bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Test History at Ages 50–64 on Later Cervical Cancer Risk: A Population-based Case–control Study
Authors: Kultalahti Henric , Heinävaara Sirpa , Sarkeala Tytti , Pankakoski Maiju 
Published: August 2023

As life expectancy increases, the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening programs needs to be reassessed for the older population. We addressed the effect of test history in and outside organized screening at age 50–64 years on later cervical cancer risk. A case–control study was conducted by deriving 229 cases of 65–79 years old women with invasive cervical cancer in 2010–2019 from the Finnish Cancer Registry. Ten controls were matched for each case by birth year and hospital district. The effect of test uptake and abnormal results in 50–64 year olds on cancer risk was investigated using conditional logistic regression and adjusted for self-selection. Test uptake within the 50–64 years age group showed 75% lower odds of cervical cancer [adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.18–0.35]. Untested women had 4.9 times higher odds than those tested with normal results (aOR = 4.86; 95% CI, 3.42–6.92). Having at least one abnormal test result increased the odds by 2.5 when compared with only normal results but showed lower odds when compared with untested women. The importance of testing is exhibited by the result showing a reduction of odds of cancer to one-fourth for those tested compared with untested. Similarly, receiving abnormal results was protective of cancer compared with having no tests highlighting the importance of proper follow-up. Therefore, screening history should be considered when further developing cervical cancer screening programs with special interest in non-attenders and those receiving abnormal results at older ages.

Significance:
To our knowledge, this is the first study from Finnish data describing the effect of test history on later cervical cancer at older ages. Focusing on the cervical tests taken within the Finnish national screening program and outside it highlights the overall importance of having cervical tests and adds this study into the slowly increasing number of studies considering all cervical testing in Finland.
Aldosterone Antagonism Is More Effective at Reducing Blood Pressure and Excessive Renal ENaC Activity in AngII-Infused Female Rats Than in Males
Authors: Buncha Vadym , Cherezova Alena , Alexander Sati , Baranovskaya Irina , Coleman Kathleen A. , Cherian-Shaw Mary , Brands Michael W. , Sullivan Jennifer C. , O’Connor Paul M. , Mamenko Mykola 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

AngII (angiotensin II)-dependent hypertension causes comparable elevations of blood pressure (BP), aldosterone levels, and renal ENaC (epithelial Na
+
channel) activity in male and female rodents. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism has a limited antihypertensive effect associated with insufficient suppression of renal ENaC in male rodents with AngII-hypertension. While MR blockade effectively reduces BP in female mice with salt-sensitive and leptin-induced hypertension, MR antagonism has not been studied in female rodents with AngII-hypertension. We hypothesize that overstimulation of renal MR signaling drives redundant ENaC-mediated Na
+
reabsorption and BP increase in female rats with AngII-hypertension.

METHODS:
We employ a combination of physiological, pharmacological, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to compare the effect of MR inhibitors on BP and ENaC activity in AngII-infused male and female Sprague Dawley rats.

RESULTS:
MR blockade markedly attenuates AngII-hypertension in female rats but has only a marginal effect in males. Spironolactone increases urinary sodium excretion and urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio in AngII-infused female, but not male, rats. The expression of renal MR and HSD11β2 (11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2) that determines the availability of MR to aldosterone is significantly higher in AngII-infused female rats than in males. ENaC activity is ≈2× lower in spironolactone-treated AngII-infused female rats than in males. Reduced ENaC activity in AngII-infused female rats on spironolactone correlates with increased interaction with ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4-2), targeting ENaC for degradation.

CONCLUSIONS:
MR-ENaC axis is the primary determinant of excessive renal sodium reabsorption and an attractive antihypertensive target in female rats with AngII-hypertension, but not in males.
Type 1 Diabetes Impairs Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation Via Increasing Endothelial Cell Glycolysis Through Advanced Glycation End Products, PFKFB3, and Nox1-Mediated Mechanisms
Authors: Atawia Reem T. , Batori Robert K. , Jordan Coleton R. , Kennard Simone , Antonova Galina , Bruder-Nascimento Thiago , Mehta Vinay , Saeed Muhammad I. , Patel Vijay S. , Fukai Tohru , Ushio-Fukai Masuko , Huo Yuqing , Fulton David J.R. , Belin de Chantemèle Eric J. 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a major cause of endothelial dysfunction. Although cellular bioenergetics has been identified as a new regulator of vascular function, whether glycolysis, the primary bioenergetic pathway in endothelial cells (EC), regulates vascular tone and contributes to impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) in T1D remains unknown.

METHODS:
Experiments were conducted in Akita mice with intact or selective deficiency in EC PFKFB3 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3), the main regulator of glycolysis. Seahorse analyzer and myography were employed to measure glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, and EDR, respectively, in aortic explants. EC PFKFB3 (Ad-PFKFB3) and glycolysis (Ad-GlycoHi) were increased in situ via adenoviral transduction.

RESULTS:
T1D increased EC glycolysis and elevated EC expression of PFKFB3 and NADPH oxidase Nox1 (NADPH oxidase homolog 1). Functionally, pharmacological and genetic inhibition of PFKFB3 restored EDR in T1D, while in situ aorta EC transduction with Ad-PFKFB3 or Ad-GlycoHi reproduced the impaired EDR associated with T1D. Nox1 inhibition restored EDR in aortic rings from Akita mice, as well as in Ad-PFKFB3-transduced aorta EC and lactate-treated wild-type aortas. T1D increased the expression of the advanced glycation end product precursor methylglyoxal in the aortas. Exposure of the aortas to methylglyoxal impaired EDR, which was prevented by PFKFB3 inhibition. T1D and exposure to methylglyoxal increased EC expression of HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α), whose inhibition blunted methylglyoxal-mediated EC PFKFB3 upregulation.

CONCLUSIONS:
EC bioenergetics, namely glycolysis, is a new regulator of vasomotion and excess glycolysis, a novel mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in T1D. We introduce excess methylglyoxal, HIF1α, and PFKFB3 as major effectors in T1D-mediated increased EC glycolysis.
Cellular Senescence Contributes to Large Elastic Artery Stiffening and Endothelial Dysfunction With Aging: Amelioration With Senolytic Treatment
Authors: Clayton Zachary S. , Rossman Matthew J. , Mahoney Sophia A. , Venkatasubramanian Ravinandan , Maurer Grace S. , Hutton David A. , VanDongen Nicholas S. , Greenberg Nathan T. , Longtine Abigail G. , Ludwig Katelyn R. , Brunt Vienna E. , LaRocca Thomas J. , Campisi Judith , Melov Simon , Seals Douglas R. 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:
Here, we assessed the role of cellular senescence and the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in age-related aortic stiffening and endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS:
We studied young (6-8 mo) and old (27-29 mo) p16-3MR mice, which allows for genetic-based clearance of senescent cells with ganciclovir (GCV). We also treated old C57BL/6N mice with the senolytic ABT-263.

RESULTS:

In old mice, GCV reduced aortic stiffness assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV; 477±10 vs. 382±7 cm/s,
P
<0.05) to young levels (old-GCV vs. young-vehicle,
P
=0.35); ABT-263 also reduced aortic PWV in old mice (446±9 to 356±11 cm/s,
P
<0.05). Aortic adventitial collagen was reduced by GCV (
P
<0.05) and ABT-263 (
P
=0.12) in old mice. To show an effect of the circulating SASP, we demonstrated that plasma exposure from Old-vehicle p16-3MR mice, but not from Old-GCV mice, induced aortic stiffening assessed
ex vivo
(elastic modulus;
P
<0.05). Plasma proteomics implicated glycolysis in circulating SASP-mediated aortic stiffening. In old p16-3MR mice, GCV increased endothelial function assessed via peak carotid artery endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD; Old-GCV, 94±1% vs. Old-vehicle, 84±2%,
P
<0.05) to young levels (Old-GCV vs. young-vehicle,
P
=0.98), and EDD was higher in old C57BL/6N mice treated with ABT-263 vs. vehicle (96±1% vs. 82±3%,
P
<0.05). Improvements in endothelial function were mediated by increased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability (
P
<0.05) and reduced oxidative stress (
P
<0.05). Circulating SASP factors related to NO signaling were associated with greater NO-mediated EDD following senescent cell clearance.

CONCLUSIONS:
Cellular senescence and the SASP contribute to vascular aging and senolytics hold promise for improving age-related vascular function.
The impact of head orientation with respect to B0 on diffusion tensor MRI measures
Authors: Kleban Elena , Jones Derek K. , Tax Chantal M.W. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Diffusion tensor MRI (DT-MRI) remains the most commonly used approach to characterise white matter (WM) anisotropy. However, DT estimates may be affected by tissue orientation w.r.t. B→0 due to local gradients and intrinsic T2 orientation dependence induced by the microstructure. This work aimed to investigate whether and how diffusion tensor MRI-derived measures depend on the orientation of the head with respect to the static magnetic field, B→0. By simulating WM as two compartments, we demonstrated that compartmental T2 anisotropy can induce the dependence of diffusion tensor measures on the angle between WM fibres and the magnetic field. In in vivo experiments, reduced radial diffusivity and increased axial diffusivity were observed in white matter fibres perpendicular to B→0 compared to those parallel to B→0. Fractional anisotropy varied by up to 20% as a function of the angle between WM fibres and the orientation of the main magnetic field. To conclude, fibre orientation w.r.t. B→0 is responsible for up to 7% variance in diffusion tensor measures across the whole brain white matter from all subjects and head orientations. Fibre orientation w.r.t. B→0 may introduce additional variance in clinical research studies using diffusion tensor imaging, particularly when it is difficult to control for (e.g., fetal or neonatal imaging, or when the trajectories of fibres change due to, e.g., space occupying lesions).
The Political Economy of the Tourist Sector in Times of COVID-19: The Uruguayan Case
Authors: Lizbona Alexandra , Delbono Andrea 
Published: August 2023

With the outbreak of the pandemic, in the midst of the worst crisis in the tourist sector in Uruguay, and in a context of entrepreneurs’ general concurrence with government measures as opposed to marked worker dissatisfaction, the links of the center-right government headed by Luis Lacalle Pou with businessmen and tourism workers have been characterized by cooperation rather than conflict. This situation can be attributed to the preexistence of a social protection framework and solid labor institutionality, the country’s democratic strength and political culture favoring dialogue, and the instrumental business power compared with the weakness of the tourism workers’ collective action. En medio de la peor crisis del sector turístico, y en un contexto de conformidad con las medidas gubernamentales por parte de los empresarios y de marcada disconformidad por parte de los trabajadores, el vínculo entre el gobierno de centroderecha de Luis Lacalle Pou y los empresarios y trabajadores del turismo se ha caracterizado por la cooperación más que por el conflicto. Esta situación puede atribuirse a la combinación de factores asociados a la preexistencia de una matriz de protección social y una sólida institucionalidad laboral; a la fortaleza democrática del país; a su cultura política favorecedora del diálogo y al poder instrumental del empresariado frente a la debilidad de la acción colectiva de los trabajadores del turismo.
Polyurethane and Fires – The Role of Thermal Decomposition Products on Life Risk
Authors: Jeffs G.M.F. , Sand H. 
Published: August 2023

Following public concern on potential life risk of articles made of polyurethane due to toxic gas emission when involved in fires, the issue is looked at both from the findings of laboratory tests and from fire experience. Overall, the toxic hazard of polyurethanes in fire is comparable to that of organic materials in everyday use. Toxic gas emission is generally proportional to the degree of involvement in fires. Hazard can be reduced by appropriate applications as well as by protection of escape routes and provision for smoke exhaust.
Recent Developments in Tertiary Aliphatic Isocyanates
Authors: Saxon Robert , Dexter Robin W. , Hewitt Geoffrey C. 
Published: August 2023

The potential of three development isocyanates (meta- and para-tetra-methylxylene diisocyanate (TMXDI) and m -isopropenyl-α-α-dimethyl-benzylisocyanate (meta-TMI)) is illustrated in applications where aliphatic isocyanates are required. Data are given on formulations for reaction injection moulding, surface coatings, radiation-curable coatings, cast elastomers and potting compounds which resist degradation or discoloration by light and weather. In the case of cast polyurethane elastomers and microcellular elastomers — where light stability is not commercially significant – the use of these tertiary aliphatic diisocyanates gives valuable combinations of physical properties as well as processing benefits. Generally direct replacement of an existing diisocyanate is not satisfactory, but good results are readily obtained by reformulation to adjust for the chain mobility and reactivity of the particular TMXDI isomer.
A Novel Method for Determining the Temperature Dependence of Shear Properties of Structural Foams
Authors: Challis K. E. , Hall D. J. , Paul D. B. 
Published: August 2023

A glass reinforced plastic( GRP) /foam sandwich has been chosen for the construction of the new Royal Australian Navy minehunter. Previous work has determined that elevated temperatures possible in Australian tropical conditions can have a deleterious effect on the foam core of such composites with subsequent reductions in composite structural strength. Full scale tests and underwater shock trials have shown that shear stress in the core is a prime cause of composite failure and hence reductions in core shear properties under the influence of temperature may affect the service performance of the vessel. Core shear properties in the temperature range 20–90°C have been monitored using a new torsional shear instrument which for thick foam materials offers substantial advantages in comparison with standard plate shear methods. Results for a number of commercial closed cell modified PVC foams are presented and indicate that at 90° C the decline in shear strength and shear modulus is 30–50%. Comparisons between torsional and plate shear procedures were also undertaken and a rationalisation for observed differences is proposed
Thermal Stability of Structural PVC Foams
Authors: Challis K. E. , Hall D. J. , Hilton P. R. , Paul D. B. 
Published: August 2023

The Royal Australian Navy is to replace its existing minehunters with a new class of vessel entirely constructed from a glass reinforced plastic/foam sandwich composite. Previous studies have shown that structural properties of the hull composite are largely dependent on the physical properties of the foam core material and therefore thermally induced foam degradation could seriously impair the structural integrity of the vessel. Consideration of the Australian climate, and in particular that of the tropical North, led to evaluations of the temperature dependence of core properties. Results of tests on a number of commercially available modified PVC foams are presented.
Morphological and Kinetic Study of Expandable Polystyrene Pre-expansion and Effects on Foam Properties
Authors: Cigna G. , Merlotti M. , Castellani L. 
Published: August 2023

Optimized physico-mechanical properties and good pre-expansion and moulding performance ( short cycle time) are required for expandable polystyrene ( EPS). These characteristics are greatly dependent on expanded bead density, fusion and cell structure. On the other hand the morphological parameters of pre-expanded beads are determined by the intrinsic molecular and morphological properties of the expandable particles. The pre-expansion mechanism and its complex morphological and kinetic aspects have been studied; in particular, bead density, cell homogeneity, cell dimensions and number, cell wall thickness, amount of broken cell walls and pentane concentration during different pre-expansion steps have been evaluated. Determinations of bead surface integrity, pentane diffusivity at different densities and critical surface tension of compact and prefoamed EPS have also been made. The results of this investigation give some indications of the moulding behaviour and of the physical properties of the foamed samples. It has been found that very short moulding times (with negative effects on fusion and block shrinkage) are related to an appreciable amount of broken cell walls, probably due to too small a cell diameter.
Shock Mitigating Foams. 2. Static/Dynamic Characteristics
Authors: Richardson M.O.W. , Al-Hassani A.H.M. 
Published: August 2023

Using a selection of both commercially available and laboratory synthesised products, the shock mitigating characteristics of semi-rigid foams are systematically evaluated using both compression tests (static) and swinging pendulum tests (dynamic). It is demonstrated how parameters derived from relatively simple static compression tests may be used to predict the maximum deceleration of an impacting object when striking the foams directly. Following a review of the chemical and physical factors likely to influence energy absorption qualities of foams it is tentatively discussed how such factors may be correlated with the material parameters calculated from the static compression tests. In conclusion, the paper points the way forward to how simple static tests may be used to aid the development of foams with specific shock mitigating properties.
New Methods for the Determination of Airborne Isocyanates
Authors: Brown R.H. , Ellwood P.A. , Groves J.A. , Robertson S.M. 
Published: August 2023

Two new methods for the measurement of atmospheric isocyanates are under development to complement the HPLC-electrochemical method currently used by the Health and Safety Executive (Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances, MDHS 25). The first is a general method for total isocyanate groups, in which sampled isocyanates are converted into urethanes by reaction with propanol in a bubbler. After removal of the excess propanol by evaporation, the urethanes are hydrolysed and propanol is released in an amount proportional to the original NCO groups present. The released propanol is determined by head-space gas chromatography. The method has significant advantages, in addition to its simplicity. Interfering co-pollutants, such as amines or polyols will not react with propanol. Volatile interferents will be removed in the evaporation stage and non-volatile interferents will not partition into the head-space. However, isocyanates react only slowly with propanol relative to amines; for this reason, undiluted propanol in very large excess is used as the reagent, but the presence of large amounts of amine may partly suppress urethane formation. The second is a specific method for toluene diisocyanate (TDI) vapour, and is based on combining paper tape technology with diffusive sampling. Diffusive sampling offers considerable advantages in simplicity and convenience and enables eight-hour monitoring to be accomplished with tapes designed for short-term pumped sampling. The method uses the commercial 3M OVM badge; the supplied charcoal cloth (for organic vapours) is replaced by pieces of reactive paper tape as used in the SKC isocyanates paper tape monitor. After exposure, the tape can be examined densitometrically or compared with a stain chart.
Fluoxetine rescues the depressive-like behaviour induced by reserpine and the altered emotional behaviour induced by nicotine withdrawal in zebrafish: Involvement of tyrosine hydroxylase
Authors: Braida Daniela , Ponzoni Luisa , Dellarole Ilaria , Morara Stefano , Sala Mariaelvina 
Published: August 2023

Background: Nicotine cessation leads to anxiety and depression. Aims: The suitability of the zebrafish model of anhedonia using reserpine and fluoxetine was evaluated. Fluoxetine was also used to reduce nicotine withdrawal-induced anhedonic state. Methods: Zebrafish were exposed to reserpine (40 mg/l) and then to fluoxetine (0.1 mg/l) for 1 week. Anhedonia was evaluated in the Novel Tank Diving and Compartment Preference tests. Another group was exposed to nicotine (1 mg/l/2 weeks) and then exposed to fluoxetine. Anxiety and anhedonia were evaluated 2–60 days after. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity and microglial morphology (labelled by 4C4 monoclonal antibody) in the parvocellular pretectal nucleus (PPN), dorsal part, and of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the hypothalamus were also analysed. Results: Less time in the top and increased latency to the top in reserpine compared to a drug-free group was found. Fluoxetine rescued reserpine-induced the reduced time in the top. Seven and 30 days after nicotine withdrawal more time in the bottom and similar time in the Compartment Preference test, rescued by fluoxetine, were shown. In the PPN, 30-day withdrawal induced an increase in TH immunoreactivity, but fluoxetine induced a further significant increase. No changes in PPN microglia morphology and hypothalamic CGRP were detected. Conclusions: Our findings validate the suitability of the zebrafish model of anhedonia using the reserpine-induced depression-like behaviour and the predictivity using fluoxetine. Fluoxetine rescued nicotine withdrawal-induced anhedonic state, opening the possibility to screen new drugs to alleviate anxiety and depression in smokers during abstinence.
Antioxidants and mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents reverse toxicity induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles on human lymphocytes
Authors: Assadian Evelyn , Jamali Zhaleh , Salimi Ahmad , Pourahmad Jalal 
Published: August 2023

Most of the literature has focused on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) toxicity, showing the importance of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death in TiO2-induced toxicity. For this purpose, in the current study, we investigated the protective role of antioxidant and mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents to minimize TiO2 NPs-induced toxicity in human lymphocytes. Human lymphocytes were obtained from heathy individuals and treated with different concentrations (80, 160, and 320 µg/mL) of TiO2 NPs, and then human lymphocytes preincubated with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), cyclosporin A (CsA), and chloroquine separately were exposed to TiO2 NPs for 6 h. In all the above-mentioned treated groups, adverse parameters such as cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lysosomal membrane destabilization, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured. The results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity through ROS formation, MMP collapse, lysosomal damages, depletion of GSH, and lipid peroxidation. However, BHT as an antioxidant, CsA as a mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore sealing agent, and chloroquine as a lysosomotropic agent, significantly inhibited all the TiO2 NPs-induced cellular and organelle toxicities. Thus, it seems that antioxidant and mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents are promising preventive strategies against TiO2 NPs-induced toxicity.