bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary fatty acid‐binding protein 4 is a promising biomarker for glomerular damage in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tanaka Marenao , Sato Tatsuya , Gohda Tomohito , Kamei Nozomu , Murakoshi Maki , Ishiwata Erika , Endo Keisuke , Kawaharata Wataru , Aida Hiroki , Nakata Kei , Akiyama Yukinori , Kubota Mitsunobu , Sanuki Michiyoshi , Suzuki Toru , Suzuki Yusuke , Furuhashi Masato 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionFatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) 4, which acts as an adipokine secreted by adipocytes, macrophages, and capillary endothelial cells, is expressed in injured glomerular cells. It has been reported that urinary (U‐) FABP4 is associated with renal dysfunction and proteinuria in several glomerular kidney diseases. However, the clinical significance of U‐FABP4 in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains undetermined.Materials and MethodsImmunohistological analyses of FABP4 and FABP1 (liver‐type FABP), an established biomarker for impaired proximal tubules, were performed in the kidneys of patients with DKD and nonobese diabetic mice (KK‐Ta/Akita mice). The associations between U‐FABP4 and U‐FABP1 with kidney function and metabolic indices were also investigated in patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 57, mean age: 61 years) and patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 608, mean age: 65 years).ResultsIn both patients with diabetes and diabetic mice, FABP4 was expressed in injured glomeruli with increased markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress in addition to peritubular capillaries, whereas FABP1 was mainly expressed in proximal tubules. Levels of U‐FABP4 and U‐FABP1 were independently associated with each other, and both levels were independently associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) after adjustment of age, sex, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, and systolic blood pressure in patients with diabetes.ConclusionsUrinary level of FABP4 derived from injured glomeruli with increased endoplasmic reticulum stress is independently associated with eGFR and UACR, suggesting a promising biomarker for glomerular damage in patients with diabetes.
Comparative Validation of Prediction Models for HCC Outcomes in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Superiority of Tumor Markers to Imaging Study
Authors: Koh Hwa‐Hee , Kang Minyu , Kim Deok‐Gie , Park Jae Hyon , Min Eun‐Ki , Lee Jae Geun , Kim Myoung Soo , Joo Dong Jin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLiving donor liver transplantation (LDLT) offers timely curative treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to validate and compare previous prediction models for HCC outcomes in 488 LDLT recipients.MethodsFor 488 patients who underwent LDLT for HCC, pretransplant imaging studies assessed by modified RECSIT criteria, tumor markers such as alpha feto‐protein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II (PIVKA II), and explant pathology were recruited. C‐index of models for the HCC outcomes was compared, followed by further investigation for the predictive performances of the best model.ResultsWe found MoRAL (11√PIVKA‐II + 2√AFP) demonstrated a higher C‐index for HCC recurrence than other models that included radiologically viable tumor number and/or size (MoRAL: 0.709, Milan: 0.537, UCSF: 0.575, Up‐to‐7: 0.572, French AFP: 0.634, Pre‐MORAL: 0.637, HALT‐HCC: 0.626, Metroticket2.0: 0.629) and also had the highest C‐index for HCC‐specific deaths (0.706). Five‐year HCC recurrence was well stratified upon dividing the patients into three groups by MoRAL cutoffs (11.9% for MoRAL < 100, 29.6% for MoRAL 100–200, and 48.6% for MoRAL > 200, p < 0.001). However, patients with major vessel invasion or portal vein tumor thrombus showed similarly high HCC recurrence regardless of this grouping (p = 0.612).ConclusionThe MoRAL, based on tumor markers, showed the best predictive performance for HCC recurrence and HCC‐specific death among the validated models, except in cases with major vessel invasion or portal vein tumor thrombus.
Exploring the Association Between Food Insecurity, Bowel Health, and All‐Cause Mortality in the United States: Insights from NHANES 2005–2010
Authors: Li Yunlong , Chen Yang , Yu Ziqing , Bai Xiaoyin , Ruan Gechong , Sun Yinghao , Han Wei , Yang Hong , Li Xiaoqing 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimFunctional gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic constipation (CC) and chronic diarrhea (CD) impose a significant burden on global healthcare resources. Food insecurity, a crucial social determinant of health, remains unclearly associated with CC and CD. We aim to explore the association between food insecurity and CC and CD, and its impact on all‐cause mortality among participants with abnormal bowel health.MethodsWe used data from National Health and Nutrition Survey 2005–2010. We assessed food insecurity using the Household Food Security Survey Module, and bowel health, including CD and CC, was evaluated using fecal characteristics and bowel movement frequency from the Bowel Health Questionnaire. Finally, 13 199 participants were included.ResultsA total of 15.26% (2014) participants experienced food insecurity. Multivariate analysis revealed that food insecurity was associated with a higher proportion of CD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.52, p = 0.03), especially in women. CC did not exhibit a significant association with food insecurity (OR: 1.10, CI: 0.86–1.40, p = 0.41). Furthermore, food insecurity was significantly linked to higher all‐cause mortality in patients with CD (OR: 1.59, CI: 1.01–2.50, p = 0.046) and CC (OR: 2.01, CI: 1.20–3.46, p = 0.01).ConclusionsAssessing food insecurity's impact on bowel health is crucial for policy formulation and risk identification. Research should explore links between food insecurity and CD or CC severity, treatment, and psychosocial aspects to improve patient quality of life.
Association of rurality and decreased continuity of care prior to a diagnosis of prediabetes
Authors: Johannes Bobbie L. , Mainous Arch G. , Chang Alex R. , Kirchner H. Lester , Wood G. Craig , Still Christopher D. , Bailey‐Davis Lisa 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeTo assess trends in continuity of care (COC) by geographic context (i.e., rural vs urban) among a cohort of persons with prediabetes prior to and after diagnosis of prediabetes.MethodsWe use cross‐sectional data from Geisinger's electronic health record between 1997 and 2017. Our dependent variable is the Modified Modified Continuity Index (MMCI), a measure of dispersion among primary care providers seen. Our primary independent variable is a binary indicator variable for rurality constructed from the 2010 Census Bureau's Urban and Rural Classification. We control for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and baseline clinical characteristics. We use fractional logistic regression with bootstrapped standard errors.FindingsUrban residing patients had greater odds of increased COC in the 3‐year period prior to a diagnosis of prediabetes (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.18; P = .007). However, there were no significant differences in COC among rural and urban residing patients upon diagnosis of prediabetes in unadjusted and fully adjusted regression models. Other factors significantly associated with COC across the observed time periods (pre‐ and post‐diagnosis of prediabetes) include age, male, and hypertension in the patients’ problem list at baseline.ConclusionsAmong persons diagnosed with prediabetes, rurality was associated with decreased COC in the 3‐year period prior to being diagnosed. However, in the 3‐year period after diagnosis of prediabetes, geographic disparities in COC were not observed. Rural residing patients need enhanced continuity of primary care to potentially improve opportunistic screening for prediabetes.
The essential conditions of writing workshop: Proposing a new conceptual model
Authors: Kaufman Douglas 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWriting workshop, as conceived by Donald Graves and other US researchers in the 1980s, positively transformed the writing instruction of many teachers. However, others experienced considerable challenges as they tried to create workshop classrooms. This article examines the three historical conditions that defined workshop: (1) choice, (2) time and (3) response, highlighting several factors that may lead to unsuccessful practices as teachers attempt to implement them. Then, based on an analysis of the early work of the original researchers and the practices of exemplary workshop educators, it identifies three other conditions—(4) organization and management to promote classroom movement, (5) community‐building to create a shared culture of writers and (6) living a publicly literate life—that appear to support the successful implementation of the original three conditions. Finally, pulling from an analysis of the contemporary work of current workshop researchers and educators, it identifies one final condition that was conspicuously not represented in the early work but nonetheless appears essential in connecting and contextualizing all conditions: (7) the introduction of writing purpose to promote empowerment and equity. Together, these conditions form a new and more holistic theoretical model that may now be examined, interpreted, implemented in practice and evolved.
Seasonal changes in the feeding aggregation structure of male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Northern Norway
Authors: Morange Zoë , Similä Tiu , Rikardsen Audun H. , Blanchet Marie‐Anne 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is one of the most widely distributed cetaceans. Adult males commonly occupy high latitudes, whereas females and juveniles occupy lower latitudes. In Northern Norway, previous studies focused on the summer period limiting our understanding of the seasonal dynamics of male foraging aggregations. We used year‐round capture–mark–recapture data based on photo identification between 2009 and 2023 to examine seasonal patterns within a male aggregation off Andøya, Northern Norway. Our analysis encompassed 426 days of data, 111 days in winter (October–April) and 315 days in summer (May–September). Among 365 identified individuals, 29% were encountered across multiple years. A higher number of individuals could be identified in winter compared to summer. The mean estimated residency time was shorter in winter (13 days) than in summer (18 days). We identified four groups with distinct seasonal preferences in occurrence and residency, suggesting seasonal and individual foraging and social patterns. Despite the marked seasonal patterns, the relatively short residency times imply this area constitutes only a fraction of the broader foraging range of sperm whales in the Northeast Atlantic. This study highlights the year‐round presence of sperm whales in the area, emphasizing their individual seasonal preferences.
Enhancing nature's palette through the epigenetic breeding of flower color in chrysanthemum
Authors: Li Xueqi , Bu Fanqi , Zhang Man , Li Zhuozheng , Zhang Yu , Chen Haowen , Xue Wanjie , Guo Ronghua , Qi Jingze , Kim Cholmin , Kawabata Saneyuki , Wang Yu , Zhang Qingzhu , Li Yuhua , Zhang Yang 
Published: December 2024

Summary
Flower color is an important character of ornamental plants and one of the main target traits for variety innovation. We previously identified a CmMYB6 epigenetic allele that affects the flower color in chrysanthemum, and changes in flower color are caused by the DNA methylation level of this gene. However, it is still unknown which DNA methyltransferases are involved in modifying the DNA methylation levels of this gene.
Here, we used dead Cas9 (dCas9) together with DNA methyltransferases that methylate cytosine residues in the CHH context to target the CmMYB6 promoter through transient and stable transformation methods.
We found that CmDRM2a increased the DNA methylation level of the CmMYB6 promoter, the expression of CmMYB6 decreased and a lighter flower color resulted. By contrast, both CmDRM2b and CmCMT2 enhanced DNA methylation levels of the CmMYB6 promoter, the expression of CmMYB6 increased and a deeper flower color resulted.
Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of DNA methyltransferase in the formation of chrysanthemum flower color was investigated, pointing to a new strategy for silencing or activating CmMYB6 epiallele to regulate anthocyanin synthesis. This lays a solid foundation for regulating flower color in chrysanthemum through epigenetic breeding.
Interplay between tobacco curly shoot virus vsiRNA24 and triosephosphate isomerase: implications for Nicotiana benthamiana viral defense
Authors: Wu Rui , Wu Gentu , He Muyao , Zhang Haolan , Shen Xinyi , Huang Qian , Li Jiying , Wu Menglin , Ghanem Hussein , Li Mingjun , Qing Ling 
Published: December 2024

Summary
Virus‐derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) play an important role in viral infection by regulating the expression of host genes. At present, research on the regulation of plant primary metabolic pathways by vsiRNAs is very limited.
TvsiRNA24 derived from tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV) was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and its target gene NbTPI (triosephosphate isomerase) was verified using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and GFP fluorescence observation. The effect of the interaction between TvsiRNA24 and NbTPI on TbCSV infection was analyzed by virus mediated, genetic transformation, western blotting, and quantitative detection.
The expression of TvsiRNA24 retards the growth of Nicotiana benthamiana and enhances TbCSV accumulation within N. benthamiana. The overexpression of NbTPI attenuates the accumulation of TbCSV, and the silencing of NbTPI leads to the growth retardation of N. benthamiana and intensifies symptoms post‐TbCSV infection. Moreover, the expression of some genes related to photosynthesis, primary metabolism and immune response is regulated by NbTPI.
Our results unveil the specific role of TvsiRNA24‐NbTPI in the pathogenicity of TbCSV, resulting in hindrance to plant growth and facilitation of viral infection. The identification of this regulatory pathway provides valuable insights that can be utilized to devise novel antiviral approaches targeting the reduction of viral pathogenicity.
Patterns in coarse root decomposition of woody plants: effects of climate, root quality, mycorrhizal associations and phylogeny
Authors: Ling Long , Gill Allison L. , See Craig R. , Fahey Timothy J. , Silver Whendee L. , Lambers Hans , Ding Yiyang , Sun Tao 
Published: December 2024

Summary
Coarse roots represent a globally important belowground carbon pool, but the factors controlling coarse root decomposition rates remain poorly understood relative to other plant biomass components. We compiled the most comprehensive dataset of coarse root decomposition data including 148 observations from 60 woody species, and linked coarse root decomposition rates to plant traits, phylogeny and climate to address questions of the dominant controls on coarse root decomposition.
We found that decomposition rates increased with mean annual temperature, root nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Coarse root decomposition was slower for ectomycorrhizal than arbuscular mycorrhizal associated species, and angiosperm species decomposed faster than gymnosperms. Coarse root decomposition rates and calcium concentrations showed a strong phylogenetic signal.
Our findings suggest that categorical traits like mycorrhizal association and phylogenetic group, in conjunction with root quality and climate, collectively serve as the optimal predictors of coarse root decomposition rates.
Our findings propose a paradigm of the dominant controls on coarse decomposition, with mycorrhizal association and phylogeny acting as critical roles on coarse root decomposition, necessitating their explicit consideration in Earth‐system models and ultimately improving confidence in projected carbon cycle–climate feedbacks.
The soil application of a plant‐derived protein hydrolysate speeds up selectively the ripening‐specific processes in table grape
Authors: Peli Marika , Ambrosini Stefano , Sorio Daniela , Pasquarelli Fabrizia , Zamboni Anita , Varanini Zeno 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPlant‐derived biostimulants have gained attention in agricultural practices for their potential to enhance crop quality and resilience. In this study, we investigated the effects of applying a maize gluten‐derived protein hydrolysate at the soil level in vineyards on berry quality in a table grape variety, the Black Magic early table grapevine, during veraison. Our results demonstrate significant improvements in various parameters 14 days after application, including increased anthocyanin levels, enhanced sugar accumulation, and larger berry diameter while maintaining berry firmness. Transcriptomic analysis revealed mechanisms underlying these effects, highlighting the biostimulant's ability to expedite ripening processes while selectively modulating genes associated with cell wall metabolism, thus explaining the observed preservation of berry firmness. Furthermore, the treatment with a gluten‐derived protein hydrolysate enhanced the grapevine's resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses, and several related genes were affected. This study sheds light on the potential of plant‐derived biostimulants in grapevine cultivation, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate their mechanisms and optimize agricultural practices.
Differences in drought avoidance rather than differences in the fast versus slow growth spectrum explain distributions of two Asclepias species
Authors: Matzner Steven L. , Konz Emily R. , Marts Samantha A. , Eversman Haley M. , Kasuske Kyla M. , Atkins Trinity L. , Acharya Sneha , Matuck Lara C. , Derynck Lillian M. , Kreutzmann Sydney , Selberg Avery G. , Glisar Kelli M. , Capers Sydney A. , Lind Victoria L. , Olimb Sarah , Olson‐Manning Carrie F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUnderstanding factors that determine a species' geographical range is crucial for predicting climate‐induced range shifts. Two milkweed species, Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias speciosa, have overlapping ranges along a moisture gradient in North America and are primary food sources for endangered monarch caterpillars. With decreasing moisture, long‐lived species often exhibit slower growth and greater drought tolerance, while many annual species exhibit faster growth strategies. Using this fast‐slow framework, we assessed whether traits of these two sister species differ along a fast‐slow growth continuum and could explain their distributions. We measured leaf and root functional traits in common gardens and greenhouse experiments. In key measures indicative of drought tolerance (e.g., growth, transpiration, and water potentials), the species were nearly identical. Contrary to expectations, A. speciosa did not exhibit greater drought tolerance, raising the question of how it survives in the more arid west. A reciprocal transplant study showed selection against A. syriaca in the western garden and that A. speciosa was better able to avoid seedling mortality. Focusing on seedling establishment, we found that A. speciosa exhibited faster deep‐root development and a narrow leaf phenotype associated with slower wilting and delayed drought‐induced mortality. Rather than differences on the fast‐slow growth spectrum, our results indicate that A. speciosa avoids drought through faster deep‐root growth and a slower wilting phenotype. Our study suggests that A. syriaca's range is limited by its drought tolerance, while A. speciosa employs a number of drought avoidance strategies to survive in more arid environments.
The Bias of Chinese Agricultural Enterprises’ Export: Profit Margin or Productivity?
Authors: Fan Qinqin , Wang Liming , Jia Wei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTChina's agricultural export has increased rapidly, but the export advantage has weakened. Agricultural enterprises (AEs) play a major role in China's agricultural export. Is there a bias in the export of AEs for improving either profit margin or productivity? The paper applies the panel data of Chinese AEs from 2014 to 2019 and uses the generalized method of moments and fixed effects (FE) model to test the impact of AEs’ export on profit margin and productivity. The results show that the productivity of Chinese agricultural export enterprises (AEEs) is significantly lower than that of agricultural non‐export enterprises (ANEs). The goal of AEs’ export is to increase profit margin rather than productivity; exports increase the profit margins of AEs, especially with a greater impact on the profit margin of low‐productivity AEs. The export scale has a higher impact on the profit margin of non‐continuous AEEs than that of continuous AEEs. However, the expansion of the export scale of AEs actually reduces their productivity. This study uses multiple methods to verify the robustness of the research conclusions.
How to … Build a Peer Reviewer Community in Health Professions Education
Authors: Lim Jun Jie , Cheetham Laura , Graham Christopher J. , Dunsmore Agata Anna , Barrett Aileen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPeer review is the cornerstone of academic publishing that upholds the quality and integrity of scholarly work. However, there is an ever‐growing struggle to recruit peer reviewers, termed the ‘peer review crisis’, driven by a shrinking academic workforce and increased workload. Additionally, there is a notable lack of standardised training for peer reviewers which poses a challenge in maintaining high‐quality reviews. In this ‘How to …’ paper, we demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of establishing a community of practice (CoP) aimed at fostering professional development among multiprofessional early‐career scholars in health professions education. A CoP is structured around three core components: domain, community and practice. This community's domain focuses on recruiting scholars with a shared interest in health professions education, research and peer review. The community's component promotes inclusive and regular interactions through synchronous meetings and asynchronous communication, encouraging engagement, mutual learning and collaboration among diverse participants. Practice is cultivated through peer‐led teaching sessions and the use of digital platforms, enabling participants to build peer review competencies collaboratively. Based on our experience as participants in the Association for the Studies of Medical Education (ASME) and The Clinical Teacher (TCT) awarded programme of professional development in educational research and peer review, we propose that this model may help other institutional health professions education groups and journals adopt similar practices. Providing early‐career scholars with opportunities to develop academic skills will not only help create a sustainable, high‐quality pool of peer reviewers but also cultivate a more inclusive and skilled scholarly community.