bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the dysregulation of genes associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in gastric cancer and their influence on immunity and prognosis
Authors: Li Yan , Zeng Zhaolin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors globally, characterized by a high mortality rate. The disruption of glucose and lipid metabolism plays a critical role in the occurrence and progression of GC. By integrating single‐cell and bulk RNA sequencing data, we identified 135 marker genes associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in GC. Building on this, we conducted prognosis and immune‐related analyses, followed by cluster analysis that depicted various molecular subtypes, elucidating their distinct molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies. This includes examining how genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism influence GC prognosis through immune pathways. Additionally, we established a clinical prognostic model characterized by THRAP3, KLF5, and ABCA1. Notably, the core target gene ABCA1 may serve as a prognostic and immunotherapy biomarker for GC.
Cannabis Use and Age‐Related Changes in Cognitive Function From Early Adulthood to Late Midlife in 5162 Danish Men
Authors: Høeg Kirstine Maarup , Frodegaard Rasmus Ljungbeck , Grønkjær Marie , Osler Merete , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Flensborg‐Madsen Trine , Okholm Gunhild Tidemann 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionCannabis is by far the most widely used and abused drug listed on the Drug Enforcement Administration's Schedule I, which includes drugs with a high potential for abuse. There is evidence of short‐term negative effects of cannabis use on cognition, but only a limited number of studies have explored the association between cannabis use and age‐related cognitive decline. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and age‐related cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife.MethodsThe study population consisted of 5162 men who had participated in Danish follow‐up studies on cognitive aging. These studies included scores on the military intelligence test Børge Prien's Prøve from both the conscription assessment (mean age = 20 years; p1 and p99: 18 and 26 years) and from the follow‐up (mean age = 64 years; p1 and p99: 55 and 72 years) as well as extensive data on lifestyle and health from the follow‐up questionnaires. The association between cannabis use and age‐related cognitive decline was investigated in linear regression models.ResultsMen with a history of cannabis use had less cognitive decline from early adulthood to late midlife compared to men without a history of cannabis use. Among cannabis users, neither age of initiation of cannabis use nor frequent use was significantly associated with a greater age‐related cognitive decline.Discussion and ConclusionsIn a sample of more than 5000 men followed for a mean of 44 years, we found no significant harmful effects of cannabis use on age‐related cognitive decline.
Green credit policy, technological innovation, and corporate financial performance: Evidence from the energy industry
Authors: Dogah Kingsley E. , Wesseh Presley K. , Adomako Samuel 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDespite extensive research on the impact of green policies on firm growth and performance, there has been little effort dedicated to understanding the effect of green credit policies on firms.In this article, we fill this gap by investigating the effect of green credit policy on financial performance. Additionally, we examine the moderating role of technological innovation in this relationship. Using data from listed companies in the energy sector, our findings reveal that green credit policies negatively affect financial performance. However, this negative impact is ameliorated at a high level of technological innovation (e.g., high‐technology and green patents). Specifically, the mechanism analysis reveals enterprises with high‐tech invention patents convey positive prospects to investors, whereas green patents signal firms' green innovation capabilities, thereby attracting external financing. Moreover, our findings revealed that environmental performance attenuates the negative effect of green credit policy on financial performance.Our heterogeneity analysis reveals that invention patents significantly benefit the financial performance of state‐owned and large enterprises in the traditional energy sector, whereas green patents have a positive effect in the new energy sector, predominantly for non‐state‐owned and smaller companies. These findings offer both theoretical and policy implications for sustainability research and practice.
Sustainability orientation and post‐entry performance: The role of brand and market‐oriented capabilities
Authors: Frimpong Kwabena , Adomako Samuel , Nguyen Nguyen Phong , AI‐Shuridah Obaid 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe adoption of sustainability orientation (SO) by international new ventures (INVs) has been generally noted to positively influence their post‐entry performance. However, knowledge is lacking on organizational mechanisms and firm capabilities which combine with SO to help firms achieve improved post‐entry performance. Consequently, we adopted the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) to explore how international brand orientation (IBO) mediates this relationship. In addition, we shed light on when the relationship is more pronounced by examining how firms' dynamic capability, relating to levels of market orientation (MO), enhances or attenuates this linkage. Using time‐lagged data from 288 INVs operating in Ghana, the results reveal that the positive effect of SO on post‐entry performance is mediated by IBO. Additionally, the effect of IBO on post‐entry performance is amplified when a firm's MO is high. Thus, we show that INVs from developing markets are more likely to maximize the positive effects of pro‐environmental strategies on their global market performance if these are complemented by effective brand management and elevated market‐oriented capabilities.
Exploration of a virtual reality exercise to help train police with responding to mental health crises in the community
Authors: Dario Lisa M. , Saginor Jesse D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundA substantial number of police–citizen interactions involve a civilian presenting in a mental health crisis, often with law enforcement as the first point of contact. Traditional training methods offer minimal opportunity for police to practice navigating such civilian interactions or to develop and strengthen relevant skills. Virtual reality (VR) offers a promising avenue for addressing this gap by immersing police officers in realistic, controlled environments that could help them to acclimatise to these encounters and understand their own reactions to them.AimsTo examine the extent to which law enforcement officers become immersed in a virtual training environment (VTE), to assess their empathy and sympathy towards a non‐player character (NPC) presenting with schizophrenic psychosis and how empathy and sympathy relate to virtual immersion.MethodsForty police officers—about a fifth of the department approached—participated in a VR mental health training scenario. Officers' immersion in the VTE was assessed using a 28‐item Presence Questionnaire and their empathy and sympathy were measured using adapted standard scales. The study employed Fisher's Exact Test and Spearman's correlation to analyse the relationships between immersion, empathy and sympathy.ResultsMost officers experienced good levels of immersion, although nearly half felt confused or disoriented at the beginning of the session. Officers reported moderate levels of sympathy and higher empathy towards a non‐player character. Significant correlations were found between specific aspects of immersion (e.g. sensory engagement) and empathy. Fisher's Exact Test revealed strong associations between physical interactions in the VTE and empathy/sympathy.ConclusionsOur findings show that police are willing and able to engage in a VR exercise to learn about their response to people in a mental health crisis and that, in such circumstances, they can be both sympathetic and empathic. Next steps will be exploration of the value of such a tool to enhance real‐life responding.
Comparative analysis of different carrier agents on functional, structural, and thermal properties of spray‐dried probiotic Lactobacillus casei powder
Authors: Sharma Poorva , Nickerson Michael T. , Korber Darren R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incorporation of different plant‐based polysaccharides (pectin, maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA)) with pea protein isolate (PPI) to obtain maximum encapsulation efficiency (EE), gastrointestinal (GI) stability and yield of probiotic Lactobacillus casei through spray drying. Several characteristics of encapsulated vegan probiotic powders were evaluated including functional, structural, and thermal characteristics.FindingsThe results showed that the highest EE (93.9%) and in vitro GI stability (8.58 log CFU/mL) was obtained with the powder encapsulated with PPI + GA. Variation in particle size was observed for all the samples. Confocal laser micrographs and vital staining revealed the highest viability of probiotic L. casei cells that were obtained with those encapsulated in PPI + GA. Thermal properties showed that the incorporation of GA increased the glass transition temperature up to 189.2°C, which represented a higher thermal stability of the powder.ConclusionsPPI + GA coated powder was found with acceptable powder characteristics and maximum probiotic survivability.Significance and NoveltyIn this study, spray drying was used to encapsulate the probiotic bacteria which is a convenient and effective process for industrial applications. Characterization of the spray‐dried encapsulated probiotic powder has been done, which helps to understand the behavior of powder in terms of solubility, flowability, thermal stability, and probiotic viability. PPI was used as carrier material, which bridges the gap between already available spray‐dried products containing MD as carrier material, which could spike blood sugar levels if consumed over an extended period of time. As per the results, target product applications could include sports bars, cereals, and baking where dispersibility is not imperative.
A case report of an oral hemangioma with unusual features
Authors: Salari Samaneh , Mohtasham Nooshin , Imanimoghaddam Mahrokh , Amirchaghmaghi Maryam , Fayyazi Mahsa 
Published: November 2024

Key Clinical MessageA 26‐year‐old patient with swelling on the lingual surface of the mandible in the incisors area was referred to the Faculty of Dentistry at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. After conducting clinical, radiographic, and pathological examinations, the patient was diagnosed with capillary hemangioma. This study explores the clinical manifestation and unusual behavior of intraoral hemangioma.AbstractHemangioma is a tumor that occurs due to the proliferation of endothelial cells in 4%–5% of infants and affects the head and neck region in almost 70% of cases. The tumor in the mouth can appear as a soft, smooth, or lobulated mass with or without a base and varying in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. This article reports a case of hemangioma with unusual clinical features in a 26‐year‐old male patient.
Odorant Binding Proteins Facilitate the Gas‐Phase Uptake of Odorants Through the Nasal Mucus
Authors: Paesani Massimiliano , Goetzee Arthur G. , Abeln Sanne , Mouhib Halima 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMammalian odorant binding proteins (OBPs) have long been suggested to transport hydrophobic odorant molecules through the aqueous environment of the nasal mucus. While the function of OBPs as odorant transporters is supported by their hydrophobic beta‐barrel structure, no rationale has been provided on why and how these proteins facilitate the uptake of odorants from the gas phase. Here, a multi‐scale computational approach validated through available high‐resolution spectroscopy experiments reveals that the conformational space explored by carvone inside the binding cavity of porcine OBP (pOBP) is much closer to the gas than the aqueous phase, and that pOBP effectively manages to transport odorants by lowering the free energy barrier of odorant uptake. Understanding such perireceptor events is crucial to fully unravel the molecular processes underlying the olfactory sense and move towards the development of protein‐based biomimetic sensor units that can serve as artificial noses.
Mechano‐Responsive Fluorescent Gel based on Tetraphenylethylene‐Crosslinked Dynamic Covalent Network
Authors: Xie Xiaohe , Bai Weiwei , Wang Nanqiao , Qiu Ziyan , Song Xianxiao , Gao Yuhao , Li Botian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe rapid development of mechano‐responsive fluorescence has been driven by its promising applications in the fields of sensors, information encryption, and anti‐counterfeiting. However, designing mechanophores that can exhibit fluorescence changes under relatively low force remains challenging. In this study, a mechano‐responsive fluorescent gel was developed using a tetraphenylethylene derivative as a cross‐linker, producing a dynamic covalent network that exhibits increased fluorescence under tensile stress. Based on controlled experimental studies and molecular modeling calculations, the fluorescence enhancement by external forces was attributed to the restriction of intramolecular motion in tetraphenylethylene by macromolecular chain orientation. In time‐dependent experiments, due to the exchange of dynamic covalent bonds, the stress relaxation and the decrease in fluorescence intensity of the gel at fixed strain occurred simultaneously, demonstrating the potential of this fluorescence as an indication of internal stress through aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) type mechanophore.
Resolution and Absolute Configuration of Fargesin Enantiomers
Authors: Mestriner Eloá R. , Lee Eric Y. , Cunha Camila L. , Sousa Victor M. S. , Nascimento Isabele R. , Batista João M. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTFargesin is an important bioactive furofuran lignan isolated from different plant species. Despite presenting potent biological activities, its stereochemical characterization has relied mostly on empirical correlations of optical rotation, an approach considered risky that commonly leads to misassignments and error propagation. Additionally, the enantiomeric purity of fargesin isolates used for biological assays has not been previously investigated. Herein, we report the enantioresolution of a scalemic mixture of fargesin isolated from Aristolochia warmingii along with the first unambiguous determination of the absolute configuration of each enantiomer by means of optical rotatory dispersion, as well as electronic and vibrational circular dichroism aided by quantum‐chemical calculations.
Computational approach for copolymerization of lactide with lactone (5HDON) inimer
Authors: Paul Geetu P , Nagajyothi Virivinti , Mitra Kishalay 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPolylactide, a biodegradable polymer, has garnered significant attention due to its environmental sustainability and application versatility. The present study introduces a comprehensive mathematical model for the sustainable production of branched polylactide through ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L‐lactide with 5HDON (5‐hydroxymethyl‐1,4‐dioxane‐2‐on), using Sn(Oct)2. The model incorporates a derived reaction mechanism, mass and population balance equations, and the method of moments to predict average molecular properties. Kinetic parameters are estimated through optimization techniques such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), simulated annealing (SA), and genetic algorithm (GA). The model effectively predicts the behaviour of different lactide/5HDON ratios (PLLH80, PLLH94, PLLH97, and PLLH99), revealing a positive correlation between monomer concentration and average molecular weight and an inverse correlation with degree of branching. Notably, PLLH80 exhibits superior branching compared to PLLH99, demonstrating the potential for tailoring polymer properties via controlled lactide/5HDON ratios. Moreover, this work offers a robust tool for optimizing copolymer synthesis for diverse industrial applications.
Adaptive integration of history variables in constrained mixture models for organ‐scale growth and remodeling
Authors: Gebauer Amadeus M. , Pfaller Martin R. , Szafron Jason M. , Wall Wolfgang A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the last decades, many computational models have been developed to predict soft tissue growth and remodeling (G&R). The constrained mixture theory describes fundamental mechanobiological processes in soft tissue G&R and has been widely adopted in cardiovascular models of G&R. However, even after two decades of work, large organ‐scale models are rare, mainly due to high computational costs (model evaluation and memory consumption), especially in long‐range simulations. We propose two strategies to adaptively integrate history variables in constrained mixture models to enable large organ‐scale simulations of G&R. Both strategies exploit that the influence of deposited tissue on the current mixture decreases over time through degradation. One strategy is independent of external loading, allowing the estimation of the computational resources ahead of the simulation. The other adapts the history snapshots based on the local mechanobiological environment so that the additional integration errors can be controlled and kept negligibly small, even in G&R scenarios with severe perturbations. We analyze the adaptively integrated constrained mixture model on a tissue patch for a parameter study and show the performance under different G&R scenarios. To confirm that adaptive strategies enable large organ‐scale examples, we show simulations of different hypertension conditions with a real‐world example of a biventricular heart discretized with a finite element mesh. In our example, adaptive integrations sped up simulations by a factor of three and reduced memory requirements to one‐sixth. The reduction of the computational costs gets even more pronounced for simulations over longer periods. Adaptive integration of the history variables allows studying more finely resolved models and longer G&R periods while computational costs are drastically reduced and largely constant in time.
VZV Prophylaxis After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children: When to Stop?
Authors: de Berranger Eva , Derache Anne‐Flore , Ramdane Nassima , Labreuche Julien , Navarin Pauline , Gonzales Fanny , Abou‐Chahla Wadih , Nelken Brigitte , Bruno Bénédicte 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAcyclovir treatment is an efficient prophylaxis to prevent varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) reactivation after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).AimsThis single center retrospective study tried to determine if the lymphocytes immunophenotyping could help to determine the duration of prophylaxis, and evaluated complications, and associated risk factors for VZV infection.Methods and ResultsEighty‐four children underwent an allogeneic HSCT, in which 77 received an acyclovir prophylaxis. Twenty‐one of the 77 had a VZV infection with an incidence rate of 1.30 per 100 patients‐months (exact 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.01). Among these 21 patients with VZV infection, 16 had an infection after withdrawing acyclovir prophylaxis within a median of 49 days (range, 11 days–5.8 months). Thirty‐five percent of the VZV infected patients were hospitalized, 9% had a visceral dissemination, and 9% had postherpetic neuralgia. In multivariate analysis, higher VZV infection rate was associated with conditioning regimen with total body irradiation, immunoglobulin substitution, and antithymocyte globulin. The incidence of VZV infection increased significantly when patients had a CD4+ lymphocytes count below 23% (cHR 3.28 [95% CI, 1.09–9.81]; p = 0.03) or a CD4+/CD8+ ratio less than 0.9 (cHR 3.13 [95% CI, 1.04–9.36]; p = 0.04) at the time of stopping acyclovir prophylaxis.ConclusionAfter cessation of acyclovir prophylaxis, VZV reactivation can occur and be responsible for morbidity after allogeneic HSCT. This study suggests that the proportion of CD4+ lymphocytes and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio can inform decisions about the duration of acyclovir prophylaxis after allogeneic HSCT to prevent VZV reactivation.
Lewis Acid Sites in Hollow Cobalt Phytate Micropolyhedra Promote the Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Qi Jing , Chen Qizhen , Gao Ying , Zhao Yajing , Gao Shengbo , Shangguan Enbo , Chen Mingxing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe acid‐base microenvironment of the metal center is crucial for constructing advanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. However, the correlation between acidic site and OER performance remains unclear for cobalt‐based catalysts. Herein, Lewis acid sites in hollow cobalt phytate micropolyhedra (M–CoPA, M = Cu, Sr) were synthesized by a cation‐exchange strategy, and their OER performances were studied systematically. Experimentally, Lewis acid Cu2+ sites with stronger Lewis acidity exhibited superior intrinsic activity and long‐term stability in alkaline electrolytes. The spectroscopic and electrochemical studies show Lewis acid sites in hollow cobalt phytate micropolyhedra can modulate the electronic distribution of the adjacent cobalt center and further optimize the adsorption strength of oxygenated species. This study figures out the effect of Lewis acid sites on the OER kinetics and provides an effective way to develop high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for energy conversion systems.
Early‐ and Late‐Stage Auditory Processing of Speech Versus Non‐Speech Sounds in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An ERP and Oscillatory Activity Study
Authors: Edgar Elizabeth V. , McGuire Kjersti , Pelphrey Kevin A. , Ventola Pamela , van Noordt Stefon , Crowley Michael J. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIndividuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit greater sensitivity to non‐speech sounds, reduced sensitivity to speech, and increased variability in cortical activity during auditory speech processing. We assessed differences in cortical responses and variability in early and later processing stages of auditory speech versus non‐speech sounds in typically developing (TD) children and children with ASD. Twenty‐eight 4‐ to 9‐year‐old children (14 ASDs) listened to speech and non‐speech sounds during an electroencephalography session. We measured peak amplitudes for early (P2) and later (P3a) stages of auditory processing and inter‐trial theta phase coherence as a marker of cortical variability. TD children were more sensitive to speech sounds during early and later processing stages than ASD children, reflected in larger P2 and P3a amplitudes. Individually, twice as many TD children showed reliable differentiation between speech and non‐speech sounds compared to children with ASD. Children with ASD showed greater intra‐individual variability in theta responses to speech sounds during early and later processing stages. Children with ASD show atypical auditory processing of fundamental speech sounds, perhaps due to reduced and more variable cortical activation. These atypicalities in the consistency of cortical responses to fundamental speech features may impact the development of cortical networks and have downstream effects on more complex forms of language processing.