bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of intravenous beta-blockers in acute atrial fibrillation and flutter is dependent on beta-1 selectivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Perrett Madeleine , Gohil Nisha , Tica Otilia , Bunting Karina V. , Kotecha Dipak 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Intravenous beta-blockers are commonly used to manage patients with acute atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFl), but the choice of specific agent is often not evidence-based.

Methods
A prospectively-registered systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials (PROSPERO: CRD42020204772) to compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous beta-blockers against alternative pharmacological agents.

Results
Twelve trials comparing beta-blockers with diltiazem, digoxin, verapamil, anti-arrhythmic drugs and placebo were included, with variable risk of bias and 1152 participants. With high heterogeneity (I2 = 87%; p < 0.001), there was no difference in the primary outcomes of heart rate reduction (standardised mean difference − 0.65 beats/minute compared to control, 95% CI − 1.63 to 0.32; p = 0.19) or the proportion that achieved target heart rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.85, 95% CI 0.36–1.97; p = 0.70). Conventional selective beta-1 blockers were inferior for target heart rate reduction versus control (RR 0.33, 0.17–0.64; p < 0.001), whereas super-selective beta-1 blockers were superior (RR 1.98, 1.54–2.54; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between beta-blockers and comparators for secondary outcomes of conversion to sinus rhythm (RR 1.15, 0.90–1.46; p = 0.28), hypotension (RR 1.85, 0.87–3.93; p = 0.11), bradycardia (RR 1.29, 0.25–6.82; p = 0.76) or adverse events leading to drug discontinuation (RR 1.03, 0.49–2.17; p = 0.93). The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were greater with non-selective beta-blockers (p = 0.031 and p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Across all intravenous beta-blockers, there was no difference with other medications for acute heart rate control in atrial fibrillation and flutter. Efficacy and safety may be improved by choosing beta-blockers with higher beta-1 selectivity.

Graphical abstract
Single-shot blind deconvolution in coherent diffraction imaging with coded aperture
Authors: Muneta Hideyuki , Horisaki Ryoichi , Nishizaki Yohei , Naruse Makoto , Tanida Jun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe present a method for single-shot blind deconvolution in coherent diffraction imaging. Coherent diffraction imaging is a technique for non-interferometric quantitative phase imaging without reference light. In our method based on coherent diffraction imaging, a complex amplitude object is illuminated with coherent light, and light from the object is captured through unknown aberrating media and a coded aperture located on the pupil plane to reduce estimated variables on the aberrated pupil function. Both the amplitude and the phase of the object are recovered from the single captured intensity image by a phase retrieval algorithm in which the coded aperture is utilized as a support to estimate the sparse aberrated pupil function. We numerically and experimentally demonstrate the proposed method with complex amplitude objects under severe aberrating conditions. In the experiment, we quantitatively evaluate its performance with ptychography, which is a method for multi-shot coherent diffraction imaging. Our method enables quantitative phase imaging through turbulence by using simple and reference-free optical hardware without any invasive process.
The Bisdioxopiperazine ICRF-193 Attenuates LPS-induced IL-1β Secretion by Macrophages
Authors: Brindle Ashleigh , Bainbridge Callum , Kumar Muganti R. , Todryk Stephen , Padget Kay 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInhibiting pathological secretion of Interleukin-1β has shown beneficial effects in disease models and in the clinic and thus there is interest in finding inhibitors that can reduce its release from macrophages in response to their activation by foreign pathogens. We used an in vitro human macrophage model to investigate whether ICRF-193, a Topoisomerase II inhibitor could modulate IL1B mRNA expression and IL-1β secretion. These macrophage-like cells readily secrete IL-1β in response to Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Upon exposure to a non-toxic dose of ICRF-193, IL-1β secretion was diminished by ~ 40%; however, level of transcription of IL1B was unaffected. We show that there was no Topoisomerase 2B (TOP2B) binding to several IL1B gene sites, which may explain why ICRF-193 does not alter IL1B mRNA levels. Hence, we show for the first time that ICRF-193 can reduce IL-1β secretion. Its low cost and the development of water-soluble prodrugs of ICRF-193 warrants its further investigation in the modulation of pathological secretion of this cytokine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. (165 words).
Erosion wear assessment of sugarcane fibre reinforced polymer composites for applications of wind turbine blades
Authors: El-Tayeb N.S.M. , Mohamed Tamer A. , Hussein Abdelwahab A. , Elthakaby Mahmoud 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis research reports erosion wear characteristics of polyester matrix composite reinforced with short fibres of sugar cane. Erosion tests were conducted using silica sand particles of size (200–500 µm) using a locally designed air jet-type erosion test rig. The sugarcane fibre-reinforced polyester composites (5% wt.) with different fibre lengths (3, 12, 48 mm) were impacted by sand particles at a fixed velocity of 60 m/s, impact angles (30°, 60°, 90°) and erodent weight of (2500,7500) gm. ANOVA approach was used to determine the most significant parameter and their combinations that minimize the erosion rate. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations were conducted to investigate the erosion mechanisms. Results indicated that the erosion rate is greatly influenced by fibre length as well as the erodent weight. Moreover, at an erodent weight of 2500gm, the behaviour of the material turns from brittle into ductile. At an erodent weight of 7500gm, the erosion rate is inversely proportional to the fibre length.
A co-design method for including stakeholder perspectives in nature-based flood risk management
Authors: Slinger Jill H. , Cunningham Scott C. , Kothuis Baukje L. M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntervention methods to establish commitment to (collaborative) action are of potential interest to researchers and policymakers intent upon including stakeholder perspectives in natural risk governance (Scolobig, Nat Hazards 81:27–43, 2016). In this paper, a 6-step co-design method for engaging with local people in collaboratively envisioning nature-based solutions for flood defence is described. The problem structuring base of the participatory method is extended to accommodate the multi-actor situation and the local context of flood risk management. The intervention method is applied in a workshop in the Houston–Galveston Bay area in October 2014. At that time there was strong contestation surrounding the proposed Ike Dike with alternative combinations of nature-based and smaller conventional engineering solutions being proposed. The results indicate that the local participants were able to envision a wide range of future outcomes for the bay and were able to use the insights on nature-based solutions and the social contacts that they acquired at the transdisciplinary workshop to mobilize commitment to joint action. This action focused on collaboration rather than specifying ecological or technical infrastructural requirements and was instrumental in initiating more open discourse on flood defence options for the Houston–Galveston Bay area. The paper concludes that the generic applicability of the co-design method is limited by the requirement to understand and accommodate local circumstances and participants’ insights within the workshop.
Indirect Inference and Small Sample Bias — Some Recent Results
Authors: Meenagh David , Minford Patrick , Xu Yongdeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMacroeconomic researchers use a variety of estimators to parameterise their models empirically. One such is FIML; another is indirect inference (II). One form of indirect inference is ‘informal’ whereby data features are ‘targeted’ by the model — i.e. parameters are chosen so that model-simulated features replicate the data features closely. Monte Carlo experiments show that in the small samples prevalent in macro data, both FIML informal II produce high bias, while formal II, in which the joint probability of the data- generated auxiliary model is maximised under the model simulated distribution, produces low bias. They also show that FII gets this low bias from its high power in rejecting misspecified models, which comes in turn from the fact that this distribution is restricted by the model-specified parameters, so sharply distinguishing it from rival misspecified models.
Distinct subsets of anti-pulmonary autoantibodies correlate with disease severity and survival in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Tóth Emese , Fagyas Miklós , Nagy Béla , Siket Ivetta Mányiné , Szőke Blanka , Mártha Lilla , Mahdi Mohamed , Erdősi Gábor , Pólik Zsófia , Kappelmayer János , Papp Zoltán , Borbély Attila , Szabó Tamás , Balla József , Balla György , Bácsi Attila , Szekanecz Zoltán , Bai Péter , Tóth Attila 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAutoantibodies targeting the lung tissue were identified in severe COVID-19 patients in this retrospective study. Fifty-three percent of 104 patients developed anti-pulmonary antibodies, the majority of which were IgM class, suggesting that they developed upon infection with SARS-CoV-2. Anti-pulmonary antibodies correlated with worse pulmonary function and a higher risk of multiorgan failure that was further aggravated if 3 or more autoantibody clones were simultaneously present (multi-producers). Multi-producer patients were older than the patients with less or no autoantibodies. One of the identified autoantibodies (targeting a pulmonary protein of ~ 50 kDa) associated with worse clinical outcomes, including mortality. In summary, severe COVID-19 is associated with the development of lung-specific autoantibodies, which may worsen the clinical outcome. Tissue proteome-wide tests, such as the ones applied here, can be used to detect autoimmunity in the post-COVID state to identify the cause of symptoms and to reveal a new target for treatment.
Impact of submarine karst sulfur springs on benthic foraminiferal assemblage in sediment of northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Ćosović Vlasta , Šanjek Rahela , Hadžić Eric , Rakarić Mihovil , Ištuk Željko , Šušmelj Kaja , Čermelj Branko , Žvab Rožič Petra 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This work highlights the sedimentary characteristics and the role of submarine sulfur-rich karstic springs in the distribution of benthic foraminifera in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea (Bay of Koper). Little is known about how local conditions such as temperature and sulfur bursts may influence sediment properties, benthic habitat variability, and composition of foraminiferal assemblages. Here we compare the distribution of total and living benthic assemblages in surface sediment samples collected from a funnel-shaped depression created by submarine sulfur springs.

Materials and methods
Sampling was performed at water depths between 24.6 and 32.2 m in fine-grained sandy silt to silty sand (partially washed). Sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses of the sediment were carried out and the distribution of benthic foraminifera living around the springs was studied.

Results and discussion
In general, sediment characteristics (i.e., mineralogical, geochemical, and organic content) around the sulfur springs do not show prominent deviations from the marine surface sediment of the area; however, some differences exist among depressions of different depths. Deeper depressions in the lower parts probably extend to older continental sediments of Late Pleistocene age with alluvial features, while shallower depressions were formed entirely in Holocene marine sediments typical of a wider area. Only one of the five samples (M05) contained living foraminifera in sufficient abundance for biocenosis research. The benthic foraminiferal assemblages of moderate diversity are composed of opportunistic species. Elphidium translucens, Ammonia ex gr. tepida, Haynesina depressula, and Porosononion granosum dominate, while A. neobeccarii, Reussella spinulosa, and Textularia bocki are subordinate.

Conclusions
The distribution and diversity of foraminifera in the sediment near sulfur springs can be explained by several factors and their interactions. The intensity of the spring discharge affects the mixing/oxygenation of the sediment, the shape of spring depressions, and the granulometry of the coarser sediment around the springs. Sediment characteristics indicate different types of sediment origin. This is related to and can be explained by the depth of spring depressions.
Adjusting to college—Do ability beliefs and confidence in getting support matter for performance and mental health?
Authors: von Keyserlingk Luise , Moeller Julia , Heckhausen Jutta , Eccles Jacquelynne S. , Arum Richard 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEntering college, students are required to adjust to a new academic and social environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social interactions with peers and faculty were limited to online settings and access to campus resources was restricted. Hence, students who entered college in fall 2020 began their freshman year under particularly challenging circumstances. We used data from two freshman cohorts, who started college either before or during the pandemic. We investigated to what extent mid-quarter academic and social adjustment (i.e., ability beliefs and confidence in getting support) predicted end-of-quarter performance, psychological distress, and satisfaction of freshman students. Results showed that students who started college during the pandemic were less confident they could get support by peers in the middle of their first quarter. Furthermore, students from the second cohort reported higher psychological distress and lower satisfaction with their adjustment at the end of their first quarter. Results showed that ability beliefs played an important role for end-of-quarter performance, whereas confidence in getting support was more relevant for psychological well-being outcomes in both cohorts.
Influence of Sintering Conditions on Anisotropy of Grain Boundary Networks and Microstructure Topology in Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Faryna Marek , Głowiński Krzysztof , Chulist Robert , Pędzich Zbigniew 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe paper presents original data of 3D EBSD orientation maps collected for 13 Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSG) samples, sintered at different temperatures for different times. The largest map contains 18,833 grains and 64,506 grain boundaries. These data allowed for the analysis of grain boundary networks, based on all 5 macroscopic parameters and some topological studies of microstructures. Grain boundaries having the (001) and (111) boundary planes are favored and disfavored respectfully in all YSZ samples. The anisotropy appears to be stronger if grains are larger. However, large grains themselves do not imply strong anisotropy. Symmetric boundaries are slightly more frequent in YSZ compared to random boundaries, but despite some premises, the evidence for over-representation of 180 deg-tilt boundaries is still too weak. Distributions of the number of faces per grain and mean number of faces per grain are similar to those reported for metals, and there is a close-to-linear correlation between the number of faces and grain size.
Graphical Abstract
Disposal-based scarcity: How overstock reduction methods influence consumer brand perceptions and evaluations
Authors: Nguyen Oanh Dinh Yen , Bucic Tania , Ngo Liem Viet , Oppewal Harmen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOverstock reduction methods offer important marketing signals that may affect consumer brand perceptions. In particular, some overstock reduction methods create disposal-based scarcity, that is, product scarcity resulting from reductions of unsold stock. Three experimental studies reveal distinct effects of incineration, which completely destroys the product, compared with methods that are less destructive, such as recycling, donating, or discounting through factory outlets. Achieving disposal scarcity through destruction ultimately damages consumer brand evaluations. In contrast, recycling, donating, and discounting methods, along with indicating a lack of brand overstock, can enhance brand evaluations. Communicating sold-out stock does not translate into such beneficial effects. These varied effects of different overstock reduction methods are mediated by perceptions of exclusivity, popularity, and wastefulness. Furthermore, the mediating effect of perceived wastefulness in the link between overstock reduction methods and brand evaluations is moderated by self–brand connection but not by perceived brand luxuriousness. This article thus integrates literature on scarcity, branding, wastefulness, and disposal behavior to identify a distinct type of scarcity and the conditions in which it has more positive or negative effects on brand perceptions and evaluations.
Infliximab Ameliorates Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Experimental Rat Model: Impact on Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Apoptotic and Autophagic Machineries
Authors: Wasfey Eman F. , Shaaban Marah , Essam Manalia , Ayman Youssef , Kamar Salma , Mohasseb Tasneem , Rozik Rana , Khaled Huda , Eladly Mohamed , Elissawi Mohammed , Bassem Ahmed , Elshora Shimaa Z. , Radwan Sara M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAccumulating data confirms that Methotrexate (MTX), a well-known immunosuppressive and anticancer drug, causes nephrotoxicity. Infliximab (INF), the inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), was proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it may have potential in preventing MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to inspect the prospective nephroprotective effect of INF on MTX-induced rat nephrotoxicity through investigating the possible molecular mechanisms, including its interference with different death routes, oxidative stress as well as mitochondrial biogenesis. Rats received an INF intraperitoneal single dose of 7 mg/kg 72 h prior to a single 20 mg/kg MTX injection. MTX nephrotoxicity was demonstrated by significantly increased serum levels of the renal indicators urea and creatinine as well as renal inflammatory markers TNF-α and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the renal oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), while renal antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly decreased compared to control. INF injection prior to MTX markedly reversed these MTX-induced effects. Besides, MTX impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, while INF attenuated this impairment, as indicated by increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). Finally, MTX triggered apoptotic and autophagic cascades in renal tissues as evidenced by reduced anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression as well as elevated expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and both key regulators of autophagy; beclin-1 and LC-3, whereas INF pretreatment counteracted these apoptotic and autophagic effects of MTX. Summarily, these results suggest that INF provides protection against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity which could be elucidated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic effects as well as upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis.
The NEDD8-activating enzyme E1 UBA3 orchestrates the immunosuppressive microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma via the NF-кB pathway
Authors: Lin Xiongzhi , Yang Shuhan , Zhou Caichuan , Ao Chengcheng , Sun Dongsheng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractImmunosuppressive cells play important roles in generating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and facilitating tumor immune escape. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their immunosuppressive effects remain unclear. UBA3, the sole catalytic subunit of the neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 (NEDD8)-activating enzyme E1, is highly expressed in various human malignancies, along with an activated neddylation pathway. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the UBA3-dependent neddylation pathway and the infiltration of several immunosuppressive cell populations in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We explored the regulatory mechanisms of UBA3 in LUAD cells by using mRNA sequencing and functional enrichment analyses. Correlations between neddylation and immune infiltrates were assessed by Western blotting, real-time PCR, and analyses of public databases. We found elevated levels of UBA3 expression in LUAD tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Blocking UBA3 and the neddylation pathway promoted the accumulation of the phosphorylated nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor (p-IκBα), inhibiting the gene expression of tumor cell-derived cytokines such as C–C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)1, CXCL2, colony-stimulating factor (CSF) 1, CSF2 interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1B. Moreover, the overexpression of UBA3 in LUAD cells was associated with the secretion of these cytokines, and the recruitment and infiltration of immunosuppressive cells including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), Th2 cells and T-regulatory cells (Tregs). This could facilitate the tumor immune escape and malignant progression of LUAD. Our findings provide new insights into the role of UBA3 in establishing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by modulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB) signaling and the neddylation pathway.
The Shank/ProSAP N-Terminal (SPN) Domain of Shank3 Regulates Targeting to Postsynaptic Sites and Postsynaptic Signaling
Authors: Woike Daniel , Tibbe Debora , Hassani Nia Fatemeh , Martens Victoria , Wang Emily , Barsukov Igor , Kreienkamp Hans-Jürgen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMembers of the Shank family of postsynaptic scaffold proteins (Shank1–3) link neurotransmitter receptors to the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines through establishing numerous interactions within the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses. Large Shank isoforms carry at their N-termini a highly conserved domain termed the Shank/ProSAP N-terminal (SPN) domain, followed by a set of Ankyrin repeats. Both domains are involved in an intramolecular interaction which is believed to regulate accessibility for additional interaction partners, such as Ras family G-proteins, αCaMKII, and cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we analyze the functional relevance of the SPN-Ank module; we show that binding of active Ras or Rap1a to the SPN domain can differentially regulate the localization of Shank3 in dendrites. In Shank1 and Shank3, the linker between the SPN and Ank domains binds to inactive αCaMKII. Due to this interaction, both Shank1 and Shank3 exert a negative effect on αCaMKII activity at postsynaptic sites in mice in vivo. The relevance of the SPN-Ank intramolecular interaction was further analyzed in primary cultured neurons; here, we observed that in the context of full-length Shank3, a closed conformation of the SPN-Ank tandem is necessary for proper clustering of Shank3 on the head of dendritic spines. Shank3 variants carrying Ank repeats which are not associated with the SPN domain lead to the atypical formation of postsynaptic clusters on dendritic shafts, at the expense of clusters in spine-like protrusions. Our data show that the SPN-Ank tandem motif contributes to the regulation of postsynaptic signaling and is also necessary for proper targeting of Shank3 to postsynaptic sites. Our data also suggest how missense variants found in autistic patients which alter SPN and Ank domains affect the synaptic function of Shank3.