bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure targets for prevention of cognitive decline in patients with diabetes and hypertension: Design of the Blood Pressure Control Target in Diabetes (BPROAD) Cognitive Study
Authors:   The BPROAD Study Group
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundBoth hypertension and diabetes are risk factors of dementia. Proper management of blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose is critical in delaying cognitive decline in the elderly. However, little is known regarding the optimal BP target in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) for the management of cognitive decline.MethodsThe Blood Pressure Control Target in Diabetes (BPROAD) study is a nationwide, multicenter, randomized controlled trial that will enroll 12 702 T2DM patients with elevated systolic BP and increased cardiovascular risk from approximately 150 study centers across mainland China to undergo randomly antihypertensive treatment achieving systolic BP <120 mm Hg or systolic BP <140 mm Hg for up to 5 years. All BPROAD participants will take part in the BPROAD Cognitive Study for the assessment of cognitive function at baseline and annual visits by blinded outcome assessors to determine whether intensive BP treatment reduces risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared with standard BP treatment in patients with T2DM. In addition, approximately 1000 BPROAD participants will be enrolled in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) substudy to receive brain MRI at baseline and at closeout. The primary outcome of BPROAD Cognitive Study is a composite of all‐cause dementia and MCI.ConclusionsThe BPROAD Cognitive Study will provide crucial clinical trial data on the possible benefit of an intensive systolic BP lowering strategy in reducing dementia and MCI in patients with T2DM.
Barriers and enablers to access and utilization of mental health care services across Southeast Asia: A preliminary scoping review
Authors: Andary Sleiman , Bassani Jason , Burrell Gus , Cole Eliza , Evans Rhiannon , Redman Emily , Kumar Saravana 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWhile the importance of mental health and its impact on overall health and well‐being has been widely recognized, there continue to be ongoing barriers to accessing mental health services. This is particularly poignant in countries in Southeast Asia (SEA) where there may be further stigma in accessing mental health services. As no reviews have been undertaken on this topic, this review aims to outline the barriers and enablers to access and utilization of mental health care services in SEA. Searches were undertaken in commercially produced and gray literature sources. Two independent reviewers screened the results. The data were then independently extracted, which was then collated and synthesized, using the Health Belief Model (HMB) as a framework. Twelve studies were included in the review. Under the HBM, barriers were grouped into: stigma, poor health literacy, internalized reasons, cultural beliefs, lack of training of health professionals, quality of service, and poor distribution of resources. Enablers included: social support, outreach services, structural stigma, self‐awareness, resources and information, accessibility and affordability, and positive attitudes and beliefs about health professionals. Those accessing mental health care in SEA are confronted by complex barriers and few enablers. Ongoing stigma and a distinct lack of resources pose the greatest challenges, which are even more amplified for those in rural areas and minority groups. A multifaceted strategy that improves the structures, processes, and outcomes of mental health is required within these communities.
Paediatric‐onset Evans syndrome: Breaking away from refractory immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Aladjidi Nathalie , Pincez Thomas , Rieux‐Laucat Frédéric , Nugent Diane 
Published: September 2023

SummarySince its first description by Evans in 1951, this syndrome has been linked to chronic immune thrombocytopenia with the concurrent or delayed onset of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia or neutropenia. For decades, the evolution of Evans syndrome (ES) has carried a poor prognosis and often resulted in chronic steroid exposure, multiple immune suppressing medications directed against T or B lymphocytes, and splenectomy. This paper presents a new view of ES based on recent advances in genomics which begin to classify patients based on their underlying molecular variants in previously described primary immune disorders. This has opened up new avenues of targeted therapy or bone marrow transplant at rather than broad long‐term immune suppression or splenectomy. Importantly, recent studies of the full lifespan of ES suggest that at least 80% of those paediatric patients will progress to various clinical or biological immunopathological manifestations with age despite the resolution of their cytopenias. Those patients merit long‐term follow‐up and monitoring in dedicated transition programs to improve outcome at the adult age.
The role of T cells and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in refractory immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Yazdanbakhsh Karina , Provan Drew , Semple John W. 
Published: September 2023

SummaryImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by a dysregulated immune response against platelets, affecting both their destruction and production. A role for an abnormal T‐cell compartment has been established in ITP pathogenesis and treatments that increase platelet counts in patients with ITP have shown improvements in T‐cell profiles. On the other hand, patients who were refractory to treatment appear to retain the T‐cell abnormalities as before. Myeloid‐derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) are also emerging as key contributors to the immune pathology of ITP and response to treatment. In this review, we will discuss how various treatments affect the T‐cell and MDSC compartments in ITP. The review will focus on studies that have examined the underlying mechanisms and/or genetic basis responsible for refractoriness to a given treatment and highlight remaining challenges in identifying factors and mechanisms to predict response to treatment.
Interactions between pre‐existing structures and rift faults: Implications for basin geometry in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Guan Wei , Huang Lei , Liu Chiyang , Peng Guangrong , Li Han , Liang Chao , Zhang Lili , Li Hongbo , Wu Zhe , Li Xin , Hu Ruining 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe northern South China Sea (SCS) margin evolved from the Mesozoic convergent to Cenozoic divergent continental margin, and thus, it developed on a heterogeneous crystalline basement with inherited Mesozoic structures. Pre‐existing structures and their interactions with rift faults have historically not been described or interpreted in the intensely stretched Baiyun sub‐basin. Large‐scale 3D seismic reflection data allow us to identify four types of Mesozoic tectonic fabrics within the basement and explain their genesis: (1) Thin, isolated and north‐dipping seismic reflections 1, interpreted as thrust faults representing orogenic processes. Tilted thick seismic reflections 2 are formed by reactivation of seismic reflections 1 during post‐orogenic extension, which are all related to the NW‐ward subduction of the palaeo‐Pacific plate. (2) Thin, isolated and shallowly dipping seismic reflections 3 and low‐amplitude, semi‐transparent and chaotic seismic reflections 4 represent the low‐angle thrust system and the associated nappe units, which are related to the shift from NW‐ to NNW‐ward subduction of the paleo‐Pacific plate. Subsequently, we investigate the structural interaction between Mesozoic intra‐basement and Cenozoic rift structures. Syn‐rift, post‐rift and long‐term faults are developed in Cenozoic strata, and quantitative statistical and qualitative analyses revealed two main types of structural interactions between them and underlying intra‐basement structures: (1) Rift faults develop with inheritance of intra‐basement structures, including fully and partially inherited faults. (2) Rift faults modify intra‐basement structures, although they are controlled by intra‐basement structures at an earlier stage. Finally, our results reveal the control of pre‐existing structures on the geometry of the Baiyun sub‐basin, especially the selective reactivation of NE‐trending shear zones (SR2), which are influenced by the regional stress field and the width and dip of the shear zones.
NRF1 mitigates motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in mice with Parkinson's disease by promoting GLRX m6A methylation through upregulation of METTL3 transcription
Authors: Gong Xin , Huang Mengyi , Chen Lei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the heavy dopaminergic neuron loss of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), while glutaredoxin (GLRX) has been discovered to modulate the death of dopaminergic neurons. In this context, this study was implemented to uncover the impact of GRX1 on motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in PD mice and its potential mechanism.MethodsA PD mouse model was established via injection with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) into mice. After gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays in mice, motor coordination was assessed using rotarod, pole, and open‐field tests, and neurodegeneration in mouse SNpc tissues was determined using immunohistochemistry of tyrosine hydroxylase and Nissl staining. NRF1, methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3), and GLRX expression in SNpc tissues were evaluated using qRT‐PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) levels of GLRX mRNA were examined using MeRIP. The relationship among NRF1, METTL3, and GLRX was determined by RIP, ChIP, and dual luciferase assays.ResultsLow GLRX, METTL3, and NRF1 expression were observed in MPTP‐induced mice, accompanied by decreased m6A modification level of GLRX mRNA. GLRX overexpression alleviated motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in MPTP‐induced mice. METTL3 promoted m6A modification and IGF2BP2‐dependent stability of GLRX mRNA, and NRF1 increased METTL3 expression by binding to METTL3 promoter. NRF1 overexpression increased m6A modification of GLRX mRNA and repressed motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in MPTP‐induced mice, which was counteracted by METTL3 knockdown.ConclusionConclusively, NRF1 constrained motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in MPTP‐induced PD mice by activating the METTL3/GLRX axis.
The prevalence and prognosis of asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis in a community‐based population: Results based on high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Li Shengde , Tang Mingyu , Zhang Dingding , Han Fei , Zhou Lixin , Yao Ming , Li Mingli , Cui Liying , Zhang Shuyang , Peng Bin , Jin Zhengyu , Zhu Yicheng , Ni Jun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeIntracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a major cause of ischemic stroke in China, but the prevalence and prognosis of asymptomatic ICAD detected using high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR‐MRI) is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and prognosis in order to guide neurologists in interpreting ICAD detected on HR‐MRI.MethodsWe included stroke‐free participants from a community‐based prospective cohort (Shunyi study participants) who underwent HR‐MRI between July 2014 and April 2016. The participants were divided into two groups: those with or without ICAD (ICAD+ and ICAD−, respectively). ICAD included intracranial artery stenosis and non‐stenotic plaque. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between ICAD and event outcomes.ResultsA total of 1060 stroke‐free participants evaluated by HR‐MRI were included from the Shunyi study. The median age at HR‐MRI was 56 years and 64.7% were female. The ICAD prevalence was 36.3% (n = 385). The ICAD+ group was older and had more cerebrovascular risk factors. The rates of ischemic stroke in the ICAD− and ICAD+ groups were 1.3% (n = 9) and 5.2% (n = 20), respectively, with a median follow‐up time of 54 months. ICAD was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in the unadjusted and adjusted Cox models, with hazard ratios of 4.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.87–9.05) and 2.50 (95% CI 1.05–5.94), respectively. The greatest risk of an event outcome was observed in participants with ≥70% stenosis or occlusion. The features of high‐risk plaques were also identified.ConclusionsWe found that ICAD detected using HR‐MRI increases the long‐term risk of a first‐ever ischemic stroke in a stroke‐free population, suggesting that the current primary prevention protocol of stroke awaits further optimization.
Evolutionary history and climate co‐determine the geographical variation in pollination modes of angiosperms in China
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Li Yichun , Luo Ao , Lyu Tong , Freckleton Robert P. , Dimitrov Dimitar , Wang Zhiheng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimPollination is an essential stage of angiosperm reproduction, and the mode of pollination plays a major role in driving evolutionary and ecological responses of plants to environmental changes. However, the effects of climate, evolutionary history and floral traits (i.e. plant sexual systems) on pollination mode variation remain unclear. Here, we explored the biogeographic patterns in pollination mode frequency and tested the hypothesis that insect pollination prevails in warm humid regions with old floras due to high pollinator dependence, whereas wind pollination is more frequent in arid regions with younger floras and is more strongly associated with dioecy.LocationChina.Time periodSince the Last Glacial Maximum.Major taxa studiedAngiosperms.MethodsUsing data on pollination modes and geographic ranges of 29,719 angiosperm species in China, we mapped the biogeographic pattern of pollination mode frequency. Phylogenetic logistic regressions and generalized linear mixed models were employed to evaluate the relative importance of climate, evolutionary history (represented by phylogenetic conservatism and grid‐level mean genus age) and sexual systems on variations in pollination modes across species and space.ResultsEvolutionary history was the strongest correlate of pollination mode variation across species and space. The proportion of insect‐pollinated species was higher in humid regions with old floras, but lower in arid regions with young floras. Evolutionary history and temperature dominated variations in pollination mode frequency in humid areas, while precipitation dominated in arid areas. Climate influenced geographic pattern in pollination mode frequency both directly and indirectly via its effects on species richness and plant sexual systems.Main ConclusionsOur results showed that geographic pattern in angiosperm pollination mode frequency is dominated by evolutionary history followed by climate, which extended previous findings of climate‐driven mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate the importance to incorporate evolutionary history in understanding the mechanisms underlying the functional biogeography of plant traits.
Does the pandemic effect still exist? A comparative analysis of online food services in India and Spain
Authors: Singh Nidhi , Alcántara‐Pilar Juan Miguel , Liébana‐Cabanillas Francisco J. , Pavluković Vanja 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic appears to be winding down. But has its psychological effect of the pandemic also faded? This next stage remains uncertain, which needs to be explored further. This article aims to understand changing consumer attitudes in post‐pandemic times. In this regard, the present study conducts a cross‐country analysis to examine and compare the COVID‐19 fear appeals of consumers in India and Spain (if they still exist) that may have an influence on the future use (FU) and recommendation of online food services (OFS). The study integrates the concept of fear appeal, the theory of planned behaviour and cultural values to observe differences between Indian and Spanish consumers, in influencing their intention to use OFS. The findings confirm the importance of hygiene risk, with very low or no significance of perceived COVID‐19 risk on OFS usage in both countries.
Automating social assistance: Exploring the use of robotic process automation in the Swedish personal social services
Authors: Germundsson Nora , Stranz Hugo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMany European countries employ Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in the administration of public benefits. However, there is limited understanding of how RPA is applied at the client level. This article investigates the utilization and impact of RPA use on social assistance (SA) distribution in Sweden, drawing on a sample of 800 SA applications in four Swedish municipalities. The results show that RPA use correlates with applicants' country of birth, age and duration of SA receipt. Additionally, RPA implementation coincides with less generous decisions, disproportionately affecting financially vulnerable groups. Rather than a correlation between generosity and the technology itself, the results suggest a conflict between the reorganisation of SA administration during RPA implementation and the principle of individualized judgments inherent in SA casework. Hence, public organisations are encouraged to ensure that their adoption of RPA neither exacerbates unequal access to services nor compromises professional discretion in favour of efficiency‐driven measures.
Response and innovations of advanced practice nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A scoping review
Authors: Ziegler Erin , Martin‐Misener Ruth , Rietkoetter Sarah , Baumann Andrea , Bougeault Ivy Lynn , Kovacevic Nikolina , Miller Minna , Moseley Jessica , Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Bryant‐Lukosius Denise 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAim:Identify and map international evidence regarding innovations led by or involving advanced practice nurses in response to COVID‐19.BackgroundCOVID‐19 necessitated unprecedented innovation in the organization and delivery of healthcare. Although advanced practice nurses have played a pivotal role during the pandemic, evidence of their contributions to innovations has not been synthesized. Evidence is needed to inform policies, practices, and research about the optimal use of advanced practice nurses.MethodsA scoping review was conducted and reported using the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Electronic databases were searched for peer‐reviewed articles published between January 2020 and December 2021. Papers were included that focused on innovations emerging in response to COVID‐19 and involved advanced practice nurses.ResultsFifty‐one articles were included. Four themes were identified including telehealth, supporting and transforming care, multifaceted approaches, and provider education. Half of the articles used brief and mostly noncomparative approaches to evaluate innovations.ConclusionThis is the first synthesis of international evidence examining the contributions of advanced practice nurses during the pandemic. Advanced practice nurses provided leadership for the innovation needed to rapidly respond to healthcare needs resulting from COVID‐19. Innovations challenged legislative restrictions on practice, enabled implementation of telehealth and new models of care, and promoted evidence‐informed and patient‐centered care.Implications for practiceAdvanced practice nurses led, designed, implemented, and evaluated innovations in response to COVID‐19. They facilitated the use of telehealth, supported or transformed models of care, and enabled health providers through education, mentorship, and mental health support.Implication for policyAdvanced practice nurses are a critical resource for innovation and health system improvement. Permanent removal of legislative and regulatory barriers to their full scope of practice is needed.
The expected impact of the 2019 Brazilian pension reform on survivors’ pensions
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Souza , Afonso Luís Eduardo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study analyses the expected changes in survivors’ pensions resulting from the permanent rules of the 2019 pension reform in Brazil. Actuarial annuities are used for representative worker profiles. The dispersion in the replacement rate values decreases, except for the highest income level. The rates needed to finance survivors’ pensions decrease relatively more than do the rates for old‐age pensions. The internal rates of return significantly decrease. There is a heterogeneous change in the distributive aspects of the pension system. The reform shall affect the adequacy and intragenerational equity of old‐age and survivors’ pensions.
Effect of open surgical and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy on postoperative wound complications in patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Meng Xun , Shao Yihao , Zhu Wenying 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTracheostomy is one of the most common operations. The two main methods of tracheostomy are open surgical tracheostomy (OST) and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). In critical cases, the combination of these two approaches is especially crucial, with the possibility of successful outcomes and low complications. Thus, the purpose of this system is to analyse the effects of both methods on the outcome of postoperative wound. In this research, we performed a systematic review of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase, to determine all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that are comparable in terms of postoperative injury outcomes. Eleven RCTs were found after screening. This study will take the necessary data from the selected trials and evaluate the documentation for RCTs. PDT was associated with a lower incidence of infection at the wound site than OST (OR, 4.46; 95% CI: 2.84–7.02 p < 0.0001), and PDT decreased blood loss (OR, 2.88; 95% CI: 1.62–5.12 p = 0.0003). But the operation time did not differ significantly in both PDT to OST (MD, 4.65; 95% CI: −1.19–10.48 p = 0.12). The meta‐analyses will assist physicians in selecting the best operative procedure for critical cases of tracheostomy. These data can serve as guidelines for clinical management and in the design of future randomized, controlled studies.
Development and psychometric validation of the gum health experience questionnaire
Authors: Broomhead T. , Gibson B. J. , Parkinson C. , Robinson P. G. , Vettore M. V. , Baker S. R. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimTo develop and validate a new health‐related quality of life measure to capture a wide range of gum‐related impacts.Materials and MethodsThe measure was developed using a multi‐stage approach and a theoretical model. Development involved semi‐structured interviews, pilot testing, cross‐sectional analysis among a general population (n = 152) to assess psychometric properties and test–retest reliability among a subsample (n = 27).ResultsPsychometric analysis supports the validity and reliability of the measure's impact scale. The measure has excellent internal reliability (nearly all item‐total correlations above .4; Cronbach's alpha between .84 and .91 for subscales), with test–retest reliability also performing well (Intra‐class correlation coefficient [ICC] of .91–.97 for subscales). Good content validity (indicated by large standard deviations for item and total scores) and construct validity (correlations of .54–.73 with global gum health rating for subscales, all p < .05) were also observed. Qualitative and quantitative data indicate that people with gum health‐related symptoms experience different degrees of discomfort and impacts caused by their condition.ConclusionsThe gum health experience questionnaire holds substantial promise as a measure of gum‐related quality of life in people across the gum health–disease continuum. Further face validity, refining and reducing the number of items and longitudinal studies to test evaluative properties are required before the measure can be used with confidence.