bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Annexin‐A1: The culprit or the solution?
Authors: Kelly Lauren , McGrath Sarah , Rodgers Lewis , McCall Kathryn , Tulunay Virlan Aysin , Dempsey Fiona , Crichton Scott , Goodyear Carl S. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAnnexin‐A1 has a well‐defined anti‐inflammatory role in the innate immune system, but its function in adaptive immunity remains controversial. This glucocorticoid‐induced protein has been implicated in a range of inflammatory conditions and cancers, as well as being found to be overexpressed on the T cells of patients with autoimmune disease. Moreover, the formyl peptide family of receptors, through which annexin‐A1 primarily signals, has also been implicated in these diseases. In contrast, treatment with recombinant annexin‐A1 peptides resulted in suppression of inflammatory processes in murine models of inflammation. This review will focus on what is currently known about annexin‐A1 in health and disease and discuss the potential of this protein as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Cellular landscape of tumour microenvironment in prostate cancer
Authors: Feng Dechao , Xiong Qiao , Wei Qiang , Yang Lu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractProstate cancer is still a public health priority in men and the impact of this disease will be more pronounced with the ageing of the world's population. Clinical heterogeneity of prostate cancer is reflected in spatial and clonal genomic diversity. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the malignant behaviour of cancer is not only attributed to cancer cells but also fundamentally affected by stromal activity and controlled by various mechanisms of the tumour microenvironment. Data on prostate cancer in this study was derived from seven GEO datasets and the TCGA database. We analyzed the tumour microenvironment of prostate cancer in terms of clinical process, T stage and Gleason score using EPIC and xCell algorithms. We also analyzed the common immune checkpoints. In this study, we confirmed remarkable tumour tissue remodelling in the development of prostate cancer and further demonstrated the importance of cancer‐related fibroblasts in the biochemical recurrence and metastasis for patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical radiotherapy or prostatectomy. In addition, we found that NRP1, CD200, TNFSF18 and CD80 might be the potential targets for prostate cancer.
Factors affecting the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in school settings
Authors: Yuan Haokun , Reynolds Connor , Ng Sydney , Yang Wan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have reported SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreaks in schools, with a wide range of secondary attack rate (SAR; range: 0–100%). We aimed to examine key risk factors to better understand SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in schools.MethodsWe collected records of 35 SARS‐CoV‐2 school outbreaks globally published from January 2020 to July 2021 and compiled information on hypothesized risk factors. We utilized the directed acyclic graph (DAG) to conceptualize risk mechanisms, used logistic regression to examine each risk‐factor group, and further built multirisk models.ResultsThe best‐fit model showed that the intensity of community transmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.06–1.16, for each increase of 1 case per 10 000 persons per week) and individualism (aOR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.50–4.95, above vs. below the mean) was associated higher risk, whereas preventive measures (aOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.19–0.32, distancing and masking vs. none) and higher population immunity (aOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.46–0.71) were associated with lower risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in schools. Compared with students in high schools, the aOR was 0.47 (95% CI: 0.23–0.95) for students in preschools and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.76–1.08) for students in primary schools.ConclusionsPreventive measures in schools (e.g., social distancing and mask wearing) and communal efforts to lower transmission and increase vaccination uptake (i.e., vaccine‐induced population immunity) in the community should be taken to collectively reduce transmission and protect children in schools.
An evaluation of plasma vitamin C concentrations in individuals requiring home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Barrett Maria Patricia , Farrer Kirstine , Forde Claire , Deutsch Liat , Lal Simon 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAscorbic acid (VitC) is an essential coenzyme to maintain health, but there are minimal data on the adequacy of VitC supply in patients requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN).MethodsA prospective pilot study was carried out measuring plasma VitC, serum vitamins A, D and E, and the minerals zinc, copper, selenium and magnesium in 28 adult HPN‐dependent (≥6 months) patients.ResultsFifty‐seven percent of patients had insufficient VitC status. There was a strong, positive correlation between HPN provision of VitC and plasma VitC concentrations (rs = 0.663, p = 0.00) with an 83% insufficiency rate below a provision of 800 mg week–1. There was no association seen between plasma VitC and number of HPN days week–1 (p = 0.539), number of months on HPN (p = 0.773) or dependency on HPN (86% ± 31% of energy requirements met via HPN (77% ± 23%, p = 0.39).ConclusionsVitC insufficiency is prevalent in HPN‐dependent patients. Our data highlight the need for regular monitoring of VitC in those living with type III intestinal failure.
The Fragility of Market Risk Insurance
Authors: KOIJEN RALPH S.J. , YOGO MOTOHIRO 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTVariable annuities, which package mutual funds with minimum return guarantees over long horizons, accounted for $1.5 trillion or 35% of U.S. life insurer liabilities in 2015. Sales decreased and fees increased during the global financial crisis, and insurers made guarantees less generous or stopped offering guarantees to reduce risk exposure. These effects persist in the low‐interest rate environment after the global financial crisis, and variable annuity insurers suffered large equity drawdowns during the COVID‐19 crisis. We develop and estimate a model of insurance markets in which financial frictions and market power determine pricing, contract characteristics, and the degree of market completeness.
Did perceptions of supportive work–life culture change during the COVID‐19 pandemic?
Authors: Schieman Scott , Badawy Philip , Hill Daniel 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis article examines whether perceptions of supportive work–life culture changed during the COVID‐19 pandemic—and if that depended on (1) working from home; (2) children in the household; and (3) professional status. We test for gender differences across the analyses.BackgroundDuring normal times, the “ideal worker” is expected to prioritize the demands of their job and is penalized for attending to family/personal needs while on company time. But the organization and expectations of roles might have changed due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Organizations could have become more empathic or reinforced norms about single‐minded devotion to work.MethodIn September 2019, we collected data from a national sample of Canadian workers. Then, during a pivotal period of shocks to the economy and social life, we re‐interviewed these participants in June 2020.ResultsWe discovered that overall perceptions of work–life culture became more positive. However, subgroup differences revealed this positive change was muted among employees: (1) who worked from home; (2) with children under age 6 at home; and (3) in professional occupations. We found no subgroup differences by gender.ConclusionOur findings address speculation about whether employees perceived their employers as becoming more supportive of work–life fit early in the pandemic. Future research should determine (a) longer‐term change in work–life culture during and after the pandemic; and (b) whether the actual benefits of supportive work–life culture also changed or if it was “window dressing.” This direction suggests it should have more strongly reduced work–life conflict as the pandemic unfolded.
Origin and evolution of the Micronesian biota: Insights from molecular phylogenies and biogeography reveal long‐distance dispersal scenarios and founder‐event speciation
Authors: Demeulenaere Else , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMicronesian islands taxa show high endemism rates, but very little is known about their biogeographical histories. The lack of systematic biogeography is mainly due to insufficient phylogenetic research in Micronesia. With the recent increase in published molecular biogeographic data, we were able to, for the first time, answer fundamental biogeography questions by reviewing and analyzing numerous geological, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This review, in addition to providing an overview of Micronesian geological history, confirmed the importance of long‐distance dispersal mechanisms and founder‐event speciation, and morphological and physiological adaptations of plant propagules to cross vast stretches of ocean by wind, ocean currents, bird, or bat dispersal. These adaptations to habitat and geological features, including reef types, determined colonization success as well as inland dispersal and speciation mechanisms. We further identified the source areas of the Micronesian biota and reconstructed historical dispersal scenarios: a dominant Austro‐Melanesian dispersal scenario, an Indo‐Malaysian connecting to the Austro‐Melanesian dispersal scenario, and a Neotropical American and an African dispersal scenario toward Micronesia. Most generic origins were estimated between the Eocene and the Miocene and dispersed to Micronesia between the Miocene and the Pleistocene.
Effects of yogurt as a deglutition aid on disintegration and dissolution of oral tablets
Authors: Matsuo Taisuke , Tabata Yoshiyuki , Sasaki Hina , Yoshida Yuki , Gotoh Yayoi , Suzuki Toshio , Obara Michiko , Sadzuka Yasuyuki , Tomita Takashi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPatients with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing oral medications. Swallowing aid foods, such as deglutition aid jellies and food thickeners, are often used to help such patients take oral medications. Yogurt is occasionally used to help swallow medications. It is also advantageous as it is nutritious and easy to swallow. However, the influence of yogurt on the pharmacokinetics of oral medications is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate yogurt as a potential swallowing aid for the intake of oral tablets, by comparing the physical properties and effects of yogurt on disintegration and dissolution profiles of various oral tablets with deglutition aid jelly and xanthan gum‐based food thickener. Yogurt and the food thickener were found to extend the disintegration time of several tablets; however, this increase was unremarkable. Although dissolution of magnesium oxide tablets decreased by 6%, 14%, and 25% after immersion in deglutition aid jelly, food thickener, and yogurt, respectively, at 15 min, this impact on dissolution reduced over time (dissolution rates of all samples at 120 min were over 90%). Rheological measurements showed that yogurt and food thickeners have a weak gel structure and therefore have better fluidity than deglutition aid jelly. The adhesiveness and dynamic viscosity of yogurt were higher than those of the food thickener, which delayed tablet disintegration and reduced the dissolution rate. However, these effects were not substantial. We can thus conclude that yogurt may be a useful swallowing aid for patients with deglutition disorders who take oral medications.
Wage bargaining and product innovation: The role of market expansion effect
Authors: Basak Debasmita , Hoefele Andreas , Mukherjee Arijit 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUsing the right‐to‐manage model of union‐firm bargaining, we show that a higher union power increases product innovation if the bargaining is decentralised, the market expansion effect is weak, and the cost of innovation is relatively low. Otherwise, the relationship between union power and innovation is negative. Hence, we contribute to the literature in two ways. Unlike the extant theoretical literature, we consider the effects on product innovation, which is empirically relevant but has been ignored in the theoretical literature and explain a positive relationship between union power and innovation.
Optical method to determine in vivo capillary hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and 3‐D network geometry in skeletal muscle
Authors: Christie Jaryd R. , Kong Isaac , Mawdsley Laura , Milkovich Stephanie , Doornekamp Ande , Baek Jason , Fraser Graham M. , Ellis Christopher G. , Sové Richard J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a tool to visualize and quantify hemodynamic information, such as hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit, within microvascular networks recorded in vivo using intravital video microscopy. Additionally, we aimed to facilitate the 3‐D reconstruction of the microvascular networks.MethodsDigital images taken from an intravital video microscopy preparation of the extensor digitorum longus muscle in rats for 25 capillary segments were used. The developed algorithm was used to delineate capillaries of interest, calculate the optical density for each pixel in the image, and reconstruct the 3‐D capillary geometry using the calculated light path‐lengths. Subsequently, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit for these capillaries were calculated. We evaluated the hematocrit values determined by our methodology by comparing them to those obtained using a previously published method.ResultsThe hematocrit values from the proposed optical method were strongly correlated with those calculated using published methodsr2(25) = .92,p < .001, and demonstrated excellent agreement with a mean difference of 1.3% and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 11%. The average MCHC, hemoglobin concentration, and light path‐lengths were 23.83 g/dl, 8.06 g/dl, and 3.92 µm, respectively.ConclusionThe proposed methodology can quantify hemodynamic measurements and produce functional images for visualization of the microcirculation in vivo.
A case of idiopathic intracardiac and pulmonary arterial thrombosis successfully treated with surgical thrombectomy
Authors: Maruyama Kotone , Shibata Makoto , Nagashima Kazuaki , Abe Tomonobu , Ikeda Yoshio 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe report an asymptomatic case of idiopathic multiple thromboses that progressively worsened despite dabigatran administration. An 81‐year‐old Japanese man was admitted for orbital apex syndrome. He had a history of sustained atrial fibrillation and was taking dabigatran. Dabigatran was temporarily changed to heparin in preparation for the biopsy. However, it was resumed after the biopsy had been taken. The patient was diagnosed with an asymptomatic recurrent cerebral infarction and thrombosis of the pulmonary artery and left atrium. Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia was the suspected cause for idiopathic thrombosis, but the diagnosis was not confirmed serologically. Left atrial appendectomy and anticoagulant therapy with argatroban resulted in improvement. It is important to evaluate the D‐dimer levels and investigate the development of thrombi after heparin administration.
Bullying and burnout in critical care nurses: A cross‐sectional descriptive study
Authors: Amini Kourosh , Miyanaji Hamid , Din Mohamadi Mohamadreza 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundEmployee bullying and burnout are two crucial, prevalent and challenging concepts that adversely affect organizational staff behaviours. Also, adverse patient care is associated with nurse bullying and burnout.AimThis study aimed to assess the incidence and association between workplace bullying and occupational burnout among nurses in critical care units in Iran.Study designA cross‐sectional descriptive study.MethodsThe subjects were 184 nurses from critical care units in 6 teaching hospitals in Iran. Three questionnaires were distributed among the study population; (a) demographic characteristics questionnaire, (b) Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and (c) bullying at Workplace Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present the workplace bullying and occupational burnout status among nurses. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the relationship between workplace bullying with MBI and nurses' demographic characteristics, respectively.Results62% of the nurses had moderate emotional exhaustion, 59.8% had moderate depersonalization and 46.2% had a moderate individual achievement. 75.5% faced workplace bullying. There was a positive and significant association between bullying scores and burnout in total (Pearson's r = 0.598, p < 0.001). Linear regression test showed a positive and significant relationship between bullying with MBI dimensions (R = 0.613, p < 0.001) for emotional exhaustion, (R = 0.679, p < 0.001) for depersonalization and (R = −0.417, p < 0.001) for individual achievement.ConclusionsAmong Iranian nurses, bullying is a prominent and substantial issue that significantly correlates with their negative performance by enhancing job burnout.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIt is suggested that some measures are adopted to avoid workplace bullying and to reduce occupational burnout for nurses. Managers should create an environment that encourages nurses to voice their concerns – informing nurses about their rights and creating a positive atmosphere in the hospital.
The many‐worlds theory of consciousness
Authors: List Christian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper sketches a new and somewhat heterodox metaphysical theory of consciousness: the “many‐worlds theory”. It drops the assumption that all conscious subjects’ experiences are features of one and the same world and instead associates different subjects with different “first‐personally centred worlds”. We can think of these as distinct “first‐personal realizers” of a shared “third‐personal world”, where the latter is supervenient, in a sense to be explained. This is combined with a form of modal realism, according to which different subjects’ first‐personally centred worlds are all real, though only one of them is present for each subject. The theory offers a novel way of capturing the irreducibly subjective nature of conscious experience without lapsing into solipsism. The paper also looks at some scientific theories of consciousness, such as integrated information theory, through the proposed lens and reconsiders the hard problem of consciousness.
Resveratrol protects renal damages induced by periodontitis via preventing mitochondrial dysfunction in rats
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Xin‐chan , Ding Xu , Liu Xiao‐meng , Cao Niu‐ben , Deng Yu , Hou Yu‐bo , Yu Wei‐xian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesPeriodontitis is closely associated with kidney disease and reactive oxygen species (ROS) involvement. Mitochondria are the primary source of both endogenous ROS and renal energy. We investigated whether resveratrol (RSV) prevents renal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in periodontitis rats.MethodsThirty male Wistar rats were divided into control, experimental periodontitis (Ep) and Ep‐RSV groups. To induce periodontitis, a steel ligature was placed on the cervix of the bilateral first maxillary molars. RSV (50 mg/kg/day) to the Ep‐RSV group and vehicle to the Ep and control groups were gavaged. After 8 weeks, alveolar bone loss, pocket depth, gingival blood index and tooth mobility were assessed. Oxidative stress parameters, mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial ROS, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) were analysed in renal. Renal function and histology were also evaluated.ResultsCompared with the control group, the Ep group showed renal structural destruction, elevated oxidative stress levels, mitochondrial structure destruction, MMP loss, mitochondrial ROS accumulation, ATP reduction, and decreased SIRT1 and PGC‐1α levels. RSV prevented these destruction (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant impairment in renal function (p > 0.05).ConclusionsPeriodontitis induces mitochondrial dysfunction in renal tissues. Resveratrol exerts a preventive effect on periodontitis‐induced kidney injury by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.
The impact of optimized electricity tariff changes towards renewable energy and non‐renewable energy growth in Malaysia
Authors: Saad Noriza Mohd , Ramli Munirah , Mohd Arshad Mohamad Taufik , Mohayiddin Ahmad Lutfi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of electricity tariff changes towards renewable energy (RE) and non‐RE growth in Malaysia. Recently, the growth of RE explains the interest of the world to shift the source of generating electricity towards green environmental sustainability. Thus, the utility provider predicts a decreased demand for electricity associated with the rise of RE and verse vice. Input–output model is utilized in this study to elaborate on the social‐economic impact using data obtained from the Department of Statistics, Malaysia. The study focuses on the cost of production towards 124 production sectors for household expenditure from 12 types of consumer classifications. The results found a small impact on both categories, RE and non‐RE, and it is proportionally associated with a positive increase in electricity tariff. Thus, the increase in RE did not have a big impact on the non‐RE customer, leading to no impact on electricity tariff changes.
Finite Element Analysis of a New Type of Spinal Protection Device for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Che Mingxue , Wang Yongjie , Zhao Yao , Zhang Shaokun , Yu Jun , Gong Weiquan , Zhang Debao , Liu Mingxi 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of a new spinal protection device for preventing and treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) by finite element analysis (FEA).MethodsOne healthy volunteer and one patient with 1‐segment lumbar vertebral compression fractures were included in this experimental study. The DICOM files of two different lumbar spiral computed tomography (CT) scans were converted into STL files, and 3D finite element models of the lumbar spine were generated for normal and L1 vertebral fracture spines. A new type of spinal protection device was applied to reduce the stress on the anterior vertebral edge and direct the center of gravity posteriorly. The stress distribution characteristics of different finite element models of the lumbar spine were analyzed, revealing the characteristics of the stress distributed along the spine under the action of the new spinal protection device.ResultsUnder normal conditions, the stress was mainly distributed in the middle and posterior columns of the spine. When the anterior border of the L1 vertebral body was fractured and collapsed, the stress distribution shifted toward the anterior column due to the center of gravity being directed forward. According to finite element analysis of the spine with the new protection device, the stress in the middle and posterior columns tended to increase, and that in the anterior column decreased. After the new type of spinal fixation device was applied, the stress at the L1 and L2 vertebral endplates decreased to a certain extent, especially that at the L1 vertebral body. The maximum stress on the L1 vertebral body decreased by 20% after the auxiliary device was applied.ConclusionsAccording to the FEA results, the new spinal protection device can effectively prevent and treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), and can alter the stress distribution in the spine and reduce the stress in the anterior column of the vertebral body, especially in vertebral compression fractures.