bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable Temporising matrix in the reconstruction of complex wounds: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lane George , Fitzpatrick Niall James , Kastritsi Olga , Matzakanis Georgios , Braimah Fatima , Nordin Mohamad Nazmi M. , Asaju Ayobami , Aziz Fouad Tariq , Rahman Shafiq , Rollett Rebecca 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of biodegradable temporising matrix (BTM) in complex wound reconstruction.MethodsThe authors conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis as per the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta‐analysis (PRISMA) guidelines following a literature search assessing BTM in complex wound reconstruction. The primary outcome measures included the proportion of BTM integration as well as integration time. Secondary outcomes included graft take over BTM, infection rate and other complications as well as scar outcome.ResultsTwenty six studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1153 complex wounds. The mean proportional integration was 92.7% at (95% confidence intervals [CI] 88.57, 96.87, p < 0.001) with a mean integration time of 34.05 days (95% CI 33.33, 34.79, p < 0.001). The infection rate was low at 12.6% with an untransformed proportion metric assessment (0.126, 0.08–0.168, p < 0.001) at the site of BTM application. Favourable scar outcomes were reported using the matching assessment using photographs with scars (MAPS) and patient and observer scar assessment scales (POSAS).ConclusionBTM offers a robust dermal template in reconstruction of complex wounds. The authors recommend for randomised controlled trials to enhance the current evidence base.
Effects of copper on hydroxyapatite thin films by pulsed laser deposition on silicon
Authors: Bohorquez‐Santiago Leonardo , Devia‐Narvaez Diana M. , Ospina‐Ospina Rogelio , Torres‐Ceron Darwin A. , Amaya‐Roncancio Sebastian , Martinez Sebastian , Castillo‐Paz Angelica M. , Rodriguez‐Garcia Mario E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study deals with the effect of Cu on hydroxyapatite (HAp) thin films on silicon substrates prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique for Cu concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.8 wt.%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy provide additional evidence of HAp in the films, which exhibit characteristic HAp bands such as the 960 cm−1 phosphate ion band. The X‐ray diffraction patterns confirm the presence of HAp, without copper‐related peaks, suggesting that it is not incorporated into the HAp lattice, which is present as an amorphous phase. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the presence of Cu on the HAp thin films, possibly related to the adsorption of Cu2+ on HAp surfaces through electrostatic or interactions with (PO4)3− groups. Atomic force microscopy shows that the roughness of the films varies depending on the presence or absence of copper ions. Finally, density functional theory and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations explain the effects of atomic diffusion on roughness and HAp clustering. These changes correlate with the contact angle values, indicating the formation of hydrophobic films due to copper inclusions.
Genetic Perspectives on Feed Event, Meal and Feed Efficiency Traits in Bos taurus indicus Beef Cattle
Authors: Valente Júlia de Paula Soares , Mota Lúcio Flávio Macedo , Rodrigues Gustavo Roberto Dias , Deniz Matheus , Malheiros Jessica Moraes , Canesin Roberta Carrilho , Dias Laila Talarico , Costa João Henrique Cardoso , Mercadante Maria Eugênia Zerlotti 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTElectronic feeders record feeding behaviour as feed events by tracking the animal's in‐out visits to the feeder. Another way to measure feeding behaviour is based on meals. However, the two approaches provide different outcomes. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters (heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations) for feed event and meal traits, and their genetic and phenotypic correlations with feed efficiency traits in Nellore cattle. The present study analysed six feed event traits (DMIFE: dry matter intake per feed event, FED: feed event duration, TBFE: time between feed events, FTd: feeding time per day, FEd: feed events per day, and FR: feeding rate), six meal traits (DMIME: DMI per meal, MED: meal duration, TBME: time between meals, MC: meal criterion, MTd: meal time per day, and MEd: meals per day), and three feed efficiency traits (ADG: average daily gain, DMI, and RFI: residual feed intake). The traits were measured in feed efficiency tests of Nellore cattle (age = 280 ± 41 days and body weight = 258 ± 47 kg at enrolment). The MC was calculated for each animal and ranged from 1.70 to 64.0 min, i.e., any pair of feed events separated by less than the MC value was considered part of the same meal. The heritabilities and correlations were estimated by fitting univariate and bivariate animal models, respectively, using single‐step genomic BLUP. The highest heritabilities for feed event traits were 0.35 ± 0.06 (FED), 0.39 ± 0.06 (FTd), and 0.50 ± 0.05 (FTd), and for meal traits were 0.31 ± 0.06 (MED) and 0.45 ± 0.06 (MTd). The genetic correlation between feed event traits and meal traits were weak. FR, FED, and FTd had moderate genetic correlations with RFI (−0.56 ± 0.11, 0.44 ± 0.11, 0.60 ± 0.08, respectively). These results indicate that more efficient animals spent less time at the feeder per feed event and per day, and eat faster compared to less efficient animals. In conclusion, feed event and meal traits must be treated as distinct groups of traits since the genetic and phenotypic correlations were, in general, weak to moderate. Among feed event versus meal traits, feed event traits are more favourable to explain the genetic relationships of feeding behaviour with feed efficiency‐related traits.
Liver metastases in high‐grade neuroendocrine neoplasms: A comparative study of hepatic tumor volume and biochemical findings in NETG3 versus NEC
Authors: Melhorn Philipp , Raderer Markus , Mazal Peter , Berchtold Luzia , Beer Lucian , Kiesewetter Barbara 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAbnormal liver blood tests and liver tumor burden are known prognostic factors in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). However, the relationship between biochemical liver parameters and hepatic tumor load is largely unknown in NEN and in high‐grade NEN (G3) specifically. The primary objective of this study was to correlate the biochemical parameters and liver tumor volume of patients with neuroendocrine tumors grade 3 (NET G3) or neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC). We wanted to investigate whether patients with NET G3 with extensive liver involvement had less severely elevated laboratory liver parameters than NEC patients. In total, 46 patients with NEN were included, 31 had NEC and 15 NET G3. All patients had distant metastatic disease, with liver metastases being the most common (n = 39). Both laboratory results and semiautomatic volumetric measurements of liver tumor burden were obtainable for 34 patients at baseline and 26 patients at follow‐up. Alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma‐GT (gGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased significantly between the two time periods (p < .01). In a regression model, liver tumor burden significantly affected several blood parameters, for example, increasing AP, gGT, LDH, and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) by a factor of 1.02–1.04 per unit increase (1% tumor burden; all p < .001). AP, gGT, and LDH were significantly lower in NET G3 (factor of 0.43–0.68) than in NEC. Here, we found that liver chemistries changed over the NEN disease course, correlated with hepatic tumor burden, and differed by histologic subtype. The current data can potentially guide treatment decisions, for example, with regard to integration of liver‐directed therapies.
The Effects of Task Repetition on the Processing and Acquisition of Technical Vocabulary Through Video‐Lecture‐Based Tasks: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Shi Danni , Révész Andrea , Pellicer‐Sánchez Ana 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigated how repeating a video‐lecture‐based task affects second language (L2) learners’ processing and incidental acquisition of technical vocabulary as well as the relationship between processing and lexical gains. The participants were 75 Chinese learners of L2 English. Thirty participants performed the task once (control group), whereas another 30 participants did the same task three times (repetition group). The two groups then completed unannounced vocabulary posttests. The remaining participants engaged in stimulated recall after performing the task once, twice, or three times. The repetition group made greater gains in vocabulary knowledge than the control group, and the repetition group's visual attention to the target words declined during repeated viewing. The amount of attention to the target words emerged as a predictor of delayed meaning recall, with task repetition decreasing the strength of this relationship. Stimulated‐recall participants repeating the task reported increased awareness of specific aspects of the target words.
POU2F2 activates the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway and enhances B lymphocyte function during diabetic kidney disease by promoting PIK3CD transcription
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Cao Shukun , Zi Xiaolin , Yu Haiqiao , Mao Chunmei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit delta (PIK3CD) is the predominant isoform of the catalytic subunit of PI3K in lymphocytes. Based on comprehensive bioinformatics, this study explores the functions of PIK3CD in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression in mice and B lymphocyte activity.MethodsNon‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice that spontaneously develop DKD were applied as animal models. Lentiviral vector‐mediated PIK3CD silencing was introduced in mice, followed by histological staining and biomarker assessments to evaluate DKD‐associated symptoms. The activity of the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway was determined by western blot analysis. Following bioinformatics analyses, the interaction between POU class 2 homeobox 2 (POU2F2) and PIK3CD in B lymphocytes was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Their functions in B cell function were identified by MTT, flow cytometry and IgG deposition assessment.ResultsPIK3CD was found to be highly expressed in the kidney of DKD mice. Knockdown of PIK3CD inactivated the Akt/mTOR signalling, thus ameliorating tissue injury and fibrosis, enhancing the expression of AQP1 and decreasing urinary NGAL contents, UACR, BUN and β‐NAG/creatinine ratio. These effects were negated by the Akt‐specific activator SC79. POU2F2 was found to promote PIK3CD transcription by binding to its promoter, thus activating the Akt/mTOR pathway. Knockdown of POU2F2 suppressed B cell proliferation in vitro and decreased B cell population and IgG deposition in the mouse kidney. However, these trends were reversed upon additional PIK3CD overexpression.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that POU2F2 mediates PIK3CD‐dependent Akt/mTOR signalling activation, thus enhancing B lymphocyte function and promoting DKD progression.image
Impact of Topical Fluocinonide on Oral Lichen Planus Evolution: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Polizzi Alessandro , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino , Santonocito Simona , Alibrandi Angela , Verzì Anna Elisa , Isola Gaetano 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo examine the impact of fluocinonide 0.05% gel formulation for the topical treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP).MethodsThrough an RCT design, 47 patients with OLP were randomly allocated for topical OLP treatment with fluocinonide 0.05% (n = 23) or placebo (n = 24). Patients were examined for OLP symptoms, signs, disease severity, and extension score changes over 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsAfter 6 months, in comparison with placebo, patients treated with fluocinonide experienced a significant reduction of OLP symptoms (p = 0.024), signs (p = 0.014), and OLP extension score (p = 0.028). The two‐way ANOVA estimation models revealed that treatment with fluocinonide determined, at 6 months, a positive significant effect on the reduced OLP signs (p = 0.017), OLP symptoms (p = 0.026), and OLP extension score (p = 0.028). The multivariate regression analysis highlighted that anxiety, stress, and depression were significant predictors of every analyzed OLP outcome (p < 0.05 for each parameter) and that patients who had baseline anxiety, depression, and stress gained more benefits from fluocinonide at 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsTopical fluocinonide 0.05% was more efficacious compared to placebo in reducing OLP outcomes at 6‐month follow‐up. Anxiety, depression, and stress were significant predictors of OLP outcomes and positively impacted the treatment with fluocinonide at 6 months.
C57BL/6 Peritoneal Macrophage Exosomes Improve Antileishmanial Functions of the RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Gandomkar Hadis , Changaei Mostafa , Hosseini Mir Mohammadreza , Soudi Sara , Hosseini Ahmad Zavaran 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTLeishmaniasis is considered one of the most critical health concerns in the world. Unfortunately, no protective vaccines exist and conventional treatments are relatively ineffective. Therefore, new strategies are necessary against leishmaniasis. In recent years, exosomes have shown promising therapeutic outcomes in various diseases, including infectious diseases. In this regard, we aimed to explore the effect of the exosome, pyrimethamine and their combination on the anti‐parasitic function of RAW264.7 cells against Leishmania major. Exosomes were isolated from the C57BL/6 peritoneal macrophages. L. major infected and non‐infected RAW264.7 cells treated with exosomes, pyrimethamine (PM), and exosomes along with PM. The effect of the treatments was analysed on phagocytosis, efferocytosis, the intracellular parasite count, arginase activity, nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Exosomes could significantly elevate the phagocytosis, efferocytosis, NO and ROS in both infected and non‐infected groups (Pv < 0.05). The exosomes reduced the arginase activity in both groups (Pv < 0.05). The intracellular parasite count was significantly lower after treatment with exosomes (Pv < 0.05). These results demonstrate that MQ‐derived exosomes can enhance in vitro anti‐parasitic responses against L. major. This provides a potential pathway for more effective treatments and underscores the importance of further research in this area.
National identification weakens, and territorial identification strengthens, the relationship between masculine honor values and the justification of practices of connivance with the mafia
Authors: Mirisola Alberto , Travaglino Giovanni A. , Giammusso Isabella 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOrganized crime's governance raises questions about mechanisms facilitating the exercise of illegal authority in society. The present research tested the association between masculine honor ideology and the justification of connivance practices facilitating criminal groups' activities. We examined the novel idea that national identification would attenuate and territorial identification would strengthen such a relationship, reflecting different sources of authority at the national and territorial levels. In Studies 1a and b (N = 398 and N = 399), we measured individuals' endorsement of masculine honor, justification of connivance practices, and national and territorial identifications. In Study 2 (N = 390), we experimentally manipulated the salience of these identities. Results supported the hypotheses that the link between masculine honor and justification of connivance was weaker at higher levels of national identification and stronger at higher levels of territorial identification. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Can't see the carbon for the CO2? Regulating CCU value chains under and beyond climate law
Authors: Yliheljo Emilie , Paloniitty Tiina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo realise the objectives of the European Green Deal (EGD), fossil carbon will have to be not only reduced but also replaced with recycled carbon. The European Commission considers industrial carbon management and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies to be part of the solution. A value chain ensues when carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured and utilised as raw material. Examination of the climate, energy and environmental legal landscape of one specific CCU value chain—comprising of waste, waste incineration and plastic raw material—reveals the varied approaches regulation has towards CO2 and carbon. In this article, both carbon cycle legislation and legislation on the carbon source and the material storing carbon are analysed. The legislation being developed directly for CCU for products (other than synthetic fuels) focusses on the carbon cycle and CO2 under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) and a proposed Carbon Removal Certification Framework. Regulatory uncertainty remains for the studied CCU value chain as the capture of CO2 from waste incineration has yet to be incentivised under the EU ETS. Further, the criteria for the permanence of carbon storage in products to qualify under the EU ETS and of the long‐term storage under the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) have yet to be developed. For a more complete understanding, we have also analysed waste and product regulations. The conceptual structure of the EU Waste Framework Directive does not seem to support circulating carbon. This context also raises the fundamental question of whether the purpose of waste incineration could be carbon recycling instead of mere energy production. Regarding material storing carbon, plastics, the regulator has been silent as CCU‐originated plastic raw material is not recognised in EU plastics law. These issues must be identified and resolved one by one before the EGD can be secured; revisiting only climate law instruments does not suffice.
Can clinical guidelines reduce variation in transfusion practice? A pre–post study of blood transfusions during cardiac surgery
Authors: Irving Adam , Harris Anthony , Petrie Dennis , Avdic Daniel , Smith Julian , Tran Lavinia , Reid Christopher M. , McQuilten Zoe K. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPreviously published studies have consistently identified significant variation in red blood cell (RBC) transfusions during cardiac surgery. Clinical guidelines can be effective at improving the average quality of care; however, their impact on variation in practice is rarely studied. Herein, we estimated how variation in RBC use across cardiac surgeons changed after the publication of national patient blood management guidelines.Materials and MethodsWe performed a pre–post study estimating change in variation in RBC transfusions across 80 cardiac surgeons in 29 hospitals using a national cardiac surgery registry. Variation across surgeons was estimated using fixed‐effects regressions controlling for surgery and patient characteristics and an empirical Bayes shrinkage to adjust for sampling error. RBC use was measured by three metrics—the total number of units transfused, the proportion of patients transfused and the number of units transfused, conditional on receiving RBC.ResultsThe primary analysis utilized 35,761 elective cardiac surgeries performed between March 2009 and February 2015 and identified a 24.5% reduction (p < 0.0001) in mean total units transfused accompanied by a 37.2% reduction (p = 0.040) in the variation across surgeons. The reduction in mean total units was driven by both the proportion of patients transfused and the number of units transfused, conditional on receiving RBC, while the reduction in variation was only driven by the latter.ConclusionIn our study of RBC transfusions across cardiac surgeons, the surgeons who used more RBC in the pre‐guideline period experienced larger reductions in RBC use after the guidelines were published.
Cartan projections of fiber products and non‐quasi‐isometric embeddings
Authors: Tsouvalas Konstantinos 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLet be a finitely generated group and be a normal subgroup of . The fiber product of with respect to is the subgroup of the direct product . For every representation , where is a local field, we establish upper bounds for the norm of the Cartan projection of in terms of a fixed word length function on . As an application, we exhibit examples of finitely generated and finitely presented fiber products , where is linear and Gromov hyperbolic, such that does not admit linear representations that are quasi‐isometric embeddings.
Evaluation of Exercise Program for Overweight and Obese Pediatric Participants in a Single Tertiary Center in Singapore
Authors: Leong Kylie , Tohid Muhammad Munir , Liew Bernard Xian Wei , Toh Siao Hui , Zainuddin Mohammad Ashik , Fadzully Fadzlynn , Feng Brandon Guoqiang , Bin Abu Bakar Muhammad Alif , Loo Benny Kai Guo 
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Pediatric obesity is rising in prevalence. We audited the results of an exercise program for overweight and obese pediatric participants in a tertiary pediatric hospital. The main aim was to determine the program’s effectiveness, with the main outcome of change in body mass index (BMI). Method: Retrospective review of data from all pediatric participants attending the program between January 2017 and December 2022. Inclusion criteria for analysis were BMI ≥90th centile, ages 6–15, attendance in at least 2 sessions and for at least 1 week. Statistical analysis was done using Generalized Additive Modeling. Results: One hundred thirty seven participants were included. The average duration in the program was 16 months (min = 1 wk, max = 57 mo). Majority (66%, n = 94) attended at intervals of >4 weeks. Only 7% (n = 9) attended weekly. The shorter the visit intervals, the more likely the BMI loss. The greatest decrease in BMI (−0.275; 95% confidence interval, −0.381 to −0.17) was in 15-year-old obese participants with visit intervals of <1 week. At the last visit, 84.7% maintained, 12.4% improved and 2.9% worsened in BMI category, respectively. Conclusion: Participants who attended an exercise program at least weekly demonstrated the best outcomes. Most did not adhere to the recommended frequency and thus had poorer outcomes. We have since made improvements to our program to increase visit frequency.