bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between adverse pregnancy outcome and placental biomarkers in the first trimester: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sovio Ulla , Gaccioli Francesca , Cook Emma , Charnock‐Jones D. Stephen , Smith Gordon C. S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the inter‐relationships between five first‐trimester biomarkers (pregnancy associated plasma protein A [PAPP‐A], alpha‐fetoprotein [AFP], beta human chorionic gonadotrophin [beta‐hCG], placenta growth factor [PlGF] and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase receptor‐1 [sFlt‐1]) and a range of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).DesignProspective cohort study of nulliparous singleton pregnancy.SettingCambridge, UK.Population or Sample4056 pregnancy outcome prediction study participants.MethodsThe biomarker concentrations were measured in maternal serum at ~12 weeks of gestation. Univariable analysis of APOs was performed using logistic regression. Multivariable analysis used best subsets logistic regression with cross‐validation.Main outcome measuresPre‐eclampsia (PE), small for gestational age (SGA), including severe SGA (birthweight <3rd), fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth (PTB, both induced and spontaneous [iPTB and sPTB, respectively]), pre‐viable loss and stillbirth, plus combinations of outcomes.ResultsLower values of PAPP‐A, PlGF and sFlt‐1 and higher values of AFP were associated with FGR (OR for 1 SD higher value 0.59 [95% CI 0.48–0.74], OR 0.56 [95% CI 0.44–0.70], OR 0.68 [95% CI 0.54–0.87] and OR 1.53 [95% CI 1.25–1.88]), severe SGA (OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.49–0.72], OR 0.71 [95% CI 0.57–0.87], OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.60–0.91] and OR 1.41 [95% CI 1.17–1.71]), sPTB (OR  0.61 [95% CI 0.50–0.73], OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.66–0.96], OR 0.57 [95% CI 0.47–0.70] and OR 1.41 [95% CI 1.18–1.67]) and iPTB (OR  0.72 [95% CI 0.57–0.91], OR 0.62 [95% CI 0.49–0.78], OR 0.71 [95% CI 0.56–0.90] and OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.16–1.78]), respectively. When combinations of biomarkers were assessed, PAPP‐A and AFP were independently associated with severe SGA; PAPP‐A alone with PE + PTB; PlGF alone with severe PE; PlGF, beta‐hCG, AFP and PAPP‐A with the combination of PE and SGA; AFP and sFlt‐1 with sPTB; and AFP and PlGF with iPTB.ConclusionsCombinations of first‐trimester placental biomarkers are associated with APOs. However, the patterns vary for different types of APO, indicating heterogeneity in the underlying pathophysiological pathways.
Fight or flight: How access barriers and interest disruption affect the activities of interest organizations
Authors: JUNK WIEBKE MARIE , CREPAZ MICHELE , AIZENBERG ELLIS 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCentral theories of public policy imply that lobbying is demand‐driven, meaning highly responsive to the levels of access that political gatekeepers offer to interest organizations. Others stress drivers at the supply side, especially the severity of disturbances which affect an organization's constituency. We test these central arguments explaining lobbying activities in a comparative survey experiment conducted in 10 polities in Europe. Our treatments vary the severity of two types of external threats faced by interest organizations: (1) barriers that restrict their access to decision‐makers and (2) disturbances that compromise an organization's interests. We operationalize these threats at the demand and supply side of lobbying based on an (at that point) hypothetical second wave of COVID‐19. Our findings show that while severe access barriers trigger a flight response, whereby groups suspend their lobbying activities and divert to protest actions, higher disturbances mobilize groups into a fight mode, in which organizations spend more lobbying resources and intensify different outside lobbying activities. Our study serves novel causal evidence on the important dynamic relationship between policy disturbances, political access and lobbying strategies.
Acute health care utilization in the first 24 months postpartum by rurality and pregnancy complications: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ahrens Katherine A. , Palmsten Kristin , Grantham Charlie O. , Lipkind Heather S. , Ackerman‐Banks Christina M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the rate of acute health care use (hospitalizations and emergency department [ED] visits) among postpartum persons by rurality of residence and pregnancy complications.Data Sources and Study Setting2006–2021 data from the Maine Health Data Organization's All Payer Claims Data.Study DesignWe estimated the rates of hospitalizations and ED visits during the first 24 months postpartum, separately, overall and by four‐level rurality of residence (urban, large rural, small rural, and isolated rural) and by pregnancy complications (prenatal depression, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [HDP], and gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM]). We used Poisson regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. Data were weighted to account for censoring before 24 months postpartum.Data Extraction MethodsDeliveries during 2007–2019 (n = 122,412).Principal FindingsApproximately 4% of persons had at least one hospitalization within 24 months postpartum (mean monthly rate per 100 deliveries = 0.35). Adjusted rates were not different by rurality. Persons with prenatal depression (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–2.5), HDP (aRR = 1.4; 1.0–2.0), and GDM (aRR = 1.4; 0.9–2.0) had higher hospitalization rates than those without these conditions. Approximately 44% of persons had at least one ED visit within 24 months postpartum (mean monthly rate per 100 deliveries = 5.4). Adjusted ED rates were higher for persons living in small rural areas as compared with urban areas (aRR = 1.3; 1.2–1.4). Persons with prenatal depression (aRR = 1.8; 1.7–1.9), HDP (aRR = 1.1; 1.0–1.2), and GDM (aRR = 1.3; 1.2–1.4) had higher ED rates than those without these conditions; ED rates were highest among those living in small rural areas.ConclusionNew policies and care practices may be needed to prevent acute health care encounters in the first 24 months after delivery for persons with common pregnancy conditions. Efforts to identify why postpartum people living in small rural areas have higher rates of ED visits are warranted.
Cytoplasmic FKBPs are involved in molting and metamorphosis through regulating the nuclear localization of EcR
Authors: Zhang Xian , Wang Qiao‐Ran , Wu Qian , Gu Jun , Huang Li‐Hua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMolting and metamorphosis are important physiological processes in insects that are tightly controlled by ecdysone receptor (EcR) through the 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway. EcR is a steroid nuclear receptor (SR). Several FK506‐binding proteins (FKBPs) have been identified from the mammal SR complex, and are thought to be involved in the subcellular trafficking of SR. However, their roles in insects are poorly understood. To explore whether FKBPs are involved in insect molting or metamorphosis, we injected an FKBP inhibitor (FK506) into a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera litura, and found that molting was inhibited in 61.11% of the larvae, and that the time for larvae to pupate was significantly extended. A total of 10 FKBP genes were identified from the genome of S. litura and were clustered into 2 distinct groups, according to their subcellular localization, with FKBP13 and FKBP14 belonging to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) group and with the other members belonging to the cytoplasmic (Cy) group. All the CyFKBPs were significantly upregulated in the prepupal or pupal stages, with the opposite being observed for the ER group members. FK506 completely blocked the transfer of EcR to the nucleus under 20E induction, and significantly downregulated the transcriptional expression of many 20E signaling genes. A similar phenomenon was observed after RNA interference of 2 CyFKBPs (FKBP45 and FKBP12b), but not for FKBP13. Taken together, our data indicate that the cytoplasmic FKBPs, especially FKBP45 and FKBP12b, mediate the nuclear localization of EcR, thereby regulating the 20E signaling and ultimately affecting molting and metamorphosis in insects.
Why do young people start and continue with ethical hacking? A qualitative study on individual and social aspects in the lives of ethical hackers
Authors: Noordegraaf Judith E. , Weulen Kranenbarg Marleen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractResearch SummaryThis qualitative interview study examined individual and social aspects in the lives of 15 hackers who started with ethical hacking before the age of 18. We examined what motivated and stimulated them to start with ethical hacking and how and why they continued. Results show that individual aspects, such as an early interest in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), the motivation to make systems more secure, and thinking of reporting vulnerabilities as a moral duty, contribute to the initiation of ethical hacking. Social aspects, such as role models, mainly play a role in the further development of the ethical hacking career. For example, peers, parents, friends, and hacker communities have a motivating and stimulating effect on young ethical hackers. Similarly, positive reactions from public and private system owners can further stimulate the development and self‐image of ethical hackers.Policy ImplicationsIn contrast to criminal hackers, ethical hackers improve cybersecurity, for example, by reporting weaknesses or errors in computer systems. Nowadays, an increasing number of public and private organizations around the world are creating cybersecurity policies and practices around ethical hacking. The interest in hacking usually arises at an early age, making it important to gain knowledge about what stimulates and motivates young people to start and continue with ethical hacking, to inform these policies and practices. Our results show that recognition and reactions from system owners are important in the ethical hacking career. Our recommendations based on these results could stimulate more young people to take the ethical path. Simultaneously, this increases the security of public and private organizations, reducing opportunities for criminal hackers.
Comparative analysis of trophic niche using stable isotopes provides insight into resource use of giant pandas
Authors: LEI Wanxin , WEI Wei , PU Dan , QUBI Shibu , ZHOU Hong , HONG Mingsheng , TANG Junfeng , HAN Han 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTrophic niche is the result of the long‐term evolution of species and can reflect the pressures they experience in habitats. The whole‐genome sequencing of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) has indicated that populations distributed in Qinling (QIN) and non‐QIN probably diverged 300 ky ago. Although many studies regarding foraging strategy, habitat preference, and niche partition have been conducted on these populations, there is still a lack of precise quantification of trophic niches. Here, we calculated and compared isotopic trophic niche widths of giant pandas from Sichuan (SC) and QIN populations by measuring carbon and nitrogen isotopes of their hairs; combined with data from sympatric mammals, we explored the relative trophic positions of giant pandas in the ecosystem, respectively. The Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R (SIBER) model results showed the trophic niche width of QIN pandas was 3.44‰2, which was significantly bigger than those of the SC population (2.03‰2), with an overlapping about 1.45‰2; and they both occupied a unique position in the context, almost one trophic level lower than herbivores. Then, we determined the isotopic ratios of the main foods from the habitats of these pandas; the results suggested that the isotopic difference between bamboo shoots and other parts plus the various feeding selections of pandas on them accounted for pandas’ trophic niche widths. We considered the higher nutrition availability and digestible food resources giving QIN pandas a wider trophic niche than pandas from SC. This conclusion provides a new insight into the resource use and trophic ecology of giant pandas and is important to develop refined management plans for the two populations.
Ethylene production and antioxidant potential of five peach cultivars during maturation
Authors: Guizani Monia , Maatallah Samira , Dabbou Samia , Montevecchi Giuseppe , Antonelli Andrea , Serrano Maria , Hajlaoui Hichem , Kilani‐Jaziri Soumaya 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNumerous biochemical processes are involved in fruit maturation, such as ethylene production, phenolic compounds accumulation, and antioxidant enzymes production. Therefore, the aim of the present work was the evaluation of ethylene production, and the bioactive compounds change in the exocarp and mesocarp of five peach [Prunus persica (L.)] cultivars during three ripening stages, (1) early ripening (ER), (2) commercial maturation, and (3) full ripening (FR) in order to establish the best stage to harvest each peach variety. The experiment was applied to five peach cultivars growing within an arid bioclimatic environment covering the whole peach production season: two early cultivars, Flordastar and Early Maycrest; one variety of mid‐season Rubirich; and two late cultivars, Sweet Cap and O'Henry. Ethylene production, phenolic compounds, and oxidative stress through antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidases [PODs] Class III, and ascorbate‐POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production were determined in the exocarp and mesocarp of peach fruits. The results showed a significant increase in ethylene production during fruit ripening. However, a parallel decrease in the level of phenolic compounds as well as in antioxidant enzyme activities was observed. The FR stage was also characterized by an important accumulation of MDA and H2O2. In conclusion, important changes in fruit quality associated with the production level of ethylene were observed. Fruits harvested during the ER stage would be more suitable for delivering to distant markets and more appreciated by the peach industries due to their highest phenolic acid content, best antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowest oxidative stress indicator.
Dual cryoprotective and antioxidant effects of young apple polyphenols on myofibrillar protein degradation and gelation properties of bighead carp mince during frozen storage
Authors: Zhang Yihan , Yu Qinye , Liu Yueyue , Sun Xiaoyue , Li Qing , Fan Hongbing , Benjakul Soottawat , Tan Yuqing , Luo Yongkang , Hong Hui 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCommercial cryoprotectants can delay quality loss in frozen fish mince, but they are associated with a sweet taste and high calorie content. Young apple polyphenols (YAP), extracted from unripe apples, show potential as an alternative cryoprotectant. This study evaluated the cryoprotective effect of YAP at varying levels (0.3%, 0.7%, and 1%) in unwashed bighead carp mince. The changes in sulfhydryl content, carbonyl content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, intrinsic fluorescence intensity, and Fourier transform infrared spectrum indicated that YAP retarded oxidation and structural changes in myofibrillar proteins during the first 8 weeks of frozen storage, as well as lipid oxidation, which protected the structure of myofibrillar protein. At higher concentrations (0.7% and 1%), YAP maintained gel properties, gel springiness, and water‐holding capacity of the gel prepared from frozen fish mince, potentially through the promotion of cross‐linking of myofibrillar proteins. Overall, YAP can be used as a cryoprotectant and antioxidant in fish mince.Practical ApplicationOur research found that young apple polyphenols have the potential to be an alternative to commercial cryoprotectants. Young apple polyphenols may be used as a sugar‐free and healthy cryoprotectant for frozen fish mince production in the future.
Bioactive potential of ripened white cheeses manufactured in different geographical regions of Turkey
Authors: Keyf Pelin , Uğurlu Özlem , Erkin Özgür Cem , Aydemir Levent Yurdaer , Erbay Zafer 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the potential bioactive properties of white cheeses produced in different regions of Turkey, including their potential antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The cheese samples were analyzed both before and after in vitro digestion. The study found that all cheese samples exhibited significant angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition activity both before (45.5%–70.1% for 0.03 g cheese/mL) and after in vitro digestion (25.5%–63.5% for 0.0167 g cheese/mL), whereas α‐amylase inhibition activity was present in all samples (in the range of 5.1%–50.0% for 3.0 × 10−5 g cheese/mL) but disappeared after digestion, and α‐glucosidase inhibition activity was only detected after in vitro digestion (from 20.5% to 60.4% for 5.6 × 10−5 g cheese/mL), indicating potential antidiabetic properties. However, antimicrobial and anticancer activities were not observed in any of the samples. The results also suggest that the bioactivity potential of white cheese may vary depending on the region of production, as cheeses from the Marmara region exhibited high α‐glucosidase inhibition activity after digestion. In conclusion, while white cheese is a valuable addition to the diet due to its high nutritional value and potential health benefits. This study revealed the bioactive potential of ripened white cheese and in vivo investigations of the cheese components would better show their possible benefits.Practical ApplicationAlthough the bioactivity potentials varied among the ripened white cheese samples produced in different regions of Turkey, a consistent trend was observed in terms of their presence or absence. Our research revealed that all ripened cheese samples demonstrated significant potential antioxidant and antihypertensive activities, as well as potential antidiabetic properties. Moreover, it can be interpreted that ripened white cheese has the potential to reduce the digestion of carbohydrates when consumed with carbohydrate‐rich foods. Although the present results provide limited practical findings directly applicable to the industry, if the data and information obtained from this study are further explored and further studies delving into specific mechanisms of bioactive components could emerge.
The seed microbiomes of staple food crops
Authors: Sun Zhongke , Adeleke Bartholomew Saanu , Shi Yini , Li Chengwei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe scientific community increasingly recognized that seed microbiomes are important for plant growth and nutrition. The versatile roles and modulating properties that microbiomes hold in the context of seeds seem to be an inherited approach to avert adverse conditions. These discoveries attracted extensive interest, especially in staple food crops (SFCs) where grain was consumed as food. Along with the rapid expansion of population and industrialization that posed a severe challenge to the yield of SFCs, microbiologists and botanists began to explore and engineer seed microbiomes, for safer and more fruitful grain production. To utilize seed microbiomes, we present an overall review of the most updated scientific literature on three representative SFCs (wheat, rice and maize) using the 5W1H (Which, Where, What, Why, When and How) method that provides a comprehensive understanding of the issue. These include which factors determine the composition of seed microbiomes? Where do seed microbiomes come from? What are these seed microbes? Why do these microbes choose seeds as their destination and when do microbes settle down and become seed communists? In addition, how do seed microbiomes work and can be manipulated effectively? Therefore, answering the aforementioned questions regarding SFCs seed microbiomes remain fundamental in bridging endophytic research gaps and harnessing their ecological services.
Demogenomic inference from spatially and temporally heterogeneous samples
Authors: Marchi Nina , Kapopoulou Adamandia , Excoffier Laurent 
Published: October 2023

AbstractModern and ancient genomes are not necessarily drawn from homogeneous populations, as they may have been collected from different places and at different times. This heterogeneous sampling can be an issue for demographic inferences and results in biased demographic parameters and incorrect model choice if not properly considered. When explicitly accounted for, it can result in very complex models and high data dimensionality that are difficult to analyse. In this paper, we formally study the impact of such spatial and temporal sampling heterogeneity on demographic inference, and we introduce a way to circumvent this problem. To deal with structured samples without increasing the dimensionality of the site frequency spectrum (SFS), we introduce a new structured approach to the existing program fastsimcoal2. We assess the efficiency and relevance of this methodological update with simulated and modern human genomic data. We particularly focus on spatial and temporal heterogeneities to evidence the interest of this new SFS‐based approach, which can be especially useful when handling scattered and ancient DNA samples, as in conservation genetics or archaeogenetics.
Evaluation of pain levels treated by the distal end of the hook‐wire positioning needle: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Ge Yong , Pan Jiajian , Sun Teng , Feng Shoujie , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Hao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundSevere pain can be expected among adult patients undergoing hook‐wire CT‐guided localization of pulmonary nodules. We compared varying pain degrees between two different treatment techniques.MethodsData from 100 patients who underwent hook‐wire puncture localization under preoperative CT between May 2022 and October 2022 were prospectively reviewed. Using the random number table method, the patients were assigned to an observation and control group in a 1:1 ratio. In the observation group (n = 50), the external part of the hook‐wire positioning needle was cut off; in the control group (n = 50), the external portion of the needle was bent. Static pain scores were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) at 30 min, 1, and 2 h post localization for patients.ResultsNo significant differences were present between the two groups in terms of patient age, sex, nodule size, and nodule location. The observation group had lower VAS scores at 30 min (2.57 ± 1.38 vs. 3.51 ± 1.87 p = 0.005), 1 h (2.43 ± 1.14 vs. 3.33 ± 1.76 p = 0.003), and 2 h (2.41 ± 1.12 vs. 3.17 ± 1.74 p = 0.011) after localization. Moreover, the pain level did not gradually worsen in either group. Both groups had a 100% localization success rate. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.431) in the localized complication incidences between the two groups.ConclusionsWe found both approaches for handling the hook‐wire extending outside the chest to be safe and effective. However, cutting off the hook‐wire extending outside the chest is associated with lesser pain. Moreover, pain severity does not worsen with time after localization.