bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of human amniotic membrane extract against hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative damage in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Talachi Negin , Afzal Elaheh , Nouri Masoumeh , Abroun Saeid , Zarrabi Morteza , Jahandar Hoda 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveOne of the main approaches to preventing skin ageing is to protect fibroblast cells from oxidative stress. The promoting effect of the human amniotic membrane extract (hAME) on re‐epithelization, proliferation and migration of cells in wound healing has been already well studied. This experimental study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of hAME against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced dermal fibroblast damage.MethodsHere, to establish the ageing model, human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) were exposed to 200 μM H2O2 for 2 h. HFFs were treated with 0.1 mg/ml AME for 24 or 48 h before or/and after H2O2 exposure. A total of 48 h following the H2O2 treatment, we measured cell proliferation, viability, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal), antioxidants and preinflammatory cytokine (IL‐6) levels, as well as the expression of senescence‐associated genes (P53 and P21).ResultsThe obtained results indicated that under oxidative stress, AME significantly increased cellular viability and not only promoted the cell proliferation rate but also attenuated apoptotic induction condition (p < 0.001). AME also significantly reversed the SA‐β‐Gal levels induced by H2O2 (p < 0.001). Additionally, both pre‐ and post‐treatment regimen by AME down‐regulated the expression of senescence marker genes (p < 0.001). Moreover, AME declined different oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase and catalase and increased the glutathione amount.ConclusionAltogether, our results indicated that AME had a remarkable antioxidant and antiageing activity as pre‐ and post‐treatment regimen, pointing to this compound as a potential natural‐based cosmeceutical agent to prevent and treat skin ageing conditions.
The maturity‐lengthening role of national development banks
Authors: Schclarek Alfredo , Xu Jiajun , Yan Jianye 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe analyze why national development banks (NDBs) may provide longer‐term loans to firms than private commercial banks (PCBs). If NDB bonds have higher collateral value than PCB bonds, then NDBs may lend longer‐term than PCBs. NDBs may enjoy higher recapitalization willingness and capacity by the state and hence greater collateral value than PCBs. Moreover, NDBs may have advantages over state‐owned commercial banks if NDB bonds enjoy higher market liquidity. However, NDBs may suffer from poor monitoring quality owing to undue political intervention, thus undermining collateral value. Our study implies that NDBs are not substitutes for but complements to PCBs.
Investigating students' use of self‐assessments in higher education using learning analytics
Authors: Ifenthaler Dirk , Schumacher Clara , Kuzilek Jakub 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundFormative assessments are vital for supporting learning and performance but are also considered to increase the workload of teachers. As self‐assessments in higher education are increasingly facilitated via digital learning environments allowing to offer direct feedback and tracking students' digital learning behaviour these constraints might be reduced. Yet, learning analytics do not make sufficient use of data on assessments.AimsThis exploratory case study uses learning analytics methods for investigating students' engagement with self‐assessments and how this relates to performance in the final exam and self‐reported self‐testing strategies.Materials & MethodsThe research study has been conducted at a European university in a twelve‐weeks course of a Bachelor's program in Economic and Business Education including nenroll = 159 participants. During the semester, students were offered nine self‐assessments each including three to eight tasks plus one mid‐term and one exam‐preparation self‐assessment including all prior self‐assessments tasks. The self‐assessment interaction data for each student included: the results of the last self‐assessment attempt, the number of processed self‐assessment tasks, and the time spent on the last self‐assessment attempt, the total self‐assessment attempts, and the first as well as last access of each self‐assessment. Data analytics included unsupervised machine learning and process mining approaches.ResultsFindings indicate that students use the self‐assessments predominantly before summative assessments. Two distinct clusters based on engagement with self‐assessments could be identified and engagement was positively related to performance in the final exam. The findings from learning analytics data were also indicated by students' self‐reported use of self‐testing strategies.DiscussionWith the help of multiple data from self‐reports, formal exams, and a learning analytics system, the findings provided multiple perspectives on the use of self‐assessments and their relationships with course performance. These findings call for applying assessment analytics and related frameworks in learning analytics as well as providing learners with related adaptive feedback.ConclusionFuture research might investigate different (self‐report) variables for clustering, other student cohorts or self‐assessment forms.
Evolution of thermal performance curves: A meta‐analysis of selection experiments
Authors: Malusare Sarthak P. , Zilio Giacomo , Fronhofer Emanuel A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTemperatures are increasing due to global changes, putting biodiversity at risk. Organisms are faced with a limited set of options to cope with this situation: adapt, disperse or die. We here focus on the first possibility, more specifically, on evolutionary adaptations to temperature. Ectotherms are usually characterized by a hump‐shaped relationship between fitness and temperature, a non‐linear reaction norm that is referred to as thermal performance curve (TPC). To understand and predict impacts of global change, we need to know whether and how such TPCs evolve. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature search and a statistical meta‐analysis focusing on experimental evolution and artificial selection studies. This focus allows us to directly quantify relative fitness responses to temperature selection by calculating fitness differences between TPCs from ancestral and derived populations after thermal selection. Out of 7561 publications screened, we found 47 studies corresponding to our search criteria representing taxa across the tree of life, from bacteria, to plants and vertebrates. We show that, independently of species identity, the studies we found report a positive response to temperature selection. Considering entire TPC shapes, adaptation to higher temperatures traded off with fitness at lower temperatures, leading to niche shifts. Effects were generally stronger in unicellular organisms. By contrast, we do not find statistical support for the often discussed “Hotter is better” hypothesis. While our meta‐analysis provides evidence for adaptive potential of TPCs across organisms, it also highlights that more experimental work is needed, especially for under‐represented taxa, such as plants and non‐model systems.
Choosing between the red and the blue pill. How do people decide when they face uncertainty regarding different treatment alternatives?
Authors: Maroiu Cristina , Maricuțoiu Laurențiu P. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground: When we are faced with health challenges, we have to choose a treatment from several alternatives. Most of the time, we must make a choice even though some information regarding the options is missing. Previous research found that missing information systematically impacts our choices. Aim: The present study investigated if context‐related variables (type of information: advantages or costs, the label of the alternatives) and individual differences (moral purity, thinking style) have an impact on the way people make these kinds of choices. Methods: One hundred twenty‐three students (52% males) had to make 27 decisions regarding their preferred alternative for treating various medical conditions. We manipulated the type of comparable information (i.e., regarding advantages, disadvantages, or costs), and the label of the treatment alternatives (i.e., abstract vs. recognizabletreatments). Additionally, we measured the participants' moral purity endorsement and thinking style via self‐report questionnaires. Results: The results showed that context variables like the type of comparable information and the label of the alternatives are significant predictors of people's medical treatment choices. At the same time, self‐reported measures were unrelated to the way people choose medical treatment. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of discussing the issue of missing information with healthcare consumers and patients.
Genomic features of Pseudomonas sp. RGM2144 correlates with increased survival of rainbow trout infected by Flavobacterium psychrophilum
Authors: Vidal José M. , Fonseca Alexis , Ruiz Pamela , Sepúlveda Daniela , Carrasco Carlos , Scilipoti Stefano , Barros Javier , Valenzuela Ariel , Saavedra Ricardo , Ruiz‐Tagle Nathaly , Urrutia Homero 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study evaluated the probiotic potential of the biofilm formed by the strain Pseudomonas sp. RGM2144 on rainbow trout survival. When challenged with the fish pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Pseudomonas sp. RGM2144 increased rainbow trout survival to 92.7 ± 1.2% (control: 35.3 ± 9.5%, p < .0001). The draft genome of Pseudomonas sp. RGM2144 is 6.8 Mbp long, with a completeness 100% and a contamination of 0.4%. The genome contains 6122 protein‐coding genes of which 3564 (~60%) have known functions. The genome and phylogeny indicate that Pseudomonas sp. RGM2144 is a new species in the Pseudomonas genus, with few virulence factors, plasmids, and genes associated with antimicrobial resistance, suggesting a non‐pathogenic bacterium with protective potential. In addition, the genome encodes for 11 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters that could be involved in the inhibition of F. psychrophilum. We suggest that Pseudomonas sp. RGM2144 may be applied as a probiotic in salmonid fish farming.
Improving memory via automated targeted memory reactivation during sleep
Authors: Whitmore Nathan W. , Harris Jasmine C. , Kovach Torin , Paller Ken A. 
Published: September 2022

SummaryA widely accepted view in memory research is that previously acquired information can be reactivated during sleep, leading to persistent memory storage. Targeted memory reactivation (TMR) was developed as a technique whereby specific memories can be reactivated during sleep using a sensory stimulus linked to prior learning. As a research tool, TMR can improve memory, raising the possibility that it may be useful for cognitive enhancement and clinical therapy. A major challenge for the expanded use of TMR is that a skilled operator must manually control stimulation, which is impractical in many settings. To address this limitation, we developed the SleepStim system for automated TMR in the home. SleepStim includes a smartwatch to collect movement and heart‐rate data, plus a smartphone to emit auditory cues. A machine‐learning model identifies periods of deep sleep and triggers TMR sounds within these periods. We tested whether this system could replicate the spatial‐memory benefit of in‐laboratory TMR. Participants learned locations of objects on a grid, and then half of the object locations were reactivated during sleep over 3 nights. Recall was tested each morning. In an experiment with 61 participants, the TMR effect was not significant but varied systematically with stimulus intensity; low‐intensity but not high‐intensity stimuli produced memory benefits. In a second experiment with 24 participants, we limited stimulus intensity and found that TMR reliably improved spatial memory, consistent with effects observed in laboratory studies. We conclude that SleepStim can effectively accomplish automated TMR, and that avoiding sleep disruption is critical for TMR benefits.
Flv3A facilitates O2 photoreduction and affects H2 photoproduction independently of Flv1A in diazotrophic Anabaena filaments
Authors: Santana‐Sánchez Anita , Nikkanen Lauri , Werner Elisa , Tóth Gábor , Ermakova Maria , Kosourov Sergey , Walter Julia , He Meilin , Aro Eva‐Mari , Allahverdiyeva Yagut 
Published: September 2022

Summary

The model heterocyst‐forming filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 (Anabaena) is a typical example of a multicellular organism capable of simultaneously performing oxygenic photosynthesis in vegetative cells and O2‐sensitive N2‐fixation inside heterocysts. The flavodiiron proteins have been shown to participate in photoprotection of photosynthesis by driving excess electrons to O2 (a Mehler‐like reaction).

Here, we performed a phenotypic and biophysical characterization of Anabaena mutants impaired in vegetative‐specific Flv1A and Flv3A in order to address their physiological relevance in the bioenergetic processes occurring in diazotrophic Anabaena under variable CO2 conditions.

We demonstrate that both Flv1A and Flv3A are required for proper induction of the Mehler‐like reaction upon a sudden increase in light intensity, which is likely important for the activation of carbon‐concentrating mechanisms and CO2 fixation. Under ambient CO2 diazotrophic conditions, Flv3A is responsible for moderate O2 photoreduction, independently of Flv1A, but only in the presence of Flv2 and Flv4. Strikingly, the lack of Flv3A resulted in strong downregulation of the heterocyst‐specific uptake hydrogenase, which led to enhanced H2 photoproduction under both oxic and micro‐oxic conditions.

These results reveal a novel regulatory network between the Mehler‐like reaction and the diazotrophic metabolism, which is of great interest for future biotechnological applications.
Manipulation of the transcription factor SlNAC1 for improved tolerance to abiotic stress in tomato
Authors: Niu Xiangli , Lu Han , Fan Youhong , Wang Wenjie , Yuan Yulin , Hawkins Madigan , Zhang Junhong , Ye Zhibiao , Miao Min , Liu Yongsheng , Xiao Fangming 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe tomato transcription factor SlNAC1 plays an important role in abiotic stress response and is fine‐tuned at both transcriptional and posttranslational levels. The SlNAC1 gene is strongly induced by multiple abiotic stresses and the SlNAC1 protein is subjected to ubiquitin proteasome‐mediated degradation. We found here that SlNAC1 possesses two distinct transactivation domains (TADs), TAD1 and TAD2. Significantly, the instability of SlNAC1 was attributed to the acidic amino acid‐rich TAD1, in which the instability and transcriptional potential of TAD1 functionally overlapped; whereas the glutamine‐rich TAD2 was stable and accounted for the abiotic stress signalling mediated by SlNAC1. Towards the goal of enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress in tomatoes, we manipulated SlNAC1 at both gene and protein levels: we generated a stable and functional SlNAC1 mutant SlNAC1∆191‐270 by removing TAD1 and further engineered it to be stress‐controllable by fusing the corresponding cDNA with the abiotic stress‐inducible promoter ProStNAC1. Transgenic tomato plants expressing the ProStNAC1::SlNAC1∆191‐270 transgene did not display any undesired traits and exhibited enhanced tolerance to cold, drought and salt stresses. Taken together, our manipulation of the stress‐related transcription factor via conditional expression of its derived stable and functional mutant provides a successful example for developing crops dynamically adapted to abiotic stress.
Multicenter retrospective review of pulsed dye laser in nonulcerated infantile hemangioma
Authors: Shah Sonal D. , Mathes Erin F. , Baselga Eulalia , Frieden Ilona J. , Powell Julie , Garzon Maria C. , Morel Kimberly D. , Lauren Christine T. , Mancini Anthony J. , Chamlin Sarah L. , Ríos Mónica , Belmesk Lina , McCuaig Catherine C. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground/objectivesWe sought to describe the experience among members of the Hemangioma Investigator Group with pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of nonulcerated infantile hemangioma (IH) in pediatric patients in the pre‐ and post‐beta‐blocker era.MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with nonulcerated IH treated with laser therapy. Patient demographics, IH characteristics, indications for/timing of laser therapy, as well as laser parameters were collected. Responses to laser therapy were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsOne hundred and seventeen patients with IH were treated with PDL. 18/117 (15.4%) had early intervention (defined as <12 months of life), and 99/117 (84.6%) had late intervention (≥12 months of life). In the late intervention group, 73.7% (73/99) had additional medical management of their IH. The mean age at PDL initiation for the late intervention group was 46.7 ± 35.3 months of life (range 12–172 months) with total number of treatments to maximal clearing of 4.2 ± 2.8 (range 1–17). Those who received propranolol prior to PDL received fewer sessions (1.1 fewer sessions, approaching significance [p = .056]). On the VAS, there was a mean 85% overall improvement compared to baseline (range 18%–100%), with most improvement noted in erythema and/or telangiectasias. The incidence of adverse effects was 6/99 (6.1%).ConclusionsPDL is a useful tool in the treatment of IH, with notable improvement of telangiectasia and erythema and low risk of complications. PDL is often introduced after the maximal proliferative phase.
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist for rapid weaning in preterm infants
Authors: Fang Shih‐Jou , Su Chung‐Hao , Liao Da‐Ling , Chen Chih‐Cheng , Chung Mei‐Yung , Chen Feng‐Shun , Huang Hsin‐Chun , Ou‐Yang Mei‐Chen 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundNeurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) is a new mode of subject‐triggered ventilation. Experience with the use of NAVA in preterm infants is limited. This study compared the effects of invasive mechanical ventilation with NAVA to conventional intermittent mandatory ventilation (CIMV) in terms of reducing the duration of oxygen requirement and invasive ventilator support in preterm infants.MethodsThis was a prospective study. We enrolled infants of less than 32 weeks’ gestation who were then randomized to receive either NAVA or CIMV support during hospitalization. We recorded and analyzed data on the maternal history during pregnancy, use of medications, neonatal data at admission, neonatal diseases, and respiratory support in the neonatal intensive care unit.ResultsThere were 26 preterm infants in the NAVA group and 27 preterm infants in the CIMV group. Significantly fewer infants in the NAVA group received supplemental oxygen at 28 days of age (12 [46%] vs. 21 [78%], p = 0.0365), and they required significantly fewer days of invasive ventilator support: 7.73 (± 2.39) vs. 17.26 (± 3.65), p = 0.0343.ConclusionsCompared with CIMV, NAVA appears to allow for more rapid weaning from invasive ventilation and decreases the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, especially in preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome treated with surfactants.
Designing optimal food safety monitoring schemes using Bayesian network and integer programming: The case of monitoring dioxins and DL‐PCBs
Authors: Wang Z. , van der Fels‐Klerx H. J. , Oude Lansink A. G. J. M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractEfficient food safety monitoring should achieve optimal resource allocation. In this article, a methodology is presented to optimize the use of resources for food safety monitoring aimed at identifying noncompliant samples and estimating background level of hazards in food products. A Bayesian network (BN) model and an optimization model were combined in a single framework. The framework was applied to monitoring dioxins and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL‐PCBs) in primary animal‐derived food products in the Netherlands. The BN model was built using a national dataset with monitoring results of dioxins and DL‐PCBs in animal‐derived food products over a 10‐year period (2008–2017). These data were used to estimate the probability of detecting suspect samples with dioxins and DL‐PCBs levels above preset thresholds, given certain sample conditions. The results of the BN model were then inserted into the optimization model to compute an optimal monitoring scheme. Model estimates showed that the probability of dioxins and DL‐PCBs exceeding threshold limits was higher in laying hen eggs and sheep meat than in other animal‐derived food (except deer meat). Compared with the monitoring scheme used in the Netherlands in 2018, the optimal monitoring scheme would save around 10,000 EUR per year. This could be obtained by reallocating monitoring resources from products with lower probability of dioxin and DL‐PCBs exceeding threshold limits (e.g., pig meat) to products with higher probability (e.g., bovine animal meat), and by shifting sample collection from the last quarter of the year toward the first three quarters of the year.
Factors associated with antiretroviral therapy use among pregnant women in rural and urban settings in Southern Province, Zambia: 2016–2019
Authors: Morales Juliet A. , Hamahuwa Mutinta , Moyo Nkumbula , Mutanga Jane N. , Schue Jessica L. , Maunga Sylvia , Thuma Philip E. , Moss William J. , Sutcliffe Catherine G. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo assess antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among pregnant women living with HIV and compare the characteristics of women who received and did not receive ART during pregnancy in Zambia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted at urban and rural health facilities in Southern Province, Zambia, from 2016 to 2019. Pregnant women living with HIV delivering at study sites were enrolled and administered a questionnaire, and the results of infant diagnostic testing for HIV at birth was documented.ResultsAbout 1184 mother/infant pairs were enrolled. ART coverage was 93.7%. Most women who did not receive ART during pregnancy reported HIV diagnosis at delivery (18.0%) or during pregnancy (57.7%). The primary reported reason for not receiving ART was not wanting to take the drugs. Women who did not receive ART during pregnancy were significantly younger, less likely to have disclosed their HIV‐infection status to others, and less likely to have received antenatal care than women who received ART. ART use correlated with higher levels of education in urban but not rural sites. Overall, 1.0% of infants were infected with HIV at birth, including 0.8% of infants born to women who received ART and 4.1% of infants born to women who did not.ConclusionsMost women received ART according to guidelines, resulting in low perinatal transmission rates of HIV to infants. Efforts to increase ART coverage and prevent vertical transmission should focus on identifying incident HIV infections during pregnancy and strengthening counselling for newly diagnosed pregnant women.