bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of PPAR-γ/Nrf2 and AGE/RAGE signaling contributes to the chrysin cardioprotection against myocardial damage following ischemia/reperfusion in diabetic rats
Authors: Rani Neha , Arya Dharamvir Singh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Advanced glycation end products/receptor for AGEs (AGE/RAGE) signaling has a well-established role in the etiology of diabetic-related cardiovascular disorders. The purpose of the study was to elucidate the role of chrysin, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist, against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in diabetic rats and its functional interaction with the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.

Methods
A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 70 mg/kg) was administered to rats for induction of diabetes. Rats having blood glucose levels more than 300 mg/dl following a 72 hr STZ injection were classified as diabetic. PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), chrysin (60 mg/kg, p.o.), or both were administered to diabetic rats for 4 weeks. On the 29th day, rats were given ischemia for 45 min and then reperfusion for 1 hr to induce myocardial infarction (MI).

Key findings
Pretreatment with chrysin significantly improved hemodynamic status, ventricular functions, and cardiac injury markers in diabetic myocardium. Increased PPAR-γ/Nrf2 and decreased RAGE protein expressions were linked to this improvement. Chrysin pretreatment resulted in the upregulation of endogenous antioxidants and reduced TBARS levels. Moreover, chrysin significantly decreased inflammation and apoptosis in diabetic myocardium.

Conclusion
PPAR-γ/Nrf2 co-activation by chrysin ameliorated IR-induced MI in diabetic rats, possibly via modulating AGE/RAGE signaling.
Adaptive functional principal components analysis
Authors: Wang Sunny G W , Patilea Valentin , Klutchnikoff Nicolas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Functional data analysis almost always involves smoothing discrete observations into curves, because they are never observed in continuous time and rarely without error. Although smoothing parameters affect the subsequent inference, data-driven methods for selecting these parameters are not well-developed, frustrated by the difficulty of using all the information shared by curves while being computationally efficient. On the one hand, smoothing individual curves in an isolated, albeit sophisticated way, ignores useful signals present in other curves. On the other hand, bandwidth selection by automatic procedures such as cross-validation after pooling all the curves together quickly become computationally unfeasible due to the large number of data points. In this paper, we propose a new data-driven, adaptive kernel smoothing, specifically tailored for functional principal components analysis through the derivation of sharp, explicit risk bounds for the eigen-elements. The minimization of these quadratic risk bounds provides refined, yet computationally efficient bandwidth rules for each eigen-element separately. Both common and independent design cases are allowed. Rates of convergence for the estimators are derived. An extensive simulation study, designed in a versatile manner to closely mimic the characteristics of real data sets supports our methodological contribution. An illustration on a real data application is provided.
Long term follow up of 3 patients after resection of mediastinal paraganglioma necessitating cardiopulmonary bypass: case series
Authors: Ullah Forhad , Rafizadeh Andre , Woo Yerin , Steiner Federico , Xydas Steve , Nemeth Zoltan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from extra-adrenal paraganglia that often require intricate surgical resection. Specifically, when paragangliomas are localized within the thorax and coexist with cardiovascular structures, they can be challenging to surgically resect. Here, we aimed to review three cases of paragangliomas intruding the aortopulmonary (AP) window that required cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) as an effective surgical approach. All patients were diagnosed using preoperative biochemical analysis, computed tomography-positron emission tomography (CT-PET) scans, endobronchial ultrasounds, and biopsies. Within these three cases of female patients presenting with paragangliomas within the AP window, we observed a high success rate in complete surgical resection and no long-term recurrence following resections with CPB. Overall, these cases showed that surgical resection of paragangliomas which are intruding vital cardiovascular structures within the AP window can achieve positive long-term patient outcomes when using CPB.
Calcific tendinosis of flexor carpi radialis as a cause of wrist pain
Authors: Urry Kim Calleja , Sant Kurstein Nicholas , Casaletto John Anthony 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Calcific tendinosis is characterized by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals within the substance of the tendon. We present a case of a 52-year-old female who presented with a 6-month history of right wrist pain, along with a palpable and tender lump in the region of the flexor carpi radialis tendon at the level of the distal radius. Radiographs confirmed the presence of calcific tendinosis of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. The patient was referred for hand therapy sessions and was prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which led to a gradual improvement after 4 months. A repeat radiograph confirmed the resolution of the previous calcific focus at the flexor carpi radialis tendon region. This case highlights the importance of considering rare causes of wrist pain such as this case. Various treatment modalities are available, including surgical management, but ultimately, treatment should be within a multidisciplinary team environment.
The Incarcerated Christ: Crime and Prison in Karl Barth’s Life and Theology
Authors: Jobe Sarah C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article argues that Karl Barth is a justice-involved theologian, someone whose own criminal record and experience in prisons have shaped his core theological commitments. The article serves as a detailed overview of Barth’s personal and professional experience in courts and prisons, but it presses beyond that treatment to show how these experiences shaped his doctrine. The article begins with how Barth’s own arrest and conviction in Germany in 1934–5 inform his concept of Jesus the Judged Judge. It turns to Barth’s decade of engagement at Basel Prison as both a relief preacher and a volunteer prison chaplain and the ways in which that engagement shaped his Christology and soteriology. The article then explores Barth’s holidays and sacramental life in prison, his development of an ethics for prison chaplains, and his tour of American prisons as a deepening of his own discipleship of a criminalized Christ. Finally, the essay concludes with an analysis of the last paragraphs of Church Dogmatics IV/4. In Barth’s final published words, he witnesses to Jesus as a convicted and incarcerated God who accomplishes salvation history in prison.
Apomixis at high resolution: unravelling diplospory in Asteraceae
Authors: Cornaro Letizia , Banfi Camilla , Cavalleri Alex , van Dijk Peter J , Radoeva Tatyana , Cucinotta Mara , Colombo Lucia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Apomictic plants are able to produce clonal seeds. This reproductive system allows the one-step fixation of any valuable trait for subsequent generations and would pave the way for a revolution in the agricultural system. Despite this, the introduction of apomixis in sexually reproducing crops has been hampered due to the difficulty in characterizing its genetic regulation. In this study, we described the high-resolution characterization of apomeiosis in the apomictic model species Erigeron annuus, Chondrilla juncea, and Taraxacum officinale. We showed that apomeiosis differs from meiosis in a few critical steps, including homologous chromosome synapsis and segregation during meiosis I. We then compared megasporogenesis in three T. officinale genetic backgrounds, showing that diplospory is superimposed on the sexual pathway without severely altering the expression of crucial meiotic genes. Our findings will contribute to the identification of pivotal players controlling this intriguing asexual reproductive strategy.
Multiple gatekeeping steps in pollination lock species specificity
Authors: He Yong-Jun , Xu Shuo , Zhang Kai-Mei , Zhang Yang , Liu Xiang-Jian , Liu Chen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In flowering plants, pollen grains must undergo a series of critical processes, including adhesion, hydration, and germination, which are dependent on the stigma, to develop a pollen tube. This pollen tube then penetrates the stigma to reach the internal tissues of pistil, facilitating the transport of non-motile sperm cells to the embryo sac for fertilization. However, a dry stigma, characterized by the absence of an exudate that typically envelops a wet stigma, functions as a multi-layered filter in adhesion, hydration, germination, and penetration that permits the acceptance of compatible pollen or tubes while rejecting incompatible ones, thereby protecting the embryo sac from ineffective fertilization and maintaining species specificity. Given the significance of these selective events, related research has consistently been at the forefront of reproductive studies, with notable advancements being made in recent times. In this review, we systematically synthesize the selective events and provide comprehensive, up-to-date summaries of occurrences on dry stigmas with a particular focus on the Brassicaceae family, following the chronological sequence of these events. Our objective is to update and elucidate the critical points within pollination, identify unresolved questions, and propose potential avenues for future research in other plant families.
Advisory on delayed fading caused by the use of a xylene substitute for frozen tissue specimen staining in micrographic surgery
Authors: Davis Mitchell S , Desai Rini M , Baird Daniel B , Stetson Cloyce L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The use of xylene substitutes is becoming more common in the setting of micrographic surgery frozen tissue section staining, and dermatologic surgeons need to be aware of possible undesirable delayed effects of using these agents and the possibility of modifying H&E staining protocols to prevent delayed fading. This report demonstrates an undesirable outcome of using an isoparaffinic aliphatic hydrocarbon as a xylene substitute, implementation of a quality improvement intervention to eliminate frozen section slide fading in the setting of micrographic surgery tissue processing, and recommendations for the modification of protocol when using a xylene substitute.

Clinical and Laboratory Information
Frozen section slides processed with xylene and xylene substitute were analyzed by histotechnicians, a dermatopathologist, and a micrographic surgery surgeon at 1-week and 1-month intervals. The use of a standard H&E protocol resulted in zero stains fading when using xylene as a clearing agent, but delayed fading when using a xylene substitute.

Discussion
Using an isoparaffinic aliphatic hydrocarbon as a xylene substitute can lead to excess water carryover, which may result in delayed hematoxylin fading in micrographic surgery tissue staining, so using this xylene substitute likely requires modification to the dehydration phase and tap water immersion phase to prevent fading.
Microbial gamma-aminobutyric acid synthesis: a promising approach for functional food and pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Fashogbon Racheal Oluwayemisi , Samson Oyindamola John , Awotundun Theresa Abimbola , Olanbiwoninu Afolake Atinuke , Adebayo-Tayo Bukola Christiana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid that is a main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. This mini-review emphasis on the microbial production of GABA and its potential benefits in various applications. Numerous microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, have been identified as efficient GABA producers. These microbes utilize glutamate decarboxylase enzymes to convert L-glutamate to GABA. Notable GABA-producing strains include Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and certain Bifidobacterium species. Microbial GABA production offers numerous benefits over chemical synthesis, including cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and the potential for in situ production in fermented foods. Recent research has optimized fermentation conditions, genetic engineering approaches, and substrate utilization to enhance GABA yields. The benefits of GABA extend beyond its neurotransmitter role. Studies have shown its potential to reduce blood pressure, assuage anxiety, improve sleep quality, and improve cognitive function. These properties make microbial GABA production particularly attractive for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Future research directions include exploring novel GABA-producing strains, improving production efficiency, and investigating additional health benefits of microbially produced GABA.
Farming games harvest panopticon: a pragma-semiotic landscape analysis of Hay Day
Authors: El Falaky May Samir , El Shazly Reham 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study uses a pragma-semiotic landscape (SL) perspective to scrutinize how farming games (re)shapes the human experience of the social world by means of (re)constructing and (re)configuring the representation, (re)organization, and interpretation of social space. Drawing on technological mediation, where technology actively (co)shapes human–world interactions, this study suggests that farming games, as in the case of Hay Day (HD), train gameplayers into neoliberalism while entertaining a panopticon schema. In doing so, HD trains players to internalize hierarchized surveillance, normalizing judgements, differential distribution, and self-discipline. Drawing on Semiotic Landscape and Speech Act Theory, this study discusses how HD as a farming gamescape represents and enacts a panopticon power economy. The findings suggest that HD semiotic resources index neoliberal governmentality as illocutionary acts, while (re)constructing and partitioning time, social spaces, and practices. HD semiotically embodies the panoptic schema as a spatial experience using three tropes: utility (uninterrupted toil, training/practising, and transforming), docility (space, time, and action segmentation, norms internalization, and hierarchized surveillance), and examination (evaluative gaze, normalizing judgement, and differential distribution) to govern/manage players in a gameplay experience of empowerment and subjectivation. Players are continuously empowered by and subjugated to a procedural system to evaluate their performance and determine their value, while allowing them to gaze and be gazed upon by others to empower and normalize them. This study claims to fill a remarkable lacuna in technology–human interactions in which technological artefacts play a central role in the (re)construction of the social world and practices.
Valuing Health and Performance: A Case for Prioritizing Nutrition
Authors: Carins Julia , Fisher Ben , Probert Bianka , Fallowfield Joanne L 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Improving the dietary behaviors of personnel can result in positive impact beyond the individual, creating benefits for their organization and wider society. Military personnel endure extended periods of physical and cognitive activity. Healthful dietary behaviors by military personnel support preparedness; yet poor diet behaviors remain common and persistent, and adversely impact health and physical and cognitive performance. Urgent and effective action is needed to improve diet behaviors, but this action has not been prioritized. This study aimed to estimate the value that could be realized from improved diet behaviors to support prioritization of investment in this area for policy and program change.

Materials and Methods
Value estimations (via Social Return on Investment methods) were performed to determine the potential financial benefit derived from improved diet behaviors for 2 military organizations: Australia and the UK. Estimations focused on benefits of reduced attrition and separation, improved productivity, mitigation of musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) risk, and reduced medical claims.

Results
The value of 5 outcomes was estimated for Australia and 3 for the UK. Conservative estimates were of the order of ∼£30 million in the UK (MSKI alone) and ∼$24 million in Australia. These are not insignificant sums of money and could deliver more when invested in health and performance compared with how far they would go toward alleviating attrition, productivity losses, and MSKI.

Conclusion
These estimates were constructed using the best available data and transparency within the calculations, but they remain estimates. The collection of additional data would enable the calculation of further outcomes and increase the usefulness of Social Return on Investment estimation in this area. Militaries should invest greater effort and funding in achieving, maintaining, and optimizing personnel health and performance. Promoting healthy diet behaviors should be prioritized as a cost-effective preventive action that supports productivity and performance, in comparison with the costs of remediating treatment. Conceptualizing the value of improving diet behaviors in monetary terms may refocus efforts on prevention rather than treatment.
Galaxy lens reconstruction based on strongly lensed gravitational waves: similarity transformation degeneracy and mass-sheet degeneracy
Authors: Poon Jason S C , Rinaldi Stefano , Janquart Justin , Narola Harsh , Hannuksela Otto A 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Gravitational wave (GW) galaxy lens reconstruction is a crucial step for many GW lensing science applications. However, dark siren GW lensing without observed electromagnetic (EM) counterpart suffers from similarity transformation and mass-sheet degeneracy. We review these two degeneracies and discuss their implications on GW-based lens reconstruction and two well-known GW lensing science cases: Hubble constant measurement and testing modified GW propagation. Building upon previous works, our conclusions are (1) GWs can only infer the scale-free lens model parameters, dimensionless source position, GW luminosity distance and time-delay scaling (a combination of Einstein radius, redshifts, and cosmology). (2) Lens reconstruction (of singular isothermal ellipsoid lens) with only two GW signals is unlikely to yield a complete lens model, while four (three) signals can measure all the above parameters accurately (with large uncertainties). (3) The similarity transformation degeneracy causes the redshifts/Einstein radius/cosmology to be degenerate in dark siren measurements. Breaking the degeneracy can be achieved by supplementing the GWs with EM observation of lens redshifts/Einstein radius (source redshift is not required). (4) The mass-sheet degeneracy causes the GW luminosity distance to be degenerate with a constant mass sheet. (5) Contrary to expectation, the Hubble constant is degenerate with the mass-sheet even when supplemented with EM counterpart and can only be lifted with lens galaxy velocity dispersion measurement, while modified GW propagation test is unaffected. These properties highlight the need for GW observations to be supplemented by EM observations, which could become accessible through a lens archival search or a rapid EM follow-up.
No evidence for fast, galaxy-wide ionized outflows in a nearby quasar – the importance of accounting for beam smearing
Authors: Holden Luke R , Tadhunter Clive N 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
To test the scenario that outflows accelerated by active galactic nuclei (AGN) have a major impact on galaxy-wide scales, we have analysed deep Very Large Telescope/Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (VLT/MUSE) data for the type-2 quasar/ultraluminous infrared galaxy F13451+1232 – an object that represents the major mergers considered in some models of galaxy evolution. After carefully accounting for the effects of atmospheric seeing that had smeared the emission from known compact nuclear outflows across the MUSE field of view, we find that the large-scale kinematics in F13451+1232 are consistent with gravitational motions that are expected in a galaxy merger. Therefore, the fast ($\mathrm{W_{80}}\gt 500$ km s$^{-1}$) warm-ionized AGN-driven outflows in this object are limited to the central $\sim$100 pc of the galaxy, although we cannot rule out larger scale, lower velocity outflows. Moreover, we directly demonstrate that failure to account for the beam-smearing effects of atmospheric seeing would have led to the mass outflow rates and kinetic powers of spatially extended emission being overestimated by orders of magnitude. We also show that beam-smeared compact-outflow emission can be significant beyond radial distances of 3.5 arcsec (more than 8 times the radius of the seeing disc), and support the argument that some previous claims of large-scale outflows in active galaxies were likely the result of this effect rather than genuine galaxy-wide ($r\gt 5$ kpc) outflows. Our study therefore provides further evidence that warm-ionized AGN-driven outflows are limited to the central kiloparsecs of galaxies and highlights the critical importance of accounting for atmospheric seeing in ground-based observational studies of active galaxies.
The spectral behaviour and variability of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies with Australia Telescope Compact Array observations
Authors: Shao Xi , Edwards Philip G , Stevens Jamie , Gu Minfeng , Galvin Timothy J , Huynh Minh T 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
We present multifrequency radio data for a sample of Narrow-Line type 1 Seyfert (NLS1) galaxies. We first focus on the sub-class of gamma-ray emitting NLS1 galaxies, studying the long-term radio variability of five sources and comparing it to their gamma-ray state. We then extend the observations of the southern NLS1 galaxy sample of Chen et al. by observing several candidate NLS1 sources for the first time, and re-observing several other gamma-ray-quiet sources to obtain a first indication of their radio variability. We find that the gamma-ray emitting NLS1 galaxies are highly variable radio emitters and that there are instances of contemporaneous flaring activity between the radio and gamma-ray bands (PKS 0440$-$00, PMN J0948+0022, and PKS 1244$-$255). However, there are also cases of significant radio outbursts without gamma-ray counterparts (PMN J0948+0022 and PKS 2004$-$447). The five gamma-ray NLS1s favour flat or inverted radio spectra, although the spectral indices vary significantly over time. For the gamma-ray-quiet sample, the difference between the previous observations at 5.5 GHz and new Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations indicates that over half of the 14 sources exhibit apparent variability. In contrast to gamma-ray-loud sources, gamma-ray-quiet objects tend to have steep spectra, especially in the lower radio band (887.5–1367.5 MHz) of Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) data, with a number of the variable sources having flatter spectra at higher radio frequencies.