bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of lipid accumulation product on the development of hypertension among nondiabetic individuals in eastern China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shu Li , Zhang Jiaye , Jia Linlin , Wang Jinchen , Han Ziyan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study was aimed at assessing the risk factors for hypertension (HTN) and prehypertension (PHT) in order to clarify the role of lipid accumulation product (LAP) in the development of HTN among nondiabetic individuals. A large cross‐sectional study was conducted in community health service centers in urban Bengbu, Anhui Province, China. All participants completed an interview questionnaire and procedures to obtain physical measurements and biochemical indicators. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test for the prevalence of HTN and PHT in relation to each quartile increase in LAP level and family history of HTN. The resulting interaction effects were evaluated by relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (SI). A total of 7733 subjects were enrolled in the study. The overall prevalence rates of PHT and HTN were 37.1% and 24.8%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that compared with subjects in LAP quartile 1, those in quartile 3 (OR, 1.257; 95% CI, 1.062–1.494) and quartile 4 (OR, 1.323; 95% CI, 1.101–1.592) had a significantly higher risk for HTN (p for trend < .001). A significant interaction was observed between LAP and family history of HTN in men (AP, 0.1661; 95% CI, 0.0024–0.3296; SI, 1.4037; 95% CI, 1.0599–1.8593) and in women (RERI, 1.4111; 95% CI, 0.1458–2.9678; AP, 0.1662; 95% CI, 0.0085–0.3237; SI, 1.3886; 95% CI, 1.0568–1.8247). The results demonstrated that the interactive effects of LAP with family history of HTN may influence the development of HTN synergistically.
Combined use of amlodipine and folic acid are significantly more efficacious than amlodipine alone in lowering plasma homocysteine and blood pressure among hypertensive patients with hyperhomocysteinemia and intolerance to ACEI: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bao Huihui , Huang Xiao , Li Ping , Sheng Changsheng , Zhang Jin , Wang Zhirong , Song Demin , Hu Lihua , Ding Congcong , Cheng Zaihua , Yao Chen , Chen Guangliang , Cui Yimin , Qin Xianhui , Tang Genfu , Wang Xiaobin , Huo Yong , Cheng Xiaoshu , Wang Jiguang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHyperhomocysteinemia with hypertension can synergistically increase the risk of stroke. The China stroke primary prevention trial showed that combining 0.8 mg folic acid (FA) with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) can effectively lower plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and blood pressure (BP); and reduce first stroke risk by additional 21% compared to ACEI alone. However, intolerance to ACEI is common in Asians and amlodipine can be alternative. This is a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐controlled clinical trial (RCT) which evaluated whether amlodipine combined with FA is more efficacious than amlodipine alone in lowering tHcy and BP among Chinese hypertensive with hyperhomocysteinemia and intolerance to ACEI. 351 Eligible patients were randomly assigned by 1:1:1 ratio to receive amlodipine‐FA tablet daily (amlodipine 5 mg/FA 0.4 mg, A group); amlodipine 5 mg/FA 0.8 mg tablet daily (B group); amlodipine 5 mg daily (C group, control group). Follow‐up was conducted at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The primary outcome was efficacy of lowering both tHcy and BP at the end of 8‐week treatment. Compared with C group, A group had a significantly higher rate of lowering both tHcy and BP (23.3% vs. 6.0%; Odds Ratio [OR], 8.68; 95% CI, 3.04‐24.78, P < .001); B group also had a higher rate of lowering both tHcy and BP (20.3% vs. 6.0%; OR: 5.90; 95% CI, 2.11‐16.47, P < .001). This RCT showed amlodipine combined with FA compared with amlodipine alone, each had significantly higher efficacy of lowering both tHcy and BP. No difference was found in BP‐lowering and occurrence of adverse events between the three groups.
Oridonin suppresses gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cell proliferation by targeting the TNF‐alpha/androgen receptor/TGF‐beta signalling pathway axis
Authors: Gao Shiyong , Tan Huixin , Li Dan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractStatistics provided by GLOBOCAN list gastric cancer as the sixth most common, with a mortality ranking of third highest for the year 2020. In China, a herb called Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) H.Hara, has been used by local residents for the treatment of digestive tract cancer for hundreds of years. Oridonin, the main ingredient of the herb, has a curative effect for gastric cancer, but the mechanism has not been previously clarified. This study mainly aimed to investigate the role of TNF‐alpha/Androgen receptor/TGF‐beta signalling pathway axis in mediating the proliferation inhibition of oridonin on gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells. MTT assay, cell morphology observation assay and fluorescence assay were adopted to study the efficacy of oridonin on cell proliferation. The network pharmacology was used to predict the pathway axis regulated by oridonin. Western blot assay was adopted to verify the TNF‐α/Androgen receptor/TGF‐β signalling pathway axis regulation on gastric cancer by oridonin. The results showed Oridonin could inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, change cell morphology and cause cell nuclear fragmentation. A total of 11signaling pathways were annotated by the network pharmacology, among them, Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) signalling pathway, androgen receptor (AR) signalling pathway and transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) signalling pathway account for the largest proportion. Oridonin can regulate the protein expression of the three signalling pathways, which is consistent with the results predicted by network pharmacology. These findings indicated that oridonin can inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells by regulating the TNF‐α /AR /TGF‐β signalling pathway axis.
TREM2 expression promotes liver and peritoneal M2 macrophage polarization in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Huang Min , Shen Pei , Zhang Bei , Chen Guo , Chen Jinling , Duan Lian , Duan Yinong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSchistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease that damages the liver and poses a serious threat to human health. Macrophages play a key role in the development of liver granulomas and fibrosis by undergoing polarization from M1 to M2 type during schistosomiasis. Therefore, regulating macrophage polarization is important for controlling pathological changes that occur during this disease. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) expressed on the surface of macrophages, dendritic cells and other immune cells has been shown to play a role in inhibiting inflammatory responses and regulating M2 macrophage polarization, however its role in macrophage polarization in schistosomiasis has not been investigated. In this study, we confirmed that TREM2 expression was upregulated in the livers and peritoneal macrophages of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Moreover, the TREM2 expression trend correlated with the expression of M2 macrophage polarization‐related molecules in the liver tissues of S. japonicum‐infected mice. Using Trem2−/− mice, we also showed that Trem2 deletion inhibited Arg1 and Ym1 expression in liver tissues. Trem2 deletion also increased the number of F4/80 + CD86+ cells in peritoneal macrophages of infected mice. In summary, our study suggests that TREM2 may be involved in M2 macrophage polarization during schistosomiasis.
Evaluation of the effects of the FODMAP diet and probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, quality of life and depression in women with IBS
Authors: Ustaoğlu Tuba , Tek Nilüfer Acar , Yıldırım Abdullah Emre 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyols (FODMAP) diet therapy and probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, quality of life and depression in women diagnosed with IBS.MethodsFor the study, 52 female IBS patients between the ages of 20 and 55 were enrolled. Individuals were monitored for 6 weeks in two groups. A low‐FODMAP diet was given to the first group and a low‐FODMAP diet plus a probiotic supplement was given to the second group (Lactobacillus rhamnosus). Three‐day food intake records were kept at the start of the study and continued up to its conclusion, with a weekly check‐in in between. At the start and end of the trial, participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS‐QOL) and IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS‐SSS). The Bristol Stool Scale was also used by the subjects to record their daily stool densities.ResultsAt the end of the study, it was determined that the daily intake of FODMAP (lactose [g] + oligosaccharides [g] + mannitol [g] + sorbitol [g]) decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, it was determined that the IBS‐SSS, anxiety and depression scores of the individuals in both groups decreased significantly and their IBS‐QOL scores increased significantly (p < 0.05). However, the difference between these values between the groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsA low‐FODMAP diet has been demonstrated to benefit people by lessening the severity of their IBS symptoms and enhancing their quality of life. No evidence was found, however, to indicate that the FODMAP diet would be more beneficial on these metrics if additional probiotics were used. It should be emphasised that the reaction of probiotic strains may vary depending on the IBS subtype.
A natural small molecule‐mediated inhibition of alpha‐synuclein aggregation leads to neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Srivastava Tulika , Tyagi Divya , Fatima Siraj , Sathyan Malur Thirumalesh Vishnu , Raj Ritu , Sharma Aniket , Chaturvedi Minal , Sinha Meetali , Shishodia Sonia Kumari , Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Sandeep K. , Shankar Jata , Satish Aruna , Priya Smriti 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSmall molecules are being explored intensively for their applications as therapeutic molecules in the management of metabolic and neurological disorders. The natural small molecules can inhibit protein aggregation and underlying cellular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases involving multi‐factorial mechanisms of action. Certain natural small molecular inhibitors of pathogenic protein aggregation are highly efficient and have shown promising therapeutic potential. In the present study, Shikonin (SHK), a natural plant‐based naphthoquinone has been investigated for its aggregation inhibition activity against α‐synuclein (α‐syn) and the neuroprotective potential in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). SHK significantly inhibited aggregation of α‐syn at sub‐stochiometric concentrations, delayed the linear lag phase and growth kinetics of seeded and unseeded α‐syn aggregation. The binding of SHK to the C‐terminus of α‐syn maintained α‐helical and disordered secondary structures with reduced beta‐sheet content and complexity of aggregates. Further, in C. elegans transgenic PD models, SHK significantly reduced α‐syn aggregation, improved locomotor activity and prevented dopaminergic (DA) neuronal degeneration, indicating the neuroprotective role of SHK. The present study highlights the potential of natural small molecules in the prevention of protein aggregation that may further be explored for their therapeutic efficacy in the management of protein aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases.image
Segmentation of the Chinese stock market: A review
Authors: Peng Zhe , Xiong Kainan , Yang Yahui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Chinese stock market has a threefold segmented structure. Firstly, there is a division between floatable and nonfloatable shares, known as the split‐share structure. Before 2005, more than two‐thirds of the shares outstanding were nonfloatable. This structure limited shareholders’ ability to exercise governance rights through stock trading. While largely dismantled by the 2005 reform, the split‐share structure has not been fully eliminated. Secondly, floatable shares can be issued in multiple currencies. However, shares denominated in the domestic currency often trade at a premium over those denominated in foreign currencies. This premium can be explained by the differences in target investors and the trading restrictions. Thirdly, stocks denominated in the domestic currency are sorted into different market tiers depending on the firms’ profitability and market capitalization. The limited mobility of stocks across different tiers engenders tier‐specific characteristics, such as high family ownership and venture‐capital backing, which have not been sufficiently studied. In this paper, we delineate the three aspects of market segmentation, offer critical comments on the caveats of the extant studies, and propose topics for future research.
Mechanisms of reproductive isolation between annual and perennial plants of Incarvillea sinensis
Authors: Lan Wen‐Juan , Wang Fang‐Yuan , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Wang Wen‐Ting , Ma Yue , Yang Yang , Li Nan , Deng Jun‐Chen , Bai Wei‐Ning 
Published: July 2023

AbstractQuantifying the relative strength of isolating barriers is a major focus of research on plant speciation. Contrasting life histories and mating systems have the potential to limit gene exchange between closely related populations growing in sympatry. However, few studies have quantified reproductive isolating barriers between conspecific annual and perennial populations and their contributions to total reproductive isolation (RI). Incarvillea sinensis Lam. (Bignoniaceae) is an insect‐pollinated herb with largely allopatric annual and perennial populations that differ in mating systems. The perennial populations are primarily outcrossing whereas annual populations are predominantly selfing. At a rare sympatric site in northern China we estimated prezygotic and postzygotic barriers to gene exchange between annual and perennial plants and found complete RI between the two life histories. Annuals exhibited significantly higher ecogeographic isolation than perennials whereas perennials experienced more isolation through pollen–pistil interactions than annuals. Crosses between annuals and perennials demonstrated that postzygotic barriers influencing fruit and seed formation, F1 germination and survival were negligible for annuals but played a small role for perennials. However, F1 hybrids of crosses between annuals and perennials produced no pollen and their ovules were largely sterile. Our study provides insight into the relative importance of prezygotic and postzygotic isolating barriers between closely related annual and perennial populations of I. sinensis and some of these barriers could have been involved with speciation. Annuals and perennials of I. sinensis represent two biological species and thus deserve to be recognized as distinct taxonomic species.
Examining the effect of sociodemographic factors on feral horses' social networks
Authors: Mendonça R. S. , Maeda T. , Pinto P. , Inoue S. , Ringhofer M. , Yamamoto S. , Hirata S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe benefits of sociality are not equitably shared among members of a social group. The position individuals occupy in social networks is key to maximizing their fitness and contribution to group cohesion, as well as stability in the network structure. Individuals' position in a social network is highly influenced by intra‐group competition and affiliation; therefore, it should be assessed by examining various spatial‐social variables. In this study, we examined the relationship between proximity, grooming and agonistic networks, controlling for genetic relatedness, and the effects of sociodemographic factors on the strength centrality (SC) of these social networks. We combined drone technology and social network analysis to test several hypotheses on 16 feral horse (Equus ferus caballus) groups during three consecutive breeding seasons. Our results show a clear relationship between spatial and social behaviours, suggesting that proximity and grooming are intimately connected in promoting social bonding, and agonism may be a consequence of close proximity between conspecifics. Sociodemographic factors shaped the three network centralities differently. Females and higher‐ranking individuals are more central in spatial networks, whereas younger ones may benefit from higher centrality in affiliative networks. Newly integrated individuals tend to be peripheral on spatial networks and engage more in agonistic behaviours; corroborating that integration into a new group is a costly process for females, ultimately leading to a decreased foaling rate. Individuals in multi‐male groups showed higher SC in proximity, but not in agonistic networks, suggesting that a second male may play a role in decreasing overall intra‐group competition. Our results provide a step forward in understanding the costs and benefits of network centrality in non‐matrilineal societies and mechanisms leading to social cohesion, namely in populations under the constant threat of predation and human pressures.
Impact of symptom burden and self‐efficacy on functional status in advanced breast cancer patients: A path analysis
Authors: Erdemsoy Karahan Beyza , Izgu Nur 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis correlational study aims at exploring the correlations between symptom burden, functional status, and self‐efficacy in advanced breast cancer patients and to analyze their paths of influence. The study was performed with 122 patients with advanced breast cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy between April 10, 2021 and April 29, 2022. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Functional Living Index‐Cancer, and the Symptom Management Self‐Efficacy Scale for Breast Cancer Related to Chemotherapy. Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, and Spearman correlation tests and path analysis were used for data evaluation. Less‐educated individuals had a higher symptom burden and poorer self‐efficacy. Low‐income level was related to poor self‐efficacy. Symptom severity did not directly influence functional status but affected it indirectly through self‐efficacy, while symptom interference and self‐efficacy had a direct impact on functional status. This study mainly concludes that symptom burden and self‐efficacy affect functional status in advanced breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Self‐efficacy‐enhancing interventions may be helpful strategies for symptom relief and improvement in functional status in this population.
CALCIUM‐DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE32 regulates cellulose biosynthesis through post‐translational modification of cellulose synthase
Authors: Xin Xiaoran , Wei Donghui , Lei Lei , Zheng Haiyan , Wallace Ian S. , Li Shundai , Gu Ying 
Published: July 2023

Summary
Cellulose is an essential component of plant cell walls and an economically important source of food, paper, textiles, and biofuel. Despite its economic and biological significance, the regulation of cellulose biosynthesis is poorly understood. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of cellulose synthases (CESAs) were shown to impact the direction and velocity of cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs). However, the protein kinases that phosphorylate CESAs are largely unknown. We conducted research in Arabidopsis thaliana to reveal protein kinases that phosphorylate CESAs.
In this study, we used yeast two‐hybrid, protein biochemistry, genetics, and live‐cell imaging to reveal the role of calcium‐dependent protein kinase32 (CPK32) in the regulation of cellulose biosynthesis in A. thaliana.
We identified CPK32 using CESA3 as a bait in a yeast two‐hybrid assay. We showed that CPK32 phosphorylates CESA3 while it interacts with both CESA1 and CESA3. Overexpressing functionally defective CPK32 variant and phospho‐dead mutation of CESA3 led to decreased motility of CSCs and reduced crystalline cellulose content in etiolated seedlings. Deregulation of CPKs impacted the stability of CSCs.
We uncovered a new function of CPKs that regulates cellulose biosynthesis and a novel mechanism by which phosphorylation regulates the stability of CSCs.
Do oil prices have an asymmetric impact on economic output in India? Empirical evidence using asymmetric cointegration approach
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Adil Masudul Hasan , Fatima Sana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study examines the nexus between oil prices (Oil) and economic output (IIP) asymmetrically in the Indian context using quarterly data from 1996–1997:Q1 to 2019–2020:Q4. To this end, we have used a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. The main findings of the study are as follows—firstly, the Wald test confirms the nonlinearities among the negative and positive shocks inOil,EXandIRin the long run. Secondly, the NARDL model reveals that negative shock in oil price stimulate theIIP, whereas positive shock inOilfails to influenceIIP. The positive shock inEXstrengthens the Indian economy by having a positive and significant impact onIIP, while the negative shock inEXis insignificant. The positive and negative shocks inIRnegatively impactIIPin the long run. The study demonstrates thatOil,EXandIRexert asymmetric pressure onIIPin the long run. Concisely, India's economic output is more responsive to oil prices decrease than oil prices increase. Therefore, the asymmetric oil prices‐economic output nexus has substantial policy implications, particularly for prudent energy policy in India.
The effects of intensity, spectral purity and duty cycle on red light‐induced hyperopia in tree shrews
Authors: Gawne Timothy J. , Samal Alena V. , She Zhihui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionThere have recently been several clinical studies suggesting that brief periods of exposure to red light (repeated low‐level red light, ‘RLRL’) may produce a dramatic anti‐myopia effect, calling for further investigations into its therapeutic parameters. Unfortunately, many experimental species used in refractive studies develop myopia in response to this wavelength. Tree shrews are the only animal model other than rhesus monkeys that consistently exhibit hyperopic responses to ambient red light. Here, tree shrews were used to study the influence of the spectral purity, duty cycle and intensity of red light on its anti‐myopic effect.MethodsJuvenile tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri) were raised from 24 to 35 days after eye opening under ambient lighting that was: standard white colony fluorescent light; pure narrow band red light of either 600, 50–100 or 5 lux; red light that was diluted with 10% white light (by lux) or 50% white and 2 s of pure red light that alternated with 2 s of pure white light (50% duty cycle). Refractive measures were taken with a NIDEK ARK‐700 autorefractor and axial dimensions with a LenStar LS‐900 Axial Biometer.ResultsThe pro‐hyperopia effect of ambient red light was greatly reduced by even small amounts of concurrent white light ‘contamination’, but remained robust if 2‐s periods of pure white light alternated with 2 s of red. Finally, the hyperopic effect of red light was maintained at reduced luminance levels in the 50–100 lux range and only failed at 5 lux.ConclusionsThese results have implications for understanding the mechanisms by which ambient red light affects refractive development, and possibly also for clinical therapies using RLRL. Nevertheless, it remains to be determined if the mechanism of the current clinical RLRL therapy is the same as that operating on tree shrews in ambient red light.