bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excessive androgen exposure and risk of malignancies: A cohort study
Authors: Heerfordt Ida M. , Windfeld‐Mathiasen Josefine , Dalhoff Kim Peder , Trærup Andersen Jon , Horwitz Henrik 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundA link between androgen use and the risk of cancers, especially prostate and breast cancer, has been suggested. The knowledge about a possible association is limited.ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate cancer incidence rates, particularly those related to prostate and breast cancer, in male androgen users and compare them to a control group.MethodsWe included male androgen users identified through a nationwide anti‐doping testing program in Danish fitness centers from 2006 to 2018. We paired each case with 50 male controls of the same age, selected randomly. The cohort was followed from baseline and until 2023. The outcome was the incidence of prostate cancer, breast cancer, or any cancer excluding non‐melanoma skin cancer.ResultsThe study included 1,189 androgen users and 59,450 controls, with a mean age of 27 years at enrolment. During the follow‐up period with a mean length of 11 years, 13 androgen users, and 612 controls were diagnosed with cancer. This resulted in an incidence rate ratio of 1.05 (95% CI: 0.55–1.81). None of the androgen users were diagnosed with prostate or breast cancer.Discussion and conclusionMale androgen users did not face an increased short‐term risk of cancer, neither overall nor related to prostate or breast cancer. Our study indicates that the absolute risk of malignancies in androgen users is comparable to that in the background population. However, we cannot exclude androgens as a cancer risk factor due to the limited sample size, relatively short follow‐up period, and subject age.
Unfounded beliefs, distress and powerlessness: A three‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Ballová Mikušková Eva , Teličák Peter 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the relationships between unfounded COVID‐19 beliefs and distress and powerlessness, specifically, whether distress and powerlessness are causes or consequences of unfounded COVID‐19 beliefs represented by conspiracy beliefs and pseudoscientific beliefs regarding treatment and measures. Unfounded beliefs were assessed using the COVID‐19 Unfounded Beliefs Scale; distress was measured with the Symptom Checklist‐10, and powerlessness was measured with four items measuring the feeling of losing control. Data collection took place during three phases of the pandemic in Slovakia (October 2021, N = 1838; July 2022, N = 1,420; April 2023, N = 925). Results suggest that individuals with stronger unfounded beliefs about COVID‐19 reported greater powerlessness longitudinally, and individuals with stronger COVID‐19 unfounded beliefs treatment and measures reported greater distress longitudinally (notably, beliefs about COVID‐19 measures in the first wave were associated with distress in the second wave, and beliefs about COVID‐19 treatment in the second wave were associated with distress in the third wave). The present findings corroborate an existential threat model of conspiracy theories that says the relationship between unfounded beliefs and indicators of well‐being is bidirectional, so interventions should be focused both on eliminating the unfounded beliefs and strengthening well‐being.
A 10‐year retrospective study of antibacterial‐induced thrombocytopenia in a women and children hospital using China Hospital Pharmacovigilance System and Visual Basic for Applications
Authors: Yang Jianhui , Cai Can , Pan Xiuming , Chen Weida , Zhuang Wei , Lin Wanlong , Chen Yao 
Published: April 2024

AimsWe aimed to investigate antibacterial‐induced thrombocytopenia using the China Hospital Pharmacovigilance System (CHPS) in conjunction with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).MethodsBetween September 2011 and December 2022, a 2‐phase workflow was employed to identify antibacterial‐induced thrombocytopenia, including preliminary screening in phase (I) conducted by CHPS algorithms and causality assessment by trained pharmacists in phase (II) using VBA. The incidence of thrombocytopenia in each antibacterial was calculated, and comparisons were performed between paediatric and adult patients.ResultsCHPS algorithms identified 4080 cases from 485 238 admissions (including 223 735 admissions receiving at least 1 antibacterial treatment). After ruling out cases with chemotherapy and abnormal platelet count at admission, 3832 cases were available. Using VBA, pharmacists identified 1039 cases (1246 antibacterial treatments, 28 agents) as potential thrombocytopenia instances (κ = 0.89), with an incidence of 0.46%. All antibacterial treatments correlated temporally with thrombocytopenia. Carbapenems (meropenem 1.77%), glycopeptides (vancomycin 1.55%) and lincosamides (clindamycin 0.44%) were prominent causal groups. The highest incidences of thrombocytopenia in the cephalosporins and penicillins groups were ceftazidime (2.04%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (1.24%), respectively. Among all antibacterial treatments, clindamycin showed the shortest time to onset (TTO), and erythromycin showed the longest TTO. Paediatric patients exhibited a longer TTO (61 vs. 29 h), extended time to nadir (83 vs. 37 h), lower platelet nadir count values (110 vs. 92 × 109/L), and a higher severe case proportion (12.37 vs. 3.86%) when compared with adults.ConclusionDifferent antibacterial agents exhibit varying incidences of thrombocytopenia, with notable disparities between adults and children in the characteristics of thrombocytopenia.
A natural inhibitor of diapophytoene desaturase attenuates methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pathogenicity and overcomes drug‐resistance
Authors: Han Baoqing , Wang Hongsu , Niu Xiaodi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeAt present, the inhibition of staphyloxanthin biosynthesis has emerged as a prominent strategy in combating methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Nonetheless, there remains a limited understanding regarding the bio‐structural characteristics of staphyloxanthin biosynthetic enzymes, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between inhibitors and proteins. Furthermore, the functional scope of these inhibitors is relatively narrow.Experimental ApproachIn this study, we address these limitations by harnessing the power of deep learning techniques to construct the 3D structure of diapophytoene desaturase (CrtN). We perform efficient virtual screening and unveil alnustone as a potent inhibitor of CrtN. Further investigations employing molecular modelling, site‐directed mutagenesis and biolayer interferometry (BLI) confirmed that alnustone binds to the catalytic active site of CrtN. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that alnustone significantly down‐regulates genes associated with staphyloxanthin, histidine and peptidoglycan biosynthesis.Key ResultsUnder the effects of alnustone, MRSA strains exhibit enhanced sensitivity to various antibiotics and the host immune system, accompanied by increased cell membrane permeability. In a mouse model of systemic MRSA infection, the combination of alnustone and antibiotics exhibited a significant therapeutic effect, leading to reduced bacterial colony counts and attenuated pathological damage.Conclusion and ImplicationsAlnustone, as a natural inhibitor targeting CrtN, exhibits outstanding antibacterial properties that are single‐targeted yet multifunctional. This finding provides a novel strategy and theoretical basis for the development of drugs targeting staphyloxanthin producing bacteria.
The evolution of larvae in temnospondyls and the stepwise origin of amphibian metamorphosis
Authors: Schoch Rainer R. , Witzmann Florian 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTThe question of what the ancient life cycle of tetrapods was like forms a key component in understanding the origin of land vertebrates. The existence of distinct larval forms, as exemplified by many lissamphibians, and their transformation into adults is an important aspect in this field. The temnospondyls, the largest clade of Palaeozoic–Mesozoic non‐amniote tetrapods, covered a wide ecomorphological range from fully aquatic to terrestrial taxa. In various species, rich ontogenetic data have accumulated over the past 130 years, permitting the study of early phases of temnospondyl development. In temnospondyls, eight ontogenetic phases have been identified in which the skeleton formed. In branchiosaurids and the eryopiform Sclerocephalus, large parts of the ossification sequence are now known. Most taxa in which small specimens are preserved had aquatic larvae with external gills that superficially resemble larval salamanders. In the edopoids, dvinosaurs, and eryopiforms, the larvae developed slowly, with incompletely ossified axial and appendicular skeletons, but possessed a fast‐developing dermal skull with strong teeth. Irrespective of adult terrestriality or a fully aquatic life, there was no drastic transformation during later ontogeny, but a slow and steady acquisition of adult features. In dissorophoids, the limbs developed at a much faster pace, whereas skull formation was slowed down, especially in the amphibamiforms, and culminating in the neotenic Branchiosauridae. In the zatracheid Acanthostomatops, slow but profound transformation led to a fully terrestrial adult. The basal dissorophoid Stegops retained rapid development of dermal skull bones and established a fully dentigerous, strongly ossified palate early. In Micromelerpeton, formation of the last skull bones was slightly delayed and metamorphosis remained a long and steady phase of morphological transformations. In amphibamiforms, metamorphosis became more drastic, with an increasing number of events packed into a short phase of ontogeny. This is exemplified by Apateon, Platyrhinops, and Amphibamus in which this condensation was maximised. We distinguish three different types of metamorphosis (morphological, ecological and drastic) that evolved cumulatively in early tetrapods and within temnospondyls.
Deep‐targeted gene sequencing reveals ARID1A mutation as an important driver of glioblastoma
Authors: Xiao Menglin , Cui Xiaoteng , Xu Can , Xin Lei , Zhao Jixing , Yang Shixue , Hong Biao , Tan Yanli , Zhang Jie , Li Xiang , Li Jie , Kang Chunsheng , Fang Chuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsTo investigate the key factors influencing glioma progression and the emergence of treatment resistance by examining the intrinsic connection between mutations in DNA damage and repair‐related genes and the development of chemoresistance in gliomas.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis of deep‐targeted gene sequencing data from 228 glioma samples. This involved identifying differentially mutated genes across various glioma grades, assessing their functions, and employing I‐TASSER for homology modeling. We elucidated the functional changes induced by high‐frequency site mutations in these genes and investigated their impact on glioma progression.ResultsThe analysis of sequencing mutation results of deep targeted genes in integration revealed that ARID1A gene mutation occurs frequently in glioblastoma and alteration of ARID1A could affect the tolerance of glioma cells to temozolomide treatment. The deletion of proline at position 16 in the ARID1A protein affected the stability of binding of the SWI/SNF core subunit BRG1, which in turn affected the stability of the SWI/SNF complex and led to altered histone modifications in the CDKN1A promoter region, thereby affecting the biological activity of glioma cells, as inferred from modeling and protein interaction analysis.ConclusionThe ARID1A gene is a critical predictive biomarker for glioma. Mutations at the ARID1A locus alter the stability of the SWI/SNF complex, leading to changes in transcriptional regulation in glioma cells. This contributes to an increased malignant phenotype of GBM and plays a pivotal role in mediating chemoresistance.
Women at Multiple Levels of Strategic Leadership: Evidence of Gender Spillovers
Authors: Edacherian Saneesh , Karna Amit , Uhlenbruck Klaus , Sharma Sunil 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTManuscript TypeEmpirical.Research Question/IssueWe examine how the combined presence of women in multiple levels of strategic leadership, including gender‐diverse boards, affects firm accounting performance.Research Findings/InsightsOur meta‐analysis of 273 effect sizes across various hypotheses expands research on women in upper echelons by showing that gender‐diverse boards are positively related to gender spillovers, that is, the appointment of female executives. Most importantly, our work demonstrates that gender spillovers mediate the relationship between board gender diversity and firm performance, indicating there are joint effects of women leaders when serving at various levels of the organization simultaneously. We also find that the size of gender‐diverse boards negatively affects gender spillovers to the level of executives.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur research highlights interdependencies between gender diversity at different organizational levels and the distinct contribution of women directors. We draw attention to the role of gender spillovers as a mechanism that helps explain how the appointment of women directors benefits firm performance. Our findings broadly contribute to upper echelons theory.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study emphasizes that increasing the representation of women on boards can advance the cause of women at other levels of strategic leadership. Furthermore, if women are in multiple levels of strategic leadership at the same time, this can lead to improved firm performance.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition contrast in the amputated tail and limb of the northern house gecko, Hemidactylus flaviviridis
Authors: Raval Pooja , Khaire Kashmira , Sharma Shashikant , Balakrishnan Suresh 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe northern house gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis exhibits appendage‐specific responses to injuries. The autotomized tail regenerates, whereas the severed limb fails to regrow. Many site‐specific cellular processes influence tail regeneration. Herein, we analyzed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition contrast in the lizard's amputated appendages (tail and limb). Morphological observations in the healing frame indicated the formation of regeneration blastema in the tail and scar formation in limb. Histology of the tail showed that epithelial cells closer to mesenchyme appeared less columnar and loosely packed, with little intercellular matrix. Whereas in the limb, the columnar epithelial cells remained tightly packed. Collagen deposition was seen in the limb at the intersection of wound epithelium and mesenchyme, favoring scarring by blocking the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Markers for epithelial–mesenchymal transition were assessed at transcript and protein levels. The regenerating tail showed upregulation of N‐cadherin, vimentin, and PCNA, favoring epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and proliferation, respectively. In contrast, the scarring limb showed persistently elevated levels of E‐cadherin and EpCAM, indicating retention of epithelial characteristics. An attempt was made to screen the resident epithelial stem cell population in both appendages to check their potential role in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), hence the differential wound healing. Upregulation in transcript and protein levels of Nanog and Sox2 was observed in the regenerating tail. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) provided supporting evidence that the epithelial stem cell population in tail remained significantly higher than in limb. Thus, this study focuses on the mechanistic role of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in wound healing, highlighting the molecular details of regeneration and scarring events.
Safety and efficacy of teplizumab in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Grando Alves Gabriel , Cunha Luisa , Henkes Machado Rafael , Lins de Menezes Vanessa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimTo provide updated efficacy and safety information for teplizumab in the treatment of Stage 3 type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Materials and MethodsThe PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing teplizumab to placebo for T1DM that reported any of the following outcomes: (1) C‐peptide area under the curve (AUC); (2) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels; (3) insulin requirements; and (4) adverse events. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. p values <0.05 were taken to indicate statistical significance. The continuous endpoints were compared through the pooled mean difference (MD) and binary endpoints were assessed using risk ratios, both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager Web software.ResultsEight RCTs with 1052 patients (754 receiving teplizumab) were included. Teplizumab significantly increased the AUC of C‐peptide levels at 6 (MD 0.10 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.05, 0.16), 12 (MD 0.13 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.06, 0.20), 18 (MD 0.18 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.09, 0.27) and 24 months (MD 0.16 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.02, 0.31), significantly reduced HbA1c levels at 6 (MD −0.57%, 95% CI −1.07, −0.08) and 12 months (MD −0.31%, 95% CI −0.59, −0.02), and significantly reduced insulin requirements at 6 (MD −0.12 U/kg, 95% CI −0.16, −0.08), 12 (MD −0.11 U/kg, 95% CI −0.15, −0.07), 18 (MD −0.17 U/kg, 95% CI −0.26, −0.09) and 24 months (MD −0.11 U/kg, 95% CI −0.22, −0.01).ConclusionTeplizumab increases AUC of C‐peptide levels and decreases HbA1c levels and insulin use, without raising serious adverse event risk.
The effect of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors on inflammatory biomarkers: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Buttice Leonardo , Ghani Maryam , Suthakar Janahan , Gnanalingham Sathyan , Carande Elliott , Kennedy Brett W. C. , Pitcher Alex , Gamble James H. P. , Ahmad Mahmood , Lewis Andrew , Jüni Peter , Rider Oliver J. , Stephens Jeffrey W. , Bray Jonathan J. H. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsTo conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effect of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on inflammatory biomarkers.MethodsMedline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs investigating the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on inflammatory biomarkers, adipokine profiles and insulin sensitivity.ResultsThirty‐eight RCTs were included (14 967 participants, 63.3% male, mean age 62 ± 8.6 years) with a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 16 (12–24) weeks. Meta‐analysis showed that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly improved adiponectin, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor receptor‐1 (vs. placebo alone: standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.34 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.23, 0.45], mean difference [MD] −0.85 pg/mL [95% CI −1.32, −0.38], SMD −0.13 [95% CI −0.20, −0.06], respectively), leptin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (vs. control: SMD −0.20 [95% CI −0.33, −0.07], MD −0.83 [95% CI −1.32, −0.33], respectively). There were no significant changes in C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor‐α, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, fibroblast growth factor‐21 or monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1.ConclusionsOur analysis shows that SGLT2 inhibitors likely improve adipokine biomarkers and insulin sensitivity, but there is little evidence that SGLT2 inhibitors improve other inflammatory biomarkers including CRP.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on business students’ future preference for online courses
Authors: Stanley Denise , Mitra Sinjini 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study analyzes students’ future preferences for online business courses based on responses from a spring 2021student sample from a California public regional university. The timing of this research takes advantage of the COVID‐19 “sudden disruption” that provided a unique opportunity to examine factors (including challenges specific to COVID‐19) that affect student choices about course delivery modality. Academic background, remote‐learning experiences, and mental health significantly impacted future course enrollment decisions. Study results provide insights for both university administrators and faculty who will need to plan curriculum in the challenging postpandemic higher education setting.
Standing to praise
Authors: Telech Daniel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper argues that praise is governed by a norm of standing, namely the evaluative commitment condition. Even when the target of praise is praiseworthy and known to be so by the praiser, praise can be inappropriate owing to the praiser's lacking the relevant evaluative commitment. I propose that uncommitted praisers lack the standing to praise in that, owing to their lack of commitment to the relevant value, they have not earned the right to host the co‐valuing that is the communicative aim of praise.
Distal phalanx radiographic grading features in long‐toe, underrun heel in Egypt Baladi donkeys (Equus asinus)
Authors: El‐Marakby Ahmed Ibrahim , Mostafa Mohamed Barakat , Metwally Asmaa Abdelsalam , Soliman Ahmed Sayed , Abdelgalil Ahmed Ismael 
Published: April 2024

SummaryBackgroundLong‐toe, underrun heel conformation is a term referring to a long toe, collapsed frog and atrophied heels in equids, including donkeys. However, data on the radiological evaluation and classification of the long‐toe, underrun heel conformation in the donkey are relatively limited.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to determine the relationship between the dorsal hoof wall angle and the radiological angular and linear features of the distal phalanx in long‐toe, underrun heel conformation in Egypt Baladi donkeys.Study designPost‐mortem collected feet.MethodsForty‐seven front hooves with long‐toe, underrun heels from cadavers were radiographically examined. Lateromedial radiometric parameters included dorsal hoof wall angle, heel angle, distal phalanx angle, distal phalanx solar border angle, coronet angle, axis of the distal phalanx angle, proximal palmar cortex angle, distal phalanx to ground distance, distal phalanx to frog distance, distal phalanx to toe distance, foot length and hoof balance%. Long‐toe, underrun heel cadaver feet were classified into four groups according to the dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA).ResultsThe DHWA of the first group was less than 58.25°–54° (<58.25°:54°), the second group was less than 54°–52° (<54°:52°), the third group was less than 52°–47° (<52°:47°), and the fourth group was less than 47° (<47°). From the first to the fourth groups DHWA, heel angle (HA), distal phalanx solar border angle (P3BA), distal phalanx angle (P3A), axis of the distal phalanx angle (LP3A), proximal palmar cortex angle (PPCA), distal phalanx to frog distance (P3F) and foot length (FL) were decreased, while the coronet angle (CA), distal phalanx to toe distance (P3T) and hoof balance (HB) percentages were increased. Statistical analysis revealed strong and moderate correlations between DHWA and HA, P3A, P3BA, LP3A, PPCA, P3G, P3F and P3T.Main limitationCadaver feet were collected from different yards and body sizes, the collection of radiographic parameters without trimming and the lack of a record of the work history of these donkeys.ConclusionThis study will assist veterinarians in evaluating the long‐toe, underrun heel conformation during hoof trimming.