bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type 2 diabetes and succinate: unmasking an age-old molecule
Authors: Fernández-Veledo Sonia , Marsal-Beltran Anna , Vendrell Joan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBeyond their conventional roles in intracellular energy production, some traditional metabolites also function as extracellular messengers that activate cell-surface G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) akin to hormones and neurotransmitters. These signalling metabolites, often derived from nutrients, the gut microbiota or the host’s intermediary metabolism, are now acknowledged as key regulators of various metabolic and immune responses. This review delves into the multi-dimensional aspects of succinate, a dual metabolite with roots in both the mitochondria and microbiome. It also connects the dots between succinate’s role in the Krebs cycle, mitochondrial respiration, and its double-edge function as a signalling transmitter within and outside the cell. We aim to provide an overview of the role of the succinate–succinate receptor 1 (SUCNR1) axis in diabetes, discussing the potential use of succinate as a biomarker and the novel prospect of targeting SUCNR1 to manage complications associated with diabetes. We further propose strategies to manipulate the succinate–SUCNR1 axis for better diabetes management; this includes pharmacological modulation of SUCNR1 and innovative approaches to manage succinate concentrations, such as succinate administration and indirect strategies, like microbiota modulation. The dual nature of succinate, both in terms of origins and roles, offers a rich landscape for understanding the intricate connections within metabolic diseases, like diabetes, and indicates promising pathways for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Graphical Abstract
Densification, microstructure, and nanomechanical evaluation of pulsed electric sintered zirconia-silicon nitride reinforced Ti-6Al-4 V alloy
Authors: Ogunmefun Olakunle Anthony , Olubambi Peter Apata , Bayode Bamidele Lawrence , Anamu Ufoma , Olorundaisi Emmanuel , Ayodele Olusoji , Babalola Bukola , Mkhatshwa Sindile , Odetola Peter , Ngeleshi Kibambe 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, the influence of silicon nitride (Si3N4) and zirconia (ZrO2) ceramics was examined on the titanium alloy using the pulsed electric current sintering technique to investigate the microstructural behavior, densification, and nanomechanical properties of these composites. Si3N4 and ZrO2 were dispersed in Ti-6Al-4 V at a functional pressure of 50 MPa, a sintering temperature of 1200 °C, a heating rate of 100 °C/min, and a holding time of 10 min. The ternary composite samples were prepared viz, Cs1 (Ti6Al4V-3 vol.% Si3N4-15 vol.% ZrO2), Cs2 (Ti6Al4V-3 vol.% Si3N4-10 vol.% ZrO2), and Cs3 (Ti6Al4V-3 vol.% Si3N4-5 vol.% ZrO2). The bulk morphology of the composites was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with EDS, and the phase contents were identified with an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The relative density results for the tri-composites showed that the Cs1 sample recorded the highest at 99.94%, producing a fully dense sintered composite. However, there was a drop in the relative density of composites Cs2 and Cs3, recording 97.73% and 97.11%, respectively, comparable to the unreinforced Ti-6Al-4 V alloy with 98.65%. The nanoindentation examination conducted for the trio-composites showed linear mechanical responses/improvement, with Vickers hardness, from 589.31 to 865.70 MPa; nano hardness, from 6.466 to 9.441 GPa, and elastic modulus, from 113.52 to 185.95 GPa.
Quality of life, hearing results, patient satisfaction and postoperative complications of day-case versus inpatient unilateral cochlear implantation in adults: a randomized controlled, equivalence trial
Authors: Derks Laura S. M. , Smit Adriana. L. , Thomeer Hans G. X. M. , Topsakal Vedat , Grolman Wilko , Stokroos Robert J. , Wegner Inge 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the hypothesis that day-case cochlear implantation is associated with equal quality of life, hearing benefits and complications rates, compared to inpatient cochlear implantation.

Study design
A single-center, non-blinded, randomized controlled, equivalence trial in a tertiary referral center.

Methods
Thirty adult patients with post-lingual bilateral sensorineural hearing loss eligible for unilateral cochlear implantation surgery were randomly assigned to either the day-case or inpatient treatment group. The effect on general quality of life, patient satisfaction, (subjective) hearing improvement, postoperative complications and causes of crossover and/or readmission were assessed using questionnaires, auditory evaluations and patients’ charts over a follow-up period of 1 year.

Results
Overall quality of life measured by the HUI3 was equal between the day-case (n = 14) and inpatient group (n = 14). The overall patients’ satisfaction showed a slight favor towards an inpatient approach. There was no significant difference in the subjective and objective hearing improvement between both treatment groups. During the 1-year follow-up period no major complications occurred. Minor complications occurred intraoperatively in three day-case patients resulting in three out of nine admissions of day-case patients. Other causes of admission of day-case patients were nausea and vomiting (n = 1), drowsiness (n = 1), late scheduled surgery (n = 2), social reasons (n = 1), or due to an unclear reason (n = 1). No patients required readmission.

Conclusion
We found equal outcomes of QoL, patient satisfaction, objective, and subjective hearing outcomes between day-case and inpatient unilateral cochlear implantation. Nine out of 14 day-case patients were admitted for at least one night postoperatively (crossover). No major complications occurred in both groups. A day-case approach seems feasible when using specific patient selection, surgical planning and the preoperative provision of patient information into account. Besides this, the familiarity with a day-case approach of both patient and the surgical team can increase the feasibility of day-case surgery.

Level of evidence
1.
Evaluation of the test–retest and inter-mode comparability of the Impact of Vision Impairment questionnaire in people with chronic eye diseases
Authors: Terheyden Jan Henrik , Ost Reglind A. D. , Behning Charlotte , Mekschrat Liza , Bildik Gamze , Wintergerst Maximilian W. M. , Holz Frank G. , Finger Robert P. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of this study is to assess the test–retest and inter-administration mode reliability of the Impact of Vision Impairment profile (IVI), a common patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for people with chronic eye diseases.

Methods
The IVI was administered to adult patients with stable, chronic eye diseases two to four times per participant (average intervals between administrations 12 to 20 days; maximum two phone interviews, paper administration, electronic administration) by two trained interviewers. Rasch models were fit to the data. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean differences and Cronbach’s alpha between test–retest administrations (two phone interviews) and inter-mode comparisons were calculated.

Results
Two hundred-sixteen patients (mean age 67 ± 12 years, 40% male) were included in the study. The IVI met all psychometric requirements of the Rasch model, and the division into the domains of functional items (IVI_F) and emotional items (IVI_E) corresponded to the German validation study. ICCs (all for IVI_F and IVI_E, respectively) for the retest administrations were 0.938 and 0.912, and 0.853 and 0.893 for inter-mode comparisons phone/paper, 0.939 and 0.930 for phone/electronic, and 0.937 and 0.920 for paper/electronic (all p < 0.01). Mean differences (all for IVI_F and IVI_E, respectively) for the retest administrations were 2.8% and 0.7% and ranged from 2.0% to 6.2% and from 0.4 % to 4.9% between administration modes. Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.886 to 0.944 for retest and inter-mode comparisons.

Conclusion
Due to the high test–retest reliability and the almost equally high comparability of different modes of administration of the IVI, the study endorses its use as a robust PROM to capture vision-related quality of life. Our results further support the use of the IVI as an endpoint in clinical trials and may simplify implementing it in both clinical trials or real-world evidence generation by offering multiple administration modes with high reliability.
Immunohistochemical field parcellation of the human hippocampus along its antero-posterior axis
Authors: González-Arnay Emilio , Pérez-Santos Isabel , Jiménez-Sánchez Lorena , Cid Elena , Gal Beatriz , de la Prida Liset M. , Cavada Carmen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe primate hippocampus includes the dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis (CA), and subiculum. CA is subdivided into four fields (CA1-CA3, plus CA3h/hilus of the dentate gyrus) with specific pyramidal cell morphology and connections. Work in non-human mammals has shown that hippocampal connectivity is precisely patterned both in the laminar and longitudinal axes. One of the main handicaps in the study of neuropathological semiology in the human hippocampus is the lack of clear laminar and longitudinal borders. The aim of this study was to explore a histochemical segmentation of the adult human hippocampus, integrating field (medio-lateral), laminar, and anteroposterior longitudinal patterning. We provide criteria for head-body-tail field and subfield parcellation of the human hippocampus based on immunodetection of Rabphilin3a (Rph3a), Purkinje-cell protein 4 (PCP4), Chromogranin A and Regulation of G protein signaling-14 (RGS-14). Notably, Rph3a and PCP4 allow to identify the border between CA3 and CA2, while Chromogranin A and RGS-14 give specific staining of CA2. We also provide novel histological data about the composition of human-specific regions of the anterior and posterior hippocampus. The data are given with stereotaxic coordinates along the longitudinal axis. This study provides novel insights for a detailed region-specific parcellation of the human hippocampus useful for human brain imaging and neuropathology.
Effects of endoluminal vacuum sponge therapy on the perfusion of gastric conduit in a porcine model for esophagectomy
Authors: Felinska Eleni Amelia , Studier-Fischer Alexander , Özdemir Berkin , Willuth Estelle , Wise Philipp Anthony , Müller-Stich Beat , Nickel Felix 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
After esophagectomy, the postoperative rate of anastomotic leakage is up to 30% and is the main driver of postoperative morbidity. Contemporary management includes endoluminal vacuum sponge therapy (EndoVAC) with good success rates. Vacuum therapy improves tissue perfusion in superficial wounds, but this has not been shown for gastric conduits. This study aimed to assess gastric conduit perfusion with EndoVAC in a porcine model for esophagectomy.

Material and methods
A porcine model (n = 18) was used with gastric conduit formation and induction of ischemia at the cranial end of the gastric conduit with measurement of tissue perfusion over time. In three experimental groups EndoVAC therapy was then used in the gastric conduit (− 40, − 125, and − 200 mmHg). Changes in tissue perfusion and tissue edema were assessed using hyperspectral imaging. The study was approved by local authorities (Project License G-333/19, G-67/22).

Results
Induction of ischemia led to significant reduction of tissue oxygenation from 65.1 ± 2.5% to 44.7 ± 5.5% (p < 0.01). After EndoVAC therapy with − 125 mmHg a significant increase in tissue oxygenation to 61.9 ± 5.5% was seen after 60 min and stayed stable after 120 min (62.9 ± 9.4%, p < 0.01 vs tissue ischemia). A similar improvement was seen with EndoVAC therapy at − 200 mmHg. A nonsignificant increase in oxygenation levels was also seen after therapy with − 40 mmHg, from 46.3 ± 3.4% to 52.5 ± 4.3% and 53.9 ± 8.1% after 60 and 120 min respectively (p > 0.05). An increase in tissue edema was observed after 60 and 120 min of EndoVAC therapy with − 200 mmHg but not with − 40 and − 125 mmHg.

Conclusions
EndoVAC therapy with a pressure of − 125 mmHg significantly increased tissue perfusion of ischemic gastric conduit. With better understanding of underlying physiology the optimal use of EndoVAC therapy can be determined including a possible preemptive use for gastric conduits with impaired arterial perfusion or venous congestion.

Graphical abstract
Dynamic analysis of double cracked bi-directional functionally graded nanobeam using the differential quadrature method
Authors: Attia Mohamed A. , Matbuly Mohamed S. , Osman Tharwat , AbdElkhalek Mohamed 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the free vibration behavior of a double cracked nanobeam composed of bi-directional functionally graded material. The analysis incorporates Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory and the Euler–Bernoulli theory. The material properties are considered to vary in both the thickness and length directions. The cracked nanobeam is modeled as a series of interconnected sub-beams, with rotational springs placed at the cracked sections. This modeling approach accounts for the discontinuities in rotational displacement resulting from bending, which is directly related to the bending moment transmitted by the cracked section. The problem is solved using the differential quadrature method, which approximates the derivatives of the field quantities by employing a weighted linear sum of the nodal values. By doing so, the problem is transformed into a linear algebraic system. Various supporting cases are examined, and a parametric study is conducted to analyze the impact of the axial and transverse gradient indices, nonlocal parameter, and crack severity on the obtained results.
Predation and Biophysical Context Control Long-Term Carcass Nutrient Inputs in an Andean Ecosystem
Authors: Monk Julia D. , Donadio Emiliano , Smith Justine A. , Perrig Paula L. , Middleton Arthur D. , Schmitz Oswald J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAnimal carcass decomposition is an often-overlooked component of nutrient cycles. The importance of carcass decomposition for increasing nutrient availability has been demonstrated in several ecosystems, but impacts in arid lands are poorly understood. In a protected high desert landscape in Argentina, puma predation of vicuñas is a main driver of carcass distribution. Here, we sampled puma kill sites across three habitats (plains, canyons, and meadows) to evaluate the impacts of vicuña carcass and stomach decomposition on soil and plant nutrients up to 5 years after carcass deposition. Soil beneath both carcasses and stomachs had significantly higher soil nutrient content than adjacent reference sites in arid, nutrient-poor plains and canyons, but not in moist, nutrient-rich meadows. Stomachs had greater effects on soil nutrients than carcasses. However, we did not detect higher plant N concentrations at kill sites. The biogeochemical effects of puma kills persisted for several years and increased over time, indicating that kills do not create ephemeral nutrient pulses, but can have lasting effects on the distribution of soil nutrients. Comparison to broader spatial patterns of predation risk reveals that puma predation of vicuñas is more likely in nutrient-rich sites, but carcasses have the greatest effects on soil nutrients in nutrient-poor environments, such that carcasses increase localized heterogeneity by generating nutrient hotspots in less productive environments. Predation and carcass decomposition may thus be important overlooked factors influencing ecosystem functioning in arid environments.
Assessment of mesh shrinkage using fibroblast-populated collagen matrices: a proof of concept for in vitro hernia mesh testing
Authors: Khader R. , Whitehead-Clarke T. , Mudera V. , Kureshi A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study uses free-floating contractile fibroblast-populated collagen matrices (FPCMs) to test the shrinkage of different hernia mesh products. We hope to present this model as a proof of concept for the development of in vitro hernia mesh testing—a novel technology with interesting potential.

Methods
FPCMs were formed by seeding Human Dermal Fibroblasts into collagen gels. FPCMs were seeded with three different cell densities and cast at a volume of 500 μl into 24-well plates. Five different mesh products were embedded within the collagen constructs. Gels were left to float freely within culture media and contract over 5 days. Photographs were taken daily and the area of the collagen gel and mesh were measured. Media samples were taken at days 2 and 4 for the purposes of measuring MMP-9 release. After 5 days, dehydrated FPCMs were also examined under light and fluorescence microscopy to assess cell morphology.

Results
Two mesh products—the mosquito net and large pore lightweight mesh were found to shrink notably more than others. This pattern persisted across all three cell densities. There were no appreciable differences observed in MMP-9 release between products.

Conclusions
This study has successfully demonstrated that commercial mesh products can be successfully integrated into free-floating contractile FPCMs. Not only this, but FPCMs are capable of applying a contractile force upon those mesh products—eliciting different levels of contraction between mesh products. Such findings demonstrate this technique as a useful proof of concept for future development of in vitro hernia mesh testing.
Differential sampling in the assessment of conservation and biodiversity merit: a comparison of the seagrass macrofauna in three nearby South African estuaries
Authors: Barnes R. S. K. , Seath J. L. , Arendse C. J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo what extent is the relative biodiversity of some flagship conservation sites a result of differential attention? Knysna estuarine bay is the topmost ranked South African estuary for conservation importance and biodiversity. It is also one of the most intensively studied, and hence differential sampling effort could partly be responsible for its apparent relative richness. To assess the extent to which this might be true, identical sampling area, effort and methodology were employed to compare the benthic macrofauna of one specific major Knysna habitat (Zostera capensis seagrass beds) with equivalent ones in two nearby lesser-studied estuaries, the Keurbooms/Bitou and Swartvlei. Investigation showed all three localities to share a common species pool, but different elements of it dominated the shared habitat type in each. The seagrass and adjacent sandflat macrobenthos proved just as biodiverse in unprotected Keurbooms/Bitou as in the Protected Area of Knysna, but that in Swartvlei (also a Protected Area) was impoverished in comparison, presumably consequent on mouth closure and the prevailing lower salinity. Despite marked geomorphological and hydrological differences, all three estuaries share a suite of unusual faunal elements and such particularly close faunal similarity suggests the importance of historical biogeographic processes. The analysis emphasises the need for caution when assessing the relative conservation importance or other merits of different individual systems in a data-limited environment.
The European Universities initiative: between status hierarchies and inclusion
Authors: Lambrechts Agata A. , Cavallaro Marco , Lepori Benedetto 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUsing a dataset of higher education institutional alliances within the framework of the European University initiative (EUi), we test empirically whether the policy-defined goal of a relative balance between excellence and inclusiveness within the scheme has been achieved. Specifically, we provide a descriptive and analytical account of the diversity of the higher education institutions (HEIs) participating in the EUi, the composition of—as well as the mechanisms behind—the formation of individual alliances. We observe that alliance formation activated the deep sociological mechanisms of hierarchisation, with the alliances largely reproducing the existing hierarchy of European HEIs. Specifically, we argue that the global-level stratification hierarchy cast by rankings influences the participation of individual institutions and—although to a more limited extent—the formation/structure of the alliances. Further, we demonstrate that the EUi has strengthened existing ties since most alliances thus far have built on existing forms of collaboration. However, we also show empirically that some of the distinctive policy design measures, namely the requirement for broad geographical coverage and generically framed rules for participation, as well as opening the initiative to new alliances and encouraging enlargement of the existing ones, have generated opportunities for involvement of the lower-status institutions. This broadened the scope of the EUi beyond the core of top-ranked research universities located in the knowledge production centres of Europe. We suggest that these observations may have important implications for how the intended extension of the EUi may be implemented in the future.
Entrepreneurship performance in the EU: To what extent do economic, social, and government conditions matter?
Authors: Luz Ana Rita Canelas , Bento Paulo , Paschoalotto Marco Antonio Catussi , Pereira Renato 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEntrepreneurship is widely recognized as a key driver of economic development. At the same time, entrepreneurship is also affected by the economic conditions of the regions where it evolves. In the literature, negative impacts on entrepreneurial performance have been linked to the 2008 financial crisis in the European Union (EU). However, not enough evidence has been provided to support this assertion. To fill this gap, we tested the relationship between economic, social, and government conditions and entrepreneurial performance. We did this for opportunity entrepreneurship (OPP), necessity entrepreneurship (NEC), and total entrepreneurial activity (TEA), for the period 2003–2018, which covers before, during, and after the financial crisis. We considered 21 EU countries and applied descriptive, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses. Our results demonstrate that (a) there is a positive and significant correlation between NEC and OPP, GDP per capita and OPP, unemployment and TEA, gender ratio and age, gender ratio and education, education and TEA, population and NEC, government indicators and GDP per capita, and government expenditure and NEC, and a negative and significant correlation between GDP per capita and TEA and (b) economic and government conditions had a negative impact on TEA, in contrast to a positive and negative impact on NEC. Social conditions are mixed for TEA and NEC and positive for OPP. The effects on economic conditions were mixed for OPP. Therefore, our study impacts practitioners by demonstrating the factors that do or do not impact entrepreneurial activity in the EU. Additionally, our study expands upon previously analyzed factors that influence entrepreneurial performance, promoting value and originality in the area.