bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
University research by the numbers: Epistemic methods of using digitized performance measures and their implications for research practices
Authors: Mauro Sara Giovanna , Cinquini Lino , Malmmose Margit , Nørreklit Hanne 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper explores the way by which universities create meaning of digitized performance measures on research quality and their effects on university scholars’ actions. Drawing on pragmatic constructivism, we scrutinize the epistemic methods by which the digitized performance measures of research quality are handled and used in the governance of research activities in two disciplinary fields in two university settings (Denmark and Italy) and their implications for constructing scholarly research practices. The analysis elucidates exemplars of two epistemic methods of building meaning of and using digitized performance measures: one reflective and interactive, and one authoritative and mechanical. The latter constrains the researchers’ scholarly reasoning and communication and, hence, infringes upon the scholarly fundamentals of university practices. The paper concludes that if the issues of misconceptions of research quality related to the transitions from analog to digital language are neglected, the digital transformation results in dysfunctional human and social practices.
Influence of diabetes mellitus and effectiveness of metformin on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ono Masafumi , Fujita Koji , Kobayashi Kiyoyuki , Masaki Tsutomu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers, and it is important to elucidate the carcinogenic factors and improve the recurrence and prognosis of HCC patients. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported to be a risk factor for the carcinogenesis of many cancers including HCC, and the mechanism of DM for carcinogenesis is gradually being elucidated. Metformin, a drug for DM, has been reported to have anticancer effects on many cancers, including HCC. Metformin not only suppresses carcinogenesis but also improves the prognosis of recurrence after treatment, and there are many reports on the mechanism of these effects. In this review, we describe the mechanism of action of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia on carcinogenesis by DM against HCC. The carcinogenic effects of DM on hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by etiology are also described. In addition, the carcinogenic effect of metformin on HCC and its mechanism of action are reviewed. We also discuss the effects of metformin on recurrence after hepatectomy and radiofrequency therapy and the effects of metformin in combination with anticancer medicine, focusing on the inhibition of HCC development.
Pocket closure in stage III–IV grade C periodontitis: A multilevel analysis following non‐surgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Citterio Filippo , Kanmaz Burcu , Baima Giacomo , Romano Federica , Buduneli Nurcan , Aimetti Mario 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundRisk of disease progression and tooth loss is higher in cases where deep probing pocket depths (PPDs) and bleeding on probing (BOP) persist after active periodontal treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on pocket closure (PC), defined as PPD ≤4 mm without BOP (PC1) or PPD ≤4 mm solely (PC2) 3 months after non‐surgical periodontal treatment and to compare PC between smokers and non‐smokers.MethodsThis cohort study is a secondary analysis from a controlled clinical trial consisting of systemically healthy patients with stage III or IV grade C periodontitis. All the sites with baseline PPD ≥5 mm are included as diseased sites and PC at 3 months after completion of non‐surgical periodontal treatment was calculated. PC was compared between smokers and non‐smokers at site and patient levels. Multilevel analysis is used to investigate factors at patient, tooth and site levels affecting PPD changes and the probability of PC.ResultsA total of 1998 diseased sites in 27 patients were included in the analysis. The rates of PC1 and PC2 were 58.4% and 70.2% and were significantly correlated to smoking habits at site level (r (1) = 7.03, p = 0.008; r (1) = 36.17, p < 0.001). Tooth type, mobility, clinical attachment level (CAL) and PPD at baseline significantly affected PC.ConclusionsThe present findings indicate that non‐surgical periodontal treatment is effective in PC, but its performance is influenced by baseline PPD and CAL and residual pockets may remain.
Von Willebrand factor testing ratios in the diagnosis and subtyping of von Willebrand disease
Authors: Smock Kristi J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractVon Willebrand disease (VWD) is a common bleeding disorder of platelet adhesion with six currently recognized subtypes. Laboratory diagnosis consists of an initial test panel including antigen, activity and factor VIII measurements, sometimes followed by further specialized testing. VWF activity/antigen testing ratios help to differentiate type 1 and type 2 disease, which is important for selection of proper therapy. Recommended ratio cutoffs differ by guideline, ranging from 0.5 to 0.7, with 0.7 commonly recommended. The ratio cutoff used affects the sensitivity and specificity for type 2 diagnosis. Variability in VWD due to underlying mutations and patient factors, as well as variability in VWF tests, impact the accuracy of ratios for VWD subtyping. This review discusses the use of activity/antigen ratios in the diagnosis and subtyping of VWD with a focus on technical aspects of the tests.
Suicidality and mood disorders in psychiatric emergency patients: Results from SBQ‐R
Authors: Brousseau‐Paradis Camille , Lesage Alain , Larue Caroline , Labelle Réal , Giguère Charles‐Édouard , Rassy Jessica ,   with the collaboration of the Signature Consortium
Published: May 2023

AbstractPatients with mood disorders are at high risk of suicidality, and emergency departments (ED) are essential in the management of this risk. This study aims to (1) describe the suicidal thoughts and behaviours of patients with mood disorders who come to ED; (2) assess the psychometric properties of the Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire‐Revised (SBQ‐R) in a psychiatric ED; and (3) determine the best predictors of suicidality for these patients. A total of 300 participants with mood disorders recruited for the Signature Bank of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal (IUSMM) were retained. Suicidality was assessed using the SBQ‐R. Other clinical and demographic details were recorded. Bivariate analyses, correlations and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. SBQ‐R's internal consistency, construct and convergent validities were also tested. In the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), 53.3% of the sample stated they had suicidal or self‐harm thoughts in the last 2 weeks. The mean score obtained at the SBQ‐R was 8.3. Multivariate analysis found that SBQ‐R scores were associated with depressive symptoms and substance use, especially alcohol, accounting for 44.3% of the model variance. Cronbach's alpha was 0.81 [0.78, 0.84] and factor loadings for items 1–4 were 0.68, 0.88, 0.54, and 0.85, respectively. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fit the data well. The SBQ‐R is a brief and valid instrument that can easily be used in busy emergency departments to assess suicide risk. Depressive symptoms and alcohol use shall also be assessed, as they are determinants of increased risk of suicidality.
Psychological outcomes of local heritage engagement: Participation in community archeological excavations increases well‐being, self‐efficacy, and perceived community support
Authors: Brizi Ambra , Rabinovich Anna , Lewis Carenza 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThere is evidence that engagement with tangible heritage is linked to improvements in well‐being. However, experimental tests of this association, as well as theoretical accounts explaining this relationship, are lacking. The present study aims to compensate for this gap by developing a theoretical framework based on the social identity approach that explains the effect of community‐based heritage engagement on well‐being, and testing this effect in a quasi‐experimental field study in the context of community test pit archeological excavations. In line with the predictions, the results demonstrate that excavation participants (but not participants in the control condition) report improvements on a number of psychological outcomes after (as compared to before) participation in a 2‐day excavation program (including well‐being, self‐efficacy, and perceived community support). The findings offer implications for community‐based approaches to enhancing well‐being, as well as the practice of conducting community‐based archeological excavations.
Apoptotic effect and cell arrest of deoxyshikonin in human osteosarcoma cells through the p38 pathway
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Chang , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Chou Chia‐Hsuan , Yang Jia‐Sin , Lu Peace Wun‐Ang , Huang Tzu‐Yu , Yang Shun‐Fa , Lu Ko‐Hsiu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOsteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer that affects adolescents with early metastatic potential and drastically reduces their long‐term survival rate if pulmonary metastases are detected at diagnosis. The natural naphthoquinol compound deoxyshikonin exhibits anticancer properties, so we hypothesized that it has an apoptotic effect on osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS cells and studied its mechanisms. After deoxyshikonin treatment, dose‐dependent decreases in cell viability, induction of cell apoptosis and arrest in the sub‐G1 phase of U2OS and HOS cells were observed. The increases in cleaved caspase 3 expression and the decreases in X‐chromosome‐linked IAP (XIAP) and cellular inhibitors of apoptosis 1 (cIAP‐1) expressions after deoxyshikonin treatment in the human apoptosis array were identified in HOS cells, and dose‐dependent expression changes of IAPs and cleaved caspase 3, 8 and 9 were verified by Western blotting in U2OS and HOS cells. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK)1/2 and p38 expressions in U2OS and HOS cells was also increased by deoxyshikonin in a dose‐dependent manner. Subsequently, cotreatment with inhibitors of ERK (U0126), JNK (JNK‐IN‐8) and p38 (SB203580) was performed to show that p38 signalling is responsible for deoxyshikonin‐induced apoptosis in U2OS and HOS cells, but not via the ERK and JNK pathways. These discoveries demonstrate that deoxyshikonin may be a possible chemotherapeutic candidate to induce cell arrest and apoptosis by activating extrinsic and intrinsic pathways through p38 for human osteosarcoma.
Numerical and experimental investigation of flow and heat transfer in a fixed bed of non‐spherical grains using the DEM‐CFD method
Authors: Liu Wenlei , Chen Guixiang , Zheng Deqian , Ge Mengmeng , Liu Chaosai 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFixed‐bed drying of grains is a widely used method for determining temperature and humidity changes and pressure drop characteristics during aeration. In this study, an accurate particle‐resolved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical model was developed to investigate the flow and heat transfer in fixed beds of soybean, wheat, and maize grains. A randomly filled non‐spherical grain fixed bed structure was generated using the discrete element method (DEM), and the contact areas between the packed particles are automated. The distribution of grain particles near the wall surface was approximately circular, and the circle became more regular with increase grain sphericity. Compared with the fixed beds of soybean and maize, there was no significant stratification in the fixed beds of wheat, and the difference between the peaks and troughs of porosity oscillations was smaller. Detailed particle‐resolved CFD simulations of the flow and heat transfer in fixed beds with different grains were performed. The results showed that the pressure drop results of the DEM–CFD simulation of different grain shapes were in good agreement with the Nemec–Levec equation and experimental results. The velocity and temperature distribution in the fixed bed have obvious non‐uniform distribution characteristics, which are more visible in the maize pile. Regions with high porosity have a higher average velocity, and the temperature near the wall is higher than that at the center when the heat transfer is unbalanced. The DEM‐CFD model includes the heat conduction process between the fluid and solid phases, which is consistent with the experimental temperature results.Practical ApplicationsIn this work, an accurate particle‐resolved computational fluid dynamics numerical model was developed to investigate the flow and heat transfer in fixed beds of soybean, wheat, and maize grains. The randomly filled non‐spherical grain fixed bed structure is generated by the discrete element method (DEM), and the contact areas between the packed particles are automated treated. The pressure drop and heat transfer processes of different grains were measured using the fixed bed drying experimental platform. The results show that the pressure drop results of DEM–CFD simulation of different grain shapes are in good agreement with Nemec–Levec equation results and experimental results. The DEM‐CFD model includes the heat conduction process between fluid and solid phases, which is in close agreement with the experimental temperature results.
A straight‐forward seed production technology system for foxtail millet (Setaria italica)
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qi Xiantao , Zhi Hui , Ren Yushuang , Zhang Linlin , Gao Yuanzhu , Sui Yi , Zhang Haoshan , Tang Sha , Jia Guanqing , Xie Chuanxiao , Wu Chuanyin , Diao Xianmin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFor autogamous crops, a precondition for using heterosis is to produce sufficient pure male‐sterile female parents that can be used to produce hybrid seeds. To date, cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and environment‐sensitive genic male sterility (EGMS) have been used commercially to exploit heterosis for autogamous species. However, neither CMS nor EGMS has been established for foxtail millet (Setaria italica). Here, we report on the establishment and application of a seed production technology (SPT) system for this crop. First, we established a DsRed‐based SPT system, but found that it was unsuitable because it required the use of a fluorescent device for seed sorting. Instead, we constructed an SPT system with de novo betalain biosynthesis as the selection marker. This allowed us to distinguish transgenic seeds with the naked eye, thereby facilitating the identification of SPT maintainer line seeds. In this system, a seed sorter was not required to obtain sufficient seeds. The key point of the strategy is that the seed pool of the SPT maintainer line is propagated by artificial identification and harvesting of male‐fertile individuals in the field, and the male‐sterile line seed pool for hybrid production is produced and propagated by free pollination of male‐sterile plants with the SPT maintainer line. In a field experiment, we obtained 423.96 kg male‐sterile line seeds per acre, which is sufficient to plant 700.18 acres of farmland for hybrid seed production or male‐sterile line reproduction. Our study therefore describes a powerful tool for hybrid seed production in foxtail millet, and demonstrates how the SPT system can be used for a small‐grained crop with high reproduction efficiency.
Thickness measurement of cell walls of closed‐cell foams in micro‐CT images
Authors: Zhu Xiaochun , Cheng Zhengkun , Chen Youming 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCharacterising the microstructure of foams is an important task for improving foam manufacturing processes and building foam numerical models. This study proposed a method for measuring the thickness of individual cell walls of closed‐cell foams in micro‐CT images. It comprises a distance transform on CT images to obtain thickness information of cell walls, a watershed transform on the distance matrix to locate the midlines of cell walls, identifying the intersections of midlines of cell walls by examining how many regions each pixel on the midlines of cell walls connects with, disconnecting and numbering the midlines of cell walls, extracting the distance values of the pixels on the midlines (or midplanes) of cell walls, and calculating the thickness of individual cell walls by multiplying the extracted distance values by two. Using this method, the thickness of cell walls of a polymeric closed‐cell foam was measured. It was found that cell wall thickness measured in 2D images shows larger average values (around 1.5 times) and dispersion compared to that measured in volumetric images.
Collaborative practice among general ward staff on escalating care in clinical deterioration: A systematic review
Authors: Hong Jordan Qi Yang , Chua Wei Ling , Smith Duncan , Huang Chi Ming , Goh Qin Ling Pearlyn , Liaw Sok Ying 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimTo understand the issues surrounding collaborative practice and collaboration experiences among general ward staff in the escalation of care for clinically deteriorating patients.DesignA systematic synthesis without meta‐analysis.Review MethodsSeven electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and ProQuest Theses and Dissertations) were searched from their inception to 30 April 2022. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full text for eligibility. The critical appraisal skill programme, Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross‐sectional studies and mixed methods appraisal tool were used to appraise the quality of the included studies. Both quantitative and qualitative research data were extracted, analysed and then synthesised using the data‐based convergent qualitative synthesis approach. This review adhered to the Synthesis without meta‐analysis (SWiM) reporting guidelines.ResultsA total of 17 studies were included. Two themes and six sub‐themes were generated: (1) intraprofessional factors—inadequate handover, workload and mutual support, raising and acting on concerns, and seeking help from seniors and (2) interprofessional factors—differences in communication styles, and hierarchical approach versus interpersonal relationships.ConclusionsThis systematic review highlights the need to address the intra‐ and interprofessional issues surrounding collaborative practice in escalation of care among general ward staff.Implications for the ProfessionFindings from this review will inform healthcare leaders and educators on the development of relevant strategies and multi‐disciplinary training to foster effective teamwork among nurses and doctors, with the goal of improving the escalation of care for patients with clinical deterioration.No Patient or Public ContributionThis systematic review did not directly involve patient or public contribution to the manuscript.
Serum endocan levels in patients with habitual abortion
Authors: Yoruk Nurcan , Bulut Erdem Ebru , Aksoy Ayse Nur , Sebin Engin , Aras Gökhan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a new factor in the etiology of recurrent loss of pregnancy. For this purpose, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels as indicators of oxidative stress, and endocan levels, a marker of vascular dysfunction, were investigated in patients diagnosed with habitual abortion.Materials and MethodsThe research was conducted as a prospective case–control study. Patients aged 18–40 years with two or more consecutive pregnancy losses revealed by ultrasonographic or histopathological examination, and with no pathology capable of causing habitual abortion were included in the study group. Patients with no history of abortion, with at least one healthy pregnancy, who were planning pregnancies, and who presented to the outpatient clinic for routine prepregnancy tests were selected as the control group. Two groups were established—habitual abortion (n = 30) and control (n = 29). At the end of the menstrual cycle, blood samples were collected and centrifuged. Serum NO, MDA, and endocan levels were studied.ResultsSerum endocan, NO, and MDA levels were higher in women with habitual abortion compared to healthy controls. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum endocan levels and NO and MDA levels. A positive correlation was also observed between serum MDA and NO levels. Multiple regression was run to predict serum endocan levels from MDA and NO levels. These variables emerged as statistically significant predictors of endocan.ConclusionThese findings suggest the presence of vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with habitual abortion.
A step toward a biofloc system with no‐carbon addition: Increasing dietary lipid level enhances the water quality and body chemical composition without affecting tilapia health status
Authors: Suloma Ashraf , Mabroke Rania S. , Khattab Marwa S. , Salaah Sally M. , El‐Husseiny Osama M. , Eid Ali 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA 70‐day experiment was carried out to evaluate biofloc system operation with no carbon addition by manipulating dietary protein and lipid levels for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivation. Three treatments were conducted; Control treatment (C; fed on a 30% crude protein [CP] diet supplemented with 3% vegetable oil [VO] + addition of external carbon source [ECS] in rearing tank), low protein–low lipid treatment (LPLL; fed on 23% CP diet supplemented with 3% (VO) + no addition of ECS) and low protein–high lipid treatment (LPHL; fed on 23% CP diet supplemented with 9% VO + no addition of ECS). The C treatment recorded the highest values (p < 0.05) in terms of final body weight (FBW), specific growth rate, floc volume, total suspended solids, and ammonia nitrogen. No significant differences were observed between C and LPHL treatments regarding FBW and protein efficiency ratio. The liver sections of LPHL treatment showed better values for histological alteration index compared to the control. It could be concluded that applying a biofloc system with no carbon addition using LPHL diets may afford better water quality conditions, limit the environmental impact and decrease dietary costs with limited effect on fish performance.
Duodenal–jejunal bypass liners are superior to optimal medical management in ameliorating metabolic dysfunction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McLennan Steffane , Verhoeff Kevin , Purich Kieran , Dang Jerry , Kung Janice Y. , Mocanu Valentin 
Published: May 2023

SummaryThis systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluates metabolic and anthropometric outcomes of duodenal–jejunal bypass liners (DJBLs) compared to optimal medical management for the treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic complications. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Studies were reviewed and data were extracted following the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) change at device explant with secondary outcomes including body mass index (BMI), weight, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and adverse events. Twenty‐eight studies met inclusion criteria evaluating a total of 1229 patients undergoing DJBL treatment. When compared to medical management, DJBLs provided superior reductions in HbA1c (mean difference, MD −0.96%; 95% CI −1.43, −0.49; p < 0.0001), FPG (MD −1.76 mmol/L; 95% CI −2.80, −0.72; p = 0.0009), BMI (MD −2.80 kg/m2; 95% CI −4.18, −1.41; p < 0.0001), and weight (MD −5.45 kg; 95% CI −9.80, −1.09, p = 0.01). Post‐explant data reveals a gradual return to baseline status. Incidence of early device explant was 20.2%. Complications were resolved conservatively or with device explant without long‐term morbidity or mortality. We conclude that DJBLs provide significant metabolic and anthropometric improvements for patients with obesity. Uncertainty about the extent to which improvements are maintained after device removal may limit the use of DJBLs as a standalone treatment for obesity and associated metabolic complications.