bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low molecular weight fucoidan restores diabetic endothelial glycocalyx by targeting neuraminidase2: A new therapy target in glycocalyx shedding
Authors: Li Zhi , Wu Ning , Wang Jing , Yue Yang , Geng Lihua , Zhang Quanbin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeDiabetic vascular complication is a leading cause of disability and mortality in diabetes patients. Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) is a promising drug candidate for vascular complications. Glycocalyx injury predates the occurrence of diabetes vascular complications. Protecting glycocalyx from degradation relieves diabetic vascular complications. LMWF has the potential to protect the diabetes endothelial glycocalyx from shedding.Experimental ApproachThe protective effect of LMWF on diabetic glycocalyx damage was investigated in db/db mice and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) through transmission electron microscopy and WGA labelling. The effect of LMWF on glycocalyx degrading enzymes expression was investigated. Neuraminidase2 (NEU2) overexpression/knockdown was performed in HUVECs to verify the important role of NEU2 in glycocalyx homeostasis. The interaction between NEU2 and LMWF was detected by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance analysis (SPR).Key ResultsLMWF normalizes blood indexes including insulin, triglyceride, uric acid and reduces diabetes complications adverse events. LMWF alleviates diabetic endothelial glycocalyx damage in db/db mice kidney/aorta and high concentration glucose treated HUVECs. NEU2 is up‐regulated in db/db mice and HUVECs with high concentration glucose. Overexpression/knockdown NEU2 results in glycocalyx shedding in HUVEC. Down‐regulation and interaction of LMWF with NEU2 is a new therapy target in glycocalyx homeostasis. NEU2 was positively correlated with phosphorylated IR‐β.Conclusion and ImplicationsNEU2 is an effective target for glycocalyx homeostasis and LMWF is a promising drug to alleviate vascular complications in diabetes by protecting endothelial glycocalyx.
Detecting reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) patches from UAV‐based digital surface model images—A case study in a timothy (Phleum pretense L.) meadow field
Authors: Yoshitoshi Rena , Sakanoue Seiichi , Watanabe Nariyasu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAccurate determination of the weed ratio in artificial meadows is critical for efficient pasture renovation. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L., RCG) is treated as a troublesome grass in the Hokkaido region of Japan because of its low feed quality and poor palatability in dairy farming. In the present study, we examined a method of identifying the dominant area of RCG in timothy (Phleum pretense L.) meadows by applying the Canny method to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based digital surface model (DSM) images. Comparing the actual RCG patches observed in a field survey (50 m quadrats × 4 places) with the predicted patches, the pixel‐based recall and F value were 0.90 and 0.83, respectively. These results demonstrated that the area of RCG can be detected using a simple method without supervised data or deep learning. This study is expected to be utilized in a wide variety of applications using relative height differences.
The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol (SPIPP) Checklist 2.0: Content validation
Authors: Pittman Joyce , Black Joyce M. , de Jesus Anna , Padula William V. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundPressure injury prevention is complex, and rates continue to rise. Checklists reduce human error, improve adherence and standardization with complex processes, focus attention on evidence‐based practices derived from clinical practice guidelines and are arranged in a systematic manner to manage the entirety of a patient's risk for preventable outcomes. The original Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol was created to provide a checklist of pressure injury prevention measures but needed revision and validation.PurposeThis article describes the revision and content validity testing of the Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol Checklist 2.0 that took place in 2022.MethodsUsing the International 2019 Clinical Practice Guideline as a foundation, items were identified/revised, and expert review of the items was obtained. The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol 2.0 underwent three rounds of revision by experts from the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. A panel of eight national experts completed the content validity survey. Individual item content validity index and total scale content validity index were used to summarize the content validity survey scores.ResultsThe individual item content validity index scores ranged from 0.5 to 1.0. One item (using a mirror to look at heels) was rated as 0.5, three items were 0.75, 20 items were 0.875 and 23 items were 1.0. The item scoring 0.5 was deleted. Those items scoring 0.75 were revised using the content experts' recommendations. The total scale content validity index was 0.93.ConclusionThe Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol 2.0 provides a standardized checklist of evidence‐based items that operationalize a rigorous clinical practice guideline for the prevention of pressure injuries. Early intervention using a standardized approach and evidence‐based checklist that can be integrated into the workflow of the direct‐care nurse and provider provides the best opportunity for successful and sustainable pressure injury prevention.
Skin aging‐related microbial types separated by Cutibacterium and α‐diversity
Authors: Leem Sangseob , Keum Hye Lim , Song Hae Jung , Gu Ki‐Nam , Kim Yunkwan , Seo Jung Yeon , Shin Joong‐Gon , Lee Seo‐Gyeong , Lee Seon Mi , Sul Woo Jun , Kang Nae Gyu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundStudies on the skin microbiome have been conducted to uncover the relationship between skin microbes and the host. However, most of these studies have primarily focused on analyzing individual microbial compositions, which has resulted in a limited understanding of the overall relationship.MethodsWe analyzed the facial skin characteristics and microbial profiles of 100 healthy Korean female volunteers using the V1‐V2 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.ResultsThe two most prominent features of the facial skin microbiome, the proportion of Cutibacterium and α‐diversity, were associated with most of the skin characteristics. Based on clustering results, we proposed four types of facial skin microbiome: type C for Cutibacterium, type B for balanced, type CB for those between types C and B, and type O for others. Type C, which has a high proportion of Cutibacterium, showed high levels of pigmentation, wrinkles, pores, and sagging pores, indicating a tendency for severe skin aging. Type B, which has no dominant species and high microbial diversity, had lower values for pigmentation and wrinkles indicating less severe skin aging. Type CB was an intermediate type between type C and type B in terms of microbial composition and the level of skin aging. Type O dominated by microorganisms other than Cutibacterium, had high levels of sebum and pores but low levels of wrinkles.ConclusionWe proposed a criterion for classifying facial skin microbial types, each of which showed distinct facial skin aging features. Our simplified microbial types will contribute to a better understanding of facial skin microbial studies.
Paragons of character—Character strengths and well‐being of moral, creative, and religious exemplars
Authors: Gander Fabian , Wagner Lisa , Vylobkova Valentina , Kretzschmar André , Ruch Willibald 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveWhich traits best describe individuals who are recognized as exemplary in different domains? And can self‐rated positively valued personality traits distinguish such individuals from the general population?BackgroundThe study of exemplary individuals’ personality traits traditionally focused on general and broad traits. Using character strengths, which are narrower and designed to describe desirable behavior, could provide new insights.MethodIn this study, we examined 204 outstanding individuals—exemplars who received or were nominated for a public award recognizing their exemplary behavior (e.g., a Carnegie Rescuers Award; n = 119), individuals holding a patent (n = 62), and individuals living in a religious order (n = 23). We compared these exemplars to comparison samples matched based on demographic variables. All participants completed self‐report questionnaires assessing character strengths and well‐being (e.g., satisfaction with life).ResultsResults showed that the three groups of exemplars differed meaningfully in their character strengths and well‐being from the matched comparison groups. Compared with matched counterparts, moral exemplars scored higher on the strengths related to the virtues of courage, humanity, and justice as well as the character strength of humility, creative exemplars scored higher on the character strengths of creativity and honesty, and religious exemplars scored higher on gratitude and spirituality.ConclusionOverall, our findings suggest that character strengths are a useful framework for studying exemplary behavior.
Religious Ritual Compliance with COVID‐19 Mandates in Plain Communities: A Case Study of Amish Obituaries and Funeral Practices
Authors: Corcoran Katie E. , Colyer Corey J. , Mackay Annette M. , Stein Rachel E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMeasures to limit COVID‐19's spread were vital at the pandemic's onset. While some churches complied with public health mandates, others resisted them. Some religious ceremonies depend on third parties independent of the church. Funerals may require mortuary services overseen by funeral directors. Religious groups that may otherwise resist public health directives may comply when they depend on a third party. Extending street‐level bureaucracy theory, we examine the role of service providers who function as street‐level bureaucrats in shaping how religious groups respond to public policy mandates. Using the case of funeral rites in Old Order Amish churches, we content‐analyzed Old Order Amish obituaries from an Amish correspondence newspaper and interviewed funeral directors that serve the Amish. We found that the content of obituaries changed to incorporate COVID‐19 mitigation strategies due to requirements from some funeral homes. We also found that funeral directors used discretion to interpret health mandates.
Fluconazole‐resistant Candida parapsilosis complex candidemia and analysis of mutations in the ERG11 gene from Pakistan
Authors: Zeeshan Mohammad , Memon Saba , Malick Ayesha , Naqvi Syed Faheem , Farooqi Joveria , Ghanchi Najia Karim , Jabeen Kauser 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecent reports of the emergence of fluconazole resistance in Candida parapsilosis species complex poses a challenge, more specifically in settings where echinocandin‐based treatment regime is not feasible.ObjectiveThis study reported emergence of fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis species complex strains isolated from blood cultures.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective observational study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 at a tertiary care laboratory from Pakistan. Fluconazole‐resistant C. parapsilosis species complex fungemia cases were identified from laboratory database and clinical details were collected. Identification of C. parapsilosis species complex was done using API 20C AUX and Cornmeal Tween80 agar morphology. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using Sensititre YeastONE and interpretation was done with CLSI M60 ED1:2017. ERG11 gene region was amplified and sequenced by Sanger sequencing and analysed by MEGA 11 Software.ResultsA total of 13 (8.5%) fluconazole‐resistant isolates were identified from 152 C. parapsilosis species complex candidemia cases. Fluconazole MICs of resistant isolates ranged between 8 and 256 μg/mL. Analysis of ERG11 gene revealed nonsynonymous mutations at position Y132F in 86% of the fluconazole‐resistant isolates. Diabetes and hospitalization were important risk factors for candidemia with fluconazole‐resistant C. parapsilosis complex.ConclusionThis is the first report of the emergence and molecular mechanisms of fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis species complex from Pakistan. Y132F mutation in the ERG11 gene was the most common mutation in fluconazole‐resistant strains. These findings are concerning and necessitate better diagnostics, newer antifungals, ongoing surveillance and further insights on resistance mechanisms in the country.
JARID1B represses the osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament mesenchymal cells
Authors: Ferreira Rogério S. , da Silva Rodrigo A. , Feltran Geórgia Da S. , da Silva Ericka Patricia , de Assis Rahyza I. F. , Rovai Emanuel Silva , Zambuzzi Willian F. , Andia Denise C. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundHere, we evaluated whether the histone lysine demethylase 5B (JARID1B), is involved in osteogenic phenotype commitment of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), by considering their heterogeneity for osteoblast differentiation.Materials and MethodsEpigenetic, transcriptional, and protein levels of a gene set, involved in the osteogenesis, were investigated by performing genome‐wide DNA (hydroxy)methylation, mRNA expression, and western blotting analysis at basal (without osteogenic induction), and at the 3rd and 10th days of osteogenic stimulus, in vitro, using PDLCs with low (l) and high (h) osteogenic potential as biological models.Resultsh‐PDLCs showed reduced levels of JARID1B, compared to l‐PDLCs, with significant inversely proportional correlations between RUNX2 and RUNX2/p57. Epigenetically, a significant reduction in the global H3K4me3 content was observed only in h‐PDLCs. Immunoblotting data reveal a significant reduction in the global H3K4me3 content, at 3 days of induction only in h‐PDLCs, while an increase in the global H3K4me3 content was observed at 10 days for both PDLCs. Additionally, positive correlations were found between global H3K4me3 levels and JARID1B gene expression.ConclusionsAltogether, our results show the crucial role of JARID1B in repressing PDLCs osteogenic phenotype and this claims to pre‐clinical protocols proposing JARID1B as a potential therapeutic target.
Risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 following joint and epidural corticosteroid injections: A retrospective study
Authors: Raju Robin , Holder Eric K. , Dundas Mark , Liang Jingchen , Donham Rebecca 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroid (CS) injections have come under more scrutiny during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The aim of the study was to explore any relationship between joint/epidural CS injection and SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted on patients 18 years or over who received at least one joint or epidural CS injection by physiatrists in a tertiary care center between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. This cohort of patients was then compared to a control group who did not receive any CS injection during this time period.ResultsA total of 766 patients were identified in the CS injection group and 1546 patients in the control group. Overall, 12.27% of patients turned SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positive in the CS injection group, which was similar to 11.90% in the control group (p = 0.797). But 3‐month SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate showed a statistically significant higher rate among the CS injection group (3.30% in the CS injection group vs. 2.10% in the control group; p = 0.027). In multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting both groups for Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), there was statistically significant higher SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate in the CS injection group (p = 0.024). However, after adjusting both groups for age and total number of comorbidities, there was no difference between the groups in regard to SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate (p = 0.081). In the subgroup analysis of only COVID‐19 vaccinated patients, there was an increased 3‐month SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate among patients with severe comorbidities in the CS injection group (p = 0.036).ConclusionThe study was not conclusive on the effect of joint or epidural CS injection on SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate, although adjusted analysis suggests higher 3‐month SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate after CS injection in patients with severe comorbidities with significant disease burden when compared to controls.
Cultural adaptation and clinical validation of Rapid Cognitive Screening Test in Turkish
Authors: Erdoğan Tuğba , Tüfekçioğlu Zeynep , Saçar Duygu Erbaş , Ören Meryem Merve , Bilgiç Başar , Karan Mehmet Akif , Bahat Gülistan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Rapid Cognitive Screen (RCS) is a brief, easy to administer score screening tool for cognitive dysfunction which can be very useful for cognitive screening in busy clinical settings. We aimed to cross‐culturally adapt and validate RCS in Turkish.MethodsA total of 172 community‐dwelling older participants from geriatric and neurology clinics, aged 60 and older were included. The translation and cultural adaptation process was carried out in five stages: (i) two initial translations from English to Turkish; (ii) combination of these two translations; (iii) backward translations; (iv) an expert committee that consisted of three geriatricians and two neurologists, one Turkish lecturer reviewed to compare backward translations with the English test; and (v) pretest. The inter‐rater reliability and test–retest reliability were performed. To diagnose each type of dementia, gold standard diagnostic criteria specifically defined for each dementia were used. Performances of RCS test for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were analyzed by using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsAmong participants, 37.2% were considered as cognitively normal, 25.6% with MCI and 37.2% with dementia. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of RCS (cut‐off point of 4) for dementia were 89.06%, 92.56%, 87.7%, and 93.5%, respectively whereas the values were 77.27%, 51.56%, 52.3%, and 76.7% for MCI with a cut‐off point of 8. The RCS predicted dementia (AUC = 0.972, 95% CI: 0.935–0.991) and MCI (AUC = 0.720%, 95% CI: 0.626–0.802).ConclusionThe cross‐cultural adaptation was successfully achieved. The Turkish‐RCS was found to be a reliable and valid test for screening of cognitive dysfunction.
A Mechanics-Based Perspective on the Function of Human Sphincters During Functional Luminal Imaging Probe Manometry
Authors: Elisha Guy , Halder Sourav , Carlson Dustin A. , Kou Wenjun , Kahrilas Peter J. , Pandolfino John E. , Patankar Neelesh A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) is used to measure cross-sectional area (CSA) and pressure at sphincters. It consists of a catheter surrounded by a fluid filled cylindrical bag, closed on both ends. Plotting the pressure-CSA hysteresis of a sphincter during a contraction cycle, which is available through FLIP testing, offers information on its functionality, and can provide diagnostic insights. However, limited work has been done to explain the mechanics of these pressure-CSA loops. This work presents a consolidated picture of pressure-CSA loops of different sphincters. Clinical data reveal that although sphincters have a similar purpose (controlling the flow of liquids and solids by opening and closing), two different pressure-CSA loop patterns emerge: negative slope loop (NSL) and positive slope loop (PSL). We show that the loop type is the result of an interplay between (or lack thereof) two mechanical modes: (i) neurogenic mediated relaxation of the sphincter muscle or pulling applied by external forces, and (ii) muscle contraction proximal to the sphincter which causes mechanical distention. We conclude that sphincters which only function through mechanism (i) exhibition NSL whereas sphincters which open as a result of both (i) and (ii) display a PSL. This work provides a fundamental mechanical understanding of human sphincters. This can be used to identify normal and abnormal phenotypes for the different sphincters and help in creating physiomarkers based on work calculation.
A Unified Real-Time Motion Generation Algorithm for Approximate Position Analysis of Planar N-Bar Mechanisms
Authors: Lyu Zhijie , Purwar Anurag , Liao Wei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a novel real-time kinematic simulation algorithm for planar N-bar linkage mechanisms, both single- and multi-degrees-of-freedom, comprising revolute and/or prismatic joints and actuators. A key feature of this algorithm is a reinterpretation technique that transforms prismatic elements into a combination of revolute joint and links. This gives rise to a unified system of geometric constraints and a general-purpose solver which adapts to the complexity of the mechanism. The solver requires only two types of methods—fast dyadic decomposition and relatively slower optimization-based—to simulate all types of planar mechanisms. From an implementation point of view, this algorithm simplifies programming without requiring handling of different types of mechanisms. This versatile algorithm can handle serial, parallel, and hybrid planar mechanisms with varying degrees-of-freedom and joint types. Additionally, this paper presents an estimation of simulation time and structural complexity, shedding light on computational demands. Demonstrative examples showcase the practicality of this method.
Cardiac and intramuscular adaptations following short-term exercise prehabilitation in unfit patients scheduled to undergo hepatic or pancreatic surgery: study protocol of a multinuclear MRI study
Authors: Wijma Allard G , Driessens Heleen , Jeneson Jeroen A L , Janssen-Heijnen Maryska L G , Willems Tineke P , Klaase Joost M , Bongers Bart C 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionShort-term exercise prehabilitation programmes have demonstrated promising results in improving aerobic capacity of unfit patients prior to major abdominal surgery. However, little is known about the cardiac and skeletal muscle adaptations explaining the improvement in aerobic capacity following short-term exercise prehabilitation.Methods and analysisIn this single-centre study with a pretest–post-test design, 12 unfit patients with a preoperative oxygen uptake (VO2) at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold ≤13 mL/kg/min and/or VO2at peak exercise ≤18 mL/kg/min, who are scheduled to undergo hepatopancreatobiliary surgery at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the Netherlands, will be recruited. As part of standard care, unfit patients are advised to participate in a home-based exercise prehabilitation programme, comprising high-intensity interval training and functional exercises three times per week, combined with nutritional support, during a 4-week period. Pre-intervention and post-intervention, patients will complete a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Next to this, study participants will perform additional in-vivo exercise cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and phosphorus 31-MR spectroscopy of the quadriceps femoris muscle before and after the intervention to assess the effect on respectively cardiac and skeletal muscle function.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved in May 2023 by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the UMCG (registration number NL83611.042.23, March 2023) and is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov register. Results of this study will be submitted for presentation at (inter)national congresses and publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT05772819.