bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aggregative movement of C4 mesophyll chloroplasts is promoted by low CO2 under high intensity blue light
Authors: Kato Y. , Oi T. , Taniguchi M. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

C4 plants supply concentrated CO2 to bundle sheath (BS) cells, improving photosynthetic efficiency by suppressing photorespiration. Mesophyll chloroplasts in C4 plants are redistributed toward the sides of the BS cells (aggregative movement) in response to environmental stresses under light. Although this chloroplast movement is common in C4 plants, the significance and mechanisms underlying the aggregative movement remain unknown.

Under environmental stresses, such as drought and salt, CO2 uptake from the atmosphere is suppressed by closing stomata to prevent water loss. We hypothesized that CO2 limitation may induce the chloroplast aggregative movement. In this study, the mesophyll chloroplast arrangement in a leaf of finger millet, an NAD‐malic enzyme type C4 plant, was examined under different CO2 concentrations and light conditions.

CO2 limitation around the leaves promoted the aggregative movement, but the aggregative movement was not suppressed, even at the higher CO2 concentration than in the atmosphere, under high intensity blue light. In addition, mesophyll chloroplasts did not change their arrangement under darkness or red light.

From these results, it can be concluded that CO2 limitation is not a direct inducer of the aggregative movement but would be a promoting factor of the movement under high intensity blue light.
The nexus between public sector corruption and private sector efficiency: Evidence from worldwide firm‐level data
Authors: Kumanayake Nandika Sanath , Kumara Ajantha Sisira , Pallegedara Asankha 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAnti‐corruption is highlighted as one of the key institutional principles by the United Nations, as corruption hinders the progress in achieving sustainable development goals. However, the extant literature on how private firms' efficiency is influenced by corruption prevailing in regulatory agencies across economies has been inconclusive. Analyzing the World Bank Enterprise Survey data across 45,121 firms from 80 countries, this study finds that bribe payments to corrupt public officials by firms causes bureaucratic delays. Employing an instrumental variable Tobit framework to address the issue of endogeneity inherited with observational data, this study demonstrates that an increase in the magnitude of bribes and depth of corruption by one percentage point separately expands the firm managers' time being spent on regulatory requirements by 2.78 percentage points and 2.47 percentage points, respectively. The findings are robust to different specifications. The results imply the importance of promoting anti‐corruption measures across countries to create a conducive environment for firms to enhance efficiency, and thereby to achieve sustainable development goals successfully.
Correlation of HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in sepsis patients
Authors: Lv Xinwei , Shi Xiaohui , Maihemuti Mutalifu , Yang Danping , Xiao Dong 
Published: February 2023

AbstractLeft ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is a common consequence of sepsis due to dysregulated inflammatory responses. Here we aim to investigate high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) as serum biomarkers to assess LVDD risk of patients with sepsis. We recruited 120 patients with sepsis, among which 52 had ultrasonically confirmed LVDD and 68 were without LVDD. Blood samples were collected, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyse levels of HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 in serum. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the odds ratio of the serum biomarkers. Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between the serum biomarkers to B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnl) levels and the ratios of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/e′ ratios) in ultrasound. Receiver operating curve was used to measure the sensitivity and specificity of HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 individually and in combination as diagnostic markers. Elevated HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 had significant values in predicting LVDD suggested by high odds ratio (all P < .05). A significant correlation was found between these values and cTnl, the current gold standard for LVDD analysis. HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 also showed a high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in ROC analysis. HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 are potentially valuable in predicting LVDD risk among patients with sepsis, providing additional tools with the capability of potentially assisting the clinical management of patients with sepsis.
Evaluating the results of eyebrow lift by combining methods of subcutaneous flap and thread support in patients with droopy eyebrows
Authors: Shirani Gholamreza , Jalilian Reza , Shafiei Ehsan , Mohammadi Farnoush , Shamshiri Ahmadreza , Lotfi Hadi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundBrow lift also known as eyebrow lift was first described in 1919, and since then, many changes have been made in the methods of doing it, although there is still no agreed method of absolute superiority for eyebrow lift. Most previous studies have reported the results generally qualitatively and based on patient or surgeon satisfaction. In this study, by combining two less complicated methods of eyebrow lift, we have evaluated the quantitative results.MethodBefore the surgery, a standard photograph of the face was taken. The vertical distance between the tail of the eyebrow and interpupillary line was determined.ResultsThis study was performed on 15 females with a mean age of 38.27 ± 6.82 years. The mean distance between the eyebrow and interpupillary line by photographic measurement before surgery, 3 weeks, and 6 months after surgery was, respectively, 10.45 ± 1.74, 15.72 ± 1.77, and 13.53 ± 1.69 mm using the tail of the eyebrow and 18.47 ± 1.67, 23.33 ± 1.57, and 21.55 ± 1.66 mm using the crown of the eyebrow. In the clinical measurement, the eyebrow tail was 11.98 ± 1.75, 19.22 ± 1.73, 17.35 ± 1.68 and 15.13 ± 1.76 mm away from the pupil line, and the crown of eyebrow was 20.45 ± 1.90, 27.12 ± 1.58, 25.00 ± 1.80, and 23.35±1.78 mm. There is a significant difference between the distance of the tail of the eyebrow and the crown of the eyebrow in both measurement methods (photographic and clinical) at different times (p‐value <0.001).ConclusionPerforming eyebrow lift with the Pretrichial method has many comparative advantages to other methods. Additionally, eyebrow lift with the thread support is a less invasive method.
A Multiday Professional Padel Tournament Impairs Sleep, Mental Toughness, and Reaction Time: A World Padel Tour Field Study
Authors: Díaz-García Jesús , Roelands Bart , Habay Jelle , González-Ponce Inmaculada , López-Gajardo Miguel Ángel , García-Calvo Tomás , Van Cutsem Jeroen 
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to assess, for the first time, how self-reported sleep, mental toughness, and reaction time are impacted by a professional padel tournament. In addition, we evaluated whether sex, age, and/or ranking play a role in this possible effect of a tournament on these variables. Twenty-three professional players (15 men, Mage = 24 ± 6 years; eight women, Mage = 21 ± 5 years) were evaluated on two occasions: (a) baseline, in a noncompetitive week and (b) postmeasure, the morning after an individual was eliminated from the tournament. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and the psychomotor vigilance task were used to evaluate the dependent variables. Wilcoxon tests or paired samples t tests were employed to assess the effect of participating in the tournament. To test correlations between variables, Pearson correlation coefficients (quantitative variables) or chi-square distributions (qualitative variables) were employed. Results showed that self-reported sleep (p < .01), mental toughness (p = .01), and reaction time (p = .04) were significantly impaired by the tournament. Exploring moderating variables, results showed that mental toughness did not correlate with sleep impairments (p > .05). In contrast, a nearly significant correlation between sleep impairments and higher reaction times was found (p = .066). No significant effects of age, sex, and ranking were observed. In conclusion, participating in a padel competition impairs the self-reported sleep, mental toughness, and reaction time of professional padel players. A trend toward a significant correlation between the competition-related impairment in sleep and reaction time was observed, whereas age, ranking, and sex were not found to be moderators of any of these impairments.
Unilateral hard palate necrosis following gingival injections with hyaluronic acid
Authors: Vaquero Martinez Pablo , Guarro Marzoa Ingrid , de Pablo Cuenca-Garcia Alba , Bescos Atin Coro 
Published: February 2023

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections into the oral mucosa have proven to be effective as a non-invasive method for the reconstruction of interproximal papillary defects in aesthetic areas. Despite being a minimally invasive and safe technique, certain side effects may occur after treatment.We report the first case of a patient with unilateral necrosis of the mucosa of the hard palate after HA filling in the maxillary anterior gingiva. Familiarity with these events and competent knowledge of the anatomy is essential to avoid complications, achieve and offer adequate treatment and good results to our patients.
Concussion through my eyes: a qualitative study exploring concussion experiences and perceptions of male English blind footballers
Authors: Weiler Richard , Ahmed Osman Hassan , Mechelen Willem van , Verhagen Evert , Bolling Caroline 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesAthletes with impairments play sports with a risk of sustaining head injuries and concussions. However, the scientific knowledge needed to improve care is lacking. This qualitative study explores English blind 5-a-side footballers’ perceptions of concussion, concussion risks and prevention to improve para concussion care.MethodsNine semi-structured interviews were conducted with male English blind footballers (six current and three retired). Data were analysed by thematic analysis using a six-stage approach.ResultsBlind footballers were not sure about the number of concussions they had sustained. They lacked an understanding of what to experience when concussed, and they perceived the diagnosis and experience of a concussion to be different for a person without vision. Perceived concussion severity and previous concussion experiences were key concepts affecting their concussion reporting behaviours. Participants mentioned spatial orientation and sleep are important to function in daily life and were affected by concussions. However, these factors are not adequately included in current assessment tools or clinical guidance for sports-related concussions.ConclusionBlind footballers suggested the quality and accuracy of reported concussions were impacted by lack of concussion experience, knowledge and concomitant impairment. A better understanding of concussion symptoms and injury mechanisms will improve concussion reporting for athletes with visual impairments. These athlete insights should guide future studies and para sports governing body initiatives to improve concussion reporting, diagnosis and management in para athletes.
Non-obese or lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with increased risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhou Jingqi , Wang Kai , Li Xiaoying , Li Zhibin 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionRisk of non-obese or lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) for cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is less known. We aimed to evaluate independent associations of NAFLD, especially non-obese or lean NAFLD, and body mass index (BMI) on risks of cancer in patients with T2DM.Research design and methodsCross-sectional analyses of baseline information on a cohort of 233 patients with T2DM were conducted in Xiamen, China. NAFLD was identified by hepatic ultrasonography diagnosis of hepatic steatosis without excessive alcohol consumption, viral or autoimmune liver disease. Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score was calculated to quantify severity of hepatic fibrosis.ResultsAll types of cancers were diagnosed on 19 (8.2%) patients. Prevalence of cancer was significantly higher in those with NAFLD than those without (15.5% vs 4.0%, p=0.002), but were not significantly different among BMI categories (6.8%, 13.7% and 6.5% for those with underweight or normal weight (n=74), overweight (n=51) and obesity (n=108), respectively, p=0.258). With adjustment for potential confounding factors in the multivariable logistic regression models, NAFLD was significantly associated with increased risk of cancer with the adjusted OR (95% CI) of 5.969 (1.349 to 26.413, p=0.019). Stratified analyses across BMI categories found similar association of NAFLD with risk of cancer for those non-obese or lean (the adjusted OR (95% CI) 17.446 (1.690 to 180.095, p=0.016)) but not for those with either overweight (OR (95% CI) 11.642 (0.832 to 162.963, p=0.068) or obesity (OR (95% CI) 0.917 (0.170 to 4.954, p=0.920). FIB-4 score was not significantly associated with risk of cancer for all subjects or stratified across BMI categories. BMI was not significantly associated with risk of cancer for all patients or stratified by NAFLD.ConclusionsNAFLD, even non-obese or lean NAFLD, was independently associated with increased risk of cancer in patients with T2DM. Screening and management of NAFLD, especially for those with underweight or normal weight, should be strengthened from the perspective of improving prevention and management of cancer in patients with T2DM.
Patient-reported well-being in value-based care using tildrakizumab in a real-world setting: protocol of a multinational, phase IV, 1-cohort prospective observational study (the POSITIVE study)
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Sommer Rachel , Daudén Esteban , Laws Philip , de Jong Elke , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Naldi Luigi , Navarini Alexander , Lambert Jo , Reguiai Ziad , Gerdes Sascha , Massana Eric , Obis Teresa , Kasujee Ismail , Mrowietz Ulrich 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that negatively impacts the quality of life of patients and their families. However, the most commonly used decision-making tools in psoriasis, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), do not fully capture the impact of psoriasis on patients’ lives. In contrast, the well-established 5-item WHO Well-being Index (WHO-5) assesses the subjective psychological well-being of patients. Moreover, while drug innovations became available for psoriasis, data on the impact of these therapies on patients’ lives and their closest environment (family, physicians) are limited. This study will assess the effect of tildrakizumab, an interleukin-23p19 inhibitor, on the overall well-being of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Moreover, the long-term benefit of tildrakizumab on physicians' satisfaction and partners' lives of patients with psoriasis will be evaluated.Methods and analysisThis non-interventional, prospective, observational, real-world evidence study will involve multiple sites in Europe and approximately 500 adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with tildrakizumab. Each patient will be followed for 24 months. The primary endpoint is well-being measured by the WHO-5 questionnaire. Key secondary endpoints include Physician’s Satisfaction and partner’s quality of life (FamilyPso). Other endpoints will evaluate skin-generic quality of life (DLQI-R), Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9), Treatment-related Patient Benefit Index ‘Standard’, 10 items (PBI-S-10) and work productivity and activity impairment due to psoriasis (WPAI:PSO). Statistical analyses will be based on observed cases. Multiple imputations will be performed as a sensitivity analysis, and adverse events will be reported.Ethics and disseminationThe study will be conducted according to the protocol, which received ethics committee approval and applicable regulatory requirements of each participating country. The results will be disseminated through scientific publications and congress presentations.Trail registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT04823247(Pre-results)
Information-seeking behaviour of community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic: an ecological study
Authors: Suzuki Shota , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Okada Hiroshi , Nakayama Takeo 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the information-seeking behaviour of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relation to COVID-19 and related infections and deaths within the local prefecture.DesignEcological study.SettingJapan—47 prefectures.MethodsThe number of accesses to a Japanese web page established by the Pharmacy Informatics Group to disseminate information about infection control and the number of infections and deaths in 47 prefectures were investigated from 6 April to 30 September 2020 using the access information on the web page and publicly available information.ResultsDuring the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the total number of accesses was 226 130 (range: 10 984–138 898 per month), the total number of infections was 78 761 (1738–31 857) and the total number of deaths was 1470 (39–436). The correlation between the total number of accesses and that of infections per 100 000 individuals in 47 prefectures was r=0.72 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.83, p<0.001), and between the total number of accesses and deaths per 100 000 individuals in 47 prefectures was r=0.44 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.65, p=0.002).ConclusionsThe information-seeking behaviour of community pharmacists correlated positively with infection status within the community.
Study protocol: examining the impacts of COVID-19 mitigation measures on pregnancy and birth outcomes in Scotland—a linked administrative data study
Authors: Oberndorfer Moritz , Henery Paul M , Dundas Ruth , Leyland Alastair H , Paranjothy Shantini , Stock Sarah Jane , Wood Rachael , Nelson Scott M , Kearns Rachel , Pearce Anna 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionThis protocol outlines aims to test the wider impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy and birth outcomes and inequalities in Scotland.Method and analysisWe will analyse Scottish linked administrative data for pregnancies and births before (March 2010 to March 2020) and during (April 2020 to October 2020) the pandemic. The Community Health Index database will be used to link the National Records of Scotland Births and the Scottish Morbidity Record 02. The data will include about 500 000 mother–child pairs. We will investigate population-level changes in maternal behaviour (smoking at antenatal care booking, infant feeding on discharge), pregnancy and birth outcomes (birth weight, preterm birth, Apgar score, stillbirth, neonatal death, pre-eclampsia) and service use (mode of delivery, mode of anaesthesia, neonatal unit admission) during the COVID-19 pandemic using two analytical approaches. First, we will estimate interrupted times series regression models to describe changes in outcomes comparing prepandemic with pandemic periods. Second, we will analyse the effect of COVID-19 mitigation measures on our outcomes in more detail by creating cumulative exposure variables for each mother–child pair using the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. Thus, estimating a potential dose–response relationship between exposure to mitigation measures and our outcomes of interest as well as assessing if timing of exposure during pregnancy matters. Finally, we will assess inequalities in the effect of cumulative exposure to lockdown measures on outcomes using several axes of inequality: ethnicity/mother’s country of birth, area deprivation (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation), urban-rural classification of residence, number of previous children, maternal social position (National Statistics Socioeconomic Classification) and parental relationship status.Ethics and disseminationNHS Scotland Public Benefit and Privacy Panel for Health and Social Care scrutinised and approved the use of these data (1920-0097). Results of this study will be disseminated to the research community, practitioners, policy makers and the wider public.
Cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in individuals with benign and low-grade brain tumours receiving radiotherapy: a protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hardy Sara J , Finkelstein Alan J , Tivarus Madalina , Culakova Eva , Mohile Nimish , Weber Miriam , Lin Edward , Zhong Jianhui , Usuki Kenneth , Schifitto Giovanni , Milano Michael , Janelsins-Benton M C 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionRadiation-induced cognitive decline (RICD) occurs in 50%–90% of adult patients 6 months post-treatment. In patients with low-grade and benign tumours with long expected survival, this is of paramount importance. Despite advances in radiation therapy (RT) treatment delivery, better understanding of structures important for RICD is necessary to improve cognitive outcomes. We hypothesise that RT may affect network topology and microstructural integrity on MRI prior to any gross anatomical or apparent cognitive changes. In this longitudinal cohort study, we aim to determine the effects of RT on brain structural and functional integrity and cognition.Methods and analysisThis study will enroll patients with benign and low-grade brain tumours receiving partial brain radiotherapy. Patients will receive either hypofractionated (>2 Gy/fraction) or conventionally fractionated (1.8–2 Gy/fraction) RT. All participants will be followed for 12 months, with MRIs conducted pre-RT and 6-month and 12 month post-RT, along with a battery of neurocognitive tests and questionnaires. The study was initiated in late 2018 and will continue enrolling through 2024 with final follow-ups completing in 2025. The neurocognitive battery assesses visual and verbal memory, attention, executive function, processing speed and emotional cognition. MRI protocols incorporate diffusion tensor imaging and resting state fMRI to assess structural connectivity and functional connectivity, respectively. We will estimate the association between radiation dose, imaging metrics and cognitive outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Research Subjects Review Board at the University of Rochester (STUDY00001512: Cognitive changes in patients receiving partial brain radiation). All results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.govNCT04390906.