bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile production of low‐viscosity mung bean starch through cold plasma treatment: Improvement of film formability
Authors: Chen Guiyun , Yang Bowen , Wang Jiake , Zhang Yifu , Li Shuhong , Chen Ye 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMung bean starch (MBS) has a strong potential to be used as food packages. However, preparing tough and uniform MBS films via industrial casting remains challenging due to the high viscosity of MBS slurry. Herein, MBS was modified by using dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (CP) in an attempt to decrease its viscosity and improve the film‐forming properties. Results indicated that CP with an applied power of 120 W for 5 min decreased the peaking viscosity of MBS slurry from 2936.5 to 466.3 cP. Moreover, CP treatment simultaneously modified the crystallinity (20.2%–16.7%), amylose content (30.5%–44.3%), and short‐range orders (1.04–0.85). CP also broke the protective envelope of MBS granules. Further, the film‐forming properties of MBS were investigated. It was observed that CP‐modified MBS film casts exhibited uniform morphology, higher tensile strength (6.6–9.6 MPa), and improved thermal stability (89.0–100.8°C) compared with the untreated MBS film. The study indicates that the CP can be used as a green and facile technology to improve the properties of MBS films resulting in an efficient food packing material.
Precision targeted therapy for EGFR mutation‐positive NSCLC: Dilemmas and coping strategies
Authors: Meng Ying , Bai Rilan , Cui Jiuwei 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe most common driver gene mutation in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. With the introduction of EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the treatment prospects and prognosis of NSCLC patients with EGFR‐sensitive mutations have significantly improved. Nonetheless, therapies targeting NSCLC are still associated with a risk of primary or secondary nonclassical drug resistance mutations. In recent years, the research and methodology have led to the continuous discovery of new drugs and drug resistance targets. These explorations have also resulted in continuously discovering new drugs. Consequently, rapid advancements have been made to overcome NSCLC drug resistance. This study aimed to review the current dilemma of targeted therapy for EGFR mutation‐positive NSCLC and the coping strategies for these difficulties.
Seasonal, environmental and anthropogenic influences on nocturnal basking in turtles and crocodiles from North‐Eastern Australia
Authors: Nordberg Eric J. , McKnight Donald T. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMany ectotherms bask in the sun as a behavioural mechanism to increase body temperature and facilitate metabolism, digestion or gamete production, among other functions. Such behaviours are common during the day, but some nocturnal species are also known to thermoregulate at night, in the absence of solar radiation, through shifts in body posture or microhabitat selection. Additionally, recent work has documented nocturnal basking in freshwater turtles in tropical Australia, though the purpose of the behaviour remains unknown. Here, we have built upon that work to test: 1. seasonal differences, 2. the influence of environmental factors and 3. the influence of anthropogenic development (e.g. river‐front houses) on nocturnal basking behaviour. We visually surveyed transects repeatedly at night on the Ross River, Townsville, QLD, Australia from March to November 2020 and documented nocturnal basking in both freshwater turtles (Emydura macquarii krefftii) and freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni). For both taxa, we found significantly more nocturnal basking activity during the hotter months. Likewise, water surface temperature significantly influenced nocturnal basking in both taxa, especially when water temperatures were both high and warmer than air temperatures. We propose that nocturnal basking provides a mechanism for thermoregulatory cooling when water temperatures are high (e.g. 30°C) and above‐preferred temperatures. After accounting for availability in basking habitat, both turtles and crocodiles basked more frequently on the undeveloped side of the river, suggesting avoidance of human activity or disturbance. This study is the first to document nocturnal basking activity temporally throughout the year as well as the first to identify the influences of environmental factors. Nocturnal thermoregulation has been documented in many reptiles, however, thermoregulatory cooling in tropical systems is less well‐known.
Trends and gaps in the literature on native palms of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Cerqueira Amanda Freitas , Benchimol Maíra , Sousa‐Santos Catriane , Bezerra Inajara Marques , Santana dos Santos Martielly , Dalmolin Ândrea Carla , Gaiotto Fernanda Amato , Mielke Marcelo Schramm 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPalms (Arecaceae) exert great relevance to the structure and functioning of tropical forest ecosystems, in addition to comprise key resources for frugivorous animals. However, many species are currently at risk of extinction due to overexploitation and/or habitat loss. Our study aimed to perform a systematic review with a scientometric approach of all 78 native palm species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, seeking to identify the best‐studied species and regions, main studied topics, overall patterns, trends and gaps in scientific research associated with this botany family. In total, studies were carried out for 48 species belonging to 10 genera, with the number of studies exponentially increasing from the 70s and exhibiting great difference in the number of publications among species. Euterpe edulis was the most studied species (n = 274), followed by Acrocomia aculeata (n = 205), whereas Bactris bahiensis (1), Geonoma litoralis (1), Syagrus santosii (1) and Trithrinax acanthocoma (0) comprised the less studied species. The largest number of studies was carried out in the south‐eastern states of Brazil. Regarding the type of studies, 34% and 27% were related to biochemical properties and ecological processes, respectively, while studies on entomology (n = 26), tissue culture (n = 23) and taxonomy (n = 7) showed the lowest number of studies. Given the key role of palms in tropical forests, our study suggests that future research should focus on less studied species, including Desmoncus spp., Geonoma spp. and Trithrinax sp., and on some less studied areas like the north‐east portion of the Atlantic Forest.
Uptake, experiences and barriers to cervical screening for trans and non‐binary people in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Carroll Rona , Tan Kyle K. H. , Ker Alex , Byrne Jack L. , Veale Jaimie F. 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundLittle is known about experiences and barriers for trans and non‐binary (TGNB) people eligible for cervical screening in Aotearoa New Zealand.AimsTo identify uptake, barriers and reasons for delaying cervical cancer screening among TGNB people in Aotearoa.Materials and MethodsThe 2018 Counting Ourselves data on TGNB people assigned female at birth aged 20–69 years who had ever had sex, were analysed to report on experiences of those who were eligible for cervical screening (n = 318). Participants answered questions about whether they had taken part in cervical screening and reasons behind any delays in receiving the test.ResultsTrans men were more likely than non‐binary participants to report that they did not require cervical screening or were unsure if they needed it. For those who had delayed cervical screening, 30% did so due to feeling worried about how they would be treated as a trans or non‐binary person and 35% due to another reason. Other reasons for delay related to general and gender‐related discomfort, previous traumatic experiences, anxiety or fear of the test and pain. Material barriers to access included cost and lack of information.ConclusionsThe current cervical screening program in Aotearoa does not consider the needs of TGNB people, leading to delayed and reduced uptake of cervical screening. Health providers require education on the reasons TGNB people delay or avoid cervical screening in order to provide appropriate information and affirmative healthcare environments. The human papillomavirus self‐swab may address some of the existing barriers.
A Costly Commitment: Populism, Economic Performance, and the Quality of Bureaucracy
Authors: Bellodi Luca , Morelli Massimo , Vannoni Matia 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe study the consequences of populism for economic performance and the quality of bureaucracy. When voters lose trust in representative democracy, populists strategically supply unconditional policy commitments that are easier to monitor for voters. When in power, populists try to implement their policy commitments regardless of financial constraints and expert assessment of the feasibility of their policies, worsening government economic performance and dismantling resistance from expert bureaucrats. With novel data on more than 8,000 Italian municipalities covering more than 20 years, we estimate the effect of electing a populist mayor with a close‐election regression discontinuity design. We find that the election of a populist mayor leads to smaller repayments of debts, a larger share of procurement contracts with cost overruns, higher turnover among top bureaucrats—driven by forced rather than voluntary departures—and a sharp decrease in the percentage of postgraduate bureaucrats.
Freshwater turtle admissions to a wildlife hospital in South‐East Queensland, Australia over an eleven‐year period, 2010–2021
Authors: O'Leary KS , Hill A , Doneley RJT 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionFreshwater turtles in South‐East Queensland face a multitude of anthropogenic threats that threaten their survival. Research exploring the morbidity and mortality of animals presented to wildlife hospitals has been used globally to assess the health of species populations, investigate anthropogenic interference and provide valuable information to veterinary professionals about ailments common to a particular species.Materials and methodsMedical records of 1739 chelonian patients admitted to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia between March 2010 and March 2021 were analysed to obtain data on species, diagnoses, outcome and temporal trends.ResultsSix species of freshwater turtles were observed, with the Brisbane River turtle (Emydura macquarii signata) being the most common. While there was no significant trend in the number of cases over the study period, there was a decline in the number of Saw‐shell turtles (Myuchelys latisternum) admitted each year. Admissions peaked in autumn and summer, likely coinciding with nesting and hatchling emergence. Trauma was the most common diagnosis, accounting for 83% of cases, and saw a decreasing incidence during the study period. In contrast, there was an increasing number of turtles presenting with disease within the same period. Overall, 67.4% of turtles were able to be released after a period of treatment, while 32.6% were euthanised or died due to their condition. Turtles presenting for trauma had the most favourable prognosis, and disease held the poorest prognosis.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThese results confirmed that there are significant anthropogenic threats to freshwater turtle populations in South‐East Queensland.
A machine learning model for predicting blood concentration of quetiapine in patients with schizophrenia and depression based on real‐world data
Authors: Hao Yupei , Zhang Jinyuan , Yang Lin , Zhou Chunhua , Yu Ze , Gao Fei , Hao Xin , Pang Xiaolu , Yu Jing 
Published: April 2023

AimsThis study aimed to establish a prediction model of quetiapine concentration in patients with schizophrenia and depression, based on real‐world data via machine learning techniques to assist clinical regimen decisions.MethodsA total of 650 cases of quetiapine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) data from 483 patients at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 1 November 2019 to 31 August 2022 were included in the study. Univariate analysis and sequential forward selection (SFS) were implemented to screen the important variables influencing quetiapine TDM. After 10‐fold cross validation, the algorithm with the optimal model performance was selected for predicting quetiapine TDM among nine models. SHapley Additive exPlanation was applied for model interpretation.ResultsFour variables (daily dose of quetiapine, type of mental illness, sex and CYP2D6 competitive substrates) were selected through univariate analysis (P < .05) and SFS to establish the models. The CatBoost algorithm with the best predictive ability (mean [SD] R2 = 0.63 ± 0.02, RMSE = 137.39 ± 10.56, MAE = 103.24 ± 7.23) was chosen for predicting quetiapine TDM among nine models. The mean (SD) accuracy of the predicted TDM within ±30% of the actual TDM was 49.46 ± 3.00%, and that of the recommended therapeutic range (200–750 ng mL−1) was 73.54 ± 8.3%. Compared with the PBPK model in a previous study, the CatBoost model shows slightly higher accuracy within ±100% of the actual value.ConclusionsThis work is the first real‐world study to predict the blood concentration of quetiapine in patients with schizophrenia and depression using artificial intelligent techniques, which is of significance and value for clinical medication guidance.
What drives CAR‐T emergent cytopenia?
Authors: Hills Robert K. 
Published: April 2023

SummaryProlonged cytopenia after CAR‐T cell therapy is an acknowledged problem. At present, the causes and implications of prolonged cytopenia are unclear. The paper by Kitamura et al identified that prolonged cytopenia is associated with alterations in the bone marrow niche identified before CAR‐T therapy, indicating a potential predictor of this serious side‐effect of treatment.Commentary on: Kitamura et al. Bone marrow microenvironment disruption and sustained inflammation with prolonged haematologic toxicity after CAR T‐cell therapy? Br J Haematol 2023;202:294‐307.
Missing the bigger picture: Why insect monitoring programs are limited in their ability to document the effects of habitat loss
Authors: Forister M. L. , Black S. H. , Elphick C. S. , Grames E. M. , Halsch C. A. , Schultz C. B. , Wagner D. L. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe fate of insects in the Anthropocene has been widely discussed in the scientific literature, the popular media, and in policy circles. This recent attention is justified because reductions in insect abundance and diversity have the potential to undermine the stability of terrestrial ecosystems. Reports of insect declines have also been accompanied by skepticism that is healthy and to be expected in scientific discussion. However, we are concerned about a prevalent misconception that equates reports from monitored natural areas with the global status of insects. In the vast majority of cases, areas monitored for arthropods are undeveloped and thus do not record or even necessarily reflect the masses of insects that are continuously being impacted by habitat loss to urban, suburban and agricultural expansion. We address this misconception and discuss ways in which conservation and policy can be enhanced by correctly locating results from insect monitoring programs within our broader knowledge of biodiversity loss.
All in the family? The impact of founder directors and family governance on microfinance institutions' social performance
Authors: Hossain Shahadat , Galbreath Jeremy , Hasan Mostafa Monzur , Randøy Trond 
Published: April 2023

AbstractResearch Question/IssueThis study investigates the impact of family governance, including founder directors and their ties to family members on the board, on the social performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs), a special kind of social enterprise with dual objectives.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a dataset of 735 MFIs operating in Bangladesh from 2007 to 2017, we find that founder directors and board members with family ties to the founder have an adverse impact on MFIs' social performance. These findings hold when we perform several robustness tests and endogeneity tests.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe contribute to the corporate governance literature on MFIs and social enterprises in two ways. First, our findings suggest that, when MFIs are confronted with dual performance objectives, founder directors may “trade off” social outcomes in favor of economic outcomes and therefore adversely affect MFIs' social performance. Second, our findings extend the literature by showing that the presence of board members with family ties to founder directors also adversely affects MFIs' social performance.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study suggests that MFIs' board composition influences their governance and ability to oversee their social and financial performance effectively. If MFIs' social performance is a major concern of national policy makers, then regulation should be put in place to limit board recruitment with family ties.
Stroke phenotype in cannabis users among young adults with ischemic stroke
Authors: Gueyraud Gabriel , Guidolin Brigitte , Olivot Jean‐Marc , Lerebours Fleur , Barbieux‐Guillot Marianne , Larrue Vincent , Gollion Cédric 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeIncidence of ischemic stroke in young adults has been steadily increasing over the past 20 years. One hypothesis to explain this phenomenon is the increase in the use of illicit drugs, including cannabis. However, the mechanisms and the clinical presentation of ischemic stroke associated with cannabis use are unclear. The objective of this study was to describe the phenotype of ischemic stroke in cannabis users compared to nonusers among a population of young adults with a first‐ever ischemic stroke.MethodsPatients aged 18–54 years consecutively hospitalized in a university department of neurology for a first‐ever ischemic stroke from January 2017 to July 2021 were included. Drug use over the past year was assessed by a semistructured interview, and the stroke phenotype was described using the ASCOD classification.ResultsA total of 691 patients, including 78 of 691 (11.3%) cannabis users, were included. Cannabis use was independently associated with potential A1 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45–7.5, p = 0.004) and uncertain A2 (OR = 13.1, 95% CI = 2.89–59.4, p < 0.001) atherosclerotic cause of stroke after adjustment for vascular risk factors including tobacco and other drug use. Moreover, the association of atherosclerosis and cannabis use was significant for frequent (OR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.07–8.6, p = 0.030) and daily cannabis use (OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 1.40–13.4, p = 0.008), but not for occasional use.ConclusionsWe found a significant, independent, and graded association of cannabis use with the atherosclerotic stroke phenotype.
Shapes of cervical articular process joints and association with histological evidence of osteochondrosis in Warmblood foals: A post‐mortem study
Authors: Bergmann Wilhelmina , Vernooij Johannes C. M. , Grinwis Guy C. M. , Gröne Andrea 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundOsteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) of articular process joints (APJs) is involved in cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVM). Biomechanical forces, important in development of OCD, depend on joint conformation. Oval and flat APJ surfaces are considered normal.ObjectivesTo identify and grade gross shape variation of cervical and cranial thoracic APJ surfaces and determine association with histological evidence of osteochondrosis.Study designCase series.MethodsEight hundred and four cervical and cranial thoracic APJ surfaces of 30 foals were evaluated for shape(s) and grades, and were correlated with osteochondrosis.ResultsThree top view shapes (oval, pointed, elongated) and seven lateral view shapes (flat, convex, concave, stepped, bevelled, folded edge, raised edge) were regularly encountered. The oval top view shape was most common. Flat and bevelled were the most common lateral view shapes. General shape grade of caudal articular surfaces was significantly higher than of cranial surfaces. The combinations of an oval top view shape and the lateral view shapes folded edge, concave, or flat with additional raised edge and/or folded edge (flat +), were more likely to have OC than oval with convex, bevelled or flat lateral view shapes (normal vs. oval and folded, odds ratio [OR] 2.49 [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.13–5.67]; normal vs. oval and flat +, OR 2.77 [95% CI 1.15–6.85]; oval and convex vs. oval and folded, OR 3.20 [95% CI 1.35–8.20]; oval and convex vs. oval and flat +, OR 3.56 [95% CI 1.43–9.54]; oval and bevelled vs. oval and concave, OR 2.02 [95% CI 1.14–3.60]; oval and bevelled vs. oval and folded, OR 3.50 [95% CI 1.91–6.60]; oval and bevelled vs. oval and flat +, OR 3.90 [95% CI 2.00–7.70]).Main limitationsMost foals (21/30) were less than 1 month old. Lack of observer reliability scores for shape and shape grade.ConclusionAPJs shape might contribute to CVM by increased likelihood to have OC.
Design and validation of neuronal exocytosis blocking peptides as potential novel antiperspirants
Authors: Butron Laura , Nikolaeva‐Koleva Magdalena , Sempere Ana , Rivero Verónica , Fernandez‐Ballester Gregorio , Espinosa Ana , Vergassola Matteo , Mastrocola Elena , Zucchi Sara , Ragni Lorella , Fernández‐Carvajal Asia , Mangano Giorgina , Ferrer‐Montiel Antonio , Devesa Isabel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThermoregulation and heat dissipation by sweat production and evaporation are vital for human survival. However, hyperhidrosis or excessive perspiration might affect people's quality of life by causing discomfort and stress. The prolonged use of classical antiperspirants, anticholinergic medications or botulinum toxin injections for persistent hyperhidrosis might produce diverse side effects that limit their clinical use. Inspired by botox molecular mode of action, we used an in silico molecular modelling approach to design novel peptides to target neuronal acetylcholine exocytosis by interfering with the Snapin‐SNARE complex formation. Our exhaustive design rendered the selection of 11 peptides that decreased calcium‐dependent vesicle exocytosis in rat DRG neurons, reducing αCGRP release and TRPV1 inflammatory sensitization. The most potent peptides were palmitoylated peptides SPSR38‐4.1 and SPSR98‐9.1 that significantly suppressed acetylcholine release in vitro in human LAN‐2 neuroblastoma cells. Noteworthy, local acute and chronic administration of SPSR38‐4.1 peptide significantly decreased, in a dose‐dependent manner, pilocarpine‐induced sweating in an in vivo mouse model. Taken together, our in silico approach lead to the identification of active peptides able to attenuate excessive sweating by modulating neuronal acetylcholine exocytosis, and identified peptide SPSR38‐4.1 as a promising new antihyperhidrosis candidate for clinical development.