bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonophoresis enhances the skin penetration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid: A promising pretreatment for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zheng Yujie , Fan Wen , Jiang Li , Lu Yan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) has a poor penetrance of the skin with topical application, which reduces the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Sonophoresis involves the use of sound waves or ultrasonic energy to enhance the topical or transdermal delivery of drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sonophoresis on the penetration of 5‐ALA into the skin. We calculated in vitro transdermal accumulation of ALA, and the fluorescence images were collected for analysis. The cumulative amount of 5‐ALA that penetrated the skin with sonophoresis increased over time and was significantly larger than that without sonophoresis (p < 0.01). With 5% 5‐ALA and sonophoresis, the distinct localization of 5‐ALA‐PpIX in sebaceous glands started to appear 30 min after 5‐ALA application, which is much earlier than with 5% 5‐ALA only. For all incubation times, fluorescence intensities distributing in sebaceous glands were significantly higher in sonophoresis treated than non‐sonophoresis treated skin (p < 0.05). Sonophoresis could be a technique of choice for enhancing the production of 5‐ALA‐induced PpIX and improving the efficacy of 5‐ALA‐based PDT, which may decrease the treatment time, lower the cost of therapy and enhance the clinical improvement, allowing many more patients to be treated.
Global meta‐analysis reveals diverse effects of microplastics on freshwater and marine fishes
Authors: Hossain Mostafa A. R. , Olden Julian D. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMicroplastic debris is a globally ubiquitous pollutant with diverse consequences for fishes, ranging from severe negative impacts to neutral, or even, positive effects. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of experimental and observational studies to test for the impacts of microplastic exposure on freshwater, estuarine and marine fishes across diverse taxonomies, geographies, and ecosystem contexts. We report evidence for the detrimental, albeit variable, impacts of microplastics, including reduced consumption, altered feeding behavior, obstructed digestion and assimilation, decreased growth, and compromised immunity. By contrast, microplastics appeared to invoke neutral responses in several other ecological and physiological processes, such as body condition, fecundity, hatching success and survival. The results from this study also point to the mismatch between the types, shapes, and sizes of microplastics investigated in experimental settings versus those found in fish in the wild, as well as a striking difference between the 728 fish species investigated for microplastic contamination in the wild versus the only 22 fish species evaluated for the effects of microplastics in the laboratory. The present study reiterates the necessity for more consistent methodological approaches to analyzing and reporting the effects of microplastic exposure, including greater taxonomic breadth and the use of environmentally relevant polymers in future studies. Furthermore, model simulations that explore individual‐ and population‐level implications of realistic exposure scenarios are needed. Overall, the current weight of evidence supports continued management and policy actions to reduce the microplastic production, use, and release into the world's waters.
Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of two kinds of weathering steel welded joints
Authors: Cong Tao , Liu Fulin , Huang Wentao , Liu Yongjie , He Chao , Zhang Hong , Wang Chong , Khan Muhammad Kashif 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of welded joints for Q450NQR1 and Q450AWR5 alloys were investigated. The inhomogeneous microstructures of Q450NQR1 and Q450AWR5 welded joints can result in heterogeneous mechanical responses. Microhardness distributions of the two welded joints are not uniform with the highest hardness value in the FZ, followed by the HAZ, and the lowest hardness value in the BM. The tensile strength of Q450AWR5 welded joints is slightly higher than the Q450NQR1 welded joints. The tensile fracture occurred in the BM of both welded joints, probably due to the strengthening effect of bainite with high dislocation density and lattice distortion. The fatigue life is dominated by the welded defects inside the welded joint. The location of fatigue failure occurs mainly near the fusion zone and is limited by the welded defects, independent of the microstructure.
Governance and leverage: International evidence
Authors: Driss Hamdi , El Ghoul Sadok , Guedhami Omrane , Wald John K. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this study, we use board reforms across countries as a natural experiment to examine the effect of governance on firm leverage. We find that board reforms are associated with a statistically significant 1‐percentage‐point increase in leverage overall and a 5‐percentage‐point increase on average for firms that had to make large board changes. These results are robust to a variety of specifications and to controls for potential confounding events. The increase in leverage is also larger for firms in weak shareholder rights countries, suggesting that other shareholder rights can substitute in part for board reforms.
Directionality and developmental mechanism of cross‐linguistic transfer of phonological awareness to early writing skill in young Chinese learners
Authors: Yeung Susanna Siu‐sze , Qiao Shen , Pan Dora Jue , Lin Dan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe longitudinal study investigated the directionality and transfer mechanism of cross‐linguistic transfer of phonological awareness between L1 and L2 in predicting early writing (word dictation) in Chinese children learning English as L2. Ninety primary school Grade 1 (P1) students were assessed on phonological awareness in Cantonese (syllable deletion, onset deletion, rime deletion, and tone awareness), phonological awareness in English (syllable deletion, rime detection, and phoneme deletion), Cantonese word writing, and English word writing at Time 1. These students were assessed on the same measures 1 year later at Time 2 when they were in Grade 2. The results demonstrated bidirectional cross‐linguistic transfer of phonological awareness and early writing between Cantonese and English. It also showed that the transfers were achieved through same time writing skills (bidirectional) and future phonological awareness (from L1 to L2 only). No direct effect of earlier phonological awareness to later writing skill was found.
Hyperplastic melanocytes with chromosomal aberrations in surrounding skin of subungual melanoma: fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis using whole‐slide digital imaging
Authors: Shojiguchi Naoko , Takai Sayaka , Arai Eiichi 
Published: September 2022

AimsSubungual melanoma (SUM) is increasingly being treated with conservative surgery. Consequently, the evaluation of the resection margins has increased in importance. However, in several cases it is difficult to distinguish the in‐situ lesion of SUM from hyperplastic melanocytes in the surrounding skin. We examined whether PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) labelling of CCND1 (11q13), RREB1 (6p25), MYB (6q23), and centromere 6 (CEP6) genes differentiated SUM from hyperplastic melanocytes.Methods and resultsWe reviewed specimens of 36 SUM cases and compared PRAME immunostains of invasive melanoma, melanoma in situ, and hyperplastic melanocytes. PRAME‐positive cases accounted for 90.5% of invasive melanoma, 88.9% of in situ melanoma, and 59.4% of hyperplastic melanocyte specimens. While invasive and in situ melanomas in more than half of the examined cases were diffusely positive, this was found for only 9.4% of hyperplastic melanocyte cases. Four‐coloured FISH using whole‐slide digital imaging was used to analyse positive detection rates and changes in chromosomal aberrations. The FISH positive detection rate was 100% in invasive melanomas, 94.7% in melanomas in situ, and 66.7% in hyperplastic melanocytes. The number of RREB1 (6p25) signals per cell was significantly amplified following tumour progression.ConclusionHyperplastic melanocytes in the surrounding skin of SUM, considered morphologically non‐neoplastic, showed chromosomal aberrations similar to those in melanoma. Such cells are also thought similar to the field cells of acral melanomas. Thus, whole‐slide digital imaging is a technique that allows the evaluation of individual melanocyte lesions by FISH.
Minimal residual membranous urethral length and membranous urethral length predict poor recovery from incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy and after open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ohara Eiichiro , Kawamorita Naoki , Satake Yohei , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Mitsuzuka Koji , Saito Hideo , Ishidoya Shigeto , Arai Yoichi , Ito Akihiro 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate how much minimal residual membranous urethral length (mRUL) and maximal urethral length (MUL) measured on MRI preoperatively affect postoperative urinary incontinence (PUI) and recovery in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP).MethodsThe subjects were 190 and 110 patients undergoing RARP and ORP, respectively, in our institution. Patients underwent preoperative MRI for prostate cancer evaluation and completed the quality of life questionnaire of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite instrument before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The parameters of mRUL and MUL were measured on MRI and analyzed along with other parameters including age, body mass index, and nerve sparing.ResultsThe median mRUL and MUL were 7.81 and 14.27 mm in the RARP group and 7.15 and 13.57 mm in the ORP group, respectively. Recovery rates from PUI were similar in the two groups. Multivariate analyses showed that mRUL was a predictor of baseline continence, whereas shorter MUL was a predictor of poor recovery from PUI. Patients with both shorter mRUL and MUL had significantly worse recoveries from PUI after RARP and ORP than patients with longer mRUL and MUL.ConclusionsMinimal residual membranous urethral length contributes to urethral function as basal urinary continence, whereas MUL represents the potential of recovery from PUI in RARP and ORP. The MUL measured by preoperative MRI can predict poor recovery from PUI after radical prostatectomy and combined evaluation of MUL and mRUL support to anticipate poor recovery of PUI.
Alternative pathway activation: Ever ancient and ever new
Authors: Liszewski M. Kathryn , Atkinson John P. 
Published: September 2022

SummaryPrimitive underpinnings of the alternative pathway (AP), namely, a C3‐like protein, likely arose more than a billion years ago. The development of an AP amplification loop, while greatly enhancing speed and potency, also presents a double‐edged sword. Although critical to combat an infectious disease, it is also potentially destructive, particularly in a chronic disease process involving vital organs where scarring and reduction of regulatory function can occur. Furthermore, new knowledge is pointing to genetic factors involved in an increasing number of complement‐related diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration. However, even a normal functioning repertoire of complement components can drive cellular damage as a result of low‐level complement activation over time. Thus, the modern human AP now faces a new challenge: cumulatively‐driven tissue damage from chronic inflammatory processes that mediate cellular injury. The impact of ongoing low‐level AP‐enhanced complement activation in disease processes is just beginning to be appreciated and studied. However, the sheer numbers of individuals affected by chronic diseases emphasize the need for novel therapeutic agents capable of modulating the AP. The more we learn about this ancient system, the greater is the likelihood of developing fresh perspectives that could contribute to improved human health.
Analyst independence and earnings management
Authors: Huang Zhongwei , Jeanjean Thomas , Lui Daphne 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe examine whether analyst independence contributes to analysts’ monitoring role in deterring accruals earnings management. We first report a negative association between earnings management and the ratio of independent analysts to brokerage analysts covering a firm. Next, through the lens of the promotion of independent sell‐side research institutions by the 2003 Global Research Analyst Settlement, we document a significant decrease in earnings management on firms affected by the Global Settlement's mandate for time‐limited support to back independent research institutions. Additionally, we find that, as the aforementioned support ended, the extent of monitoring effectiveness reverted to a level indistinguishable from that before the Global Settlement. Finally, using closures and mergers of independent research institutions as a quasi‐natural experiment, we provide corroborating evidence consistent with analyst independence leading to more effective monitoring.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose antihypertensive combination of amlodipine, telmisartan, and chlorthalidone: A randomized, double‐blind, parallel, phase II trial
Authors: Sung Ki‐Chul , Sung Jung Hoon , Cho Eun Joo , Ahn Jeong Cheon , Han Seung Hwan , Kim Weon , Kim Kye Hun , Sohn Il Suk , Shin Jinho , Kim Seok Yeon , Kim Kwang‐il , Kang Seok Min , Park Sung‐Ji , Kim Yong‐Jin , Shin Joon‐Han , Park Seong‐Mi , Park Chang‐Gyu 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe aim of this clinical trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of low‐dose triple combinations of amlodipine, telmisartan, and chlorthalidone in patients with essential hypertension. After a 2‐week placebo run‐in period, 176 patients were randomized to seven treatment groups (placebo, quarter‐dose combination, third‐dose combination, half‐dose combination, amlodipine 5 mg, amlodipine 10 mg, and telmisartan 80 mg) and administered the assigned study drug orally for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in the mean sitting systolic blood pressure (BP) (MSSBP) at Week 8. The MSSBP and mean sitting diastolic BP in the quarter‐dose and half‐dose groups were significantly lower compared to the placebo and amlodipine 5 mg groups, with similar BP‐lowering effects observed compared to the amlodipine 10 mg and telmisartan 80 mg groups. However, the third‐dose group showed significant BP improvement only compared to the placebo group. A similar pattern was observed for the control rate of hypertension and response rates. Additional analysis was conducted after correcting for gender and age effects, and, as a result, the third‐dose group showed similar results with regard to the BP‐lowering effect as the quarter‐dose and half‐dose groups. In terms of safety, no special adverse events and clinically significant results were noted, and all dose groups of the triple combination are considered safe for use in essential hypertension patients. The current findings indicated that low‐dose triple combination of amlodipine, telmisartan, and chlorthalidone over 8 weeks effectively improved the BP‐lowering effect in patients with essential hypertension without any safety concerns.
Phenomenology of gender dysphoria in autism: a multiperspective qualitative analysis
Authors: Cooper Kate , Mandy William , Butler Catherine , Russell Ailsa 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundAutistic people are overrepresented in gender clinic settings, but limited evidence is available to guide clinical decision making for this patient group. We aimed to generate a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenology of gender dysphoria in autistic people.MethodsWe conducted a multi‐perspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), from five different perspectives; autistic young people and adults with experience of gender dysphoria, parents of young people, and clinicians working with autistic people with gender dysphoria in both adult and young person settings (n = 68).ResultsIPA analysis resulted in two themes, ‘discovering gender identity’ and ‘the complexities of moving towards gender comfort’. Participants agreed that there was often an interaction between gender dysphoria and features of autism such as sensory sensitivities. There was relative consensus across groups about the need for autism adaptations to be made in gender clinics. Autistic adults were more likely to see autism as an important identity than young people, but both groups were clear that autism did not impair their understanding of gender. In contrast, some parents and clinicians working with young people expressed concern that autism did impact self‐understanding.DiscussionWhile the groups tended to agree on the ways in which particular features of autism can compound gender dysphoria, there were a range of perspectives on the ways in which autism impacted on self‐knowledge.ConclusionRecommendations for adaptations when working with autistic people with gender dysphoria are presented.
Employee bonding and turnover efficiency
Authors: Peterson Jonathan R. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study explores how bonding contracts improve employee attraction and retention. These bonds are payment schemes tied to employment duration, such as the vesting of pensions and stock options. This study presents an employee turnover model in which only the worker knows their taste for their current job. This taste gives the current employer monopsonistic power, resulting in deadweight loss from excessive turnover. Bonding contracts serve as a commitment device for future wages and eliminate such deadweight loss, but only when the roles of bondholders and wage setters are separate. Firms that do this are more competitive to new hires. This model offers several empirical findings regarding a variety of common bonding practices.
Pectin extraction from garlic waste under dual acid condition
Authors: Şen Emine , Göktürk Ersen , Uğuzdoğan Erdal 
Published: September 2022

AbstractA novel approach for the extraction of pectin from garlic waste (peel, stem, and straw) was accomplished under dual acid solution conditions including two organic (citric acid [CA] and acetic acid [AA]), two inorganic (hydrochloric acid [HCl] and sulfuric acid [H2SO4]) and six different mixtures of these acids (CA‐HCl, CA‐H2SO4, CA‐AA, AA‐H2SO4, AA‐HCl, and HCl‐H2SO4) with 1/30 (v/w) solid–liquid ratio at 90°C in 90 min extraction duration. The effects of acid mixture on the yields and physicochemical properties of the extracted pectins from garlic waste were investigated. Applying different acid mixtures during the extraction process allowed to obtain pectin samples with controlled physicochemical properties and higher yields. The maximum pectin yield of 22.4% was observed in the extraction condition carried out HCl‐H2SO4 (1/3 v/v) mixture. Extractions carried out under dual acid mixtures showed higher Gal‐A contents compared with the conditions where organic or inorganic acids were used alone. The extracted pectin samples were generally composed of high methoxyl pectin and their methoxyl contents are observed to be close to that of commercial citrus pectin. FT‐IR spectra results of the extracted samples from garlic waste confirmed the pectin structure compared with the FT‐IR spectrum of commercial citrus pectin. Results indicate that organic–inorganic dual acid mixtures could be used as an efficient extraction media for the controlled physicochemical properties and higher yields of pectin extraction. Considering that about 3.7 million tons of garlic waste is annually produced worldwide, it could be very beneficial to obtain pectin from these wastes as a useful product for the industry.Practical applicationsGarlic waste was converted into a valuable product for the industry and used as an alternative pectin source. Applying organic–inorganic dual acid mixtures during the pectin extraction process from garlic waste allowed to obtain pectin samples with controlled physicochemical properties and higher yields. Extracted pectin samples showed higher Gal‐A contents compared with the conditions where organic or inorganic acids used alone. Obtained pectins were generally composed of high methoxyl pectins and their methoxyl contents are observed to be close to that of the commercial citrus pectin.
Study on extraction, isolation, and biological activity of saponins from quinoa bran
Authors: Tan Minghui , Zhao Qingsheng , Wang Xiaodong , Zhao Bing 
Published: September 2022

AbstractQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) contains 2 to 5% of saponins, which are mainly exist in the bran of seeds in the form of oleanane‐type triterpenoid glycosides or sapogenins. In this study, the extraction process of total saponins from quinoa bran has been optimized. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions for quinoa saponins were extraction time of 2 h, ethanol concentration of 70%, solid–liquid ratio of 1:25 (g/ml), and extraction temperature of 70°C. Macroporous resin separation test demonstrated that HPD600 resin had an excellent adsorption and desorption capacities for the separation of quinoa saponins. The antioxidant experiment demonstrated that the EC50 of quinoa saponins against DPPH‐free radical, ABTS‐free radical, ·OH‐free radical, and O2−‐free radical were 0.10, 0.51, 0.57, and 0.17 mg/ml, respectively. The scavenging effect of the saponins on O2−‐free radical was stronger than that of Vc. The reducing power was equivalent to 1.28% of that of Vc. The anticancer test showed that when the concentration of quinoa saponins was 0.5 mg/ml, the inhibitory rate on HepG‐2 cell was 58%. This study contributes to further exploration on the biological activities of quinoa saponin.Novelty impact statement

A macroporous resin suitable for separating quinoa saponins was screened.

The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of quinoa saponins on HPD600 were studied.

The in vitro biological activities of quinoa saponins were studied.