bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma ESR1 mutations and outcome to first-line paclitaxel and bevacizumab in patients with advanced ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Bos M. K. , Lam S. W. , Motta G. , Helmijr J. C. A. , Beaufort C. M. , de Jonge E. , Martens J. W. M. , Boven E. , Jansen M. P. H. M. , Jager A. , Sleijfer S. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
ESR1 mutations have been identified as mechanism for endocrine resistance and are also associated with a decreased overall survival. We assessed ESR1 mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for impact on outcome to taxane-based chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer patients.

Methods
ESR1 mutations were determined in archived plasma samples from patients treated with paclitaxel and bevacizumab (AT arm, N = 91) in the randomized phase II ATX study. Samples collected at baseline (n = 51) and at cycle 2 (n = 13, C2) were analyzed using a breast cancer next-generation sequencing panel. This study was powered to detect a benefit in progression-free survival (PFS) at six months for patients treated with paclitaxel/bevacizumab compared to historical trials with fulvestrant. PFS, overall survival (OS), and ctDNA dynamics were exploratory analyses.

Results
PFS at six months was 86% (18/21) in patients with an ESR1 mutation detected and 85% (23/27) in wildtype ESR1 patients. In our exploratory analysis, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.2 months [95% CI, 7.6–8.8] for ESR1 mutant patients versus 8.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 8.3–9.2] for ESR1 wildtype patients [p = 0.47]. The median overall survival (OS) was 20.7 months [95% CI, 6.6–33.7] for ESR1 mutant patients versus 28.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 19.3–36.9] for ESR1 wildtype patients [p = 0.27]. Patients with ≥ two ESR1 mutations had a significantly worse OS, but not PFS, compared to those who did not [p = 0.003]. Change in ctDNA level at C2 was not different between ESR1 and other mutations.

Conclusions
Presence of ESR1 mutations in baseline ctDNA might not be associated with inferior PFS and OS in advanced breast cancer patients treated with paclitaxel/bevacizumab.
Inter-placental variability is not a major factor affecting the healing efficiency of amniotic membrane when used for treating chronic non-healing wounds
Authors: Horvath Vojtech , Svobodova Alzbeta , Cabral Joao Victor , Fiala Radovan , Burkert Jan , Stadler Petr , Lindner Jaroslav , Bednar Jan , Zemlickova Martina , Jirsova Katerina 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM) grafts in chronic wound healing, including the mean percentage of wound closure per one AM application, and to determine whether the healing efficiency differs between AM grafts obtained from different placentas. A retrospective study analyzing inter-placental differences in healing capacity and mean wound closure after the application of 96 AM grafts prepared from nine placentas. Only the placentas from which the AM grafts were applied to patients suffering from long-lasting non-healing wounds successfully healed by AM treatment were included. The data from the rapidly progressing wound-closure phase (p-phase) were analyzed. The mean efficiency for each placenta, expressed as an average of wound area reduction (%) seven days after the AM application (baseline, 100%), was calculated from at least 10 applications. No statistical difference between the nine placentas’ efficiency was found in the progressive phase of wound healing. The 7-day average wound reduction in particular placentas varied from 5.70 to 20.99% (median from 1.07 to 17.75) of the baseline. The mean percentage of wound surface reduction of all analyzed defects one week after the application of cryopreserved AM graft was 12.17 ± 20.12% (average ± SD). No significant difference in healing capacity was observed between the nine placentas. The data suggest that if there are intra- and inter-placental differences in AM sheets’ healing efficacy, they are overridden by the actual health status of the subject or even the status of its individual wounds.
The spatial variation and driving factors of soil total carbon and nitrogen in the Heihe River source region
Authors: Tong Shan , Cao Guangchao , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Jinhu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Soil carbon and nitrogen levels are key indicators of soil fertility and are used to assess ecological value and safeguard the environment. Previous studies have focused on the contributions of vegetation, topography, physical and chemical qualities, and meteorology to soil carbon and nitrogen change, but there has been little consideration of landscape and ecological environment types as potential driving forces. The study investigated the horizontal and vertical distribution and influencing factors of total carbon and total nitrogen in soil at 0–20 and 20–50 cm depths in the source region of the Heihe River. A total of 16 influencing factors related to soil, vegetation, landscape, and ecological environment were selected, and their individual and synergistic effects on the distributions of total carbon and total nitrogen in soil were assessed. The results show gradually decreasing average values of soil total carbon and total nitrogen from the surface layer to the bottom layer, with larger values in the southeast part of the sampling region and smaller values in the northwest. Larger values of soil total carbon and total nitrogen at sampling points are distributed in areas with higher clay and silt and lower soil bulk density, pH, and sand. For environmental factors, larger values of soil total carbon and total nitrogen are distributed in areas with higher annual rainfall, net primary productivity, vegetation index, and urban building index, and lower surface moisture, maximum patch index, boundary density, and bare soil index. Among soil factors, soil bulk density and silt are most closely associated with soil total carbon and total nitrogen. Among surface factors, vegetation index, soil erosion, and urban building index have the greatest influence on vertical distribution, and maximum patch index, surface moisture, and net primary productivity have the greatest influence on horizontal distribution. In conclusion, vegetation, landscape, and soil physical properties all have a significant impact on the distribution of soil carbon and nitrogen, suggesting better strategies to improve soil fertility.
EGF-receptor phosphorylation and downstream signaling are activated by genistein during subacute liver damage
Authors: Ayala-Calvillo Erick , Rodríguez-Fragoso Lourdes , Álvarez-Ayala Elizabeth , Leija-Salas Alfonso 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role on hepatic protection in acute and chronic liver injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of genistein on EGFR expression, phosphorylation and signaling pathways in experimental subacute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). We used male Wistar rats that were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Control; (2) Genistein 5 mg/kg per oral; (3) Subacute liver damage induced by CCl4 4 mg/kg subcutaneously; and (4) Animals received CCl4 and genistein at the dosage indicated. The effect of genistein on EGFR expression, phosphorylation and signaling pathways were investigated by western blot and densitometric analyses. Histological changes were evaluated on slices stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson´s trichromic, as well as an immunohistochemical analysis for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines and liver enzymes were quantified. Our study showed that genistein increased EGFR expression, EGFR-specific tyrosine residues phosphorylation (pY1068-EGFR and pY84-EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription phosphorylation (pSTAT5), protein kinase B phosphorylation (pAKT) and PCNA in animals with CCl4-induced subacute liver damage. It was found a significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum from animals with subacute liver damage treated with genistein. Those effects were reflected in an improvement in the architecture and liver function. In conclusion, genistein can induce a transactivation of EGFR leading to downstream cell signaling pathways as early events associated with regeneration and hepatoprotection following subacute liver damage.
Empowered to Stay Active: Psychological Empowerment, Retirement Timing, and Later Life Work
Authors: Drazic Ivana , Schermuly Carsten C. , Büsch Victoria 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMotivating older employees both to prolong their working lives and to stay active even after retirement has become increasingly important due to rising old-age dependency ratios. Later life work—including both paid work and volunteering—has thus become an important topic for scholars and practitioners. We aim to extend research on later life work by hypothesizing that psychological empowerment at work increases not only desired and actual retirement ages but also levels of later life work. Second, we test differential effects of psychological empowerment on later life work, expecting it to be more strongly related to paid work after retirement (i.e., bridge employment) than to volunteering. Third, we suggest that the relationship between psychological empowerment and bridge employment depends on the employees’ level of physical limitations. We used data from a longitudinal panel study in Germany in which structured telephone interviews were conducted. A sample of older individuals who had retired between two waves of measurement was drawn (time lag: three years; n = 210). The results of a path analysis support the postulated mediation. Furthermore, as expected, psychological empowerment more accurately predicted bridge employment than volunteering, and physical limitations moderated the relationship between psychological empowerment and bridge employment. Lastly, additional analyses on the individual empowerment facets revealed that only the competence facet played a significant role in the proposed hypotheses. Overall, our findings suggest that psychological empowerment may help to increase older employees’ motivation to delay retirement and to stay active even after retirement.
Antiviral and protective effect of small interfering RNAs against rift valley fever virus in vitro
Authors: Ahmed Engy. M. , Boseila Abeer. A. , Hanora Amro S. , Solyman Samar. M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is an arbovirus, a zoonotic disease that resurfaces as a potential hazard beyond geographic boundaries. Fever that can proceed to encephalitis, retinitis, hemorrhagic fever, and death is the main manifestation observed in human infections. RVFV has no authorized medication. The RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing pathway is extremely well conserved. By targeting specific genes, small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used to suppress viral replication. The aim of this study was to design specific siRNAs against RVFV and evaluate their prophylactic and antiviral effects on the Vero cells.

Methods and results
Various siRNAs were designed using different bioinformatics tools. Three unique candidates were tested against an Egyptian sheep cell culture-adapted strain BSL-2 that suppressed RVFV N mRNA expression. SiRNAs were transfected a day before RVFV infection (pre-transfection), and 1 h after the viral infection (post-transfection), and were evaluated to detect the silencing activity and gene expression decrease using real-time PCR and a TCID50 endpoint test. The degree of N protein expression was determined by western blot 48 h after viral infection. D2 which targets the (488–506 nucleotides), the middle region of RVFV N mRNA was the most effective siRNA at 30 nM concentration, it almost eliminates N mRNA expression when utilized as antiviral or preventive therapy. siRNAs had a stronger antiviral silencing impact when they were post-transfected into Vero cells.

Conclusion
Pre and post-transfection of siRNAs significantly reduced RVFV titer in cell lines, offering novel and potentially effective anti-RVFV epidemics and epizootics therapy.
Resveratrol as a circadian clock modulator: mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications
Authors: Spaleniak Weronika , Cuendet Muriel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn the past decades, resveratrol has gained increasing attention due to its versatile and beneficial properties. This natural polyphenol, commonly present in the human diet, has been shown to induce SIRT1 and to modulate the circadian rhythm at the cellular and organismal levels. The circadian clock is a system regulating behavior and function of the human body, thus playing a crucial role in health maintenance. It is primarily entrained by light-dark cycles; however, other factors such as feeding-fasting, oxygen and temperature cycles play a significant role in its regulation. Chronic circadian misalignment can lead to numerous pathologies, including metabolic disorders, age-related diseases or cancer. Therefore, the use of resveratrol may be a valuable preventive and/or therapeutic strategy for these pathologies. This review summarizes studies that evaluated the modulatory effect of resveratrol on circadian oscillators by focusing on the potential and limitations of resveratrol in biological clock-related disorders.
Assessing the ‘Why’ in Volunteering for Refugees: Exploring Volunteer Motivations
Authors: Meijeren Maikel , Lubbers Marcel , Scheepers Peer 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article addresses what motivations volunteers have for volunteering for refugees and whether these motivations differ from or complement motivations to volunteer in general, such as included in the widely used measurement instrument, the Volunteer Function Inventory (VFI). We organized eight focus groups with volunteers for refugees (N = 44) and interviewed five involved coordinators, all working in one city in the Netherlands. Results show that humanitarian concerns and social justice were highly relevant for people’s motivations, next to volunteering to obtain or improve knowledge and skills. We find support for the earlier suggested extension of the VFI with the social justice motivation. Next, the current study expands existing analysis on volunteer motivations by identifying four areas that require further attention: (1) volunteers for refugees seek a meaningful role in life; (2) are motivated by the pragmatism of this volunteer work; (3) have emotional reasons; and (4) are motivated by media exposure.
Differences in Multi-Dimensional Well-Being Among Factory Workers: Evidence from Six Countries
Authors: Bialowolski Piotr , Lee Matthew T. , Weziak-Bialowolska Dorota , Chen Ying , Cowden Richard G. , McNeely Eileen , VanderWeele Tyler J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper presents cross-cultural comparisons of well-being among factory workers, as measured by the six well-being domains of happiness and life satisfaction, physical and mental health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, close social relationships, and financial and material stability. Relative ranks of well-being domains across examined groups of workers are also compared. Results are based on survey data from factory workers in Cambodia, China, Mexico, Poland, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Average well-being scores are higher among factory workers in Mexico, China, and Cambodia than in the U.S., Poland, and Sri Lanka across all domains except financial and material stability. Close social relationships were the highest ranked domain in Cambodia and China but ranked much lower (5th) in the U.S. Meaning and purpose, as well as character and virtue were highly ranked across the board. Strong social relationships seem to thrive in contexts where financial insecurity is high.
Indigenous trans-systemics: changing the volume on systems
Authors: McIntyre Don G. , Cloutis Geneva A. , McCarthy Dan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper emerged as a result of Anishinabe and non-Indigenous scholars discussing the basic principles behind systems thinking. By asking the question “what is a system?”, we uncovered that our very understanding of what makes a system was vastly different. As scholars working in cross-cultural and inter-cultural environments, these differing worldviews can create systemic challenges in unpacking complex problems. Trans-systemics offers language to unearth these assumptions by the recognition that the dominant, or “loudest”, systems are not always the most appropriate or equitable. It goes beyond critical systems thinking to identify that tackling complex problems requires the recognition that there are multiple, overlapping systems and worldviews at play. We identified three key takeaways from Indigenous trans-systemics for socio-ecological systems thinkers: (1) trans-systemics is a call to humility, asking us to critically examine our patterns of thought and behavior; (2) by exploring humility, trans-systemics allows us to move past the autopoiesis of Eurocentric systems thinking to consider interdependence; and (3) to utilize Indigenous trans-systemics, we need to fundamentally reconsider how we understand the systems around us and bring in outside tools and concepts to enact meaningful systems change.
Metformine in de praktijk: Een onderzoek naar metformine en intolerantie in de huisartsenpraktijk
Authors: Natan Oscar W.F. , Bouter K. Paul 
Published: May 2023

SamenvattingDe afdeling Interne Geneeskunde van het Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis heeft begin 2022 een onderzoek gehouden onder kaderhuisartsen diabetes, huisartsen en praktijkondersteuners voor diabetes om een eerste, onderbouwd beeld te krijgen in welke mate de voorschriften en literatuur op het gebied van diabeteszorg enerzijds en de praktijk van alledag anderzijds overeenkomen. Daarnaast is gevraagd naar de bijwerkingen van metformine met directe afgifte (MGA) en hoe daarmee in de praktijk wordt omgegaan.Uit dit verkennend onderzoek komt naar voren dat het overgrote deel van de respondenten lifestyleaanpassingen combineert met de inzet van metformine met directe afgifte (MDA). Volgens de literatuur heeft 41,4% na de start met metformine last van bijwerkingen.1 De ervaring leert dat na enkele weken de bijwerkingen van metformine afnemen. Volgens een onderzoek van Blond et al blijken de bijwerkingen op den duur af te nemen tot 26,34%.2 Volgens de resultaten van deze studie geeft 29% van de ondervraagden aan bijwerkingen te zien oplopend tot 50%. Als bijwerkingen zich voordoen, wordt in het overgrote deel van de gevallen de dosering verlaagd of wordt andere glucoseverlagende medicatie ingezet. Maar ook het tijdelijk of helemaal stoppen met de behandeling met metformine komt dikwijls naar voren. Opvallend weinig wordt er overgestapt op metformine MGA, terwijl 63% van de respondenten wel aangeeft dat het aantal klachten in het gunstigste geval vermindert. Het is opvallend dat respondenten aangeven dat metformine MGA voordelen biedt ten behoeve van het voorkomen van bijwerkingen, omdat er in de literatuur verschillende uitkomsten te vinden zijn. Enkele onderzoeken zagen evenveel bijwerkingen tussen metformine MDA en MGA en enkele andere onderzoeken zagen minder bijwerkingen bij metformine MGA. Als we ermee rekening houden dat niet alle resultaten significant waren, blijkt er in de praktijk wel een trend te zien, waarbij metformine MGA een belangrijke rol kan spelen in het voorkomen van bijwerkingen. Of metformine MGA voordelen biedt bij het optitreren, het doen verminderen van bijwerkingen en/of leidt tot een hogere therapietrouw zal moeten blijken uit vervolgonderzoek. Hedendaags is het verschil in kosten tussen metformine MDA en MGA verwaarloosbaar en bij nieuwe positieve resultaten van metformine MGA zou een aanbeveling om te starten of te switchen naar metformine MGA in de richtlijnen gerechtvaardigd zijn.
The prevalence and outcomes of depression in older HIV-positive adults in Northern Tanzania: a longitudinal study
Authors: Dua Damneek , Stubbs Oliver , Urasa Sarah , Rogathe Jane , Duijinmaijer Ashanti , Howlett William , Dekker Marieke , Kisoli Aloyce , Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta B. , Gray William K. , Lewis Thomas , Walker Richard W. , Dotchin Catherine L. , Lwezuala Bingileki , Makupa Philip C. , Paddick Stella Maria 
Published: May 2023

AbstractStudies of depression and its outcomes in older people living with HIV (PLWH) are currently lacking in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in PLWH aged ≥ 50 years in Tanzania focussing on prevalence and 2-year outcomes of depression. PLWH aged ≥ 50 were systematically recruited from an outpatient clinic and assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Neurological and functional impairment was assessed at year 2 follow-up. At baseline, 253 PLWH were recruited (72.3% female, median age 57, 95.5% on cART). DSM-IV depression was highly prevalent (20.9%), whereas other DSM-IV psychiatric disorders were uncommon. At follow-up (n = 162), incident cases of DSM-IV depression decreased from14.2 to 11.1% (χ2: 2.48, p = 0.29); this decline was not significant. Baseline depression was associated with increased functional and neurological impairment. At follow-up, depression was associated with negative life events (p = 0.001), neurological impairment (p < 0.001), and increased functional impairment (p = 0.018), but not with HIV and sociodemographic factors. In this setting, depression appears highly prevalent and associated with poorer neurological and functional outcomes and negative life events. Depression may be a future intervention target.
The role of Aboriginal education officers in the context of settler colonial schooling: challenges and possibilities
Authors: Armour Danielle , Miller Jodie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractEducational policies indicate that the role of an Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) is to build on contextual understanding and provide culturally appropriate support to assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students’ learning. There is little research exploring the role of the AEO from the perspective of Aboriginal peoples. The stories of four AEOs from New South Wales, Australia, will be shared through a narrative case study. This article will focus on AEOs’ experiences when they were initially employed in their schools. Findings suggest that the lack of clarity within the state-wide AEO statement of duties impacted the schools’ delegation to the AEOs. This, in turn impacted on the AEOs’ initial experience in the role and the inclusion of tasks that AEOs felt were outside of their expectations. Policy states that more Aboriginal educators are required in education systems but there are continual hurdles that AEOs face that prevent them from successfully performing their duties.
Fairness perceptions of educational inequality: the effects of self-interest and neoliberal orientations
Authors: Lee Jung-Sook , Stacey Meghan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe Australian education system features considerable socioeconomic inequality and is a frequent source of controversy in Australian public life. Yet meaningful reform to this system has proven elusive. In this article, we examine the public’s fairness perceptions of educational inequality based on parental financial capacity, using an online survey of adults (N = 1,999) from New South Wales, Australia. We asked about the fairness of inequality in school resources and education quality, and used a scenario in which students from high-income and low-income families had achievement gaps due to differences in educational experiences. Respondents had diverse perceptions about the fairness of educational inequality, but most perceived the scenario as unfair or very unfair. The partial proportional odds models showed that self-interest and neoliberal orientations predicted people’s fairness perceptions of educational inequality. The findings of this study have implications for achieving meaningful reform of the Australian education system that is in line with public opinion.