bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adherence to aerobic training combined with high protein intake is associated with low blood pressure in Italian older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Coelho-Júnior Hélio José , Calvani Riccardo , Picca Anna , Tosato Matteo , Savera Giulia , Landi Francesco , Marzetti Emanuele 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Lifestyle habits have a key role in cardiometabolic health. The effects of combined aerobic training (AT) and high protein intake (HPI) on cardiometabolic parameters in older adults are not well established.

Aims
To investigate the association of AT and HPI with blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, and total blood cholesterol levels in a sample of Italian older adults enrolled in the Longevity Check-up 7 + (Lookup 7 +) study.

Methods
Lookup 7 + is an ongoing project started in June 2015 and conducted in unconventional settings (e.g., exhibitions, malls, health promotion campaigns) across Italy with the aim of fostering adoption of healthy lifestyles in the general population. For the present investigation, analyses were conducted in participants 65 + years and with body mass index values ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 (n = 3219). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), blood glucose, and total blood cholesterol were measured. Protein intake was estimated using a 12-item food frequency questionnaire. HPI was operationalized as a daily protein intake ≥ 0.8 g/kg of body weight. AT was operationalized as the practice of running and/or swimming for 60 + minutes at least twice weekly during the previous year.

Results
The mean age of the 3219 participants was 72.7 ± 5.7 years, and 55.2% were women. Adherence to AT combined with a HPI was negatively and independently associated with SPB (β: − 4.976; 95% confidence interval: − 9.8 to − 0.08). No other significant associations were observed.

Discussion and conclusions
Our results indicate that AT combined with HPI was negatively associated with SBP in a large and relatively unselected sample of Italian older adults living in the community. These findings need confirmation by ad hoc designed studies.
A comprehensive review of machine learning algorithms and their application in geriatric medicine: present and future
Authors: Woodman Richard J. , Mangoni Arduino A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe increasing access to health data worldwide is driving a resurgence in machine learning research, including data-hungry deep learning algorithms. More computationally efficient algorithms now offer unique opportunities to enhance diagnosis, risk stratification, and individualised approaches to patient management. Such opportunities are particularly relevant for the management of older patients, a group that is characterised by complex multimorbidity patterns and significant interindividual variability in homeostatic capacity, organ function, and response to treatment. Clinical tools that utilise machine learning algorithms to determine the optimal choice of treatment are slowly gaining the necessary approval from governing bodies and being implemented into healthcare, with significant implications for virtually all medical disciplines during the next phase of digital medicine. Beyond obtaining regulatory approval, a crucial element in implementing these tools is the trust and support of the people that use them. In this context, an increased understanding by clinicians of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms provides an appreciation of the possible benefits, risks, and uncertainties, and improves the chances for successful adoption. This review provides a broad taxonomy of machine learning algorithms, followed by a more detailed description of each algorithm class, their purpose and capabilities, and examples of their applications, particularly in geriatric medicine. Additional focus is given on the clinical implications and challenges involved in relying on devices with reduced interpretability and the progress made in counteracting the latter via the development of explainable machine learning.
Circulating myomiRNAs as biomarkers in patients with Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Pivonello C. , Patalano R. , Simeoli C. , Montò T. , Negri M. , Amatrudo F. , Di Paola N. , Larocca A. , Crescenzo E. M. , Pirchio R. , Solari D. , de Angelis C. , Auriemma R. S. , Cavallo L. M. , Colao A. , Pivonello R. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeImpairment of skeletal muscle mass and strength affects 40–70% of patients with active Cushing’s syndrome (CS). Glucocorticoid excess sustains muscle atrophy and weakness, while muscle-specific microRNAs (myomiRs) level changes were associated with muscle organization and function perturbation. The aim of the current study is to explore changes in circulating myomiRs in CS patients compared to healthy controls and their involvement in IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulation in skeletal muscle.MethodsC2C12, mouse myocytes, were exposed to hydrocortisone (HC), and atrophy-related gene expression was investigated by RT-qPCR, WB and IF to assess HC-mediated atrophic signalling. miRNAs were evaluated in HC-treated C2C12 by PCR Arrays. MyomiRs significantly overexpressed in C2C12 were investigated in 37 CS patients and 24 healthy controls serum by RT-qPCR. The anti-anabolic role of circulating miRNAs significantly upregulated in CS patients was explored in C2C12 by investigating the IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulation.ResultsHC induced higher expression of atrophy-related genes, miR-133a-3p, miR-122-5p and miR-200b-3p in C2C12 compared to untreated cells. Conversely, the anabolic IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling was reduced and this effect was mediated by miR-133a-3p. In CS patients miR-133a-3p and miR-200b-3p revealed higher circulating levels (p < 0.0001, respectively) compared to controls. ROC curves for miR-133a-3p (AUC 0.823,p < 0.0001) and miR-200b-3p (AUC 0.850,p < 0.0001) demonstrated that both myomiRs represent potential biomarkers to discriminate between CS and healthy subjects. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that circulating levels of miR-133a-3p are directly correlated with 24 h urinary-free cortisol level (r = 0.468,p = 0.004) in CS patients.ConclusionsHC induces atrophic signals by miR-133a-3p overexpression in mouse myocytes and humans. Circulating miR-133a-3p is promising biomarkers of hypercortisolism.
Connecting Eurasian Supply Chains the Impact of Covid-19 and the Russia–Ukraine War on the EU-China Rail Landbridge
Authors: Pomfret Richard 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInternational supply chains are dependent on ease of crossing borders and efficient connectivity in terms of price, speed, and reliability. Communication costs explain why intensification of international supply chains during the last 4 decades has occurred primarily within regional value chains (RVCs), centered on East Asia, Europe, and North America. Initially responding to demand from automobile and electronics firms to connect their European and Chinese supply chains with shorter and more reliable freight services than maritime shipping, the Eurasian rail Landbridge established in the 2010s was the first major overland link between RVCs. The Eurasian Landbridge was resilient through deteriorating EU-Russia relations after 2014 and the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020–21. However, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and inclusion of the Russian rail company in western sanctions in February/March 2022, traffic along the main Landbridge routes stalled. This paper analyzes the evolution of the Landbridge as an exercise in choice of connectivity for Eurasian supply chains, the response of supply chain managers to the closure of routes in 2022, and the role of public policy in creating reliable alternatives.
All links are semiholomorphic
Authors: Bode Benjamin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSemiholomorphic polynomials are functions $$f:{\mathbb {C}}^2\rightarrow {\mathbb {C}}$$

f
:

C

2

→
C

that can be written as polynomials in complex variables u, v and the complex conjugate $$\overline{v}$$

v
¯

. The origin is a weakly isolated singularity of a polynomial map if it is locally the only critical point on the variety. In this case the intersection of the variety and a sufficiently small 3-sphere produces a link whose link type is a topological invariant of the singularity. We prove the semiholomorphic analogue of Akbulut’s and King’s All knots are algebraic, that is, every link type in the 3-sphere arises as the link of a weakly isolated singularity of a semiholomorphic polynomial. Our proof is constructive, which allows us to obtain an upper bound on the polynomial degree of the constructed functions.
The market for EuroMillions: jackpot sharing and implicit transfer of funds among countries
Authors: Muñiz Álvaro , Pérez Levi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMulti-country (state) lottery markets have emerged worldwide as an attempt to revert the decline in lottery sales. These markets allow operators to offer appealing large prizes by combining the markets of separate lottery jurisdictions. An analysis of EuroMillions’ jackpot sharing among countries of different market size shows that some countries tend to claim higher jackpots and achieve higher payout rates, while others seem to be systematically disadvantaged. This paper elaborates on whether this unequal jackpot distribution is caused by different demand behavior and market share trends in the market for EuroMillions. Evidence shows that such distribution of the jackpot is explained by differences in jackpot elasticity of the demand among countries, which causes, at the same time, variations in the market share and draw winning odds per country. As a result, some countries may then benefit from the funds that have been contributed to the prize pool by the rest, raising some implicit funding issues (net payout balance) and questioning the optimality of jackpot sharing.
Comparison of the Latin America Regulation Landscape and International Reference Health Authorities to Hasten Drug Registration and Clinical Research Applications
Authors: Argotti Urimara , Leyens Lada , Lisbona Carlos , López Pilar , Alonso-Orgaz Sergio , Nevado Angel , Cozzi Virginia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Promptly providing new drugs to fulfill unmet medical needs requires changes in drug development and registration processes. Health Authorities (HAs) considered as reference due to their experience and acknowledgement (Food and Drug Administration [FDA] among others) already consider innovative clinical trial (CT) designs and flexible approval procedures, but Latin America (LATAM) regulations are still far. A comparison was performed to identify gaps.

Materials and Methods
CT requirements for drug Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) and CT approval regulations were compared between LATAM and reference HAs (FDA/European Medicines Agency [EMA]/Health-Canada/Swissmedic/Therapeutic Goods Administration [TGA]/Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency [PMDA]), as of August 2022. Procedure included reference HAs regulations review, item selection, identification in LATAM regulations, and International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines (ICH-E6[R2]/ICH-E8[R1]) implementation revision.

Results
For MAA, specific application requirements or ICH guideline M4(R4) on common technical document (CTD) adoption are generally stated, and phase-I/III performance is mandatory (explicitly/implicitly). Faster patient access procedures are infrequent: Priority-drug programs, conditional authorizations, or expedited procedures are scarce or non-existent. Regulatory reliance procedures are adopted through different pathways. Regarding CT approval, innovative/complex CT designs are not prohibited but usually omitted. Some countries implemented adapted CT conducting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early scientific advice meetings (HA-sponsor) are occasionally considered. Most countries are not formally ICH-joined.

Conclusions
LATAM regulations must adapt to new regulatory standards (FDA/EMA/ICH) through implementation of frequent updates, reliance/expedited procedures, early HA-sponsor interactions, innovative/complex CTs, mandatory phase-III reaching elimination, and decentralized elements for CT conducting.
Polyethylene terephthalate aggregates in structural lightweight concrete: a meta-analysis and review
Authors: Uche Chikadibia Kalu Awa , Abubakar Sani Aliyu , Nnamchi Stephen Ndubuisi , Ukagwu Kelechi John 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThere is growing interest in the use of recycled materials in the building sector as a way to reduce waste and improve environmental sustainability. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic polymer that has attracted the attention of researchers due to its application in the building industry. In the recent past, many studies have reported on the application of PET aggregates in structural lightweight concrete. This paper presents a review of the findings of 20 studies conducted between 2010 and 2022 randomly. The preliminary findings highlighted include the method of production of PET aggregates and their physical/thermal properties. The review extended further to focus on the extent of incorporation, physical properties, strength properties, and durability of concrete with PET aggregates. The substitution of PET aggregates up to 20% reflected positively on the compressive strength, while tensile and flexural strength had positive responses up to 10%. Water absorption as a measure of concrete durability increased with the addition of PET aggregates. A meta-analysis of these findings was performed using hypothesis testing (t-test and f-test) to identify significant differences between the experimental outcomes of PET incorporation in concrete. Experimental procedures with greater tolerance for PET inclusion and satisfactory concrete properties were highlighted. The paper recommends the formulation of hybrid mix proportions, developed from experimental designs with noteworthy inclusion of PET aggregates and those that attained high values of desired concrete properties. Furthermore, optimization should be performed to provide robust mix designs for high-strength or lightweight concrete with PET aggregates.
Rise of digital fashion and metaverse: influence on sustainability
Authors: Periyasamy Aravin Prince , Periyasami Saravanan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe fashion industry is a lucrative market that generates revenue in the trillions through the production and distribution of clothing, footwear, and various accessories. The apparel industry has experienced a remarkable expansion in the past few years, evidenced by a 100% increase in output between 2000 and 2023. The apparel industry makes a substantial contribution to the negative impacts of biodiversity loss and climate change. The fashion industry’s expansion and social and environmental sustainability concerns, catalyzed by digitalization, are propelling it toward a sustainable trajectory. The present review article centers on the primary issues faced by the fashion industry and the utilization of metaverse technologies to tackle sustainability challenges within this sector. The metaverse refers to the amalgamation of physical and digital space within a virtual world, commonly referred to as the meta-universe. The metaverse is a strategy that is anticipated to be employed in fashion e-commerce and retailing, aiming to facilitate consumer decision-making processes, ranging from user experience to customer experience. This approach is expected to confer considerable competitive benefits. This review paper aims to analyze the sustainable impact of the metaverse on the fashion industry and foster discourse among researchers and industry professionals.
Is there an association between peri-diagnostic vaccination and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients?
Authors: Casazza Julia A. , Thakur Bhaskar , Perl Trish M. , Hanna John J. , Diaz Marlon I. , Ho Milan , Lanier Heather , Pickering Madison , Saleh Sameh N. , Shah Pankil , Shah Dimpy , Navar Ann Marie , Lehmann Christoph U. , Medford Richard J. , Turer Robert W. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:
Peri-diagnostic vaccination contemporaneous with SARS-CoV-2 infection might boost antiviral immunity and improve patient outcomes. We investigated, among previously unvaccinated patients, whether vaccination (with the Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J vaccines) during the week before or after a positive COVID-19 test was associated with altered 30-day patient outcomes.

Methods:
Using a deidentified longitudinal EHR repository, we selected all previously unvaccinated adults who initially tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between December 11, 2020 (the date of vaccine emergency use approval) and December 19, 2021. We assessed whether vaccination between days –7 and +7 of a positive test affected outcomes. The primary measure was progression to a more severe disease outcome within 30 days of diagnosis using the following hierarchy: hospitalization, intensive care, or death.

Results:
Among 60,031 hospitalized patients, 543 (0.91%) were initially vaccinated at the time of diagnosis and 59,488 (99.09%) remained unvaccinated during the period of interest. Among 316,337 nonhospitalized patients, 2,844 (0.90%) were initially vaccinated and 313,493 (99.1%) remained unvaccinated. In both analyses, individuals receiving vaccines were older, more often located in the northeast, more commonly insured by Medicare, and more burdened by comorbidities. Among previously unvaccinated patients, there was no association between receiving an initial vaccine dose between days −7 and +7 of diagnosis and progression to more severe disease within 30 days compared to patients who did not receive vaccines.

Conclusions:
Immunization during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection does not appear associated with clinical progression during the acute infectious period.
Healthcare-associated infective endocarditis: source of infection and burden of previous healthcare exposure
Authors: Halavaara Mika , Huotari Kaisa , Anttila Veli-Jukka , Järvinen Asko 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective:
Prevention of healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (HAIE) is based on characterization of underlying factors. Our object was to describe the source of infection, microbiological etiology, and healthcare-related risk factors for HAIE.

Design:
Retrospective population-based study.

Patients:
Adult patients diagnosed with HAIE during 2013–2017 who resided in the study area in Southern Finland with adult population of 0.9 million.

Results:
Ninety-five HAIE episodes were included. Ten episodes were related to cardiac surgery. Of the remaining 85 episodes, 11 were classified as nosocomial (ie, acquired and diagnosed during ongoing hospitalization) and 74 as non-nosocomial HAIE. Staphylococcus aureus caused 45% of nosocomial episodes, but only 16% of non-nosocomial episodes (P = 0.039). Most common sources of infection in non-nosocomial HAIE were previous hospitalization (24%), dialysis (18%), and urologic procedures (15%). Enterococcus spp. caused 23% of non-nosocomial HAIE, and more than half of them were associated with urologic or gastrointestinal procedures. Two-thirds of the non-nosocomial HAIE patients had recent hospitalization or invasive procedure. We counted previous healthcare-related risk factors for IE and those who had two or more of them had higher in-hospital and one-year mortality.

Conclusion:
Our study indicates the importance of non-nosocomial acquisition of HAIE and S. aureus as the major pathogen in nosocomial episodes. Enterococcal infections dominate in non-nosocomial cases and further studies are needed to identify patients at risk for enterococcal IE after urological or gastrointestinal procedure.
Perceived expert and laypeople consensus predict belief in local conspiracy theories in a non-WEIRD culture: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Alper Sinan , Yelbuz Busra Elif , Konukoglu Kivanc 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPast research has shown that perceived scientific consensus (or lack thereof) on an issue predicts belief in misinformation. In the current study (N= 729), we investigated how perceived consensus among both experts and laypeople predicts beliefs in localized and specific conspiracy theories in Turkey, a non-WEIRD country. Participants in our study were found to overestimate consensus among both experts and laypeople regarding baseless conspiracy theories surrounding the alleged secret articles of the Lausanne Treaty and unused mining reserves in Turkey. Notably, conspiracy believers exhibited a higher tendency to overestimate consensus compared to non-believers. Furthermore, perceived expert consensus had a stronger association with conspiracy beliefs than perceived laypeople consensus. We also explored the correlates of conspiracy beliefs and perceived consensus, including socioeconomic factors, worldview, cognitive sophistication, and personality. The results further indicate that the correlations between belief and perceived consensus manifest with comparable magnitudes, irrespective of the specific conspiracy theories under consideration. These findings support the potential of perceived consensus as an important factor for understanding conspiracy beliefs.
The heterobranch subgenusTrochactaeon(Trochactaeon) in the Campanian (Late Cretaceous) of the northern Arabian Platform and its paleoenvironmental and paleobiogeographic implications
Authors: Hoşgör Izzet , Yılmaz Ismail Ö. , Özer Sacit 
Published: September 2023

AbstractActeonellids were one of the most significant groups of marine macro-invertebrates in the Late Cretaceous biota of the Tethyan Realm. They were common faunal elements associated with Cretaceous carbonate platform communities most notable for their abundance of rudist frameworks and thrived in coeval lagoons. The Upper Cretaceous fossil-bearing Karababa Formation, cropping out in southeastern Turkey, yields a remarkable assemblage of acteonellid gastropods and rudists. Cretaceous gastropods from sedimentary successions in Turkey barely have been studied over the past 80 years. The subgenusTrochactaeon, a very successful and widespread taxon of heterobranch gastropods within the family Acteonellidae, dominated acteonellid assemblages throughout the Late Cretaceous. In the present work, we present the first record ofTrochactaeon(Trochactaeon)giganteus subglobosusfrom Turkey. It is from a single lower Campanian bed in the upper part of the Karababa Formation of the Gölbaşı region (south of Adıyaman), corresponding to the northwestern part of the Arabian Platform. This record complements information on the temporal and spatial distribution ofTrochactaeonat the southern margin of the Tethyan Ocean during the last part of the Cretaceous Period. This discovery increases the documented diversity of the paleofauna from the Upper Cretaceous succession in southeastern Turkey and provides new insights into the paleoenvironment of the carbonate ramp of the northern Arabian plate, and the paleobiogeography of Campanian gastropods in general.
ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF IWASAWA INVARIANTS ASSOCIATED TO MULTIGRAPHS
Authors: DION CÉDRIC , LEI ANTONIO , RAY ANWESH , VALLIÈRES DANIEL 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLet$\ell $be a prime number. The Iwasawa theory of multigraphs is the systematic study of growth patterns in the number of spanning trees in abelian$\ell $-towers of multigraphs. In this context, growth patterns are realized by certain analogs of Iwasawa invariants, which depend on the prime$\ell $and the abelian$\ell $-tower of multigraphs. We formulate and study statistical questions about the behavior of the Iwasawa$\mu $and$\lambda $invariants.