bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Class 3 phosphoinositide 3‐kinase promotes hepatic glucocorticoid receptor stability and transcriptional activity
Authors: Shibayama Yui , Alkhoury Chantal , Nemazanyy Ivan , F Henneman Nathaniel , Cagnard Nicolas , Girard Muriel , Atsumi Tatsuya , Panasyuk Ganna 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimLipid kinase class 3 phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) and nuclear receptor transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR) play essential physiological roles in metabolic adaptation to fasting by activating lysosomal degradation by autophagy and metabolic gene expression, yet their functional interaction is unknown. The requirement of class 3 PI3K for GR function was investigated in liver tissue.MethodsInactivation of class 3 PI3K was achieved through deletion of its essential regulatory subunit Vps15, by expressing Cre‐recombinase in the livers of Vps15f/f mice. The response to both 24‐h fasting and synthetic GR ligand, dexamethasone (DEX) was evaluated in control and mutant mice. Liver tissue was analysed by immunoblot, RT‐qPCR, and LC‐MS.ResultsVps15 mutant mice show decreased transcript levels of GR targets, coupled with lower nuclear levels of total and phosphorylated on Ser211, GR protein. Acute DEX treatment and 24‐h fasting both failed to re‐activate expression of GR targets in the livers of Vps15 mutant mice to the levels observed in controls. Decreased levels of endogenous GR ligand corticosterone and lower expression of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β‐HSD1), a metabolic enzyme that controls corticosterone availability, were found in the livers of Vps15 mutants. Hepatic Vps15 depletion resulted in the activation of nuclear Akt1 signalling, which was paralleled by increased polyubiquitination of GR.ConclusionIn the liver, class 3 PI3K is required for corticosterone metabolism and GR transcriptional activity.
Entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competencies, innovation, and performances in SMEs of Pakistan: Moderating role of social ties
Authors: Aftab Junaid , Veneziani Monica , Sarwar Huma , Ishaq Muhammad Ishtiaq 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe current study examines the mediating role of innovation and entrepreneurial competencies in entrepreneurial orientation’s relationship with financial, social, and environmental performance. This research also determines the role of social ties in strengthening the association between innovation and entrepreneurial competencies with social, financial, and environmental performance. Using multi‐source and time‐lagged studies, the data was collected from 297 small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan, and structural equation modeling was used to test direct, indirect, and moderating hypotheses. The findings show that entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competencies, and innovation positively correlate with all the types of performance under investigation and confirm the mediating role of innovation and entrepreneurial competencies. Additionally, social network ties strengthen innovation—financial performance, and entrepreneurial competencies—social performance relationship. This research proposes significant theoretical and managerial implications by determining the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on SMEs in Pakistan.
High diagnostic accuracy of inguinal ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration followed by dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy in men with impalpable and palpable inguinal lymph nodes
Authors: Lee Esther W.C. , Issa Allaudin , Oliveira Pedro , Lau Maurice , Sangar Vijay , Parnham Arie , Fankhauser Christian D. 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy (DSNB) after negative ultrasonography (US) guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) for inguinal lymph node (ILN) staging.Patients and MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of men with ≥T1G2 penile cancer and negative inguinal US‐guided FNA undergoing DSNB. Men with suspicious US but negative FNA underwent US‐guided ILN excision. Men with ≥T1G2 local recurrence during follow‐up and non‐squamous cell histologies were excluded. Descriptive analysis was performed, and sensitivity and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated.ResultsWe included 403 men with 728 groins with negative FNA undergoing DSNB ± US‐guided LN excision. At least one sentinel LN (SN) was visualised in 93% during the first and in 7% during the second lymphoscintigraphy. The median SNs visualised preoperatively was 1 SN and a median of 2 LNs were resected. ILN metastases were detected in 9% groins in men with impalpable and in 17% men with palpable LNs. Stratified by impalpable and palpable ILN, non‐local recurrence despite pathologically negative DSNBs was seen in 0.5% and 0%, respectively. Limited to men with ≥24 months follow‐up, non‐local recurrence after negative DSNBs was seen in 0.4% and 0%, respectively. The sensitivity of DSNB was 96% and the NPV was 100%. The main limitation of this analysis is its retrospective nature with inherit biases.ConclusionsInguinal US and FNA followed by DSNB can accurately stage men with both impalpable and palpable ILN, which provides logistical and surgical advantages.
Spatial pattern of tree diversity and impacts of ecological disturbances on forest structure in tropical deciduous forests of Central India
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Gajendra , Saikia Purabi , Khare Pramod K. , Khan Mohammed L. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe study examined the spatial pattern of tree diversity, their population structure, regeneration status, and impacts of ecological disturbances on forest structure in 412 forested grids in tropical deciduous forests of Central India using the belt transect method. The study recorded a total of 123 tree species of which 48 (39%) were IUCN‐red listed, with species diversity and evenness indices of 3.41 and 0.71, respectively. Tree species richness ranged from 01 to 31 species with a mean of 10 species ±0.26 SE. The total tree density was moderate (228 ind. ha−1), and a significant (p < .05) weak positive correlation (r2 = .307) was observed with tree diversity. The highest density to the total tree population was contributed by seedlings (10,345 ind. ha−1) followed by saplings (3428 ind. ha−1) and adults (228 ind. ha−1), which indicated a good regeneration status of the tree populations in studied forested grids. On the contrary, grazing (53.2%) was the major recurrent ecological disturbance followed by fuelwood collection (23.1%), forest fire (20.6%), and NTFPs collection (19.4%). There is a significant impact of disturbance frequency (recurrent, occasional, or undisturbed) on tree species richness (F2,804 = 55.83,p < .001), density (F2,804 = 50.36,p < .001), and dominance (F2,804 = 11.14,p < .001). The vital baseline information gathered in this study will be helpful in formulating forest management strategies to conserve the highly diverse tropical deciduous forests in Central India.
Delayed pull‐through coloanal anastomosis without temporary stoma: an alternative to the standard manual side‐to‐end coloanal anastomosis with temporary stoma? A comparative study in 223 patients with low rectal cancer
Authors: Melka Dan , Leiritz Elsa , Labiad Camélia , Blondeau Marc , Frontali Alice , Giacca Massimo , Monsinjon Marie , Panis Yves 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimAfter total mesorectal excision (TME) for low rectal cancer, current guideline recommendations for sphincter‐saving surgery are to perform a side‐to‐end manual coloanal anastomosis (CAA) (or with J‐pouch) with a temporary stoma. Our study aimed to evaluate if delayed pull‐through coloanal anastomosis (DCAA) without a temporary stoma could represent a safe alternative in low rectal cancer.MethodFrom 2003 to 2020, 223 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer undergoing TME were compared: CAA and diverting stoma (n = 190) versus DCAA without stoma (n = 33).ResultsOverall 3‐month and severe (Dindo ≥ IIIb) morbidity rates were similar in CAA versus DCAA groups: 34% (65/190) vs. 36% (12/33) and 2.6% (5/190) vs. 3% (1/33), respectively. In the DCAA group, only one patient (3%) underwent reoperation (Hartmann's procedure) at day 3 due to colon necrosis. The anastomotic leakage rate (both clinical and radiological) was significantly higher after CAA than DCAA: 28% (53/190) vs. 3% (1/33; p = 0.00138). Failure of the procedure (with return to stoma) was observed in 8% (15/190) vs. 6% (2/33) of patients after CAA and DCAA respectively (not significant).ConclusionOur comparative study suggested that in patients with low rectal cancer, DCAA without a temporary stoma could represent an interesting alternative to the actual recommended CAA with a temporary ileostomy. DCAA could offer two major advantages over CAA: a significantly lower rate of anastomotic leakage and absence of a temporary stoma and its potential complications (rehospitalization, dehydration, wound hernia after stoma closure).
Associations between diabetic retinopathy and modifiable risk factors: An umbrella review of meta‐analyses
Authors: Trott Mike , Driscoll Robin , Pardhan Shahina 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimsSeveral modifiable risk factors have been meta‐analysed for diabetic retinopathy (DR), such as physical activity and vitamin D status. To date, these factors have not been systematically aggregated and the credibility of evidence assessed. Therefore, the aim of this umbrella review was to aggregate all modifiable risks of DR and assess the credibility of the evidence.MethodsAn umbrella review of meta‐analyses was undertaken. For each meta‐analytic association, random‐effects effect size, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), heterogeneity, small‐study effects, excess significance bias and 95% prediction intervals were calculated. The credibility of significant evidence (p < 0.05) was graded from I to IV, using pre‐defined criteria.ResultsAfter initial searches, 13 studies were included covering 34 independent outcomes (total participants = 824,372). Positive associations were found between insulin usage and diabetic macular oedema (RR = 4.5; 95% CI 3.1–6.6), and DR risk (RR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.4–3.9) in people with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with DR risk (OR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.1–7.1), as was obesity (RR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.06–1.68) and sedentary behaviour (RR = 1.22; 95%CI 1.03–1.44). Intensive blood pressure targets (RR = 0.8 95%CI 0.8–1.0), and moderate physical activity (RR = 0.69; 95%CI 0.53–0.91) yielded significant protective associations with DR.ConclusionsPeople with type 2 diabetes on insulin have a high risk of macular oedema and DR. Vitamin D deficiency yielded almost three times greater odds of DR, while intensive blood pressure control reduces DR risk by 20% and moderate physical activity by 31%. Healthcare professionals should use this evidence to identify those people most at risk to ensure that proper treatment and healthy lifestyles are recommended.
Cumulative effects of sex pheromone components in mate recognition of Muscidifurax raptorellus
Authors: Pokorny Tamara , Bogenberger Katharina , Ruther Joachim 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn insects, chemical information is often crucial for mate recognition. The chemical signal may be perceived already from a distance or only at close range, depending on the volatility of the sex pheromone compounds. In many species, close‐range mate recognition is mediated by compounds of low volatility that originate from the insects’ cuticular lipid layer. The most prominent constituents are usually non‐polar hydrocarbons, but other, more polar compounds can be present as well. Upon detection, these lipids can elicit courtship behaviour. We studied mate recognition in the parasitoid wasp Muscidifurax raptorellus Kogan & Legner (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). In this species, courtship behaviour starts with bouts of wing fanning (high frequency wing beats while standing or walking). Once the male has mounted the female, he shows stereotypical antennal movements (antennal courtship) that lead to female receptivity signalling and copulation. We investigated the role of chemical compounds for mate recognition by evaluating the reaction of male M. raptorellus towards live conspecifics and dummies treated with whole‐body extracts or with extract fractions (non‐polar, intermediately polar, and polar compounds) in bioassays. Our results indicate that despite the sex specificity of cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, these compounds alone are not sufficient for mate recognition. Rather, we found that cuticular lipids of all three fractions seem to constitute the mate recognition signal, with a ternary mixture eliciting wing fanning significantly more often than single fractions. Overall, our results suggest that the three lipid fractions contribute cumulatively to the mate recognition signal.
The associations of cannabis and methamphetamine use with cognitive performance over the first 2 years of treatment in schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Scheffler Freda , Phahladira Lebogang , Hendrikse Chanellé B. , du Plessis Stefan , Asmal Laila , Luckhoff Hilmar K. , Smit Anna Margaretha , Olivier M. Riaan , Emsley Robin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimCognitive deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia, and comorbid substance use may be a contributory factor. Methamphetamine use has been associated with cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, while associations with cannabis use are less clear‐cut. This study aimed to investigate the associations of cannabis and methamphetamine use with cognitive performance in first‐episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders over the first 2 years of treatment.MethodsThis was a longitudinal cohort study in 81 patients treated with flupenthixol decanoate according to a standardized protocol over 24 months. Cognitive performance was assessed with the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Cognitive Consensus Battery at four time points, and urine testing for cannabis and methamphetamine was conducted at six time points. We used linear mixed‐effect models for repeated measures to assess visit‐wise changes in composite cognitive scores in patients (n = 91) compared to matched controls without psychiatric or medical disorders (n = 100). Linear regression models were constructed to examine pre‐treatment and end‐point effects in patients.ResultsCompared to controls, patients exhibited greater cognitive impairments at baseline, which improved with treatment, but remained significantly lower throughout. The number of positive methamphetamine, but not cannabis, tests predicted less cognitive improvement in patients.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a negative association between methamphetamine and cognition, but not cannabis.
Dorsal–lateral clock neurons modulate consolidation and maintenance of long‐term memory in Drosophila
Authors: Suzuki Yuki , Kurata Yuto , Sakai Takaomi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA newly formed memory is initially unstable. However, if it is consolidated into the brain, the consolidated memory is stored as stable long‐term memory (LTM). Despite the recent progress, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of LTM have not yet been fully elucidated. The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster, for which various genetic tools are available, has been used to clarify the molecular mechanisms of LTM. Using the Drosophila courtship‐conditioning assay as a memory paradigm, we previously identified that the circadian clock gene period (per) plays a vital role in consolidating LTM, suggesting that per‐expressing clock neurons are critically involved in LTM. However, it is still incompletely understood which clock neurons are essential for LTM. Here, we show that dorsal–lateral clock neurons (LNds) play a crucial role in LTM. Using an LNd‐specific split‐GAL4 line, we confirmed that disruption of synaptic transmission in LNds impaired LTM maintenance. On the other hand, induction of per RNAi or the dominant‐negative transgene of Per in LNds impaired LTM consolidation. Our results reveal that transmitter release and Per function in LNds are involved in courtship memory processing.
Vrk2 deficiency elicits aggressive behavior in female zebrafish
Authors: Umeda Ryohei , Teranishi Hitoshi , Hada Kazumasa , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Shiraishi Hiroshi , Urushibata Hirotaro , Lai Shaohong , Shide Masahito , Carrasco Apolinario Magdeline E. , Higa Ryoko , Shikano Kenshiro , Shin Toshitaka , Mimata Hiromitsu , Hikida Takatoshi , Hanada Toshikatsu , Hanada Reiko 
Published: January 2022

AbstractVaccinia‐related kinase 2 (VRK2) is a serine/threonine kinase initially identified in highly proliferative cells such as thymocytes and fetal liver cells, and it is involved in cell proliferation and survival. VRK2 is also expressed in the brain; however, its molecular function in the central nervous system is mostly unknown. Many genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have reported that VRK2 is a potential candidate molecule for neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia in humans. However, the pathophysiological relationship between VRK2 and neuropsychiatric disorders has not been fully investigated. In this study, we evaluated vrk2‐deficient (vrk2−/−) zebrafish and found that vrk2−/− female zebrafish showed aggressive behavior and different social preference compared with control (vrk2+/+) zebrafish, with low gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the brain and high density of neuronal dendrites when compared to vrk2+/+ zebrafish. These findings suggest that female vrk2−/− zebrafish were indeed a model of malbehavior characterized by aggression and social interaction, which can be attributed to the low levels of GABA content in their brain.
Facilitating Open Pit Mine Closure with Managed Aquifer Recharge
Authors: Cook Peter G. , Miller Anthony D. , Wallis Ilka , Dogramaci Shawan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDewatering of open pit mines can lower the regional water table for distances of several kilometers from the pit. When the mine is closed, dewatering operations usually cease, and the water table near the pit begins to rise. If the pit is backfilled, the water table will eventually recover, but this recovery may take several hundred years. However, if the extracted water is re‐injected into the subsurface, then this may accelerate recovery of the water table. We show that there is an optimal distance for re‐injection, which is sufficiently far from the mine to minimize the amount of groundwater that flows back to the pit during mine operations (and hence necessitate additional pumping) but is still close enough to speed up the water table recovery post‐mine closure. The optimal injection distance increases with the aquifer hydraulic diffusivity and the mine life (duration of dewatering and injection), and typically ranges between about two and nine times the radius of the mine pit. Where the mine pit is not backfilled, the relative reduction in drawdown due to injecting all the pumped water at the optimal distance is between approximately 10% and 50% after a recovery time equal to the mining period, increasing to 30% to 90% after a recovery time five times the mining period. The relative drawdown reduction due to managed aquifer recharge will be even greater for a pit which is backfilled when mining ceases.
Pruritus‐reducing effects of omega‐3 fatty acids in hemodialysis patients: A cross‐over randomized clinical trial
Authors: Forouhari Ali , Moghtaderi Masoud , Raeisi Sina , Shahidi Shahrzad , Parin Hedayati Zahra , Zaboliyan Jinoos , Ani Sima , Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Mortazavi Mojgan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionChronic kidney disease‐associated pruritus is a common complication in patients with end‐stage renal disease. In this study, we have explored the outcome of omega‐3 supplementary intake for the treatment of this symptom.MethodsThis double‐blinded, randomized, crossover study was conducted in two dialysis centers in which 40 hemodialysis patients suffering from pruritus were randomly assigned into two groups (Group A and Group B). Patients in Group A consumed omega‐3 capsules for 4 weeks and after a washout period (6 weeks), they took placebo for another 4 weeks. The same was performed in Group B but in the reverse order. Pruritus score was determined at the baseline, Week 4, 10, and 14. Serum levels of prostaglandin E2 were also recorded at the baseline and Week 4.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction of pruritus score in patients who took the omega‐3 fatty acid supplement. The mean pruritus score decreased significantly in both first (−3.41 ± 2.62, p < 0.001) and second (−1.00 ± 1.84, p = 0.04) treatment period after omega‐3 treatment; but no significant mean pruritus score difference in placebo group after both intervention periods was observed. The decrease in prostaglandin E2 amount was not statistically significant in the intervention (omega‐3) group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.204).DiscussionOur observations indicate that omega‐3 fatty acids (3 grams per day) have decreasing effects on pruritus. Also, reduction in prostaglandin E2 levels in the omega‐3 group did not differ from the changes in the placebo group.
Clinicodemographic features of mixed vitiligo: a case–control study
Authors: Kumar Sheetanshu , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Choudhary Rajat , Thakur Vishal , Bishnoi Anuradha , Kumaran Muthu Sendhil , Parsad Davinder 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundMixed vitiligo (MV) is the coexistence of segmental vitiligo (SV) and non‐segmental vitiligo (NSV). The literature on MV is sparse.ObjectiveTo assess the clinicodemographic and treatment parameters in MV and compare them with SV.MethodsClinical data of MV and SV patients enrolled in our pigmentary clinic from July 2015 to December 2019 were reviewed retrospectively and compared.ResultsOut of a total of 4,371 vitiligo patients, 293 (6.7%) were SV while 74 (1.69%) were MV. As compared to SV, MV had significantly lower mean age of onset of segmental component (SC) (13.33 ± 9.01 vs. 15.70 ± 8.60 years, P = 0.03) and significantly higher proportion of patients with more than 1% body surface involvement by SC (66.2% vs. 51.5%, P = 0.03) and presence of leukotrichia in the SC (66.2% vs. 51.5%, P = 0.03). Topical agents and systemic immunosuppressive agents were significantly more effective in non‐segmental component (NSC) as compared to SC of MV. Surgical modalities were the only effective treatment modality for SC.LimitationsRetrospective design, heterogeneity of treatment regimens.ConclusionEarly age of onset, larger (>1%) body surface area involvement, and leukotrichia in SV predict its progression into MV with time. Treatment response to different modalities varies significantly between SC and NSC of MV.
Utility of 30% hydrogen peroxide in the treatment of seborrheic keratosis
Authors: Suvarna Punya , Kayarkatte Manasa Narayan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been used in medicine as an antiseptic, but at a higher concentration of 40%, it is used as a chemical cauterant for seborrheic keratoses (SKs). Its action and hence utility at 30% is unexplored. It can serve as a relatively inexpensive modality of treatment for SKs.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and side effects of 30% H2O2 as a chemical cauterant in SKs.MethodsSeborrheic keratoses were treated with 30% H2O2 methodically. Posttreatment assessment was done for the lesion thickness, patient satisfaction, and side effects like burning, itching, edema, crusting, vesiculation, erosion, ulceration, and pigmentary changes.ResultsComplete clearance was noted in 25 (49%) lesions, after a single session. Five (9%) lesions responded poorly. Patient satisfaction was excellent with 34 (66.7%) lesions. Side effects noted were burning, pruritus, erythema, edema, and crusting. However, none of them was severe. Dryness, vesiculation, and scarring were reported by none.ConclusionsH2O2 30% can be used as a chemical cauterant with minimal side effects.