bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural glyceollin soybean extracts elicited with Aspergillus sojae reduce estrogen‐dependent breast cancer growth in orally fed mice
Authors: Ferriere François , Percevault Frederic , Plu Nicolas , Le Page Yann , Pham Tu‐Ha , Lecomte Sylvain , Costet Nathalie , Surel Claire , Efstathiou Theo , Pakdel Farzad 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated antiestrogenic and antiproliferative effects of these molecules in breast cancer cells. Notably, we have reported that pure synthetic glyceollins I and II act through various pathways, including ERα, FOXM1, AhR, and HIF pathways to inhibit cell proliferation and migration. In this study, the potential antitumor activity of glyceollins enriched in crude soybean extracts, obtained by solid fermentation with Aspergillus sojae, was investigated in vivo on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells implanted in the chorioallantoic membrane of the chick egg and on ovariectomized nude mice. The first trial showed a substantial reduction in the migration of MCF‐7 cells treated with the natural extracts. However, the natural extracts significantly reduced the estrogen‐dependent growth of transplanted tumors in orally fed nude mice. Our results showed that natural soybean extracts slightly but significantly reduced estrogen‐dependent growth of the transplanted tumors in orally fed nude mice. These results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry of Ki‐67 and histone H3S10 phosphorylation (H3S10P), revealing lower expression of these proliferation markers in the transplanted tumors from mice fed with the fermented extracts. Additionally, compared to the control animals, we observed a lower expression of angiogenesis markers such as CD31 and CD34. Surprisingly, transcriptomic analysis of RNA from transplanted MCF‐7 cells revealed no differential gene expression. These results may suggest that orally consumed natural glyceollins exert biological effects throughout the body, acting indirectly to reduce tumor angiogenesis and consequently tumor volume. Overall, our results indicate that glyceollins, elicited components of the soy origin, hold potential therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Integration of transcriptional responses in cold contrasting sorghum genotypes under low temperatures
Authors: Vera Hernández Pedro Fernando , Flores Benavides Vladimir , Martínez Núñez Marcelino , Luna Suárez Silvia , Rosas Cárdenas Flor de Fátima 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSorghum is a crop that is susceptible to low temperatures. However, due to the extreme global temperatures, new genotypes have been bred to adapt better to cold climates. Therefore, to better understand the metabolic and molecular differences that may contribute to the improved cold tolerance of these genotypes, it is essential to investigate whether specific molecules play a key role in determining the degree of sorghum tolerance. Furthermore, identifying genes associated with cold tolerance may assist in the development of more robust and productive sorghum cultivars. Here, we analysed the changes in selected elements of the antioxidant metabolism, genes, and miRNAs in two sorghum varieties with different degrees of tolerance to cold stress at different times of exposure to cold stress. The high expression of SbCBF6 in response to cold treatment in early time in the tolerant variety suggests its involvement in the cold response, thereby facilitating a better adaptation of the plant to cold conditions. MiR398 and miR394 showed contrasting behaviour in both varieties in low temperatures, resulting in interesting miRNAs in the degree of sorghum tolerance. MiR319, a marker for the selection of cold‐tolerant cultivars, presents a decrease, suggesting that the better capacity to repress the expression of several members of TCP family of transcription factor genes might be involved in better tolerance to cold stress. This study shows the changes of molecules of interest in response to cold stress in sorghum, marking the difference between cold‐susceptible and cold‐tolerant sorghum plants, which can contribute to selecting tolerant genotypes, allowing new strategies to enhance crop productivity and food security, in regions where low temperatures significantly constrain crop growth and yield.
The connection between aging, cellular senescence and gut microbiome alterations: A comprehensive review
Authors: Jang Dong‐Hyun , Shin Ji‐Won , Shim Eunha , Ohtani Naoko , Jeon Ok Hee 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe intricate interplay between cellular senescence and alterations in the gut microbiome emerges as a pivotal axis in the aging process, increasingly recognized for its contribution to systemic inflammation, physiological decline, and predisposition to age‐associated diseases. Cellular senescence, characterized by a cessation of cell division in response to various stressors, induces morphological and functional changes within tissues. The complexity and heterogeneity of senescent cells, alongside the secretion of senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, exacerbate the aging process through pro‐inflammatory pathways and influence the microenvironment and immune system. Concurrently, aging‐associated changes in gut microbiome diversity and composition contribute to dysbiosis, further exacerbating systemic inflammation and undermining the integrity of various bodily functions. This review encapsulates the burgeoning research on the reciprocal relationship between cellular senescence and gut dysbiosis, highlighting their collective impact on age‐related musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and osteoarthritis. It also explores the potential of modulating the gut microbiome and targeting cellular senescence as innovative strategies for healthy aging and mitigating the progression of aging‐related conditions. By exploring targeted interventions, including the development of senotherapeutic drugs and probiotic therapies, this review aims to shed light on novel therapeutic avenues. These strategies leverage the connection between cellular senescence and gut microbiome alterations to advance aging research and development of interventions aimed at extending health span and improving the quality of life in the older population.
Pectoral Nerve Block II for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Zafar Shehzad , Khan Rubaiqa , Akbar Muhammad Ali , Zameer Rabia , Malik Jahanzeb , Akhtar Waheed , Mehmoodi Amin , Awais Muhammad 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTAimThis study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the pectoral nerves (PECS) II block in facilitating cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) insertion in a sample of 120 patients, with a focus on the percentage of cases completed without additional intraoperative local anesthesia.MethodsPECS II blocks were performed on the left side using ultrasound guidance in all 120 patients. Feasibility was assessed by the proportion of cases completed without the need for extra intraoperative local anesthetic. Secondary outcomes included the amount of additional local anesthetic used, intraoperative opioid requirements, postoperative pain scores, time to first postoperative analgesia, analgesic consumption, patient satisfaction, and block‐related complications.ResultsOf the 120 patients, 78 (65%) required additional intraoperative local anesthetic, with a median volume of 8.2 mL (range 3–13 mL). Fifteen patients (12.5%) needed intraoperative opioid supplementation. Nine patients (7.5%) required postoperative tramadol for pain relief. In total, 98 patients (81.7%) reported high satisfaction levels with the procedure.ConclusionsThe PECS II block, when combined with supplementary local anesthetic, provided effective postoperative analgesia for at least 24 h in 120 patients undergoing CIED insertion. While it did not completely replace surgical anesthesia in most cases, the PECS II block significantly contributed to a smoother intraoperative experience for patients.
Controlled comparative tensile tests of backed versus non‐backed edges’ adhesion: Inferences into stone tool functional properties
Authors: Wilson Michael , Buchanan Briggs , Fisch Michael , Bebber Michelle R. , Eren Metin I. , Pargeter Justin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBacking is a procedure for retouching a stone tool edge to an angle of or near 90°. Archaeologists have recorded backed lithic specimens in the Pleistocene and Holocene around the world. One prominent hypothesis for the occurrence of backing is that it increases a stone tool's adhesion relative to what it would have otherwise been with unmodified, sharp edges. We conducted a highly controlled semi‐static tensile test in which we assessed lithic specimens that possessed both a backed and a non‐backed edge, opposing each other. We hafted each specimen's backed and non‐backed edges to wood, and the bi‐hafted stone implement was then pulled apart using an Universal Instron Materials Tester, allowing for a direct ‘head‐to‐head’ comparison of the two edge types’ adhesive properties. Our tensile test results suggested no significant difference between backed and non‐backed edges in terms of adhesion, which does not support the hypothesis that backing increases a lithic specimen's adhesion.
Plasma apixaban concentrations and thrombin generation assay parameters in response to dose reduction for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yeo Muhan , Lee So‐Ryoung , Choi Eue‐Keun , Choi JungMin , Lee Kyung‐Yeon , Ahn Hyo‐Jeong , Kwon Soonil , Park Hyoung‐Seob , Kim Hyun Kyung , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: August 2024

AimsTo investigate plasma apixaban concentrations and thrombin generation assay (TGA) parameters across different apixaban doses in atrial fibrillation patients who had dose‐reduction criteria for apixaban.MethodsThis observational study included 374 patients (mean age 75.6 ± 7.7 years, 54.8% female) with dose‐reduction criteria for apixaban. The patients were divided into 3 groups: (i) on‐label standard dose (5 mg twice daily, n = 166); (ii) on‐label reduced dose (2.5 mg twice daily, n = 55); and (iii) off‐label underdose (2.5 mg twice daily, n = 153). Apixaban concentrations determined via the anti‐Xa assay and TGA parameters were compared at trough levels.ResultsThe off‐label underdose group exhibited significantly lower apixaban trough concentrations than the on‐label reduced‐dose and standard‐dose groups (56.7 ± 42.9 vs. 83.7 ± 70.4 vs. 129.9 ± 101.8 ng/mL, all P < .001). Less than 70% of all patients fell within the expected range of apixaban concentrations. Proportions exceeding the upper limit of the expected range were significantly lower in the off‐label underdose group (1.3%) than in the on‐label reduced‐dose (9.1%, P = .005) and standard‐dose (12.7%, P < .001) groups. The TGA parameters showed the on‐label standard‐dose group displaying the lowest thrombogenic profiles. Lower creatinine clearance was the most significant predictor of higher apixaban concentrations.ConclusionOff‐label underdosed apixaban resulted in lower apixaban concentrations than both on‐label standard and reduced‐dose regimens. A considerable proportion of the patients exhibited apixaban concentrations outside the expected range, suggesting the potential benefits of plasma concentration monitoring. Further studies are needed to compare dosages directly, investigate the impact of plasma apixaban concentration monitoring and validate the current dose‐reduction criteria.
Exploring the Mechanism of Myrrh in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Cell Experiments
Authors: Tao Wu , Xufeng Yu , Xianmei Chen , Mengrou Qu , Jieqiong Wang , Mingqi Qiao 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of myrrh in breast cancer (BC) treatment and identify its effective constituents. Data on the compounds and targets of myrrh were collected from the TCMSP, PubChem, and Swiss Target Prediction databases. BC‐related targets were obtained from the Genecard database. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted on the intersecting targets of the disease and drug. The key targets of myrrh in BC treatment were identified based on the PPI network. The active constituents of myrrh were determined through reverse‐screening using the top 20 KEGG pathways. Macromolecular docking studies, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, and cell assays were utilized to validate the active constituents and critical targets. Network pharmacology indicated that VEGFA, TP53, ESR1, EGFR, and AKT1 are key targets of myrrh. Pelargonidin chloride, Quercetin, and Naringenin were identified as the active constituents of myrrh. Macromolecular docking showed that Quercetin and Naringenin have strong docking capabilities with ESR1. The results of MD simulation experiments align with those of molecular docking experiments. Cell and western blot assays demonstrated that Quercetin and Naringenin could inhibit MCF‐7 cells and significantly reduce the expression of ESR1 protein. The findings reveal the active constituents, key targets, and molecular mechanisms of myrrh in BC treatment, providing scientific evidence that supports the role of myrrh in BC therapy. Furthermore, the results suggest that network pharmacology predictions require experimental validation for reliability.
Plumbagin's Antiproliferative Mechanism in Human Cancer Cells: A Copper‐Dependent Cytotoxic Approach
Authors: El Oirdi Mohamed 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTCancer is a serious global health problem, causing the loss of millions of lives each year. Plumbagin, a compound derived from the medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica, has shown promise in stopping the growth of tumor cells both in laboratory settings and in living organisms. Many plant‐based compounds exert their effects through copper's ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to understand how plumbagin, dependent on copper, induces cell death (apoptosis) in human cancer cells through various experiments. The results demonstrate that plumbagin hinders the growth of pancreatic cancer cells PNAC‐1 and MIA PaCa‐2 by utilizing the copper naturally present in the cells. Unlike metal chelators that remove iron and zinc (desferrioxamine mesylate and histidine), a specific copper chelator called neocuproine lessens the cell death caused by plumbagin. When ROS scavengers are used, plumbagin‐induced apoptosis is inhibited, indicating that ROS plays a role in initiating cell death. The study also proves that plumbagin prevents copper from leaving cancer cells by suppressing the expression of specific genes (CTR1 and ATP7A). It is confirmed that plumbagin targets the nuclear copper, leading to signals that promote oxidative stress and, ultimately, cell death. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of plumbagin as a substance to combat cancer, highlighting the importance of understanding how copper behaves within cancer cells.
‘It is intimidating going into your first job’: Young teens and workplace safety
Authors: Raby Rebecca , Sheppard Lindsay C. , Lehmann Wolfgang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDrawing on qualitative focus groups and interviews, this paper draws on participatory and relational approaches to explore how prospective and very new workers in their early teens in Canada talk about and navigate workplace safety. We foreground our young participants' discussions and safety management strategies to discuss their shared and sometimes narrow understanding of unsafe work; their mixed, and often limited, experiences of safety training; and the individualized avenues they prioritize to deal with potential and concrete safety issues. Countering our participants' inclination towards individualized solutions, we focus on how these young workers are embedded in relationships with others as well as the material world, including workplace cultures; networks and hierarchies of people; specific materials, time and time pressures; and safety‐related policies. Such a relational lens can in turn guide how we think about fostering workplace safety in ways that challenge more individualized approaches, specifically through recognizing interdependencies that shape how young people think about workplace safety; expanding beyond unidirectional, individualized educational strategies; and favouring shared self‐advocacy, especially with older workers, including through unionization.
“I feel like I'm being talked to like an equal”: Diabetes language matters to adults with diabetes, a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Litterbach Eloise , Holmes‐Truscott Elizabeth , Gray Shikha , Halliday Jennifer , Scibilia Renza , Skinner Timothy , Speight Jane 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo explore reactions to and preferences for words/phrases used in communications about diabetes among adults with diabetes and parents of children with diabetes.MethodsEligible adults (aged 18+ years) living with diabetes, or parenting a child with diabetes, were recruited via social media to complete an online cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods survey. Study‐specific items were used to examine 22 commonly used diabetes words/phrases in terms of participants' cognitive perceptions (‘helpful’, ‘respectful’, ‘accurate’, ‘harmful’, ‘judgmental’ and ‘inaccurate’) and emotional reactions (‘optimistic’, ‘motivated’, ‘supported’, ‘understood’, ‘offended’, ‘blamed’, ‘distressed’ and ‘angry’). Open‐ended questions invited further feedback on (non‐)preferred language and its impact(s). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants (N = 865) included adults with diabetes (type 1: n = 519; type 2: n = 180, other types: n = 48) and parents of children with diabetes (n = 118). Words/phrases most commonly associated with negative perceptions/emotional responses were ‘non‐compliant’ (60% judgmental; 47% felt blamed) and ‘…good/bad’ (54% judgmental; 43% blamed). Positive perceptions were reported for ‘managing diabetes’ (73% helpful, 47% felt understood), ‘person with diabetes’ (72% respectful; 49% understood), ‘…within/outside target range’ (60% helpful, 44% understood), and ‘condition’ (58% respectful; 43% understood). Participants' qualitative responses illuminated perceptions, experiences and impacts across five themes: (1) accuracy and simplicity; (2) identity; (3) blame, judgement and stigma; (4) respect and trust and; (5) support, hope and feeling understood. Themes were consistent across diabetes types.ConclusionsThese findings provide novel evidence into (non‐)preferred, and potential (negative and positive) impacts of, commonly used diabetes words/phrases, supporting the international #LanguageMatters movement.
Ethnic differences in the relationship between ectopic fat deposition and insulin sensitivity in Black African and White European men across a spectrum of glucose tolerance
Authors: Whelehan Gráinne , Bello Oluwatoyosi , Hakim Olah , Ladwa Meera , Umpleby A. Margot , Amiel Stephanie A. , Bodicoat Danielle H. , Goff Louise M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo examine the hypothesis that there would be ethnic differences in the relationship between ectopic fat and tissue‐specific insulin resistance (IR) across a spectrum of glucose tolerance in Black African (BA) and White European (WE) men.Materials and MethodsFifty‐three WE men (23/10/20 normal glucose tolerance [NGT]/impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]/type 2 diabetes [T2D]) and 48 BA men (20/10/18, respectively) underwent a two‐step hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp with infusion of D‐[6,6‐2H2]‐glucose and [2H5]‐glycerol to assess hepatic, peripheral and adipose tissue IR. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intrahepatic lipid (IHL). Associations between ectopic fat and IR were assessed using linear regression models.ResultsThere were no differences in tissue‐specific IR between ethnic groups at any stage of glucose tolerance. VAT level was consistently lower in the BA population; NGT (p = 0.013), IGT (p = 0.006) and T2D (p = 0.015). IHL was also lower in the BA compared with the WE men (p = 0.013). VAT and IHL levels were significantly associated with hepatic IR in the BA population (p = 0.001) and with peripheral IR in the WE population (p = 0.027).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that BA and WE men exhibit the same degree of IR across a glucose tolerance continuum, but with lower VAT and IHL levels in the BA population, suggesting that IR may be driven by a mechanism other than increased ectopic fat accumulation in BA men.
Ontogenetic transfer of microplastics in natural populations of malaria mosquitoes in Western Siberia
Authors: Simakova Anastasia V. , Varenitsina Anna A. , Babkina Irina B. , Andreeva Yulia V. , Frank Yulia A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe uptake, accumulation, and ontogenetic transfer of microplastics (MPs) in bloodsucking mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, vectors of helminth and protozoa parasites in humans and animals, were studied under laboratory conditions. In the experiment, 2‐μm‐diameter fluorescent polystyrene spheres were counted in mosquitoes of all stages, from larvae to adults. Larvae from a natural population readily ingested MPs with food, accumulating on average 3.9 × 106 particles per larva within 3 days. The concentration of MPs decreased significantly in mosquitoes during their transition from stage to stage. The average number of detected MPs attained 110 particles per pupa and 3.0 particles per adult. MP uptake by mosquitoes did not affect their survival, whereas the rate of metamorphosis in MP‐consuming mosquitoes was slightly higher. Our data confirmed that MPs can be transferred from feeding larvae to non‐feeding pupae and adult flying Anopheles mosquitoes from natural populations in aquatic ecosystems.
A U‐shaped curve of female entrepreneurs? The development of women's entrepreneurship in the Netherlands, 1899–2020
Authors: Dilli Selin , Boter Corinne 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMany economic historians have shown that the relationship between female labour force participation and economic development is U‐shaped. However, most studies on this phenomenon do not differentiate between female wage labourers and entrepreneurs. We argue that this is problematic because standard explanations of women's wage work do not necessarily apply to entrepreneurs. To demonstrate this, this paper studies female entrepreneurship in the Netherlands between 1899 and 2020. We show that the U‐shaped curve of female labour force participation does not hold for entrepreneurs because life‐cycle events – such as marriage and having children – stimulated rather than discouraged women to take up entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, structural change of the economy did not equally affect the demand for female wage labourers and entrepreneurs. By integrating an entrepreneurship perspective, this research provides a more complete understanding of the diversity in women's occupational choices when constrained by institutional and individual conditions.