal role of TEs in the evolution of C3‐C4 intermediacy, especially in mediating differential spatial gene expression.