bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation and BiologicaL agE in middle-aged adults (ABLE)—intervention study protocol
Authors: Sandalova Elena , Goh Jorming , Lim Zi Xiang , Lim Zhi Meng , Barardo Diogo , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Kennedy Brian K. , Maier Andrea B. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Targeting molecular processes of aging will enable people to live healthier and longer lives by preventing age-related diseases. Geroprotectors are compounds with the potential to increase healthspan and lifespan. Even though many of them have been tested in animal models, the translation to humans is limited. Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) has been studied widely in model animals, but there are few studies testing its geroprotective properties in humans. ABLE is a double blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial (RCT) of 1 g sustained release Ca-AKG versus placebo for 6 months of intervention and 3 months follow up including 120 40–60-year-old healthy individuals with a higher DNA methylation age compared to their chronological age. The primary outcome is the decrease in DNA methylation age from baseline to the end of the intervention. A total of 120 participants will be randomized to receive either sustained release Ca-AKG or placebo. Secondary outcomes include changes in the inflammatory and metabolic parameters in blood, handgrip strength and leg extension strength, arterial stiffness, skin autofluorescence, and aerobic capacity from baseline to 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. This study will recruit middle-aged participants with an older DNA methylation age compared to their chronological age, and test whether supplementation with Ca-AKG can reduce DNA methylation age. This study is unique in its inclusion of biologically older participants.
Finding new purpose for vacancies in rural areas: a taxonomy of coworking space business models
Authors: Thornton Nina , Engert Martin , Hein Andreas , Krcmar Helmut 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAs a result of the rural exodus over the last decades, unused vacancies in rural areas are at risk of falling into disrepair. Given the current trends of flexible workplaces and people returning to rural areas, their repurposing as coworking spaces (CWSs) by entrepreneurs poses a potential for sustainable future-oriented workplace solutions. However, there is little to no guidance on the structural configuration and business models of CWSs in rural areas available for these entrepreneurs. We apply a structured empirical research approach to create a comprehensive and specialized taxonomy, including a literature review and eleven interviews with operators of rural CWSs in Germany. The resulting taxonomy of business models of CWSs in rural areas based on an extension of the business model canvas contributes to the knowledge base on rural CWSs. We evaluate its usability through a case study and an entrepreneurial operator of a rural CWS, underlining its entrepreneurial and practice-oriented purpose. The study addresses several urgent topics, such as the future of work and new work (places), which enable and accelerate the development of CWSs outside agglomerations consequential to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also promotes social and sustainable entrepreneurship and the revitalizing, enhancing, and increasing of digital accessibility of rural regions.
Maternal Immune Activation Induces Cortical Catecholaminergic Hypofunction and Cognitive Impairments in Offspring
Authors: Perez-Palomar Blanca , Erdozain Amaia M. , Erkizia-Santamaría Ines , Ortega Jorge E. , Meana J. Javier 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Impairment of specific cognitive domains in schizophrenia has been associated with prefrontal cortex (PFC) catecholaminergic deficits. Among other factors, prenatal exposure to infections represents an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia development in adulthood. However, it remains largely unknown whether the prenatal infection-induced changes in the brain may be associated with concrete switches in a particular neurochemical circuit, and therefore, if they could alter behavioral functions.

Methods
In vitro and in vivo neurochemical evaluation of the PFC catecholaminergic systems was performed in offspring from mice undergoing maternal immune activation (MIA). The cognitive status was also evaluated. Prenatal viral infection was mimicked by polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) administration to pregnant dams (7.5 mg/kg i.p., gestational day 9.5) and consequences were evaluated in adult offspring.

Results
MIA-treated offspring showed disrupted recognition memory in the novel object recognition task (t = 2.30, p = 0.031). This poly(I:C)-based group displayed decreased extracellular dopamine (DA) concentrations compared to controls (t = 3.17, p = 0.0068). Potassium-evoked release of DA and noradrenaline (NA) were impaired in the poly(I:C) group (DA: Ft[10,90] = 43.33, p < 0.0001; Ftr[1,90] = 1.224, p = 0.2972; Fi[10,90] = 5.916, p < 0.0001; n = 11); (NA: Ft[10,90] = 36.27, p < 0.0001; Ftr[1,90] = 1.841, p = 0.208; Fi[10,90] = 8.686, p < 0.0001; n = 11). In the same way, amphetamine‐evoked release of DA and NA were also impaired in the poly(I:C) group (DA: Ft[8,328] = 22.01, p < 0.0001; Ftr[1,328] = 4.507, p = 0.040; Fi[8,328] = 2.319, p = 0.020; n = 43); (NA: Ft[8,328] = 52.07; p < 0.0001; Ftr[1,328] = 4.322; p = 0.044; Fi[8,398] = 5.727; p < 0.0001; n = 43). This catecholamine imbalance was accompanied by increased dopamine D1 and D2 receptor expression (t = 2.64, p = 0.011 and t = 3.55, p = 0.0009; respectively), whereas tyrosine hydroxylase, DA and NA tissue content, DA and NA transporter (DAT/NET) expression and function were unaltered.

Conclusions
MIA induces in offspring a presynaptic catecholaminergic hypofunction in PFC with cognitive impairment. This poly(I:C)-based model reproduces catecholamine phenotypes reported in schizophrenia and represents an opportunity for the study of cognitive impairment associated to this disorder.
Understanding and improving the language of business: How accounting and corporate reporting research can better serve business and society
Authors: Fülbier Rolf Uwe , Sellhorn Thorsten 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFinancial accounting, the core of corporate reporting, is often characterized as the ‘language of business’. Over the last roughly 100 years, and using an evolving set of theories, methods, and data, scholarly work in this area has been contributing to our understanding of this language and how to improve it. This paper seeks, first, to characterize the field with a focus on its evolution in the German-speaking area, where, like elsewhere, normative research traditions interested in improving practice have been making way for positivist approaches that seek a detached understanding of ‘what is.’ Second, we discuss the changing users and institutional parameters that are reshaping corporate reporting, followed by our personal view of ‘wicked’ societal problems and challenges that corporate reporting might be able to help alleviate. Finally, we discuss directions in which research might evolve in order to address these issues, in order to make corporate reporting more useful for serving not only economic actors, but also society and the environment more broadly.
Evaluation of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation in 2021 world health organization classification grade 3 and 4 glioma adult-type diffuse gliomas with 18F-fluoromisonidazole PET
Authors: Wang Yang , Fushimi Yasutaka , Arakawa Yoshiki , Shimizu Yoichi , Sano Kohei , Sakata Akihiko , Nakajima Satoshi , Okuchi Sachi , Hinoda Takuya , Oshima Sonoko , Otani Sayo , Ishimori Takayoshi , Tanji Masahiro , Mineharu Yohei , Yoshida Kazumichi , Nakamoto Yuji 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the uptake characteristics of 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO), in mutant-type isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH-mutant, grade 3 and 4) and wild-type IDH (IDH-wildtype, grade 4) 2021 WHO classification adult-type diffuse gliomas.

Materials and methods
Patients with grade 3 and 4 adult-type diffuse gliomas (n = 35) were included in this prospective study. After registering 18F-FMISO PET and MR images, standardized uptake value (SUV) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were evaluated in hyperintense areas on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging (HIA), and in contrast-enhanced tumors (CET) by manually placing 3D volumes of interest. Relative SUVmax (rSUVmax) and SUVmean (rSUVmean), 10th percentile of ADC (ADC10pct), mean ADC (ADCmean) were measured in HIA and CET, respectively.

Results
rSUVmean in HIA and rSUVmean in CET were significantly higher in IDH-wildtype than in IDH-mutant (P = 0.0496 and 0.03, respectively). The combination of FMISO rSUVmean in HIA and ADC10pct in CET, that of rSUVmax and ADC10pct in CET, that of rSUVmean in HIA and ADCmean in CET, were able to differentiate IDH-mutant from IDH-wildtype (AUC 0.80). When confined to astrocytic tumors except for oligodendroglioma, rSUVmax, rSUVmean in HIA and rSUVmean in CET were higher for IDH-wildtype than for IDH-mutant, but not significantly (P = 0.23, 0.13 and 0.14, respectively). The combination of FMISO rSUVmean in HIA and ADC10pct in CET was able to differentiate IDH-mutant (AUC 0.81).

Conclusion
PET using 18F-FMISO and ADC might provide a valuable tool for differentiating between IDH mutation status of 2021 WHO classification grade 3 and 4 adult-type diffuse gliomas.
Rurbanity: a concept for the interdisciplinary study of rural–urban transformation
Authors: Hoffmann Ellen M. , Schareika Nikolaus , Dittrich Christoph , Schlecht Eva , Sauer Daniela , Buerkert Andreas 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAlong with climate change, population growth, and overexploitation of natural resources, urbanisation is among the major global challenges of our time. It is a nexus where many of the world’s grand challenges intersect, and thus key to sustainable development. The widespread understanding of urbanisation as a successive and unidirectional transformation of landscapes and societies from a rural to an urban state is increasingly questioned. Examples from around the globe show that ‘the rural’ and ‘the urban’ are not only highly interdependent, but actually coexist and often merge in the same space or livelihood strategy. Our concept of rurbanity provides an integrated theoretical framework which overcomes the rural–urban divide and can be operationalised for empirical research. Rurbanity is the next stringent step following the gradual widening of previous concepts from urban-centred approaches through the emphasis on urban peripheries to attempts of abolishing any distinction of a rural environment and acknowledging the highly dynamic nature of globalising urbanisation. Building on complex systems theory and assemblage thinking, our concept explores complementary aspects of the distinct epistemic worldviews dominating the natural and social sciences. Within this theoretical frame, we derive four analytical dimensions as entry points for empirical research: Endowments and Place, Flows and Connectivity, Institutions and Behaviour, and Lifestyles and Livelihoods. Two examples illustrate how these dimensions apply, interact, and together lead to a comprehensive, insightful understanding of rurban phenomena. Such understanding can be an effective starting point for assessing potential contributions of rurbanity to long-term global sustainability.
Weight-Related Outcomes After Revisional Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Non-response After Sleeve Gastrectomy—a Systematic Review
Authors: Axer Stephan , Lederhuber Hans , Stiede Franziska , Szabo Eva , Näslund Ingmar 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWeight non-response after sleeve gastrectomy is an emerging issue. This systematic review compared revisional procedures for weight-related outcomes. We searched several databases for relevant articles and included adult patients with revisional bariatric procedures after primary sleeve gastrectomy. Twelve trials with 1046 patients were included, covering five revisional procedures. There were no randomised controlled trials, and 10 studies had a critical risk of bias. Significant variations in inclusion criteria, therapy benchmarks, follow-up schemes, and outcome measurements were observed, preventing meaningful comparison of results. Evidence-based treatment strategies for weight non-response after sleeve gastrectomy cannot be deduced from the current literature. Prospective studies with well-defined indications, standardised techniques, and strict adherence to outcome measurements are needed.
Eggs and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Update of Recent Evidence
Authors: Carter Sharayah , Connole Elizabeth S. , Hill Alison M. , Buckley Jonathan D. , Coates Alison M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Purpose of Review
This review summarizes recent evidence published since a previous review in 2018 on the association between egg consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, CVD incidence, and CVD risk factors.

Recent Findings
No recent randomized controlled trials were identified. Evidence from observational studies is mixed, with studies reporting either an increased risk or no association of highest egg consumption with CVD mortality, and a similar spread of increased risk, decreased risk, or no association between egg intake and total CVD incidence. Most studies reported a reduced risk or no association between egg consumption and CVD risk factors. Included studies reported low and high egg intake as between 0 and 1.9 eggs/week and 2 and ≥14 eggs/week, respectively. Ethnicity may influence the risk of CVD with egg consumption, likely due to differences in how eggs are consumed in the diet rather than eggs themselves.

Summary
Recent findings are inconsistent regarding the possible relationship between egg consumption and CVD mortality and morbidity. Dietary guidance should focus on improving the overall quality of the diet to promote cardiovascular health.
Insights into the FTIR Spectral Fingerprint of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Stigmas After Gentle Drying Treatments
Authors: Kokkinaki Fotini , Ordoudi Stella A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDrying of the delicate, red stigmas of the Crocus sativus L. flower is necessary to produce saffron, the most expensive spice in the world. So far, laborious and sample destructive methods were applied to get vital insight into this process following key physicochemical changes. Vibrational spectroscopy tools that allow molecular fingerprinting of plant tissues via multivariate data analysis are still not exploited. This study aimed at gaining new insights into the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of saffron on different gentle drying treatments in vacuum or by short-time heating with varying sample loading, energy input, duration etc. Diagnostic spectral bands that were exposed using Principal Component Analysis were assigned to C=O stretching in vinyl or cyclic esters, amides or other inter-molecular interactions of importance for functionality. Above all, the peak at 1160 cm−1 (typical of C-O-C glycosidic bridges) proved a distinguishing feature of short-time heated vs vacuum-dried saffron. Other critical quality attributes of the dried stigmas (physical structure, color, chemical composition), assessed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), colorimetry, UV-Vis spectrometry and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), indicated both positive and negative effects per drying method. Our work highlights the novelty to combine non-destructive FTIR spectroscopy with conventional techniques for a more insightful evaluation of desired or undesired changes after saffron dehydration. Moreover, the spectral fingerprinting approach offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for rapid, non-invasive control of the raw material that is of high interest for food and nutraceutical applications.
Occludin Regulates HIV-1 Infection by Modulation of the Interferon Stimulated OAS Gene Family
Authors: Torices Silvia , Teglas Timea , Naranjo Oandy , Fattakhov Nikolai , Frydlova Kristyna , Cabrera Rosalba , Osborne Olivia M. , Sun Enze , Kluttz Allan , Toborek Michal 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHIV-1-associated blood brain barrier (BBB) alterations and neurocognitive disorders are frequent clinical manifestations in HIV-1 infected patients. The BBB is formed by cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU) and sealed together by tight junction proteins, such as occludin (ocln). Pericytes are a key cell type of NVU that can harbor HIV-1 infection via a mechanism that is regulated, at least in part, by ocln. After viral infection, the immune system starts the production of interferons, which induce the expression of the 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) family of interferon stimulated genes and activate the endoribonuclease RNaseL that provides antiviral protection by viral RNA degradation. The current study evaluated the involvement of the OAS genes in HIV-1 infection of cells of NVU and the role of ocln in controlling OAS antiviral signaling pathway. We identified that ocln modulates the expression levels of the OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL genes and proteins and, in turn, that the members of the OAS family can influence HIV replication in human brain pericytes. Mechanistically, this effect was regulated via the STAT signaling. HIV-1 infection of pericytes significantly upregulated expression of all OAS genes at the mRNA level but selectively OAS1, OAS2, and OAS3 at the protein level. Interestingly no changes were found in RNaseL after HIV-1 infection. Overall, these results contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms implicated in the regulation of HIV-1 infection in human brain pericytes and suggest a novel role for ocln in controlling of this process.
“I Live in Agony”: the Everyday Insecurity of Rejected Somali Asylum-seekers in Finland
Authors: Ismail Abdirashid A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFinland, like other countries in Europe, has recently implemented restrictive asylum policies intended to deter asylum-seekers. This article uses the concept of everyday insecurity to study the effects of these policies on the lives of rejected asylum-seekers from Somalia in Finland. Material for this article is primarily drawn from in-depth individual interviews with people whose asylum claims have been rejected by the Finnish authorities. It is also informed by participatory observations and informal discussions with community leaders and activists. The article argues that new restrictive asylum policies create everyday insecurity for rejected asylum-seekers in several ways, including by denying them access to entitlements. These policies also cause rejected asylum-seekers to feel powerless when dealing with actors such as politicians, bureaucrats, employers, lawyers, social workers, health service providers, and their peers. They may also feel unable to help themselves or their loved ones. These policies also subject rejected asylum-seekers to extreme forms of exploitation in the labor market and other domains.
Computing minimum-volume enclosing ellipsoids
Authors: Bowman Nathaniel , Heath Michael T. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFor a given multidimensional data set (point cloud), we investigate methods for computing the minimum-volume enclosing ellipsoid (MVEE), which provides an efficient representation of the data that is useful in many applications, including data analysis, optimal design, and computational geometry. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we demonstrate that careful exploitation of problem structure can enable high-order (Newton and Newton-like) methods with superlinear convergence rates to scale to very large MVEE problems. We also introduce a hybrid method that combines the benefits of both high-order and low-order methods, along with new initialization schemes that further enhance performance. Observing that computational cost depends significantly on the particular distribution of the data, we demonstrate that kurtosis serves as an excellent indicator of problem difficulty and provides useful guidance in choosing an appropriate solution algorithm and initialization.
Isolation and Characteristics of Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Probiotics: Yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and Bacterium Streptococcus salivarius K12
Authors: Kulig Kamila , Kowalik Katarzyna , Surowiec Magdalena , Karnas Elzbieta , Barczyk-Woznicka Olga , Zuba-Surma Ewa , Pyza Elzbieta , Kozik Andrzej , Rapala-Kozik Maria , Karkowska-Kuleta Justyna 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNumerous probiotic microorganisms have repeatedly been shown to produce nanometer-sized structures named extracellular vesicles (EVs). Recently, it has been suggested that similarly to whole microbial cells, EVs produced by probiotics may also demonstrate health benefits to the host, while their application does not involve the risk of infection caused by live microorganisms. In this work, we isolated EVs from two probiotic species originating from different taxonomic domains — yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and bacterium Streptococcus salivarius K12. The diameters of S. boulardii EVs were about 142 nm and for S. salivarius EVs about 123 nm. For S. boulardii EVs, 1641 proteins and for S. salivarius EVs, 466 proteins were identified with a liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry and then functionally classified. In both microbial species, metabolic proteins significantly contributed to the cargo of EVs comprising 25% and 26% of all identified vesicular proteins for fungi and bacteria, respectively. Moreover, enzymes associated with cell wall rearrangement, including enzymatically active glucanases, were also identified in EVs. Furthermore, probiotic EVs were shown to influence host cells and stimulate the production of IL-1β and IL-8 by the human monocytic cell line THP-1, and, at the same time, did not cause any remarkable reduction in the survival rate of Galleria mellonella larvae in this invertebrate model commonly used to evaluate microbial EV toxicity. These observations suggest that the EVs produced by the investigated probiotic microorganisms may be promising structures for future use in pro-health applications.
Regulatory aspects of a nanomaterial for imaging therapeutic cells
Authors: van der Zee Margriet , de Vries Claudette , Masa Marc , Morales Marta , Rayo Marta , Hegger Ingrid 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe ability to track therapeutic cells upon administration to the patient is of interest to both regulators and developers of cell therapy. The European Commission Horizon2020 project nTRACK from 2017-2022 aimed to develop a multi-modal nano-imaging agent to track therapeutic cells during development of a cell therapy. As part of this project, we investigated the regulatory pathway involved for such a product if marketed as a stand-alone product. An important regulatory hurdle appeared to be the appropriate regulatory classification of the nTRACK nano-imaging agent, as neither the definition for medicinal product nor the definition for medical device appeared to be a good fit for the purpose of the product and we were confronted with diverging views of competent authorities on the classification. As a consequence, the information requirements to fulfill before conducting a First in Human trial are not evident and can only be decided upon by closely collaborating and communicating with the relevant authorities throughout the development of the product. Moreover, standard test methods for demonstrating the quality and safety of a medicinal product or medical device are not always suitable for nanomaterials such as the nTRACK nano-imaging agent. Regulatory agility is therefore a great need to prevent delay of promising medical innovations, although regulatory guidance on these products will likely improve with more experience. In this article, we outline the lessons learnt related to the regulatory process of the nTRACK nano-imaging agent for tracking therapeutic cells and offer recommendations to both regulators and developers of similar products.
Graphical Abstract