bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐assembling bioactive peptides for gastrointestinal delivery—Bioinformatics‐driven discovery and in vitro assessment
Authors: Petit Noémie , Dyer Jolon M. , Richena Marina , Domigan Laura J. , Gerrard Juliet A. , Clerens Stefan 
Published: April 2024

SummaryFood‐derived peptides are promising materials for oral delivery purposes as they are readily available, can be generated using common techniques, and their self‐assembly properties can be tuned for specific applications. A method for identifying such self‐assembling bioactive peptides (SABP) candidates based on in silico analysis was developed and allowed for the discovery of a bovine‐derived SABP: FFVAPFPEVFGK. This peptide was then successfully generated from the αs1‐casein using enzymatic hydrolysis and isolated with size exclusion chromatography. Furthermore, we assessed the in vitro potential of the peptide for oral delivery to the lower gastrointestinal tract, using the INFOGEST standardised protocol. Transmission electron microscopy and mass spectrometry analyses showed that both the natural and the synthetic peptide were able to resist degradation in the oral and gastric phases. Indeed, the peptides remained assembled at the end of the gastric phase with some of the structure eroded from the action of pepsin and/or the pH. This article provides further insight into the potential of food‐derived peptides as functional food ingredients for oral delivery.
Fast freezing, slow tempering: The key to tuna (Thunnus albacares) quality retention
Authors: Duanmu Zhenze , Zhang Yajin , Li Feng , Yao Yao , Shi Hu , Kong Fanbin , Jiao Yang 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThere is a debate on the optimal tempering rate for preserving the quality of aquatic muscle products. An adjustable and uniform tempering method is required to address this. Radio frequency (RF) heating, with its rapid and volumetric heating characteristics and adjustable tempering rate, has shown great potential in frozen food tempering. In this study, we utilised a developed improved RF heating method with controlled heating rates and uniformity to investigate the quality attributes of yellowfin tuna flesh samples subjected to two freezing rates (0.35 and 0.47 cm h−1) and three tempering rates (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 °C min−1), respectively, to reveal the influence of freezing and tempering rates influence on tuna quality attributes. In the majority of treatment groups, the differences in drip loss, TBARS, TVB‐N, MetMb, colour, and protein solubility between the high‐speed freezing and slow‐thawing groups were minimal. It was found that fast freezing allows smaller‐scale ice crystal generation, which has the least influence on muscle fibre, and a low tempering rate could gently regulate the influence of ice crystal size on muscle structures.
Yield of capsule endoscopy and subsequent device‐assisted enteroscopy: experience at an Australian tertiary centre
Authors: Selvanderan Shane , Noguchi Makiko , Banh Xuan , Ket Shara , Brown Gregor 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundSmall bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and device‐assisted enteroscopy (DAE) have an established role in the investigation and management of small bowel pathology. Previous studies have reported on the yield of SBCE (60%) and DAE (57%), but none have been in an Australian setting.AimsTo determine the yield of SBCE and any DAE performed as a direct consequence of SBCE in an Australian referral centre.MethodsA single‐centre retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Australia, enrolling consecutive patients between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2021 undergoing SBCE. Data were collected with respect to demographics, procedural factors and findings, as well as findings and interventions of any DAE procedures performed after the SBCE.Results1214 SBCEs were performed, with a median age of 66 years old (60.8% men). The predominant indications were anaemia (n = 853, 70.2%) and overt gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 320, 26.4%). Of the complete small bowel studies (1132/1214, 93.2%), abnormal findings were detected in 588 cases (51.9%), most commonly angioectasias (266/588, 45.2%), erosions (106/588, 18.0%) and ulcers (97/588, 8.6%). 165 patients underwent a DAE (117 antegrade, 48 retrograde). Antegrade DAE had a higher yield than retrograde DAE (77.8% vs 54.2%; P = 0.002) and a higher rate of intervention (69.2% vs 37.5%; P < 0.001).ConclusionIn this largest single‐centre cohort of patients undergoing SBCE to date, there is a similar yield of abnormal findings compared to existing literature. DAE, especially with an antegrade approach, had high diagnostic and therapeutic yield when pursued after a positive SBCE study.
Shared Trauma: An evolutionary model concept analysis in light of COVID‐19
Authors: Hutto April , Raynor Phyllis , Baliko Beverly 
Published: April 2024

AbstractShared trauma (ST) is a term historically applied to social work experiences, but other healthcare professionals (HCP) also experience ST. With the occurrence of COVID‐19, ST has impacted HCP globally and has led to new discoveries and more questions regarding its scope, impact and duration. This article aims to explore the concept of ST applied to nurses in light of COVID‐19 using the Rogers and Knafl Evolutionary Model for Concept Analysis. Further examination and evolution of ‘shared trauma’, particularly during COVID‐19, has led to the development of an adapted model to explore the implications of ST on health‐related outcomes for nurses.
RhoA/rho kinase pathway activation in age‐associated endothelial cell dysfunction and thrombosis
Authors: Palomo Iván , Wehinger Sergio , Andrés Vicente , García‐García Francisco J. , Fuentes Eduardo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe small GTPase RhoA and the downstream Rho kinase (ROCK) regulate several cell functions and pathological processes in the vascular system that contribute to the age‐dependent risk of cardiovascular disease, including endothelial dysfunction, excessive permeability, inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, abnormal vasoconstriction, decreased nitric oxide production and apoptosis. Frailty is a loss of physiological reserve and adaptive capacity with advanced age and is accompanied by a pro‐inflammatory and pro‐oxidative state that promotes vascular dysfunction and thrombosis. This review summarises the role of the RhoA/Rho kinase signalling pathway in endothelial dysfunction, the acquisition of the pro‐thrombotic state and vascular ageing. We also discuss the possible role of RhoA/Rho kinase signalling as a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of age‐related cardiovascular disease.
CircPVT1 promotes migration and invasion by regulating miR‐490‐5p/HAVCR2 axis in osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Zhou Chunbin , Balmer Lois , Song Manshu , Wu Kezhou , Wang Wei , Wang Hu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the progression of osteosarcoma. However, the precise function of circPVT1 in osteosarcoma remains elusive. This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the involvement of circPVT1 in osteosarcoma cells. We quantified circPVT1 expression using qRT‐PCR in both control and osteosarcoma cell lines. To investigate the roles of circPVT1, miR‐490‐5p and HAVCR2 in vitro, we separately conducted overexpression and inhibition experiments for circPVT1, miR‐490‐5p and HAVCR2 in HOS and U2OS cells. Cell migration was assessed through wound healing and transwell migration assays, and invasion was measured via the Matrigel invasion assay. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of circPVT1 in osteosarcoma, a comprehensive approach was employed, including fluorescence in situ hybridization, qRT‐PCR, Western blot, bioinformatics, dual‐luciferase reporter assay and rescue assay. CircPVT1 expression in osteosarcoma cell lines surpassed that in control cells. The depletion of circPVT1 resulted in a notable reduction in the in vitro migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanism experiments revealed that circPVT1 functioned as a miR‐490‐5p sequester, and directly targeted HAVCR2. Overexpression of miR‐490‐5p led to a significant attenuation of migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, whereas HAVCR2 overexpression had the opposite effect, promoting these abilities. Additionally, circPVT1 upregulated HAVCR2 expression via sequestering miR‐490‐5p, thereby orchestrating the migration and invasion in osteosarcoma cells. CircPVT1 orchestrates osteosarcoma migration and invasion by regulating the miR‐490‐5p/HAVCR2 axis, underscoring its potential as a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Development, synthesis and validation of improved c‐Myc/Max inhibitors
Authors: Yıldırım Sümbül , Kocabaş Fatih , Mermer Arif 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe pathophysiological foundations of various diseases are often subject to alteration through the utilization of small compounds, rendering them invaluable tools for the exploration and advancement of novel therapeutic strategies. Within the scope of this study, we meticulously curated a diverse library of novel small compounds meticulously designed to specifically target the c‐Myc/Max complex. We conducted in vitro examinations of novel c‐Myc inhibitors across a spectrum of cancer cell lines, including PANC1 (pancreatic adenocarcinoma), MCF7 (breast carcinoma), DU‐145 (prostate carcinoma), and A549 (lung cancer). The initial analysis involved a 25 μM dose, which enabled the identification of potent anticancer compounds effective against a variety of tumour types. We identified c‐Myc inhibitors with remarkable potency, featuring IC50 values as low as 1.6 μM and up to 40 times more effective than the reference molecule in diminishing cancer cell viability. Notably, c‐Myc‐i7 exhibited exceptional selectivity, displaying 37‐fold and 59‐fold preference for targeting prostate and breast cancers, respectively, over healthy cells. Additionally, we constructed drug‐likeness models. This study underscores the potential for in vitro investigations of various tumour types using novel c‐Myc inhibitors to yield ground‐breaking and efficacious anticancer compounds.
Thiazide‐associated hyponatremia in arterial hypertension patients: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kwon Soie , Kim Hasung , Lee Jungkuk , Shin Jungho , Kim Su Hyun , Hwang Jin Ho 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThiazides are the first‐line treatment for hypertension, however, they have been associated with hospitalizations for thiazide‐associated hyponatremia (TAH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of TAH and other drug‐associated hyponatremia in a Korean population.MethodsThe study used big data from the National Health Insurance Sharing Service of 1,943,345 adults treated for hypertension from January 2014 to December 2016. The participants were divided into two groups based on the use of thiazides. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify independent risk factors for the occurrence of hyponatremia.ResultsThe study found that hyponatremia‐related hospitalizations were significantly higher in the thiazide group than the control group (2.19% vs. 1.45%). The risk increased further with concurrent use of other diuretics or desmopressin, and thiazide+spironolactone+desmopressin and hospitalization risk further increased (4.0 and 6.9 times). Multivariate analysis showed that hyponatremia occurrence increased with age, diabetes mellitus, depression, and thiazide use (hazard ratio = 1.436, p < 0.001). The thiazide group had better 6‐year overall survival than the control group but had more fractures and hyponatremia.ConclusionsThiazide use is associated with an increased risk of hyponatremia and related complications. However, the mortality rate decreased in those who received thiazides, suggesting that thiazide use itself is not harmful and may help decrease complications and improve prognosis with proper, cautious use in high‐risk patients.
Body image perceptions of pregnant women in the third trimester in Turkey: A qualitative study
Authors: Küçükkaya Muazez , Günaydın Sevil , Yılmaz Tülay , Dinç Kaya Hüsniye 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRationaleBody image undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, marking a pivotal phase in a woman's life.Aim and ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the body image perceptions of primiparous pregnant women during their third trimester.MethodsEmploying a qualitative research approach grounded in phenomenology, the study involved interviews to explore the experiences of primiparous pregnant women in their third trimester. The interviews were conducted via an online platform, with a sample group of 13 participants chosen through purposive sampling. Data analysis followed a content analysis approach, with the information being transferred to MAXQDA Analytics Pro Qualitative Data Analysis Programme for coding. The study adhered to the reporting guidelines outlined in the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.ResultsSystematic analysis of the interview transcripts led to the identification of three main themes under the overarching framework of body image experiences among primiparous pregnant women during the third trimester: Physical Changes, Mental Changes, and Behavioural and Social Changes. Among the identified themes, pregnant women demonstrated a relatively lower level of discourse regarding Physical Changes, in contrast to a significant emphasis on Mental Changes. Within the latter theme, pregnant women exhibited significant dissatisfaction with their pregnancy experiences significantly.ConclusionIt was determined that pregnant women experience physical and psychological changes related to body image during pregnancy.
Question asking in active listening scale for early adolescents: Behavioral measure development and initial validation
Authors: Nalani Andrew , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Way Niobe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRelational theories of human development explain how stereotypes and their underlying ideologies thwart social connections that are fundamental for individuals to thrive, especially in early adolescence. Intervention research to address this crisis of connection is still emergent and active listening is one promising strategy to this end; however, its efficacy has not been examined in part because no validated measures of active listening for this population exist. This validation study is the first to examine whether the behavioral dimensions of one form of active listening can be captured using a coding scheme to assess adolescents' engagement in a live interviewing task (N = 293). Importantly, the measure was developed within the context of a theory‐driven intervention to train adolescents in transformative curiosity and listening to enhance connection. Findings indicate that two dimensions underlie the measure as hypothesized, open‐ended questions and follow‐up questions, with acceptable internal consistency. The measure is sensitive to change in adolescents' questioning skills before and after the intervention. Further, asking follow‐up questions was positively related to empathy and also predicted a respondent's perception of their interviewer as a good listener. The effect for asking open‐ended questions was moderated by dyad‐level tendencies to elicit disclosure from others. The current measure not only examines question asking as a more nuanced behavioral dimension of active listening than previous measures, it is also the first to do so among a sample of early adolescents. The measure will be useful in assessing active listening interventions' efficacy to address the crisis of connection.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and risk of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Lando Maria Giovanna , Borella Nicolò , Scoccia Enrico , Pecoraro Barbara , Gobbi Federico , Bisoffi Zeno , Valenti Luca , Tilg Herbert , Byrne Christopher D. , Targher Giovanni 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecent observational studies examining the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have reported conflicting results. We performed a meta‐analysis to quantify the magnitude of the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of MASLD.MethodsWe systematically searched three large electronic databases to identify eligible observational studies (published up to 30 November 2023) in which liver biopsy, imaging methods or blood‐based biomarkers/scores were used for diagnosing MASLD. Data from selected studies were extracted, and meta‐analysis was performed using common and random‐effects modelling. Statistical heterogeneity among published studies, subgroup analyses, meta‐regression analyses and publication bias were assessed.ResultsA total of 28 observational studies (24 cross‐sectional and 4 longitudinal studies) were identified, including 231 291 middle‐aged individuals of predominantly Asian ethnicity (~95%). Meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional studies showed that H. pylori infection was significantly associated with a small increase in the risk of prevalent MASLD (n = 24 studies; random‐effects odds ratio 1.11, 95% CI 1.05–1.18; I2 = 63%). Meta‐analysis of data from longitudinal studies showed that H. pylori infection was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing incident MASLD over a mean 5‐year follow‐up (n = 4 studies; random‐effects odds ratio 1.20, 95%CI 1.08–1.33; I2 = 44%). Sensitivity analyses did not modify these results. The funnel plot did not reveal any significant publication bias.ConclusionsH. pylori infection is associated with a mildly increased risk of prevalent and incident MASLD. Further well‐designed prospective and mechanistic studies are required to better decipher the complex link between H. pylori infection and the risk of MASLD.
Global field collection data confirm an affinity of brown rot fungi for coniferous habitats and substrates
Authors: Simpson Hunter J. , Andrew Carrie , Skrede Inger , Kauserud Håvard , Schilling Jonathan S. 
Published: April 2024

Summary
Unlike ‘white rot’ (WR) wood‐decomposing fungi that remove lignin to access cellulosic sugars, ‘brown rot’ (BR) fungi selectively extract sugars and leave lignin behind. The relative frequency and distribution of these fungal types (decay modes) have not been thoroughly assessed at a global scale; thus, the fate of one‐third of Earth's aboveground carbon, wood lignin, remains unclear.
Using c. 1.5 million fungal sporocarp and c. 30 million tree records from publicly accessible databases, we mapped and compared decay mode and tree type (conifer vs angiosperm) distributions. Additionally, we mined fungal record metadata to assess substrate specificity per decay mode.
The global average for BR fungi proportion (BR/(BR + WR records)) was 13% and geographic variation was positively correlated (R2 = 0.45) with conifer trees proportion (conifer/(conifer + angiosperm records)). Most BR species (61%) were conifer, rather than angiosperm (22%), specialists. The reverse was true for WR (conifer: 19%; angiosperm: 62%). Global BR proportion patterns were predicted with greater accuracy using the relative distributions of individual tree species (R2 = 0.82), rather than tree type.
Fungal decay mode distributions can be explained by tree type and, more importantly, tree species distributions, which our data suggest is due to strong substrate specificities.
Parity and Pareto
Authors: Hedden Brian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPareto principles are at the core of ethics and decision theory. The Strong Pareto principle says that if one thing is better than another for someone and at least as good for everyone else, then the one is overall better than the other. But a host of famous figures express it differently, with ‘not worse’ in place of ‘at least as good.’ In the presence of parity (or incommensurability), this results in a strictly stronger Pareto principle, which I call Super‐Strong Pareto. Super‐Strong Pareto, however, yields cyclic betterness and is therefore false. I point out a number of influential arguments—concerning population ethics, collective action problems, and decision‐making in the face of parity and uncertainty—that crucially rely on Super‐Strong Pareto and are therefore unsound. I then turn to the most influential argument against the possibility of parity—Broome's collapsing argument—and argue that it likewise relies on Super‐Strong Pareto reasoning and is therefore question‐begging. Finally, I turn to the much‐neglected question of how to justify Strong Pareto. The answer I arrive at, which emphasizes tie‐breaking, yields a striking insight, namely that Super‐Strong Pareto amounts to the denial of insensitivity to mild sweetening. That is what makes it problematic in the presence of parity.
Ascorbic acid releases dormancy and promotes germination by an integrated regulation of abscisic acid and gibberellin in Pyrus betulifolia seeds
Authors: Niu Junpeng , Xu Mingzhen , Zong Na , Sun Jia , Zhao Lei , Hui Wei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSeed dormancy is an important life history state in which intact viable seeds delay or prevent germination under suitable conditions. Ascorbic acid (AsA) acts as a small molecule antioxidant, and breaking seed dormancy and promoting subsequent growth are among its numerous functions. In this study, a germination test using Pyrus betulifolia seeds treated with exogenous AsA or AsA synthesis inhibitor lycorine (Lyc) and water absorption was conducted. The results indicated that AsA released dormancy and increased germination and 20 mmol L−1 AsA promoted cell division, whereas Lyc reduced germination. Seed germination showed typical three phases of water absorption; and seeds at five key time points were sampled for transcriptome analysis. It revealed that multiple pathways were involved in breaking dormancy and promoting germination through transcriptome data, and 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the metabolism and signal transduction of abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GA) were verified by subsequent RT‐qPCR. For metabolites, exogenous AsA increased endogenous AsA and GA3 but reduced ABA and the ABA/GA3 ratio. In addition, three genes regulating ABA synthesis were downregulated by AsA, while five genes mediating ABA degradation were upregulated. Taken together, AsA regulates the pathways associated with ABA and GA synthesis, catalysis, and signal transduction, with subsequent reduction in ABA and increase in GA and further the balance of ABA/GA, ultimately releasing dormancy and promoting germination.