bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on hand grip strength, walking speed, and expression of vitamin D receptor, interleukin‐6, and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in monocyte in pre‐frail older adults: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Dwimartutie Noto , Setiati Siti , Tamin Tirza Z. , Prijanti Ani Retno , Harahap Alida R. , Purnamasari Dyah , Harimurti Kuntjoro , Pramantara I Dewa Putu , Suwarto Suhendro , Kojima Taro 
Published: April 2024

AimTo investigate the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on hand grip strength, walking speed, and expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), interleukine‐6 (IL‐6) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in monocyte in pre‐frail older adults.MethodsWe conducted a randomized double‐blinded placebo‐controlled clinical trial for 12 weeks, involving 120 pre‐frail older adults who were randomized to the cholecalciferol group (cholecalciferol 4000 IU/day) or the placebo group. All subjects were given calcium lactate 500 mg/day. Hand grip strength and walking speed, as primary outcomes, were analyzed using intention‐to‐treat analysis. The expression of VDR, IGF‐1 and IL‐6 in monocytes, as secondary outcomes, were analyzed using per‐protocol analysis.ResultsAfter a 12‐week intervention, there was a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D levels in both groups, with the increase being higher in the cholecalciferol group than in the placebo group (49.05 vs. 24.01 ng/mL; P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in hand grip strength (P = 0.228) and walking speed (P = 0.734) between the groups. There were no differences in the expression of VDR (P = 0.513), IL‐6 (P = 0.509), and IGF‐1 (P = 0.503) monocytes between the groups.ConclusionsCholecalciferol supplementation for 12 weeks increased serum 25(OH)D levels among pre‐frail older adults. However, it did not improve hand grip strength and walking speed, and nor did it change the expression of VDR, IL‐6, and IGF‐1 in monocytes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 554–562.
Evaluation of quality of life scores and family impact scales in pediatric patients with alopecia areata: a cross‐sectional cohort study
Authors: Yücesoy Sera Nur , Uzunçakmak Tuğba Kevser , Selçukoğlu Özge , Aşkın Özge , Ak Tumay , Özdil Eser Ayşenur , Turan Şenol , Serdaroğlu Server 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere are a limited number of studies evaluating the effects of alopecia areata (AA) on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of pediatric patients and their families. This study aimed to assess the HRQoL of pediatric patients with AA and their parents.Materials and methodsThis single‐center cross‐sectional cohort study included 72 pediatric patients diagnosed with AA. The study was conducted between December 2020 and December 2021 in the dermatology department of a single tertiary center in Turkey. The HRQoL index of the pediatric patients was assessed with the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). At the same time, their parents, who were primarily involved in the disease process, were evaluated using the Dermatological Family Impact Scale (DeFIS). An ordinal logistic regression model was used to detect predictors for CDLQI severity.ResultsThe mean ± SD CDLQI of the pediatric patients who participated in our study was 8.4 ± 5.3, corresponding to moderate impairment. The highest impairment in CDLQI was observed in the symptoms and feelings domain, while the slightest impairment was observed in the domain of personal relationships (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score and all CDLQI domains, and the most substantial relationship was with the leisure domain (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). DeFIS scores of female patients were substantially higher than males (25.3 ± 8.6 vs. 17.6 ± 9, P = 0.001).ConclusionOur study supports that AA is a disease that significantly impacts the HRQoL of affected children and their families.
Risk of cardiovascular disorders in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: a large‐scale, propensity‐matched global retrospective cohort study
Authors: Krajewski Piotr K , Matusiak Łukasz , Ständer Sascha , Thaçi Diamant , Szepietowski Jacek C , Zirpel Henner 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often suffer from comorbid diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia and, therefore, are susceptible to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Moreover, systemic inflammation plays a vital role in the development of atherosclerosis. The creation of atherosclerotic plaque is characterized by endothelial dysfunction driven by elevated concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐18 among others, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha.MethodsThis study aimed to assess the risk of HS patients developing CVDs. We performed a large‐scale, propensity‐matched global retrospective cohort study analyzing the risk of development of CVDs in patients suffering from HS. The analysis included 144,100 HS patients with 144,100 healthy controls (HC). The cohorts were matched regarding demographics and history of diseases relevant to CVDs, e.g., diabetes, obesity, and nicotine dependence. A total of 90 cardiovascular disorders were identified. The identification of cardiovascular disorders was based on ≥1% appearance of the event, based on absolute numbers, in both cohorts.ResultsBefore the matching, HS patients displayed a higher frequency in excess weight or obesity (25 vs. 14.4%, respectively), nicotine dependence, and diabetes mellitus, but lower odds of primary hypertension in comparison to healthy controls. A total of 47 CVDs are associated with an increased risk of onset in HS patients. Although the highest hazard ratio (HR; 2.1; 95% CI: 1.95–2.269) was found for unspecified heart failure, the HS cohort was exceptionally predisposed to developing myocardial infarction (HR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.88–2.27) and an acute embolism and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity (HR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.74–2.14).ConclusionsThis is the most extensive study on the association of HS with CVDs. We demonstrated that HS patients are at significantly greater risk of developing various CVDs compared to matched controls, with heart failure being the most common one.
Porphyria cutanea tarda in Scotland: underlying associations and treatment approaches
Authors: Chaiyabutr Chayada , Dawe Robert , Ibbotson Sally H. , Clarke Tara , McGuire Victoria A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite its rarity, porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is globally recognized as the most common form of cutaneous porphyria. This study aims to review the underlying associations and treatment of PCT in Scotland.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data on 27 patients diagnosed with PCT between 1987 and 2022 at the Scottish Cutaneous Porphyria Service.ResultsMales slightly predominated (66.7%). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age at diagnosis was 55.6 ± 12.5 years. Common associated factors were heavy alcohol intake (88.5%), genetic hemochromatosis (72%), smoking (45.5%), and hepatitis C virus infection (16%). Most had multiple associated factors (70.4%). Patients with genetic hemochromatosis with the C282Y genotype exhibited higher median transferrin saturation (69.5 vs. 35, P = 0.004) and ferritin levels (observed in males only) (1175 vs. 339; P = 0.014) than those with the H636D genotype. Most (52%) received combination therapy of venesection and antimalarials, followed by venesection monotherapy (32%) and antimalarial monotherapy (16%). Overall, 95.2% achieved biochemical improvement. Median time to improvement was 7, 5, and 9 months with venesection, antimalarial, and combined treatments, respectively (P = 0.173). Biochemical remission was achieved in 50% of patients. Remission occurred in 2/4 of patients with antimalarial monotherapy (median time 19 months) and 9/13 patients with combined treatment (median time 26 months). Biochemical relapse was found in three patients, all of whom received combination therapy.ConclusionExcess alcohol intake and genetic hemochromatosis were the most common underlying associations with PCT in our Scottish cohort. Treatment for PCT should be individualized, and long‐term follow‐up is needed to monitor for disease relapse.
Phytochemical diversity of Alpinia mutica Roxb. leaves extracts and their bioactivity correlations elucidated by nmr‐based metabolomics
Authors: Noorhadi Najihah Hassan , Sofian‐Seng Noor‐Soffalina , Teh Arnida Hani , Afzan Adlin , Misnan Norazlan Mohmad , Mediani Ahmed , Rahman Hafeedza Abdul 
Published: April 2024

SummaryAlpinia mutica Roxb. possesses diverse phytochemicals with potential as treatment modalities in managing diabetes and obesity. Employing a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics, we conducted discriminative analysis to investigate the metabolite profiles across different extraction solvents (ethanol:water −100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100) and correlated these profiles with bioactivities. Metabolites were identified using NMR supplemented with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. The 40:60 extract showed high phenolic content, strong ferric ion reduction capability and low IC50 value in scavenging free radicals, pancreatic lipase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory assays. Partial Least Square (PLS) biplot indicated that isorhamnetin, catechin, zerumin B, curcumanggoside, curcuzederone, demethoxycurcumin, ascorbic acid, apigenin, and phenylalanine in the 40:60 extract exhibited good correlations with the measured bioactivities. Additionally, LC–MS/MS tentatively identified proanthocyanidins and multiple flavonoid glucuronides in this extract. This study provides preliminary insight into its chemistry and highlight the potential of A. mutica extract as natural antioxidant and antiobesity agent.
Effects of dietary fibres, polyphenols and proteins on the estimated glycaemic index, physicochemical, textural and microstructural properties of steamed bread
Authors: Liu Sijing , Sun Hongnan , Ma Mengmei , Mu Taihua 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThe effects of dietary fibres, polyphenols, proteins and their combination on the estimated glycaemic index (eGI) of steamed bread, as well as the specific volume, height‐to‐diameter ratio, textural and microstructural properties thereof were studied. The results showed that supplementation of 7% soybean dietary fibre, 10% gallic acid combined with 25% soybean protein isolate significantly reduced the starch digestibility of wheat steamed bread, as evidenced by the significant decrease of eGI value from 88.16 to 49.16, which was classified as low GI steamed bread. While, the addition of soybean dietary fibre, gallic acid and soybean protein isolate together negatively affected the fermentation properties of dough, resulting in lower specific volume, chewiness, springiness and higher hardness of steamed bread compared to wheat bread without any addition. The above results in this study might provide theoretical guidance for the development of healthier and blood glucose‐friendly steamed bread in the staple food industry.
Performance of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) testing by hemostasis laboratories: The Australasian/Asia‐Pacific experience
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Arunachalam Sandya , Dean Elysse 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) reflect anticoagulation agents given to treat or prevent thrombosis, having largely replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin. DOACs are given in fixed daily doses and generally do not need monitoring. However, there may be a variety of reasons that justify measurement of plasma DOAC levels in individual patients.MethodsWe report updated findings for DOAC testing in our geographic region, using recent data from the RCPAQAP, an international external quality assessment (EQA) program, currently with some 40–60 participants in each of the different DOAC (rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran) modules, to assess laboratory performance in this area. Data has been assessed for the past 5 years (2019–2023 inclusive), with 20 samples each per DOAC.ResultsData shows a limited repertoire of assays in use, and mostly consistency in reported numerical values when assessing proficiency samples. Available assays mostly comprised reagents from four manufacturing suppliers. There was good consistency across what participants identified as ‘DOAC detected’, but some variability when participants attempted to grade DOAC levels as low vs moderate vs high. Inter‐laboratory/method coefficient of variation (CVs) were generally <15% for each DOAC, when present at >100 ng/mL.ConclusionWe hope our findings, reflecting on mostly consistent reporting of DOAC levels and interpretation provides reassurance for clinicians requesting these measurements, and helps support their implementation in regions where there is a paucity of test availability.
Immune reconstitution in children after haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Apasuthirat Saranthorn , Apiwattanakul Nopporn , Anurathapan Usanarat , Thokanit Nintita Sripaiboonkij , Paisooksantivatana Karan , Pasomsub Ekawat , Hongeng Suradej , Pakakasama Samart 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionImmune reconstitution (IR) kinetics of paediatric patients underwent haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) have not been extensively studied. We compared IR patterns of children receiving HSCT from haploidentical (n = 92) and HLA‐matched donors (n = 36), and analysed risk factors for viral infection in these patients.MethodsWe prospectively measured lymphocyte subset numbers before HSCT and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after HSCT. Blood cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus, adenovirus, BK virus (BKV) and urine adenovirus and BKV viral loads were measured at designated time points.ResultsThe median numbers of total T and T helper cells at 1 month were significantly lower in the haploidentical group compared with the HLA‐matched group. Haploidentical HSCT recipients had significantly lower median numbers of several T cell subsets and B cells for 1 year after HSCT. The median NK cell count of the haploidentical group was lower at 1 month. BKV haemorrhagic cystitis, blood CMV and urine adenovirus reactivation were more frequently found in the haploidentical group. Post‐haploidentical HSCT patients receiving anti‐T lymphocyte globulin (ATG) had significantly lower median numbers of total T cells (at 1 month) and T helper cells (at 6 and 12 months) and higher rate of blood BKV reactivation compared with those without ATG.ConclusionPaediatric patients who undergo haploidentical HSCT with PTCy are likely to have delayed IR and an increased risk of viral reactivation/infection compared with HLA‐matched HSCT. The addition of ATG to PTCy delayed T cell recovery and increased risk of BKV reactivation.
Income and balance sheet diversification effects on banks' cost and profit efficiency: Evidence from the United States
Authors: Abbas Faisal , Rubbaniy Ghulame , Ali Shoaib , Khan Walayet A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUsing two‐step system generalized method of moments approach, we provide empirical evidence on the impact of income, asset, and funding diversification on the cost and profit efficiency of US commercial banks from 2002 to 2019. Furthermore, we use two‐stage least squares to examine the interdependence between cost efficiency and profit efficiency. Our results show that funding and income (assets) diversification has a positive (detrimental) effect on the cost efficiency of banks, whereas funding (income and assets) diversification has a significantly negative (positive) effect on profit efficiency. Our findings reveal that during the global financial crisis, asset diversification is not beneficial for banks, whereas funding ‎diversification has a positive effect on cost and profit efficiency.‎ Our results confirm bidirectional causality between cost and profit efficiency in US commercial banks. Our mixed results on the influence of income, asset, and funding diversification on the cost and profit efficiency of banks with varying characteristics have useful implications for policymakers and regulators‎.
Unveiling employee motivating factors during economic crisis periods: A structural approach
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos D. , Diamantidis Anastasios D. , Karras Anastasios 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDespite the unfavourable labour market and work environment conditions that have emerged in the last decade, this study identifies the factors that positively influence employee motivation. The study was conducted in Greece's banking sector, which was at the epicentre of the economic crisis. A new research model is proposed exploring the relationships between employee motivating factors, employee performance and organizational effectiveness. This model is empirically tested using structural equation modelling on data from 328 bank employees. The results are controversial, showing that non‐financial incentives motivate Greek bank employees most, emphasizing their need to stay in their jobs. Highly motivated workers may boost corporate effectiveness by improving employee performance. Even though this study found that non‐financial incentives motivate employees most, management should not overlook financial and job‐related reward programmes. Managers must provide financial compensation, job security, and supportive leadership to reduce employee dissatisfaction and keep employees motivated. Managers should view recognition as an essential component of motivation because it contributes to the creation of an environment that is both productive and efficient for the organization. The conclusions drawn from studying Greece's 10‐year‐long economic crisis are significant because many other countries around the world are experiencing (or may experience) a similar crisis.
Philanthropic Giving and Volunteering Among Religious Disaffiliates
Authors: Taggart Gabel , Jensen Jeffrey 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIncreasing numbers of religious disaffiliates in the United States is a notable demographic shift with deep implications for the money donated in the philanthropic sector. We seek to understand this change in more detail by analyzing philanthropic giving and volunteering patterns among religious disaffiliates using data from the General Social Survey. This article identifies that people who were religious at age 16 but leave later in life gave less to charitable causes, gave less often, and were less likely to have volunteered recently than their consistently religious counterparts. This article initiates the study of philanthropy specifically among religious disaffiliates, and so we conclude by discussing areas for further research that could further address fundamental questions about religious disaffiliates and their philanthropic behavior. By examining religious disaffiliates, this article adds nuance to more common comparisons of giving and volunteering across religious and nonreligious people. With changing religiosity in the United States, understanding these philanthropic changes is important for the future of both secular and religious nonprofits that rely on these donations for funding.
Here comes the sun: Thermoregulatory behavior in ectotherms illuminated by light‐level geolocators
Authors: Otten J. G. , Clifton I. T. , Becker D. F. , Refsnider J. M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDaily activity patterns of free‐ranging wildlife affect a wide range of ecological and physiological processes and, in turn are affected by anthropogenic disturbances to the environment. However, obtaining a continuous record of activity without disturbing wild animals is logistically challenging. We used commercially available, multi‐purpose light‐level geolocator dataloggers to continuously record light environment and time spent out of water during 5‐months (1 May to 9 September 2021) in an ectothermic freshwater turtle species, the northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica). We used these data to compare time of year and sex differences in thermoregulatory behavior in an ectothermic species in its natural habitat. We recorded >500 000 data points from 17 individual turtles (nine males and eight females). We found no differences in the mean light levels, or proportion of time spent out of the water, between males and females. However, there was a significant effect of both time of year and sex by time of year interaction in both light level, proportion of time spent dry, and number of state changes (i.e., shuttling behavior, wet to dry or dry to wet), suggesting that turtles alter their aerial basking behavior over the course of the season and that the changes in patterns of aerial basking behavior differ between the sexes throughout the year. In general, the proportion of time spent dry decreased over the active season, with an increase during the last week of June and the first week of July, while the number of state changes increased in females during late May/early June before decreasing, while males remained relatively constant. These changes may reflect the different energetic demands associated with reproduction between the two sexes. The overall downward trend in aerial basking likely reflects the role of increasing environmental temperatures, particularly water temperature, in the maintenance of body temperature in this largely aquatic species.
Physiological adaptations to semi‐aquatic habits: the thermogenic macronutrient intake of the Eurasian otter
Authors: Baggio Lara , Mosconi Giacomo , Tremolada Paolo , Nessi Alessandro , Balestrieri Alessandro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Maintaining thermal homeostasis in water is a major challenge for semi‐aquatic mammals, which entails morphological, behavioural and physiological adaptations. Foraging strategies and dietary‐induced thermogenesis (DIT) contribute to regulating body temperature in cold environments. As DIT differs among macronutrients, semi‐aquatic mammals may be expected to regulate their macronutrient ratios to enhance their capability of thermoregulating.

We estimated the nutritional intake target of a widespread semi‐aquatic mustelid, Eurasian otter Lutra lutra by reviewing the available literature on otters' diet throughout Europe and assessing the nutritional composition of non‐commercial fish species forming the bulk of otter diet through laboratory analyses.

The macronutrient intake target for the otter was assessed as 61% protein and 39% lipid energy ratios. The mean percent protein energy was higher than that reported for typical hypercarnivores and tended to increase with decreasing water temperatures.

The additional source of heat provided by the thermogenic effect induced by protein digestion may contribute to balance heat loss, compensating for the costs associated with protein overconsumption.

If, as suggested by fossil records, semi‐aquatic habits appeared after the development of otter's ‘fish specialist’ dentition, the thermogenic effect of its fish‐based diet may have promoted the tight relationship occurring between otters and water habitats.