bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total bile acids levels as a stratification tool for screening portopulmonary hypertension in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Tajima Kazuaki , Miuma Satoshi , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Matsuo Satoshi , Shimakura Akane , Mori Tomotaka , Takahashi Kosuke , Nakao Yasuhiko , Fukushima Masanori , Haraguchi Masafumi , Sasaki Ryu , Ozawa Eisuke , Nakao Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimEchocardiography is necessary for portopulmonary hypertension diagnosis, and identifying patients with cirrhosis who require it is challenging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the utility of the total bile acid (TBA) levels as a screening tool for identifying patients with decompensated cirrhosis who should undergo echocardiography for portopulmonary hypertension diagnosis.MethodsWe evaluated 135 patients with decompensated cirrhosis who underwent liver transplantation. Subsequently, factors contributing to tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) elevation (≥30 mmHg) were analyzed using preoperative data, including the TBA levels.ResultsThe median age of patients was 58 years (61 women), and 45 and 90 patients had Child–Turcotte–Pugh grades of B and C, respectively. The median TRPG level was 21 mmHg, and 17 patients (12.6%) showed TRPG elevation. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated TBA (odds ratio 4.322; p = 0.013) and main pulmonary artery diameter ≥33 mm (odds ratio 4.333; p = 0.016) were significantly associated with TRPG elevation. The TBA cut‐off value (167.7 μmol/L) showed a high diagnostic performance, with 70.6% sensitivity and 64.4% specificity. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) administration increased the TBA levels dose‐dependently. Analysis stratified by UDCA use revealed that in patients not taking UDCA (n = 59), elevated TBA levels and younger age significantly contributed to TRPG elevation. However, in those taking UDCA (n = 76), this contribution disappeared, suggesting that UDCA consumption reduced TBA levels' efficiency in diagnosing TRPG elevation.ConclusionsThe TBA levels may be a potential screening tool for TRPG elevation; however, caution is warranted when interpreting cases treated with UDCA.
Biological evaluation of novel phosphorylated pullulan‐based calcium hydroxide formulations as direct pulp capping materials: An in vivo study on a rat model
Authors: Islam Md Refat Readul , Islam Rafiqul , Liu Yunqing , Toida Yu , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Sano Hidehiko , Ahmed Hany Mohamed Aly , Tomokiyo Atsushi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimCalcium hydroxide (CH) has been considered as a direct pulp capping materials (DPC) for the last decades despite having some limitations. Phosphorylate pullulan (PPL) incorporated with CH (CHPPL) is a novel biomaterial that was introduced as a promising DPC material. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the inflammatory response and mineralized tissue formation (MTF) ability of PPL‐based CH formulations on rat molars after DPC.MethodologyThis study consisted of six groups: CH with 1% PPL (CHPPL‐1); 3% PPL (CHPPL‐3); 5% PPL (CHPPL‐5); Dycal and NEX MTA Cement (N‐MTA) as the positive control, and no capping materials (NC). One hundred twenty maxillary first molar cavities were prepared on Wistar rats. After capping, all the cavities were restored with 4‐META/MMA‐TBB resin and pulpal responses were evaluated at days 1, 7, and 28. Kruskal–Wallis followed by Mann–Whitney U‐test was performed with a significance level of 0.05. Immunohistochemical expression of IL‐6, Nestin, and DMP‐1 was observed.ResultsAt day 1, CHPPL‐1, N‐MTA, and Dycal exhibited no to mild inflammation, whilst CHPPL‐3, CHPPL‐5, and NC showed mild to moderate inflammation, and the results were significantly different (p < .05). At day 7, mild to moderate inflammation was observed in CHPPL‐1, N‐MTA, and Dycal, whereas CHPPL‐3, CHPPL‐5, and NC exhibited moderate to severe inflammation. Significant differences were observed between CHPPL‐1 and N‐MTA with NC (p < .05), CHPPL‐1 and CHPPL‐3 with CHPPL‐5 and Dycal (p < .05), and CHPPL‐3 with N‐MTA (p < .05). A thin layer of mineralized tissue formation (MTF) was observed in all groups. At day 28, CHPPL‐1, Dycal, and N‐MTA showed no to mild inflammation, whilst CHPPL‐3, CHPPL‐5, and NC exhibited mild to severe inflammation, and statistically significant difference was detected (p < .05). CHPPL‐1, Dycal, and N‐MTA exhibited continuous MTF, whilst CHPPL‐3, CHPPL‐5, and NC had thicker and interrupted MTF. Significant differences were observed between CHPPL‐1, CHPPL‐3, and N‐MTA with NC group (p < .05). Variable expressions of IL‐6, Nestin, and DMP‐1 indicated differences in the materials' impact on odontoblast‐like cell formation and tissue mineralization.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that CHPPL‐1 has the potential to minimize pulpal inflammation and promote MTF and had similar efficacy as MTA cement.
Effect of heating processes on bioactive properties, phenolic components and mineral amounts of rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) leaves
Authors: Ahmed Isam Ali Mohamed , AlJuhaimi Fahad , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan , Karrar Emad 
Published: May 2024

SummaryTotal carotenoid amounts of rocket samples were established between 120.56 μg g−1 (fresh) and 130.06 μg g−1 (microwave). In addition, total phenol and flavonoid results of rockets dried in microwave and oven were found between 655.53 (oven) and 1790.96 mg GAE/100 g (fresh) to 254.03 (oven) and 1668.83 mg/100 g (fresh), respectively. Also, radical scavenging activities (DPPH and FRAP) of rocket samples were measured between 7.55 (oven) and 25.45 mmol kg−1 (fresh) to 35.59 (oven) and 66.74 mg g−1 (fresh), respectively. Gallic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, catechin and rutin were the main phenolic compounds found in rocket samples. Catechin contents of rockets dried in microwave and oven systems were recorded between 349.60 (oven) and 442.47 mg/100 g (fresh). Gallic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid amounts of rocket samples were monitored between 52.84 (oven) and 952.15 mg/100 g (fresh) to 30.92 (oven) and 282.15 mg/100 g (fresh), respectively. The protein amounts of rockets were determined between 11.00% (microwave) and 11.60% (oven). P and K values of fresh and dried rockets were found between 3148.36 (oven) and 3752.33 mg kg−1 (fresh) to 39 363.75 (microwave) and 36 883.41 mg/kg (fw), respectively. Also, Ca and Mg results of fresh and dried‐rockets were found between 26 739.33 (microwave) and 29 534.48 mg kg−1 (fresh) to 3125.32 (microwave) and 3431.70 mg kg−1 (fresh), respectively. The highest S (14 665.30 mg kg−1) was detected in rocket sample dried in microwave.
Más vale escuchar. La respuesta a la voz de los trabajadores afecta a la voz promotora
Authors: SNOEP‐DELLEMAN Arjuna , AKKERMAN Agnes , SLUITER Roderick , MANEVSKA Katerina 
Published: May 2024

ResumenEn este artículo se estudia la relación entre la voz de los trabajadores individuales (en defensa de sus propios intereses) y su voz promotora (en favor de los intereses de su organización empleadora). Se comprueba la validez de las hipótesis aplicando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales a un conjunto de datos único sobre la conducta de la voz de los trabajadores en los Países Bajos (N = 3 159). Se constata que la respuesta de los supervisores a la voz de los trabajadores tiene un efecto indirecto en la voz promotora, de modo que las experiencias de defensa de los propios intereses de los trabajadores repercuten en su contribución al funcionamiento organizacional.
Thermodynamic descriptions of the CaO–Al2O3 and CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 systems over the whole composition and temperature ranges
Authors: Tan Jing , Shi Chenying , Liu Yuling , Deng Tengfei , Wu Qing , Du Yong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 system is a fundamental system in aluminosilicate materials, and its thermodynamic description provides key information for ceramic design, cement production, slag tapping, and geological prediction. However, the existing thermodynamic calculations for the CaO–Al2O3 system show inaccurate heats of formation for the compounds and consequently a decomposition of the CA2 (CaO⋅2Al2O3) phase at a low temperature. Besides, the solid solutions in anorthite and cristobalite have never been considered in the previous thermodynamic assessments for the CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 system. Therefore, thermodynamic reassessments of the CaO–Al2O3 and CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 systems are carried out in the present work using the CALculation of PHAse Diagram method, considering the solid solution in anorthite and cristobalite for the first time. The anorthite and cristobalite phases are modeled based on the individual mechanism of solid solution, with the anorthite described by (Ca+2, Va)1(Al+3, Si+4)2(Si+4)2(O−2)8 and the cristobalite described by (Va, Ca+2)1(Si+4, Al+3)2(O−2)4. The present assessment solves the above issues and provides consistent thermodynamic descriptions for the liquid and solid phases. Based on the established thermodynamic database, a Scheil solidification simulation is carried out for a cement clinker and the variations of mass fractions of the phases as well as the composition of liquid during Scheil cooling are calculated. The present work guides the design of relevant materials and lays an essential foundation for the establishment of the thermodynamic database of multicomponent aluminosilicate materials.
Telephone follow‐up based on artificial intelligence technology among hypertension patients: Reliability study
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Shi Yan , Sui Mengyun , Shen Jing , Chen Chen , Zhang Lin , Zhang Xin , Ren Dongsheng , Wang Yuheng , Yang Qinping , Gao Junling , Cheng Minna 
Published: May 2024

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) telephone is reliable for the follow‐up and management of hypertensives. It takes less time and is equivalent to manual follow‐up to a high degree. We conducted a reliability study to evaluate the efficiency of AI telephone follow‐up in the management of hypertension. During May 18 and June 30, 2020, 350 hypertensives managed by the Pengpu Community Health Service Center in Shanghai were recruited for follow‐up, once by AI and once by a human. The second follow‐up was conducted within 3–7 days (mean 5.5 days). The mean length time of two calls were compared by paired t‐test, and Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the results between the two follow‐up visits. The mean length time of AI calls was shorter (4.15 min) than that of manual calls (5.24 min, P < .001). The answers related to the symptoms showed moderate to substantial consistency (κ:.465–.624, P < .001), and those related to the complications showed fair consistency (κ:.349, P < .001). In terms of lifestyle, the answer related to smoking showed a very high consistency (κ:.915, P < .001), while those addressing salt consumption, alcohol consumption, and exercise showed moderate to substantial consistency (κ:.402–.645, P < .001). There was moderate consistency in regular usage of medication (κ:.484, P < .001).
Comparative assessment of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin and cannabinoid receptors in the adrenals of hypertensive rats
Authors: Smereczańska Magdalena , Domian Natalia , Lewandowska Alicja , Kasacka Irena 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTaking into account homeostatic disorders resulting from arterial hypertension and the key importance of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin and endocannabinoids in the functioning of many organs, it was decided to assess the presence and distribution of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin, CB1 and CB2 in the adrenal glands of hypertensive rats of various aetiology. The study was conducted on the adrenal glands of rats with spontaneous and renovascular hypertension. The expression of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin, CB1 and CB2 was detected by immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR method. The results of the present study revealed both lower gene expression and immunoreactivity of CacyBP/SIP in the adrenal glands of all hypertensive groups compared to the normotensive rats. This study demonstrated a reduction in the immunoreactivity and expression of the β‐catenin, CB1 and CB2 genes in the adrenals of 2K1C rats. While in SHR, the reaction showing β‐catenin and CB1 was very weak or negative, and the expression of CB2 in the adrenal glands of these rats increased. The results of this study show, for the first time, marked differences in the expression of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin and CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the adrenal glands of rats with primary (SHR) and secondary hypertension (2K1C).
Borax affects cellular viability by inducing ER stress in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SLC12A5
Authors: Hacioglu Ceyhan , Oral Didem 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a persistent challenge to conventional therapeutic approaches. SLC12A5 is implicated in an oncogenic capacity and facilitates the progression of cancer. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the inhibitory effects of borax on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐stress and apoptosis mediated by SLC12A5 in HepG2 cells. Initially, we evaluated the cytotoxic impact of borax on both HL‐7702 and HepG2 cell lines. Subsequently, the effects of borax on cellular morphology and the cell cycle of these lines were examined. Following this, we explored the impact of borax treatment on the mRNA and protein expression levels of SLC12A5, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), glucose‐regulated protein‐78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor‐6 (ATF6), caspase‐3 (CASP3), and cytochrome c (CYC) in these cellular populations. The determined IC50 value of borax for HL‐7702 cells was 40.8 mM, whereas for HepG2 cells, this value was 22.6 mM. The concentrations of IC50 (22.6 mM) and IC75 (45.7 mM) of borax in HepG2 cells did not manifest morphological aberrations in HL‐7702 cells. Conversely, these concentrations in HepG2 cells induced observable morphological and nuclear abnormalities, resulting in cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 phase. Additionally, the levels of SLC12A5, ATF6, CHOP, GRP78, CASP3, and CYC were elevated in HepG2 cells in comparison to HL‐7702 cells. Moreover, SLC12A5 levels decreased following borax treatment in HepG2 cells, whereas ATF6, CHOP, GRP78, CASP3, and CYC levels exhibited a significant increase. In conclusion, our data highlight the potential therapeutic effects of borax through the regulation of ER stress in HCC by targeting SLC12A5.
National tertiary public hospital performance appraisal: Using FOCUS‐PDCA to improve external quality assessment
Authors: Xie Chunbao , Xiang Yunhui , Lin Qingqing , Luo Jiangrong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo innovatively use the FOCUS‐PDCA quality improvement strategy to establish an external quality assessment (EQA) working group to continuously improve EQA performance, an important indicator of the national tertiary public hospital performance appraisal.MethodsThe project was carried out at the National Center for Clinical Laboratories. Using FOCUS‐PDCA, which combines problem‐focused steps (FOCUS) and improvement steps (PDCA), a project team was established to carry out improvement work. Root cause analysis was carried out to analyze the problems in quality control from EQA project application to results analysis and an improvement plan was implemented according to the steps of FOCUS‐PDCA. The project was executed in three cycles from 2019 to 2021 to obtain more satisfactory results.ResultsAfter implementing three cycles of FOCUS‐PDCA, the EQA participation rate increased from 66.5% in 2018 to 100% in 2021, and the EQA pass rate increased from 94.9% in 2018 to 99.3% in 2021. Consequently, the hospital moved into the top 50 in performance assessment for the first time in 2020 and ranked 27th in 2021.ConclusionThe use of the FOCUS‐PDCA quality improvement strategy can improve the EQA performance of national tertiary public hospitals and help them achieve satisfactory results in the national examination.
Challenges and solutions of conducting dementia clinical trials: A palliative care at home pilot for persons with dementia
Authors: Estrada Leah V. , Gelfman Laura , Zhang Meng , Espino Christian , Goldstein Nathan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecruitment and retention are common challenges in clinical trials, particularly with older adults and their caregivers who often benefit from palliative care but have significant strain from caregiving. In recent years, there has been an expansion in home‐based palliative care programs, especially for patients with dementia. Because these programs often rely on physicians or advanced practice nurses, they are quite costly and may be difficult to staff due to workforce shortages.MethodsWe created a novel program of home‐based palliative care for patients with advanced dementia and their families, which centers around a community health worker, a social worker, and a nurse. We report on challenges our trial encountered and corresponding solutions.ResultsWe enrolled 30 patients and their 30 caregivers in our pilot trial of home‐based palliative care. We found two significant barriers to enrollment: (1) the electronic health record was insufficient to determine the severity of patients' dementia; and (2) rates of follow‐up survey completion were low, with completion rates at 6 months between 14 and 44%. We created an iterative training process to determine dementia severity from electronic health records and applied person‐centered approaches to improve survey completion.ConclusionsElectronic health records are not set up to include discrete fields for dementia severity, which makes enrollment of older adults with dementia in a clinical trial challenging. The strain of caring for a loved one with advanced dementia may also make participation in health‐services research difficult for patients and their families. Novel approaches have the potential to counteract these challenges, improve recruitment and retention, and ultimately improve care for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Natural variation in MORE GRAINS 1 regulates grain number and grain weight in rice
Authors: Han Yingchun , Hu Qianfeng , Gong Nuo , Yan Huimin , Khan Najeeb Ullah , Du Yanxiu , Sun Hongzheng , Zhao Quanzhi , Peng Wanxi , Li Zichao , Zhang Zhanying , Li Junzhou 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTGrain yield is determined mainly by grain number and grain weight. In this study, we identified and characterized MORE GRAINS1 (MOG1), a gene associated with grain number and grain weight in rice (Oryza sativa L.), through map‐based cloning. Overexpression of MOG1 increased grain yield by 18.6%–22.3% under field conditions. We determined that MOG1, a bHLH transcription factor, interacts with OsbHLH107 and directly activates the expression of LONELY GUY (LOG), which encodes a cytokinin‐activating enzyme and the cell expansion gene EXPANSIN‐LIKE1 (EXPLA1), positively regulating grain number per panicle and grain weight. Natural variations in the promoter and coding regions of MOG1 between Hap‐LNW and Hap‐HNW alleles resulted in changes in MOG1 expression level and transcriptional activation, leading to functional differences. Haplotype analysis revealed that Hap‐HNW, which results in a greater number and heavier grains, has undergone strong selection but has been poorly utilized in modern lowland rice breeding. In summary, the MOG1–OsbHLH107 complex activates LOG and EXPLA1 expression to promote cell expansion and division of young panicles through the cytokinin pathway, thereby increasing grain number and grain weight. These findings suggest that Hap‐HNW could be used in strategies to breed high‐yielding temperate japonica lowland rice.
Leading Stressors and Coping Strategies Associated With Maternal Physical and Mental Health During the Extended Postpartum Period
Authors: Walker Lorraine O. , Murry Nicole , Becker Heather , Li Yang 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionA critical gap exists in understanding stressors and coping that affect women's health beyond 6 weeks postpartum. Using new stressor and coping scales tailored to postpartum women, we examined the relationship of postpartum‐specific stressors and coping to women's physical and mental health between 2 to 22 months after childbirth.MethodsA total of 361 women of diverse race, ethnicity, and functional abilities recruited through clinical and online methods completed online surveys that included Sources of Stress‐Revised subscales, such as overload, changes after pregnancy, and low support resources; Postpartum Coping Scale subscales, such as self‐regulation, self‐care, and health promotion; Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health, covering physical and mental health dimensions; and social demographic items. Analyses included hierarchical linear regression models adjusted for social factors.ResultsEducation and employment were the only social factors associated with physical and mental health, respectively. After adjusting for social factors, overload (P < .001) and coping through health promotion (P = .020) were the only additional variables associated with physical health. After adjusting for social factors, overload (P < .001) and low support resources (P = .002) and coping through self‐care (P = .036) were the only additional variables associated with mental health. Thus, being overloaded was the key stressor associated with decreases in physical and mental health. Health promotion was associated with increases in physical health, and self‐care was associated with increases in mental health.DiscussionThese findings point to directions for health care and community interventions to promote health for postpartum women under stress. Strengths of our study include application of stress and coping scales tailored to postpartum women, whereas a limitation is use of a cross‐sectional design.
Correction of age‐related changes in the skin at the dermal and subdermal level using radiofrequency macroneedling therapy
Authors: Flegontova Elena , Kreindel Michael , Vranis Neil M. , Mulholland R. Stephen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe negative effects of skin aging are primarily related to the destruction of dermal architectural structure. More specifically, this includes changes in the spatial arrangement of collagen, elastin fibers, mucopolysaccharides, proteoglycans, and ground substances.AimsThe purpose of this study is to investigate the histologic effects of dermal and subdermal tissue after a controlled single treatment with radiofrequency (RF) macroneedling. This therapy provides a controlled, localized, thermal effect on the dermis whereby triggering the body's own healing processes of extracellular matrix remodeling. Clinically benefits include skin tightening.MethodsBiopsies were obtained for histologic evaluation from four patients (n = 4), 4 weeks after completing a single RF macroneedling facial treatment.ResultsAge‐related changes of the dermal and subdermal architecture were observed at baseline. After treatment, all biopsies demonstrated an increase in epidermal cells, collagen, elastin, fibroblasts, vasculature, and a decrease in inflammatory cells.ConclusionsThe results of this histologic study confirm a significant “subsurfacing” thermal effect from the noncoagulative ascendant thermal injury. The obtained results characterize RF macroneedling therapy as an effective method for correcting age‐related changes in facial skin.