bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Cardioprotective Effect of Ischemic Postconditioning is Mediated by Inhibiting RAP2C-MAP4K4 Pathway
Authors: Yan Peng , Yu Zaixin , Hu Zhiqiang , Li Sheng , Juaiti Muka Mengjiang , Zhang Min 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundIschemic postconditioning (PostC) serves as a vital defense for cardiomyocytes against the deleterious effects of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the beneficial effects could be further enhanced through pharmacological strategies. Our prior research demonstrated upregulated expression of the GTP-binding protein RAP2C in H9C2 cells post hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R). The cardioprotective effects of RAP2C and underlying mechanisms are unclear. We therefore explored the role of RAP2C in PostC-induced cardioprotection against I/R injury.MethodsOpen-chest rat I/R and primary cultured cardiomyocytes H/R models were used. RAP2C and MAP4K4 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The BioGRID and STRING databases were tapped to predict the RAP2C-MAP4K4 binding, which was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence.ResultsResults indicated that I/R and H/R upregulated the protein levels of RAP2C, MAP4K4, phospho-JNK, phospho-P38, and phospho-ERK, concomitant with increased apoptosis. PostC mitigated these effects. The pro-apoptotic impacts and the activation of the MAPK pathway induced by H/R were attenuated by RAP2C knockdown and intensified by RAP2C overexpression. H/R increased the interaction between RAP2C and MAP4K4, and PostC attenuated this effect. MAP4K4 knockdown reduced the pro-apoptotic and MAPK-activating effects induced by both RAP2C overexpression and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that PostC reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis via modulating RAP2C/MAP4K4 pathways, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
Subdynamics in a many-body system of quantum particles
Authors: Los Victor F. 
Published: December 2024

For a system of N≫1 spinless quantum particles, the projection operator is introduced, which, surprisingly, exactly transforms the inhomogeneous (with irrelevant initial correlations term) Nakajima-Zwanzig generalized master equation (GME) into completely closed (homogeneous) GME with initial correlations included into the kernel governing its evolution. The obtained equation is equivalent to the closed linear evolution equation for an S-particle (S<N) statistical operator, which holds for any initial condition and all timescales. Thus, the introduced projector implements the idea of the subdynamics in the subspace of S-particle complex. It also allows for precise treatment of the initial correlations on an equal footing with collisions. No “molecular chaos” -type approximation is used. The obtained homogeneous equation is further specialized in the linear approximation in the particles density n for the kernel and considered in detail for the one-particle statistical operator. The influence of both the quantum correlations, caused by the particles' statistics, and initial correlations, related to the interparticle interaction, is considered in detail and at different timescales. Connection of the linear equation for a one-particle statistical operator to the nonlinear quantum Boltzmann equation is shown.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The impacts of convergence policies on macroeconomic stability in the West African monetary zone
Authors: Abdul Rahman Yahuza , Osei-Fosu Anthony Kofi , Sakyi Daniel 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis paper examines the effectiveness of the joint impact of convergence policy measures on macroeconomic stability conditions in the West African monetary zone (WAMZ) countries, using an annual panel data from 1990 to 2021.Design/methodology/approachIt uses the dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to exploit the short and long run dynamics macro stability. A composite convergence index was constructed and its impact was examined on three different macroeconomic stability measures representing: internal stability, external stability and overall stability.FindingsFindings from the study suggest that a unit deviation of the convergence policy index from its mean, in the short run, leads to worsening external and overall macroeconomic stability conditions in the zone, but it leads to improvement in the internal macroeconomic stability conditions. However, in the long run, the opposite occurs, a unit deviation of the convergence policy index from its mean, it leads to improvement in both external and overall macroeconomic stability situations and deterioration in internal macroeconomic stability situation.Practical implicationsIt is concluded that the convergence policy criteria are effective only in the long run and therefore these policies alone cannot be used to achieve short run macroeconomic stability within the zone. Thus, policymakers should have a second look at how fiscal and monetary policies are conducted and also work to address structural challenges.Originality/valueThe paper examines the effectiveness of the joint impact of convergence policy measures on macroeconomic stability conditions in the WAMZ countries.
Sustainability in Brazilian companies within ISE B3: an analysis based on multicriteria decision-making technique
Authors: Fernandes Yasmin Shawani , Ferrarese Pegino Paulo Marcelo , Contani Eduardo Augusto do Rosário , Fidelis Reginaldo 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study proposes a method for analyzing the sustainability of companies according to the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE B3) while considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions.Design/methodology/approachAs a quantitative and descriptive work, our study is based on analyses of responses to ISE B3 questionnaires. We consider 12 scenarios involving the allocation of different weights to important ESG dimensions and use the TOPSIS multicriteria decision-making method to evaluate companies in Brazil.FindingsThe results provide empirical evidence on the importance of balanced approach among the ESG dimensions and reflect the need for regulations and incentives to promote balanced ESG practices. We also identify companies with consistently good sustainability practices, such as Natura, those that deliver poor performance, such as Iochpe-Maxion S.A. and Azul S.A.Research limitations/implicationsWe contribute to the literature by integrating a multicriteria methodology into the assessment of corporate sustainability, demonstrating the effectiveness of TOPSIS in different scenarios. We emphasize the importance of balancing the ESG dimensions, and in doing so provide novel perspectives in research.Practical implicationsOur findings offer a practical framework for managers to evaluate and refine their ESG strategies by using benchmarks from industry leaders. Policymakers can use them to formulate regulations and incentives that promote balanced ESG practices.Originality/valueOur work clarifies the application of TOPSIS to several ESG-based scenarios and presents a comprehensive strategy for evaluating corporate sustainability. Our model can be reproduced and customized in diverse settings and contributes to the literature on corporate sustainability.
Process reengineering and public value creation: using process mining in courts
Authors: Racis Serena , Spano Alessandro , Latti Giorgio 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aims to apply Process Mining (PM) techniques to identify the critical elements that primarily affect the trials’ duration and suggest the best practices to enable their more efficient execution, reduce their duration and, consequently, create public value, through a case study conducted in an Italian Civil Court.Design/methodology/approachThrough PM analyses and in-depth discussions with the court staff, we analysed the trials with the longest duration and those belonging to a specific subject matter to identify peculiar features and inefficiencies that prolong the trials’ duration.FindingsOur results highlight how innovative tools like PM can revolutionise the judicial system by providing judges with objective trials data that can support and facilitate the entire trials’ definition. However, many issues, especially related to the little spread data culture and process-oriented approach in courts, are highly present, leading to data inconsistencies and subsequent difficulties in trials’ analysis and interpretation.Originality/valueLittle research has devoted attention to the PM potential to enhance the judiciary. Our study contributes to this strand, yet adopting a different approach: it investigates the trials’ excessive length by focusing on bottlenecks and inefficient activities that slow down trials and identifies activities’ thresholds to monitor the trials’ execution and limit delays.
Transport sustainability – a bibliometric, systematic methodological review and future research opportunities
Authors: Tetteh Francis Kamewor , Owusu Kwateng Kwame , Mensah John 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Over the past decade, achieving sustainability in the transport sector has become a significant concern for governments and stakeholders. In this context, this study aims to comprehensively analyse the existing literature to document contributions and methodological deficiencies and pave the way for future research.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors used thematic, bibliometric and methodological systematic reviews of 39 articles across 30 sources from 112 authors between 2005 and 2023.

Findings
Using the Biblioshiny, the bibliometric analysis unveils the top prolific authors, contributing sources, most productive countries, top-cited papers and evolving keywords in advancing transport sustainability literature streams. The analyses revealed two strands of literature (those from the composite perspective and the triple-bottom-line perspective). The authors further consolidated indicators to measure the three pillars of transport sustainability comprehensively.

Originality/value
This paper uses a holistic approach to provide a state-of-the-art understanding of transport sustainability useful for the net zero or sustainable transport agenda. This paper is among the few attempts to consolidate indicators to measure transport sustainability from the triple bottom line perspective, whilst also offering exciting directions for future studies and inspiring hope for a more sustainable transport sector.
Researching Together: Researchers With and Without Disabilities Engage Across National and Interdisciplinary Boundaries
Authors: Mannion Jess , Vincent Lori B. , Kroeger Stephen D. , Blee Tricia , Daly Oisin , Gallagher Rhena , Higgins Bryan , McHugh Mairead , Wolfer Kerri , Hayes Brittany E. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe Relationships and Sexuality Research Team consists of researchers with learning disabilities who specialise in research on sexual citizenship and use visual and creative research methods. They are collaborating with academics on an innovative, cross‐national, interdisciplinary and co‐produced research project that brings together research teams from Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, we gauged how effective this way of working was for use with an international research team.MethodsEach of the 10 researchers participated in an interview using graphic narrative to co‐create their story in comic form, uncover the origin stories and motivating elements of our mutual involvement and identify, in a formative way, conditions of equitable participation. Two focus groups followed this to explore perceptions and experiences of this project, one with the researchers with learning disabilities and one with the non‐disabled academics and practitioner‐researchers.ResultsMany benefits were identified. This approach fosters learning new perspectives and innovative research methods, leading to meaningful and equitable research outcomes. However, we identified various barriers relating to power and communication due to professional jargon, cultural terminology, speech and articulation differences, accents and online communication. This led us to devise several strategies to implement to work towards more inclusive research.ConclusionFor research teams with diverse teams, there needs to be the opportunity to build trust and find common ground. Reflecting on the process and making changes early on is crucial, as well as focusing on inclusion and equity rather than agendas.
Design and Development of Novel Hybrids Based on Pyrrolo[2,1‐f][1,2,4]Triazine and 1‐(Methylpiperidin‐4‐yl) Aniline–Based Analogs: Exploring the Utility as Anticancer Agents via MERTK Inhibition
Authors: Sathe Balaji Dashrath , Jaiswal Shivani , Kumar Devendra , Singh Thakur Gurjeet , Nainwal Nidhi , Rawat Pramod , Yadav Savita , Kumar Bhupinder , Dwivedi Ashish Ranjan , Rathod S. V. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMer‐tyrosine kinase (MERTK), a member of the AXL, TYRO3, and MERTK (TAM) family, is one of the promising targets for cancer treatment. It plays a key role in cancer cell survival and proliferation and regulates immune responses in cancer. The study aimed to rationally design and develop molecules considering the pharmacophoric requirements of MERTK using a multi‐synthetic approach followed by the hybridization of individual pharmacophores. A hybrid drug design approach was employed by hybridization of pyrrolo[2,1‐f][1,2,4]triazine and 1‐(methylpiperidin‐4‐yl)aniline pharmacophoric systems to develop novel leads (1K1–1K5). The molecules were synthesized via a multi‐step synthetic approach. The synthesized molecules were assessed for their pharmacological potential via cell viability, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), and MERTK inhibition studies corroborated by in silico studies. IK5 was found to have an IC50 value of 0.36 μM towards A549, followed by 0.42 μM and 0.80 μM against MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, respectively. Further, the molecules were also analyzed for their microsomal stability and were found to be stable with better intrinsic clearance profiles. The molecules thus pave a strategy for developing novel MERTK inhibitors and their advance in vitro and in vivo assessment in the future.
TRIM16 and PRC1 Are Involved in Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Targeted by Delphinidin
Authors: Wang Donghua , Lv Long , Du Jinghu , Tian Kui , Chen Yu , Chen Manyu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPancreatic cancer (PC) is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide, and new biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and candidate drugs are needed. In this work, three PC‐related microarray datasets (GSE183795, GSE28735, and GSE62452) were analyzed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PC were obtained with the limma package in R. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning approaches were used to screen the hub genes. Kaplan–Meier plotter and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were utilized to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the hub genes. The binding ability between natural bioactive ingredients and hub proteins was evaluated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. CCK‐8, flow cytometry, transwell, and western blot assays were used to analyze the viability, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, invasion, and pathway change of PC cells. Additionally, a nude mice model was used to evaluate the aggressive properties of PC cells in vivo. In this study, a total of 988 DEGs were identified, which were mainly enriched in cell adhesion and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and two core genes TRIM16 and PRC1 were further identified. The overall survival of patients with high expression of TRIM16 and PRC1 was shorter. Delphinidin (Del) had good binding affinity with both TRIM16 and PRC1, and Del could inhibit the viability, invasion, and metastasis of PC cells and induce cell apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest. In addition, Del could promote the activation of p53 and inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in PC cells. In summary, TRIM16 and PRC1 are identified as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PC, and Del has good binding affinity with them and may be a potential therapeutic agent for PC.
Efficacy of a 3‐Month Oral Function Management Protocol Incorporating Provision of Dietary Advice for Older Outpatients: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Hori Ayaka , Ohta Midori , Horibe Yasuhiro , Ryu Masahiro , Ueda Takayuki 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the effects of an oral hypofunction management protocol incorporating oral function training and provision of dietary advice for 3 months on the nutritional status and oral function of older patients diagnosed with oral hypofunction.BackgroundOral hypofunction is associated with poor nutritional status, emphasising the need for management protocols incorporating provision of nutritional guidance and dietary advice. However, the efficacy of such protocols remains unclear.Materials and MethodsThis quasi‐randomised controlled clinical trial included 80 patients (age ≥ 65 years) diagnosed with oral hypofunction who were divided into two groups (intervention and control). The intervention group was provided with dietary advice and instructed to perform daily oral function training. The patients' nutritional status and oral function were evaluated every 1.5 months. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were made.ResultsThe intervention group exhibited a significant increase in the mean Mini Nutritional Assessment score over the study period (baseline: 25.4 ± 3.2; after 3 months: 26.3 ± 3.0), whereas no significant difference was observed in the control group (baseline: 26.4 ± 2.4; after 3 months: 26.4 ± 2.7). The mean number of symptoms of poor oral function was 4.0 ± 1.0 and 3.9 ± 0.9 at baseline and 2.8 ± 1.3 and 3.0 ± 1.3 after 3 months in the intervention and control groups, respectively, with a significant difference within the groups.ConclusionManagement protocols incorporating provision of nutritional advice effectively improved the oral function and nutritional status of older patients with oral hypofunction.
Integrative Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis in Acute Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Kwak Donghee , Kang Junho , Yu Yeuni , Lee Hansong , Kim Yeongjoo , Kwon Eun Jung , Lim Dong Min , Mun Seongik , Kim Hyo Min , Lee Hae Seul , Kim Yun Hak , Yeo Hye Ju , Cho Woo Hyun 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAcute Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP) represents a severe form of diffuse lung injury within the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia spectrum. Given the limited understanding of its molecular basis, this study aims to elucidate AIP's genomic and transcriptomic profiles to uncover its pathophysiological underpinnings and identify potential therapeutic targets. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data from lung tissues of 15 AIP patients. This included assessing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and identifying mutations in exonic coding variants, as well as analysing expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) profiles to link non‐coding SNP genotypes with gene expression levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant upregulation of genes linked to the Type I interferon receptor and keratin filament, and a downregulation of genes related to focal adhesion and endothelial integrity, compared to healthy individuals. These patterns were distinct from those observed in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non‐IPF interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Genomic analysis highlighted mutations in genes associated with keratin and the extracellular matrix. Additionally, eQTL profiling provided insights into the genetic regulation of gene expression in AIP. Our findings reveals AIP's unique molecular landscape, differentiating it from other ILDs and laying the groundwork for future diagnostic and therapeutic research.
Hypoglycemic Agents Increase Regulatory Factor X1 to Inhibit Cancer Cell Behaviour in Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Shan Weiran , Zuo Kendrick , Zuo Zhiyi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTGlioblastoma multiforme is a deadly brain tumour in humans. We have shown that regulatory factor X1 (RFX1), a transcription factor, inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human glioblastoma cells. This study was designed to identify the existing medications that could increase RFX1 in human glioblastoma cells and to determine whether these medications could inhibit the cancer cell behaviours. A bioinformatics approach was used to identify the medications that increased RFX1. The effects of these medications on human glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assayed under cell culture and mouse brain xenograft conditions. Pioglitazone, rosiglitazone and WY‐14643 increased RFX1 based on bioinformatics prediction and Western blotting data. These hypoglycemic agents reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of human glioblastoma cell cultures. These agents reduced metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) activity in the culture medium. Silencing RFX1 attenuated hypoglycemic agent‐induced inhibition of cancer cell behaviours and MMP2 activity. Pioglitazone reduced the xenograft tumour volume and migration distance of U87 human glioblastoma cells in the mouse brain. RFX1‐siRNA attenuated these effects. Our results provide additional evidence for RFX1 as a therapeutic target for human glioblastoma and suggest that pioglitazone, rosiglitazone and WY‐14643 inhibit cancer cell behaviour of human glioblastoma cells via upregulating RFX1.
Beetroot Microgreens (Beta vulgaris) Powder Obtained by Cast‐Tape Drying and Freeze‐Drying
Authors: Freitas Guilherme Meira , Cicotti Lurian , Constant Patrícia Beltrao Lessa , Zotarelli Marta Fernanda , de Sá João Paulo Natalino , Mazzutti Simone , de Oliveira Frederico Alberto , Durigon Angelise 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to dehydrate beet microgreen foams using cast‐tape drying and freeze‐drying to obtain powder and characterize them in terms of physicochemical properties and betalain. Foam formulations were analyzed: F1 = 78.3% water + 13% microgreens + 6.5% Emustab + 2.2% pre‐gelatinized starch; F2 = 78.3% water + 13% microgreens + 4.4% pre‐gelatinized starch + 4.3% Emustab. The formulated foams were dried using cast‐tape drying (CTD) (70°C and 2 mm spreading thickness) and freeze‐dried (FD). The drying time for CTD was 12 min for CTDF1 and 24 min for CTDF2 (moisture of 0.1 g/g). The FD time was 14 h for FDF1 and 18 h for FDF2 (moisture of 0.02 g/g). The water activity and moisture content of the powder obtained by CTD were lower than that of the FD powder for both formulations, and the protein content in F2 (4%–4.6%) was lower than in F1 (5.2%–6.3%). The foam allows for the rapid drying of beet microgreens by CTD due to the high drying rate and moderate temperature. The CTDF2 powder has lower moisture and activity water, violet/red coloration, good flowability, and low cohesiveness compared to the other samples. Freeze‐drying shows higher betalain retention (FDF1). Microgreens in powdered form constitute viable protein sources to be incorporated into plant‐based products, while betalain allows using this powder as a natural dye. These potential applications demand further investigation, aiming at a potential introduction as a new product in the market.