bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active Heme Metabolism Suppresses Macrophage Phagocytosis via the TLR4/Type I IFN Signaling/CD36 in Uterine Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xing , Yang Yi‐Xing , Lu Jia‐Jing , Hou Ding‐Yu , Abudukeyoumu Ayitila , Zhang Hong‐Wei , Li Ming‐Qing , Xie Feng 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundUterine endometrial cancer (UEC) is a common gynecological estrogen‐dependent carcinoma, usually accompanied by intermenstrual bleeding. Active heme metabolism frequently plays an increasingly important role in many diseases, especially in cancers. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major population in the immune microenvironment of UEC. However, the roles of heme metabolisms in the crosstalk between UEC cells (UECCs) and macrophages are unclear.Materials and MethodsIn our study, by using TCGA database analysis, integration analysis of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and sample RNA transcriptome sequencing were done. The expression level of both heme‐associated molecules and iron metabolism‐related molecules were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Heme level detection was done through dehydrohorseradish peroxidase assay. In addition to immunohistochemistry, phagocytosis assay of macrophages, immunofluorescence staining, intracellular ferrous iron staining, as well as enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay were performed.ResultsIn the study, we verified that heme accumulation in UECCs is apparently higher than in endometrial epithelium cells. Low expression of succinate dehydrogenase B under the regulation of estrogen contributes to over‐production of succinate and heme accumulation in UECC. More importantly, excessive heme in UECCs impaired macrophage phagocytosis by regulation of CD36. Mechanistically, this process is dependent on toll‐like receptor (TLR4)/type I interferons alpha (IFN Iα) regulatory axis in macrophage.ConclusionCollectively, these findings elucidate that active heme metabolism of UECCs directly decreases phagocytosis by controlling the secretion of TLR4‐mediated IFN Iα and the expression of CD36, and further contributing to the immune escape of UEC.
Effects of pre‐heating of broiler breeder's eggs on hatchability, chick quality, overall performance, and welfare traits in broilers
Authors: Erensoy Kadir , Sarıca Musa , Noubandiguim Moise , Karaçay Numan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of varying pre‐heating practices (12‐h: PH12; 8‐h: PH8; 4‐h: PH4 and 0‐h or no pre‐heating: PH0) of broiler breeder's eggs prior to incubation on hatching, chick quality, overall performance, and welfare traits in broilers. A total of 960 eggs obtained from Ross 308 breeders at 45 weeks were used for pre‐heating manipulations and 480 chicks for broiler experiment. Apparent fertility was higher in PH0 (94.6%) and PH4 (94.5%) treatments than in PH8 (91.6%) and PH12 (90.6%); hatchability of fertile and set eggs was higher in PH4 and PH12. PH4, PH8, and PH12 treatments significantly accelerated the average hatching time compared to PH0. General chick quality was not affected by pre‐heating treatments. However, chick length was significantly lower in PH0 chicks than PH12. Pre‐heating manipulations did not change the overall broiler performance. Welfare characteristics were similar among treatments, while only hock burn was better in PH8 broilers. In conclusion, pre‐heating of broiler breeder eggs for 4 to 12 h improved hatching success by lowering embryonic mortality and shortened the average hatching time compared to no pre‐heating, and did not cause any significant alteration in chick quality, overall performance, and welfare characteristics.
How well can the fetal heart rate baseline be assessed by intrapartum intermittent auscultation? An interrater reliability and agreement study
Authors: Engelhart Christina Hernandez , Vanbelle Sophie , Øian Pål , Pay Aase Serine Devold , Kaasen Anne , Blix Ellen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to examine the inter‐reliability and agreement among midwives when assessing the fetal heart rate (FHR) using the handheld Doppler. The primary aim was to measure the reliability and agreement of FHR baseline (baseline) as beats per minute (bpm). The secondary aims were to measure fluctuations from the baseline, defined as increases and decreases, and classifications (normal or abnormal) of FHR soundtracks. This is the first interrater reliability and agreement study on intermittent auscultation (IA) to our knowledge.MethodsThe participant population consisted of 154 women in labor, from a mixed‐risk population and admitted to hospital for intrapartum care. The rater population were 16 midwives from various maternity care settings in Norway. A total of 154 soundtracks were recorded with a handheld Doppler device, and the 16 raters assessed 1‐min soundtracks once, through an online survey (Nettskjema). They assessed the baseline, FHR increase or decrease, and the FHR classification. The primary outcome, baseline, was measured with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The secondary outcomes were measured with kappa and proportion of agreement.ResultsThe interrater reliability for the baseline (bpm) was ICC(A,1) 0.74 (95% CI 0.69–0.78). On average, an absolute difference of 7.9 bpm (95% CI 7.3–8.5 bpm) was observed between pairs of raters.ConclusionOur results demonstrate an acceptable level of reliability and agreement in assessing the baseline using a handheld Doppler.
Poor compliance and exemptions facilitate ongoing deforestation
Authors: Thomas Hannah , Ward Michelle S. , Simmonds Jeremy S. , Taylor Martin F. J. , Maron Martine 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMany nations are struggling to reduce deforestation, despite having extensive environmental protection laws in place and commitments to international agreements that address the biodiversity and climate crises. We developed a novel framework to quantify the extent to which contemporary deforestation is being captured under national and subnational laws. We then applied this framework to northern Australia as a case study, a development and deforestation hotspot with ecosystems of global significance. First, deforestation may be compliant under all relevant legislation, either through assessment and approval or because of exemptions in the legislation. Second, deforestation may be compliant under at least one relevant law, but not all. Third, there may be no evidence of deforestation assessment or exemption from assessment, despite their apparent requirement, which could mean the deforestation is potentially noncompliant. Finally, deforestation may occur in an area or under circumstances that are beyond the intended scope of any relevant legislation. All deforestation that we analyzed was hypothetically covered by one or more laws. However, 65% of deforestation was potentially noncompliant with at least one law. Because multiple laws could be relevant to a given clearing event, the majority of clearing was still compliant with at least one law, but of these events, only a small proportion was explicitly approved (19%). The remaining were permitted under various exemptions. Of all the legislation we analyzed, most of the exempt clearing occurred under one subnational law and most potentially noncompliant clearing occurred under one national law. Our results showed that even a nation with a suite of mature environmental protection laws is falling well short of achieving international commitments regarding deforestation. Our framework can be used to pinpoint the pathways of policy change required for nations to align local laws with these international accords.
Does CEO guilt influence the adoption of employee welfare practices?
Authors: Ashfaq Saira , Riaz Hammad , Mujtaba Ghulam , Saeed Abubakr , Baloch Muhammad Saad 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study examines the role of CEOs' guilt in adopting employee welfare practices (EWP). Using the context of privatization that is associated with large‐scale layoffs, we argue that witnessing the distress of laid‐off workers and their families causes CEOs to experience guilt for not doing enough to alleviate their suffering. The guilt, in turn, drives CEOs to engage in remedial actions of restitution that reflect positively on employee‐related practices. We find support for our idea in a sample of newly privatized firms from 31 countries. Our results show that CEOs' guilt positively influences the adoption of EWP among newly privatized firms. This effect is stronger in countries with collectivistic orientation and higher unemployment rates. Our findings suggest CEOs' values and emotions play an important role in business decisions concerning their employees. This perspective challenges the conventional view of business decisions as purely rational and profit‐driven, highlighting the importance of ethical and emotional considerations in decision‐making.
Metabolic profiling of psoriasis vulgaris and palmoplantar pustulosis
Authors: Lee Yujin , Kim Seong Rae , Ban Mu Seong , Lee Howard , Cho Joo‐Youn , Jo Seong Jin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with various subtypes, including psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). Metabolomics studies have provided insights into psoriasis pathogenesis. However, research on metabolomic alterations in PV and PPP patients is limited. We aimed to explore and compare the metabolic profiles of patients with PV and PPP to those of healthy volunteers (HVs). A single‐centre retrospective cohort was constructed, comprising Korean patients with psoriasis and HVs matched by age and sex. Clinical information including demographics, disease severity, and comorbidities were collected. Plasma samples were subjected to targeted metabolic analysis using an Absolute IDQ®p180 kit, which quantified 188 metabolites, including amino acids and carnitines. Statistical significance was assessed using an independent t‐test and chi‐square test, with p‐values adjusted by the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure. Pathway analyses were employed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the metabolite profile. This study included 93 patients (73 PV and 20 PPP) and an equal number of HVs. PV patients showed increased levels of sarcosine, serotonin, propionylcarnitine, proline, aspartic acid, tyrosine, taurine, spermine and ornithine, but exhibited a decreased level of acetylcarnitine than matched HVs. Notably, sarcosine levels were significantly elevated in PPP patients. Furthermore, the sarcosine/glycine ratio was significantly higher in both PV and PPP patients than in HVs. Pathway analysis showed significant increases in metabolites involved in amino acid metabolism and the urea cycle in PV patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrated distinct metabolic profiles in PV and PPP patients compared to HVs, suggesting sarcosine as a potential biomarker for psoriasis.
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is related to plant biodiversity loss at multiple spatial scales
Authors: van der Plas Fons , Hautier Yann , Ceulemans Tobias , Alard Didier , Bobbink Roland , Diekmann Martin , Dise Nancy B. , Dorland Edu , Dupré Cecilia , Gowing David , Stevens Carly 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDue to various human activities, including intensive agriculture, traffic, and the burning of fossil fuels, in many parts of the world, current levels of reactive nitrogen emissions strongly exceed pre‐industrial levels. Previous studies have shown that the atmospheric deposition of these excess nitrogen compounds onto semi‐natural terrestrial environments has negative consequences for plant diversity. However, these previous studies mostly investigated biodiversity loss at local spatial scales, that is, at the scales of plots of typically a few square meters. Whether increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition also affects plant diversity at larger spatial scales remains unknown. Here, using grassland plant community data collected in 765 plots, across 153 different sites and 9 countries in northwestern Europe, we investigate whether relationships between atmospheric nitrogen deposition and plant biodiversity are scale‐dependent. We found that high levels of atmospheric nitrogen deposition were associated with low levels of plant species richness at the plot scale but also at the scale of sites and regions. The presence of 39% of plant species was negatively associated with increasing levels of nitrogen deposition at large (site) scales, while only 1.5% of the species became more common with increasing nitrogen deposition, indicating that large‐scale biodiversity changes were mostly driven by “loser” species, while “winner” species profiting from high N deposition were rare. Some of the “loser” species whose site presence was negatively associated with atmospheric nitrogen deposition are listed as “threatened” in at least some EU member states, suggesting that nitrogen deposition may be a key contributor to their threat status. Hence, reductions in reactive nitrogen emissions will likely benefit plant diversity not only at local but also at larger spatial scales.
Topical amitriptyline in burning mouth syndrome: A retrospective real‐world evidence study
Authors: Lebel Ashley , Da Silva Vieira Dylan , Boucher Yves 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of topical amitriptyline as a potential route of administration for the management of burning mouth syndrome.BackgroundBurning mouth syndrome is a complex, idiopathic, and debilitating orofacial pain disorder that impairs quality of life, with a prevalence of up to 18% in menopausal women. Available drugs to alleviate its burning sensation have inconsistent and limited efficacy. Given its physicochemical properties, excellent tolerability, and ability to target peripheral pathways, topical amitriptyline seems a promising mechanistically specific analgesic drug for burning mouth syndrome.MethodsIn this retrospective cross‐sectional real‐world evidence study, patients with burning mouth syndrome who were prescribed topical amitriptyline for 8 weeks were identified. Eligibility criteria stemmed from ICHD‐3, ICOP, and consensus definitions. The primary outcome measure was mean daily pain intensity (on a 0–10 scale); secondary outcomes included adverse events and patient global impression of improvement. Data are given as the mean ± SD.ResultsA total of 15 patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria were included and analyzed. Mean daily pain was 6.7 ± 2.1 at baseline and 3.7 ± 2.3 after treatment, with a mean reduction of 3.1 ± 2.8 (p = 0.002). Half of the patients experienced a decrease in pain by at least 50% (p = 0.008). Several mild adverse events were reported, such as somnolence or dry mouth.ConclusionsTopical amitriptyline may be a safe and potent route of administration in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome, a hypothesis to be tested in further controlled trials.
Candidate Antigens and the Development of Helicobacter pylori Vaccines
Authors: Zhang Zhanhua , Cui Man , Ji Xiaohui , Su Guimin , Zhang Yi‐Xuan , Du Lin 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundInfection with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) mostly occurs during childhood, and persistent infection may lead to severe gastric diseases and even gastric cancer. Currently, the primary method for eradicating Hp is through antibiotic treatment. However, the increasing multidrug resistance in Hp strains has diminished the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments. Vaccination could potentially serve as an effective intervention to resolve this issue.AimsThrough extensive research and analysis of the vital protein characteristics involved in Hp infection, we aim to provide references for subsequent vaccine antigen selection. Additionally, we summarize the current research and development of Hp vaccines in order to provide assistance for future research.Materials and MethodsUtilizing the databases PubMed and the Web of Science, a comprehensive search was conducted to compile articles pertaining to Hp antigens and vaccines. The salient aspects of these articles were then summarized to provide a detailed overview of the current research landscape in this field.ResultsSeveral potential antigens have been identified and introduced through a thorough understanding of the infection process and pathogenic mechanisms of Hp. The conserved and widely distributed candidate antigens in Hp, such as UreB, HpaA, GGT, and NAP, are discussed. Proteins such as CagA and VacA, which have significant virulence effects but relatively poor conservatism, require further evaluation. Emerging antigens like HtrA and dupA have significant research value. In addition, vaccines based on these candidate antigens have been compiled and summarized.ConclusionsVaccines are a promising method for preventing and treating Hp. While some Hp vaccines have achieved promising results, mature products are not yet available on the market. Great efforts have been directed toward developing various types of vaccines, underscoring the need for developers to select appropriate antigens and vaccine formulations to improve success rates.
The impact of male urinary incontinence on quality of life and sexual health
Authors: Gezginci Elif , Ata Aysenur , Goktas Sonay 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMen with urinary incontinence problems may have a fear of urinary incontinence during sexual intercourse, which may negatively affect their sexual lives. This study aimed to determine the effect of urinary incontinence on quality of life and erectile dysfunction in men. A total of 203 men with urinary incontinence who presented to a urology outpatient clinic were assessed using a patient information form, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐SF), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The mean age was 63.48 ± 8.80 years, the mean ICIQ‐SF score was 13.45 ± 3.14 (moderate), and the IIEF erectile dysfunction score was 18.52 ± 6.48 (mild/moderate). Patient age correlated positively with the ICIQ‐SF total score (r = 0.309, p < 0.001) and negatively with the IIEF total score (r = −0.452, p < 0.001). The ICIQ‐SF score was negatively correlated with erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction scores (p < 0.001, p = 0.015, p = 0.037, p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively). More severe urinary incontinence in men was associated with lower quality of life and greater erectile dysfunction. Further studies are needed to raise men's awareness of urinary incontinence.
The real effects of M&As on targets’ peers
Authors: Du Linda , Li Wen , Sun Jianfei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper studies the real effects of targets’ acquisitions on their peers through investigating the real earnings management (REM) behavior of the targets’ rivals following the mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Using a difference‐in‐differences design, we find that, on average, rivals of acquisition targets would engage in more REM after M&A announcements. We further find that within rivals of the target, the post‐announcement increase in REM is more pronounced when: (1) the rival is relatively less similar to the target; (2) the rival serves as the targets’ rival more than once within a year; (3) the target earns a higher bidding premium or positive abnormal returns; or (4) the rival has the higher institutional ownership or more analyst following. Additional analyses reveal that rivals engaging in more REM would have a higher likelihood of being acquired in subsequent years and would be sold at higher premiums. We also find that targets’ rivals boost their short‐term performance by engaging in REM activities at the cost of their long‐term performance. Our results are robust to various robustness checks. Overall, our evidence suggests that an acquisition activity could have a real effect on the target's industry, i.e., the effect on the accounting choices of the whole industry.
A new perspective on tree growing season determination
Authors: Piermattei Alma 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDefining plant development timing through seasonal growth and dormancy phases is a valuable proxy for studying climate change and serves as an annual bioindicator. However, current methods for determining the growing season vary due to species‐specific interpretations and differing understandings of its main drivers. Körner et al. (2023) introduced four non‐interchangeable definitions of growing seasons to clarify this complex issue. While some studies have paired different methods, none have simultaneously applied a full set of methods at the individual tree or species level. Here, I aim to present a new perspective to understanding growing season timing by focusing on all facets of above‐ground tree growth and measurable biological and phenological markers. This approach calls for simultaneous, continuous monitoring during active and dormancy periods on the same trees and across different species at a large spatial scale. The goal is to comprehensively understand each method's errors, temporal lags, and the factors determining each growing season, as defined by Körner et al. (2023, Ecology Letters, 26, 1277). Accurate estimation of growing season timing can reshape our understanding of its environmental drivers, improve terrestrial ecosystem models, assess the impact of climate change on tree growth, determine the biological zero for various species, verify remote sensing indices and forecast species distribution.
Effect of acidic media on surface characteristics of highly filled flowable resin‐based composites: An in vitro study
Authors: Vulović Stefan , Blatz Markus B. , Bukorović Jovan , Živković Nikola , Todorović Aleksandar , Vencl Aleksandar , Milić Lemić Aleksandra 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze and compare the impact of acidic media on the surface characteristics of highly filled flowable resin‐based composites.Materials and MethodsTwo hundred fifty‐six specimens were divided into four groups: GUF (G‐aenial Universal Flo), GUI (G‐aenial Universal Injectable), TEF (Tetric EvoFlow), and FSF (Filtek Supreme Flowable Restorative). Surface characteristics were analyzed before (T0) and after specimens immersion in different media, such as gastric juice (GJ), fizzy drink (FD), citric juice (CJ), or artificial saliva (AS), for 9 h (T1) and 18 h (T2). The analyses included surface roughness (SR) measurements, where average roughness (Ra) was obtained, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and surface hardness (SH) evaluation, with Vickers numbers (HV) reported. The differences in values among groups/subgroups within the same stage were assessed using two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test, whereas repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to compare the changes in values through the stages. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD).ResultsAt T0, GUI and GUF revealed lower Ra values (p < 0.05), more evenness in SEM micrographs, and higher HV values (p < 0.05) than FSF and TEF. At T1 and T2, specimens of all groups/subgroups demonstrated an increase in Ra and a decrease in HV compared with T0 (p < 0.05), as well as the changes in surface morphology on SEM micrographs. The lowest Ra and highest HV values were observed in GUI group, in contrast to FSF group, and in specimens immersed in GJ.ConclusionsGUI revealed lower SR and higher SH compared to GUF and FSF both before and after exposure to acidic media. The presence of acidic media, especially GJ, significantly increases SR and decreases SH of tested materials.Clinical SignificanceInformation on the changes in the surface characteristics of highly filled resin‐based composites after exposure to acidic media may be essential for the longevity of restorations like composite veneers fabricated from these materials.