bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ibn al-Ghaḍāʾirī’s K. al-Rijāl and the Canonization of Imami ʿIlm al-Rijāl Literature
Authors: Adem Rodrigo , Ansari Hassan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article offers a historical study and translation of a text written in Baghdad in the first half of the 5th/11th century known to the Imami Shiʿi scholarly tradition as the K. al-Rijāl by Ibn al-Ghaḍāʾirī, containing some of the earliest extant material from the Imami scholarly practice of ʿilm al-rijāl, and providing key insights into the historical development of hadith scholarship in Imami thought. Ibn al-Ghaḍāʾirī’s biographical circumstances provide a particularly useful entry point into Imami hadith scholarship of 5th/11th century Baghdad and the historical circumstances of the authorship of the authoritative textual sources of Imami ʿilm al-rijāl. The remarkable historical achievement of Ibn al-Ghaḍāʾirī’s K. al-Rijāl consists in its reemergence from presumed oblivion in the 11th century CE to attaining quasi-canonical status within Imami scholarship over the 13th to 16th centuries CE, and just as rapidly coming under attack by Imami jurists over subsequent centuries into the present day.
A Twelfth-Century Controversy on Mānkdīm’s Taʿlīq Sharḥ al-Uṣūl al-khamsa: Zaydis Debating Accidents, Attributes, and Optics
Authors: Ansari Hassan , Thiele Jan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this article, we present a so far unstudied epistolary exchange between two sixth/twelfth-century Zaydis from Yemen on Mānkdīm’s famous Taʿlīq Sharḥ al-Uṣūl al-khamsa. In the text, which survives in a unique manuscript, al-Ḥasan al-ʿUdharī raises objections against passages from the proof for the createdness of the world and from the chapter on beatific vision in the Taʿlīq, touching upon issues related to accidents (aʿrāḍ), attributes (ṣifāt), and sense-perception. Al-ʿUdharī’s objections are refuted by al-Ḥasan al-Raṣṣāṣ, who was possibly his teacher. The debate is of interest for studying the sixth/twelfth-century Zaydi reception of Muʿtazili teachings, as is evident, but it also serves as a valuable testimony to the Zaydi engagement with other intellectual traditions, including proponents of Greek-derived logic and Ashʿari arguments against Muʿtazili theories. Our article first situates the text and its arguments in its historical and intellectual context, then offers an English translation, and concludes with a critical edition of the epistolary exchange.
Seeing the Signs: the Imamate in Sayyid Kāẓim al-Rashtī’s (d. 1259/1843) Sharḥ Duʿāʾ al-simāt
Authors: Izzo Gianni 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article discusses a supplication commentary written by Sayyid Kāẓim b. Qāsim al-Rashtī (d. 1259/1843), the second leader of the Shaykhi Imami Shiʿi movement (al-Shaykhiyya) that emerged in nineteenth-century Iran. Al-Rashtī’s name has yet to reach a broader audience, and not without reason. It is easy to see how the first Shaykhi leader, Aḥmad b. Zayn al-Dīn al-Aḥsāʾī (d. 1241/1826), could overshadow his successor given the former’s charisma and influence, as well as the great abundance of his writings. However, al-Rashtī’s marginality obscures a key stage in the movement’s history and development when the Shaykhi cause gained wider purchase within Qājār Shiʿi society and when the ideas of al-Aḥsāʾī took on growing urgency in fervent expectation of Imam al-Mahdī’s (re)appearance (ẓuhūr). The main purpose of this article is to highlight the role of interpretation in al-Rashtī’s Sharḥ Duʿāʾ al-simāt (Commentary on the supplication of signs) in articulating Shaykhi thought. Al-Rashtī’s commentary is a deeply considered expression of the imams’ influence in sacred history. It interprets the speech of an Infallible (maʿṣūm) to indicate how God interacts with creation through prophetic and imamic archetypes, designating supplicative words and phrases to express this relationship. Given the paucity of information on al-Rashtī, the value of this enterprise will require some appreciation of his background and motivations. In the first section, I chronicle al-Rashtī’s fundamental role in Shaykhi history within the anarchic scene of the ʿAtabāt region of the mid-Qājār period and catalogue some of his main works. The first section lays the groundwork for the second, main section, which analyses al-Rashtī’s commentary and his interpretive procedure.
From Eschatology to Empire: Fatra as a Driving Force in Rewriting the Early Ismaʿili Movement
Authors: Matthews Alex 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The concept of fatra, which has its basis in the Quran as the interim time between prophets, was marshalled and reimagined by the early Ismaʿili movement as a way to explain the absence of the awaited mahdī, Muḥammad b. Ismāʿīl. In this understanding, the imam may go into hiding during times of heightened persecution or perhaps even die before the next imam has been designated. However, the establishment of the Fatimid state complicated the idea that there could be a time when the imam is absent. The K. al-Fatarāt wa-l-qirānāt, attributed to the tenth-century Fatimid author Jaʿfar b. Manṣūr al-Yaman, captures the Fatimid reckoning with the implications of fatarāt. It rewrites the history of the early movement to claim that since the advent of the cycle of the Prophet Muhammad there has not been a fatra, nor will there be one again so long as the Fatimids reign.
Mobile STEM Programming
Authors: Delello Julie A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This mixed-methods study investigated the effectiveness of a STEM Carnival program in enhancing STEM understanding among 2,108 middle school students across five rural East Texas campuses. The study aimed to assess students’ perceptions of the carnival activities, their learning gains, and their recommendations for future events. Results indicated a high level of student engagement, particularly in hands-on and interactive activities, highlighting the value of experiential and context-based learning. Notably, 98% of the students, including those from underrepresented ethnic groups and across genders, reported knowledge gains. These findings suggest that such interactive programs can significantly enhance STEM learning and foster a sense of community and collaboration. This study underscores the potential of STEM carnivals to promote interest in STEM careers and offers recommendations for future educational programming in rural settings.
Design and Development of an Inclusive Online STEM Course for Families
Authors: Kano Kei , Azai Hajime , Hagihara Kimi , Ishikawa Manaka , Nagayasu Yuri , Nishida Miyu , Tanaka Rina , Tsushi Yuzuna , Yamada Hirofumi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Marginalized individuals and communities have been largely disengaged in science museums, science festivals, or informal Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. This study recognizes these difficulties and aims to develop an inclusive STEM course. A conceptual framework comprising seven recommendations guided our online STEM course that comprised three STEM workshops, relevant to everyday life, and included art and traditional methods and tools. These workshops underwent a pilot phase for improvement and later included deaf/hard-of-hearing students. The improved workshop promoted inquiry question submissions from the group of students with lower interest in science and technology and its quality; however, significant differences were not noted in inquiry report submissions. The study emphasizes the importance of examining the inclusion of those with lower interest, and of examining the impact of long-term courses on student learning to ensure continuous access to resources.
Molecular profiles of blood from numerous species that differ in sensitivity to acute inflammation
Authors: Gregory David J. , Han Feifei , Li Peng , Gritsenko Marina A. , Kyle Jennifer , Riley Frank E. , Chavez Deborah , Yotova Vania , Sindeaux Renata H. M. , Hawash Mohamed B. F. , Xu Fengyun , Hung Li-Yuan , Hayden Douglas L. , Tompkins Ronald G. , Lanford Robert E. , Kobzik Lester , Hellman Judith , Jacobs Jon M. , Barreiro Luis B. , Xiao Wenzhong , Warren H. Shaw 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVertebrates differ over 100,000-fold in responses to pro-inflammatory agonists such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), complicating use of animal models to study human sepsis or inflammatory disorders. We compared transcriptomes of resting and LPS-exposed blood from six LPS-sensitive species (rabbit, pig, sheep, cow, chimpanzee, human) and four LPS-resilient species (mice, rats, baboon, rhesus), as well as plasma proteomes and lipidomes. Unexpectedly, at baseline, sensitive species already had enhanced expression of LPS-responsive genes relative to resilient species. After LPS stimulation, maximally different genes in resilient species included genes that detoxify LPS, diminish bacterial growth, discriminate sepsis from SIRS, and play roles in autophagy and apoptosis. The findings reveal the molecular landscape of species differences in inflammation. This may inform better selection of species for pre-clinical models and could lead to new therapeutic strategies that mimic mechanisms in inflammation-resilient species to limit inflammation without causing immunosuppression.
Evaluating SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and calf circumference as diagnostic tools for sarcopenia in Thai older adults: results from a nationwide study
Authors: Vanitcharoenkul Ekasame , Unnanuntana Aasis , Chotiyarnwong Pojchong , Adulkasem Nath , Asavamongkolkul Apichat , Laohaprasitiporn Panai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
With the increasing number of older adults, musculoskeletal disorders such as sarcopenia have become increasingly important to research because of their strong association with falls and fractures. Sarcopenia, which is characterized by reduced muscle mass, is common among older adults and significantly increases the risk of falls. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the SARC-F and SARC-CalF questionnaires, along with calf circumference measurements, for sarcopenia screening among Thai community-dwelling older adults, following the 2019 criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia.

Methods
This analysis drew on data from the Thai Musculoskeletal Diseases Nationwide Study, which included 2543 participants aged 60 years or older. The SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and calf circumference data were evaluated against the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve to determine the diagnostic performance of each tool.

Results
Of the 2455 participants analyzed, 18.1% were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The SARC-F and SARC-CalF questionnaires showed limited effectiveness in diagnosing sarcopenia, with area under the curve values of 0.508 and 0.729, respectively. In contrast, calf circumference demonstrated greater diagnostic accuracy, with area under the curve values of 0.897 in males and 0.878 in females. Adjusting the cutoff points to < 33 cm for males and < 31 cm for females improved the overall diagnostic accuracy from 66.4 to 82%.

Conclusions
Sarcopenia is relatively prevalent in Thailand. The SARC-F and SARC-CalF questionnaires are inadequate for diagnosing sarcopenia, while calf circumference alone is the most effective screening tool. Adding more parameters to the SARC-F questionnaire could enhance its diagnostic accuracy.

Trial registration
This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06558617). Registration Date 16 August 2024.
A qualitative exploration of women’s expectations of birth and knowledge of birth interventions following antenatal education
Authors: Davies Anna , Larkin Michael , Willis Lucy , Mampitiya Narendra , Lynch Mary , Toolan Miriam , Fraser Abigail , Rawling Kate , Plachcinski Rachel , Barnfield Sonia , Smith Margaret , Burden Christy , Merriel Abi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Expectations of birth, and whether they are met, influence postnatal psychological wellbeing. Intrapartum interventions, for example induction of labour, are increasing due to a changing pregnant population and evolving evidence, which may contribute to a mismatch between expectations and birth experience. NICE recommends antenatal education (ANE) to prepare women for labour and birth, but there is no mandated UK National Health Service (NHS) ANE curriculum. We aimed to explore women’s expectations of childbirth and their understanding of common interventions and complications following NHS and non-NHS ANE.

Method
Qualitative focus groups were conducted with postnatal women (< 12 months postpartum) aged ≥ 16, who had received antenatal care at a single NHS Trust. A semi-structured topic guide was used to explore birth expectations following attendance at ANE and knowledge of birth interventions and complications. Data were transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken by at least two researchers.

Results
46 women (mean age: 33.5years; 81% white British) participated across eight groups. 65% were primiparous, 35% had a caesarean birth. 50% attended NHS ANE and 59% non-NHS ANE. Participants perceived that a ‘hierarchy of birth’ was presented within ANE classes, where a ‘better birth’ involved vaginal birth, minimal pain relief and limited intervention. Participants described expectations of control and choice over their birth, though some described being encouraged to be open-minded about the course it may take. Participants identified a mismatch between their expectations and subsequent experiences, which adversely impacted their psychological wellbeing. While participants received information about common birth interventions and complications, limited time spent on these during classes resulted in expectations that they were rare. Participants felt that receiving sensitively presented information about the frequency of interventions could prepare women and support their psychological wellbeing after birth.

Conclusions
Women’s expectations of birth are informed by ANE which may precipitate a mismatch between expectations and experience. Better information about risk factors and frequency of labour and birth interventions may support women to develop evidence-informed expectations of birth, reducing the expectation-experience gap, with consequent impact on maternal postnatal wellbeing. A mandatory minimum curriculum for ANE is needed to ensure high-quality education is available to all.
Bias in machine learning applications to address non-communicable diseases at a population-level: a scoping review
Authors: Birdi Sharon , Rabet Roxana , Durant Steve , Patel Atushi , Vosoughi Tina , Shergill Mahek , Costanian Christy , Ziegler Carolyn P. , Ali Shehzad , Buckeridge David , Ghassemi Marzyeh , Gibson Jennifer , John-Baptiste Ava , Macklin Jillian , McCradden Melissa , McKenzie Kwame , Mishra Sharmistha , Naraei Parisa , Owusu-Bempah Akwasi , Rosella Laura , Shaw James , Upshur Ross , Pinto Andrew D. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in population and public health to support epidemiological studies, surveillance, and evaluation. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review to identify studies that use ML in population health, with a focus on its use in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We also examine potential algorithmic biases in model design, training, and implementation, as well as efforts to mitigate these biases.

Methods
We searched the peer-reviewed, indexed literature using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Scopus, ACM Digital Library, Inspec, Web of Science’s Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, and the Emerging Sources Citation Index, up to March 2022.

Results
The search identified 27 310 studies and 65 were included. Study aims were separated into algorithm comparison (n = 13, 20%) or disease modelling for population-health-related outputs (n = 52, 80%). We extracted data on NCD type, data sources, technical approach, possible algorithmic bias, and jurisdiction. Type 2 diabetes was the most studied NCD. The most common use of ML was for risk modeling. Mitigating bias was not extensively addressed, with most methods focused on mitigating sex-related bias.

Conclusion
This review examines current applications of ML in NCDs, highlighting potential biases and strategies for mitigation. Future research should focus on communicable diseases and the transferability of ML models in low and middle-income settings. Our findings can guide the development of guidelines for the equitable use of ML to improve population health outcomes.
Mechanism of activation of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway induced by heat stress disrupting the filtration barrier in broiler
Authors: Dong Hui-li , Wu Xing-yue , Wang Fei-yao , Chen Hao-xiang , Feng Si-liang , Zhou Chen-yang , Zhao Zhan-qin , Si Li-fang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
High-temperature environment can cause acute kidney injury affecting renal filtration function. To study the mechanism of renal injury caused by heat stress through activates TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway by disrupting the filtration barrier in broiler chickens. The temperature of broilers in the TN group was maintained at 23 ± 1 °C, and the HS group temperature was maintained at 35 ± 1℃ from the age of 21 days, and the high temperature was 10 h per day, and one broiler from each replicate group at the age of 35 and 42 days was selected for blood sampling, respectively.

Results
The ELISA results demonstrated that in comparison to the TN group, serum CORT content of broilers in the HS group was all remarkably elevated (P < 0.01); the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum were remarkably elevated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); serum CAT and SOD activities were all remarkably reduced (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and serum LDH activity and MDA content were all remarkably decreased (P < 0.05); serum BUN and CRE levels were remarkably elevated (P < 0.01). Pathological sections and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the structure of the renal filtration barrier in the HS group damaged gradually with the prolongation of heat stress in comparison to the TN group, but the damage was reduced at 42 days of age; the levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, NF-κB-p65, NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β mRNAs were all up-regulated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in renal tissues of the HS group, indicating that heat stress caused damage to the morphological structure and function of the renal filtration barrier and that TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway was also affected by heat stress, leading to increased activity (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

Conclusions
It demonstrated that heat stress caused detrimental effects on both the morphological structure and function of the renal filtration barrier, and the initiation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway exacerbated the inflammatory damage, leading to increased thermal damage to renal tissues and glomerular filtration barriers; however, with the prolongation of heat stress, broilers gradually developed heat tolerance, and the damage to the renal tissues and filtration barriers triggered by heat stress was mitigated.
THBS2 + cancer-associated fibroblasts promote EMT leading to oxaliplatin resistance via COL8A1-mediated PI3K/AKT activation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Xing , Han Jiashu , Zuo Anning , Ba Yuhao , Liu Shutong , Xu Hui , Zhang Yuyuan , Weng Siyuan , Zhou Zhaokai , Liu Long , Luo Peng , Cheng Quan , Zhang Chuhan , Chen Yukang , Shan Dan , Liu Benyu , Yang Shuaixi , Han Xinwei , Deng Jinhai , Liu Zaoqu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exert multiple tumor-promoting functions and are key contributors to drug resistance. The mechanisms by which specific subsets of CAFs facilitate oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been fully explored. This study found that THBS2 is positively associated with CAF activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance at the pan-cancer level. Together with single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analyses, we identified THBS2 specifically derived from subsets of CAFs, termed THBS2 + CAFs, which could promote oxaliplatin resistance by interacting with malignant cells via the collagen pathway in CRC. Mechanistically, COL8A1 specifically secreted from THBS2 + CAFs directly interacts with the ITGB1 receptor on resistant malignant cells, activating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and promoting EMT, ultimately leading to oxaliplatin resistance in CRC. Moreover, elevated COL8A1 promotes EMT and contributes to CRC oxaliplatin resistance, which can be mitigated by ITGB1 knockdown or AKT inhibitor. Collectively, these results highlight the crucial role of THBS2 + CAFs in promoting oxaliplatin resistance of CRC by activating EMT and provide a rationale for a novel strategy to overcome oxaliplatin resistance in CRC.
Phase 1 study of AYP-101 (soybean phosphatidylcholine): safety, pharmacokinetics, and lipid profile effects for reducing submental fat
Authors: Lee Hyun Joon , Jiang Xu , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Jeong Ji Hoon , Chung Jae-Yong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Excessive submental fat under the chin is a known aesthetic concern because of its negative impact on facial appearance and psychological well-being. AYP-101 is a newly developed injectable agent containing 93% soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) designed to reduce submental fat. We conducted a phase 1 study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetic (PK), and lipid profile effects of AYP-101.

Methods
This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, two-cohort trial. Participants were randomized into groups receiving 250 mg of AYP-101, 500 mg of AYP-101, or placebo at a 9:9:8 ratio across both cohorts. Safety was assessed through standard clinical evaluations. Blood samples were collected up to 144 h postdose in cohort 1 and up to 48 h postdose in cohort 2. The PK parameters were calculated via noncompartmental analysis.

Results
All 26 randomized subjects completed the study. A total of 72 solicited adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported by 24 subjects, all of which were mild. The most common ADRs were injection site pain and bruising. There were 29 ADR cases in the 250 mg group; 26 cases in the 500 mg group; and 18 cases in the placebo group, indicating that there were no clinically significant differences in the safety profiles between the groups. All the dose groups presented similar PK profiles, with Cmax values of 12.86, 13.44, and 13.61 µg/L and AUC0−24 h values of 278.06, 274.79, and 267.63 µg*h/L, respectively. No clinically significant differences in PK or lipid profiles were observed between the postdose group and the baseline group for any of the dose groups.

Conclusions
AYP-101 appears to be a safe candidate for treating submental fat, with localized reactions and no systemic exposure at single subcutaneous doses of up to 500 mg.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05476094.