bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between combination of tamsulosin and Pentoxifylline versus tamsulosin alone in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostate hyperplasia: A preliminary study
Authors: Shirazi Mehdi , Dehghanmanshadi Alireza , Sadr Soroush , Jahanabadi Zahra 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn older adults, bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is prevalent, primarily due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These patients' lower urinary tract symptoms can be treated surgically and with medical therapy. Compared to standard treatment with tamsulosin, Pentoxifylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, could benefit patients with BOO due to its properties on microcirculatory blood flow and oxygenation of ischemic tissues. Hence, this trial intended to study the efficacy of Pentoxifylline combined with tamsulosin in treating BOO patients.Materials and MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind clinical trial recruited 60 patients with BPH from a single center in 2022. Upon consent of patients meeting the eligibility criteria, they were randomly allocated to intervention (Pentoxifylline + tamsulosin) and control (placebo + tamsulosin) groups. The patients were evaluated for international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) by uroflowmetry, and post‐void residual volume (PVR) by abdominal sonography at the onset of the study and after the 12th week.ResultsPatients who used the combination therapy had significantly better results of prostate symptoms and quality of life improvement (IPSS: −36.6%, QoL: −45.3%) compared to patients who received tamsulosin alone (IPSS: −21.2%, QoL: −27.7%) (p < .001). Also, this study shows that the improvement in maximum urinary flow rate and residual volume by combination therapy is significantly higher (Qmax: +42.5%, PVR: −42.6%) compared to monotherapy (Qmax: +25.1%, PVR: −26.1%) (p < .001).ConclusionWhen combined with tamsulosin, Pentoxifylline could significantly improve the lower urinary symptoms of BPH patients. It is well tolerated, and the treatment outcomes are better in patients who receive the combination of Pentoxifylline and tamsulosin than those who only receive tamsulosin.
Dense collection areas and terrestrial alteration of meteorites in the Atacama Desert
Authors: Pinto Gabriel A. , Tavernier Adrien , Gattacceca Jérôme , Corgne Alexandre , Valenzuela Millarca , Luais Béatrice , Flores Laura , Olivares Felipe , Marrocchi Yves 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn the last 15 years, more than 2700 meteorites have been recovered and officially classified from the Atacama Desert. Although the number of meteorites collected in the Atacama has risen, the physical and climatic properties of the dense collection areas (DCAs) have not been fully characterized. In this article, we compiled the published data of all classified meteorites found in the Atacama Desert to (i) describe the distribution by meteorite groups, (ii) compare the weathering degree of chondrites among different Atacama DCAs and other hot and cold deserts, and (iii) determine the preservation conditions of chondrites in the main Atacama DCAs in relation with the local climatic conditions. The 35 DCAs so far identified in the Atacama Desert are located in three main morphotectonic units: The Coastal Range (CR), Central Depression (CD), and Pre‐Andean Range/Basement. A comparison with reported weathering data from other cold and hot deserts indicates that the mean terrestrial weathering of Atacama chondrites (W1–2), displays less alteration than other hot deserts (W2–3) and resembles the weathering distribution of the Antarctic meteorites (W1–2). The highest abundance of Atacama chondrites with low weathering (≤W2) is localized in the CD (78.8%, N = 1435), which is protected from the coastal fog influence and seasonal rainfalls and displays the oldest surfaces in the Atacama Desert. The morphogenetic classification based on present‐day temperatures and precipitations of the main Atacama DCAs reveals similar regional/subregional climatic conditions in the most productive areas and a truly productive surface for meteorite recovery between 5% and 58% of the quadrangles formally defined for each Atacama DCA. Our morphogenetic classification lacks consideration of some meteorological parameters such as the coastal fog, so it cannot fully explain the differences in weathering patterns among CR chondrites. Future studies of chondrite preservation in the Atacama DCAs should consider other meteorological variables such as relative humidity, specific humidity, or dew point, in combination with exposure ages of meteorites and its surfaces.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction as assessed by multimodal diagnostic imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is related to the severity of cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Tran Tien Vuong , Djaileb Loic , Riou Laurent , Lantuejoul Lea Ruez , Giai Joris , Barone‐Rochette Gilles 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionCoronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) plays a major role in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) physiopathology but its assessment in clinical practice remains a challenge. Nowadays, innovations in invasive and noninvasive coronary evaluation using multimodal imaging provide options for the diagnosis of CMD. The objective of the present study was to investigate if new multimodal imaging diagnosis of CMD could detect HCM patients with more impaired cardiac function by left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI).Methods and ResultsA total of 32 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HCM (62 ± 13 years, 62% men) were prospectively screened for CMD using a multimodal imaging method. LACI was assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Fifteen (47%) patients had CMD by multimodal imaging method. Patients with CMD presented a significantly higher LACI (48.5 ± 25.4 vs. 32.5 ± 10.6, p = .03). A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that CMD was independently associated with LACI (OR = 1.069, 95% CI 1.00–1.135, p = .03).ConclusionMultimodal imaging diagnosis of CMD is applicable to HCM patients and is associated with more impaired cardiac function.
The shapeshifting Helicobacter pylori: From a corkscrew to a ball
Authors: Cheng Thimoro , Boneca Ivo Gomperts 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThere is growing evidence that bacterial morphology is closely related to their lifestyle. The helical Helicobacter pylori relies on its unique shape for survival and efficient colonization of the human stomach. Yet, they have been observed to transform into another distinctive morphology, the spherical coccoid. Despite being hypothesized to be involved in the persistence and transmission of this species, years of effort in deciphering the roles of the coccoid form remain fruitless since contrasting observations regarding its lifestyle were reported. Here, we discuss the two forms of H. pylori with a focus on the coccoid form, the molecular mechanism behind its morphological transformation, and experimental approaches to further develop our understanding of this phenomenon. We also propose a putative mechanism of the coccoid formation in H. pylori through induction of a type‐I toxin‐antitoxin (TA) system recently shown to influence the morphology of this species.
Radicalization to the right, secular (ish) pandemic politics and the normalization of the Greek Cypriot far right
Authors: Katsourides Yiannos , Savvides Leandros 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOne of the many dimensions of the global tussle surrounding the Covid‐19 pandemic has been the rise of right‐wing radicalization. In this article, we investigate whether the pandemic offered an opportunity for the Greek Cypriot far‐right party, ELAM, to increase its visibility as an opposition force and in what ways. We also explore the transformations in populist rhetoric and practices in the Republic of Cyprus, seeking to identify patterns of persistence and evolution, particularly in how they handle scientific matters in their political stances. Similarly, we delve into the impact of far‐right populist politics on the political dynamics in Cyprus. Our findings indicate that pandemic politics were not the exclusive or primary factor in the normalization of the far right but rather served as an accelerator of preexisting trends. The party's handling of the pandemic and scientific principles signifies the diversity within the far‐right phenomenon rather than pointing to a universal pattern.
The Yugoslav War that was not theirs: The case of national minority millennials
Authors: Lendák‐Kabók Karolina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper delves into the experiences of ethnic Hungarian millennials in Vojvodina, Serbia, who came of age during the tumultuous Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s. Despite their non‐involvement in the conflict, they grappled with substantial challenges arising from surging nationalism that impacted both society and their personal lives. The study illuminates the unexplored suffering of members of this demographic and the enduring aftermath of their war‐time encounters. Utilising qualitative interviews and a literature review on nationalism and the Yugoslav Wars, this research reconstructs the perceptions of ethnic minority millennials regarding the nationalistic atmosphere in which they grew up. It delves into their unexpected entanglement with the conflict and its profound consequences on their wellbeing, families and social dynamics. Despite their community's non‐participatory stance, this study unveils the concealed wounds of war‐induced trauma and their broader implications. The main value of the paper is that it shows how ethnic minority millennials were drawn into the conflict and how they have been impacted by it despite not being the war's main protagonists.
Comprehensive analysis of the 2R‐MYB family in Nicotiana tabacum and functional characterization of NtMYB35 in pigment metabolism
Authors: Liu Che , Cao Dejun , Chu Xiaomeng , Zhang Wenhan , Zhang Songtao , Jia Hongfang , Yang Yongxia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMYB transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in plant growth and development, metabolic regulation, and stress responses. In the current study, 258 2R‐MYB TFs were identified in Nicotiana tabacum and systemically analyzed. The 2R‐NtMYB TFs were unevenly distributed on 23 chromosomes and were classified into 33 subgroups according to the Arabidopsis thaliana 2R‐MYB classification. The promoters of the 2R‐NtMYB harbor numerous potential cis‐acting elements involved in plant growth, metabolism, hormone signaling, and stress responsiveness. Chip‐based expression profiling of different tissues and growth stages revealed that the 2R‐NtMYBs showed constitutive or spatiotemporally specific expressions. RNA‐sequencing data indicated that some 2R‐NtMYBs, including NtMYB16, NtMYB27, NtMYB35, and NtMYB170, are involved in the response to one or several abiotic and biotic stresses, namely drought and resistance to black shank and bacterial wilt. Quantitative PCR results further revealed that NtMYBs respond to different hormones (abscisic acid, indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid) and confirmed their involvement in abiotic stress responses like heat, drought, and salt. NtMYB35 overexpression and mutant lines generated using CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing were used to verify the important role of NtMYB35 in regulating tobacco growth, pigment metabolism, and aphid resistance. These results provide a detailed overview of this TF family in N. tabacum and valuable insights for future functional analyses of NtMYB TFs.
Effects of fat loss and low energy availability on the serum cardiometabolic profile of physique athletes
Authors: Jouhki I. , Sarin H. V. , Jauhiainen M. , O’Connell T. M. , Isola V. , Ahtiainen J. P. , Hulmi J. J. , Perola M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLow energy availability (LEA) is a health concern for athletes, although it may paradoxically lead to improved cardiometabolic health in the general population. We investigated the associations between LEA, body composition, and serum cardiometabolic profile in 23 physique athletes (DIET) and 21 controls (CONT) during a 5‐month pre‐competition diet (MID), followed by 1 week of increased energy availability (COMP) and a 5‐month weight regain period (POST). Quantification of 250 serum metabolome variables was conducted by NMR spectroscopy, body composition by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, dietary intake by food diaries, and exercise levels by training logs. Body fat percentage decreased from 19.5 ± 7.0% to 8.3 ± 5.3% (p < 0.001) in DIET through increased exercise levels and decreased energy intake, while CONT maintained those constant. In MID, DIET had increased (FDR < 0.01) HDL cholesterol, HDL particle size and number, and decreased (FDR < 0.05) VLDL lipids, serum triglycerides, and low‐grade inflammation (glycoprotein acetyls) compared to baseline and CONT. The changes were associated with reduced android fat mass (‐78 ± 13%) and energy intake (‐28 ± 10%). In COMP, most of the metabolic changes found in MID persisted, except for altered triglycerides in all lipoprotein classes. After weight regain in POST, serum metabolome, body composition, energy intake, and exercise levels had reverted to baseline levels. In conclusion, fat loss and LEA may have beneficial yet transient effects on the serum cardiometabolic profile of lean individuals. Especially the HDL lipidome and lipoprotein triglycerides offer potential novel biomarkers for detecting LEA in athletes.
Quantitative analysis of age‐related changes in vascular structure, oxygen saturation, and epidermal melanin structure using photoacoustic methods
Authors: Mizukoshi Koji , Iwazaki Hideaki , Ida Taiichiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundVascular structure, blood oxygen saturation, and melanin status of the epidermis are chromophore factors related to light absorption. Therefore, they are likely to be related to skin appearance. Thus, it is important to measure these internal skin features and understand their characteristics. Thus, we aimed to analyze the individual differences and aging changes in the skin by measuring the internal skin characteristics, such as vascular structure, oxygen saturation, and the 3D distribution of melanin in the epidermis, using a noninvasive photoacoustic (PA) measurement method.Materials and MethodsA PA measurement device was used as a noninvasive measurement method. Eighty Japanese women aged between 20 and 60 years were enrolled. The target area was the buccal region of the face.ResultsThe blood vessel structure showed a decrease in fine vessels with age, with a stronger tendency observed in the dermis layer, and the volume of blood vessels was larger in the dermis layer than in the dermal–subcutaneous fat boundary layer. Oxygen saturation showed a similar decreasing trend with age in all depths examined. Melanin condition as the torus‐like pattern structure tended to increase with age.ConclusionPA measurements revealed the characteristics of several chromophores, providing a new skin aging mechanism.
Effect of cold atmospheric plasma on changing of biomolecular structures involved in apoptosis pathways of melanoma cancer
Authors: Yazdani Zahra , Pasandi Marzieh Sharifi , Golpour Monireh , Eslami Mina , Rafiei Alireza 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundCold atmospheric plasma (CAP), is a technology based on non‐thermal ionized gas that is used for cancer therapy in research. We evaluated the effect of CAP on malignant melanoma cancer cell line (B16) in comparison with normal cells (L929).MethodsThe effect of CAP on the cytotoxicity of B16 and L929 cell lines was assayed by the MTT method and inverted microscopy. The induction of apoptosis in cells was evaluated using a fluorescence microscope. FTIR monitored the CAP effect in biomacromolecules changes in these cell lines. QPCR assayed gene expression of BAX, BCL‐2, and Caspase‐3 (CASP‐3).ResultsThe results of the MTT test showed CAP has a cytotoxic effect on the B16 cancer cell line more than L929 normal cells (p < 0.0001). The results of invert and fluorescence microscopy showed CAP‐induced apoptotic morphology on cancerous cells. FTIR spectroscopy indicated CAP changes biomacromolecules structure. Evaluation of gene expression showed CAP increased BAX and CASP‐3 gene expression. Also, it decreased BCL‐2 gene expression.ConclusionsTaken together, CAP may change biomacromolecule structures involved in apoptosis pathways, decrease proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
Glutamic‐acid grafted hyaluronic acid inhibits inflammatory factors via fibroblast and skin model tests
Authors: Jiang Fang‐ru , Wang Song , Han Dong , Wei Jian , Wu Ya‐nan , Liu Zhe 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundExcessive inflammation may cause tissue damage and disrupt the function of the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid (HA), an endogenous component, was found to regulate multiple inflammatory factors for skin health. This work aims to further enhance its efficacy by grafting amino acid onto its molecule.MethodsGlutamic acid (Glu) was selected as the ligand to react with low‐molecular‐weight HA. Fibroblast tests and a 3D skin model were used to investigate the anti‐inflammation efficacy of HA‐Glu.ResultsFor IL‐1α, IL‐6 and TNF‐α, the grafted compound presents stronger inhibition ability versus native HA. Moreover, HA‐Glu could promote the repair of damaged skin by improving the compactness of the stratum corneum and increasing the thickness of the living cell layer.ConclusionThe application of HA‐Glu compound in skin care formulas would be effective to alleviate inflammation‐induced skin symptoms and skin aging.
Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography of eyelid margin growths: A case series
Authors: Verzì Anna Elisa , Russo Andrea , Castellino Niccolò , Caltabiano Rosario , Fallico Matteo , Cappellani Francesco , Micali Giuseppe , Lacarrubba Francesco 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical differential diagnosis of lesions arising on the eyelid margin may be challenging and an unneeded surgical approach may have serious functional and aesthetic consequences. Nonetheless, early recognition and treatment of malignant tumors of the eyelid margin is mandatory. Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a novel tool for the in vivo, real‐time skin imaging.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to identify and analyze the LC‐OCT features of a series of eyelid margin growths and to correlate these features with the histopathological findings.MethodsPatients with eyelid margin growths who were scheduled for lesion excision underwent LC‐OCT examination. Inclusion criteria were a challenging clinical aspect of the lesions and a clinical history of recent onset (up to 12 months). In all cases, the histopathological examination of the excised lesions was performed for the final diagnosis.ResultsA total of 31 lesions located on the upper (13 cases) or lower (18 cases) eyelid margin from 28 consecutive patients (male = 15, female = 13; mean age: 64.7 years, range: 44–87 years) were evaluated and excised. The histopathologic diagnoses were nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (nine cases), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (three cases), compound nevus (four cases), dermal nevus (two cases), seborrheic keratosis (four cases), pyogenic granuloma (one case), trichilemmal cyst (three cases), and hidrocystoma (five cases). LC‐OCT allowed the in vivo recognition of the main microscopic features of the examined lesions.ConclusionsLC‐OCT represents a promising tool for the evaluation of eyelid margin lesions. Advantages of non‐invasive diagnosis particularly relevant in such a sensitive region include a more correct planning of the treatment and, in case of surgery, the most appropriate surgical approach and, importantly, a correct timing of intervention.
Longitudinal intraocular pressure measurements in Whooping cranes (Grus americana) and Mississippi‐Sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pulla)
Authors: Garcés Torres Rodrigo S. , Carter Renee T. , Gafen Hannah B. , Liu Chin‐Chi , Lewin Andrew C. , MacLean Robert A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess intraocular pressure (IOP) development in cranes and determine the impact of age, weight, species, head position, and sex.Animals StudiedWhooping cranes (WC) (Grus americana), and Mississippi‐sandhill cranes (MSC) (Grus canadensis pulla).ProceduresChicks were manually restrained on days 1–3, 7, 21, 35, 60, 75, and 120 for routine examinations. IOP was opportunistically measured utilizing the Tonovet Plus® in D setting with the head above the heart (AH) and below the heart (BH). Values were also obtained longitudinally in adults (>120 days old) upon presentation in 1 year.ResultsIntraocular pressure was highly correlated with age and weight in chicks. For every kilogram gained, IOP increased 2.46 ± 0.08 mmHg in WC and 2.66 ± 0.11 mmHg in MSC. Once hatched, IOP increased 1.13 ± 0.04 mmHg in WC and 0.87 ± 0.04 mmHg in MSC every 10 days. IOP was similar to adults at 120 days of age. In adult WC, mean IOP AH was 24.0 ± 0.4 mmHg, and BH was 27.9 ± 0.4 mmHg, there was a significant difference regarding head positioning and sex, females (25.3 ± 0.4 mm Hg) had lower IOP than males (26.5 ± 0.4 mmHg). In adult MSC, mean IOP AH was 20.7 ± 0.4 mmHg, and BH was 24.6 ± 0.4 mmHg. The difference between head positioning was significant.ConclusionsThis study documents the correlation between IOP and weight or age during early development in cranes, as well as the importance of head positioning.
Patient‐tailored platelet transfusion practices for children supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Schiller Ofer , Pula Giulia , Shostak Eran , Manor‐Shulman Orit , Frenkel Georgy , Amir Gabriel , Yacobovich Joanne , Nellis Marianne E. , Dagan Ovadia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) serves as cardiopulmonary therapy in critically ill patients with respiratory/heart failure and often necessitates multiple blood product transfusions. The administration of platelet transfusions during ECMO is triggered by the presence or risk of significant bleeding. Most paediatric ECMO programmes follow guidelines that recommend a platelet transfusion threshold of 80–100 × 109/L. To reduce exposure to platelets, we developed a practice to dynamically lower the threshold to ~20 × 109/L. We describe our experience with patient‐tailored platelet thresholds and related bleeding outcomes.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated our platelet transfusion policy, bleeding complications and patient outcome in 229 ECMO‐supported paediatric patients in our unit.ResultsWe found that more than 97.4% of patients had a platelet count <100 × 109/L at some point during their ECMO course. Platelets were transfused only on 28.5% of ECMO days; and 19.2% of patients never required a platelet transfusion. The median lowest platelet count in children who had bleeding events was 25 × 109/L as compared to 33 × 109/L in children who did not bleed (p < 0.001). Our patients received fewer platelet transfusions and did not require more red blood cell transfusions, nor did they experience more haemorrhagic complications.ConclusionWe have shown that a restrictive, ‘patient‐tailored’ rather than ‘goal‐directed’ platelet transfusion policy is feasible and safe, which can greatly reduce the use of platelet products. Although there was a difference in the lowest platelet counts in children who bled versus those who did not, the median counts were much lower than current recommendations.