bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of non‐selective beta blockers on further decompensation and death in decompensated cirrhosis: Benefit and risk stratification by MELD score
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Xueying , Jia Siqi , Zhao Haitao , Wang Le , Zhang Xianxian , Fang Xiaohui , He Yong , Li Hongyu , Tacke Frank , Qi Xingshun 
Published: September 2024

SummaryBackgroundNon‐selective beta blockers (NSBBs) can reduce the risk of decompensation, but their impact on further decompensation has been rarely investigated.AimsThe aim is to evaluate the impact of NSBBs on further decompensation and death in decompensated cirrhosis stratified by the severity of liver disease.MethodsOverall, 332 decompensated cirrhotic patients were retrospectively included, of whom 149 used NSBBs. Kaplan–Meier and Nelson–Aalen cumulative risk curves as well as Cox regression and competing risk analyses were used to estimate the associations of NSBBs with further decompensation and death, if appropriate. Hazard ratio (HR) and sub‐distribution HR (sHR) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score at admission.ResultsIn the overall analysis, the use of NSBBs was not significantly associated with further decompensation in multivariate competing risk analysis (sHR = 1.09, p = 0.580). In the subgroup analysis of patients with a MELD score of ≤9, the use of NSBBs was significantly associated with decreased risk of further decompensation in multivariate competing risk analysis (sHR = 0.57, p = 0.021). In the subgroup analysis of patients with a MELD score of >9, the use of NSBBs was associated with increased risk of further decompensation in multivariate competing risk analysis (sHR = 1.45, p = 0.044). Regardless of overall and subgroup analyses, the use of NSBBs was not significantly associated with death in multivariate Cox regression analyses.ConclusionNSBBs may be beneficial for the prevention of further decompensation in cirrhotic patients with a MELD score of ≤9, but deleterious in those with a MELD score of >9.
Letter: Association of myokines with disease progression and outcomes in patients with alcohol‐associated liver disease—Authors' reply
Authors: Kaur Parminder , Verma Nipun 
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Kaur et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18202 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18238
Description of aberrant otolith morphology of Saurida lessepsianus (Aulopiformes, Synodontidae) collected from the coast of Muğla province, Aegean Sea, Turkey
Authors: Reis İsmail , Jawad Laith , Ateş Celal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis is the first study investigating the aberrant otolith morphology in the Lessepsian lizardfish Saurida lessepsianus in the Aegean Sea, Turkey. A Leica Emspira 3 digital microscope was used to determine the aberrant otoliths examined. Two female specimens measuring 230 and 274 mm in total length (TL) were examined and showed an aberrant otolith on both sides of their head. These deformities might have been instigated by the impacts of changing water factors related to diverse pollutants in the Aegean Sea. Characteristics of otolith deformities are of immeasurable significance for aquatic habitats and other otolith studies.
A Systematic Review to Explore Antenatal Care From the Perspectives of Women With Intellectual Disabilities and Midwives
Authors: Alhulaibi Weam , Stockdale Janine , McAleer Paul 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDuring pregnancy, some women with an intellectual disability encounter some challenges, and some midwives who provide them with support lack the knowledge to provide the best care. This systematic review explores the experiences of women with intellectual disability during pregnancy and midwives' experiences of providing care.MethodFour databases were searched (PubMed, CINHAL, PsycINFO and Web of Science) and the resultant studies were appraised for quality using CASP. The selected papers were published between January 2012 and December 2022 and originated from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada and Ireland.ResultsEight studies were included: five examined the experiences of pregnant women with intellectual disability, one investigated the midwives' experiences of caring and two analysed both groups. The primary themes amongst women included pregnancy announcements, involvement in their care and fear of losing their baby custody. The midwives expressed their lack of readiness and need for additional support. Both groups recognised the necessity for improved education and accessible communication.ConclusionWomen with intellectual disabilities who are in the context of this review revealed their requirement for improved education and assistance in understanding antenatal information. The midwives within the included studies felt inadequately prepared to support women with intellectual disabilities: they lacked specialist training and required additional support in health education and communication skills.
Moving On, But Where? A Snapshot of Ontario Ministerial Staff Career Trajectories
Authors: Spicer Zachary , Chatha Muzammil 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDespite their centrality to the success of government business, we know very little about political staff, including their contributions to the policy process, the ways in which they contribute to government decision‐making or their career trajectories. This research note examines the experience that political staff bring to their positions and where they find employment after leaving ministerial offices, using archived staff directories across four governments (NDP, Liberal and two Progressive Conservative administrations) in Ontario, Canada and cross‐referencing names using LinkedIn. In total, we explore career progression of 1,153 political staff who have employment information publicly available on LinkedIn. Many take these roles having remarkably diverse backgrounds, including finance, law, academia, business and, even, other roles in the public service. Upon leaving political service, some choose to join the non‐partisan ranks of public servants. Many leaving government head towards government relations firms to use their skills and experience to advance their careers. Most of these experiences are consistent across all three political parties that have held office in Ontario.
Growth pattern of de novo small clusters of colorectal cancer is regulated by Notch signaling at detachment
Authors: Lin Yi‐Kai , Coppo Roberto , Onuma Kunishige , Endo Hiroko , Kondo Jumpei , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Hashimoto Shinichi , Itatani Yoshiro , Obama Kazutaka , Inoue Masahiro 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCancer cell clusters have a higher capacity for metastasis than single cells, suggesting cancer cell clusters have biological properties different from those of single cells. The nature of de novo cancer cell clusters that are newly formed from tumor masses is largely unknown. Herein, we generated small cell clusters from colorectal cancer organoids and tracked the growth patterns of the clusters up to four cells. Growth patterns were classified into actively growing and poorly growing spheroids (PG). Notch signaling was robustly activated in small clusters immediately after dissociation, and Notch signaling inhibition markedly increased the proportion of PG spheroids. Only a limited number of PG spheroids grew under growth‐permissive conditions in vitro, but xenograft tumors derived from Notch inhibited clusters showed growth rates comparable to those of untreated spheroids. Thus, de novo clusters are composed of cells with interchangeable growth fates, which are regulated in a context‐dependent manner by Notch signaling.
Synthesis and Preliminary Anticancer Evaluation of 4‐C Derivatives of Diphyllin
Authors: Zhao Ruihan , Ni Xiao , Dong Chenhu , Xu Jun , Zhao Yu 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe natural lignan diphyllin has shown promising antitumor activity, although its clinical advancement has been impeded by challenges such as low solubility, poor metabolic stability, and limited potency. In response, we developed and synthesized two sets of diphyllin 4‐C derivatives, comprising six ester derivatives and eight 1, 2, 3‐triazole derivatives. Notably, among these derivatives, 1, 2, 3‐triazole derivatives 7c and 7e demonstrated the most potent cytotoxic effects, with IC50 values ranging from 0.003 to 0.01 μM. Treatment with 0.2 μM of 7c and 7e resulted in a reduction of V‐ATPase activity in HGC‐27 cells to 23% and 29%, respectively.
Effects of β‐sitosterol on anxiety in migraine‐induced rats: The role of oxidative/nitrosative stress and mitochondrial function
Authors: Vafaei Ali , Vafaeian Ahmad , Iranmehr Arad , Nassireslami Ehsan , Hasannezhad Behnam , Hosseini Yasaman 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimsAnxiety often coexists with migraine, and both conditions share a commonality in oxidative/nitrosative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to their pathogenesis. β‐Sitosterol, a plant sterol, has shown promise in mitigating oxidative/nitrosative stress, enhancing mitochondrial function, and exerting neuroprotective effects. In this study, we investigated the impact of β‐sitosterol on migraine‐associated anxiety and whether this effect was associated with alleviation of oxidative/nitrosative stress and improvement in mitochondrial function.MethodsNitroglycerin was used to induce migraine in adult male Wistar rats. β‐Sitosterol treatment consisted of daily intraperitoneal injections (10 mg/kg) for 10 days following migraine induction. Anxiety levels were evaluated using open‐field test (OFT) and hole‐board test (HBT). Frontal cortex samples were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, nitric oxide (NO) (markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress), and ATP (indicator of mitochondrial function).ResultsMigraine induction led to impaired performance in both the OFT and the HBT. Concurrently, it elevated MDA, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, and NO levels while diminishing GSH levels in the frontal cortex, signifying heightened oxidative/nitrosative stress. Moreover, ATP levels decreased, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. Treatment with β‐sitosterol significantly restored performance in both behavioral assays and normalized the levels of MDA, GSH, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, NO, and ATP.Conclusionβ‐Sitosterol exerted anxiolytic effects in migraine, which can be attributed to its ability to ameliorate oxidative/nitrosative stress and enhance mitochondrial function.
Building a coordinated framework for research and monitoring in large‐scale international marine protected areas: The Ross Sea region as a model system
Authors: Brooks Cassandra , Stammerjohn Sharon , Ballard Grant , DuVivier Alice K. , Hofmann Eileen , LaRue Michelle , Nissen Cara , Orona Alexander J. , Pan B. Jack , Schmidt Annie E. , Walker Nathan , Watters George M. , Weller John 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo fulfill their conservation potential and provide safeguards for biodiversity, marine protected areas (MPAs) need coordinated research and monitoring for informed management through effective evaluation of ecosystem dynamics. However, coordination is challenging, often due to knowledge gaps caused by inadequate access to data and resources, compounded by insufficient communication between scientists and managers. We propose to use the world's largest MPA in the Ross Sea, Antarctica as a model system to create a comprehensive framework for an interdisciplinary network supporting research and monitoring that could be implemented in other remote large‐scale international MPAs. Our proposed framework has three key components: (i) policy engagement, including delineation of policy needs and ecosystem metrics to assess MPA effectiveness; (ii) community partner engagement to elevate diverse voices, build trust, and share resources; and (iii) integrated science comprising three themes. These themes are: advancement of data science and cyberinfrastructure to facilitate data synthesis and sharing; biophysical modeling towards understanding ecosystem changes and uncertainties; and execution of observational and process studies to address uncertainties and evaluate ecosystem metrics. This proposed framework can improve MPA implementation by generating policy‐relevant science through this coordinated network, which can in turn improve MPA effectiveness in the Ross Sea and beyond.
The Number of Episodes of Subtherapeutic Tacrolimus Blood Level Is Independently Associated With Reduced Kidney Graft Survival
Authors: Meisel Eshcar , Bielopolski Dana , Steinmetz Tali , Agur Timna , Lichtenberg Shelly , Goldman Shira , Herman‐Edelstein Michal , Nesher Eviatar , Rahamimov Ruth , Rozen‐Zvi Benaya 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundTacrolimus blood level variability is associated with reduced graft survival among kidney transplant recipients. To date, no practical approach for reducing variability has been validated. We defined specific tacrolimus blood level patterns correlated with variability and evaluated their independent association with reduced graft survival.MethodsIn this single‐center retrospective study, we predefined 12 patterns that exhibited correlation with high tacrolimus blood level variability. Subsequently, we utilized a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, in conjunction with the Akaike information criteria, to evaluate the association between the predefined patterns and decreased graft survival.ResultsOur cohort included 1305 kidney transplant recipients. The primary outcome of this trial was graft loss, defined as the initiation of chronic dialysis or the need for retransplantation. The secondary outcome was the combination of death‐censored graft loss and death with a functioning graft. During the study's follow‐up period, there were 131 events of graft loss. The number of episodes of subtherapeutic tacrolimus level during the first‐year posttransplantation was significantly associated with graft loss (HR 1.208 per episode, 95% CI 1.075–1.356, p = 0.001) and significantly improved the relative likelihood of the model compared to the multivariate model as demonstrated by the delta AIC value (8.256, p = 0.016).ConclusionIn addition to increased tacrolimus blood level variability, the number of episodes of subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels is independently associated with decreased graft survival among kidney transplant recipients.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Compliance, Serologic Response, and Durability in Adult Thoracic Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Chiu Chia‐Yu , Sampathkumar Priya , Brumble Lisa M. , Vikram Holenarasipur R. , Watt Kymberly D. , Beam Elena 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination is recommended for solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates. However, there is a lack of data on the HBV vaccine compliance, serologic response, and durability of HBV seroprotection in thoracic organ transplantation recipients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of adult thoracic organ (heart and lung) transplant candidates who received HBV vaccination at Mayo Clinic sites in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida between January 2018 and August 2023. Conventional recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) was used before 2020, and Heplisav‐B was preferred after 2020. HBV seroprotection was defined as hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) ≥ 10 IU/L. Furthermore, we compared characteristics between recipients who maintained HBV seroprotection and those who lost HBV seroprotection (HBsAb < 10 IU/L) at 30 days posttransplantation (D30).ResultsAmong 922 candidates who were eligible for HBV vaccination, 430 (47%) completed the HBV vaccine series. Patients receiving Heplisav‐B were more likely to complete the series than Recombivax HB (81% vs. 60%, p < 0.001) and Heplisav‐B had a higher seroprotection rate than Recombivax HB (75% vs. 64%, p = 0.023). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified receiving Heplisav‐B as an independent predictor for HBV seroprotection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.723; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.056–2.810; p = 0.029). A total of 145 thoracic organ transplant recipients achieved HBV seroprotection at the date of transplantation. Loss of HBV seroprotection occurred in 38 (26%) patients at D30. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified two predictors for HBV seroprotection loss at D30: age ≥ 60 years (aOR, 2.503; 95% CI 1.026–6.107; p = 0.044), and pretransplant HBsAb level between 10 and 100 IU/L (aOR, 18.575; 95% CI 5.211–66.209; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough less than half of thoracic organ transplant candidates completed HBV vaccine series pretransplant, Heplisav‐B provided a higher vaccine completion rate and seroprotection than the 3‐dose Recombivax HB. Clinicians should also be aware of the increased loss of HBV seroprotection in thoracic organ transplant recipients with age ≥ 60 years and pretransplant HBsAb between 10 and 100 IU/L. Assessment of seroprotection after HBV vaccination should be prioritized during the pretransplant period.
Randomized, double‐blind, phase 1a single‐ascending dose and food effect studies assessing safety and pharmacokinetics of EC5026 in healthy volunteers
Authors: Schmidt William K. , Cortés‐Puch Irene , McReynolds Cindy B. , Croston Glenn E. , Hwang Sung Hee , Yang Jun , Pedersen Theresa L. , Wagner Karen M. , Pham Theresa T. , Hunt Thomas , Hammock Bruce D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractChronic pain represents a significant unmet medical need, affecting one‐fifth of the U.S. population. EC5026 is a small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) which is being developed as a novel non‐opioid, non‐NSAID analgesic. EC5026 prolongs the action of epoxy fatty acids, endogenous analgesic lipid mediators that are rapidly metabolized by sEH. We evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of EC5026 in two phase I trials, a single‐ascending dose (SAD) study and a fed‐fasted study. The SAD study evaluated EC5026 doses ranging from 0.5 to 24 mg in healthy volunteers. EC5026 was well tolerated. No treatment‐emergent adverse events were considered related to EC5026. No apparent treatment‐ or dose‐related trends in laboratory results, vital signs, physical examinations, or electrocardiograms were observed. A linear, near‐dose‐proportional increase in exposure was observed with progressive doses in the SAD study; plasma exposure was below or near the lower limit of quantification after 0.5–2 mg doses. Mean half‐lives ranged from 41.8 to 59.1 h. for doses of 8–24 mg, supporting a once‐daily dosing regimen. In the fed‐fasted study using 8 mg EC5026 tablets, higher peak concentrations (66%) and total exposures (53%) were observed under the fed condition. Plasma concentrations declined in a monoexponential manner with mean half‐lives of 59.5 h. in the fed state and 66.9 h. in the fasted state. Future clinical trials using EC5026 for the treatment of pain are justified based on the favorable outcomes from both clinical trials along with preclinical evidence of analgesic activity.
A performance evaluation index for student satisfaction in online live classes of Chinese language and literature
Authors: Liu Chunhua , Yang Panwang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractStudent satisfaction in online live classes is considered an important criterion to evaluate the effectiveness of this instructional system. This study aims to develop a performance evaluation index to measure the satisfaction of students who have mastered Chinese language and literature through online live classes. Guided by survey techniques and related theories, a questionnaire on satisfaction in online live classes for students majoring in Chinese language and literature was developed. The reliability and validity of the measurement instrument were assessed through testing, and the results showed good reliability and validity. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to establish a performance evaluation model. The findings of this study contribute to the field of online education by providing a structured method to assess student satisfaction with the Chinese language and literature through online live classes. The performance evaluation index developed in this study can be used by educational institutions to improve the quality of their online instructional programs and improve the overall learning experience for students. Thus, the novelty of the study is to develop an evaluation model that helps educational institutions to evaluate the effectiveness of online live classes and guide the improvement of instructional practices.
Analysis of Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS‐42) With Methods of Data Mining
Authors: Sulak Suleyman Alpaslan , Koklu Nigmet 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThis study employs advanced data mining techniques to investigate the DASS‐42 questionnaire, a widely used psychological assessment tool. Administered to 680 students at Necmettin Erbakan University's Ahmet Kelesoglu Faculty of Education, the DASS‐42 comprises three distinct subscales—depression, anxiety and stress—each consisting of 14 items. Departing from traditional statistical methodologies, the study harnesses the power of the WEKA data mining program to analyse the dataset. Employing Naive Bayes (NB), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms, the research unveils novel insights. The ANN method emerges as a standout performer, achieving remarkable distinctiveness scores for all subscales: depression (99.26%), anxiety (98.67%) and stress (97.35%). The study highlights the potential of data mining in enhancing psychological assessment and showcases the ANN's prowess in capturing intricate patterns within complex psychological dimensions. By charting a course beyond conventional statistical methods, this research pioneers a new frontier for employing data mining within the realm of social sciences. As a result of the study, it is recommended that teacher candidates in the teacher education process should have knowledge about depression, anxiety and stress, and relevant courses on these topics should be added to the curriculum of teacher education programs.
Effect of interleukin‐17A on inflammatory mediator production in interleukin‐1β‐stimulated human dental pulp fibroblasts
Authors: Nakanishi Tadashi , Mieda Katsuhiro , Kuramoto Hitomi , Takegawa Daisuke 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn response to pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, dental pulp fibroblasts produce various inflammatory mediators, including IL‐6, IL‐8, CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), and CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), leading to the progression of pulpitis. IL‐17/IL‐17A (IL‐17A) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine secreted by T helper (Th) 17 cells following their recruitment to inflamed sites; however, the roles of IL‐17A during pulpitis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of IL‐17A on IL‐6, IL‐8, CCL20 and CXCL10 production by human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPFs) in vitro. IL‐17A at a concentration of 100 ng/ml induced the production of 10 times more IL‐8 and 4 times more CXCL10, but not IL‐6 and CCL20, compared to controls. Co‐stimulation of HDPFs with IL‐17A and IL‐1β synergistically enhanced the production of IL‐6, CCL20, IL‐8 and CXCL10. IL‐1β increased expression of IL‐17 receptor/IL‐17RA (IL‐17R) on HDPFs. Moreover, the cell signal pathways of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) were more potently activated by simultaneous stimulation with IL‐17A and IL‐1β. These findings suggest that IL‐17A participates in the progression of dental pulp inflammation through the enhanced production of inflammatory mediators in HDPFs.