bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 2‐week treatment with 5‐azacytidine improved the hypercontractility state in prostate from obese mice: Role of the nitric oxide‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling pathway
Authors: Ghezzi Ana Carolina , Passos Gabriela Reolon , de Oliveira Mariana Gonçalves , Oliveira Akila Lara , Assis‐Mendonça Guilherme Rossi , de Mello Glaucia Coelho , Antunes Edson , Monica Fabiola Zakia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterised by increases in prostate volume and contraction. Downregulation of the nitric oxide (NO)‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling pathway contributes to prostate dysfunctions. Previous studies in cancer cells or vessels have shown that the epigenetic mechanisms control the gene and protein expression of the enzymes involved in the production of NO and cGMP. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of a 2‐week treatment of 5‐azacytidine (5‐AZA), a DNA‐methyltransferase inhibitor, in the prostate function of mice fed with a high‐fat diet. Functional, histological, biochemical and molecular assays were carried out. Obese mice presented greater prostate weight, α‐actin expression and contractile response induced by the α‐1adrenoceptors agonist. The relaxation induced by the NO‐donor and the protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) were significantly decreased in the prostate of obese mice. The treatment with 5‐AZA reverted the higher expression of α‐actin, reduced the hypercontractility state of the prostate and increased the expression of eNOS and sGC and intraprostatic levels of cGMP. When prostates from obese mice treated with 5‐AZA were incubated in vitro with inhibitors of the NOS or sGC, the inhibitory effect of 5‐AZA was reverted, therefore, showing the involvement of NO and cGMP. In conclusion, our study paves the way to develop or repurpose therapies that recover the expression of eNOS and sGC and, hence, to improve prostate function in BPH.
Differential responses of cerebral and renal oxygenation to altered perfusion conditions during experimental cardiopulmonary bypass in sheep
Authors: Evans Roger G. , Cochrane Andrew D. , Hood Sally G. , Marino Bruno , Iguchi Naoya , Bellomo Rinaldo , McCall Peter R. , Okazaki Nobuki , Jufar Alemayehu H. , Miles Lachlan F. , Furukawa Taku , Ow Connie P. C. , Raman Jaishankar , May Clive N. , Lankadeva Yugeesh R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe tested whether the brain and kidney respond differently to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to changes in perfusion conditions during CPB. Therefore, in ovine CPB, we assessed regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) by near‐infrared spectroscopy and renal cortical and medullary tissue oxygen tension (PO2), and, in some protocols, brain tissue PO2, by phosphorescence lifetime oximetry. During CPB, rSO2 correlated with mixed venous SO2 (r = 0.78) and brain tissue PO2 (r = 0.49) when arterial PO2 was varied. During the first 30 min of CPB, brain tissue PO2, rSO2 and renal cortical tissue PO2 did not fall, but renal medullary tissue PO2 did. Nevertheless, compared with stable anaesthesia, during stable CPB, rSO2 (66.8 decreasing to 61.3%) and both renal cortical (90.8 decreasing to 43.5 mm Hg) and medullary (44.3 decreasing to 19.2 mm Hg) tissue PO2 were lower. Both rSO2 and renal PO2 increased when pump flow was increased from 60 to 100 mL kg−1 min−1 at a target arterial pressure of 70 mm Hg. They also both increased when pump flow and arterial pressure were increased simultaneously. Neither was significantly altered by partially pulsatile flow. The vasopressor, metaraminol, dose‐dependently decreased rSO2, but increased renal cortical and medullary PO2. Increasing blood haemoglobin concentration increased rSO2, but not renal PO2. We conclude that both the brain and kidney are susceptible to hypoxia during CPB, which can be alleviated by increasing pump flow, even without increasing arterial pressure. However, increasing blood haemoglobin concentration increases brain, but not kidney oxygenation, whereas vasopressor support with metaraminol increases kidney, but not brain oxygenation.
Technology Transfer Potential in Local and Foreign‐Owned Firms in Emerging Economies
Authors: Osabutey Ellis L. C. , Seny Kan Konan A. , Senyo P. K. , Arndt Felix , Röell Christiaan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTechnology transfer in international collaborations is challenging but can bring benefits to both local and foreign‐owned firms in emerging economies. In this paper we focus on conditions for potential technology transfer in emerging economies. We develop a configurational theoretical framework and empirically operationalize it using qualitative comparative analysis. Building on differences in absorptive capacity between these two kinds of firms and relying on data from the construction industry in Ghana, we develop a process model of technology transfer in emerging economies. Our model shows that technology transfer in local and foreign firms can be achieved through different combinations of human resource development and knowledge management, as well as international collaborations and networks. The model also explicates mechanisms leading to potential technology transfer. Based on the findings and the process model, the study makes several contributions to the absorptive capacity and technology transfer literature in emerging economies by shedding light on the underlying processes that foster a firm's ability to absorb technology in international collaborations.
Medicare Advantage growth and skilled nursing facility finances
Authors: Marr Jeffrey , Shen Karen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationship between growth in Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment and changes in finances at skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).Data SourcesMedicare SNF cost reports, LTCFocus.org data, and county MA penetration rates.Study DesignWe used ordinary least squares regression with SNF and year fixed effects. Our primary outcomes were SNF revenues, expenses, profits, and occupancy. Our primary independent variable was the yearly county Medicare Advantage penetration.Data Collection/ExtractionWe linked facility‐year data from 2012 to 2019 obtained from cost reports and LTCFocus.org to county‐year MA penetration.Principal FindingsA 10 percentage point increase in county MA enrollment was associated with a $213,883.89 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: −296,869.08, −130,898.71) decrease in revenue, a $132,456.19 (95% CI: −203,852.28, −61,060.10) decrease in expenses, and a 0.59 percentage point (95% CI: −0.97, −0.21) decrease in profit margin. A 10 percentage point increase in county MA enrollment was associated with a decline (−318.93; 95% CI: −468.84, −169.02) in the number of resident‐days (a measure of occupancy) as well as a decline in the revenue per resident day ($4.50; 95% CI: −6.81, −2.20), potentially because of lower prices in MA. There was also a decline in expenses per patient day (−2.35; 95% CI: −4.76, 0.05), though this was only statistically significant at the 10% level. While increased MA enrollment was associated with a substantial decline in the number of Medicare resident days (487.53; 95% CI: −588.70, −386.37), this was partially offset by an increase in other payer (e.g., private pay) resident days (285.91; 95% CI: 128.18, 443.63). Increased MA enrollment was not associated with changes in the number of Medicaid resident days or a decrease in staffing per resident day.ConclusionSNFs in counties with more MA growth had substantially greater relative declines in revenue, expenses, and profit margins. The continued growth of MA may result in significant changes in the SNF industry.
A retrospective study describing the effective exchange of total blood plasma for disease control in the exacerbation of serpiginous choroiditis
Authors: Katayama Yuri , Katagiri Daisuke , Harada Takuya , Terakawa Kanako , Shimada Keiki , Sakamoto Emi , Niikura Takahito , Suzuki Minami , Yoshizaki Yuki , Nunose Naoto , Sato Motohiko , Yashiro Shigeko , Kaneko Hiroshi , Takano Hideki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionSerpiginous choroiditis presents with large yellow‐white exudative lesions that occur near the optic nerve papillae, that progresses slowly with repeated relapses and cures. Although infection and autoimmunity have been implicated, the cause is unknown.MethodsA man was diagnosed with serpiginous choroiditis on clinical and other examinations. He started treatment with oral corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, adalimumab, azathioprine, rituximab, and mycophenolate mofetil. Only the steroids and cyclophosphamide had a therapeutic effect. Plasma exchange was initiated, and the lesions quickly resolved.ResultsDisease control has been maintained by plasma exchange and cyclophosphamide during flare‐ups in the fall and winter, suggesting that plasma exchange is effective in the treatment of serpiginous choroiditis.ConclusionThe reproducible response with each recurrence suggests a strong association between the disease and autoimmunity. Furthermore, that some, as yet unknown, autoantibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of serpiginous choroiditis.
Geochemical Behavior and Enrichment Mechanisms of Arsenic in Low‐Rank Coal, Baiyinhua Depression, Erlian Basin
Authors: DAI Guobiao , TANG Yuegang , LIU Ao , WANG Xiaoshuai , LI Ruiqing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, the abundance of trace elements in the Baiyinhua depression coal and its relationship with the coal depositional environment was examined. (1) The content of arsenic in the Baiyinhua depression coal is that of a typically high arsenic coal from the late Mesozoic of China. The average arsenic content of Baiyinhua coal is 24.93 times, the highest being 132.71 times, that of Chinese coal. Coal rank is not a controlling factor affecting arsenic enrichment in coal. (2) Arsenic is primarily enriched in the syngenetic and diagenetic stages, the enrichment being most obvious in the syngenetic stage, with the intrusion of a magmatic‐hydrothermal solution in the epigenetic stage also providing rich sources of arsenic. (3) The Baiyinhua coal‐forming plant material is mainly woody plants. The coal seam was covered with deep water, the oxygen supply was very weak, the bacteria very few, the sedimentary environment of the swamp relatively calm and the degree of damage to the woody plants is very low. The minerals in the coal are mainly quartz and clay minerals. The coal ash yield of Baiyinhua is small, with SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, K2O, TiO2, MnO and P2O5 mainly being combined in the inorganic minerals of the coal.
Telomere length and micronuclei trajectories in APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: Correlating with cognitive impairment and brain amyloidosis in a sexually dimorphic manner
Authors: Guo Xihan , Li Jianfei , Qi Yanmei , Chen Juanlin , Jiang Minyan , Zhu Lina , Liu Zetong , Wang Han , Wang Gongwu , Wang Xu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough studies have demonstrated that genome instability is accumulated in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the specific types of genome instability linked to AD pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we report the first characterization of the age‐ and sex‐related trajectories of telomere length (TL) and micronuclei in APP/PS1 mice model and wild‐type (WT) controls (C57BL/6). TL was measured in brain (prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, pituitary gland, and hippocampus), colon and skin, and MN was measured in bone marrow in 6‐ to 14‐month‐old mice. Variation in TL was attributable to tissue type, age, genotype and, to a lesser extent, sex. Compared to WT, APP/PS1 had a significantly shorter baseline TL across all examined tissues. TL was inversely associated with age in both genotypes and TL shortening was accelerated in brain of APP/PS1. Age‐related increase of micronuclei was observed in both genotypes but was accelerated in APP/PS1. We integrated TL and micronuclei data with data on cognition performance and brain amyloidosis. TL and micronuclei were linearly correlated with cognition performance or Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels in both genotypes but to a greater extent in APP/PS1. These associations in APP/PS1 mice were dominantly driven by females. Together, our findings provide foundational knowledge to infer the TL and micronuclei trajectories in APP/PS1 mice during disease progression, and strongly support that TL attrition and micronucleation are tightly associated with AD pathogenesis in a female‐biased manner.
Early diastolic heart sounds caused by the atrial kick
Authors: Bachour Kinan , Mendez Eric , Jackson Samuel , Lluri Gentian , Honda Henry M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn 81‐year‐old male with a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease presents with asymptomatic bradycardia. Examination was notable for an early diastolic heart sound. 12‐lead electrocardiogram revealed sinus bradycardia with a markedly prolonged PR interval and second‐degree atrioventricular block, type I Mobitz. We review the differential diagnosis of early diastolic heart sounds and present a case of Wenckebach associated with a variable early diastolic sound on physical exam.
Did government support delay bankruptcy during the pandemic?
Authors: Haini Hazwan , Loon Pang Wei , Abdulwahab Lawal Olamilekan , Sophian Wafid 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe literature reports mixed findings on the role of government intervention, even during times of crisis. The recent Covid‐19 pandemic damaged the financial health of many small firms. This study examines whether government subsidies are associated with bankruptcy rates for firms with deteriorating financial health. Using a sample of 18,422 firms from 44 countries, we estimate a logistic model that accounts for rare events. Results indicate that those firms which receive government support are more likely to be associated with insolvency, even in the absence of liquidity issues and overdue financial obligations. Policy implications are discussed.
Core socialist values and curriculum policy in China: A study of the curriculum standard for Chinese language
Authors: Tian Xiaoming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study employs Bernstein's concept of recontextualization and Rata's theorization of the Curriculum Design Coherence [CDC] model as theoretical tools to analyse the Curriculum Standard for Chinese Language [Standard] (The Standard, the Guidance, the Plan and all the quotations from the three policies were translated by me because the official English versions of them are unavailable.) which is part of a new approach to curriculum policy development in China. The study aims to identify and explain the mechanisms through which the Chinese government has recontextualized its ascendant political ideals of the core socialist values into the country's education system via curriculum policymaking. The study reveals that the Standard contains features embedding the core socialist values. This is achieved through three distinct mechanisms of recontextualization: policy propositions, subject competencies and subject concepts and content which operate from a sociocultural knowledge orientation. This sociocultural knowledge orientation aligns with the government's strong will to cultivate the core socialist values within the young generation so they become qualified builders and successors of the country's great socialist cause.
Rare, long‐distance dispersal underpins genetic connectivity in the pink sea fan, Eunicella verrucosa
Authors: Macleod Kirsty L. , Jenkins Tom L. , Witt Matthew J. , Stevens Jamie R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCharacterizing patterns of genetic connectivity in marine species is of critical importance given the anthropogenic pressures placed on the marine environment. For sessile species, population connectivity can be shaped by many processes, such as pelagic larval duration, oceanographic boundaries and currents. This study combines restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and passive particle dispersal modelling to delineate patterns of population connectivity in the pink sea fan, Eunicella verrucosa, a temperate octocoral. Individuals were sampled from 20 sites covering most of the species' northeast Atlantic range, and a site in the northwest Mediterranean Sea to inform on connectivity across the Atlantic‐Mediterranean transition. Using 7510 neutral SNPs, a geographic cline of genetic clusters was detected, partitioning into Ireland, Britain, France, Spain (Atlantic), and Portugal and Spain (Mediterranean). Evidence of significant inbreeding was detected at all sites, a finding not detected in a previous study of this species based on microsatellite loci. Genetic connectivity was characterized by an isolation by distance pattern (IBD) (r2 = 0.78, p < 0.001), which persisted across the Mediterranean‐Atlantic boundary. In contrast, exploration of ancestral population assignment using the program ADMIXTURE indicated genetic partitioning across the Bay of Biscay, which we suggest represents a natural break in the species' range, possibly linked to a lack of suitable habitat. As the pelagic larval duration (PLD) is unknown, passive particle dispersal simulations were run for 14 and 21 days. For both modelled PLDs, inter‐annual variations in particle trajectories suggested that in a long‐lived, sessile species, range‐wide IBD is driven by rare, longer dispersal events that act to maintain gene flow. These results suggest that oceanographic patterns may facilitate range‐wide stepping‐stone genetic connectivity in E. verrucosa and highlight that both oceanography and natural breaks in a species' range should be considered in the designation of ecologically coherent MPA networks.
Statistical characterization of specimen size and temperature dependence of cleavage fracture toughness of ferritic steels
Authors: Lei Wei‐Sheng , Qian Guian , Zhang Peilei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBased on the numerical results on the non‐linear correlation between volume of plastic zone and global loading level represented by stress intensity factor, the dependence of cleavage fracture toughness of ferritic steels on specimen size and temperature is evaluated based on an empirical statistical model. The statistical correlation is supported by two sets of toughness data measured from different sized compact tension specimens at different temperatures. To further improve the accuracy of the statistical model, future work is identified to quantify the variation of volume of plastic deformation zone with loading level and measure the average volume for each microcrack at different temperature.
Response of the serine/threonine kinase AKT and phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase PDK in Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to three kinds of foods and their regulation of reproductive function
Authors: Qiu Xinyue , Huang Wanqing , Yue Wenbo , Li Dingyin , Zhi Junrui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFrankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is a typical omnivorous insect that feeds on host plants, pollens and mite eggs, and poses a threat to crops worldwide. The insulin signalling pathway (ISP) is a typical nutrient‐sensitive pathway that participates in the regulation of various functions in insects. Serine/threonine kinases (AKTs) and phosphoinositide‐dependent kinases (PDKs) are key components of the ISP. In this study, the FoAKT and FoPDK genes in F. occidentalis were cloned, and the effects of three foods on their expression were determined. The expression of FoAKT and FoPDK in the thrips fed on kidney bean leaves supplemented with pine pollen or mite eggs was higher than in those primarily fed on leaves alone. Meanwhile, the fecundity of thrips fed on leaves supplemented with pine pollen was highest. In addition, RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of FoAKT and FoPDK decreased vitellogenin (Vg) content and Vg expression in females, shortened ovariole length, delayed egg development and reduced fecundity and offspring hatching rates. Furthermore, the synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) was reduced, and the contents of glucose, trehalose, glycogen and trehalase were affected. These results suggest that FoAKT and FoPDK regulate the reproduction of F. occidentalis by regulating Vg and JH production as well as carbohydrate metabolism.
Ambulatory blood pressure levels in individuals with uncontrolled clinic hypertension across Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
Authors: Zhu Anqi , Ostbye Truls , Naheed Aliya , de Silva H Asita , Jehan Imtiaz , Gandhi Mihir , Chakma Nantu , Kasturiratne Anuradhani , Samad Zainab , Jafar Tazeen Hasan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease in South Asia. The authors aimed to assess the cross‐country differences in 24‐h ambulatory, daytime, and nighttime systolic blood pressure (SBP) among rural population with uncontrolled clinic hypertension in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The authors studied patients with uncontrolled clinic hypertension (clinic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) during the baseline assessment as part of a community‐based trial. The authors compared the distribution of ABPM profiles of patients across the three countries, specifically evaluating ambulatory SBP levels with multivariable models that adjusted for patient characteristics. Among the 382 patients (mean age, 58.3 years; 64.7% women), 56.5% exhibited ambulatory hypertension (24‐h ambulatory BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg), with wide variation across countries: 72.6% (Bangladesh), 50.0% (Pakistan), and 51.0% (Sri Lanka; P < .05). Compared to Sri Lanka, adjusted mean 24‐h ambulatory, daytime, and nighttime SBP were higher by 12.24 mmHg (95% CI 4.28–20.20), 11.96 mmHg (3.87–20.06), and 12.76 mmHg (4.51–21.01) in Bangladesh, separately. However, no significant differences were observed between Pakistan and Sri Lanka (P > .05). Additionally, clinic SBP was significantly associated with 24‐h ambulatory (mean 0.38, 95% CI 0.28–0.47), daytime (0.37, 0.27–0.47), and nighttime SBP (0.40, 0.29–0.50) per 1 mmHg increase. The authors observed substantial cross‐country differences in the distribution of ABPM profiles among patients with uncontrolled clinic hypertension in rural South Asia. The authors findings indicated the need to incorporate 24‐h BP monitoring to mitigate cardiovascular risk, particularly in Bangladesh.