bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell‐type‐specific determination of reactive oxygen species by flow cytometry
Authors: Hajnal Agnes , Bogdandi Noemi , Marokházi Judit , Guba Dorina , Mikus Endre G. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundSeminal leukocyte‐generated reactive oxygen species may have a significant impact on sperm intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, therefore contributing to oxidative damage and consequent functional impairment of spermatozoa. This relationship may be utilized for male urogenital inflammation‐driven oxidative stress diagnostics.ObjectiveTo obtain seminal cell‐specific, reactive oxygen species‐related fluorescence intensity cut‐off values to differentiate leukocytospermic samples displaying reactive oxygen species overproduction (oxidative burst) from normozoospermic seminal samples.Material and methodsEjaculates gained by masturbation were obtained from patients in the framework of andrology consultations. The results published in this paper were generated from samples for which the attending physician requested spermatograms and seminal reactive oxygen species laboratory tests. Routine seminal analyses were performed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Samples were divided into normozoospermic “non‐inflamed,” and leukocytospermic groups. The semen was stained by 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and the reactive oxygen species‐related fluorescence signal and the percentage of reactive oxygen species‐positive spermatozoa within the living population were quantified by flow cytometry.ResultsReactive oxygen species‐related mean fluorescence intensity was higher in both spermatozoa and leukocytes from leukocytospermic samples than in those from normozoospermic samples. Mean fluorescence intensity in spermatozoa was positively and linearly correlated with mean fluorescence intensity measured in leukocytes in both groups.DiscussionThe capacity of spermatozoa to generate reactive oxygen species is at least three log lower than that of granulocytes. The question is whether the reactive oxygen species‐producing machinery of spermatozoa is capable of causing autologous oxidative stress or whether leukocytes are the predominant source of seminal oxidative stress. Based on our observations, the reactive oxygen species production of leukocytes may have a significant impact on the overall reactive oxygen species levels measured in spermatozoa.ConclusionReactive oxygen species‐overproducing leukocytospermic and normozoospermic seminal samples can reliably be differentiated based on reactive oxygen species mean fluorescence intensity measurement.
Does religious atmosphere promote corporate green innovation performance? Evidence from China
Authors: She Maoyan , Hu Die , Wang Zhiwei , Zhao Xuan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGreen innovation has been attracting much attention from academia and practice, but the influence of religion as an important informal institutional factor has not been fully investigated in existing studies. Taking Chinese listed companies from 2008 to 2019 as a sample, this study attempts to examine the relationship between religious atmosphere and corporate green innovation performance. The empirical results indicate that a religious atmosphere (Buddhism and Taoism as a whole) can significantly improve corporate green innovation performance, particularly high‐quality green innovation. The positive association between religion and green innovation performance is attenuated by pervasive formal institutions (i.e., environmental regulation), indicating that there is a substitutive effect between religion and formal institutions. We also find that Taoism mainly supports these results, while Buddhism has a limited impact, showing that there is a heterogeneous effect between different religions. We further find that the positive impact of religious atmosphere on green innovation performance is more pronounced in low‐governance enterprises and low‐polluting industries. This study contributes to research on the antecedents of corporate green innovation and the consequence of religion, which is of great significance to the value of religion in business practice.
Left atrial dyssynchrony in veteran endurance athletes with and without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sørensen Eivind , Myrstad Marius , Solberg Magnar Gangås , Øie Erik , Platonov Pyotr G. , Carlson Jonas , Tveit Arnljot , Aarønæs Marit 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundProlonged endurance exercise increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in men. Functional parameters may help separate physiological from pathological atrial remodeling in athletes. LA mechanical dispersion (LA MD) is associated with AF in the general population, but the associations between prolonged exercise, LA MD and AF are not known.PurposeTo describe LA MD in veteran athletes with and without paroxysmal AF (pAF) and to investigate LA MD's ability to identify veteran athletes with pAF.MethodsTwo hundred and ninety‐three men, skiers with (n = 57) and without (n = 87) pAF, and controls with (n = 61) and without pAF (n = 88) underwent an echocardiographic exam in sinus rhythm. LA reservoir strain (LASr) was measured, and LA MD defined as the standard deviation of time‐to‐peak strain (SD‐TPS).ResultsSkiers (mean age 70.7 ± 6.7 years) reported an average of 40–50 years of endurance exercise. LA volumes were associated with pAF and athletic status (p < .001). SD‐TPS was associated with pAF (p < .001) but not athletic status (p = .173). We found no significant trend between years of exercise and SD‐TPS in individuals without AF (p = .893). SD‐TPS did not add incremental value in identifying athletes with pAF in addition to clinical markers, QRS width, LA volume, and LASr (p = .056).ConclusionLA MD was associated with pAF regardless of athletic status but not related to years of endurance exercise, suggesting LA MD could be a promising marker of pathological atrial remodeling in athletes. However, we found no incremental value of LA MD identifying athletes with pAF when LASr was included in the model.
Excessive salt intake reduces bone density in the general female population
Authors: Takase Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Yuki , Fujita Tomotada , Ohishi Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundOsteoporosis is a multifactorial disorder in which nutrition is associated with its onset and progression. Excessive salt intake is closely associated with the onset and progression of various diseases, such as osteoporosis and hypertension. We investigated the effects of dietary salt intake on bone density in the general female population.MethodsIn 884 female participants (60.1 ± 10.1 years old) who visited our hospital for an annual physical checkup, salt intake (g/day) was assessed using a spot urine sample, and bone density was evaluated as a speed of sound (m/s) of ultrasonic pulses in a calcaneus by quantitative ultrasound. We investigated the relationship between bone density and salt intake and the differences in bone density or salt intake between the presence and absence of lifestyle‐related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia.ResultsThe average bone density and salt intake were 1497 ± 26 m/s and 8.5 ± 1.8 g/day, respectively. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses revealed that bone density was significantly negatively associated with salt intake. Bone density was lower, and salt intake was higher in participants with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia than in those without. After adjusting for age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia, bone density was negatively correlated with salt intake.ConclusionsWe confirmed that excessive salt intake reduces bone density independently of age and lifestyle‐related diseases in the general female population. Since dietary salt intake is a modifiable factor, osteoporosis can be prevented by dietary intervention, including salt reduction.
Soil degradation and mitigation in agricultural lands in the Indian Anthropocene
Authors: Bhattacharyya Ranjan , Bhatia Arti , Ghosh Birendra N. , Santra Priyabrata , Mandal Debashis , Kumar Gopal , Singh Raman Jeet , Madhu Madegowda , Ghosh Avijit , Mandal Arup K. , Paul Ranjan , Datta Ashim , Sharma Parbodh C. , Mandal Uttam K. , Jha Pramod , Anil Kokkuvayil S. , Lalitha Manickam , Kumar Mahesh , Panwar Nav R. , Sarkar Dibyendu , Patra Ashok K. , Kundu Sumanta , Fullen Michael A. , Poesen Jean , Das Bhabani Sankar , Reddy Nagarjuna N. , Chaudhari Suresh K. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCurrent widespread and intensive soil degradation in India has been driven by unprecedented levels of population growth, large‐scale industrialization, high‐yield agriculture, urban sprawl and the spread of human infrastructure. The damage caused to managed and natural systems by soil degradation threatens livelihoods and local services and leads to national socio‐economic disruption. Human‐induced soil degradation results from land clearing and deforestation, inappropriate agricultural practices, improper management of industrial effluents and wastes, careless management of forests, surface mining, urban sprawl, and ill‐planned commercial and industrial development. Of these, inappropriate agricultural practices, including excessive tillage and use of heavy machinery, over‐grazing, excessive and unbalanced use of inorganic fertilizers, poor irrigation and water management techniques, pesticide overuse, inadequate crop residue and/or organic carbon inputs, and poor crop cycle planning, account for nearly 40% (121 Mha) of land degradation across India. Globally, human activities related to agriculture contribute to the transgression of four of the nine Planetary Boundaries proposed by Rockström et al. (2009): Climate Change, Biodiversity Integrity, Land‐system Change, and altered Phosphorus and Nitrogen Biogeochemical Flows. This review focuses on how knowledge of soil processes in agriculture has developed in India over the past 10 years, and the potential of soil science to meet the objectives of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger (End hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture), using the context of the four most relevant Planetary Boundaries as a framework. Solutions to mitigate soil degradation and improve soil health in different regions using conservation agricultural approaches have been proposed. Thus, in this review we (1) summarize the outputs of recent innovative research in India that has explored the impacts of soil degradation on four Planetary Boundaries (Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Land‐system Change, and altered Biogeochemical Flows of Phosphorus and Nitrogen) and vice‐versa; and (2) identify the knowledge gaps that require urgent attention to inform developing soil science research agendas in India, to advise policy makers, and to support those whose livelihoods rely on the land.
Preclinical examination of early‐onset thalamic‐cortical seizures after hemispheric stroke
Authors: García‐Peña Pablo , Ramos Milagros , López Juan M. , Martinez‐Murillo Ricardo , de Arcas Guillermo , Gonzalez‐Nieto Daniel 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveIschemic stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability worldwide and currently has limited treatment options. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals are significantly affected in stroke patients during the acute stage. In this study, we preclinically characterized the brain electrical rhythms and seizure activity during the hyperacute and late acute phases in a hemispheric stroke model with no reperfusion.MethodsEEG signals and seizures were studied in a model of hemispheric infarction induced by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (pMCAO), which mimics the clinical condition of stroke patients with permanent ischemia. Electrical brain activity was also examined using a photothrombotic (PT) stroke model. In the PT model, we induced a similar (PT group‐1) or smaller (PT group‐2) cortical lesion than in the pMCAO model. For all models, we used a nonconsanguineous mouse strain that mimics human diversity and genetic variation.ResultsThe pMCAO hemispheric stroke model exhibited thalamic‐origin nonconvulsive seizures during the hyperacute stage that propagated to the thalamus and cortex. The seizures were also accompanied by progressive slowing of the EEG signal during the acute phase, with elevated delta/theta, delta/alpha, and delta/beta ratios. Cortical seizures were also confirmed in the PT stroke model of similar lesions as in the pMCAO model, but not in the PT model of smaller injuries.SignificanceIn the clinically relevant pMCAO model, poststroke seizures and EEG abnormalities were inferred from recordings of the contralateral hemisphere (noninfarcted hemisphere), emphasizing the reciprocity of interhemispheric connections and that injuries affecting one hemisphere had consequences for the other. Our results recapitulate many of the EEG signal hallmarks seen in stroke patients, thereby validating this specific mouse model for the examination of the mechanistic aspects of brain function and for the exploration of the reversion or suppression of EEG abnormalities in response to neuroprotective and anti‐epileptic therapies.
Fretting fatigue tests and microstructure analysis of bridge stay cable wires
Authors: Chehrazi Ali , Liang Wanhua , Huda Nazmul , Walbridge Scott 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSaddle systems are a popular method for supporting the cables at the pylons of cable‐stayed bridges. Fretting fatigue failure of bridge stay cables is a major design consideration for saddle systems. Current design provisions require large‐scale tests of these anchoring systems. However, such tests are costly and time‐consuming. With this in mind, the current paper presents a small‐scale fretting fatigue setup to evaluate the fretting fatigue behavior of bridge stay cable wires at saddle supports. In this paper, fretting tests are conducted on bare and galvanized wires. Hourglass samples are then used to evaluate the material properties and plain fatigue performance of the studied wires. Finally, the microstructure of the wires is evaluated, and the influence of defects on the fretting fatigue life of the wires is discussed.
Lower soil nitrous oxide emissions by a high lipid genetically modified perennial ryegrass line compared to its wild type
Authors: Bowatte Saman , Newton Paul , Hoogendoorn Coby , Winichayakul Somrutai , Roberts Nick , Brock Shona , Theobald Phil , Thompson Danica , Xue Hong , Luo Dongwen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe describe an experiment where cattle urine was applied at a rate of 420 kg N ha−1, equivalent to 10 L m−2, to mesocosm swards of a high lipid genetically modified perennial ryegrass line (HME) and its wild type (WT). We measured N pools and fluxes in the plant and soil, soil microbial populations and N2O production. HME plants produced 21% greater biomass than WT (p = .02), resulting in greater N uptake (27% higher in HME, p = .05). Urine N recovery in total plant biomass during the experiment in HME and WT swards were 54.7% and 33.9% respectively. The nitrification potential of soil was significantly lower (p = .01) in HME than WT. Partial least square‐discriminant analysis using microbial gene abundance data indicated that HME and WT plant growth induced distinct microbial populations in the soil. These differences in plant soil microbial interactions between HME and WT swards resulted in significantly lower N2O emissions from the HME sward. Total N2O emissions over the 4 weeks after urine application was 38% lower (p < .03) in HME swards than in WT swards. The next step in this work is to identify the specific changes in HME traits that drive the reduction in N2O.
‘To be Informed and Involved’: Women's insights on optimising childbirth care in Lithuania
Authors: Širvinskienė Giedrė , Grincevičienė Švitrigailė , Pranskevičiūtė‐Amoson Rasa , Kukulskienė Milda , Downe Soo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe user expectations and experiences of healthcare services are acknowledged as components of the quality of healthcare evaluations. The aim of the study is to analyse women's experiences and views on childbirth care in Lithuania.MethodsThe study used the Babies Born Better (B3) online survey as the data collection instrument. The B3 is an ongoing longitudinal international project, examining the experiences of intrapartum care and developed as part of EU‐funded COST Actions (IS0907 and IS1405). Responses to open‐ended questions about (1) the best things about the care and (2) things in childbirth care worth changing are included in the current analysis. The participants are 373 women who had given birth within 5 years in Lithuania. A deductive coding framework established by the literature review was used to analyse the qualitative data. The framework involves three main categories: (1) the service, (2) the emotional experience and (3) the individually experienced care, each further divided into subcategories.ResultsReflecting the experience and views regarding theserviceat birthplace women wished empowerment, support for their autonomy and to be actively involved in decisions, the need for privacy, information and counselling, especially about breastfeeding. In terms ofemotional experience, women highlighted the importance of comprehensibility/feeling of safety, positive manageability of various situations and possibilities for bonding with the newborn.Individually experienced carewas described by feedback on specific characteristics of care providers, such as competence, personality traits, time/availability and encouragement of esteem in women in childbirth. The possibilities of homebirth were also discussed. The findings reflected salutogenic principles.Key ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the Lithuanian healthcare system is in a transition from paternalistic attitude‐based practices to a shift towards patient‐oriented care. Implementation of the improvements suggested for women in childbirth care in Lithuania would require some additional services, improved emotional and intrapersonal aspects of care and a more active role for women.Patient/Public ContributionPatients and the public contributed to this study by spreading information about surveys and research findings through their involvement in service user groups that have an interest in maternity care. Members of the patients' groups and the public were involved in the discussion of the results.
Large‐scale fabrication of TiC@C powders and its effect on the properties of Al2O3‐MgO‐C castables
Authors: Zhao Li , Yin Yicheng , Li Yong , Ma Haoxuan , Liu Xinhong , Zhang Shaowei , Jia Quanli 
Published: June 2023

AbstractHigh performance carbon containing castables have always been pursued by researchers and steelmaking producers, unfortunately, poor water‐wettability of graphite flakes was greatly limited their application in castables. To respond this, we proposed a large‐scale and low‐cost modified molten salt shielding synthesis technique for fabricating TiC coated graphite in air atmosphere using graphite flake and Ti powder as raw materials. Microstructure, wettability and oxidation resistance of TiC@C powders, and effect of TiC@C powders on the properties of Al2O3‐MgO‐C castables were investigated. The results demonstrate that TiC coated graphite was synthesized via modified molten salt shielding synthesis route in air atmosphere. A uniform and continuous TiC layer was formed on the surface of graphite, thereby significantly improving the water‐wettability and oxidation resistance of graphite flakes. The castables with 5% TiC@C powders possessed lower apparent porosity, higher cold strength, good oxidation resistance, and slag resistance in comparison with the castables with graphite flakes, and slag resistance were also better than Al2O3‐MgO castables. The as‐fabricated TiC@C powders have good water‐wettability and oxidation resistance, making them as a prime carbon source for producing carbon containing castables for steel ladle linings.
Preoperative risk classification for intravesical recurrence after laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma in a multi‐institutional cohort
Authors: Somiya Shinya , Kobori Go , Ito Katsuhiro , Nakagawa Hiromichi , Takahashi Toshifumi , Koterazawa Shigeki , Takaoka Naoto , Haitani Takao , Nagahama Kanji , Ito Masaaki , Megumi Yuzuru , Higashi Yoshihito , Moroi Seiji , Akao Toshiya , Yamada Hitoshi , Kanno Toru 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to identify preoperative risk factors and create a risk classification for intravesical recurrence of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma only after laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy in a multi‐institutional cohort.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 283 patients who had undergone laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for nonmetastatic upper tract urothelial cancer between March 2002 and March 2020. The cumulative incidence of intravesical recurrence for 224 patients without previous or concomitant bladder cancer was examined using multivariate Fine‐Gray competing risks proportional hazards models. A risk stratification model was created to predict subsequent patient outcomes based on the results.ResultsThe median follow‐up duration was 33.3 months, and 71 (31.7%) patients experienced intravesical recurrence. The estimated cumulative incidence of intravesical recurrence at one and 5 years was 23.5% and 36.4%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the presence of ureter tumors and multiple tumors were shown to be independently significant predictive factors for intravesical recurrence. Based on the results, we classified patients into three risk groups. The cumulative incidence rates of intravesical recurrence within 5 years after surgery were 24.4%, 42.5%, and 66.7% in the low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups, respectively.ConclusionsWe identified risk factors and created a risk classification model for intravesical recurrence of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma only after laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy. Based on this model, an individualized surveillance protocol or adjuvant therapy could be provided.
Why do we evaluate 30‐day readmissions in general medicine? A historical perspective and contemporary data
Authors: James Jonathan , Tan Sheryn , Stretton Brandon , Kovoor Joshua G. , Gupta Aashray K. , Gluck Samuel , Gilbert Toby , Sharma Yogesh , Bacchi Stephen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractReducing preventable readmissions is important to help manage current strains on healthcare systems. The metric of 30‐day readmissions is commonly cited in discussions regarding this topic. While such thresholds have contemporary funding implications, the rationale for individual cut‐off points is partially historical in nature. Through the examination of the basis for the analysis of 30‐day readmissions, greater insight into the possible benefits and limitations of such a metric may be obtained.