bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The acetoin assimilation pathway of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is regulated by overlapping global regulatory elements that respond to nutritional cues
Authors: Moreno Renata , Yuste Luis , Rojo Fernando 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMany microorganisms produce and excrete acetoin (3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone) when growing in environments that contain glucose or other fermentable carbon sources. This excreted compound can then be assimilated by other bacterial species such as pseudomonads. This work shows that acetoin is not a preferred carbon source of Pseudomonas putida, and that the induction of genes required for its assimilation is down‐modulated by different, independent, global regulatory systems when succinate, glucose or components of the LB medium are also present. The expression of the acetoin degradation genes was found to rely on the RpoN alternative sigma factor and to be modulated by the Crc/Hfq, Cyo and PTSNtr regulatory elements, with the impact of the latter three varying according to the carbon source present in addition to acetoin. Pyruvate, a poor carbon source for P. putida, did not repress acetoin assimilation. Indeed, the presence of acetoin significantly improved growth on pyruvate, revealing these compounds to have a synergistic effect. This would provide a clear competitive advantage to P. putida when growing in environments in which all the preferred carbon sources have been depleted and pyruvate and acetoin remain as leftovers from the fermentation of sugars by other microorganisms.
How Does Guanxi Shape Entrepreneurial Behaviour? The Case of Family Businesses in China
Authors: Su Shihang , Costanzo Laura A. , Lange Knut , Ghobadian Abby , Hitt Michael A. , Ireland R. Duane 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis paper explores how Guanxi shapes different levels of entrepreneurial behaviour of family businesses in China. Extant research draws on network theory, suggesting that firms focusing on less intimate social relationships are more entrepreneurial than those focusing on intimate social networks. However, this notion of networks neglects Guanxi’s indigenous cultural roots that promote intimacy in social relationships, thus limiting our understanding of why some firms in China demonstrate a higher level of entrepreneurial behaviour than others. Through an in‐depth multi‐case study analysis of eight family firms in China, we find that Guanxi is a multi‐dimensional concept that can only be effective through intimate relationship building. This study contributes to the social network literature on entrepreneurial behaviour by incorporating the gift exchange theoretical perspective and demonstrating that political Guanxi in China can only facilitate entrepreneurial behaviour when it is built around a significant level of intimacy. We also contribute to family business research by demonstrating that family ties are multi‐dimensional. Different cultural values may inform different dimensions of family ties via differences in family business governance structures, which can give rise to different levels of entrepreneurial outcomes. This study offers theoretical and practical implications alongside avenues for future research.
Assessment of prognostic and reproductive outcomes of omentectomy for patients with clinically apparent early‐stage (I, II) malignant ovarian germ cell tumours: A multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Liu Penglin , Li Zhuang , Cheng Xiaodong , Gao Qinglei , Che Yanci , Zhang Zhaoyang , Chu Ran , Chen Zhongshao , Zhang Yue , Wang Qiannan , Dou Zhiyuan , Wei Yuan , Cui Zhumei , Wang Jianliu , Xie Xing , Ma Ding , Yang Xingsheng , Kong Beihua , Song Kun 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study assessed the effect of omentectomy on the prognosis and fertility in patients with clinically early‐stage (I, II) malignant ovarian germ cell tumours (MOGCT).DesignA retrospective multicentre study.SettingFour university teaching hospitals in China.PopulationA total of 268 patients with clinically apparent early‐stage (I, II) MOGCT.MethodsData were obtained from the medical records. Additionally, the propensity score matching (PSM) algorithm was adopted.Main outcome measuresPrognostic outcomes were disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Fertility outcomes were pregnancy and live birth rates.ResultsA total of 187 (69.8%) patients underwent omentectomy. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant differences in DFS and OS between the omentectomy and non‐omentectomy groups before and after PSM (p > 0.05). Additionally, subgroup analysis stratified by age (<18 and ≥18 years) showed similar results. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage was the only risk factor associated with DFS (hazard ratio [HR] 14.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.47–48.38, p < 0.001) and OS (HR 37.36, 95% CI 3.87–361.16, p = 0.002). Pregnancy and live birth rates in the total population were 80.3% and 66.7%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups before and after PSM.ConclusionsOmentectomy did not improve survival or affect fertility in patients with clinically apparent early‐stage (I, II) MOGCT, regardless of the age. The clinical FIGO stage was an independent risk factor for recurrence and death.
Effect of paternal age on assisted reproductive outcomes in ICSI donor cycles
Authors: Coban Onder , Serdarogullari Munevver , Pervaiz Ruqiya , Soykok Afet , Yarkiner Zalihe , Bankeroglu Hasan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite growing evidence suggesting age‐related molecular changes in gametes, the impact of paternal age on clinical outcomes during infertility treatments has not been adequately assessed.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the correlation of paternal age to clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in egg donation cycles undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection.Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort study includes 4930 fresh oocyte donation cycles from 3995 couples between April 2005 and February 2020 in a private IVF hospital. Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were the primary outcome measures. The results were also assessed according to the paternal age groups, donor characteristics, semen parameters, fertilization rate, and quality of the transferred embryos.ResultsThe age and body mass index of the donors, oocyte maturation, fertilization rates, and the mean number of transferred embryo quality were comparable on day‐3 but not on day‐5 embryo transfers between paternal age groups (p > 0.05). Paternal age was found to be negatively correlated to the number of oocytes utilized, normal semen parameters, fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates (p < 0.05). In day‐5 embryo transfer cycles, only the rate of cycles with normal spermatozoa, number of allocated oocytes, and pregnancy were found to be statistically significant.Discussion and ConclusionPaternal age may influence reproductive outcomes and should be considered during infertility evaluations in intracytoplasmic sperm injection donor cycles. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Interchangeability of generic drugs for subpopulations: Bioequivalence simulation from a nonparametric PK model of gabapentin generic drugs
Authors: Glerum Pieter J. , Yamada Walter M. , Neely Michael N. , Burger David M. , Maliepaard Marc , Neef Cees 
Published: December 2022

Patients are often switched between generic formulations of the same drug, but in some cases generic interchangeability is questioned. For generic drugs to be approved, bioequivalence with the innovator drug should be demonstrated, but evidence of bioequivalence is not required in the intended patient population or relative to other approved generics.AimWe aim to identify pathophysiological pharmacokinetic subpopulations for whom there is a difference in comparative bioavailability compared to a healthy population.MethodsWe used simulated exposures from a nonparametric model of multiple generics and the originator gabapentin. Exposure was simulated for virtual populations with pharmacokinetic characteristics beyond those of healthy subjects with regard to rate of absorption, volume of distribution and reduced renal function. Virtual parallel design bioequivalence studies were performed using a random sample of 24 simulated subjects, with standard acceptance criteria.ResultsResults indicated increased pharmacokinetic variability for patient populations with a lower rate of absorption or a reduced renal function, but no change in the average comparable bioavailability ratio. This increased variability results in a reduced likelihood of demonstrating bioequivalence. Observations were similar for comparisons between all different formulations, as well as between subjects who received the identical formulation in a repeated fashion. No relevant effect was observed for simulations with increased volume of distribution.ConclusionOur simulations indicate that the reduced likelihood of demonstrating bioequivalence for subjects with altered pharmacokinetics is not influenced by a formulation switch, nor does the average comparable bioavailability ratio change, therefore these results support generic interchangeability and current approval requirements for generics.
Ruxolitinib and methylprednisolone for treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Berenson James R. , Martinez Daisy , Safaie Tahmineh , Boccia Ralph , Yang Honghao , Moezi Mehdi , Lim Stephen , Schwartz Gary , Eshaghian Shahrooz , Swift Regina , Eades Benjamin M. , Bujarski Sean , Regidor Bernard , Kim Clara , Kim Susanna , Vescio Robert 
Published: December 2022

SummaryAlthough Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy for treating autoimmune disorders and myeloproliferative neoplasms, their efficacy in treating other types of cancer has not been clearly demonstrated. We evaluated oral ruxolitinib (15 mg twice daily) with oral methylprednisolone (40 mg every other day) for multiple myeloma (MM) patients with progressive disease who had received a proteasome inhibitor, lenalidomide, glucocorticosteroids and three or more prior regimens. All of the planned 29 patients had been enrolled with follow‐up until 28 April 2022. Median lines of prior therapy were 6 (range 3–12). Cytogenetics and fluorescent in situ hybridization were evaluable in 28 patients; 9 (32%) and 17 (70%) patients showed high‐risk cytogenetics and/or 1q+, respectively. The overall response rate was 31%. The median duration of response was 13.1 (range 2.8–22.0) months. Median progression‐free survival rate was 3.4 (range 0.5–24.6) months, Overall, the treatment was well tolerated. The combination of ruxolitinib and methylprednisolone demonstrated significant clinical activity among previously heavily‐treated MM patients, and responses were achieved among patients who had high‐risk cytogenetics. This is the first clinical study to show activity of JAK inhibitors in combination with steroids for MM patients and expands the potential use of these drugs to those with cancers other than myeloproliferative neoplasms.
ASmartModel of Imaginal Perspective Taking
Authors: Schultheis Holger 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe ability to judge spatial relations from perspectives that differ from one's current body orientation and location is important for many everyday activities. Despite considerable research on imaginal perspective taking, however, detailed computational accounts of the processes involved in this ability are missing. In this contribution, I introduceSmart(SpatialMemoryAccess byReference Frame SelecTion) as a computational cognitive model of imaginal perspective taking processes. In assuming that imaginal perspective taking is governed by reference frame selection for memory access and subsequent motor activation,Smartis able to explain and simulate key findings on human imaginal perspective taking. In addition to providing novel insight into the mechanisms underlying imaginal perspective taking,Smartalso has several implications for our view on spatial memory, more generally. In particular,Smartsupports the idea that enduring spatial representations are essentially orientation‐free and that spatial representations are best viewed asflexiblecombinations of representation structures and reference frames.
People with high schizotypy experience more illusions in the Pattern Glare Test: Consistent with the hyperexcitability hypothesis
Authors: Torrens Wendy A. , Pablo Jenna N. , Shires Jorja , Haigh Sarah M. , Berryhill Marian E. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIndividuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) exhibit a constellation of sensory and perceptual impairments, including hyporeactivity to external input. However, individuals with SSD also report subjective experiences of sensory flooding, suggesting sensory hyperexcitability. To identify the extent to which behavioural indices of hyperexcitability are related to non‐psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia, we tested a non‐clinical population measured for schizophrenia‐like traits (schizotypy), and a behavioural measure of sensory hyperexcitability, specifically the number of illusions seen in the Pattern Glare Test. Two samples totaling 913 individuals completed an online version of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Revised (SPQ‐BR) and the Pattern Glare Test. Individuals with higher schizotypy traits reported more illusions in the Pattern Glare Test. Additionally, one of the three SPQ‐BR factors, the disorganized factor, significantly predicted the number of illusions reported. These data illustrate the potential for research in non‐clinical samples to inform clinically relevant research.
Meningeal mast cell‐mediated mechanisms of cholinergic system modulation in neurogenic inflammation underlying the pathophysiology of migraine
Authors: Kilinc Erkan , Torun Ibrahim Ethem , Baranoglu Kilinc Yasemin 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGrowing evidence indicates that the parasympathetic system is implicated in migraine headache. However, the cholinergic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of migraine remain unclear. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of cholinergic modulation and a mast cell stabilizer cromolyn in the nitroglycerin‐induced in vivo migraine model and in vitro hemiskull preparations in rats. Effects of cholinergic agents (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine, or acetylcholine, and muscarinic antagonist atropine) and mast cell stabilizer cromolyn or their combinations were tested in the in vivo and in vitro experiments. The mechanical hyperalgesia was assessed by von Frey hairs. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and C‐fos levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Degranulation and count of meningeal mast cells were determined by toluidine‐blue staining. Neostigmine augmented the nitroglycerin‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia, trigeminal ganglion CGRP levels, brainstem CGRP, and C‐fos levels, as well as degranulation of mast cells in vivo. Atropine inhibited neostigmine‐induced additional increases in CGRP levels in trigeminal ganglion and brainstem while it failed to do this in the mechanical hyperalgesia, C‐fos levels, and the mast cell degranulation. However, all systemic effects of neostigmine were abolished by cromolyn. The cholinergic agents or cromolyn did not alter basal release of CGRP, in vitro, but cromolyn alleviated the CGRP‐inducing effect of capsaicin while atropine failed to do it. These results ensure for a first time direct evidence that endogenous acetylcholine contributes to migraine pathology mainly by activating meningeal mast cells while muscarinic receptors are involved in CGRP release from trigeminal ganglion and brainstem, without excluding the possible role of nicotinic cholinergic receptors.
The influence of the commensal skin bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis on the epidermal barrier and inflammation: Implications for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Ochlich Désirée , Rademacher Franziska , Drerup Katharina Antonia , Gläser Regine , Harder Jürgen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe skin microbiota is a crucial component in maintaining cutaneous barrier function. Staphylococcus epidermidis is considered as a beneficial commensal member of the cutaneous microbiota promoting skin health. However, S. epidermidis is also frequently detectable in the skin of patients with the inflammatory skin disease atopic dermatitis (AD) and some studies reported a significantly higher presence of S. epidermidis in severe AD as compared to mild AD. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the impact of S. epidermidis on the expression of cutaneous inflammatory mediators and skin barrier molecules. Various S. epidermidis skin‐derived isolates activated the proinflammatory transcription factor NF‐kappaB and induced expression of AD‐associated proinflammatory cytokines in human primary keratinocytes and 3D skin equivalents. Skin barrier molecules such as filaggrin were downregulated by S. epidermidis. In general, AD‐derived S. epidermidis strains elicited a higher response than strains derived from the skin of healthy individuals. Taken together, our results provide further evidence that the abundance of S. epidermidis in AD may trigger the inflammatory scenario associated with this disease.
Unwanted cohabitation agreements
Authors: Ryznar Margaret 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGiven the predominant role in American law of cohabitation agreements in protecting cohabitants, this Article presents an informal study that measured attitudes toward such agreements. The results confirm the literature findings that people generally are not inclined to want cohabitation agreements upon cohabitation. Further studies might explore the reasons for the unpopularity of cohabitation agreements and the ways to improve the protection of cohabitants, and this Article offers potential considerations.
Chronologically clustered osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: Analysis of a case series
Authors: Lu Kang , Lui Chun‐Chung , Wu Yu‐Ying , Chu Shao‐Ang , Huang Ruyi , Chiu Chong‐Chi , Hung Chao‐Ming 
Published: December 2022

AimTo provide quality care to older adults, healthcare professionals should be aware that osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) might occur sequentially in the same patient, involving different vertebral bodies, each separated by short intervals. This situation is called chronologically clustered OVCFs (CCOVCF).MethodsA total of 40 patients with CCOVCFs (index cohort) were retrospectively analyzed, and compared with 40 patients having only one OVCF (comparison cohort). All fractures were treated with percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty.ResultsIn the index cohort, the number of patients having the second, third, fourth and fifth OVCF events within 3 months were 40, 15, five and two, respectively. Recurring pain or seemingly non‐stop pain were the major reasons why new OCVFs were found. The average interval between pain relief provided by percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty and radiographic diagnosis of new OVCFs was significantly longer than that between pain relief and a new episode of disabling pain (26.7 ± 16.8 vs 16.4 ± 15.8 days, P < 0.0001), reflecting how shortly new OCVFs occurred after successful surgery, and how often they were neglected. The mean T‐score of the index cohort was significantly lower than that of the comparison cohort (−3.66 ± 0.79 vs −3.17 ± 0.80, P = 0.01).ConclusionsCCOVCFs make a patient seem constantly in pain, despite repeated admissions and operations. Recurrent symptoms after an effective procedure should be taken as a warning that a new OCVF might have occurred, even if only a few days apart. Advanced osteoporosis is a significant risk factor for CCOVCFs. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 44–49.
A valued voice: A qualitative analysis of parental decision‐making preferences in emergent paediatric surgery
Authors: Carlisle Erica M. , Shinkunas Laura A. , Ruba Emily , Klipowicz Caleb J. , Lieberman Maxwell T. , Hoffman Richard M. , Reisinger Heather S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionShared decision‐making, with an emphasis on patient autonomy, is often advised in healthcare decision‐making. However, this may be difficult to implement in emergent settings. We have previously demonstrated that when considering emergent operations for their children, parents prefer surgeon guidance as opposed to shared decision‐making. Here, we interviewed parents of paediatric patients who had undergone emergent operations to better understand parental decision‐making preferences.MethodsParents of paediatric patients who underwent surgery over the past 5 years at a University‐based, tertiary children's hospital for cancer, an emergent operation while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were invited to complete a 60‐min semi‐structured interview. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was performed via deductive and inductive analysis. An iterative approach to thematic sampling/data analysis was used.ResultsThematic saturation was achieved after 12 interviews (4 cancer, 5 NICU and 3 ECMO). Five common themes were identified: (1) recommendations from surgeons are valuable; (2) ‘lifesaving mode’: parents felt there were no decisions to be made; (3) effective ways of obtaining information about treatment; (4) shared decision‐making as a ‘dialogue’ or ‘discussion’ and (5) parents as a ‘valued voice’ to advocate for their children.ConclusionsWhen engaging in decision‐making regarding emergent surgical procedures for their children, parents value a surgeon's recommendation. Parents felt that discussion or dialogue with surgeons defined shared decision‐making, and they believed that the opportunity to ask questions gave them a ‘valued voice’, even when they felt there were no decisions to be made.Patient or Public ContributionFor this study, we interviewed parents of paediatric patients who had undergone emergent operations to better understand parental decision‐making preferences. Parents thus provided all the data for the study.
How to assess parallelism in factor assays: coefficient of variation of results with different dilutions or slope ratio?
Authors: Guy Susan , Shepherd M. Fiona , Bowyer Annette E. , Kitchen Steve 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionNon‐parallelism in factor assays can lead to incorrect factor activities. Parallelism can be assessed by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV) of results obtained on 3 dilutions of the same sample. Some authors have proposed that if there is <15% then the average activity is reportable. Some analysers use a slope ratio (SR) to calculate parallelism, with an acceptance range of approximately 0.9–1.1.MethodsWe evaluated CV and SR in one stage FII–FXII assays on Sysmex CS5100i using Innovin or Actin FS. Frozen normal and pathological plasmas, plasmas containing Direct Oral Anticoagulants, Direct Thrombin Inhibitors or Lupus Anticoagulant were analysed to assess possible non‐parallelism.ResultsIn plasmas with factor levels >25 IU/dl (plus no interfering substances) all CVs were < 15%. One sample (low factor activities 10–15 IU/dl), had CVs > 15% in FII, FVII and FXII assays only. SR outside of 0.9–1.1 were seen in FII and FXII assays at different levels of clotting factor including some within the normal range. Non‐parallelism was detected more frequently with SR than CV for those with interfering substances.ConclusionsSR outside of 0.9–1.1 were seen in different levels of clotting factors, including samples which did not contain interfering substances. The target of 15% CV was a better discriminator than a SR for acceptance. When factor levels were reduced to around 10–15 IU/dl, a target 20 %CV was more appropriate than 15%. It might be appropriate for laboratories to assess locally whether their acceptance criteria need to be wider at low levels of clotting factors.