bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dapagliflozin improves erectile dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An open‐label, non‐randomized pilot study
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , Condorelli Rosita A. , Leanza Claudia , Garofalo Vincenzo , Aversa Antonio , Papa Giuseppe , Calogero Aldo E. , La Vignera Sandro 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe role of dapagliflozin on erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition widely affecting patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has not yet been studied.AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin alone or in combination with tadalafil on ED in patients with T2DM.MethodsThis was an open‐label, non‐randomized pilot study involving 30 Caucasian male patients with T2DM and severe ED. They were equally divided into three groups, assigned to treatment with tadalafil 5 mg/day (Group 1), tadalafil 5 mg/day plus dapagliflozin 10 mg/day (Group 2) and dapagliflozin 10 mg/day (Group 3) for 3 months. The presence and the severity of ED were evaluated at enrolment and after treatment, by the International Index of Erectile Function 5‐item (IIEF‐5) questionnaire and the dynamic penile echo colour Doppler ultrasound (PCDU) examination.ResultsAt the end of treatment, the three groups showed a significant improvement in IIEF‐5 score, by 294%, 375% and 197%, in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. PCDU evaluation showed a significant increase in peak systolic velocity by 178.9%, 339% and 153%; acceleration time was significantly shortened in Group 2 (−26.2%) and was significantly lower than in Group 1 and 3 (−7.2% and −6.6%), while no significant difference was found in end‐diastolic velocity after treatment. The greatest rates of improvement were observed in Group 2 for all the end points.ConclusionsDapagliflozin improves ED in patients with T2DM and enhances the efficacy of tadalafil. Further studies are needed to confirm our results explain the mechanism(s) by which dapagliflozin exerts its effects on ED.
A phytoplasma survey reveals the presence of ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma fragariae’ inUlmusspp. andAcer pseudoplatanusin Belgium
Authors: De Jonghe Kris , Goedefroit Thomas , Deeren Anne‐Marie , Fauche Frédéric , Steyer Stéphan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA Belgium‐wide survey to determine the presence of ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma ulmi’ elm trees was performed on nearly 600 elm trees. The randomly sampled elms were screened for the presence of phytoplasmas using a standard generic nested PCR method. In five symptomless elm trees, phytoplasmas were detected. Multiple gene sequence analysis (16S rRNA, tuf, rplV‐rpsC‐rplP), virtual RFLP of the 16S rRNA gene fragment and phylogenetic analysis showed that the phytoplasma strains detected in all five elm trees could be classified into the 16SrXII‐E subgroup (‘CandidatusPhytoplasma fragariae’‐related phytoplasma). In addition, a maple tree (Acer pseudoplatanus) located in close proximity to one of these elm trees was also determined to be infected with ‘Ca. P. fragariae’.UlmusandAcerare new host plant genera for this phytoplasma. Further studies are needed to elucidate the epidemiological impact of these findings.
Assessment of a virtual prosthetic case planning environment for dental education – A multicentric analysis
Authors: Liebermann A. , Bjelopavlovic M. , Rauch A. , Schlenz M. A. , Erdelt K. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the present study was the multicentric assessment of the virtual prosthetic case planning environment (VCPE), which relocates patient planning into the virtual space in dental education.Materials and MethodsThe VCPE is separated into two rooms: a virtual entry area where the user can choose between 10 different prosthetic case plans of ascending complexity, and a virtual patient case planning room. In spring term 2022, the use of virtual case planning was voluntarily assessed in four different German dental schools (DSs) from the perspective of both lecturers and students. The assessment was performed afterwards using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, exploratory data analysis, Fisher–Freeman–Halton test, and exact Fisher test. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach Alpha test (α < 0.05).ResultsA total of 59 lecturers and 63 students were included. There were 38.5% male, 60.7% female, and 0.8% diverse participants. The mean age of the lecturers was 36.2 ± 9.0 years and of the students 24.3 ± 3.0 years. The VCPE was assessed as good, yet the evaluations between either the DSs or between the lecturers and students were significantly different.ConclusionsEven though for some assessment criteria significantly different results between the four DS were observed, the majority of participants evaluated the VCPE positively and recommended them for teaching. The virtual reality as a teaching method for teaching prosthetic case planning for the further preparation of the students for the later professional life can be considered as helpful.
Antiphospholipid syndrome in cardiovascular disease and cancer
Authors: Pessach Ilias , Kyriakou Elias , Kalampokas Emmanouil , Kalampokas Theodoros , Bitsani Aikaterini , Kotsianidis Ioannis 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAntiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder which is characterized by the presence of heterogeneous antiphospholipid antibodies. There is an evidence on antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies related to thromboembolic events in cancer patients. In fact, the thrombotic complications in patients with malignancy occur at a rather high frequency, compared to other risk factors. In parallel with standard therapies available, there is need of case‐by‐case monitoring of each patient and the introduction of new therapies and need for more clinical trials which will address many questions for the optimal management of patients. This paper presents a basic review of the literature on the aPL antibodies associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as its complications, which are reported so far in the bibliography.
Morphological and histological investigation of the conduction system in the equine atrial muscle sleeve of pulmonary veins
Authors: Kovacs Szilvia , Racz Bence , Sotonyi Peter , Bakos Zoltan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in horses causing poor performance. The role of pulmonary vein triggers in the pathogenesis has been identified in horses. Ablation methods have been investigated, but the available information on anatomical, histological and immunohistochemical assessment of the pulmonary vein ostia and the conduction system of the myocardial sleeve is still limited.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to describe the morphological properties of the myocardial sleeve in healthy horses.Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsEighty‐three equine hearts were dissected. The number and diameters of pulmonary vein ostia were determined, and anatomical localisation was described. Fifty‐eight tissue samples were collected for routine histology and 12 of these were used for immunohistochemistry (connexin 43, 45, S100, and tyrosine hydroxylase antibodies).ResultsThe mean number of pulmonary vein ostia was 4.5 (4 veins: 46 horse, 5 veins: 31 horses, 6 veins: 6 horses). Diameters (mean ± SD) of the main ostia were as follows: vein I: 20.2 ± 7.0 mm, vein II: 32.7 ± 7.1 mm, vein III: 33.4 ± 5.9 mm, vein IV: 18.1 ± 4.5 mm. Diameters of supernumerary vein ostia varied between 3.0 and 28.0 mm (11.5 ± 5.5 mm). Early branching was found in 26 horses (31.3%) and 30 veins (vein I: 14, vein II: 9, vein III: 5, vein IV: 2). Histology confirmed the presence of a muscle sleeve composed of myocardial tissue in each pulmonary vein. S100 and TH positivity was detected in each vein, and it confirmed the presence of adrenergic and non‐adrenergic nerve fibres within the myocardial sleeve. Cx43 and 45 positivity were also found in each vein indicating the presence of gap junctions.Main limitationsThe effect of bodyweight on pulmonary vein dimensions is unknown.ConclusionsFuture ablation techniques should consider that conductive tissue is present in the entire myocardial sleeve in all pulmonary vein ostia.
Female genital mutilation/cutting as a ground for asylum in France
Authors: Sonobe Yuko 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study examines how France's national asylum legislation has changed politically and ideologically from following a gender‐blind policy to recognizing gender‐based violence as a ground for asylum. Among European countries, France receives the largest number of female asylum seekers (FAS) from sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries, where female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is practiced. Although France was one of the first countries to recognize FGM/C as a reason for granting asylum, it was reluctant to accept FAS as a “particular social group (PSG).” This article analyzes the increase in asylum claims based on FGM/C in the 2000s and examines the political discourses on changing asylum legislation up to the 2010s. Data from official reports of government organizations were examined to investigate the decisions on asylum applications involving FGM/C. France changed its policies in the 2000s to include gender equality in its republican identity due to ultra‐right party and social campaigns criticizing male members of minority groups for violence and discrimination against women. The then conservative government exploited these circumstances and enacted restrictive immigration laws that addressed FGM/C grievances partially; the succeeding socialist government recognized FGM/C as a ground for asylum. This study concludes by arguing that the 2011 European directive was a turning point for French asylum legislation to include gender‐sensitive interpretation of the grounds under the Convention on the Status of Refugees, in line with European policy. However, the status of SSA women and girls remains uncertain while they are subjected to medical examination and the application range of PSG could be reconsidered.
Effects of a self‐determination theory‐based physical activity programme for postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yun Hye‐Won , Kim Chun‐Ja , Ahn Jeong‐Ah , Schlenk Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsThe study aimed to develop and evaluate the effects of a self‐determination theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme for postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsBetween December 2019 and April 2020, this randomized controlled trial recruited 62 postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis from a university‐affiliated hospital in South Korea. The intervention group participated in a self‐determination theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme that consisted of Tai Chi‐based physical activity, a supportive psychosocial strategy, and interactive counselling for 16 weeks, and the control group continued to undergo their usual care.ResultsThere were statistically significant group‐by‐time interactions in physical activity and perceived sarcopenia, which favoured the intervention group. Additionally, the intervention group showed significant improvements in the perceived therapeutic efficacy of physical activity, grip strength, walking speed, disease activity score, and health‐related quality of life.ConclusionsThe programme developed in this study can be an effective and feasible approach for postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis in improving physical activity, selected osteosarcopenic outcomes, and health‐related quality of life. Further research is required to investigate the long‐term effects of this theory‐based programme for postmenopausal women in diverse settings.
Quality of life and self‐esteem in women living with urinary incontinence in Turkey
Authors: Türk Fatma Hilal Kaya , Koçak Hatice Serap 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study was conducted to determine the quality of life and self‐esteem levels of women with urinary incontinence (UI). A total of 180 women participated in this cross‐sectional study. This study was conducted in two stages. First, the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire‐UI short form (ICIQ‐SF) was implemented, and then other measures were applied to the women who scored 8 or more as the most appropriate cut‐off point for ‘irritating’ UI. More specifically, a personal information form, the Rosenberg self‐esteem scale (RBSS), the urogenital distress inventory‐6 (UDI‐6), and the incontinence impact questionnaire‐7 (IIQ‐7) were applied. It was observed that the mean self‐esteem score of women with UI was generally sufficient. In line with the data obtained, it was observed that as the UI levels of women increased, their quality of life decreased. Similarly, a decrease was observed in the self‐esteem levels of women whose quality of life decreased. As a woman's UI worsens, levels of urogenital distress increase and quality of life decreases, which leads to decreased self‐esteem. Urinary incontinence is often kept secret, ignored, considered private, and seen as an unavoidable consequence of ageing.
Ame‐miR‐980‐3p participates in autophagy‐mediated midgut remodelling in Apis mellifera via targeting Atg2B
Authors: Chen Wen‐Feng , Chi Xue‐Peng , Song Hong‐Yu , Wang Hong‐Fang , Wang Ying , Liu Zhen‐Guo , Xu Bao‐Hua 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAutophagy is a process that serves to degrade damaged proteins and organelles, thereby promoting cell homeostasis, differentiation, development and survival. Many miRNAs have been found to have regulatory roles in autophagy. In insects, it has been shown that autophagy is involved in hormone‐regulated programmed cell death during metamorphic midgut remodelling. However, whether this is also true during the remodelling of the honey bee midgut is unclear. In the present study, we explored the relationship between autophagy and midgut remodelling and sought to identify miRNAs involved in this physiological process. We found that autophagy occurred during midgut remodelling and that the inhibition of autophagy resulted in midgut dysplasia in prepupae. Differentially expressed miRNAs enriched in the autophagy signalling pathway during midgut remodelling were identified by small RNA‐seq. Ame‐miR‐980‐3p, which targets the autophagy‐related gene Atg2B, was screened out. Furthermore, abnormal expression of ame‐miR‐980‐3p in the pupal stage led to the thinning of the midgut wall of newly emerged bees (NE). When ame‐miR‐980‐3p expression was inhibited, the intestinal villi of NE bees became significantly shorter and sparse, and the lipid signal in the peritrophic matrix of Pb almost disappeared, indicating that the adult midgut was underdeveloped and the lipid absorption ability was weakened. Taken together, ame‐miR‐980‐3p targeted Atg2B to participate in the regulation of midgut autophagy in the pupae, and the abnormal expression of ame‐miR‐980‐3p would interfere with cell proliferation and death in the process of midgut remodelling, hinder the formation of adult midgut and eventually lead to adult midgut dysplasia and affect the lipid absorption function of the midgut in Apis mellifera.
Simultaneous control of mechanical strength and hierarchical structure in freeze‐casted porous alumina by two‐step sintering
Authors: Jeon Sang‐Chae , Woo Jong‐Won , Kim Sung‐Hyun , Ha Jang‐Hoon , Yang Dong‐Yeol , Moon Kyoung‐Seok , Wu Haoyue , Yang Jae‐Hwan , Kim Dong‐Kyu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo increase mechanical strength of porous ceramics, here, an effective two‐step sintering (TSS) technique capable of producing highly porous alumina with enhanced mechanical strength is suggested. Based on the sintering theories, here, a significantly lower activation energy for densification at low temperature region allowed a beneficial temperature range for the TSS to be deduced. With a specific TSS regime (T1 = 1550°C and T2 = 1400°C), significantly higher compressive strength levels (8.00–15.24 MPa) were measured with an apparent porosity of 56.49% compared to conventional sintering (1.03–1.86 MPa) with similar apparent porosity of 57.84%. Specifically, another TSS regime (T1 = 1550°C and T2 = 1380°C) left submicron‐sized open pores within the lamellar walls, providing a hierarchical porous structure with enhanced mechanical strength. An evaluation of the mechanical stability by a finite element analysis indicated outstanding compressive strength even with small pores in the lamella walls.
The role of telomerase in hair growth and relevant disorders: A review
Authors: Wang Chaofan , Bi Lingbo , Du Yimei , Lu Changpei , Zhao Min , Lin Xuewen , Ding Yunbu , Fan Weixin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundHair diseases may present with hair loss, hirsutism, hair melanin abnormalities and other manifestations. Hair follicles are known as mini‐organs that undergo periodic remodeling, and their constant regeneration in vivo reflects interesting anti‐aging functions. Telomerase prevents cellular senescence by maintaining telomere length, but its excessive proliferation in cancer cells may also induce cancer. However, the effects of telomerase in hair growth have rarely been reported.MethodsIn this study, we reviewed the role of telomerase in hair growth and the effects of hair disorders through literature search and analysis.ResultsThere is growing evidence that telomerase plays an important role in maintaining hair follicle function and proliferation. Changes in telomerase levels in hair follicles have also been found in a variety of hair disorders.ConclusionTelomerase plays a positive role in hair growth and is expected to become a new target for the treatment of alopecia or other hair diseases in the future.
What are the roles of eHealth literacy and empowerment in self‐management in an eHealth care context? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shiu Lian‐Shin , Liu Chieh‐Yu , Lin Cheng‐Jui , Chen Yu‐Chi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsTo examine the relationship among eHealth literacy, empowerment and self‐management and the mediating effects of empowerment in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients in the eHealthcare context.BackgroundSelf‐management is an essential aspect of healthcare in delaying disease progression for DKD. In the eHealthcare era, health services providing self‐management are transforming. The ability and confidence of patients to use eHealth services is a critical issue that impacts the effectiveness of self‐management, but little is known about the role of eHealth literacy and empowerment in self‐management.DesignA cross‐sectional study guided by the STROBE.MethodsOverall, 127 Taiwanese patients were enrolled using convenience sampling. Data collection used structured questionnaires and chart reviews. Multiple regression was used to infer self‐management predictors, and SPSS PROCESS macro and bootstrapping verified the mediating effects.ResultsEmpowerment and eHealth literacy both showed significant positive correlations with self‐management. Empowerment was the main predictor of self‐management and had a complete mediating effect between eHealth literacy and self‐management.ConclusionIncreasing patients' eHealth literacy can improve empowerment and prevent health inequality issues. Healthcare providers should consider improving patients' eHealth literacy to enhance their self‐management.Relevance to Clinical PracticeHealthcare service systems need to create user‐friendly eHealthcare environments, and healthcare professionals can provide multifaceted instructions that fit patients' eHealth literacy levels to enhance their motivation and confidence in disease care, thus cultivating positive self‐management behaviours.ImpactThe popularity of eHealthcare services aimed at promoting self‐management behaviours is increasing. However, the level of eHealth literacy is an essential factor that affects the effectiveness of self‐management in the healthcare environment. In addition, empowerment is a major critical influence factor of self‐management and a completely mediating variable between self‐management and eHealth literacy. Consequently, healthcare providers should consider promoting patients' eHealth literacy to empower people using eHealthcare services for implementing self‐management.Reporting MethodThe Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in cross‐sectional studies (STROBE) checklist was used to ensure comprehensive reporting.Patient or Public ContributionPatients were diagnosed with DKD in the study hospital. Physicians and case managers transferred patients to research assistants who screened them for the inclusion criteria and invited them to participate in this study if they met the requirements. After participants signed informed consent, the research nurse encouraged participants to respond to the research questionnaire face to face.
Understanding quality of life of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Nieuwenhuijse A. M. , Willems D. L. , Kruithof K. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we discuss the applicability of the consensus document, prepared by the Special Interest Research Group on quality of life (QoL) of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities in August 2000, for persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple disabilities (PIMD). We compare our findings from previous empirical research with some elements of the themes and principles of the consensus document. We will reflect (1) on the domains of QoL mentioned in the consensus document, and (2) on the assessment by proxies. We recommend reflection on the following aspects when composing a new consensus document, which includes QoL of persons with PIMD: first, reconsider whether all eight domains are useful in care practice for—and research about—persons with PIMD. We assert that the domains of health, well‐being, capability to influence the environment, and also (family) relationships, are particularly relevant for the QoL of persons with PIMD and, second, accept interpretation of signals and signs by proxies in the assessment of QoL in persons with PIMD and do not value this as second best.