bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erythropoietic response after intravenous iron in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction with and without background treatment with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors
Authors: Marques Pedro , Matias Paula , Packer Milton , Vieira Joana T. , Vasques‐Nóvoa Francisco , Sharma Abhinav , Mavrakanas Thomas A. , Friões Fernando , Ferreira João Pedro 
Published: August 2023

AimsIntravenous (IV) iron increases haemoglobin/haematocrit and improves outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and iron deficiency. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) also increase haemoglobin/haematocrit and improve outcomes in heart failure by mechanisms linked to nutrient deprivation signalling and reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. The effect of IV iron among patients using SGLT2i has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in haemoglobin, haematocrit, and iron biomarkers in HFrEF patients treated with IV iron with and without background SGLT2i treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in natriuretic peptides, kidney function and heart failure‐associated outcomes.Methods and resultsRetrospective, single‐centre analysis of HFrEF patients with iron deficiency treated with IV iron using (n = 60) and not using (n = 60) SGLT2i, matched for age and sex. Mean age was 73 ± 12 years, 48% were men, with more than 65% of patients having chronic kidney disease and anaemia. After adjustment for all baseline differences, SGLT2i users experienced a greater increase in haemoglobin and haematocrit compared to SGLT2i non‐users: haemoglobin +0.57 g/dl (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04–1.10, p = 0.036) and haematocrit +1.64% (95% CI 0.18–3.11, p = 0.029). No significant differences were noted for iron biomarkers or any of the secondary outcomes.ConclusionCombined treatment with IV iron and background SGLT2i was associated with a greater increase in haemoglobin and haematocrit than IV iron without background SGLT2i. These results suggest that in HFrEF patients treated with IV iron, SGLT2i may increase the erythropoietic response. Further studies are needed to ascertain the potential benefit or harm of combining these two treatments in heart failure patients.
Plus‐Size DiPAMP Hybrids for Advanced Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation: The 2RBigFUS Model
Authors: Mohar Barbara , Jeran Marko , Stephan Michel 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOutfitting the P,P′‐distereogenic 2MeBigFUS ligand with the characteristic branched/functionalized‐alkoxy feature of the R‐SMS‐Phos design furnished the 2RBigFUS family (Figure 2). Rhodium(I) complexes thereof exhibited a further boosted activity and superior enantioselectivity in the hydrogenation of various functionalized olefins, including the challenging α‐arylacrylic acids. The application under practical conditions to enantiomeric active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and relevant synthetic building blocks capped the outcome.
Synthesis and pyrolysis of ethyl maltol ester
Authors: Dong Aijun , Yu Zhaojin , Pan Tingting , Rong Lin , Lai Miao , Cheng Biao , Ji Xiaoming , Yang Xiaopeng , Wang Bo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEthyl maltol is one of the most important aromatic components in food and cigarettes because of its caramel flavour. However, the development of ethyl maltol is limited by problems such as heavy smell, low threshold, strong volatility and poor stability. In order to develop a new class of high‐temperature resistance and caramel flavours for cigarettes, eight new ethyl maltol flavours were synthesized using the reaction of ethyl maltol with a carboxylic acid. The target compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR,13C NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). By gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐olfactometer (GC–MS‐O), the aroma characteristics of esters were evaluated. Four compounds with strong aroma were conducted with thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) to analyse their heating stability. TG–DTG results showed that the degradation temperature of ethyl maltol esters was significantly higher than that of ethyl maltol, which could effectively slow down the volatilization of ethyl maltol. Py‐GC/MS results showed that a large amount of ethyl maltol and many esters with aroma were formed during thermal degradation of the four compounds at 300°C, 350°C and 400°C. The above results show that the esterification of ethyl maltol was a good strategy to slow release flavours, and ethyl maltol ester latent aroma compounds have significant applications in high‐temperature processed food and tobacco. This work may provide a new method to improve the stability of spices and expand their multifunctional application.
Einaxiale und triaxiale Druckversuche an gefrorenen Sanden und Tonen – Einfluss von Sättigung und Temperatur
Authors: Vrettos Christos , Seibel Elisabeth , Günther Ronald 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEine Teilsättigung führt bei gefrorenen Sanden und Kiesen zu einer signifikanten Abnahme der Kurz‐ und Langzeitfestigkeit, sodass bei Anwendung des Gefrierverfahrens die Standsicherheit des Frostkörpers beeinträchtigt werden kann. Zur Ermittlung der einaxialen Druckfestigkeit, des Kriechwiderstands sowie der Scherparameter wurden an Sanden einaxiale und triaxiale Druckversuche mit einer Kühlung am Gerät durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen und vervollständigen die Erkenntnisse aus früheren, vereinzelten Studien. Untersuchungen an ungestörten mittelplastischen und ausgeprägt plastischen Tonproben mit der gleichen Versuchstechnik verdeutlichen den Einfluss der Konsistenzgrenzen und die Zunahme der Kurz‐ und Langzeitfestigkeit bei tieferen Temperaturen.
A modified Jarvis model to improve the expressing of stomatal response in a beech forest
Authors: Shao Wei , Li Meijun , Su Ye , Gao Hongkai , Vlček Lukáš 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe Jarvis‐type model, which incorporates stress functions, is commonly used to describe the physiological behaviour of stomatal response in various vegetation species. However, the model has been criticized for its empirically formulated multiplicative equation, which may not accurately capture the mutual impact of intercorrelated stress factors, for example, vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and air temperature (Ta). This study proposed a modified Jarvis model that introduces reduction factors in the stress functions of VPD and Ta to provide the description of canopy conductance. We used sap flow data from a beech forest in the mid‐latitude region of Centre Europe to inversely estimate the canopy conductance with optimized stress functions. Our findings reveal that two recommended parameterization strategies for general deciduous broadleaf forest (DBF) significantly overestimated the transpiration rate, with a maximum value of ~2 mm/day on rainless days. This suggested that the beech forest exhibited a distinct stomatal response compared to the general DBF category. By applying boundary line analysis to fit the parameters, both the unmodified and modified Jarvis models provided better simulations of transpiration, with relatively high Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values of 0.75 and 0.77, respectively. These results indicated that modelling transpiration can be improved by refining the parameterization of canopy conductance, particularly for vegetation species with unique stomatal behaviours that deviated from the characteristics of their general vegetation type. The modified Jarvis model offers a more accurate description of canopy conductance and enhances the modelling of transpiration in vegetated areas, especially under dry environment conditions with relatively high VPD.
The role of memory T cells in Echinococcus granulosus‐induced sensitization
Authors: Zhou Jing‐Ru , Du Xiao‐Xuan , Abulajiang Xianyidan , Geli Wuer , Pu Xue‐Li , Tailaiti Subi , Lin Jia‐Ying , Li Yu‐Qian , Ye Jian‐Rong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the changes in memory T cells and the related factors in mice by the establishment of a BALB/c mouse model of Echinococcus granulosus‐induced sensitization.MethodsA sensitized BALB/c mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of E. granulosus. A control group (CTRL), a nonsensitized group infected with E. granulosus (CE), and a sensitized group infected with E. granulosus (ANPC) were set up. The pathological changes in lung tissue in mice, the change in memory T cells (CD4 Tm), and the change in peripheral blood nucleated interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) were detected using HE staining, flow cytometry, and liquid‐phase multiple protein quantification techniques, respectively.ResultsThe individual percentage of mouse memory T cells was 9.14 ± 0.45, 25.23 ± 0.17, and 13.29 ± 0.32 in the CTRL, CE, and ANPC groups, respectively. The percentage of memory T cells in the ANPC group was higher than that in the CTRL group (t = 18.410, p < .001) but lower than that in the CE group (t = −80.147, p < .001). The levels of IL‐23 in peripheral blood of mice in the CTRL, CE, and ANPC groups were 225.76 ± 27.16, 359.21 ± 28.67, and 215.69 ± 22.69, respectively. The level of IL‐23 in peripheral blood of mice in the ANPC group was lower than that in the CE group (t = 9.609, p < .001), and there was no statistical difference with the CTRL group (t = 0.697, p = .502).ConclusionIn the BALB/c mouse model of E. granulosus‐induced sensitization, the expression of IL‐23 in peripheral blood increased, and the memory T cell proliferated and became activated; there was a decrease in the content of IL‐23 in peripheral blood and number of activated memory T cells in the sensitization group infected with E. granulosus. The E. granulosus‐induced allergic reaction was related to IL‐23 and the activation of memory T cells.
The immunomodulatory effects of lactoferrin and its derived peptides on NF‐κB signaling pathway: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yami Hojjat Allah , Tahmoorespur Mojtaba , Javadmanesh Ali , Tazarghi Abbas , Sekhavati Mohammad Hadi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundLactoferrin is a versatile protein with important modulatory functions in inflammation and immune response. This glycoprotein can bind and sequester iron and LPS, thereby intervening in certain signaling pathways and biological processes. In the present meta‐analysis, we aimed to pool experimental data regarding the immunomodulatory effects of lactoferrin and its derived peptides on the NF‐κB signaling pathway.MaterialsWe searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases and obtained all related articles published before April 2022. Finally, 25 eligible studies were selected, and their reports were analyzed.MethodsWe used Review Manager Version 5.2 to compute the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval. In addition, the source of heterogeneity was explored using meta‐regression and sensitivity analysis. The symmetry of the funnel plot and Egger's test were also used to evaluate publication bias utilizing Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis Version 2.ResultsComparing the group of cells and animals exposed to lipopolysaccharide alone with the group that received pretreatment with lactoferrin and its derivatives, we observed significant reductions in TNF‐α, IL‐1 beta, and IL‐6 levels by 8.73 pg/mL, 2.21 pg/mL, and 3.24 pg/mL, respectively, in the second group. Additionally, IKK‐β, p‐IκB, and NF‐κB (p65) levels were significantly lower by 7.37‐fold, 15.02‐fold, and 3.88‐fold, respectively, in various cells and tissues.ConclusionBased on the results of this meta‐analysis, lactoferrin and its derived peptides can be considered potent prophylactic and therapeutic candidates against inflammation‐associated diseases by targeting the NF‐kB pathway.
Empowering ultrasound image filtering precision by reducing speckles and preserving edge cues
Authors: Hababeh Ismail , Hammad Lina R. , Daoud Mohammad I. , Al‐Najar Mahasen S. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractUltrasound speckle is an interference pattern that reduces the quality of medical ultrasound images and decreases the capability of interpreting the medical information included in these images. Therefore, speckle suppression is vital whenever ultrasound imaging is used. In this research, an efficient adaptive ultrasound image filter is proposed to reduce ultrasound speckle while maintaining the edge cues in the image. In particular, the pixels that correspond to tissue boundaries are identified by computing the edge map of ultrasound image, and the noisy pixels are determined by calculating the image radiation. The proposed filtering method is designed to adaptively apply different window sizes and bandwidths based on the edge map and image radiation. The proposed method is employed to process a set of ultrasound images and the filtering performance is assessed using a set of broadly accepted filtering metrics. These metrics aim to evaluate the filtering performance, including the capability of the filter to preserve the edges and maintain the image quality. The performance of the proposed filtering method is compared with eight existing image filtering methods. The experimental results indicated that the proposed filtering method enables effective edge preservation and retains image quality. These results suggest the potential of the proposed filtering method to achieve effective speckle suppression in ultrasound images.
The RNA‐binding protein ZFP36 strengthens innate antiviral signaling by targeting RIG‐I for K63‐linked ubiquitination
Authors: Jiang Xue , Xiao Yanping , Hou Wen , Yu Jingge , He Tian‐Sheng , Xu Liang‐Guo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInnate immunity is the first line of defense against infections, which functions as a significant role in resisting pathogen invasion. Rapid immune response is initiated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) quickly distinguishing “self” and “non‐self.” Upon evolutionarily conserved pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP) is recognized by PRRs, innate immune response against infection is triggered via an orchestration of molecular interaction, cytokines cascades, and immune cells. RIG‐I plays a critical role in type I interferon (IFN‐I) production by direct recognition of cytoplasmic double‐stranded viral RNA. However, the activation mechanism of RIG‐I is incompletely understood. In this study, we reported RNA‐binding protein ZFP36 as a positive regulator of RIG‐I‐mediated IFN‐I production. ZFP36 is a member of Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) characterized by the zinc finger (ZnF) motif, which broadly involved gene transcription and signal transduction. However, its role in regulating antiviral innate immune signaling is still unclear. We found that ZFP36 associates with RIG‐I and potentiates the FN‐β production induced by SeV. Mechanistically, ZFP36 promotes K63‐linked polyubiquitination of RIG‐I, mostly at K154/K164/K172, thereby facilitating the activation of RIG‐I during infection. While the mutant ZFP36 (C118S/C162S) failed to increase polyubiquitination of RIG‐I and SeV induced FN‐β. Our findings collectively demonstrated that ZFP36 acts as a positive regulator in antiviral innate immunity by targeting RIG‐I for K63‐linked ubiquitination, thus improving our understanding of the activation mechanism of RIG‐I.
Long‐term safety and effectiveness of azathioprine in the management of inflammatory bowel disease: A real‐world experience
Authors: Yewale Rohan V , Ramakrishna Balakrishnan S , Doraisamy Babu Vinish , Basumani Pandurangan , Venkataraman Jayanthi , Jayaraman Kayalvizhi , Murali Ananthavadivelu , Premkumar Karunakaran , Kumar Akkim Sathish 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimAzathioprine (AZA) forms the cornerstone for maintenance of sustained remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is apprehension regarding the long‐term effectiveness and safety of AZA in IBD. We present our experience with AZA use and outcomes in a cohort of IBD patients followed up over a long period of time.MethodsRecords of 507 IBD patients under treatment at a single, tertiary care center in south India between 2013 and 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Long‐term compliance, tolerance, clinical outcome at the point of last follow‐up, type and duration to the onset of adverse events, and subsequent amendment to treatment with regard to AZA were analyzed.ResultsOf 507 patients with IBD, 320 patients (207 Crohn's disease [CD], 113 ulcerative colitis [UC]) who received AZA were included. The median follow‐up was 41 months (interquartile range 15.5–77.5). Total duration of exposure was 1359 patient‐years with median usage of 33 months. Of the patients, 26.9% received AZA for >5 years. Mean initiation and maximum doses of AZA were 0.97 and 1.72 mg/kg/day. Among the participants, 20.6% experienced side effects, including myelotoxicity (7.2%) and gastrointestinal intolerance (5.6%). Six patients developed malignancy. Among the side effects, 39.4% of side effects were dose‐dependent. Among the patients, 38.1% had relapses requiring pulse corticosteroid therapy, and 16.2% had more than one relapse after commencement of AZA. AZA was continued till the last follow‐up in 76.5%. Among the patients, 49.7% (UC 51.3, CD 48.8) attained durable remission without biologics, and 5.3% continued to have active disease.ConclusionAZA is safe and effective in the long‐term in IBD. Effectiveness, tolerance, and compliance with AZA are well sustained beyond 5 years of usage and comparable between UC and CD.
In their own words: Safety and quality perspectives from families of hospitalized children with medical complexity
Authors: Mauskar Sangeeta , Ngo Tiffany , Haskell Helen , Mallick Nandini , Mercer Alexandra N. , Baird Jennifer , Bardsley Kristin , Berry Jay G. , Copp Katherine , Humphrey Kate , Kelly Michelle M. , Landrigan Christopher P. , Matherson Susan , McGeachey Amanda , Pinkham Amy , Rogers Jayne E. , Khan Alisa 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundChildren with medical complexity (CMC) experience adverse events due to multiorgan impairment, frequent hospitalizations, subspecialty care, and dependence on multiple medications/equipment. Their families are well‐versed in care and can help identify safety/quality gaps to inform improvements. Although previous studies have shown families identify important safety/quality gaps in hospitals, studies of inpatient safety/quality experience of CMC and their families are limited. To address this gap and identify otherwise unrecognized, family‐prioritized areas for improving safety/quality of CMC, we conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of safety reporting surveys among families of CMC.ObjectiveExplore safety reports from families of hospitalized CMC to identify areas to improve safety/quality.Designs, Settings and ParticipantsWe analyzed free‐text responses from predischarge safety reporting surveys administered to families of CMC at a quaternary children's hospital from April 2018 to November 2020. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, we categorized responses into standard clinical categories. Three team members inductively generated an initial codebook to apply iteratively to responses. Reviewers coded responses collaboratively, resolved discrepancies through consensus, and generated themes.Main Outcome and MeasuresOutcomes: family‐reported areas of safety/quality improvement. Measures: pre‐discharge family surveys.ResultsTwo hundred and eight/two hundred and thirty‐seven (88%) families completed surveys; 83 families offered 138 free‐text safety responses about medications, feeds, cares, and other categories. Themes included unmet expectations of hospital care/environment, lack of consistency, provider–patient communication lapses, families' expertise about care, and the value of transparency.ConclusionTo improve care of CMC and their families, hospitals can manage expectations about hospital limitations, improve consistency of care/communication, acknowledge family expertise, and recognize that family‐observed quality concerns can have safety implications. Soliciting family input can help hospitals improve care in meaningful, otherwise unrecognized ways.
Under fire: Meta‐dehumanization and burnout among first responders
Authors: Mika‐Lude Kari M. , Degges‐White Suzanne , Isawi Dana 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA study of 211 first responders was conducted to examine the correlation between first responders’ perceptions of dehumanization (i.e., meta‐dehumanization and organizational meta‐dehumanization) and burnout. Results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed a significant, positive relationship with large effect size between meta‐dehumanization and burnout when controlling for time in the profession. These findings indicate that first responders may need assistance coping with normal stressors of the job as well as the harm that can result from public perceptions. Implications at the professional and systemic levels are shared.
Ecological and social sustainable change through corporate social responsibility: The enabling role of employees
Authors: Kallmuenzer Andreas , Kraus Sascha , Bouncken Ricarda , Reinwald Daniil 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) provides companies with an opportunity to contribute to addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, wealth inequality, and fragile economic and political systems. Previous research has primarily focused on examining firm strategies and policies in response to these issues, but has paid limited attention to the involvement and role of employees in implementing CSR within organizations. By adopting a stakeholder theory perspective, this article aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of internal stakeholders regarding CSR initiatives. It also seeks to identify themes emerging from narrative interviews that are relevant to employees engaged in a transformative change process toward sustainability. The findings underscore the crucial role of employees as facilitators of CSR, highlight potential divergent perspectives on sustainability efforts, and recommend the inclusion and empowerment of employees in CSR initiatives. By doing so, organizations can effectively implement ecological sustainability and increasingly address social sustainability both within the firm and in the broader context.
Assessing spatiotemporal patterns of mesocarnivores along an urban‐to‐rural gradient
Authors: Soccorsi Anna E. , LaPoint Scott D. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRapid increases in human development and activity are affecting the spatial and temporal dynamics of mammalian mesocarnivore communities. We used 40 motion‐sensitive cameras along an urban‐to‐rural gradient, and single‐season occupancy models, to evaluate the habitat use of a local mesocarnivore guild (coyote [Canis latrans], bobcat [Lynx rufus], red fox [Vulpes vulpes], gray fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus], and raccoon [Procyon lotor]) near Newburgh, New York, USA, during May–September 2021. Additionally, we fit circular kernel density estimations to assess how mesocarnivores may alter their diel and nocturnal activity patterns in response to human development. Red foxes were positively associated with urban areas and were also significantly more active at night in semiurban areas versus rural and urban locations. Coyotes demonstrated some adaptability to urban areas, being generally more nocturnal as urbanization increased but were also more likely to use higher elevation sites and areas with more natural habitat cover. We did not find support for a spatial shield hypothesis, as red foxes and raccoons were often detected in the same semiurban and urban sites as coyotes. Bobcats generally avoided human‐dominated areas, whereas raccoons were ubiquitous throughout the gradient and exhibited similar daily and nocturnal activity levels in all land cover types. Overall, our results document how anthropogenic disturbance may alter mesocarnivore community structure and landscape use, providing information for managing urban carnivore populations and mitigating human–wildlife conflict, particularly at the local scale.