bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bonavina Giulia , Busnelli Andrea , Salmeri Noemi , Cavoretto Paolo I. , Salvatore Stefano , Candiani Massimo , Bulfoni Alessandro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite the rising rates of opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of surgery for non‐malignant conditions, salpingectomy is not widely adopted during vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and has not been extensively investigated.ObjectivesThe aim of the primary study was to determine the feasibility of bilateral opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of VH. Secondary aims included surgical outcomes, factors associated with patient selection, and the prevalence of incidental tubal malignancies.Search StrategyIn this systematic review and meta‐analysis we searched Pubmed, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to September 1, 2023, using relevant keywords.Selection CriteriaOriginal articles with no language restriction reporting outcomes of women undergoing planned VH with opportunistic salpingectomy, were considered eligible. Studies including patients undergoing VH with and without opportunistic salpingectomy were also included.Data Collection and AnalysisThe Newcastle‐Ottawa scale was used to assess quality of observational studies. DerSimonian–Laird random effects meta‐analysis was performed and pooled effect estimates and proportions with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.ResultsSeven observational cohort studies including 4808 women undergoing opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of VH and 10 295 patients undergoing VH alone were selected. The pooled proportion of success was 81.83 per 100 observations (95% CI: 75.35–87.54). Opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of VH, when feasible, was associated with a significant reduction in intraoperative complications (OR 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01, −0.37, P = 0.03) and total operative time (95% CI: −17.80, −1.07, P = 0.03) compared to those where it failed. Successful salpingectomy was significantly hindered by nulliparity (OR 0.12, 95% CI: −17.69, −1.21, P < 0.001) and favored by pelvic organ prolapse (OR 3.20, 95% CI: 1.35, 7.55, P = 0.008). Immunohistochemical tubal abnormalities were found in 13/579 (2.1%) patients. The overall quality of the evidence, according to the GRADE assessment, was low.ConclusionOpportunistic salpingectomy is safe, effective, and feasible at the time of VH. Nulliparity and pelvic organ prolapse are factors potentially influencing surgical outcomes.
Effect of plastic mulch and strip tillage on soil hydrothermal characteristics and potato cultivation in the Bogura district of Bangladesh
Authors: Kader Mohammad Abdul , Musaddika Amina , Mojid Mohammad Abdul , Khan Ferdous Hossain 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFuture periods with limited water resources in Bangladesh will need the use of effective water‐saving technology, such as mulching, to increase potato production in a sustainable way. This study investigated the effect of plastic mulch on soil hydrothermal status and its consequent effect on potato production over 2 years in field experiments in Bogura, Bangladesh. We cultivated potato under four treatments: two coloured (black and blue) plastic mulches, strip tillage and no mulch. The black plastic mulch raised the soil temperature by 1.2–2.4°C in the early growth stages and by 0.4–1.2°C in the later growth stages compared to the no‐mulch treatment. This mulch raised soil moisture by 5.1–15.9% and reduced weed growth by 91% compared to no mulch. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of the soil were significantly higher under the mulching treatments compared to no mulch. When compared to the blue and no‐mulch treatments, black mulch provided 31–34% and 45–48% more tuber yield of potato, respectively, which significantly improved the economic benefits under mulching treatments. Black plastic mulch is therefore suggested as a workable adaptation approach to increase potato production under limited water resources in northern Bangladesh and elsewhere with similar agroclimatic conditions.
Evaluation of PHARM‐HF, a pharmacist‐led heart failure medication titration clinic: A pre‐post study
Authors: Ladhar Simroop , Hawkins Nathaniel M. , Virani Sean A. , Turgeon Ricky D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe PHARM‐HF clinic is a novel, pharmacist‐led medication optimization clinic for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). PHARM‐HF aims to achieve maximum‐tolerated HFrEF guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) as outlined by the latest Canadian Cardiovascular Society heart failure guidelines.MethodsThis retrospective pre‐post study evaluated consecutive patients attending PHARM‐HF (January 2021–August 2022). The primary outcome was the modified Optimal Medication Therapy (mOMT) score, an aggregate score of HFrEF quadruple therapy. The mOMT score was categorized as suboptimal (score 0–4), acceptable (score 5–7), or optimal (score 8; all four drugs at maximum tolerated dose). Secondary outcomes included change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline to 1 year, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire‐12 (KCCQ; range 0 [worst] to 100 [best]) from baseline to discharge.ResultsOf 81 included patients, median age was 68 years, 21% were female, 61% had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 2 functional capacity, and median LVEF was 30%. Median mOMT improved from 6 (interquartile range [IQR] 4–7) at baseline to 8 (IQR 7–8) at clinic discharge (p < 0.001; increase from 7% to 73% categorized as optimal). LVEF improved from a median of 30% to 38% at 1 year (p < 0.001). Among 16 patients who completed the KCCQ‐12 at both time points, the score was 62 at baseline and 77 at discharge (p = 0.42).ConclusionsUptake of GDMT significantly increased from admission to discharge from the PHARM‐HF medication optimization clinic, during which other cardiovascular clinicians did not modify HFrEF medications. Furthermore, there was an improvement in LVEF at 1 year. A pilot randomized controlled trial is currently underway to guide the development of a multicenter trial to provide definitive evidence for the role of pharmacist‐led medication optimization in HFrEF.
Towards label‐free non‐invasive autofluorescence multispectral imaging for melanoma diagnosis
Authors: Knab Aline , Anwer Ayad G. , Pedersen Bernadette , Handley Shannon , Marupally Abhilash Goud , Habibalahi Abbas , Goldys Ewa M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on the use of cellular autofluorescence which visualizes the cell metabolism by monitoring endogenous fluorophores including NAD(P)H and flavins. It explores the potential of multispectral imaging of native fluorophores in melanoma diagnostics using excitation wavelengths ranging from 340 nm to 510 nm and emission wavelengths above 391 nm. Cultured immortalized cells are utilized to compare the autofluorescent signatures of two melanoma cell lines to one fibroblast cell line. Feature analysis identifies the most significant and least correlated features for differentiating the cells. The investigation successfully applies this analysis to pre‐processed, noise‐removed images and original background‐corrupted data. Furthermore, the applicability of distinguishing melanomas and healthy fibroblasts based on their autofluorescent characteristics is validated using the same evaluation technique on patient cells. Additionally, the study tentatively maps the detected features to underlying biological processes. This research demonstrates the potential of cellular autofluorescence as a promising tool for melanoma diagnostics.
Green autofluorescence of the skin and fingernails is a novel biomarker for evaluating the risk for developing acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Tao Yue , Yu Haibo , Zhang Mingchao , Zou Xiaofeng , Li Peilu , Qiu Jian‐Ge , Jiang Bing‐Hua , Ying Weihai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe only existing approach for assessing the risk of developing acute ischemic stroke (AIS) necessitates that individuals possess a strong understanding of their health status. Our research gathered compelling evidence in favor of our hypothesis, suggesting that the likelihood of developing AIS can be assessed by analyzing the green autofluorescence (AF) of the skin and fingernails. Utilizing machine learning‐based analyses of AF images, we found that the area under the curve (AUC) for distinguishing subjects with three risk factors from those with zero, one, or two risk factors was 0.79, 0.76, and 0.75, respectively. Our research has revealed that green AF serves as an innovative biomarker for assessing the risk of developing AIS. Our method is objective, non‐invasive, efficient, and economic, which shows great promise to boost a technology for screening natural populations for risk of developing AIS.
Analysis of soft tissue integration‐supportive cell functions in gingival fibroblasts cultured on 3D printed biomaterials for oral implant‐supported prostheses
Authors: Rabel Kerstin , Nath Amélie Joséphine , Nold Julian , Spies Benedikt C. , Wesemann Christian , Altmann Brigitte , Adolfsson Erik , Witkowski Siegbert , Tomakidi Pascal , Steinberg Thorsten 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo date, it is unknown whether 3D printed fixed oral implant‐supported prostheses can achieve comparable soft tissue integration (STI) to clinically established subtractively manufactured counterparts. STI is mediated among others by gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and is modulated by biomaterial surface characteristics. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the GF response of a 3D printed methacrylate photopolymer and a hybrid ceramic‐filled methacrylate photopolymer for fixed implant‐supported prostheses in the sense of supporting an STI. Subtractively manufactured samples made from methacrylate polymer and hybrid ceramic were evaluated for comparison and samples from yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y‐TZP), comprising well documented biocompatibility, served as control. Surface topography was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and interferometry, elemental composition by energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, and wettability by contact angle measurement. The response of GFs obtained from five donors was examined in terms of membrane integrity, adhesion, morphogenesis, metabolic activity, and proliferation behavior by a lactate‐dehydrogenase assay, fluorescent staining, a resazurin‐based assay, and DNA quantification. The results revealed all surfaces were smooth and hydrophilic. GF adhesion, metabolic activity and proliferation were impaired by 3D printed biomaterials compared to subtractively manufactured comparison surfaces and the 3Y‐TZP control, whereas membrane integrity was comparable. Within the limits of the present investigation, it was concluded that subtractively manufactured surfaces are superior compared to 3D printed surfaces to support STI. For the development of biologically optimized 3D printable biomaterials, consecutive studies will focus on the improvement of cytocompatibility and the synthesis of STI‐relevant extracellular matrix constituents.
Neural control of reproduction in reptiles
Authors: Shankey Nicholas T. , Cohen Rachel E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractReptiles display considerable diversity in reproductive behavior, making them great models to study the neuroendocrine control of reproductive behavior. Many reptile species are seasonally breeding, such that they become reproductively active during their breeding season and regress to a nonreproductive state during their nonbreeding season, with this transition often prompted by environmental cues. In this review, we will focus on summarizing the neural and neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling reproductive behavior. Three major areas of the brain are involved in reproductive behavior: the preoptic area (POA), amygdala, and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). The POA and VMH are sexually dimorphic areas, regulating behaviors in males and females respectively, and all three areas display seasonal plasticity. Lesions to these areas disrupt the onset and maintenance of reproductive behaviors, but the exact roles of these regions vary between sexes and species. Different hormones influence these regions to elicit seasonal transitions. Circulating testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) peak during the breeding season and their influence on reproduction is well‐documented across vertebrates. The conversion of T into E2 and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone can also affect behavior. Melatonin and corticosterone have generally inhibitory effects on reproductive behavior, while serotonin and other neurohormones seem to stimulate it. In general, there is relatively little information on the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in reptiles compared to other vertebrate groups. This review highlights areas that should be considered for future areas of research.
Unraveling stress resilience: Insights from adaptations to extreme environments by Astyanax mexicanus cavefish
Authors: Cobham Ansa E. , Rohner Nicolas 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExtreme environmental conditions have profound impacts on shaping the evolutionary trajectory of organisms. Exposure to these conditions elicits stress responses, that can trigger phenotypic changes in novel directions. The Mexican Tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is an excellent model for understanding evolutionary mechanisms in response to extreme or new environments. This fish species consists of two morphs; the classical surface‐dwelling fish and the blind cave‐dwellers that inhabit dark and biodiversity‐reduced ecosystems. In this review, we explore the specific stressors present in cave environments and examine the diverse adaptive strategies employed by cave populations to not only survive but thrive as successful colonizers. By analyzing the evolutionary responses of A. mexicanus, we gain valuable insights into the genetic, physiological, and behavioral adaptations that enable organisms to flourish under challenging environmental conditions.
Resetting relationship trajectories: A reconceptualization of the relationship repair process
Authors: Olekalns Mara , Caza Brianna Barker 
Published: January 2024

SummaryNegative events within and outside of work can disrupt coworkers' relationships, triggering a re‐evaluation of relationship quality. The subjective experience of these events – which we term relationship threats – harms relationships, resulting in long‐lasting negative interpersonal and organizational consequences. Coworkers' responses to a relationship threat determine whether relationships are repaired or whether the threat leads to a loss of commitment, lowered satisfaction, and increased negative affect. Because of the critical role that relationships play in organizational life, it is vital that we have a comprehensive understanding of the repair process. To date, researchers have focused on one of three repair processes: trust repair. In reconceptualizing relationship repair, we flesh out the remaining two processes: relationship work and sensemaking. Our reconceptualization balances the restorative actions that mitigate in‐the‐moment harm with those that sustain these benefits over time. We expand our understanding of relationship repair by highlighting the role that narrative foundations play in determining a relationships' vulnerabilities and determining effective repair processes. We highlight the importance of considering relationship threats as events embedded within a relationship's history; identify narrative foundations as a bridging mechanism between disrupted relationships and their repair; and expand our conceptualization of the processes that repair relationships.
Artemisia argyi extract exerts antioxidant properties and extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Yang Yuhua , Cao Yuping , Zhang Jianming , Fan Li , Huang Yan , Tan Thuan‐Chew , Ho Lee‐Hoon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDChinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi) possesses extensive pharmacological activities associated with anti‐tumour, antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti‐ageing effects of A. argyi extract (AAE) on the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) ageing model by detecting antioxidant enzyme activities and the mRNA level of antioxidant genes.RESULTSAAE could significantly lengthen the mean lifespan, 50% survival days, and maximum lifespan of D. melanogaster, especially when the amount of AAE added reached 6.68 mg mL−1, the mean lifespan of both female and male flies increased by 23.74% and 22.30%, respectively, indicating the effective life extension effect of AAE. At the same time, AAE could improve the climbing ability and tolerance to hydrogen peroxide in D. melanogaster. In addition, the addition of AAE effectively increased the activities of copper‐zinc‐containing superoxide dismutase, manganese‐containing superoxide dismutase and catalase in D. melanogaster and reduced the contents of malondialdehyde. Moreover, when reared with diets containing AAE, the expression of antioxidant‐related genes SOD1, SOD2 and CAT was up‐regulated in D. melanogaster and down‐regulated for MTH genes.CONCLUSIONThe study indicates that AAE effectively enhances the antioxidant capacity of D. melanogaster and has potential applications as an antioxidant and anti‐ageing agent in the nutraceutical industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Phytochemical profiling and bioactivity assessment of underutilized Symphytum species in comparison with Symphytum officinale
Authors: Luca Simon Vlad , Zengin Gokhan , Kulinowski Łukasz , Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Skalicka‐Woźniak Krystyna , Trifan Adriana 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDSymphytum (comfrey) genus, particularly Symphytum officinale, has been empirically used in folk medicine mainly for its potent anti‐inflammatory properties. In an attempt to shed light on the valorization of less known taxa, the current study evaluated the metabolite profile and antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects of nine Symphytum species.RESULTSPhenolic acids, flavonoids and pyrrolizidine alkaloids were the most representative compounds in all comfrey samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that, within the roots, S. grandiflorum was slightly different from S. ibericum, S. caucasicum and the remaining species. Within the aerial parts, S. caucasicum and S. asperum differed from the other samples. All Symphytum species showed good antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, as evaluated in DPPH (up to 50.17 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) g−1), ABTS (up to 49.92 mg TE g−1), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC, up to 92.93 mg TE g−1), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, up to 53.63 mg TE g−1), acetylcholinesterase (AChE, up to 0.52 mg galanthamine equivalents (GALAE) g−1), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, up to 0.96 mg GALAE g−1), tyrosinase (up to 13.58 mg kojic acid equivalents g−1) and glucosidase (up to 0.28 mmol acarbose equivalents g−1) tests. Pearson correlation analysis revealed potential links between danshensu and ABTS/FRAP/CUPRAC, quercetin‐O‐hexoside and DPPH/CUPRAC, or rabdosiin and anti‐BChE activity.CONCLUSIONSBy assessing for the first time in a comparative manner the phytochemical–biological profile of a considerably high number of Symphytum samples, this study unveils the potential use of less common comfrey species as novel phytopharmaceutical or agricultural raw materials. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of ultrasonic power on drying kinetics and product quality of licorice extract during ultrasound‐assisted vacuum drying
Authors: Wang Xuecheng , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Yutian , Wang Yaqi , Li Yuanhui , Xiong Yaokun , Yang Ming , Luo Xiaorong , Wu Zhenfeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDLicorice extract is an important raw material for food additives and medicine. The quality of licorice extract is dictated by the drying process. The commonly used drying methods of licorice extract are not efficient in obtaining high‐quality products so alternative techniques need to be developed and researched. In this study, ultrasound‐assisted vacuum drying (UAVD) was first utilized to improve drying efficiency and produce a higher‐quality product. The changes in water mobility of licorice extract during drying were characterized using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance. In addition, the effects of ultrasonic power on the drying dynamics, the contents of liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid, the antioxidant capacity and the microstructure formation of licorice extract during the whole drying process were investigated.RESULTSThe drying times for licorice extract to reach equilibrium moisture content were reduced by 9.09–69.70% with UAVD at 40–200 W compared with that without ultrasonic treatment (0 W). Moreover, the proportions of bound water and semi‐bound water in fresh concentrate were 3.75% and 96.25%. It was also found that high ultrasonic power promoted the flow of water and the formation of porous structure in licorice extract, which led to the improvement of drying efficiency. The contents of liquiritin (2.444%) and glycyrrhizic acid (6.514%) were retained to a large degree in the dried product at an ultrasonic power of 80 W. The DPPH inhibition rate of UAVD samples with different ultrasonic powers ranged from 84.07 ± 0.46% to 90.65 ± 0.22%.CONCLUSIONUAVD has the advantages of high efficiency and low energy consumption, which may be an alternative technology for vacuum drying widely used in industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Estimating galvanic corrosion rate of copper/steel couple by using remote earth mixed potential
Authors: Zhuang Dawei , Du Yanxia , Chen Le , Pu Chunming , Zhao Qian , Gu Shaojie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCopper and steel are often electrically connected in industrial devices, which causes galvanic corrosion in environments. To ensure the safety of the devices, it is needed to assess the corrosion rate of galvanic couples. The galvanic current is often used to calculate the galvanic corrosion rate in theory, however, in the actual devices, the copper parts are generally coupled with the steel parts and it is difficult to separate them to measure the galvanic current between them, as well as to determine the galvanic corrosion rates for actual devices. In this paper, the galvanic couple mixed potential distribution and influencing factors including area ratios, polarization characteristics, and medium resistivity are studied by experiments and calculation. The mixed potential becomes stable with a certain distance from the surface of copper/steel couple and acts as remote earth mixed potential. Remote earth mixed potential is positively associated with galvanic corrosion rate. Based on the results of experiments and calculation, a method to estimate the galvanic corrosion rate of steel in copper/steel couple by using the remote earth mixed potential is proposed.