bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meflin/ISLR is a marker of adipose stem and progenitor cells in mice and humans that suppresses white adipose tissue remodeling and fibrosis
Authors: Ishihara Toshikazu , Kato Katsuhiro , Matsumoto Kotaro , Tanaka Miyako , Hara Akitoshi , Shiraki Yukihiro , Morisaki Hidenori , Urano Yuya , Ando Ryota , Ito Kisuke , Mii Shinji , Esaki Nobutoshi , Furuhashi Kazuhiro , Takefuji Mikito , Suganami Takayoshi , Murohara Toyoaki , Enomoto Atsushi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIdentifying specific markers of adipose stem and progenitor cells (ASPCs) in vivo is crucial for understanding the biology of white adipose tissues (WAT). PDGFRα‐positive perivascular stromal cells represent the best candidates for ASPCs. This cell lineage differentiates into myofibroblasts that contribute to the impairment of WAT function. However, ASPC marker protein(s) that are functionally crucial for maintaining WAT homeostasis are unknown. We previously identified Meflin as a marker of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone marrow and tissue‐resident perivascular fibroblasts in various tissues. We also demonstrated that Meflin maintains the undifferentiated status of MSCs/fibroblasts. Here, we show that Meflin is expressed in WAT ASPCs. A lineage‐tracing experiment showed that Meflin+ ASPCs proliferate in the WAT of obese mice induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD), while some of them differentiate into myofibroblasts or mature adipocytes. Meflin knockout mice fed an HFD exhibited a significant fibrotic response as well as increases in adipocyte cell size and the number of crown‐like structures in WAT, accompanied by impaired glucose tolerance. These data suggested that Meflin expressed by ASPCs may have a role in reducing disease progression associated with WAT dysfunction.
Interleukin‐33 and liver natural killer cells: A novel perspective on antitumor activity in liver fibrosis
Authors: Imaoka Yuki , Ohira Masahiro , Imaoka Kouki , Bekki Tomoaki , Nakano Ryosuke , Yano Takuya , Tanaka Yuka , Nakayama Toshihiro , Akabane Miho , Tajima Tetsuya , Yokota Shinichiro , Krams Sheri M. , Martinez Olivia M. , Esquivel Carlos O. , Sasaki Kazunari , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimLiver fibrosis, heralding the potential progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), compromises patient survival and augments post‐hepatectomy recurrence. This study examined the detrimental effects of liver fibrosis on the antitumor functions of liver natural killer (NK) cells and the interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) signaling pathway.MethodsOur investigation, anchored in both human physiologies using living and deceased donor livers and the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced mouse fibrosis model, aimed to show a troubling interface between liver fibrosis and weakened hepatic immunity.ResultsThe Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index emerged as a salient, non‐invasive prognostic marker, and its elevation correlated with reduced survival and heightened recurrence after HCC surgery even after propensity matching (n = 385). We established a strong correlation between liver fibrosis and liver NK cell dysfunction by developing a method for extracting liver NK cells from the liver graft perfusate. Furthermore, liver fibrosis ostensibly disrupted chemokines and promoted IL‐33 expression, impeding liver NK cell antitumor activities, as evidenced in mouse models. Intriguingly, our results implicated IL‐33 in diminishing the antitumor responses of NK cells. This interrelation, consistent across both mouse and human studies, coincides with clinical data suggesting that liver fibrosis predisposes patients to an increased risk of HCC recurrence.ConclusionOur study revealed a critical relationship between liver fibrosis and compromised tumor immunity, emphasizing the potential interference of IL‐33 with NK cell function. These insights advocate for advanced immunostimulatory therapies targeting cytokines, such as IL‐33, aiming to bolster the hepatic immune response against HCC in the context of liver fibrosis.
Hedges and boosters in L2 (Czech) Master's theses and published research articles: A contrastive analysis
Authors: Dontcheva‐Navratilova Olga 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article studies the use of lexical hedges and boosters in English‐medium Master's theses by L2 (Czech) graduates in English language and literature programmes. Drawing on the metadiscourse framework and adopting a corpus‐based approach, the study analyses the frequency, realisations, and function of hedges and boosters in a corpus of 48 Master's theses in linguistics, literature, and education. The results are also compared to a reference corpus representing L1 English published academic discourse in the same disciplines. The analysis shows that the Master's theses of Czech students use fewer hedges and slightly more boosters than L1 expert writers and thus display a somewhat less cautious stance. The results also indicate that Czech graduates show a strong preference for content‐oriented hedges and emphatics as boosters. This suggests that the rhetorical choices of Czech graduates bear features of learner discourse and may be affected by the merging of L1 and L2 academic conventions and the power relations between the student‐writer and the examiners inherent to the Master's thesis. Based on these findings, the article draws some implications for L2 writing pedagogy.
The ‘meathybrid’ concept: bridging the gap between texture, taste, sustainability and nutrition
Authors: Boukid Fatma , Baune Marie‐Christin , Terjung Nino , Francis Aditya , Smetana Sergiy 
Published: August 2024

SummaryPositioned midway between traditional meat and plant‐based options, hybrid alternatives cater to a broader consumer category due to the intersection of flavours, textures and ethical considerations. This review aims to provide a current landscape and forthcoming challenges of hybrid options, exploring their formulation, processing, distinctive features, consumer acceptance and sustainability aspects. Even though there is no standard definition of the ‘meathybrid concept’, scientists and industrials explored different ingredients including purified proteins or whole vegetables/grains/seeds to formulate palatable hybrid products maintaining comparable sensory features to meat. Consumers' attraction to hybrid meat products is mostly related to taste, sustainability and nutritional aspects. Future challenges for hybrid options may include optimising production scalability, ensuring consistent quality and taste and effectively communicating the benefits of hybrid products to diverse consumer segments. Additionally, ongoing research and development efforts will be crucial in enhancing hybrid alternatives' sensory attributes, nutritional profiles and environmental sustainability.
Early‐life body mass index and the risk of six cardiovascular diseases: A Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Zhou Bojun , Zhu Lianghao , Du Xia , Meng Hua 
Published: August 2024

SummaryBackgroundObservational studies consistently indicate an association between early‐life body mass index (BMI) and several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the causal relationship remains uncertain. The primary objective of this study was to assess the causal relationship between early‐life BMI and six types of CVDs using the Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach.MethodsThe dataset for this study was derived from large‐scale, summary‐level Genome‐Wide Association Studies. Specifically, the following datasets we used, early‐life BMI (n = 61 111, age = 2–10), heart failure (HF) dataset (n = 977 323), atrial fibrillation (AF) dataset (n = 1 030 836), coronary artery disease (CAD) dataset (n = 184 305), peripheral artery disease (PAD) dataset (n = 243 060), deep venous thrombosis (DVT) dataset (n = 1 500 861) and myocardial infarction (MI) dataset (n = 638 000). Multiple MR methods were utilized to evaluate the causal relationship between exposure and outcomes, accompanied by sensitivity analysis.ResultsEarly‐life BMI positively correlates with the risk of developing the six distinct CVDs included in this study. Specifically, elevated BMI during childhood is associated with a 31.9% risk for HF (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.319, 95% CI [1.160 to 1.499], p = 2.33 × 10−5), an 18.3% risk for AF (R = 1.183, 95% CI [1.088 to 1.287], p = 8.22 × 10−5), an 14.8% risk for CAD (OR = 1.148, 95% CI [1.028 to 1.283], p = 1.47 × 10−2), a 40.5% risk for PAD (OR = 1.405, 95% CI [1.233 to 1.600], p = 3.10 × 10−7) and 12.0% risk for MI (OR = 1.120, 95% CI [1.017 to 1.234], p = 2.18 × 10−2). Interestingly, the risk for deep venous thrombosis only increased by 0.5% (OR = 1.005, 95% CI [1.001 to 1.008], p = 2.13 × 10−3).ConclusionGenetically inferred early‐life BMI is significantly associated with six distinct CVDs. This indicates that elevated early‐life BMI is a significant risk factor for multiple cardiovascular disorders.
Spraying dsRNA with chitosan formulation improves control of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, in a greenhouse
Authors: Khan Falguni , Jin Gahyeon , Kim Yonggyun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is a serious pest causing both direct feeding damage and indirect harm by transmitting the tomato spotted wilt virus. A spraying double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeted at the vacuolar‐type ATPase (vATPase) gene was developed and demonstrated high insecticidal activity in the laboratory but less effective in field applications. To improve control efficacy under field conditions, three strategies were explored in this study. First, to identify a more efficient RNA interference (RNAi) target, dsRNA specific to the Snf7 gene was tested alongside dsRNA targeting vATPase, and both were found to be similarly effective in controlling the thrips. Second, to elucidate the factors contributing to dsRNA resistance, dsRNA‐degrading enzymes were annotated and their physiological roles in diminishing RNAi efficacy were investigated. Third, to suppress the dsRNA degradation from the dsRNase activities and protect it in field conditions, the dsRNA was encapsulated with chitosan. This formulation enhanced the dsRNA's resistance to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet light and the digestive enzymes in the thrips' gut. Additionally, the chitosan formulation specifically increased the RNAi efficacy, likely by facilitating more efficient entry into the target cells, thus bolstering the insecticidal activity of the dsRNA. The formulated dsRNA was applied on F. occidentalis infesting the hot peppers in a greenhouse at a concentration of 500 ppm, demonstrating an 82.4% control efficacy compared with 59.2% control efficacy observed with the application of naked dsRNA. This study further demonstrated an enhancement in the spectrum of control by combining dsRNAs specific to three distinct thrips species, while the mixture showed no adverse effects on non‐target insects, such as the lepidopteran Spodoptera exigua. Collectively, these findings reveal that the chitosan formulation of dsRNA not only improves control efficacy under field conditions but also broadens the control spectrum against three different thrips pests.
Predictive accuracy of the ASIG algorithm in a prospective systemic sclerosis cohort undergoing annual screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Brown Zoe , Morrisroe Kathleen , Hansen Dylan , Stevens Wendy , Proudman Susanna , Teng Gim G. , Low Andrea , Nikpour Mandana 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG) algorithm for screening pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) requires only respiratory function tests and serum N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide as first‐tier tests, and is recommended in international guidelines. In this communication, we present the findings of the application of the ASIG screening algorithm to a Singaporean cohort undergoing prospective annual screening for PAH, which shows a high negative predictive value. The ASIG algorithm may offer an alternative to more complex and costly SSc‐PAH screening algorithms.
The role and therapeutic strategies for tissue‐resident memory T cells, central memory T cells, and effector memory T cells in psoriasis
Authors: Deng Guoshu , Zhang Yulin , Song Jiankun , Zhang Ying , Zheng Qi , Luo Yue , Fei Xiaoya , Yang Yang , Kuai Le , Li Bin , Luo Ying 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPsoriasis is a skin disease that is inflammatory and persistent, causing a high rate of recurrence, poor quality of life, and significant socioeconomic burden. Its main pathological manifestations are abnormal activation and infiltration of T cells and excessive proliferation of keratinocytes (KCs). The great majority of patients with psoriasis will relapse after remission. It usually lasts a lifetime and necessitates long‐term treatment strategies. During periods of activity and remission, one of the main cell types in psoriasis is memory T cells, which include tissue‐resident memory T (TRM) cells, central memory T (TCM) cells, and effector memory T (TEM) cells. They work by releasing inflammatory factors, cytotoxic particles, or altering cell subpopulations, leading to increased inflammation or recurrence. This review summarizes the role of memory T cells in the pathology and treatment of psoriasis, with a view to potential novel therapies and therapeutic targets.
The Effect of Mindfulness‐Based Empowerment Program on Self‐Compassion, Self‐Esteem and Ways of Coping With Stress of Women Experienced Violence: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Emirza Elif Güzide , Bilgili Naile 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThe aim of this experimental research is to assess the impact of a mindfulness‐based empowerment program applied to women who have experienced violence on their levels of self‐compassion, self‐esteem and coping with stress. The study was a randomised controlled trial with a control group. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG, n1 = 27) and the control group (CG, n2 = 26) from women who had experienced violence. Descriptive statistical methods and t‐tests for dependent and independent groups were employed in data analysis. After the mindfulness‐based empowerment program, the intervention group exhibited a statistically significant high effect size in post‐intervention measurements compared to the control group for the Self‐Compassion Scale, Coopersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory and Coping Styles Scale total and subscale mean scores (p < 0.001). The mindfulness‐based empowerment program has been found to enhance self‐compassion, self‐esteem and coping levels in women who have experienced violence. Therefore, it is recommended to promote the widespread adoption of mindfulness‐based interventions for individuals who have undergone trauma, such as violence, to facilitate their re‐empowerment and functional recovery.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05310656
Alternative Approaches for Estimating Highest‐Density Regions
Authors: Deliu Nina , Liseo Brunero 
Published: August 2024

SummaryAmong the variety of statistical intervals, highest‐density regions (HDRs) stand out for their ability to effectively summarise a distribution or sample, unveiling its distinctive and salient features. An HDR represents the minimum size set that satisfies a certain probability coverage, and current methods for their computation require knowledge or estimation of the underlying probability distribution or density . In this work, we illustrate a broader framework for computing HDRs, which generalises the classical density quantile method. The framework is based on neighbourhood measures, that is, measures that preserve the order induced in the sample by , and include the density as a special case. We explore a number of suitable distance‐based measures, such as the ‐nearest neighbourhood distance, and some probabilistic variants based on copula models. An extensive comparison is provided, showing the advantages of the copula‐based strategy, especially in those scenarios that exhibit complex structures (e.g. multimodalities or particular dependencies). Finally, we discuss the practical implications of our findings for estimating HDRs in real‐world applications.
The effect of instructor's voice enthusiasm and visual cueing in multimedia learning
Authors: Han Lei , Guo Haoyue , Ma Zongshuo , Wang Ruihua , Xiao Mengshi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundGiven the current technological advancements and the growing need for remote education, multimedia learning has become more popular among teachers and students. Therefore, the creation of multimedia teaching programmes that can improve learning outcomes has become increasingly important. However, there is a lack of research on whether incorporating visual cues into instructors' emotional designs is more effective than using only one approach.ObjectivesBased on the cognitive‐affective theory of learning with media and the cognitive affective model of e‐learning, this study aimed to explore how instructor's voice enthusiasm and visual cueing affect students' multimedia learning experience and learning outcomes.MethodsA 2 (instructor's voice enthusiasm: high vs. low) × 2 (visual cueing: visual cues vs. no cues) between‐subjects design was used, college students unfamiliar with immunomodulation learned about this subject in a video lesson. Then, they then took a retention test and completed the learning experience scales.Results and ConclusionsThe results indicated that both the instructor's vocal enthusiasm and visual cueing independently have a positive impact on learners' retention test scores. However, if present simultaneously, their positive effects are not cumulative. Specifically, when visual cueing was provided, the instructor's voice enthusiasm did not significantly affect the retention test. Without visual cueing, the instructor's high voice enthusiasm positively impacts the retention test. In addition, the learning experience mediated between the instructor's voice enthusiasm and retention test. These findings offer insights into enhancing the efficacy of multimedia learning by foregrounding instructors' emotional engagement and refining the design of instructional content cues.
Exploring gesture frequencies and images in multimedia environments with pedagogical agents
Authors: Davis Robert O. , Lee Yong‐Jik , Vincent Joseph , Wan Lili 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundGestures are an integral component in human‐to‐human communication when the speaker is visually present to the listener. In the past several years, research has examined how computer‐generated pedagogical agents can be designed to perform the four main gesture types and what this means for agent persona and learning outcomes. The research into agent gesturing has only explored gestures without other presentation strategies such as visual aids or verbal redundancy to properly explore the impact of gestures, and to avoid overly “rich” displays of information.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to explore the use of static images and varying frequencies of gestures to assess whether two visual inputs increases the risk of the split‐attention effect, and to investigate the potential for visual redundancy when two visual inputs coincide with narration. Data on cognitive load, agent persona, and learning outcomes (recall and transfer) will be collected to measure participants' learning experience while acquiring procedural knowledge, specifically regarding the principles of lightning, in comparison to previous research.MethodA mixed methods approach consisted of three gesture frequency conditions (enhanced, average, no) with 118 participants. Quantitative data were analysed using a random‐effect linear regression model; whereas qualitative data was collected through individual interviews that lasted 15–20 min.Results and ConclusionsThe use of enhanced gesture frequency and images may significantly increase intrinsic cognitive load, but gestures and images do not cause extraneous cognitive load. The enhanced gesture condition significantly outperformed the no‐gesture condition. Interviews indicated that depending upon the gesture condition, students selectively attended to information that they perceived as offering them the greatest learning opportunity. Using two visual inputs does not cause split‐attention, nor does it provide evidence of a visual redundancy effect.
In silico analysis of potential inhibitors for breast cancer targeting 17beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17beta‐HSD1) catalyses
Authors: Islam Md. Rezaul , Tayyeb Jehad Zuhair , Paul Hridoy Kumar , Islam Mirza Nafeul , Oduselu Gbolahan Oladipupo , Bayıl Imren , Abdellattif Magda H. , Al‐Ahmary Khairia Mohammed , Al‐Mhyawi Saedah R. , Zaki Magdi E. A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) is still one of the major issues in world health, especially for women, which necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of retinoic acid derivatives as inhibitors of 17beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17beta‐HSD1), which plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis and metabolism of oestrogen and thereby influences the progression of BC and, the main objective of this investigation is to identify the possible drug candidate against BC through computational drug design approach including PASS prediction, molecular docking, ADMET profiling, molecular dynamics simulations (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The result has reported that total eight derivatives with high binding affinity and promising pharmacokinetic properties among 115 derivatives. In particular, ligands 04 and 07 exhibited a higher binding affinity with values of −9.9 kcal/mol and −9.1 kcal/mol, respectively, than the standard drug epirubicin hydrochloride, which had a binding affinity of −8.2 kcal/mol. The stability of the ligand‐protein complexes was further confirmed by MD simulations over a 100‐ns trajectory, which included assessments of hydrogen bonds, root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square Fluctuation (RMSF), dynamic cross‐correlation matric (DCCM) and principal component analysis. The study emphasizes the need for experimental validation to confirm the therapeutic utility of these compounds. This study enhances the computational search for new BC drugs and establishes a solid foundation for subsequent experimental and clinical research.
Application of hyperspectral imaging and chemometrics for determining quality and maturity of loquats
Authors: Meng Qinglong , Feng Shunan , Tan Tao , Wen Qingchun , Shang Jing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractColor, firmness, soluble solid content, and pH are important indices for assessing the quality and maturity of loquats. To explore the feasibility of rapid and non‐destructive determination of loquat quality and maturity, this study utilized hyperspectral imaging combined with chemometrics to predict four quality indices of loquats and discriminate their maturity. Partial least squares regression models were developed using both raw and pre‐processed spectral data to determine the optimal pre‐processing method of multiple scattering correction and standard normal variate (SNV). The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and successive projection algorithms were used to extract spectral features. Feature wavelength models were subsequently developed using multiple linear regression (MLR) and error back propagation neural network. Finally, maturity determination models for loquats were developed by partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS‐DA), support vector machine, and random forest. The SNV‐CARS‐MLR model performed relatively better than the other models for predicting four quality indices. The PLS‐DA model exhibited superior performance, with discrimination accuracies of 99.19% and 96.67% for the calibration and prediction sets. This study demonstrates that integrating hyperspectral imaging and chemometrics enables rapid and non‐destructive determination of loquat quality and maturity.