bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the role of MicroRNAs in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Zhimin , Xie Yuhong , Wei Qianru , Zhang Xinyue , Xu Zhihao 
Published: October 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a prevalent chronic pulmonary fibrosis disease characterized by alveolar epithelial cell damage, fibroblast proliferation and activation, excessive extracellular matrix deposition, and abnormal epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in tissue remodeling and irreversible structural distortion. The mortality rate of IPF is very high, with a median survival time of 2–3 years after diagnosis. The exact cause of IPF remains unknown, but increasing evidence supports the central role of epigenetic changes, particularly microRNA (miRNA), in IPF. Approximately 10% of miRNAs in IPF lung tissue exhibit differential expression compared to normal lung tissue. Diverse miRNA phenotypes exert either a pro-fibrotic or anti-fibrotic influence on the progression of IPF. In the context of IPF, epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate differentially expressed miRNAs, which in turn modulate various signaling pathways implicated in this process, including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways. Therefore, this review presents the epidemiology of IPF, discusses the multifaceted regulatory roles of miRNAs in IPF, and explores the impact of miRNAs on IPF through various pathways, particularly the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and its constituent structures. Consequently, we investigate the potential for targeting miRNAs as a treatment for IPF, thereby contributing to advancements in IPF research.
The role of gut microbiome in mediating the effect of inflammatory bowel disease on hypertension: a two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Bao Wei , Zhang Yan , Huang Xiao-Jia , Gu Ning 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveInvestigating the causal connection that exists between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and hypertension (HT). To gain a deeper insight into the correlation among IBD, gut microbiota, and HT, we conducted a two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study.MethodsAn investigation of genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary-level data was utilized to conduct a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of genetically predicted inflammatory bowel disease: (12,882cases, 21,770controls) on Systolic/Diastolic blood pressure (N = 2,564). Subsequently, two-step MR analyses revealed that the relationship between IBD and SBP was partly mediated by Faecalicatena glycyrrhizinilyticum. The robustness of the findings was confirmed through several sensitivity assessments.ResultsThis MR study showed that increase in genetically predicted IBD was associated with higher risk of genetically predicted SBP (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16, P &lt; 0.05) and DBP (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17, P &lt; 0.05), respectively. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) MR analysis also showed that increase in genetically predicted IBD was associated with higher abundance Faecalicatena glycyrrhizinilyticum (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04, P &lt; 0.05), which subsequently associated with increased SBP risk (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06–1.9, P &lt; 0.05). Faecalicatena glycyrrhizinilyticum abundance in stool was responsible for mediating 11% of the genetically predicted IBD on SBP.ConclusionThe research proposed a causal link between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Hypertension (HT), with a little percentage of the impact being influenced by Faecalicatena glycyrrhizinilyticum in stool. Mitigating gut microbiome may decrease the heightened risk of hypertension in people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Inhibition of angiogenesis and regenerative lung growth in Lepob/ob mice through adiponectin-VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling
Authors: Hunyenyiwa Tendai , Kyi Priscilla , Scheer Mikaela , Joshi Mrudula , Gasparri Mario , Mammoto Tadanori , Mammoto Akiko 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionObesity is associated with impairment of wound healing and tissue regeneration. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood capillaries, plays a key role in regenerative lung growth after unilateral pneumonectomy (PNX). We have reported that obesity inhibits angiogenesis. The effects of obesity on post-PNX lung vascular and alveolar regeneration remain unclear.MethodsUnilateral PNX is performed on Lepob/ob obese mice to examine vascular and alveolar regeneration.ResultsRegenerative lung growth and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR2 induced after PNX are inhibited in Lepob/ob obese mice. The levels of adiponectin that exhibits pro-angiogenic and vascular protective properties increase after unilateral PNX, while the effects are attenuated in Lepob/ob obese mice. Post-PNX regenerative lung growth and increases in the levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 are inhibited in adiponectin knockout mice. Adiponectin stimulates angiogenic activities in human lung endothelial cells (ECs), which is inhibited by decreasing the levels of transcription factor Twist1. Adiponectin agonist, AdipoRon restores post-PNX lung growth and vascular and alveolar regeneration in Lepob/ob obese mice.DiscussionThese findings suggest that obesity impairs lung vascular and alveolar regeneration and adiponectin is one of the key factors to improve lung regeneration in obese people.
The CERIC method plus social collaborative annotation improves critical reading of the primary literature in an interdisciplinary graduate course
Authors: Bjorn Genevive 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundInnovative approaches to graduate education that foster interdisciplinary learning are necessary, given the expansion of interdisciplinary research (IDR) and its ability to explore intricate issues and cutting-edge technology.PurposeThis study examines an intervention to develop critical reading skills of the primary literature (CRPL), which are often assumed and unaided by formal instruction in graduate education (GE) yet are crucial for academic success and adapting to new research fields.MethodsThis study applied mixed methods and a pre-post design to assess the effectiveness of a CRPL intervention among 24 doctoral students from diverse fields engaging in the interdisciplinary field of science policy research. The intervention was a 4-week online course with explicit instruction in a categorical reading approach, the CERIC method (claim, evidence, reasoning, implications, and context), combined with social collaborative annotation (SCA) to facilitate low-stakes, peer-based discourse practice. It examined how participation changed participants’ CRPL skills and self-perceptions.ResultsThe intervention significantly improved CRPL, t(23) = 13.6, p &lt; 0.0001; research self-efficacy, t(23) = 4.9, p &lt; 0.0001; and reading apprehension, t(23) = 4.3, p &lt; 0.0001. Qualitative findings corroborated these findings and highlighted the importance of explicit CRPL instruction and the value of reading methods applicable to IDR. These results aligned with sociocultural and social cognitive theories and underscored the role of discourse and social engagement in learning critical reading, which is traditionally viewed as a solitary activity.ConclusionThe findings present a valid and innovative model for developing CRPL skills in interdisciplinary GE. This approach provides a model for scaffolding CRPL that can be adapted to IDR contexts more broadly.ImplicationsThe study findings call for revising graduate curricula to incorporate explicit CRPL instruction with peer-based discourse, emphasizing integrations in higher education anywhere students encounter primary literature. The findings advocate for formal and informal adoption of the reviewed methods, offering a significant contribution to interdisciplinary GE pedagogy.
Understanding science teachers’ TPACK for virtual lab adoption in rural schools in South Africa: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Shambare Brian , Jita Thuthukile 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThis paper reports on a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study that assessed technological, pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) competency among life sciences teachers in the context of virtual lab adoption in rural schools in South Africa.MethodsDrawing from TPACK framework as the study’s theoretical foundation, data gathered through questionnaires (N = 186) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (N = 4) were analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis.ResultsThe study uncovered a ubiquitous deficiency in TPACK competency among the participating life sciences teachers. The teachers demonstrated significant expertise in conventional areas such as content knowledge (CK), pedagogical knowledge (PK), and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), mainly influenced by teaching experience. However, they exhibited a noticeable gap in technology-related TPACK domains, including technological knowledge (TK), technological pedagogical knowledge (TPK), and overall TPACK proficiency.DiscussionThis paper aspires to address a significant gap in educational research by spotlighting the often-overlooked rural teaching contexts. In addition, the paper advocates for tailored professional development initiatives to enhance teachers’ overall TPACK proficiency. Such initiatives are crucial for empowering teachers to integrate technology into their teaching and improve learning outcomes effectively.
Enhancing methods engineering education with a digital platform: usability and educational impact on industrial engineering students
Authors: Escobar-Castillejos David , Sigüenza-Noriega Iñaki , Noguez Julieta , Escobar-Castillejos Daisy , Berumen-Glinz Lorena Alexandra 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionWork study aims to comprehend the potential of human work by assessing the duration of tasks and identifying methods for reducing them to enhance productivity and efficiency. On the other hand, methods engineering analyzes job processes to determine the most efficient and cost-effective techniques, resulting in improved operations. These areas are essential in the field of industrial engineering. Traditionally, they are taught using printed manuals and classroom-based instruction. Nevertheless, these conventional strategies frequently encounter difficulties engaging students and generating solid comprehension of the topics.MethodsThis study involved the development of a digital platform to improve methods engineering education. The platform adapts the curriculum of the methods engineering course offered at Universidad Panamericana. Each laboratory's practice includes detailed instructions and tasks for students to complete. Upon finishing, students submit their reports, which the professor then assesses. If the report meets the required standards, it is approved; otherwise, students must repeat the activities. An experience system serves as a tracker for course completion and keeps track of the student's progress.ResultsAn experimental group of 26 students who responded to Doll and Torkzadeh's end-user computer satisfaction survey tested the platform. Participants responded positively, particularly regarding the platform's accuracy (73.08% high satisfaction), ease of use (majority rated 5 for user-friendliness), and timeliness (majority satisfied with up-to-date information). However, the format dimension received mixed ratings, indicating areas for improvement. Additionally, participants appreciated the platform's ability to track progress and motivate the completion of laboratories, with 61.54% finding the content relevant and valuable for learning methods engineering concepts.DiscussionThe results suggest that integrating digital platforms into educational settings could significantly enhance educational settings, particularly in engineering courses where conventional approaches struggle to maintain student interest and engagement. Participants' positive responses support digital platforms' potential to complement and improve teaching methods. Future research will focus on integrating adaptive learning and generating micro-credentials to certify student expertise.
Challenges and best practices in training teachers to utilize artificial intelligence: a systematic review
Authors: Aljemely Yousef 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe utilization of artificial intelligence is becoming a hot debate among researchers, academicians, and practitioners. Educational institutions are also training teachers to utilize AI in teaching. However, there is a dearth of investigation on the training of teachers to utilize AI. Therefore, this systematic review aims to highlight the challenges and best practices in training teachers to utilize AI. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were set to shortlist the relevant studies for review.MethodsThe review synthesized 10 studies focusing on the importance of AI, AI usage by teachers, challenges faced by teachers and trainers, and best practices that could be adopted by trainers.ResultsThe results highlighted teachers lack the motivation for AI utilization and it is the biggest challenge faced by the trainers. Therefore, the training programs should be motivating, customized, and highlight the importance of AI. Moreover, the training sessions should also provide a trial of the latest AI technologies to the teachers so that they can get hands-on experience.DiscussionThis review can help AI trainers design customized training programs for teachers by keeping in mind the challenges faced by them. An effective training program can be designed if a trainer is aware of potential challenges faced by trainees. Thus, this research has not only discussed the challenges but also provided guidelines for AI trainers training teachers.
Multi-objective-based economic dispatch and loss reduction in the presence of electric vehicles considering different optimization techniques
Authors: Hmingthanmawia David , Deb Subhasish , Datta Subir , Singh Ksh. Robert , Cali Umit , Ustun Taha Selim 
Published: October 2024

Currently, electric vehicles (EVs) are the most liked mode for green transportation. However, the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology can reduce the peak demand on the power grid, which is an efficient way to encourage the integration of EVs. This paper proposes a multi-objective-based economic dispatch management including EVs to minimize the generator cost and active power loss. The entire system is retained for keeping in mind the economic operation of the whole system. Then, EVs are introduced to the system, taking into account vehicle requirements and load demands and considering EV constraints. The target of the proposed work is to demonstrate how effectively large-scale EVs can participate in valley filling and peak load shaving along with multi-objective-based cost and loss reduction. The proposed optimization problem is employed in an IEEE 30-bus system. The multi-objective grasshopper optimization algorithm and the ant-lion optimization are compared to observe the minimum cost and total loss of the system. The results show that the total generation cost and power loss of the system decrease due to the V2G mode of operation. In addition, EVs provide an alternative method for dealing with peak load, while filling the off-peak hours effectively. The total generation cost and power loss for 24 h using MOGOA without implementation of EVs are 8,757.128 $/hr and 65.28509 MW, respectively, and with EVs, the total generation cost and power loss for 24 h are 8,617.077 $/hr and 55.65349 MW, respectively. Thus, with the implementation of EVs, the total generation cost reduced by 1.59% and the total power loss reduced by 14.75%, and with MOALO, the total generation cost and power loss for 24 h without EVs are 8,977.077 $/hr and 44.20877 MW, respectively, and with EVs, the total generation cost and power loss for 24 h are 8,923.529 $/hr and 41.69524 MW, respectively. Thus, with the implementation of EVs, the total generation cost reduced by 0.59% and the total power loss reduced by 5.68%. The analysis of the results demonstrates how effectively EVs in the V2G mode can reduce the dependency over the grid power during the time of peak load demand.
Sorption/desorption of phenanthrene and ofloxacin by microbial-derived organic matter-mineral composites
Authors: Li Fangfang , Yan Qiuling , Li Zhongwen , Tan Zhicheng , Li Yuxuan , Wang Siyao , Guo Jiawen , Peng Hongbo , Wang Lin 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionSoil organic matter plays an important role in the long-term “locking” of organic contaminants in soil environment. Recently, microbial-derived organic matter have been recognized as essential components of stabilized soil carbon pools. However, the contribution of microbial-derived organic matter to sorption of organic contaminants remains unclear.MethodsHere, we obtained microbial-derived organic matter-mineral composites by inoculating model soil (a mixture of hematite and quartz sand (FQ) or montmorillonite and quartz sand (MQ)) with natural soil microorganisms and different substrate-carbon (glycine (G), glucose (P), or 2, 6-Dimethoxyphenol (B)), which were named GF, PF, BF, GM, BM, and PM, respectively. Batch sorption/desorption experiments were conducted for phenanthrene (PHE) and ofloxacin (OFL) on the composites.Results and DiscussionThe composites cultured with 2,6-dimethoxyphenol had the highest carbon content (0.98% on FQ and 2.11% on MQ) of the three carbon substrates. The carbon content of the composites incubated with MQ (0.64%–2.11%) was higher than that with FQ (0.24%–0.98%), indicating that montmorillonite facilitated the accumulation of microbial-derived organic matter owing to its large specific surface area. The sorption of PHE by microbial-derived organic matter was mainly dominated by hydrophobic partitioning and π-π conjugation, whereas the sorption of OFL was mainly dominated by hydrophobic hydrogen bonding and π-π conjugation. The sorption of OFL onto the composites was more stable than that of PHE. Microbial-derived organic matter -mineral composites can reduce the risk of organic contaminant migration in soil, particularly ionic organic contaminants.
Beyond the traditional distinctions of genome editing: evaluating a vulnerability framework
Authors: Angelioudaki Ioanna , Badea Ana Ruxandra , Bodo Martina , Fernández-Soto Daniel , Karyampa Emmanouela Sevasti , Kokkinakis Adam , Kolisis Nikolaos , Kominea Xenia , Ozáez Armijos Sandra , Vogel Simon , Feeney Oliver 
Published: October 2024

Over 40 years ago, the 1982 Splicing Life report outlined the two distinctions that have orientated much of the normative and legal landscape of genetic intervention or genome editing since – that of somatic versus germline (or heritable interventions) and medical versus non-medical (or enhancement) applications. During this time, these distinctions have been used to ethically prioritize some areas of research and potential application, such as somatic treatments, while considering others for prohibition, such as germline enhancements. Nevertheless, somatic interventions may also be done for controversial enhancement purposes while some germline interventions may be done with greater prima facie justification (e.g., the enhancement of athletic ability versus the avoidance of Tay-Sachs disease). Even with new somatic treatments that are generally lauded, exemplified with the case of Casgevy, many issues still arise – such as cost and access, particularly salient on a global level. The concerns over a dystopian future of genetic haves and have nots, as a result of enhancement and/or germline interventions, that perhaps may happen, should not distract us from a greater attention to what is happening in the here and now. In this paper, we will highlight the limits of the two distinctions in terms of moving from questions of “should a technology be used” to “how should a technology be used.” We argue that an additional focus on vulnerability and marginalization can be useful to support the attempt to better prioritize which interventions should be permitted or prohibited. We show how this can better dovetail with calls for effective (global) governance and reasonable consensus by focusing on the most urgent issues and developing policy accordingly, while leaving aside more abstract issues for further discussion.
Less than one in five teenage women in Ethiopia know about emergency contraception
Authors: Tafere Tesfahun Zemene , Teshale Getachew , Jejaw Melak , Demissie Kaleb Assegid , Baffa Lemlem Daniel , Geberu Demiss Mulatu , Tiruneh Misganaw Guadie , Hagos Asebe 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundTeenage women's fertility health faces significant challenges from unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Using an emergency contraception within a defined time period could prevent unintended pregnancy and its damaging consequences, like unintended childbirth and unsafe abortion. Despite it being an appropriate contraception, the knowledge of teenage women about emergency contraception is lower among women in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the magnitude of emergency contraception knowledge and its associated factors among teenage women in Ethiopia.MethodsData for this study was obtained from the recent Demographic and Health Surveys. A total weighted sample of 3,381 teenage reproductive women were included. The significant associated factors with emergency contraception knowledge among teenage reproductive women were determined by fitting a multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression model. Finally, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval and a P value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultsIn Ethiopia, the magnitude of teenage women who knew about emergency contraception was 19.47% (95%CI: 18.17, 20.84). Age 17 years (AOR = 1.76, 95%CI, 1.24, 2.48) and age 19 years (AOR = 2.18, 95%CI, 1.47, 3.22), primary education level (AOR = 2.76, 95%CI, 1.60, 4.76), secondary and above educational level (AOR = 4.70, 95%CI, 2.62, 8.44), being protestant followers (AOR = 0.63, 95%CI, 0.45, 0.87), being muslim followers (AOR = 0.68, 95%CI, 0.49, 0.93), media exposure (AOR = 3.36, 95%CI, 2.59, 4.34), rural residence (AOR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.22, 0.86), and high community level education (AOR = 140, 95%CI: 1.32, 2.00) were factors significantly associated with knowledge of emergency contraception among teenage women.ConclusionsThis finding concluded that less than one in five teenage women knew about emergency contraception in Ethiopia. The knowledge of emergency contraception among teenage women in Ethiopia was substantially associated with women's age, education level, religion, media exposure, residency and community-level education. Hence, there is a need to implement comprehensive awareness programs and promotion of emergency contraception as a way of curbing cases of unintended pregnancies among teenage women. Government and non-governmental organizations should design targeted educational initiatives and media campaigns to improve emergency contraception knowledge among young teenagers, women with lower educational backgrounds, and rural teenagers.