bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NEK2 plays an essential role in porcine embryonic development by maintaining mitotic division and DNA damage response via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Jeon Se‐Been , Jeong Pil‐Soo , Kang Hyo‐Gu , Kim Min Ju , Yun Ji Hyeon , Lim Kyung Seob , Song Bong‐Seok , Kim Sun‐Uk , Cho Seong‐Keun , Sim Bo‐Woong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNIMA‐related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates mitosis and plays pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage repair. However, its function in porcine embryonic development is unknown. In this study, we used an NEK2‐specific inhibitor, JH295 (JH), to investigate the role of NEK2 in embryonic development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Inhibition of NEK2 after parthenogenesis activation or in vitro fertilization significantly reduced the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation, the numbers of trophectoderm and total cells and the cellular survival rate compared with the control condition. NEK2 inhibition delayed cell cycle progression at all stages from interphase to cytokinesis during the first mitotic division; it caused abnormal nuclear morphology in two‐ and four‐cell stage embryos. Additionally, NEK2 inhibition significantly increased DNA damage and apoptosis, and it altered the expression levels of DNA damage repair‐ and apoptosis‐related genes. Intriguingly, NEK2 inhibition downregulated the expression of β‐catenin and its downstream target genes. To validate the relationship between Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and NEK2 during porcine embryonic development, we cultured porcine embryos in JH‐treated medium with or without CHIR99021, a Wnt activator. CHIR99021 co‐treatment strongly restored the developmental parameters reduced by NEK2 inhibition to control levels. Our findings suggest that NEK2 plays an essential role in porcine embryonic development by regulating DNA damage repair and normal mitotic division via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway.
Assessing the potential for precision medicine in body weight reduction with regard to type 2 diabetes mellitus therapies: A meta‐regression analysis of 120 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Vargas Kris G. , Rütten Tobias , Siemes Benedikt , Brockmeyer Maximilian , Parco Claudio , Hoss Alexander , Schlesinger Sabrina , Jung Christian , Roden Michael , Kelm Malte , Wolff Georg , Kuss Oliver 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsTo assess the potential for precision medicine in type 2 diabetes by quantifying the variability of body weight as response to pharmacological treatment and to identify predictors which could explain this variability.MethodsWe used randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing glucose‐lowering drugs (including but not limited to sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and thiazolidinediones) to placebo from four recent systematic reviews. RCTs reporting on body weight after treatment to allow for calculation of its logarithmic standard deviation (log[SD], i.e., treatment response heterogeneity) in verum (i.e., treatment) and placebo groups were included. Meta‐regression analyses were performed with respect to variability of body weight after treatment and potential predictors.ResultsA total of 120 RCTs with a total of 43 663 participants were analysed. A slightly larger treatment response heterogeneity was shown in the verum groups, with a median log(SD) of 2.83 compared to 2.79 from placebo. After full adjustment in the meta‐regression model, the difference in body weight log(SD) was −0.026 (95% confidence interval −0.044; 0.008), with greater variability in the placebo groups. Scatterplots did not show any slope divergence (i.e., interaction) between clinical predictors and the respective treatment (verum or placebo).ConclusionsWe found no major treatment response heterogeneity in RCTs of glucose‐lowering drugs for body weight reduction in type 2 diabetes. The precision medicine approach may thus be of limited value in this setting.
Targeting nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase decreased aggressiveness of osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Serritelli E. N. , Sartini D. , Campagna R. , Pozzi V. , Martin N. I. , van Haren M. J. , Salvolini E. , Cecati M. , Rubini C. , Emanuelli M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundOsteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone malignancy that mostly affects young people, characterized by high metastatic potential, and a marked chemoresistance that is responsible for disease relapse in most patients. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel molecules to setup targeted strategies to improve the clinical outcome. The enzyme nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyses the N‐methylation of nicotinamide and other analogs, playing a crucial role in the biotransformation of drugs and xenobiotics. NNMT overexpression was reported in a wide variety of cancers, and several studies demonstrated that is able to promote cell proliferation, migration and resistance to chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to explore the potential involvement of NNMT in OS.MethodsImmunohistochemical analyses have been performed to evaluate NNMT expression in selected OS and healthy bone tissue samples. Subsequently, OS cell lines have been transfected with vectors targeting NNMT mRNA (shRNAs) and the impact of this downregulation on migration, cell proliferation, and response to chemotherapeutic treatment was also analysed by wound healing, MTT, SRB and Trypan blue assays, respectively.ResultsResults showed that OS samples display a significantly higher NNMT expression compared with healthy tissue. Preliminary results suggest that NNMT silencing in OS cell lines is associated to a decrease of cell proliferation and migration, as well as to enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapy. Data obtained showed that NNMT may represent an interesting marker for OS detection and a promising target for effective anti‐cancer therapy.
Complete fractures through osseous cyst‐like lesions of the proximal phalanx in three horses
Authors: Ammann Liliane , Fürst Anton E. , Jackson Michelle A. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThis case series describes three cases of osseous cyst‐like lesions of the proximal phalanx (P1), which were associated with a complete fracture. The fractures and osseous cyst‐like lesions were analysed through radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) images for fracture configuration and prodromal factors, such as subchondral sclerosis and periosteal new bone formation. Internal stabilisation was performed in all cases through placing transcortical bone screws under CT guidance. In conclusion, the presence of osseous cyst‐like lesions in the proximal P1 as well as the addition of prodromal markers, such as localised periosteal new bone formation and subchondral bone sclerosis, suggest pathological subchondral bone with the potential to fracture and stabilisation should be prioritised.
ENTRY BARRIERS AND GROWTH: THE ROLE OF ENDOGENOUS MARKET STRUCTURE
Authors: Jiang Helu , Zheng Yu , Zhu Lijun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe use China's growth experience as a laboratory to study how reductions in administrative and regulatory entry barriers contribute to growth. We develop a model of endogenous productivity and market structure with heterogeneous firms and frictional entry and calibrate it to Chinese manufacturing firms. We show that the reduction of entry barriers brings about 1.05 percentage points of productivity growth over the 1990–2004 period, accounting for 18.3% of the productivity growth in the 2004–7 period. A decomposition exercise shows that entry mainly affects growth through promoting a more competitive market structure, which more than offsets the negative Schumpeterian effect.
Variability in combinations of APTT reagent and substrate plasma for a one‐stage clotting assay to measure factor VIII products
Authors: Suzuki Atsuo , Suzuki Nobuaki , Kanematsu Takeshi , Okamoto Shuichi , Suzuki Naruko , Tamura Shogo , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Katsumi Akira , Kojima Tetsuhito , Matsushita Tadashi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionAn investigation of the suitability of reagents for measuring FVIII products in a one‐stage clotting assay (OSA) showed variations in their FVIII activity (FVIII:C). Most studies have focused on the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) reagent rather than FVIII‐deficient plasma (F8DP), even though the APTT‐based OSA is comprised of APTT reagents and factor‐deficient plasma.AimA single‐centre study was conducted to clarify variations in measurements of FVIII products in an OSA using a total of 12 reagent combinations, including four APTT reagents and three types of F8DP.MethodsFVIII:C in nine types of FVIII product‐spiked plasma was measured using an OSA with four different APTT reagents and three types of F8DP.ResultsF8DP‐dependent variations were found in addition to differences derived from APTT reagents. Variations in target recovery (TR) were observed for NovoEight®, Eloctate®, and Jivi®. Reduced TR for Jivi was found only for Pathromtin SL in combination with congenital F8DP (F8DP‐3). This lower TR was not observed with alternative manufacturing lots of F8DP‐3. The reduced TR for Jivi might be related to impaired contact activation due to lower factor XI activity in F8DP‐3.ConclusionIn addition to APTT reagents, variations in F8DPs used for OSAs can also affect FVIII:C results. F8DPs as well as the APTT reagent used for OSA should be chosen with caution, and laboratories should evaluate reagents for F8DPs as they currently do for APTT reagents, especially when lot changes occur.
Early life vaccination reprograms the metabolism and function of myeloid cells in neonates
Authors: Chen Yingying , Li Hui , Zhou Jie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVaccination after birth provides protection against pathogen infection and immune related disorders in healthy children. The detailed effects of vaccination on neonatal immunity, however, remain largely unknown. Here, we reported that vaccination using Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) diminished the immunosuppressive function of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in neonatal mice, an immature myeloid population. A combination of single‐cell transcriptome, metabolite profiling, and functional analysis demonstrated that upregulation of mTOR/HIF1a signalling and the enhanced glycolysis explained the effects of BCG on neonatal myeloid cells. Pharmalogical inhibition of glycolysis or mTOR signalling efficiently rescued the effects of BCG on neonatal myeloid cells. These observations suggest that BCG facilitates the maturation of myeloid cells in early life, which may contribute to its beneficial effects against immune disorders later in life.
RETRACTED: Effect of right internal mammary artery versus radial artery as a second graft vessel in coronary artery bypass grafting on postoperative wound infection in patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Du Hong , Gu Xiaowei , Zhang Zhiyuan , Dong Zichao , Ran Xiaofei , Zhou Li 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFew studies have shown that radial artery (RA), which is used as a secondary arterial graft, offers superior results compared with right internal thoracic artery (RIMA) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In a meta‐analysis of observational studies starting in 2023, we looked at the effect of re‐operation on postoperative infection and haemorrhage in CABG with RA vs. RIMA. The electronic database up to October 2023 was examined in the course of the research. Analysis was carried out on the clinical trials of postoperative wound infections and haemorrhage re‐surgery. Among 912 trials associated with CABG, we selected 8 trials to be included in the final data analysis. The main results were secondary wound infection and re‐operation after surgery. The odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CIs) were computed on the basis of a randomized or fixed‐effect model of wound infection and re‐operation. Seven trials showed a significant reduction in the risk of wound infection in RA treated as a secondary artery transplant compared with RIMA (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.03, 2.47 p = 0.04); Four trials showed that RIMA was not significantly different from RA in the rate of re‐operation for postoperative bleeding (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.60, 2.88 p = 0.50). In CABG, RA is used as a secondary arterial conduit graft to lower the risk of wound infection in CABG patients.
The level of cancer‐related concerns and affecting factors in Turkish cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vardar Okan , Serçekuş Pınar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo examine and compare the level of cancer‐related concerns and affecting factors between cancer survivors who completed their treatment and those still receiving treatment.DesignThe study has a cross‐sectional comparative design.MethodsConvenience sampling was used and the study included 350 Turkish cancer survivors. Data were collected between March and June 2022 online with a descriptive characteristics form and the Assessment of Survivor Concerns. Obtained data were analysed with numbers, percentages, mean values, t‐test and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe cancer survivors who completed their treatment had a significantly higher level of concerns than those who were still on treatment. Female cancer survivors, cancer survivors with less than 5‐year time elapsing after diagnosis and gynaecological cancer survivors with completed cancer treatment can also have a higher level of cancer‐related concerns.ConclusionCancer survivors who have completed their treatment have a higher level of concerns than those who still receive treatment. Gender, time elapsing after diagnosis and type of cancer affect the level of concerns.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareNurses should evaluate psychosocial care and needs of cancer survivors in addition to their physical care. Raising awareness about the concerns of the cancer survivors with completed treatment in addition to those still receiving treatment and providing holistic care to them can reduce their concerns.ImpactIt is of great importance to be aware of the factors likely to increase cancer‐related concerns during and after cancer treatment. This study identifies cancer‐related concerns in cancer survivors who completed or were still receiving treatment and provides a comparison with other studies in the literature.Reporting MethodWe have adhered to STROBE statement using STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies.Patient or Public ContributionThere was no patient or public involvement.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between transthoracic echocardiography‐ and X‐ray‐guided left bundle branch pacing for bradycardia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Zhihan , Tao Jin , Fan Xiaohan , Feng Zhuoxi , Liu Zhimin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionLeft bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a physiological pacing modality. However, the long procedure and fluoroscopy time of LBBP is still a problem. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)‐ and X‐ray‐guided LBBP.MethodsThis is a single‐center, prospective, randomized controlled study. Consecutive patients who underwent LBBP in our team from June 2022 to November 2022 were enrolled. Procedure and fluoroscopy time, pacing parameters, electrophysiological and echocardiographic characteristics, as well as complications were recorded at implantation and during follow‐up.ResultsIn this study, 60 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: 30 patients were allocated to the X‐ray group and the remaining 30 to the TTE group. There was no significant difference in the success rate between the two groups (86.7% vs. 76.7%, p = .317). The procedure time of TTE group was comparable to that of the X‐ray group (9.0 vs. 12.0 min, p = .063). However, the fluoroscopy time in the TTE group was significantly lower than that of the X‐ray group (2.5 vs. 5.0 min, p = .002). There were no statistically significant differences in pacing parameters, electrophysiological and echocardiographic characteristics, or complications between the two groups at implantation and during follow‐up.ConclusionTTE‐guided LBBP is a feasible and safe method. Compared with X‐ray, TTE showed a comparable success rate and procedure time, but it could significantly reduce the fluoroscopy time of LBBP.
Comparison of novel intrinsic versus conventional antitachycardia pacing for ventricular tachycardia among implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator recipients
Authors: Yanagisawa Satoshi , Inden Yasuya , Sato Yuki , Watanabe Ryo , Goto Takayuki , Kondo Shun , Tachi Masaya , Iwawaki Tomoya , Yamauchi Ryota , Hiramatsu Kei , Shimojo Masafumi , Tsuji Yukiomi , Shibata Rei , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionIntrinsic antitachycardia pacing (iATP) is a novel automated antitachycardia pacing (ATP) that provides individual treatment to terminate ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the clinical efficacy of iATP in comparison with conventional ATP is unknown. We aim to compare the termination rate of VT between iATP and conventional ATP in patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators using a unique setting of different sequential orders of both ATP algorisms.MethodsPatients with the iATP algorithm were assigned to iATP‐first and conventional ATP‐first groups sequentially. In the iATP‐first group, a maximum of seven iATP sequences were delivered, followed by conventional burst and ramp pacing. In contrast, in the conventional ATP‐first group, two bursts and ramp pacing were initially programmed, followed by iATP sequences. We compared the success rates of VT termination in the first and secondary programmed ATP zones between the two groups.ResultsFifty‐eight and 56 patients were enrolled in the iATP‐first and conventional ATP‐first groups, and 67 and 44 VTs were analyzed in each group, respectively. At the first single ATP therapy, success rates were 64% and 70% in the iATP and conventional groups, respectively. At the end of the first iATP treatment zone, the success rate increased from 64% to 85%. Moreover, secondary iATP therapy following the failure of conventional ATPs increased the success rate from 80% to 93%. There was a significant benefit of alternative iATP for VT termination compared to secondary conventional ATP (100% vs. 33%, p = .028).ConclusionsiATP may be beneficial as a secondary therapy after failure of conventional ATP to terminate VT.
Concurrent and longitudinal associations of developmental language disorder with peer victimization in adolescence: evidence from a co‐twin study
Authors: Oncioiu Sînziana Ioana , Nation Kate , Lim Kai Xiang , Pingault Jean‐Baptiste , Bowes Lucy 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundChildren with developmental language disorder (DLD) experience higher levels of peer victimization than their peers. However, it is not known if such associations reflect genetic and environmental confounding. We used a co‐twin control design to investigate the association of language difficulties (DLD and separately poor pragmatic language) with peer victimization and compare the developmental trajectories of peer victimization across adolescence for those with and without language difficulties.MethodsParticipants were 3,400 pairs of twins in the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), a UK‐based population birth cohort. Language abilities were assessed via online tests at age 11 and peer victimization was self‐reported at ages 11, 14 and 16. Language difficulties were defined as language abilities at least −1.25 SD below the mean of the TEDS sample. We performed linear regressions and latent growth curve modeling at a population level and within monozygotic and same‐sex dizygotic twin pairs.ResultsAt population level, youth with DLD experienced higher levels of peer victimization at ages 11 (β = 0.27, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.20–0.35), 14 (β = 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.27) and 16 (β = 0.17, 95% CI 0.03–0.32) and a sharper decline in peer victimization between ages 11 and 16 compared to their peers without DLD. The associations between DLD and peer victimization were reduced in strength and not statistically significant in within‐twin models. Moreover, there was no difference in the rate of change in peer victimization between twin pairs discordant for DLD. Results were similar for the association of poor pragmatic language with peer victimization.ConclusionsAssociations between language difficulties (DLD and separately, poor pragmatic language) and peer victimization were confounded by genetic and shared environmental factors. Identifying specific factors underlying these associations is important for guiding future work to reduce peer victimization among adolescents with language difficulties.
Brobdingnagians and Goliaths: two forms of gigantism in fish
Authors: Pauly Daniel , Chu Elaine , Müller Johannes 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTwo forms of gigantism are differentiated in fish, Brobdingnagian and Goliathan gigantism, the former applying to populations whose individuals are all larger than is typical for the taxon, the latter to single individuals within a population. While Brobdingnagian gigantism is largely explained by various ecological and evolutionary rules, Goliathan gigantism is not. A mechanistic hypothesis is proposed which explains Goliathan gigantism in terms of the reduction of oxygen requirements of individual fish via moving to cooler temperatures and/or acquiring larger, more energy‐dense prey, which enable them to get bigger, and, in the process, sometimes generate bimodal size distributions that may qualify as gradual forms between Goliathan and Brobdingnagian gigantism. This mechanism, which relies on the manner in which their gill surface area grows, is more likely to operate in fish that can get big in the first place than in fish that remain small.
Acquisition of cephalosporin resistance genes blaCTX‐M‐55, blaCTX‐M‐65, and blaCMY‐2 leads to quinolone resistance in colistin‐resistant Escherichia coli harboring mcr‐1 gene
Authors: Nakayama Tatsuya , Li Hien Thi , Ngo Phong Thanh , Tran Doan Nguyen Minh , Nguyen Oanh Thi Hoang , Hoang Phuong Hoai , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Jinnai Michio , Nguyen Phuc Do , Van Dang Chinh , Kumeda Yuko , Hase Atsushi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFood contamination with plasmid‐mediated antibiotic‐resistant Escherichia coli has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of colistin‐resistant AmpC/extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing E. coli harbouring mcr (COL‐ESBL‐EC) and to determine antibiotic resistance by comparison with AmpC/ESBL‐producing E. coli (ESBL‐EC) and colistin‐resistant E. coli harbouring mcr (COL‐EC). Sixty chicken meats were tested for COL‐ESBL‐EC contamination. The result showed that 64 COL‐ESBL‐EC were isolated from 66.7% of the samples, and compared with ESBL‐EC and COL‐EC were isolated before. The genotypes of the COL‐ESBL‐EC showed blaCTX‐M‐55/TEM, blaCTX‐M‐55, blaCMY‐2, and blaCTX‐M‐65 were predominant. The COL‐ESBL‐EC results showed a similar trend for blaCTX‐M identification to that of ESBL‐EC. The mcr was investigated, and mcr‐1 was detected in COL‐ESBL‐EC and COL‐EC. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that many strains of COL‐ESBL‐EC and ESBL‐EC were resistant to quinolones, and fosfomycin (FOS). These results suggest that COL‐ESBL‐EC has simultaneously acquired AmpC/ESBL‐related, quinolone, and FOS resistance genes in COL‐EC.