bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative effect of curcuminoids in liver fibrosis rat model via regulating GIPC1 gene and modulating MMP-8/TIMP-3 balance mediated by miR-483-5p
Authors: Adel Rana Mostafa , Kamal Sara Mostafa , Sherif Eman Adel , El-shafiey Sara Hatem 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Liver fibrosis is a worldwide disease that develops from activation and propagation of hepatic stellate cells, and subsequent extracellular matrix accumulation. Liver fibrosis is associated with multiple pathways, however, the dysregulation of GIPC1 gene (GIPC PDZ domain containing family member 1) and disruption in the balance of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and TIMPs (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases) remain as key factors in this disease. Curcuminoids, especially curcumin (CURC), are medicinal extracts that proved their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic actions, and showed wide epigenetic regulatory effects. We aimed to explore CURC’s effect on declining the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), IL-6 (interleukin-6), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor beta1), regulating GIPC1 expression, and adjusting MMP-8/TIMP-3 balance mediated by miRNA-483-5p (microRNA-483-5p) in TAA (thioacetamide)-induced liver fibrotic albino Wistar rat model.

Results
The attained results revealed significant regressions in livers’ relative weights, serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), plasma PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), liver TOC (total oxidative capacity), TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1, and downregulation in GIPC1 gene expression, besides, significant elevation in liver TAC (total antioxidant capacity) in CURC-treated rats. Surprisingly, significant upregulation in miRNA-483 expression was obtained in CURC-treated rats which consequentially enhanced MMP-8/TIMP-3 balance in the form of an elevation in MMP-8/reduction in TIMP-3 levels, along with confirming this novel pathway through conducting bioinformatics analysis. All these enhancements were mirrored in Annexin V/PI (Annexin V Propidium Iodide) assay as massive improvements in % of apoptotic and necrotic cells, plus, in H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) and Masson’s trichrome histopathological examinations that showed near to normal liver architecture with no collagen bands deposition.

Conclusions
This study concludes that CURC can modulate the novel miRNA-483-5p/MMP-8/TIMP-3 pathway and regulate GIPC1 expression, thus providing new perception of CURC as an effective therapeutic agent capable of lowering inflammation and remodeling liver damage.

Graphical Abstract
Long-Term Persistence of Glycemic Dysregulation in Patients With a History of Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma
Authors: Fischer Alessa , Remde Hanna , Pamporaki Christina , Dischinger Ulrich , Bechmann Nicole , Robledo Mercedes , Wang Katharina , Vetter Diana , Oberholzer José , Morand Grégoire B , Mueller Simon Andreas , Huber Alexander , Fritsch Ralph , Gruber Sven , Hantel Constanze , Zitzmann Kathrin , Reincke Martin , Auernhammer Christoph J , Pacak Karel , Grossman Ashley B , Beuschlein Felix , Nölting Svenja 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Context
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare endocrine tumors that frequently produce catecholamines. Catecholamine-induced cardiometabolic complications substantially contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in PPGL patients prior to surgical resection.

Objective
To determine whether markers of elevated cardiometabolic risk persist in patients following PPGL resection.

Methods
In this retrospective analysis of a multicenter cohort of patients with PPGLs participating in the prospective ProsPheo study and the ENS@T registry, cardiometabolic risk factors, including glycemic status, dyslipidemia, and body mass index (BMI), were assessed in patients with PPGL at diagnosis and during follow-up. Patients with a history of resected PPGL were compared to a control group with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas from the ENS@T registry.

Results
Patients with a present PPGL or a history of PPGL (n = 188), a metastatic PPGL (n = 27), or a known susceptibility gene pathogenic variant (PV) for the development of PPGL without a history of PPGL (n = 44) were included. We compared the asymptomatic PV carriers to patients with a history of PPGL: those with a history of PPGL showed a significantly higher prevalence of hyperglycemic disorders (P = .013) compared with asymptomatic PV carriers. In patients with a history of PPGL and at least 12 months of follow-up post surgery (n = 113), the prevalence of hyperglycemic disorders (P &lt; .001), as well as the mean HbA1c (5.63%, SD 0.43%), were significantly higher, compared to a control group with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas (n = 76) of similar age and BMI (HbA1c 5.45%, SD 0.40%; P = .004).

Conclusion
Glycemic disturbances persist long-term after the resection of PPGL.
Abnormal Glucagon Secretion Contributes to a Longitudinal Decline in Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Mohan Sneha , Christie Hannah E , Laurenti Marcello C , Egan Aoife M , Bailey Kent R , Cobelli Claudio , Dalla Man Chiara , Vella Adrian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Context
Defects in insulin secretion and action contribute to the progression of prediabetes to diabetes. However, the contribution of α-cell dysfunction to this process has been unclear.

Objective
This work aimed to understand the relative contributions of α-cell and β-cell dysfunction to declining glucose tolerance.

Methods
A longitudinal, community-based observational study was conducted at a clinical research unit at an academic medical center. We studied 96 individuals without diabetes (age 55 ± 1 years; body mass index 27.7 ± 0.4) on 2 occasions, 3 years apart using an oral 75-g glucose challenge. Indices for insulin secretion and action were estimated using the oral minimal model. Glucagon secretion rate (GSR) was estimated by deconvolution from peripheral glucagon concentrations. Main outcome measures included glucose tolerance status (categorical variable) and then symmetrical percentage change in peak and 120-minute glucose (post oral glucose tolerance test) concentrations (continuous variables).

Results
A total of 32 individuals progressed from normal to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or from IGT to type 2 diabetes. The disposition index (DI) declined in the progressors (568 ± 98 vs 403 ± 65 10−4 dL/kg/min per μU/mL, baseline vs 3 years; P = .04). α-Cell suppression by glucose (δGSR/δglucose) did not change in the nonprogressors (1.5 ± 0.1 vs 1.3 ± 0.1 nmol/min/L; P = .37) but decreased (1.0 ± 0.2 vs 0.8 ± 0.2 nmol/min/L; P &lt; .01) in those who progressed. Analysis of the entire cohort showed that DI and δGSR/δglucose were independently and inversely correlated with an increase in glycemic excursion.

Conclusion
These data show that α-cell dysfunction accompanies a decline in β-cell function as IGT or overt type 2 diabetes develops.
Kształcenie osób skazanych w szkołach i placówkach poza instytucją penitencjarną. Ujęcie ilościowe
Authors: Jarzębińska Aneta 
Published: January 2025

CEL NAUKOWY:
Celem artykułu jest analiza liczby osadzonych, którzy po 1997 roku uczęszczali do szkół i innych placówek kształcenia na wolności w kontekście ogólnej liczby osadzonych słuchaczy i osadzonych uczestników kursów.
PROBLEM i METODY BADAWCZE:
Pierwszy problem badawczy dotyczył określenia ogólnej liczby osadzonych – słuchaczy szkół. Formułując drugi problem zamierzano ustalić, jaki udział w ogólnej liczbie słuchaczy mieli ci, którzy uczęszczali do szkół na wolności. Podobny schemat miały dwa kolejne problemy a odnoszące się do liczby osadzonych uczestniczących w kursach. Piąty z problemów badawczych dotyczył liczby osadzonych, którzy kształcąc się korzystali z przepustek w celu konsultacji lub zdania egzaminów. Badanie przeprowadzono z zastosowaniem metody analizy danych zastanych. Danymi były natomiast: a) opracowane przez Służbę Więzienną analizy wyników dydaktyczno-resocjalizacyjnych uzyskanych przez szkoły funkcjonujące w zakładach karnych i aresztach śledczych za lata szkolne od 1999/2000 do 2022/2023; b) opracowane przez Ministerstwo Sprawiedliwości oraz Służbę Więzienną informacje o wykonywaniu kary pozbawienia wolności i tymczasowego aresztowania, począwszy od 1999 roku.
WYNIKI ANALIZY NAUKOWEJ:
W kilku ostatnich latach osób osadzonych, które uczestniczyły w formalnym kształceniu na wolności, było zdecydowanie mniej, niż wcześniej i mniejszy był ich udział w ogólnej liczbie osadzonych słuchaczy czy uczestników kursów. Spostrzeżenie dotyczy zwłaszcza słuchaczy szkół systemu oświaty poza jednostkami penitencjarnymi i studiujących.
WNIOSKI, REKOMENDACJE I APLIKACYJNE ZNACZENIE WPŁYWU BADAŃ:
Ze względu na wskazane w artykule unikatowe walory kształcenia osób osadzonych na wolności warto to rozwiązanie propagować. Jednak należy tworzyć warunki dla jego wdrażania, głównie przygotowując społeczeństwo w toku edukacji do zrozumienia potrzeb osób niedostosowanych.
Discussing the Reform of Physical Education Instruction Based on the Basic Skills Competition for Physical Education Majors in Chongqing Municipality's General Colleges and Universities
Authors: Cheng Guangxin , Zhongchen Zhang  , Zhiming Shi  
Published: January 2025

Purpose:In order to provide theoretical support for the basic skills competition of college and university students, the reform of physical education instruction in colleges and universities, and the talent development system for physical education majors, we analyze and research the basic skills competition in order to identify the issues that currently exist and propose solutions.
Methodology:The fundamental skills competition of physical education majors in regular higher education institutions in Chongqing in 2024 is thoroughly examined in this study using the literature approach, mathematical statistics method, observation method, and comparative analysis method.
Description of state of knowledge: A test of college and university physical education majors' training, the basic skills competition serves as a vital platform for advancing the caliber of college and university physical education majors, the caliber of students' physical education instruction, the depth of physical education majors' training, and the overall proficiency of students.
Conclusion:1. It is necessary to enhance the competition elements and score weighting, as well as to reinforce the uniformity of the student selection process and judging criteria. 2. Improve the basic skills competition's content and score distribution, create a scientific method for choosing pupils to compete, and fortify the impartiality of the performance evaluation criteria. 3. In order to increase the learning motivation of college and university students studying physical education, it is important to emphasize the value of teaching the fundamentals of various physical education topics. Additionally, the teaching of physical education should improve students' practical and application skills.
Differential Game Theoretic Models for Designing Water Conservation Incentives
Authors: Momeni Behnam , Mohebbi Shima 
Published: January 2025

The growing concern over water scarcity and the management of freshwater is common worldwide. Voluntary incentives, such as payments offered to water users, are recognized as a strategy for reducing conflicts and water consumption. A primary challenge lies in determining the allocation of these incentives among water users, taking into account socio-environmental factors. This study leverages differential game theoretic models to design incentive schemes for the network of water users, geographically distributed across a river network. Two networks of water users are considered: those who utilize groundwater and those who rely on surface water for agricultural purposes. A nongovernmental organization (NGO) participates as another key player, providing conservation incentives to encourage water users to reduce their consumption. The proposed model considers both vertical and horizontal interactions within the network of players. By considering the unique characteristics of each water user, the NGO aims to introduce an incentive scheme designed for each water user. Addressing the challenge of model scalability becomes crucial as the number of players or water users within each network increases, in order to identify optimal decisions. Thus, we propose solution methods for both convex and nonconvex decision problems using Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions, Value Iteration, and Basis Function Approximation methods. Finally, we perform parametric analyses to examine how parameters influence the choice of solution methods and affect the decision-making processes. Funding: Financial support from the U.S. National Science Foundation [Grant 2108003] is gratefully acknowledged.
Demographic, social and health system factors associated with maternal mortality in Pakistan: A nested case-control study
Authors: Maqbool Ahmad Ahsan , Shah Iqbal H. , Mir Ali Muhammad , Sadiq Maqsood , Bosan Muddassir Altaf 
Published: January 2025

Background
Pakistan has experienced a significant reduction in maternal mortality with a decline of 33 percent between 2006 and 2019. However, the country still grapples with a high number (186 per 100,000 live births) of maternal deaths each year. This study aims to identify socio-demographic and health system related factors associated with maternal mortality.

Methods
Using the nested case-control design, we conducted an in-depth analysis of Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS) 2019. We identified 147 maternal deaths occurring within three years prior to the PMMS 2019 as “cases” and 724 women who gave birth and were alive during the same period as “controls”. Socio-demographic characteristics of cases and controls were compared, and multivariate regression was employed to investigate the predictors of maternal mortality in Pakistan.

Results
Cases and controls were similar on access to antenatal care (ANC) and ANC provider but differed on age, education, number of pregnancies, type of delivery, tetanus toxoid vaccination during last pregnancy, and contraceptive usage. A higher proportion of cases had deliveries by skilled birth attendants (83% compared to 63% among controls) while home deliveries were more common among controls (32% compared to 25% among cases). Odds of maternal death were lowest among women aged 20–29 years (odds ratio–OR: 0.5; 95% CI 0.23–1.07) and those with secondary or higher education (OR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.17–0.74). Surprisingly, deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants were associated with higher odds of maternal death (OR: 4.07; 95% CI 2.19–7.57) compared to those who were not.

Conclusion
This study identifies secondary or higher maternal education, having had tetanus injection during the last pregnancy, ever-used contraception or being in the age group of 20–29 years were factors associated with lower risk of maternal mortality. Conversely, skilled birth attendance increases the risk of maternal death in Pakistan. Further investigation is needed into the determinants of high maternal mortality.
Social media-based Health Education plus Exercise Program (SHEEP) to improve muscle function among young-old adults with possible sarcopenia in the community: A feasibility study protocol
Authors: Shi Ya , Stanmore Emma , McGarrigle Lisa , Todd Chris 
Published: January 2025

Background
Despite the comparatively high prevalence of possible sarcopenia among young-old adults in the community, there is currently no available and effective social media-based intervention to increase the awareness and change the behavior of the target population to prevent sarcopenia. Using co-design methodology, we developed a multicomponent intervention strategy of health education and exercise for sarcopenia prevention utilizing the TikTok platform.

Objectives
The primary purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the social media-based intervention to enhance muscle function in community-dwelling young-old adults with possible sarcopenia.

Methods
This protocol outlines the entire research procedure for a prospective single-arm pre-post feasibility study employing a mixed-method design, which will be conducted between May 2024 and September 2024. Thirty-five older adults aged 60–69 years with possible sarcopenia will be recruited from two communities in Changsha, China. Using the TikTok platform, participants will be required to view a total of seven health education videos in the first week, and each video lasts four to six minutes. Then, participants will receive six-week multi-component exercise through TikTok, with at least three sessions/week, 30 minutes/session, and moderate intensity. Data collection will be conducted in baseline, week 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13. The primary outcomes will include evaluating recruitment capability, data collection procedure, outcome measurement, intervention procedures’ acceptability, researchers’ ability to manage and implement the study, among others. The secondary outcome is to compare standard measures for muscle function (e.g. handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass, physical performance), body composition (e.g. body fat, body mass index, bone mineral), and other measures (e.g. perceived knowledge, personal motivation, behavioral skills). Finally, all participants will be offered a semi-structured interview to assess their in-depth experiences with the intervention and research process.

Discussion
This study will be the first social-media based multicomponent intervention program for community young-old adults with possible sarcopenia to improve their muscle function, awareness and behavior of preventing sarcopenia. Findings will generate new evidence regarding the use of social media in health education for improving awareness of sarcopenia prevention, as well as the feasibility of using social media to influence participants’ behavioral changes through exercise. This may help researchers identify ways to optimize acceptability and efficacy of the SHEEP intervention for the targeted population.

Trial registration
ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN17269170, Registered 14 September 2023.
Finite element analysis of the plantar support for the medial longitudinal arch with flexible flatfoot
Authors: Long Xiao , Du Xiangyu , Yuan Chengjie , Xu Jian , Liu Tao , Zhang Yijun 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The present study is to explore the appropriate plantar support force for its effect on improving the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch with flexible flatfoot.

Methods
A finite element model with the plantar fascia attenuation was constructed simulating as flexible flatfoot. The appropriate plantar support force was evaluated. The equivalent stress of the articular surface of the joints in the medial longitudinal arch and the maximum principal stress of the ligaments around the ankle were obtained.

Results
The height fall is smaller when applying 15% of body-weight-bearing force as the plantar support for the medial longitudinal arch compared with 10% of the body-weight-bearing while 20% of body-weight-bearing force is over plantar support. The equivalent stress on the articular surface of each joint is smallest when applying 15% of body-weight-bearing force compared with 10% or 20% of the body-weight-bearing force. The maximum principal stress of the anterior talofibular ligament is decreased while other ligaments increased when the plantar fascia attenuation under loading. The maximum principal stress of the tibiocalcaneal ligament and the posterior tibiotalar ligament are decreasing while other ligaments increased with the force increasing gradually.

Conclusions
Applying 15% of body-weight-bearing to the sole of the foot can restore the height fall of the medial longitudinal arch, and relieve the equivalent articular stress of the talonavicular joint and the talocalcaneal joint as well as the tension stress of the tibiocalcaneal ligament and the posterior tibiotalar ligament.
MARCHF8-mediated ubiquitination via TGFBI regulates NF-κB dependent inflammatory responses and ECM degradation in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Zhang Xingpeng , Li Guang , Tan Fang , Yu Tao , Xu Chengping , Li Kai , Zhang Feng , Zhang Meiyan , Wang Jian 
Published: January 2025

Aim
To explore the role of the hub gene Transforming Growth Factor Beta Induced (TGFBI) in Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) pathogenesis and its regulatory relationship with Membrane Associated Ring-CH-Type Finger 8 (MARCHF8).

Background
IDD is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder leading to spinal pathology. Despite its ubiquity and impact, effective therapeutic strategies remain to be explored.

Objective
Identify key modules associated with IDD and understand the impact of TGFBI on nucleus pulposus (NP) cell behavior, extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins, and the Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of Activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

Methods
The GSE146904 dataset underwent Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) for key module identification and Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) screening. Intersection analysis, network analysis, and co-expression identified TGFBI as a hub gene. In vitro experiments delved into the interplay between TGFBI and MARCHF8 and their effects on NP cells.

Results
WGCNA linked the MEturquoise module with IDD samples, revealing 145 shared genes among DEGs. In vitro findings indicated that MARCHF8 determines TGFBI expression. TGFBI boosts apoptosis and ECM breakdown in Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated (LPS-stimulated) NP cells. Altering TGFBI levels modulated these effects and the NF-κB signaling pathway, influencing inflammatory cytokine concentrations. Moreover, MARCHF8 ubiquitination controlled TGFBI expression.

Conclusion
TGFBI, modulated by MARCHF8, significantly influences IDD progression by affecting NP cell apoptosis, ECM degradation, and inflammation through the NF-κB signaling pathway.