bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of dispersion slope on the diagnosis of liver fibrosis by the shear wave in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Ueda Naoyuki , Mokuda Sho , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Amioka Kei , Tsuge Masataka , Asada Kana , Okada Yuri , Kobayashi Yui , Ishikawa Mai , Arase Takashi , Arihiro Koji , Oka Shiro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimShear wave (SW) elastography is used to evaluate metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) pathophysiology. Increased elasticity due to fibrosis and increased viscosity due to necrosis and inflammation affect SW. Assessing fibrosis, the most prognostically relevant pathology, is critical. Viscosity is evaluated using the dispersion slope (DS); however, cut‐off values that affect SW values are unclear. We compared the ultrasound imaging parameters (SW for viscoelasticity; DS for viscosity) with pathological findings.MethodsPatients (n = 159) who underwent liver biopsy and SW and DS assessments at our hospital were included. Fibrosis stage and inflammation grade cut‐off values were calculated from SW, DS, and liver biopsy results using receiver operating characteristic curves. Cases in which liver biopsy results were inconsistent with SW results were used to determine the effect of viscosity on SW values. DS was examined in the Correct and Incorrect Diagnosis groups, which were categorized based on the concordance between SW and liver biopsy results. Dispersion slope cut‐off values between the two groups were calculated.ResultsFibrosis stage cut‐off values by SW (m/s) were: ≥F2, 1.62; ≥F3, 1.74; and F4, 1.97. Inflammation grade cut‐off values by DS (m/s/kHz) were: ≥A1, 11.6; ≥A2, 14.5; and A3, 16.1. The Correct/Incorrect Diagnosis groups had 25/70 patients. The DS cut‐off value for both groups was 13.2 m/s/kHz.ConclusionsShear wave and DS are useful for evaluating liver fibrosis and inflammation in MASLD. For DS > 13.2 m/s/kHz, SW may be affected by the increased viscosity owing to inflammation. In such patients, caution should be used when determining/interpreting values.
Molecular investigation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic variants and their impact on VDR mRNA and serum vitamin D levels in allergic rhinitis in an Indian population: A case–control study
Authors: Baba Shahid M , Shafi Tabasum , Rasool Roohi , Hameed Afaq , Shafi Saba , Ahmad Sheikh F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is widespread and poses a significant health concern, as emerging research links it to allergic diseases owing to its immunomodulatory functions. The optimal functioning of vitamin D and its activation depend on its nuclear receptor, vitamin D receptor (VDR). Genetic variants of VDR have been explored as potential factors in autoimmune and allergic diseases, with limited studies on their association with allergic rhinitis (AR). The present investigation aims to analyse the role of three VDR genetic variants – TaqI, FokI and BsmI – in AR susceptibility and their impact on VDR mRNA and serum vitamin D levels. A total of 550 subjects, consisting of 250 AR cases and 300 age‐ and gender‐matched controls, underwent genotyping by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). VDR mRNA and vitamin D levels were determined by quantitative real‐time PCR and chemiluminescence, respectively. Although TaqI did not exhibit significant differences, FokI demonstrated a noteworthy association with AR, particularly with the CC genotype (odds ratio [OR]: 3.34; confidence interval [CI]: 1.79–6.23). Similarly, BsmI revealed an increased risk for AR, with the GA + AA genotypes showing a 2.2‐fold elevated risk (OR: 2.20; CI: 1.53–3.16). VDR mRNA expression was threefold lower in AR patients (p < .0001), accompanied by reduced serum vitamin D levels (p < .0001). In addition, CC (p = .01) and AA (p = .02) genotypes of FokI and BsmI were associated with reduced VDR mRNA levels, whereas TaqI showed no such association. Similarly, heterozygous genotypes of TaqI and FokI, as well as homozygous AA of BsmI, correlated with lower serum vitamin D levels (p < .001). This study emphasizes the intricate relationship among VDR genetic variations, altered VDR activity, immune modulation and vitamin D metabolism in AR. Further research involving diverse populations is crucial for confirming and generalizing these findings, paving the way for personalized therapeutic interventions in vitamin D–related disorders.
Comparison of oncological and functional results of robotic and open perineal radical prostatectomy
Authors: Çolakoğlu Yunus , Ekşi Mithat , Özlü Deniz Noyan , Şimşek Abdülmüttalip , Tuğcu Volkan , Taşçı Ali İhsan 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveWe aimed to compare the functional and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent open perineal radical prostatectomy (OPP) and robotic perineal radical prostatectomy (RPP) for prostate cancer (PCa).MethodsThe data of patients who underwent OPP and RPP from June 2016 to February 2019 due to localized PCa were analyzed. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data and oncological results of the patients were recorded. In addition, the incontinence status of the patients immediately after catheter removal and at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months were compared. Potency status was evaluated among the patients with preoperative potency, and 12th month potency status was compared.ResultsA total of 135 patients were included, of whom 58 (43%) were in the OPP group and 77 (57%) were in the RPP group. The operation time was statistically significantly shorter in the OPP group (83.90 ± 15.48 vs. 110.88 ± 28.10 min, p = 0.001). The amount of bleeding was significantly lower in the RPP group (59.51 ± 22.04 vs. 74.06 ± 17.66, p = 0.002). The continence rates evaluated at the early period, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months were 40.3%, 80.5%, 87.0%, and 90.9%, respectively, for the RPP group and 36.2%, 70.7%, 86.2%, and 89.7%, for the OPP group, indicating no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the 12th month rates of postoperative potency according to the surgical technique (p > 0.05).ConclusionAlthough differences were observed between the OPP and RPP techniques in terms of perioperative parameters, oncological and functional results were similar.
Exacerbation of atherosclerosis by STX17 knockdown: Unravelling the role of autophagy and inflammation
Authors: Cui Xinyue , Wang Bo , Han Dongjian , Cheng Mengdie , Yuan Peiyu , Du Pengchong , Hou Yachen , Su Chang , Tang Junnan , Zhang Jinying 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSyntaxin 17 (STX17) has been identified as a crucial factor in mediating the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes. However, its specific involvement in the context of atherosclerosis (AS) remains unclear. This study sought to elucidate the role and mechanistic contributions of STX17 in the initiation and progression of AS. Utilizing both in vivo and in vitro AS model systems, we employed ApoE knockout (KO) mice subjected to a high‐fat diet and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) to assess STX17 expression. To investigate underlying mechanisms, we employed shRNA‐STX17 lentivirus to knock down STX17 expression, followed by evaluating autophagy and inflammation in HUVECs. In both in vivo and in vitro AS models, STX17 expression was significantly upregulated. Knockdown of STX17 exacerbated HUVEC damage, both with and without ox‐LDL treatment. Additionally, we observed that STX17 knockdown impaired autophagosome degradation, impeded autophagy flux and also resulted in the accumulation of dysfunctional lysosomes in HUVECs. Moreover, STX17 knockdown intensified the inflammatory response following ox‐LDL treatment in HUVECs. Further mechanistic exploration revealed an association between STX17 and STING; reducing STX17 expression increased STING levels. Further knockdown of STING enhanced autophagy flux. In summary, our findings suggest that STX17 knockdown worsens AS by impeding autophagy flux and amplifying the inflammatory response. Additionally, the interaction between STX17 and STING may play a crucial role in STX17‐mediated autophagy.
Psychological burden, anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with hand eczema: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Siewertsen Mie , Näslund‐Koch Charlotte , Duus Johansen Jeanne , Simonsen Anne Birgitte , Nguyen Thi Thao , Zachariae Claus , Skov Lone , Loft Nikolai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundLiving with hand eczema (HE) has been associated with impaired quality of life (QoL), having anxiety and depression but the magnitude of association is not clear.ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the psychological burden in terms of anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with HE.MethodsSeveral databases were systematically searched. Weighted means with standard deviation (SD) were calculated for disease severity, QoL, depression and/or anxiety scores among patients with HE. For studies presenting QoL, depression and/or anxiety scores in patients with HE and in controls the weighted means were compared with an unpaired t‐test. In studies reporting Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the correlation between HECSI and DLQI was estimated using Spearman's rank correlation (rs).ResultsIn total, 81 studies encompassing 17,835 patients with HE and 31,541 controls were included. The weighted mean DLQI was 10.66 (SD 8.93) corresponding to a moderate‐to‐large effect on QoL and a strong correlation (rs: 0.76, 95% CI:0.56–0.87) between DLQI and HECSI was observed. The mean EQ‐5D‐VAS was significantly lower in patients with HE compared with controls (68.03 (SD 10.52) vs. 80.63 (SD 1.17), p < 0.00001). Patients with HE had higher mean HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) anxiety score (7.4 vs. 5.8, p = 0.0008) than controls but not higher HADS depression score (6.5 vs. 5.7, p = 0.32). Only one study assessed risk of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation showing an increased odds of all diseases among patients with HE compared with controls.ConclusionsHand eczema has a moderate‐to‐severe impact on quality of life with a strong correlation between disease severity and impact on quality of life. Patients with hand eczema have an impact on QoL comparable to other chronic diseases when measured with generic QoL scoring systems.
Information campaigns and ecolabels by environmental NGOs: Effective strategies to eliminate environmentally harmful components?
Authors: Brécard Dorothée , Chiroleu‐Assouline Mireille 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEnvironmental nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are increasingly using strategies to encourage firms to eliminate product components (e.g., palm oil) that are harmful to the environment (e.g., rainforests) or to replace them with NGO‐certified sustainable components. Under what conditions do NGOs' information and ecolabeling strategies succeed in eliminating certain harmful components when these components contribute to the intrinsic quality of a product? The paper addresses these questions using a model of two‐dimensional vertical product differentiation in a market with consumers either informed or uninformed about the environmental quality of products and two firms that initially offer a product with the harmful component and a harmful component‐free product. We show that the information campaign plays a crucial and effective role in improving environmental quality, although the optimal share of informed consumers for the NGO is large but not always 100%. Ecolabeling cannot replace the information campaign. It is only a complementary tool to an intensive information campaign. Used together, they can succeed in triggering the substitution of the certified sustainable component for the harmful one.
Social Media Emotions and IPO Returns
Authors: VAMOSSY DOMONKOS F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractI explore how investor emotions on StockTwits and Twitter affect initial public offering (IPO) returns. High pre‐IPO enthusiasm is linked to greater initial returns but eventual long‐term underperformance. IPOs with strong early excitement average a 29.73% initial return, but suffer a −8.22% long‐term industry‐adjusted return, showing a gap between early optimism and later results. Analysis of investor communication reveals that financial language and existing information influence these outcomes. There is a growing caution among frequent IPO investors, likely due to past experiences. Despite this, firms with initial high optimism continue to attract postlaunch interest, contradicting their long‐term underperformance.
Heat‐treated Limosilactobacillus fermentumLM1020 with menthol, salicylic acid, and panthenol promotes hair growth and regulates hair scalp microbiome balance in androgenetic alopecia: A double‐blind, randomized and placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bae Won‐Young , Jung Woo‐Hyun , Shin So Lim , Kim Tae‐Rahk , Sohn Minn , Suk Jangmi , Jung Inhee , Lee Young In , Lee Ju Hee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common and chronic problem characterized by hair follicle miniaturization.AimsIn this study, heat‐treated Limosilactobacillus fermentum LM1020 (HT‐LM1020) was investigated in human follicle dermal papilla cell (HFDPC), scalp tissue, and clinical trials for patients with AGA.Patients/MethodsCell proliferation and the expression of cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) were measured in HFDPC. The relative gene expression of 5α‐reductase and growth factors were investigated in hair scalp. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted over 24 weeks. Primary efficacy was evaluated by measuring hair density, and secondary efficacy was assessed by experts and self‐assessment. Changes in the microbiota of the hair scalps were analyzed using 16S metagenome amplicon sequencing.ResultsHT‐LM1020 promoted cell growth (p < 0.001) and cyclin B1 expression, and it reduced 5α‐reductase and induced fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), FGF10, and epithelial growth factor7 (EGF7) (p < 0.001). In the clinical trial, the experimental group demonstrated an increase in hair density from 133.70 to 148.87 n/cm2 at Week 24 (p < 0.001), while also expressing satisfaction with their hair density, reduced hair loss, and hairline. At Week 24, the total ratio of lactic acid bacteria operational taxonomic unit (OTU) in the scalp increased from 6.65% to 26.19%. At the same period, placebo‐controlled group decreased Staphylococcus caprae OTU from 77.95% to 14.57% while experimental group decreased from 65.80% to 41.02%.ConclusionsThese present results showed that HT‐LM1020 was a co‐effector of ingredients for anti‐hair loss contributing to cell proliferation and the expression of CDKs.
Motivating People to Work: The Value Behind Diverse Assumptions
Authors: Leroy Hannes 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAgency theory and self‐determination theory have contrasting assumptions about what motivates human beings and, accordingly, suggest differing methods of motivating others – from extrinsic rewards aimed at controlling agency to facilitating human agentic behaviour. These different assumptions are consequential – organizations and societies would look wildly different with the adoption of the one or other perspectives, with important implications for human welfare and wellbeing. The introduction to this Point and Counterpoint (PCP) calls on prominent scholars in both perspectives to clarify as well as question their assumptions about human motivation. An invitation to take a step back and clarify one's beliefs with precision, elucidating both the ideas and the data they are based on. At the same time, this PCP constitutes an invitation to explore how one's own personal preferences or values might be guiding their own (selection of) research and argumentation. We hope such internal reflection and external dialogue moves the conversation from us‐versus‐them to shared passion, from contradictory to paradoxical, and from stalemates to practical solutions that are sufficiently integrative to address today's complex societal challenges.
Fracture resistance of cement‐retained lithium disilicate implant‐supported crowns: Effect of material used for two‐piece abutments
Authors: Kaenploy Jekita , Li Rui , Makowka Steven , Sadid‐Zadeh Ramtin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study compared the fracture strength of single lithium disilicate implant‐supported crowns fabricated on two‐piece abutments with various materials: ceramic‐reinforced PEEK, zirconia, and lithium disilicate.Materials and MethodsThirty‐six implants were embedded in acrylic cylinders. A two‐piece abutment and a crown were designed following a pre‐operation scan for a maxillary left central incisor. The designed crown was used to fabricate 36 lithium disilicate crowns. The designed abutment was used to manufacture 36 abutments from 3 materials, 12 each: (A) zirconia; (B) lithium disilicate; and (C) ceramic‐reinforced PEEK. Abutments were surface treated and bonded on the titanium base abutments with resin cement. Then, lithium disilicate crowns were bonded on the assigned abutments. Specimens were then subjected to dynamic loading for 1,200,000 cycles. The fracture strength (N) of the assembly was assessed using a universal testing machine. One‐way ANOVA followed by multiple comparison tests was used to evaluate the effect of abutment material on the fracture strength of single implant‐supported restorations at a significance of .05.ResultsThe average fracture strength for the groups with zirconia, PEEK, and lithium disilicate two‐piece abutments were 1362N ± 218N, 1235N ± 115N, and 1472N ± 171N, respectively. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in fracture strength among the groups. The lithium disilicate group had significantly higher fracture strength (p = 0.0058) than the group with PEEK; however, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between the other groups.ConclusionsTwo‐piece abutments restored with lithium disilicate crowns investigated in the study have the potential to withstand the average physiological occlusal forces in the anterior region.
Barriers and facilitators to vascular access point‐of‐care ultrasound in haemodialysis: An international survey of haemodialysis clinicians
Authors: Schoch Monica , Fielding Catherine , Marticorena Rosa M. , Smith George E. , Sinclair Peter M. , Iglesias Ruben , Bennett Paul N. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundUtilising point‐of‐care ultrasound for assessment and cannulation of vascular access in people receiving haemodialysis has shown positive clinical results. Nonetheless, there is variation in how renal health care professionals worldwide embrace this method, and there's a lack of research on the factors that promote or hinder its adoption.ObjectivesTo explore regional differences, and barriers and facilitators, to the use of point‐of‐care ultrasound for assessment and cannulation of vascular access in haemodialysis.DesignExploratory descriptive cross‐sectional web‐based survey.ParticipantsHealthcare clinicians working in haemodialysis responsible for cannulation of arteriovenous fistula or grafts.ResultsThe survey was completed by 645 health care clinicians from 38 countries. 75% to 93% of respondents from Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and United Kingdom/Ireland reported access to ultrasound, compared to 26% (n = 43/167) from the United States. United States respondent's reported lower levels of ultrasound training than other regions. Facilitators for using ultrasound were: the availability of ultrasound training (87%, n = 558), to reduce miscannulations (76%, n = 255/336) and to improve patient outcomes (73%, n = 246/336). Point‐of‐care ultrasound barriers were lack of access to ultrasound education (82%, n = 196/239), lack of ultrasound machines (33%, n = 212/645) or believing that ultrasound was someone else's role (38%, n = 29/86).ConclusionsThis study revealed national and regional differences related to haemodialysis point‐of‐care ultrasound. Understanding the regions requiring more education and implementation of ultrasound and what motivates staff, or deters from using ultrasound, is crucial for effectiveness of future implementation and workplace change initiatives.
Dynamic sensory evaluation of selected sensory attributes and food‐related emotions during consumption of plant‐based milk alternatives applying temporal dominance of sensations and temporal dominance of emotions methods
Authors: Gaider M. , Majchrzak D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDespite milk's rich nutrient profile, a growing number of consumers are opting for plant‐based beverages due to health, ethical, and ecological concerns. However, knowledge about the temporal aspects of sensory attributes and consumption‐evoked emotions in these milk alternatives remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the temporal characteristics of oat, almond, and soy drinks in comparison to conventional cow's milk from three Austrian brands. Employing temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal dominance of emotions (TDE) methods, 43 consumers assessed the dominance of selected sensory attributes and product evoked emotions over an evaluation period of 60 s for each test sample. The results reveal distinct patterns in sensory profiles and emotions associated with plant drinks, contributing to a better understanding of dynamic sensory perception in the evolving landscape of milk alternatives.Practical applicationsThe presented study offers valuable insights into the temporal sensory characteristics and emotional sensations associated with oat, almond, and soy drinks compared to traditional cow's milk. Utilizing the temporal dominance of sensations and temporal dominance of emotions methods, we identified distinct sensory patterns in milk alternatives and dominant product‐specific attributes and emotions. This research underscores the intricate interplay between sensory characteristics and consumption‐evoked emotions, which ultimately influence product acceptability. As the global shift towards plant‐based beverages gains momentum, future studies should delve into understanding evolving consumer preferences and exploring innovative formulations to enhance the sensory appeal of milk alternatives.