bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social egg freezing and reproductive rights justification: A perspective from China
Authors: Wang Zhaochen , Fan Yuzhi , Shao Wenchen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDivergences and controversies are inevitable in the discussion of freedoms and rights, especially in the matter of reproduction. The Chinese first social egg freezing lawsuit raises the question: is the freedom to freeze eggs for social reasons justified because it is an instance of reproductive rights? This paper accepts social egg freezing as desirable reproductive freedom, but following Harel's approach and considering two theories of rights, the choice and interest theories of rights, we argue that social egg freezing is not a reproductive right because one cannot justify a right or an instance of rights via merely describing the function of those instances that have been justified as right, that is, the choice theory lacks justifying normativity. Since reserving fertility and a suspension from reproduction do not serve reproductive ends per se, the sufficient reason for demanding social egg freezing as a right should be found in other ends rather than in right‐to‐reproduce, that is, the interest theory denies the demand as a right‐to‐reproduce. Permitting it on any grounds without guaranteeing adequate and accessible resources, especially in light of cross‐border reproductive care, raises serious questions about reproductive equality and violates the idea of reproductive rights. Therefore, any ground for social egg freezing should be weighed against whether more pressing reproductive needs, specifically those that are justified as rights, have been met. It would be social progress to shoulder these burdens for the vulnerable and then allow social egg freezing—if right‐to‐reproduce were not the only privilege of the few.
Ginsenosides retard atherogenesis via remodelling host–microbiome metabolic homeostasis
Authors: Wang Yun , Wu Jiawei , Hong Yu , Zhu Jiaying , Zhang Youcai , Zhang Jun , Ding Chujie , Che Yuan , Wang Guangji , Jiang Aiqin , Hao Haiping , Cao Lijuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposePanax ginseng is widely applied in the adjuvant treatment of cardiometabolic diseases in clinical practice without clear mechanisms. This study aims to clearly define the efficacy and underlying mechanism of P. ginseng and its active components in protecting against atherosclerosis.Experimental ApproachThe anti‐atherogenic efficacy of total ginseng saponin extract (TGS) and its components was evaluated on Ldlr−/− mice. Gut microbial structure was analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing and PCR. Bile acid profiles were revealed using targeted metabolomics with LC–MS/MS analysis. The contribution of gut microbiota to atherosclerosis was assessed by co‐housing experiments.Key ResultsGinsenoside Rb1, representing protopanaxadiol (PPD)‐type saponins, increased intestinal Lactobacillus abundance, resulting in enhanced bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity to promote intestinal conjugated bile acid hydrolysis and excretion, followed by suppression of enterohepatic farnesoid X receptor (FXR)–fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) signal, and thereby increased cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1) transcriptional expression and facilitated metabolic elimination of cholesterol. Synergistically, protopanaxatriol (PPT)‐type saponins, represented by ginsenoside Rg1, protected against atherogenesis‐triggered gut leak and metabolic endotoxaemia. Ginsenoside Rg1 directly induced mucin production to nutritionally maintain Akkermansia muciniphila, which reciprocally inhibited gut permeation. Rb1/Rg1 combination, rather than a single compound, can largely mimic the holistic efficacy of TGS in protecting Ldlr−/− mice from atherogenesis.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur study provides strong evidence supporting TGS and ginsenoside Rb1/Rg1 combinations as effective therapies against atherogenesis, via targeting different signal nodes by different components and may provide some elucidation of the holistic mode of herbal medicines.
Nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds: A ray of hope in depression?
Authors: Choudhary Diksha , Kumar Bhupinder , Kaur Rajwinder 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDepression is not similar to daily mood fluctuations and temporary emotional responses to day‐to‐day activities. Depression is not a passing problem; it is an ongoing problem. It deals with different episodes consisting of several symptoms that last for at least 2 weeks. It can be seen for several weeks, months, or years. At its final stage, or can say, in its worst condition, it can lead to suicide. Antidepressants are used to inhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitters by some selective receptors, which increase the concentration of specific neurotransmitters around the nerves in the brain. Drugs that are currently being used for the management of various types of depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, atypical antidepressants, serotonin, noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, etc. In this review, we have outlined different symptoms, causes, and recent advancements in nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic drug candidates for the management of depression. This article highlights the various structural features along with the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of nitrogen‐containing heterocyclics that play a key role in binding at target sites for potential antidepressant action. Thein silicostudies were carried out to determine the binding interactions of the target ligands with the receptor site to determine the potential role of substitution patterns at core pharmacophoric features. This article will help medicinal chemists, biochemists, and other interested researchers in identifying the potential pharmacophores as lead compounds for further development of new potent antidepressants.
Survival time analysis of remaining teeth following replacement of unilateral free‐end missing teeth: A comparison between fixed implant‐supported prostheses and removable partial dentures
Authors: Tsujioka Yoshitaka , Mameno Tomoaki , Akema Suzuna , Hasegawa Daisuke , Okada Yoshie , Seto Eri , Gonda Tomoya , Yang Tsung‐Chieh , Wada Masahiro , Ikebe Kazunori 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis retrospective study aimed to investigate the differences in tooth loss rate between fixed implant‐supported prostheses (FISPs) and removable partial dentures (RPDs) in cases of unilateral free‐end missing teeth.Materials and MethodsThe data of 324 patients who underwent treatment with FISPs or RPDs for unilateral free‐end missing teeth and satisfied the applicable criteria, were evaluated (47 in the FISPs group and 277 in the RPDs group). After propensity score (PS) matching, which was used to extract patients with similar background factors related to prosthetic selection at baseline, survival time analyses were performed with tooth loss as the endpoint. The adjusted variables were age, sex, number of restored teeth, periodontal status, and the practicing dentist's experience in years. The remaining teeth were classified into subcategories in relation to the missing molars.ResultsOverall, 58 patients (29 in each group) selected by PS matching were evaluated in the final analysis. The total number of lost teeth was 35 (FISPs group: n = 10; RPDs group: n = 25). The mean (±SD) period to tooth loss and the 10‐year survival rates in the FISPs and RPDs groups were 51.6 (±30.1) months and 42.3 (±29.7) months, 70.5% and 16.4%, respectively. The log‐rank test showed that significantly longer survival time in FISPs compared with RPDs.ConclusionsAfter adjustments for confounding factors using PS matching, replacing unilateral free‐end missing teeth with FISPs may exhibit a lower tooth loss rate in adjacent and contralateral teeth compared to replacing with RPDs.
A critical size volumetric muscle loss model in mouse masseter with impaired mastication on nutrition
Authors: Zhao Ning , Huang Yixuan , Cheng Xu , Xie Li , Xiao Wenlin , Shi Bing , Li Jingtao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOrofacial muscle defect due to congenital anomalies, tumour ablation or traumatic accident that exceeds endogenous regeneration capacity may lead to sustained deficits in masticatory function and nutrition intake. Functional recovery has always been the goal of muscle tissue repair, but currently, there is no suitable model for quantitative analyses of either functional consequences or treatment efficacy of orofacial muscle defect. This study proposed a critical size volumetric muscle loss (VML) model in mouse masseter with impaired mastication on nutrition. Full‐thickness VML defects in diameter of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 mm were generated in the centre of the mouse masseter using a biopsy punch to determine the critical size for functional impairment. In the VML region, myogenesis was dampened but fibrogenesis was activated, as long with a reduction in the density of the neuromuscular junction and an increase in vascular density. Accordingly, persistent fibrosis was observed in the centre region of VML in all diameters. The 2.0 mm diameter was the critical threshold to masticatory function impairment after VML in the masseter. VML of 3.0 mm diameter led to a significant impact on nutrition intake and body weight gain. Autologous muscle graft effectively relieved the fibrosis and functional deficit after VML injury in the masseter. This model serves as a reliable tool in studying functional recovery strategies for orofacial muscle defects.
Intimate Extractions: Demand Dowry and Neoliberal Development in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Gardner Katy 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBased on qualitative research on marital problems in Dhaka, this article uses the term ‘intimate extractions’ as a lens to explain the relationship between escalating levels of demand dowry and neoliberal development in Bangladesh. Evidence from across Bangladesh shows that demands for cash made by husbands, accompanied by threats of violence or divorce, are on the rise. Building on gendered theories of contemporary capitalist development and feminist analysis of microcredit, the article argues that demand dowry should be understood within the current context of rapid economic development in Bangladesh. High levels of precarity, lack of state welfare and the need for cash for businesses, labour migration, education and healthcare mean that people from all social classes are in perpetual need of money. Marriage problems and the practice of demand dowry present opportunities for husbands to extract money from wives and their families. Embedded in the intimate relationship of marriage, demand dowry can therefore be understood as a ‘conversion’, a process in which intimate relationships are converted into projects of capital accumulation, thus becoming an ‘intimate extraction’.
Identification of keystone taxa in root canals and periapical lesions of post‐treatment endodontic infections: Next generation microbiome research
Authors: Arias‐Moliz Maria Teresa , Pérez‐Carrasco Virginia , Uroz‐Torres David , Santana Ramos Jose Domingo , García‐Salcedo Jose Antonio , Soriano Miguel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to analyse and compare the microbiome present in root canals and periapical lesions of teeth with post‐treatment infections, and to identify the presence of keystone taxa in both habitats using next‐generation sequencing analysis.MethodologyApices and periapical lesions of patients with post‐treatment apical periodontitis were surgically extracted. Specimens were cryo‐pulverized, bacterial DNA was extracted, and the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using the Illumina Miseq platform. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out with Mothur software, whilst diversity indices were obtained using operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The diversity indices were compared with the Kruskal–Wallis test, and community composition differences were explored with Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). A bacterial functional study was performed with the Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analysis. Co‐occurrence network analyses were performed using the Sparse Correlations for Compositional data (SparCC). Eigencentrality, clr‐based abundance and ubiquitousness were applied to infer keystone taxa. P values <.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThirty‐two apices and thirty‐nine periapical lesions were sequenced and analysed. A similar alpha‐diversity (p < .05) and community composition (p = .91) was observed for apices and lesion samples. The most abundant OTUs identified amongst all samples included Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella loescheii, Streptococcus intermedius, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Parvimonas micra, Synergistetes bacterium, Tannerella forsythia and Peptostreptococcus stomatis. The metabolic pathways with >0.81% abundances included membrane transport, genetic information processing and metabolic pathways. F. nucleatum was identified as a keystone taxon as it showed ubiquitousness, an eigenvector centrality value of 0.83 and a clr‐based abundance >4.ConclusionsThe microbiome in apices and periapical lesions of post‐treatment endodontic infections showed a similar diversity and taxonomic composition. Co‐occurrence network analyses at OTU level identified F. nucleatum as a keystone taxon candidate in these infections.
Connectedness between sustainable exchanged‐traded funds in the presence of the Ukrainian war: Does political risk matter?
Authors: Gabriel Vítor , Pinho Carlos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper analyses the connectivity between geopolitical risk (GPR) and several segments of exchanged‐traded funds, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in order to understand the implications of risk associated with wars, political tensions and terrorist acts in the dynamics generated by this type of asset. We studied the behaviour of assets representative of 6 SDGs and 2 GPR indices, over a period of approximately 14 and a half years, characterized by several market phases, with special emphasis on the pandemic crisis and the war in Ukraine. Resorting to dynamic analysis, based on several multivariate models, it was possible to identify spillover effects in phases corresponding to turbulence in financial markets, in particular in the downward movements of prices of sustainable assets, generated from the geopolitical threat index. The results obtained are relevant for understanding the effect of GPR on sustainable investment, being of interest to various market actors.
Behavioural activation for depressive symptoms in adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities: Modelling and initial feasibility study
Authors: Gillooly Amanda , Dagnan Dave , Hastings Richard , Hatton Chris , McMeekin Nicola , Baines Susie , Cooper S.‐A. , Crawford Lucy , Gillespie David , Miller Jenny , Jahoda Andrew 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlmost no research has been published reporting on evaluations of the effectiveness of psychological interventions for people with severe to profound intellectual disabilities and depression. This paper describes the development and initial feasibility testing of an adapted Behavioural Activation therapy (BeatIt2) for this population.MethodPhase 1 of the study examined participant recruitment and willingness to be randomised in the context of a planned Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). Phase 2 examined the feasibility of delivering the intervention.ResultsTwenty adults with a severe or profound intellectual disability and clinically significant depression were recruited to Phase 1 of the study. In Phase 2, there was 100% participant retention for those recruited to the study at 6‐month follow‐up. The BeatIt2 therapy was reported to be acceptable for participants.ConclusionCOVID disruption meant that it was not possible to complete the planned feasibility RCT. The positive findings suggest that additional evaluation of BeatIt2 is warranted.
Shades of support: An empirical assessment of D&I policy support in organizations
Authors: Jansen Wiebren S. , van der Toorn Jojanneke , Bokern Yonn N. A. , Ellemers Naomi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this research, we aim to develop a better understanding of the different ways in which employees can advance or resist the diversity and inclusion (D&I) policies implemented by their organization. To this end, we complement prior work by distinguishing between employees' attitudinal and behavioral opposition versus support for D&I policies. We combine these to distinguish different combinations of attitudinal and behavioral responses that characterize specific groups of employees, which we label opponents, bystanders, reluctants, and champions. In a large‐scale survey study conducted among employees from seven organizations located in the Netherlands (n = 2913), we find empirical support for the validity of this taxonomy and its value in understanding the likelihood that employees advance or resist D&I policies. Furthermore, we find more convergence between attitudinal and behavioral support when employees perceive a more positive climate for inclusion. Together, these results advance existing scholarly work by providing both a theoretical account of and empirical evidence for the different ways in which D&I policies may find support or resistance from employees. In addition, our work offer practitioners a practical tool to examine the likelihood that D&I policies meet support or opposition from their employees and therefore enables them to design and implement more effective D&I interventions.
Profiling amyloid‐β peptides as biomarkers for cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: van den Berg Emma , Kersten Iris , Brinkmalm Gunnar , Johansson Kjell , de Kort Anna M. , Klijn Catharina J. M. , Schreuder Floris H. B. M. , Gobom Johan , Stoops Erik , Portelius Erik , Gkanatsiou Eleni , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Kuiperij H. Bea , Verbeek Marcel M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBrain amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposits are key pathological hallmarks of both cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microvascular deposits in CAA mainly consist of the Aβ40 peptide, whereas Aβ42 is the predominant variant in parenchymal plaques in AD. The relevance in pathogenesis and diagnostic accuracy of various other Aβ isoforms in CAA remain understudied. We aimed to investigate the biomarker potential of various Aβ isoforms in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to differentiate CAA from AD pathology. We included 25 patients with probable CAA, 50 subjects with a CSF profile indicative of AD pathology (AD‐like), and 23 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. CSF levels of Aβ1‐34, Aβ1‐37, Aβ1‐38, Aβ1‐39, Aβ1‐40, and Aβ1‐42 were quantified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Lower CSF levels of all six Aβ peptides were observed in CAA patients compared with controls (p = 0.0005–0.03). Except for Aβ1‐42 (p = 1.0), all peptides were decreased in CAA compared with AD‐like subjects (p = 0.007–0.03). Besides Aβ1‐42, none of the Aβ peptides were decreased in AD‐like subjects compared with controls. All Aβ peptides combined differentiated CAA from AD‐like subjects better (area under the curve [AUC] 0.84) than individual peptide levels (AUC 0.51–0.75). Without Aβ1‐42 in the model (since decreased Aβ1‐42 served as AD‐like selection criterion), the AUC was 0.78 for distinguishing CAA from AD‐like subjects. CAA patients and AD‐like subjects showed distinct disease‐specific CSF Aβ profiles. Peptides shorter than Aβ1‐42 were decreased in CAA patients, but not AD‐like subjects, which could suggest different pathological mechanisms between vascular and parenchymal Aβ accumulation. This study supports the potential use of this panel of CSF Aβ peptides to indicate presence of CAA pathology with high accuracy.image
Rules without regulation and regulation without rules
Authors: Lorini Giuseppe , Moroni Stefano 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn everyday discourse, and also in the academic literature, the expressions “regulatory interventions” (i.e. interventions intended to regulate behaviours) and “normative interventions” (i.e. interventions which set norms/rules) are usually assumed to be synonymous. From this perspective, any regulatory intervention is also normative, and vice versa. This article investigates the relationship between regulation and rules/norms in order to verify whether the “regulatory” and the “normative” aspects are intrinsically and essentially connected, as is usually thought (on the assumption that there is no regulation without rules and no rules without regulation).
Automated echocardiographic left ventricular dimension assessment in dogs using artificial intelligence: Development and validation
Authors: Stowell Catherine C. , Kallassy Valeria , Lane Beth , Abbott Jonathan , Borgeat Kieran , Connolly David , Domenech Oriol , Dukes‐McEwan Joanna , Ferasin Luca , Del Palacio Josefa Fernández , Linney Chris , Matos Jose Novo , Spalla Ilaria , Summerfield Nuala , Vezzosi Tommaso , Howard James P. , Shun‐Shin Matthew J. , Francis Darrel P. , Fuentes Virginia Luis 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) could improve accuracy and reproducibility of echocardiographic measurements in dogs.HypothesisA neural network can be trained to measure echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) linear dimensions in dogs.AnimalsTraining dataset: 1398 frames from 461 canine echocardiograms from a single specialist center. Validation: 50 additional echocardiograms from the same center.MethodsTraining dataset: a right parasternal 4‐chamber long axis frame from each study, labeled by 1 of 18 echocardiographers, marking anterior and posterior points of the septum and free wall.Validation DatasetEnd‐diastolic and end‐systolic frames from 50 studies, annotated twice (blindly) by 13 experts, producing 26 measurements of each site from each frame. The neural network also made these measurements. We quantified its accuracy as the deviation from the expert consensus, using the individual‐expert deviation from consensus as context for acceptable variation. The deviation of the AI measurement away from the expert consensus was assessed on each individual frame and compared with the root‐mean‐square‐variation of the individual expert opinions away from that consensus.ResultsFor the septum in end‐diastole, individual expert opinions deviated by 0.12 cm from the consensus, while the AI deviated by 0.11 cm (P = .61). For LVD, the corresponding values were 0.20 cm for experts and 0.13 cm for AI (P = .65); for the free wall, experts 0.20 cm, AI 0.13 cm (P < .01). In end‐systole, there were no differences between individual expert and AI performances.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAn artificial intelligence network can be trained to adequately measure linear LV dimensions, with performance indistinguishable from that of experts.