bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obtaining the best value for money through procurement planning: can procurement regulatory compliance intervene?
Authors: Changalima Ismail Abdi , Ismail Ismail Juma , Mwaiseje Shadrack Samwel 
Published: August 2022

PurposeWhile empirical studies establish the importance of procurement planning in achieving value for money (VfM) in procurement, there is scant evidence demonstrating a link between procurement planning and procurement regulatory compliance, and thus VfM. As a result, this study examined how procurement regulatory compliance can be applied when procurement practitioners in Tanzania seek to maximize VfM through procurement planning.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional research design was adopted from which data were collected once through a structured questionnaire. The structural equation modeling (SEM) and Hayes' PROCESS macro test for mediation analysis were used to analyze the collected data.FindingsProcurement planning has a significant and positive relationship with procurement regulatory compliance (ß = 0.491, p < 0.001). Procurement regulatory compliance has a significant and positive relationship with VfM in procurement (ß = 0.586, p < 0.001). Results also show that procurement planning is a significant positive predictor of VfM (ß = 0.257, p = 0.005). Furthermore, the bootstrapping confidence intervals revealed that procurement regulatory compliance significantly mediates the relationship between procurement planning and VfM in procurement.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study was able to accomplish its overall objective, it is limited in terms of the geographical setting under which the study was conducted. Hence, the generalization of research results should be made with caution as each country has specific public procurement laws and regulations governing the conduct of procurement activities in the public sector.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the growing debate on achieving VfM in procurement activities. The study adds to the literature on public procurement by establishing the mediation effect of procurement regulatory compliance on the quest toward achieving VfM in public procurement.
A novel low‐density lipoprotein/fibrinogen apheresis method for chronic limb‐threatening ischemia in patients with poor options for revascularization: A multicenter, single‐arm clinical trial
Authors: Kobayashi Shuzo , Furukawa Masahide , Ichioka Shigeru , Horiuchi Katsumi , Kitano Ikuro , Fujii Miki , Ayabe Shinobu , Tanaka Rica , Ohura Norihiko , Ohura Takehiko 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionLow‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis is a treatment option for patients with unhealed chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) after revascularization. The newly developed AS‐25 is a direct hemoperfusion‐type apheresis device that differs from conventional LDL apheresis therapy and is designed to specifically adsorb both LDL‐C and fibrinogen. We evaluate the efficacy and safety of AS‐25.MethodsThis study included 61 patients whose ulcers failed to heal after revascularization or were ineligible for revascularization. Of these, 50 were undergoing hemodialysis. The primary endpoint was the healing rate of a target lesion of interest (ulcer), using historical data as control.ResultsThe ulcer healing rate of 45.9% was significantly higher than the historical data. No significant safety concerns were observed.ConclusionsAS‐25 was effective in healing ulcers and preventing major amputation even in CLTI refractory patients on hemodialysis, thus showing potential clinical applicability and high significance.Clinical Trial RegistrationUMIN study ID UMIN000020336.
Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and myopathy in patients post‐COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Saif Dalia S. , Ibrahem Reda Abdellatif , Eltabl Mohamed A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome (SARS‐CoV‐2), caused by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19), has become a life‐threatening epidemic, affecting multiple organs, including the nervous system. Recent studies have documented that COVID‐19‐associated peripheral neuropathy is a common and frequent problem, with central and peripheral nervous system complications.ObjectiveThis work aims to evaluate the peripheral nerves and muscle involvement after COVID‐19 infection, in addition to studying the prevalence rate and risk factors of their affection.MethodsThe study involved 400 patients, divided into 2 groups, with a history of COVID‐19 infection with or without symptoms of neuromuscular affection, and 30 gender‐ and age‐matched healthy volunteers were involved as controls. They were referred to the Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation for electro‐diagnosis. All participants performed complete clinical examination and laboratory measures with an electrophysiological study.ResultsThe prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and myopathy in post‐COVID‐19 patients was 56.3% among all patients. A significant difference was detected among patients of both groups regarding serum creatine phosphokinase level, clinical signs, and electrophysiologic findings of neuropathy and myopathy compared to the control group, with more prominent features among the symptomatic group. Histories of hospitalization, severe and long‐lasting respiratory symptoms were risk factors for developing neuromuscular complications.ConclusionsThe present study could indicate that muscle involvement and peripheral nerve affection are common problems even among asymptomatic patients after COVID‐19 infection, especially in the presence of any risk factors.
Effect of dexamethasone on intraoperative remifentanil dose in total knee arthroplasty surgery under general anaesthesia
Authors: Gantzel Maria , Gasbjerg Kasper Smidt , Hägi‐Pedersen Daniel , Meyhoff Christian Sylvest , Olsen Markus Harboe , Mathiesen Ole , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Lunn Troels Haxholdt 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe effects of glucocorticoids may include both genomic and rapid nongenomic effects. The potential rapid analgesic effect during surgery has not previously been investigated. We aimed to explore the effect of dexamethasone on intraoperative infusion rate of remifentanil in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery under general anaesthesia.MethodsIn this post hoc subgroup analysis, we included patients randomised in the DEX‐2‐TKA trial, who were operated under total intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil and propofol. Trial medication, intravenous dexamethasone 24 mg or placebo, was administered immediately after anaesthesia onset. The primary outcome was the median weight‐corrected infusion rate of remifentanil during surgery. Secondary outcomes included median weight‐corrected infusion rate of propofol, median intraoperative bispectral index and time spent in the post‐anaesthesia care unit.ResultsEighty‐seven patients were included in the analysis of the primary outcome. A significantly higher remifentanil infusion rate was observed in the dexamethasone group compared with the placebo group, p = .02. None of the secondary outcomes resulted in statistically significant differences between groups.ConclusionThis explorative post hoc analysis of the randomised DEX‐2‐TKA trail showed that patients undergoing TKA surgery under general anaesthesia and who received dexamethasone seemed to have a higher remifentanil infusion rate compared with patients who received placebo. The clinical implications of the potentially increased remifentanil infusion rate need to be validated and explored further.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05002361 (12 August 2021).
The socio‐endocrine regulation of human growth
Authors: Hermanussen Michael , Erofeev Sergei , Scheffler Christiane 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAimGrowth is a multifarious phenomenon that has been studied by nutritionists, economists, paediatric endocrinologists; archaeologists, child psychologists and other experts. Yet, a unifying theory of understanding growth regulation is still lacking.MethodCritical review of the literature.ResultsWe summarise evidence linking social competition and its effect on hierarchies in social structures, with the neuronal networks of the ventromedial hypothalamus and body size. The endocrine signalling system regulating growth hormone, Insulin‐like‐Growth‐Factor1 and skeletal growth, is well conserved in the evolution of vertebrata for some 400 million years. The link between size and status permits adaptive plasticity, competitive growth and strategic growth adjustments also in humans. Humans perceive size as a signal of dominance with tallness being favoured and particularly prevalent in the upper social classes.ConclusionWesternised societies are competitive. People are tall, and “open to change.” Social values include striving for status and prestige implying socio‐economic domination. We consider the transition of political and social values following revolutions and civil wars, as key elements that interact with the evolutionarily conserved neuroendocrine competence for adaptive developmental plasticity, overstimulate the hypothalamic growth regulation and finally lead to the recent historic increases in average height.
KS0365, a novel activator of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) channel, accelerates keratinocyte migration
Authors: Maier Marion , Olthoff Stefan , Hill Kerstin , Zosel Carolin , Magauer Thomas , Wein Lukas Anton , Schaefer Michael 
Published: August 2022

Background and PurposeCa2+ signalling mediated by the thermosensitive, non‐selective, Ca2+‐permeable transient receptor potential channel TRPV3 is assumed to play a critical role in regulating several aspects of skin functions, such as keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, skin barrier formation and wound healing. Studying the function of TRPV3 in skin homeostasis, however, is still constrained by a lack of potent and selective pharmacological modulators of TRPV3.Experimental ApproachBy screening an in‐house compound library using fluorometric intracellular Ca2+ assays, we identified two chemically related hits. The more potent and efficient TRPV3 activator 2‐(2‐chloro‐3‐isopropylcyclopent‐2‐en‐1‐yl)‐4‐methylphenol (KS0365) was further evaluated in fluo‐4‐assisted Ca2+ assays, different Ca2+ imaging approaches, electrophysiological studies, cytotoxicity and migration assays.Key ResultsKS0365 activated recombinant and native mouse TRPV3 more potently and with a higher efficacy compared with 2‐APB and did not activate TRPV2 or TRPV4 channels. The activation of TRPV3 by KS0365 super‐additively accelerated the EGF‐induced keratinocyte migration, which was inhibited by the TRP channel blocker ruthenium red or by siRNA‐mediated TRPV3 knockdown. Moreover, KS0365 induced strong Ca2+ responses in migrating front cells and in leading edges of keratinocytes.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe selective TRPV3 activator KS0365 triggers increases in [Ca2+]i with most prominent signals in the leading edge and accelerates migration of keratinocytes. TRPV3 activators may promote re‐epithelialization upon skin wounding.
HIDEA syndrome is caused by biallelic, pathogenic, rare or founder P4HTM variants impacting the active site or the overall stability of the P4H‐TM protein
Authors: Kraatari‐Tiri Minna , Soikkonen Leila , Myllykoski Matti , Jamshidi Yalda , Karimiani Ehsan G. , Komulainen‐Ebrahim Jonna , Kallankari Hanna , Mignot Cyril , Depienne Christel , Keren Boris , Nougues Marie‐Christine , Alsahlawi Zahra , Romito Antonio , Martini Javier , Toosi Mehran B. , Carroll Christopher J. , Tripolszki Kornelia , Bauer Peter , Uusimaa Johanna , Bertoli‐Avella Aida M. , Koivunen Peppi , Rahikkala Elisa 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHIDEA syndrome is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in P4HTM. The phenotype is characterized by muscular and central hypotonia, hypoventilation including obstructive and central sleep apneas, intellectual disability, dysautonomia, epilepsy, eye abnormalities, and an increased tendency to develop respiratory distress during pneumonia. Here, we report six new patients with HIDEA syndrome caused by five different biallelic P4HTM variants, including three novel variants. We describe two Finnish enriched pathogenic P4HTM variants and demonstrate that these variants are embedded within founder haplotypes. We review the clinical data from all previously published patients with HIDEA and characterize all reported P4HTM pathogenic variants associated with HIDEA in silico. All known pathogenic variants in P4HTM result in either premature stop codons, an intragenic deletion, or amino acid changes that impact the active site or the overall stability of P4H‐TM protein. In all cases, normal P4H‐TM enzyme function is expected to be lost or severely decreased. This report expands knowledge of the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of the disease.
Microduplication of BTRC detected in a Chinese family with split hand/foot malformation type 3
Authors: Qiu Liyan , Li Caimin , Zheng Guiyun , Yang Tuyin , Yang Fang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSplit hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is a clinically heterogeneous genetic disorder, which is mainly characterized by median clefts of the hand/feet due to the absence of the central digital rays. Several subgroups of SHFM have been identified, including SHFM1 to SHFM6. SHFM3 is an autosomal dominant disease, which has been identified to associate with a 500 kb microduplication at 10q24. The duplication involved several genes, including LBX1, BTRC, POLL, FBXW4, and so forth. In the study, using trio clinical exome sequencing, a 120 kb microduplication containing only BTRC were identified in a Chinese family affected with SHFM3. Further confirmation was performed using qRT‐PCR assay, which showed that the 120 kb duplication was co‐segregated with SHFM phenotypes in the family. It is the smallest duplication which has ever been reported relating to SHFM3. Furthermore, the transcription levels of BTRC mRNA in lymphocyte of the proband was significantly higher than that in the healthy control. The study provided evidence for the limb malformation caused by abnormal BTRC expression, and suggested that next generation sequencing could provide more precise diagnosis to SHFM3 patients.
Is a brain‐based understanding of addiction predominant? An assessment of addiction researchers' conceptions of addiction and their evaluation of brain‐based explanations
Authors: Ochterbeck Doris , Forberger Sarah 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionBrain‐based explanations of addiction have become a prominent explanatory model in recent decades. Although opposing views have been published, there is no large‐scale study of researchers' opinions, unlike for treatment staff, the public and affected individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to examine international addiction researchers' perspectives on: (i) brain‐based explanations of addiction; (ii) the perceived dominance of the concept in science, society, treatment and among those affected; and (iii) researchers' general conception of addiction in terms of ontologies and causes.MethodsA sample of 1440 international addiction researchers was compiled. Views were assessed online viaLimeSurveyusing a ‘mixed methods light’ approach (Likert‐type scales, free‐text fields). Qualitative content analyses of free‐text comments complemented descriptive statistics.ResultsOne hundred and ninety researchers participated (13.19% response). The classification of substance use disorders as brain diseases/disorders was shared by about 60% of the respondents. Approximately 80% considered it the dominant view in science, but fewer in treatment, society and affected persons. Approximately 75% found it an oversimplification, but regarded it as helpful for understanding substance use disorders. Altogether, various biological, psychological and social factors were considered causal. Comments indicated that an over‐simplistic nature of brain‐based explanations of addiction was viewed as particularly problematic.Discussion and ConclusionsA rejection of a simplistic view of addiction in favour of a multi‐causal concept in which the brain plays a role seems to be the majority view of participating researchers. Therefore, the orientation of future research, treatment and support for addicted persons need to be reconsidered accordingly.
Pulpal expression of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor after direct pulp capping in rat
Authors: Papic Milos , Zivanovic Suzana , Vucicevic Tamara , Papic Mirjana V. , Zdravkovic Dejan , Milivojevic Nevena , Virijevic Katarina , Zivanovic Marko , Mircic Aleksandar , Ljujic Biljana , Lukic Miodrag L. , Popovic Milica 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of direct pulp capping on the expression of erythropoietin (Epo) and Epo‐receptor (Epor) genes in relation to the expression of inflammatory and osteogenic genes in rat pulp. Dental pulps of the first maxillary molars of Wistar Albino rats were exposed and capped with either calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate, or were left untreated. After 4 wk, animals were euthanized, and maxillae were prepared for histological and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Histological scores of pulp inflammation and mineralization, and relative expressions of Epo, Epor, inflammatory cytokines, and pulp osteogenic genes were evaluated. The capped pulps showed higher expressions of Epo, while the untreated pulps had the highest expression of Epor. Both calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate downregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha compared to untreated controls, and upregulated transforming growth factor beta compared to healthy controls. Alkaline phosphatase expression was significantly higher in experimental groups. Relative expression of Epo negatively correlated with pulp inflammation, and positively correlated with pulp mineralization. Pulp exposure promoted expression of Epor and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, while pulp capping promoted expression of Epo, alkaline phosphatase, and downregulated Epor and pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
Pattern of caries lesions and oral health‐related quality of life throughout early childhood: A birth cohort study
Authors: Benelli Kelly da Rocha Gomes , Chaffee Benjamin W. , Kramer Paulo Floriani , Knorst Jessica Klöckner , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Feldens Carlos Alberto 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different patterns of dental caries on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) throughout early childhood. This birth cohort study followed 277 children from southern Brazil for 6 years. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were collected at birth. At age 3 years, children's dental caries experience was quantified by the decayed, missing, or filled teeth (dmft) index. At age 6 years, parents answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between caries experience and later OHRQoL, presented as the ratio of ECOHIS scores between the groups. The prevalence of dental caries at 3 years of age was 37.5%. In children with caries, lesions only in anterior teeth, only in posterior teeth, and in both dental segments at age 3 were associated with age 6 ECOHIS scores that were 2.7, 7.8, and 6.2 times higher, respectively, than in children without dental caries experience. OHRQoL was worse among children with higher dmft scores. Dental caries lesions in posterior teeth by age 3 years was strongly predictive of adverse impacts on later OHRQoL, presumably as an indicator of continued disease experience in the intervening years.
Early onset of senescence and imbalanced epidermal homeostasis across the decades in photoexposed human skin: Fingerprints of inflammaging
Authors: Jarrold Bradley B. , Tan Christina Yan Ru , Ho Chin Yee , Soon Ai Ling , Lam TuKiet T. , Yang Xiaojing , Nguyen Calvin , Guo Wei , Chew Yap Ching , DeAngelis Yvonne M. , Costello Lydia , De Los Santos Gomez Paola , Przyborski Stefan , Bellanger Sophie , Dreesen Oliver , Kimball Alexa B. , Oblong John E. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractInflammaging is a theory of ageing which purports that low‐level chronic inflammation leads to cellular dysfunction and premature ageing of surrounding tissue. Skin is susceptible to inflammaging because it is the first line of defence from the environment, particularly solar radiation. To better understand the impact of ageing and photoexposure on epidermal biology, we performed a system biology‐based analysis of photoexposed face and arm, and photoprotected buttock sites, from women between the ages of 20s to 70s. Biopsies were analysed by histology, transcriptomics, and proteomics and skin surface biomarkers collected from tape strips. We identified morphological changes with age of epidermal thinning, rete ridge pathlength loss and stratum corneum thickening. The SASP biomarkers IL‐8 and IL‐1RA/IL1‐α were consistently elevated in face across age and cis/trans‐urocanic acid were elevated in arms and face with age. In older arms, the DNA damage response biomarker 53BP1 showed higher puncti numbers in basal layers and epigenetic ageing were accelerated. Genes associated with differentiation and senescence showed increasing expression in the 30s whereas genes associated with hypoxia and glycolysis increased in the 50's. Proteomics comparing 60's vs 20's confirmed elevated levels of differentiation and glycolytic‐related proteins. Representative immunostaining for proteins of differentiation, senescence and oxygen sensing/hypoxia showed similar relationships. This system biology‐based analysis provides a body of evidence that young photoexposed skin is undergoing inflammaging. We propose the presence of chronic inflammation in young skin contributes to an imbalance of epidermal homeostasis that leads to a prematurely aged appearance during later life.
A supervised machine learning model for determining lubricant oil operating conditions
Authors: Malaguti Roney , Lourenço Nuno , Silva Cristovão 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMachine learning tools for analysing lubricating oil data have enabled better information in the condition based maintenance (CBM) approach to the process of diagnosing and predicting failures in diesel‐powered vehicle fleets. With the increase in the number of sensors inserted in vehicles, it is possible for companies to stockpile large quantities of information in real time. As such, the development of data‐driven tools will enable accurate identification of the level of wear of a system, evolving CBM into a more reliable and dynamic approach. Following this type of data‐based analysis focusing on determining the wear of systems and equipment, this paper presents an intelligent system for assessing the condition of lubricating oil in automotive diesel engines. To this end, we analyse the use of raw data obtained from the sensors installed in the car and evaluate in conjunction with the insertion of engineered features designed the best way to determine the operating state of the oils. The results presented in this analysis show that to explain 90% of the variation in the original data only the variables kinematic viscosity, dynamic viscosity, engine oil temperature and OSF_v3 are needed. After evaluating the quality of the variables, we conducted an experimental study to analyse the performance of various machine learning algorithms, taking into account the number of features as input data. The results show that the proposed system has the ability to identify the operating conditions of lubricating oil using seven variables as input to a model based on gradient boosting, obtaining a recall result of 93%, precision of 96% and F1‐score of 94%. We conducted a set of additional studies to understand how different subsets of variables affected the performance of the models, and the results show that the best combination includes information regarding the engine speed, coolant and oil temperature, oil pressure, the oil stress factor (OSF_v3), kinematic viscosity, and the dynamic viscosity.