bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pedal medial arterial calcification in diabetic foot ulcers: A significant risk factor of amputation and mortality
Authors: Chen Lihong , Chen Dawei , Gong Hongping , Wang Chun , Gao Yun , Li Yan , Tang Weiwei , Zha Panpan , Ran Xingwu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsPedal medial arterial calcification (MAC) is frequently observed in individuals with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). However, the impact of pedal MAC on individuals with DFUs remains uncertain. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between pedal MAC with amputation and mortality outcomes.MethodsA prospective, observational cohort study was conducted at West China Hospital from January 2012 to December 2021. Logistic regression analyses, Kaplan–Meier survival method, and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to evaluate the relationship between pedal MAC and amputation as well as mortality.ResultsA total of 979 patients were enrolled in the study. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) was observed in 53% of patients with DFUs, and pedal MAC was found in 8%. Over a median follow‐up of 46 (23–72) months, foot amputation was performed on 190 patients, and mortality occurred in 246 patients. Pedal MAC showed a significant association with amputation both in unadjusted analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.86–4.76, p < .001) and after adjusting sex, age, albumin levels, hemoglobin levels, and diabetic retinopathy status (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.33–3.93, p = .003). The risk of amputation was found to be twofold higher in individuals with PAD and pedal MAC compared to those with PAD alone (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.10–3.82, p = .024). Furthermore, the presence of pedal MAC was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality (p = .005), particularly among individuals with DFUs but without PAD (HR 4.26, 95% CI 1.90–9.52, p < .001), rather than in individuals presenting with both DFUs and PAD.ConclusionThe presence of pedal MAC is significantly associated with both amputation and mortality in individuals with DFUs. Moreover, pedal MAC could provide additional value to predict amputation other than PAD.image
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals aberrant sphingolipid metabolism in non‐small cell lung cancer impacts tumor‐associated macrophages and stimulates angiogenesis via macrophage inhibitory factor signaling
Authors: Shen Luyan , Liu Jingtao , Hu Fengling , Fang Yifan , Wu Yaya , Zhao Wei , Ma Shaohua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundSphingolipids not only serve as structural components for maintaining cell membrane fluidity but also function as bioactive molecules involved in cell signaling and the regulation of various biological processes. Their pivotal role in cancer cell development, encompassing cancer cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and metastasis, has been a focal point for decades. However, the contribution of sphingolipids to the complexity of tumor microenvironment promoting cancer progression has been rarely investigated.MethodsThrough the integration of publicly available bulk RNA‐seq and single‐cell RNA‐seq data, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to compare the transcriptomic features between tumors and adjacent normal tissues, thus elucidating the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment (TME).ResultsDisparities in sphingolipid metabolism (SLM)‐associated genes were observed between normal and cancerous tissues, with the TME characterized by the enrichment of sphingolipid signaling in macrophages. Cellular interaction analysis revealed robust communication between macrophages and cancer cells exhibiting low SLM, identifying the crucial ligand‐receptor pair, macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF)‐CD74. Pseudo‐time analysis unveiled the involvement of SLM in modulating macrophage polarization towards either M1 or M2 phenotypes. Categorizing macrophages into six subclusters based on gene expression patterns and function, the SPP1+ cluster, RGS1+ cluster, and CXCL10+ cluster were likely implicated in sphingolipid‐induced M2 macrophage polarization. Additionally, the CXCL10+, AGER+, and FABP4+ clusters were likely to be involved in angiogenesis through their interaction with endothelial cells.ConclusionBased on multiple scRNA‐seq datasets, we propose that a MIF‐targeted strategy could potentially impede the polarization from M1 to M2 and impair tumor angiogenesis in low‐SLM non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), demonstrating its potent antitumor efficacy.
A class of kth‐order dependence‐driven random coefficient mixed thinning integer‐valued autoregressive process to analyse epileptic seizure data and COVID‐19 data
Authors: Liu Xiufang , Wang Dehui , Chen Huaping , Zhao Lifang , Liu Liang 
Published: April 2024

SummaryData related to the counting of elements of variable character are frequently encountered in time series studies. This paper brings forward a new class of th‐order dependence‐driven random coefficient mixed thinning integer‐valued autoregressive time series model (DDRCMTINAR()) to deal with such data. Stationarity and ergodicity properties of the proposed model are derived in detail. The unknown parameters are estimated by conditional least squares, and modified quasi‐likelihood and asymptotic normality of the obtained parameter estimators is established. The performances of the adopted estimate methods are checked via simulations, which present that modified quasi‐likelihood estimators perform better than the conditional least squares considering the proportion of within‐ estimates in certain regions of the parameter space. The validity and practical utility of the model are investigated by epileptic seizure data and COVID‐19 data of suspected cases in China.
A bibliometric analysis of state‐owned enterprises’ governance and performance: Trends and perspectives in the field
Authors: Ciolomic Ioana Andreea , Beleiu Ioana Natalia , Nistor Razvan Liviu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the context of recent reforms affecting the public sector, maximizing good governance and performance of state‐owned enterprises is a major challenge for governments. The aim of the study is to provide a systematic and holistic review of the literature related to corporate governance and performance of state‐owned enterprises, to highlight and clarify the evolutionary trajectory of the field. To achieve the research objective, 409 publications that mention the term state‐owned enterprises and performance, indexed in the Web of Science database between 1997 and 2022 were analyzed by applying multiple bibliometric analysis methods and content analysis. The citation and co‐citation analysis results offer an outline of the most influential articles and journals, and links between authors, and provides a thematic classification. Through keyword co‐occurrence analysis, the paper highlights the research trends in the literature concerning state‐owned enterprises and proposes future research directions.
Escape behavior lateralization of pointed‐belly frog (Leptodactylus podicipinus) (Anura, Leptodactylidae) in the southern Pantanal
Authors: Keuroghlian‐Eaton Sean , dos Santos Sousa Patrícia , Marrie Pinheiro Müller Márcia , Cavalheri Diego G. , Bolochio Bruna E. , Santana Diego José 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFunctional lateralization in directional preference for predator evasion was examined in 45 Pointed‐belly frogs (Leptodactylus podicipinus). T‐maze trials revealed a preference for rightward escape, though individual bias was minimal, at only 33%, to evade predictability. Sex and size didn't influence escape decisions, aligning with predator avoidance strategies.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Putting weight‐related conversations into practice: Lessons learned from implementing a knowledge translation casebook in a disability context
Authors: Provvidenza Christine F. , Bonder Revi , McPherson Amy C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDue to reported challenges experienced by healthcare providers (HCPs) when having weight‐related conversations with children with disabilities and their families, a knowledge translation (KT) casebook was developed, providing key communication principles with supportive resources. Our aim was to explore how the KT casebook could be implemented into a disability context. Study objectives were to develop and integrate needs‐based implementation supports to help foster the uptake of the KT casebook communication principles.MethodsA sample of nurses, physicians, occupational therapists and physical therapists were recruited from a Canadian paediatric rehabilitation hospital. Informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, group interviews were conducted with participants to understand barriers to having weight‐related conversations in their context. Implementation strategies were developed to deliver the KT casebook content that addressed these identified barriers, which included an education workshop, simulations, printed materials, and a huddle and email strategy. Participant experiences with the implementation supports were captured through workshop evaluations, pre‐post surveys and qualitative interviews. Post‐implementation interviews were analysed using descriptive content analysis.ResultsTen HCPs implemented the KT casebook principles over 6 months. Participants reported that the workshop provided a clear understanding of the KT casebook content. While HCPs appreciated the breadth of the KT casebook, they found the abbreviated printed educational materials more convenient. Strategies developed to address participants' need for a sense of community and opportunities to learn from each other did not achieve their aim. Increased confidence in integrating the KT casebook principles into practice was not demonstrated, due, in part, to having few opportunities to practice. This was partly because of the increase in competing clinical demands at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.ConclusionsDespite positive feedback on the product itself, changes in the organisational and environmental context limited the success of the implementation plan. Monitoring and adapting implementation processes in response to unanticipated changes is critical to the success of implementation efforts.
Non‐scheduled short‐acting opioid to taper off opioids?
Authors: Liu Renyu , Milas Bonnie , Grothusen John 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis commentary discusses the issues related to the current pharmacotherapy using super long‐acting opioids (for the potential convenience for both patients and medical providers) for opioid addiction and argues for the potential to use a non‐scheduled short‐acting opioid to taper off opioids to reduce total number of patients on opioids and ultimately reduce opioid‐related death. This article also proposes to develop short‐acting opioids for addiction management instead of the current long‐acting regimen. The authors further suggest that dezocine, a previously FDA approved medication for perioperative pain management and a non‐scheduled opioid, be brought back to clinical practice in the US as a potential alternative addiction management medication, especially for those who are highly motivated to quit opioids completely using a taper off strategy.
The earlier couples first discussed finances, the better? A dyadic, longitudinal replication and extension
Authors: Saxey Matthew T. , LeBaron‐Black Ashley B. , Inman Naomi F. , Yorgason Jeremy B. , Holmes Erin K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe examined associations among couples' first financial discussion, healthy financial communication, marital satisfaction, and financial disagreements with cross‐sectional and longitudinal dyadic data.BackgroundPrior research on these associations has only used cross‐sectional data from one respondent.MethodWe used actor–partner interdependent structural equation modeling with a sample of 1,079 mixed‐gender, newlywed dyads to estimate cross‐sectional and longitudinal models.ResultsCross‐sectionally, both husbands' and wives' reports of their first financial discussion predicted better marital satisfaction and fewer financial disagreements through their own report of healthy financial communication. Longitudinally, only husbands' report of the couple's first financial discussion positively predicted between‐person changes in both husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction two waves later. Additionally, whereas husbands' healthy financial communication predicted changes in their own marital satisfaction, financial disagreements, and wives' financial disagreements over time, wives' healthy financial communication only predicted changes in their own perception of financial disagreements.ConclusionFuture relational and financial outcomes for mixed‐gender newlyweds appear to benefit from an earlier first financial discussion in their relationship.ImplicationsTherapists and educators should focus on the timing and quality of couples' financial communication to help couples mitigate financial disagreements and improve marital satisfaction.
Spatial variation in grassland vegetation and herbage mass in the Ejina oasis along the Heihe River in the southern Gobi Desert, China
Authors: Shiyomi Masae , Chen Jun , Yamamura Yasuo , Hori Yoshimichi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOur study area, Ejina, is located in the southern Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, China, where the annual precipitation is <50 mm and the annual potential evaporation is >3,600 mm. The Heihe River flows from the Qilian Range through the study area, and the desert landscape along the river includes oases formed by forests and grasslands. We established a survey area of approximately 1.5 ha in grassland facing a seasonal swamp, a branch of the Heihe River. We posed the following questions in this desert grassland: (1) how do soil water content (SWC) and salinity change with distance from the riverbank? (2) How do vegetation, aboveground biomass, and species richness change with distance from the riverbank? (3) How much can be supplied to grazing animals, and how many animals can be grazed? Our results indicated that (1) the SWC is high within 20 m of the riverbank and low beyond 20 m, the standing biomass is positively correlated with SWC, but there was no evidence of a correlation between salinity and distance to water; the electrical conductivity was high both inland and adjacent to the riparian swamp. (2) Vegetation could be classified to six classes, following a gradient from the riverbank (swamp margin) to the dry inland area beyond 20 m from the riverbank. Species richness and aboveground biomass were highly correlated. Classification result led us to recommend that generalist species tolerant of the distinct moisture gradient in the site be used in restoration efforts. (3) Per‐hectare aboveground biomass was 478.93 dry weight (dw) kg, 321.2 ha of equivalent grassland would be required to graze 100 goats annually.
INTERTEMPORAL CONSUMPTION WITH ANTICIPATING, REMEMBERING, AND EXPERIENCING SELVES
Authors: Cosaert Sam , Potoms Tom 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe study intertemporal choice through a novel and flexible framework that accounts for savoring of future consumption and memories of past consumption. The model uses standard intertemporal budget constraints but enriches preference structures with utility from anticipation, remembering, and experience. We also present an internal commitment mechanism that ensures dynamic consistency. We provide a revealed preference characterization of this model and apply it to quarterly consumption data from Spanish households. Utility from anticipation is important—and time inconsistency not strictly needed—to rationalize consumption patterns in the data.
Effect of fat on physicochemical, rheological, textural and sensory properties of Ricotta cheese spreads
Authors: Gautam Avinash Chandra , Goel Nitika , Nagarajappa Veena , Singh Pranav Kumar , Yadav Deep Narayan 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThe effect of different fat contents of milk and cheese whey mixture (20:80) on physicochemical, rheological and sensory properties of Ricotta cheese spread (RCS) was evaluated. Four types of product such as no‐fat milk (NFM)‐RCS, low‐fat milk (LFM)‐RCS, medium‐fat milk (MFM)‐RCS and full‐fat milk (FFM)‐RCS were prepared from Ricotta cheese curd added with salt (1.5%) and guar gum (0.4%). The NFM‐RCS had higher (P < 0.05) protein, ash, acidity, dynamic modulus (G' and G"), critical stress, firmness, work of shear, stickiness, work of adhesion values and lower fat, and pH, L*, a*, b* values when compared with LFM‐, MFM‐ and FFM‐RCS. Except spreadability, highest sensory scores for all other attributes were found in MFM‐RCS when compared with other experimental samples. This study indicated that increase in fat content or decrease in protein content of RCS samples produced lower viscoelastic modulus values, firmness, stickiness, adhesiveness and higher spreadability, yield, solids recovery and highly acceptable sensory characteristics.
Fish myofibrillar protein glycated with uronic acid‐type reducing sugar via Maillard reaction attenuates toll‐like receptor 4 signalling pathway activation and suppresses lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Li Wenzhao , Saeki Hiroki , Yang Boxue , Shimizu Yutaka , Joe Ga‐Hyun 
Published: April 2024

SummaryOur previous study found that glycation with uronic acid‐type reducing sugar enhanced the anti‐inflammatory effect of fish myofibrillar protein (Mf) via the Maillard reaction, and the molecular mechanism of enhanced anti‐inflammatory effect was investigated in this study. Mf was glycated with various reducing sugars at 60 °C and 35% relative humidity. After pepsin‐trypsin digestion, the anti‐inflammatory effects were evaluated by assessing secretions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and expressions of LPS‐stimulated signalling pathway‐related genes in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Mf glycated with uronic acid‐type reducing sugars: glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid and alginate oligosaccharide, suppressed expression of cd14 and further suppressed expressions of tlr4 and myd88 comparing with intact and glycated Mf with glucose and galactose. Furthermore, uronic acid‐glycated Mf significantly suppressed expressions and secretions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The results indicate that uronic acid‐type glycation enhances anti‐inflammatory effect of Mf by attenuating expression of cd14 and enhancing the Mf‐induced suppression in TLR4‐MyD88‐dependent inflammatory signalling pathway.
Efficient extraction methods and callus culture of quercetin from Indian white radish: yield analysis via HPLC quantification and assessment of cytotoxic activity
Authors: Balasubramanian Muthusamy , Kumaraguru Gowtham , Girija Shanmugam 
Published: April 2024

SummaryIndian white radish Co. 1 (Raphanus sativus L.) contains medicinal quercetin, and its commercial value supports large‐scale quercetin isolation. Various extraction methods, including ultra‐assisted extraction (UAE), maceration extraction (ME), Soxhlet extraction (SE), conventional extraction (CSE) and serial maceration extraction (SME), were employed to extract quercetin from radish leaf sections. RP‐HPLC‐optimising key experimental parameters yielded a linear response for the individual target compounds in the concentration range, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.2 μg mL−1 (r2 = 0.9995), a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.2 μg per 1.0 g of crushed leaves and repeatability within the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.23–0.37%. For in vitro callus cultures, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) and zeatin were used for callus induction from in vitro leaf segments of radish. MS medium enriched with 2,4‐D (0.5 mg) induced the highest percentage of callus at 4 weeks. Among the extraction methods, the SME method yielded the highest recovery of quercetin (96.9%; 1.92 mg g−1 DW), phenolic (26.07 mg g−1 DW) and flavonoid (34.03 mg g−1 DW), compared to other methods and solvents. The callus extract included 0.5 mg of 2,4‐D, 32.07 mg of phenolic, 42.03 mg of flavonoid and 6.46 mg of quercetin. The presence of phytocompounds and quercetin was confirmed by GC–MS/MS and RP‐HPLC. The isolated quercetin (57.9 μg) also showed lethal effects on HT‐29 human colon cancer cells. This method may be effective for evaluating quercetin in radish extracts.
Effects of glycation reactions on the structure and immunological properties of sesame proteins
Authors: Hu Fengxin , Yu Ning , Kang Wenhan , Qin Yufei , Li Yang , Zhang Jiukai , Chen Ying 
Published: April 2024

SummarySesame has been included in the top eight food allergens, and therefore reduction of sesame allergen potency is of great practical significance. Glycation reactions are extensively researched for their role in regulating the allergic properties of food allergens due to their distinct benefits. This study involved the glycation of sesame proteins with three different reducing sugars to generate reaction products. The structure of the reaction products was characterized by the use of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. The impact of glycation on the allergenic properties of sesame proteins was explored by in vitro simulated digestion tests combined with immunological techniques. The study results indicated that all three reducing sugars underwent glycation with sesame proteins, with D‐ribose showing the most significant level of glycation. During the glycation reaction of sesame proteins in this study, the proteins underwent precipitation as well as structural changes, leading to reduced immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding capacity. Glycation alters the digestive stability of sesame proteins and further reduces the ability to bind to IgG. Overall, glycation modification shows promise in decreasing the allergenicity of sesame.
Improving the density functional theory prediction accuracy for elastic moduli and thermal expansion of MoAlB, Fe2AlB2, and Mn2AlB2
Authors: Qin Kebin , Qi Xinxin , Gao Jin , He Xiaodong , Yin Hang , Yin Weilong , Song Guangping , Zheng Yongting , Bai Yuelei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe elastic moduli and thermal expansion of MoAlB, Fe2AlB2, and Mn2AlB2 are investigated by first‐principles calculations, in particular to improve the density functional theory (DFT) prediction accuracy after clarifying the critical role of their lattice constants. By calculating the lattice constants and elastic moduli using the typical exchange‐correlation functionals, the observed positive correlation between the calculation errors of elastic moduli and those of cell volumes suggests a method to significantly improve the calculation accuracy for elastic moduli using the experimental cell volume to correct the input model (volume correction method), resulting in satisfactory results. Furthermore, a two‐step strategy is proposed for the precise high‐temperature elastic moduli with the help of quasi‐harmonic approximation for the most accurate high‐temperature cell volume using an exchange‐correlation functional in the first step, and another one used in the volume correction method in the second step. Similarly, the calculation accuracy of thermal expansion also heavily depends on that of cell volumes and configurations, where their thermal expansion is estimated with great accuracy by using the exchange‐correlation functional that well reproduces the lattice constants.