bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Season affects the estrogen system and the immune response of common carp
Authors: Maciuszek Magdalena , Pijanowski Lukasz , Kemenade Lidy Verburg-van , Chadzinska Magdalena 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe physiology of ectothermic animals, including fish, is strictly regulated by season-related external factors such as temperature or photoperiod. The immune response and the production of hormones, such as estrogens, are therefore also subject to seasonal changes. This study in common carp aimed to determine how the season affects the estrogen system and the immune response, including the antibacterial response during Aeromonas salmonicida infection. We compared the immune reaction in spring and autumn in the head kidney and liver and found that carp have higher levels of blood 17β-estradiol in autumn, while in the liver of these fish there is a higher constitutive expression of genes encoding vitellogenin, estrogen receptors and Cyp19 aromatase than in spring. Fish sampled in autumn also exhibited higher expression of immune-related genes in the liver. In contrast, in the head kidney from fish sampled in the autumn, the expression of genes encoding estrogen receptors and aromatase was lower than in spring, and a similar profile of expression was also measured in the head kidney for inos, arginases and il-10. In turn, during bacterial infection, we observed higher upregulation of the expression of inos, il-12p35, ifnγ-2, arginase 2 and il-10 in the liver of carp sampled in spring. In the liver of carp infected in spring a higher upregulation of the expression of the genes encoding CRPs was observed compared to fish infected during autumn. The opposite trend occurred in the head kidney, where the upregulation of the expression of the genes involved in the immune response was higher in fish infected in autumn than in those infected in spring. During the infection, also season-dependent changes occurred in the estrogen system. In conclusion, we demonstrated that season differentially affects the estrogenic and immune activity of the head kidney and liver. These results reinforce our previous findings that the endocrine and immune systems cooperate in maintaining homeostasis and fighting infection.
The Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory and Pure-Tone Average Predict Hearing Aid Use Equally Well
Authors: Dillard Lauren K. , Matthews Lois J. , Dubno Judy R. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
This study aimed to (a) compare the Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory (RHHI) and pure-tone average (PTA) in their abilities to predict hearing aid use and (b) report the optimal cut-point values on the RHHI and PTA that predict hearing aid use.

Method:

Participants were from a community-based cohort study. We evaluated the ability of the RHHI and PTA as (a) continuous variables and (b) binary variables characterized by the optimal cut point determined by the Youden Index to predict hearing aid use. RHHI scores range from 0 to 72, and PTA was defined as averaged thresholds at frequencies 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 kHz in the worse ear. We used logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves with corresponding concordance statistics (
c
-statistics) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine the predictive ability of models and chi-square tests to determine whether
c
-statistics were significantly different.

Results:

This study included 581 participants (
M
age
= 72.9 [
SD
= 9.9] years; 59.9% female; 14.3% Minority race). The
c
-statistics for the RHHI (0.79, 95% CI [0.75, 0.83]) and PTA (0.81, 95% CI [0.78, 0.85]), as continuous variables, were not significantly different (
p
= .25). The optimal cut points for the RHHI and PTA to predict hearing aid use were 6 points and 32.5 dB HL, respectively. The
c
-statistics for the RHHI (0.72, 95% CI [0.68, 0.76]) and PTA (0.75, 95% CI [0.71, 0.79]), as binary variables, were not significantly different (
p
= .27).

Conclusion:
The RHHI and PTA are similar in their ability to predict hearing aid use.
A Comparative Retrospective Survival Analysis Study of Brain Tumor Patients in Age Less Than or Equal to 50 Years versus More Than 50 Years of Age
Authors: Kesarwani Radha , Singh Astha , Aqueel Mohammad , Singh Virendra , Prakash Gyan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction Approximately 2.5% of fatalities from cancer are caused by brain tumors. Even though there is literature regarding prognostic factor of adult brain tumor, studies often resort to Western demographics. Hence, we conducted this retrospective observational study to compare the demographic characteristics and prognosis in patients of glial tumors in Indian population with histological diagnosis with respect to age.
Materials and Methods A single-center retrospective observational study with 76 patients of glioma who had been treated with surgery combined with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy was conducted. Group I patients were aged less than or equal to 50 years and group II more than 50 years of age. There were 28 patients in group I and 48 in group II. Postoperatively, external beam radiation therapy was delivered in a conventional fraction (1.8 Gy/fraction, five fractions/week) using telecobalt 60. Ill patients who presented with grade III and IV gliomas received oral chemotherapy temozolomide at a dose of 100 mg daily during course of radiotherapy.
Results The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 45.0 years. More cases of hematologic toxicity occurred in group I than in group II. Total 55 patients were alive at 1-year follow-up (11 in group I and 44 in group II).
Conclusion Grade I and II gliomas were predominant in less than 50 years of age and grade III and IV were predominant in more than 50 years age. Male preponderance was seen in age group of more than 50 years (68%). Overall survival and disease-free survival were better for patients aged less than 50 years.
Design of a temperature-limited emission current controller
Authors: Sikora Jarosław , Kuś Dariusz 
Published: December 2023

In this study, we design and test a current controller for a source of thermionic electron emission operating in an ionization vacuum gauge. We use a precise and controlled source of current to transfer the emission current from the anode, which has a high potential in the circuit, to the cathode with a low potential. This eliminates the need for galvanic isolation or sources of floating voltage, which introduce noise to the system, for supplying the cathode and the anode. We show that this has a limited effect in terms of changes in the residual gas pressure on the emission current in the range from 10−4 to 10−2 Pa. The temporal stability of the emission current was determined for reference values ranging from 1 to 4 mA for both 10-min and 2-h periods, and it was found to be lower than 6 ppm. The proposed controller can be used in apparatus to measure electron impact-induced gas ionization.
Window of detection of cocaine-related alkaloids in oral fluid collected with the FloqSwab™ after coca tea consumption
Authors: Aknouche Frédéric , Trebuchet Claire , Fargeot Kévin , Kormazyigit Fatima , Thion Laureen , Maruejouls Christophe , Kintz Pascal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Coca tea is a popular drink in some countries of South America, where it is presented as a safe energy preparation, based on a limited total content of cocaine of ∼3–5 mg. Tea bags can be bought with no legal considerations in these countries both by locals and tourists, but its consumption can have consequences when consumed overseas. Driving under the influence of cocaine is banned in most of the places in the world and can be documented by oral fluid testing. A study was implemented with coca tea bags (Coca & Muna) purchased in Peru, after a French attorney-at-law contacted the laboratory to assess the involvement of coca tea in the positive oral fluid results of a driver. Ten healthy volunteers consumed 250 mL of coca tea containing 4.5 mg of cocaine. No volunteer reported any change in behavioral effects after consumption of the coca tea. Oral fluid was collected with a swab (FloqSwab™, Copan) over 8 h to follow the elimination of cocaine and its major metabolites (benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methylester). This is the procedure used by the French police. All samples were analyzed by UHPLC–MS-MS after Quantisal™ buffer desorption. As the device does not allow measurement of the amount of collected fluid, the results are qualitative. This is in accordance with the French law that requires a yes or no response about the presence of cocaine, with a minimum required performance level of 10 ng/mL of cocaine or benzoylecgonine. Parent cocaine was identified for 30–120 min. Benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methylester were identified between 1 and 8 h, with a large inter-individual variation. Although it is generally accepted that a 4–5 mg cocaine dose has no significant pharmacological effect, the consumption of coca tea can lead to the suspension of a person’s driving license due to a positive oral fluid test.
Recruitment of Homodimeric Proneural Factors by Conserved CAT-CAT E-Boxes Drives Major Epigenetic Reconfiguration in Cortical Neurogenesis
Authors: de Martin Xabier , Oliva Baldomero , Santpere Gabriel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe proneural factors of the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors coordinate early processes of neurogenesis and neurodifferentiation. Among them,Neurog2andNeurod2subsequently act specifying neurons of the glutamatergic lineage. The disruption of proneural factors, their target genes, and the DNA motifs they bind, have been linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders. Proneural factors operate on the DNA forming homodimers or heterodimers with other bHLH factors and binding to specific motifs called E-boxes, which are hexanucleotides of the form CANNTG, composed of two CAN half sites on opposed strands. These E-box motifs are highly enriched in regulatory elements that become active during corticogenesis. Although neurogenesis and neurodifferentiation appear to rely heavily on the activity of E-boxes, our understanding of the specific dynamics of DNA binding and partner usage throughout neurogenesis and neurodifferentiation remains largely unknown.To shed light on this critical facet of neural development, we conducted a comprehensive analysis leveraging ChIP-seq data of NEUROG2 and NEUROD2, paired with time-matched single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq assays and DNA methylation data, collected from the developing mouse brain. Our analyses revealed that distinct trajectories of chromatin accessibility are selectively linked to specific subsets of NEUROG2 and NEUROD2 binding sites and E-boxes. Notably, while E-boxes composed of CAT-CAG half sites or two CAG half sites are more commonly found within their binding sites, E-boxes consisting of two CAT half sites exhibit a striking enrichment in developmentally dynamic enhancers. These CAT-CAT E-boxes also manifest substantial DNA demethylation effects throughout the process of neurodifferentiation and display the highest levels of evolutionary constraint. Aided by a combination of a detailed DNA-footprinting and structural modeling approach, we propose a compelling model to explain the combinatorial action of bHLH factors across the various stages of neurogenesis. Finally, we hypothesize that NEUROD2 acts as a chromatin remodeler in cortical neurodifferentiation by binding CAT-CAT E-boxes as a homodimer, a mechanism that could be extended to other members of this bHLH class of transcription factors.
Does offline activity matter? Understanding community attachment to virtual travel communities
Authors: Tang Wenyue , Zhang Tengfei , Yang Yang 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis study aims to discuss the formation mechanism of members’ emotional attachment to virtual travel communities from an online–offline perspective, focusing on the role of offline tourism experiences.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was designed to survey active travel enthusiast clubs that hold frequent offline tourism activities. A structural equation modeling method was used to estimate the model and test the research hypotheses.FindingsResults demonstrated that offline travel experiences positively influenced online community attachment (i.e., community dependence and identity), and this effect was more pronounced than that of one’s sense of community (i.e., belonging, trust and immersion) on community attachment. Therefore, compared with online interaction, offline travel experiences played a greater part in strengthening virtual community attachment.Originality/valueThe study presents a pioneering effort on understanding how offline activities help shape the community attachment to virtual communities.
Preliminary population estimate of Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) in two areas of the Benoué complex, Cameroon
Authors: Parks Connor , Penny Samuel , Goue Achile Mengamenya , Nyugha Denis , Pauline Tiwa T. , Vannier Xavier , Johnson Caspian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) is a critically endangered subspecies. To manage and conserve this taxon, up‐to‐date population estimates are crucial. We provide a population assessment of Kordofan giraffe in Bénoué National Park (BeNP) and nearby Hunting Zone 18 (HZ18), in northern Cameroon, using individual identification techniques from images captured in the field from opportunistic sightings and ad hoc camera trap efforts. Additionally, we assess connectedness between sites. We estimated populations of 27 and 25 individuals in BeNP and HZ18, respectively. No giraffes were captured in both sites. Findings highlight the area's importance and emphasise the need for continued conservation efforts. Our study provides a baseline for future monitoring and supports the development of a standardised wildlife monitoring framework.
Platycodin D inhibits diabetic retinopathy via suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway and activating Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Song Yanmin , Lv Peilin , Yu Jingni 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most frequently occurring diabetic complications associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Platycodin D (PLD) is a bio‐active saponin that has been reported to exhibit anti‐inflammation, anti‐oxidative, and antidiabetic activities. Therefore, we speculated the protective effects of PLD on DR in the present study. Our results demonstrated that PLD attenuated high glucose (HG)‐induced inflammation, as evidenced by decreased production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6. The HG‐induced oxidative stress was prevented by PLD with decreased ROS production and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, as well as increased activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione (GSH). In addition, treatment of PLD significantly decreased the apoptotic rate in HG‐induced ARPE‐19 cells. The HG‐caused increases in expression of bax and cleaved capsase‐3, as well a decrease in bcl‐2 expression were attenuated by PLD. Furthermore, PLD suppressed the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB and enhanced the activation of Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in HG‐induced ARPE‐19 cells. Additionally, overexpression of TLR4 attenuated the anti‐inflammatory, while knockdown of Nrf2 reversed the anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic activities of PLD in HG‐stimulated ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, PLD attenuates retinal damage in DR rats. Finally, we demonstrated that PLD weakened the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB p65 pathway and promoted the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in vivo. Taken together, these findings indicated that PLD exerted protective effects against DR, which were attributed to the regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways.
Therapeutic potentials of N‐acetylcysteine immobilized polyrhodanine nanoparticles toward acetaminophen‐induced acute hepatotoxicity in rat
Authors: Nili‐Ahmadabadi Amir , Abdpour Saeb , Omidifar Navid , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Ahmadabadi Maryam Nili 
Published: December 2023

AbstractN‐acetylcysteine (NAC) is a recommended drug for treating acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication. Due to NAC's low bioavailability, this study aimed to use polyrhodanine (PR) nanoparticles (NPs) as a drug carrier to improve the effectiveness of NAC. After preparation and characterization of NAC loaded on PR, 30 rats were randomly divided into five groups of six. The first group (control) received normal saline. Groups 2–5 were treated with normal saline, PR, NAC, and NAC loaded on PR, respectively. The treatments were started 4 h after oral administration of APAP (2000 mg kg−1). After 48 h, the animals were anesthetized, and liver function indices and oxidative stress were measured in tissue and serum samples. The APAP administration can increase aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase enzymes in serum, decreasing the total antioxidant capacity and thiol groups and increasing lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Administration of PR‐NAC could effectively improve the level of serum‐hepatic enzymes, total antioxidant capacity and thiol groups, lipid peroxidation, and pathological changes in liver tissue in animals poisoned with APAP. PR‐NAC has a significant therapeutic effect on preventing acute hepatotoxicity caused by APAP, and its effectiveness can be associated with an improvement in the oxidant/antioxidant balance of liver tissue.
Diabetic complications and risk of depression and anxiety among adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Horsbøl Trine Allerslev , Hoffmann Sofie Have , Thorsted Anne Bonde , Rosenkilde Siri , Lehn Sara Fokdal , Kofoed‐Enevoldsen Allan , Santos Monica , Iversen Peter Bindslev , Thygesen Lau Caspar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsTo investigate if diabetic complications increase the risk of depression and/or anxiety among adults with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis register‐based, prospective study included 265,799 adult individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 1997 and 2017 without a recent history of depression or anxiety. Diabetic complications included cardiovascular disease, amputation of lower extremities, neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. Both diabetic complications and depression and anxiety were defined by hospital contacts and prescription‐based medication. All individuals were followed from the date of type 2 diabetes diagnosis until the date of incident depression or anxiety, emigration, death or 31 December 2018, whichever occurred first.ResultsThe total risk time was 1,915,390 person‐years. The incidence rate of depression and/or anxiety was 3368 per 100,000 person‐years among individuals with diabetic complications and 1929 per 100,000 person‐years among those without. Having or developing any diabetic complication was associated with an increased risk of depression and/or anxiety (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.73–1.80). The risk for depression and/or anxiety was increased for all types of diabetic complications. The strongest association was found for amputation of lower extremities (HR 2.16, 95% CI 2.01–2.31) and the weakest for retinopathy (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.17).ConclusionIndividuals with type 2 diabetes and diabetic complications are at increased risk of depression and anxiety. This points towards the importance of an increased clinical focus on mental well‐being among individuals with type 2 diabetes and complications.
Effectiveness of continuous home wound care on patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Luo YiXin , Mai LiFang , Liu XingZhou , Yang Chuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsTo explore the effectiveness of continuous home wound care on patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).DesignA non‐randomized parallel controlled non‐inferiority trial.MethodsPatients with Wagner grade I–III DFUs hospitalized in two distant campuses of the same hospital were included. All patients received infection treatment and wound bed preparation during hospitalization; after discharge, patients in one of the campuses received routine outpatient wound care, and those treated in the other received continuous home wound care. The per‐protocol analysis was performed to compare ulcer healing indicators, knowledge, health belief, self‐management behaviour and medical expenses of the two groups.ResultsBetween October 2021 and December 2022, 116 patients were enrolled in the study; 107 completed. The home care was not inferior in terms of ulcer healing rate and demonstrated significant enhancements in the understanding of warning signs, health belief and self‐management behaviour. Additionally, the home care saved 220.38 yuan (24.32 UK pounds) in direct medical expenses for each additional one square centimetre of ulcer healing.ConclusionThe continuous home wound care enhanced self‐management behaviour of the patients and saved their medical expenses while not compromising ulcer healing.ImpactThis is to date the first study to conduct continuous home wound care practice for patients with DFUs and confirmed its safety and non‐inferiority in ulcer healing, and supported its superiority in improving self‐management behaviour and saving medical expenses.Reporting MethodWe have adhered to the transparent reporting of evaluations with nonrandomized designs statements and the corresponding checklist was followed.Patient or Public ContributionThe patients and their primary caregivers were involved in intervention design, we received input from them about the factors that facilitate and hinder patient self‐management behaviours to develop intervention strategies.
COVID‐19: Family resilience in a context of vulnerability
Authors: Ceberio Marcelo R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe crisis triggered by the emergence of COVID‐19, and the subsequent mandatory isolation was one of the most significant vulnerability‐inducing events in the past 100 years of humanity. The different experiences of individuals regarding this event led each person to construct their own vulnerability within the global vulnerability. Families have been major protagonists in this situation. The organized families with a healthy affective relational exchange have become resilient families, capable of facing such a critical situation with effective buffering factors. Within these families, resilience guardians have played a crucial role in the protective and supportive function towards their members. This article analyzes such factors, from global vulnerability to resilient families.
Depth‐independent phenotypic variation of massive Porites coral color morphs
Authors: Anthony Colin J. , McDermott Grace , Lock Colin , Miller Therese , Bentlage Bastian , Raymundo Laurie J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAs coral reefs continue to decline due to anthropogenic stressors, community characterizations will reveal both historical selection processes and adaptive potential to environmental change. To address the potential role of color in the distribution and resilience of massive Porites corals, we surveyed the distributions of two dominant color morphs (brown and purple), and a unique intermediate state, across a depth gradient in Guam, Micronesia. We found that brown colonies dominated populations across all depths, and larger colonies had higher rates of partial tissue mortality and active disease lesions. Despite the dominance of brown colonies, both brown and purple color morphs showed a high similarity in susceptibility, as indicated by the colony sizes, the severity of partial tissue mortality, and the prevalence of active disease lesions. This is a non‐intuitive result given the presence of phenotypic plasticity between color morphs, evident by an intermediate, transitionary stage between brown and purple colonies that suggests a functional divergence between one color over the other. The study also revealed the dominance of small colonies at depth, which provides some insight into the ecological impacts that may have shaped Guam's current massive Porites population size structure over the past several decades. With this, we provide foundational insight into the adaptive strategies and historical pressures that have shaped the modern massive Porites population.