bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Heavy metals and triglyceride-glucose-related index: a mediation analysis of inflammation indicators
Authors: Hu Yitao , Kong Yuzhe , Tian Xinling , Zhang Xinyi , Zuo Yu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
In cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and insulin resistance (IR), elevated blood lipids and glucose are common. These abnormalities accelerate atherosclerosis and may impair insulin signaling via oxidative stress and inflammation. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a cost-effective marker for assessing IR and CVD risk, reflecting insulin resistance and early atherosclerosis. However, research on factors affecting the TyG index, especially mixed heavy metal exposure, is limited. Heavy metals might alter the TyG index by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, affecting lipid and glucose metabolism. This study explores the link between heavy metal exposure and TyG index changes, focusing on inflammation's mediating role, aiming to offer new strategies for CVD and IR prevention and management.

Method
This research explores the association between heavy metal concentrations and TyG indicators, drawing on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2011 to 2016. It employs a range of statistical approaches, such as linear and non-linear analyses, multiple linear regression, weighted quantile sum regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression. Additionally, a mediation analysis investigates the role of inflammation in modifying the effects of heavy metal exposure.

Result
The research analyzed data from a sample of 2,050 individuals, finding notable links between mixed heavy metals and variations in TyG markers. Specifically, the presence of heavy metal mixtures was associated with significant increases in these indicators. Additionally, six inflammatory markers were identified that act as intermediaries in the process leading from heavy metal exposure to alterations in TyG indicators.

Conclusion
The study establishes a clear association between heavy metal and adverse changes in TyG markers, influenced in part by inflammation. These insights highlight the urgent need for improved monitoring of environmental health and specific strategies to decrease heavy metal exposure, thus lessening their harmful impact on cardiovascular health. The research enhances understanding of the dynamic interactions between environmental exposures and metabolic health, laying groundwork for public health initiatives aimed at curtailing chronic disease risks linked to heavy metals.

Graphical Abstract
Sex differences in the relationship between olfactory and cognitive impairment among subjects with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Qin , Chen Ben , Wang Qiang , Xu Danyan , Yang Mingfeng , Lin Gaohong , Zeng Yijie , Lao Jingyi , Liang Shuang , Li Jiafu , Yao Kexin , Zhong Xiaomei , Ning Yuping 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Odor identification (OI) deficits are observed in both individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and serve as risk factors for dementia. Compared with males, females typically demonstrate superior OI performance and different risks of dementia. However, the role of sex in the relationship between OI dysfunction and cognitive impairment remains uncertain.

Methods
In total, 121 subjects with SCD (41 males and 80 females), and 169 subjects with MCI (59 males and 110 females) underwent the Sniffin’ Sticks Screen 16 test and comprehensive neuropsychological examination. The relationships between olfactory and cognitive impairment were analyzed via partial correlation, multiple linear regression and moderating effects.

Results
In both SCD and MCI subjects, males performed better in language and females performed better in memory. The correlation between OI and cognition tended to be stronger in MCI subjects than in SCD subjects. In MCI subjects, the correlation tended to be stronger in females. For MCI females, better OI performance was correlated with higher short-term memory and attention scores. For MCI males, better OI performance was correlated with higher short-term memory scores. The OI was correlated with language in SCD males and with attention in SCD females. Sex played a moderating role in the relationship between OI dysfunction and language in MCI subjects and the relationship between OI dysfunction and short-term delayed recall memory and language in SCD subjects.

Conclusion
These findings revealed significant sex differences between OI dysfunction and cognitive impairment in SCD and MCI subjects. Sex differences should be considered when utilizing OI in clinical settings to predict cognitive function.
Lactate metabolism in clonal plasma cells and its therapeutic implications in multiple myeloma patients with elevated serum LDH levels
Authors: Chawla Yogesh , Anderson Emilie I. , Smith Matthew , Jain Sonia , Evans Laura A. , Neff Jadee , Jang Jin Sung , Vazquez Rosario Isas K. , Jevremovic Dragan , Petterson Xuan-Mai , Sebastian Sinto , Fonseca Rafael , Kumar Shaji K. , Hitosugi Taro , Gonsalves Wilson I. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic differences between MM cells derived from patients with elevated serum LDH levels and those without elevated serum LDH levels to identify biological differences that could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.

Methods
We performed transcriptome assessments of CD138 + MM cells derived from patients with elevated serum LDH levels compared to those without elevated serum LDH levels and validated the findings in a larger public dataset. Functional metabolic assessments of our findings were performed using a combination of stable isotope resolved metabolomics (SIRM), bioenergetic flux measurement assays, and live cell analysis in human myeloma cell lines and primary MM patient cells.

Results
We identified SLC16A1, responsible for the formation of MCT1, a well-defined bi-directional transporter of lactate in and out of a cell with a predilection to importing extracellular lactate, as differentially expressed between the two groups. This finding was functionally confirmed by higher membranous MCT1 protein expression and SIRM on MM cells derived from patients with elevated serum LDH levels compared to those without elevated serum LDH levels. Finally, disrupting lactate transport in and out of CD138 + MM cells was maximally achievable only with dual inhibition of MCT1 and its partner, MCT4, which was preferentially more cytotoxic in MM cells derived from patients with elevated serum levels of LDH.

Conclusion
MCT1 mRNA and protein expression distinguish MM cells derived from patients with elevated serum LDH levels from those without elevated serum LDH levels. However, only dual inhibition of MCT1 and MCT4 can disrupt lactate transport in multiple myeloma (MM) cells, with preferential cytotoxicity in MM cells from patients with high serum LDH levels.
The tumour microenvironment of pilocytic astrocytoma evolves over time via enrichment for microglia
Authors: Stone Thomas J. , Pickles Jessica C. , Ogunbiyi Olumide , Yasin Shireena A. , Taylor Catherine A. , Ahmed Saira W. , Chalker Jane , Dryden Carryl , Slodkowska Iwona , Pang Emily , Kristiansen Mark , Williams Rachel , Tutill Helena , Williams Charlotte A. , Madhan Gaganjit K. , Forrest Leysa , Brooks Tony , Hubank Mike , Hughes Debbie , Proszek Paula , Pietka Grzegorz , Peat Erin , Hargrave Darren , Jacques Thomas S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the commonest low-grade tumour affecting children and is frequently experienced as a chronic disease associated with extended treatment, periods of regrowth, and long-term disability. This contrasts with the view of PA as a benign tumour with positive clinical outcomes and raises the fundamental question of biologically driven change over time within these tumours, which will impact diagnosis, stratification, and management. To investigate the molecular, cellular, and pathological stability of PA we performed RNA sequencing, methylation array profiling, immunohistochemistry, and targeted panel DNA sequencing on a cohort of 15 PA patients with matched primary/longitudinal samples at a mean sampling interval of 2.7 years. Through pairwise analysis of primary versus longitudinal tumour samples we identified changes to immune-related pathways within the expression and methylation profiles of longitudinal PA. Further interrogation of these changes revealed an enrichment over time for microglial cell populations, which was validated by immunohistochemistry against common monocyte/microglial markers. Moreover, immunohistochemical characterisation revealed concurrent increases in the expression of M2-like and anti-inflammatory markers. Microglial enrichments were consistent across the cohort and were not adequately explained by a range of potential confounders, including receipt of adjuvant therapy. Taken together, these data challenge the idea of pilocytic astrocytoma as a static entity and indicate that they consistently accumulate microglia over time, potentially co-opting the immune microenvironment towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype that may affect the natural course and treatment response of the tumours.
Performance evaluation of geopolymer concrete with waste granite powder as a sustainable alternative to sand
Authors: Minhajuddin Ahmed , Saha Arijit 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The control and disposal of solid waste pose significant global challenges, particularly in the management of waste granite powder (WGP), a by-product of granite processing industries. Addressing this issue, the present study investigates the potential of WGP as a partial substitute for fine aggregate in concrete, with replacement levels up to 50%. The research emphasizes the need for sustainable construction materials and explores the viability of using industrial waste to reduce environmental impact and resource depletion. Novel aspects of this study include the comprehensive evaluation of the physical and chemical characteristics of fine aggregate and WGP through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses. The study also examines the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete, such as workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and modulus of elasticity to determine the optimum WGP substitution level. The findings reveal that mechanical strength improves with WGP replacement levels of up to 40%, highlighting the potential of WGP in enhancing concrete performance. Furthermore, correlations between different mechanical properties are analyzed, providing a deeper understanding of the behavior of WGP-blended concrete. In addition to technical evaluations, a detailed cost analysis is conducted to assess the economic feasibility of using WGP in concrete production. The results indicate that incorporating WGP not only offers environmental benefits by reducing waste but also provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional fine aggregate. Thus, substituting sand with WGP in concrete emerges as a sustainable solution, delivering comparable or superior mechanical properties while contributing to environmental conservation and cost reduction.
Conversion of streetlights to light-emitting diode (LED) type
Authors: Sankhwar Pravin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
For the rising need for energy conservation and improving outdoor experience, the current streetlights require an upgrade to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. LEDs are well-known for their better operating hours, brighter color temperature, and reduced energy consumption. As per the US Energy Information Administration, lighting accounts for 17% of energy consumption for commercial buildings as reported by U. S. Energy Information Adminstration (2024). In this paper, a methodology was presented to overcome the challenges of LED transformation. As a sample case based on the existing profile of high-pressure sodium (HPS), incandescent (INC), fluorescent (FL), metal halide (MH), and mercury vapor (MV) in the District of Columbia, energy conservation from the conversion of HPS to LED type was presented. A total energy savings and GHG reduction from this conversion gave a positive outcome of large-scale replacements with LED. LED drivers are capable of withstanding stresses that streetlights are exposed to. However, additional considerations from a lighting equipment specifier to select drivers with more robust capacitors withstanding high heat and frequencies are required. A simple evaluation of HPS vs LED showed higher performance at lower-rated LED wattage luminaires.
Procedural Accidents and Incidents during Root Canal Treatment
Authors: Wing Chuan Chan , Esma J Doğramacı , Giampiero Rossi-Fedele 
Published: February 2025

Incidents and accidents influence the outcome of root canal treatment, irrespective of the operative techniques used. The unjustified removal of dental hard tissues may promote structural failure of the root canal treated tooth or recontamination of the intra-canal space. Iatrogenic errors, particularly those associated with the loss of working length due to blockages, can impede adequate cleaning, shaping and filling of the root canals. This can influence the treatment of apical periodontitis as well as tooth retention. This case series discusses common incidents and accidents that can occur during root canal treatment, as well as their possible management. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Operators should be aware of the possible intra-operative complications during root canal treatment and factors to prevent their occurrence.
Crónicas de ciudades discontinuas: Francesco Careri y Ciudad Juárez
Authors: Méndez Llopis Carles , Mínguez García Hortensia 
Published: February 2025

En agosto de 2019, Francisco Careri visitó Ciudad Juárez –una población al norte de México, colindante a El Paso (Tx.)– para impartir el taller “El caminar como práctica estética” y mapear psicogeográficamente el espacio urbano de esta localidad. Ciudad Juárez es frontera con Estados Unidos, es industrial y americanizada, con un urbanismo horizontal diseñado para automóviles que la hace de difícil lectura. Sin embargo, lo que en un principio pudiera plantearse como un problema arquitectónico tradicional –lugares indeterminados, ignorados o vacíos— para Careri implicaba la posibilidad de poner en práctica un enfoque participativo de la urbe, de dirigir el taller hacia una transformación espacial y simbólica que respondiera a las necesidades y deseos de sus comunidades, de quienes habitaban dichos espacios. Durante el último cuarto de siglo, este reconocido arquitecto –y su Laboratorio de Arte Urbano Stalker/Observatorio Nómada (1995)— ha empleado dos instrumentos creativos diferentes para relacionarse con el espacio público más allá de los estudios de arquitectura y urbanismo convencionales: el caminar y el detenerse. Así, dirigidos a las sucesivas caminatas permitieron leer la ciudad de forma participativa, habitarla en ciertos momentos, para proyectar simbólicamente sus diferentes construcciones. Al proponerlos como modo de búsqueda, se estimulan capacidades creativas y colectivas que transforman aquello que se transita: cada jornada supuso tomar lúdicamente la ciudad, yuxtaponer dimensiones narrativas, sumar relatos y vivencias de los sujetos que la viven y comparten, para pasar a considerarla como un espacio relacional de intercambio, complejo y multidimensional. Al finalizar la experiencia, Careri concedió una entrevista que sirvió de herramienta para configurar el presente texto, para trascender el mero registro de vivencias e ir delimitando respuestas posibles a la pregunta ¿qué es hacer ciudad? Exponer, en última instancia, un territorio que es, simultáneamente, arquitectónico y político, informe y plural, artificial y público, conflictivo y compartido, emancipado y apropiado, etc. De este modo, más allá de atestiguar simplemente el encuentro con Ciudad Juárez, tanto el taller como sus reflexiones, abrieron la posibilidad de cartografiar su anatomía y dimensionar su materialidad, de entender los diferentes sistemas de poder en la urbe –al mismo tiempo que sus resistencias—, de visibilizar sus violencias y de recuperar la convivencia a través de la activación de su ciudadanía. Gracias a esta práctica fenomenológica surgieron nuevas lecturas y experiencias de dicho entorno al considerar el espacio desde perspectivas emocionales que lo dotaron de significaciones estéticas. Así, el texto, aporta métodos para un análisis espacial muy concreto de la ciudad, uno alimentado por la clave narrativa que –fuera de la oficialidad— la construye estéticamente al recorrerla.
Early detection of disease outbreaks and non-outbreaks using incidence data: A framework using feature-based time series classification and machine learning
Authors: Gao Shan , Chakraborty Amit K , Greiner Russell , Lewis Mark A , Wang Hao 
Published: February 2025

Forecasting the occurrence and absence of novel disease outbreaks is essential for disease management, yet existing methods are often context-specific, require a long preparation time, and non-outbreak prediction remains understudied. To address this gap, we propose a novel framework using a feature-based time series classification (TSC) method to forecast outbreaks and non-outbreaks. We tested our methods on synthetic data from a Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) model for slowly changing, noisy disease dynamics. Outbreak sequences give a transcritical bifurcation within a specified future time window, whereas non-outbreak (null bifurcation) sequences do not. We identified incipient differences, reflected in 22 statistical features and 5 early warning signal indicators, in time series of infectives leading to future outbreaks and non-outbreaks. Classifier performance, given by the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC), ranged from 0 . 99 for large expanding windows of training data to 0 . 7 for small rolling windows. The framework is further evaluated on four empirical datasets: COVID-19 incidence data from Singapore, 18 other countries, and Edmonton, Canada, as well as SARS data from Hong Kong, with two classifiers exhibiting consistently high accuracy. Our results highlight detectable statistical features distinguishing outbreak and non-outbreak sequences well before potential occurrence, in both synthetic and real-world datasets presented in this study.
Competency based primary education curriculum of Bangladesh: SDG
Authors: K M Obaydullah A , Jahan Nusrat 
Published: February 2025

Education now is first time truly aiming to improve access to quality education on sustainable development to develop knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. Many countries in Asia are transforming institutions as â€˜Thinking Schoolsâ€™. The government of Bangladesh, just like other countries, because of the impact of globalization, it has continued to reform education sector to respond to more emerging issues towards sustainable development. It is on this premise that the introduction of new education system. However, there is too little which has been done in establishing the link between competencies based curriculum and sustainable development and their teething challenges. This article is purposed to link competency based learning curriculum to sustainable development, while bringing to the fore the challenges the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is contenting with from conception to its implementation phase and their possible panaceas. Specifically and chronologically, this reflective article attempts clarification of key operational terminologies used, link between competencies and sustainable development, Role of CBC in SDG, theoretical underpinnings of CBC, challenges of CBC, conclusions and recommendations. This reflective and theoretical article significantly contributes to the ongoing debates and reflections on the contribution of competency based curriculum on sustainable development, while addressing the teething challenges undermining the CBC implementation with a view of making it acceptable to all and providing apt strategies towards its successful implementation. Bangladesh is on its way to achieving a Middle Income Country (MIC) status in 2021 and will become a developed country by 2041.Â Â
Some aspects of morphometry, systematics and biogeography of the freshwater turtles, Pangshura (testudines: Geoemydidae) of Pakistan
Authors: Safi Amtyaz , Zaheer Khan Muhammad , Usman Ali  Hashmi Muhammad , Kanwal Roohi , Karl Hans-Volker 
Published: February 2025

The present paper based on multivariate morpho-metry, systematics and biogeographically analyses of the hard-shell freshwater turtles of genus Pangshura found in Pakistan. Allo-metric changes in the size of body were examined in the live collected specimens. The morpho-metric measurements and comparative study of Pangshura clearly revealed sexual di-morphism and both the sexes can easily be differentiated. Females are larger in size than males in of this texon. The present study revealed that P. tecta are less common in distribution than P. smithii in in the studied area of Pakistan. The current study presents a morpho-metric relationship between extant and extinct species of Pangshura taxon for the first time. A holotype of this taxon, Pangshura tatrotia is described here, which is also considered a sister to P. tecta and a fifth species so far of this texon.Â Â Â Â
A review of environmental hazards and vertebrate biodiversity of upper San Marcos river, Texas, USA
Authors: Safi Amtyaz , Usman Ali Hashmi Muhammad 
Published: February 2025

The San Marcos River arises in a series of springs in Hays County, Texas. This is the second largest and important spring system in Texas, which has more environmental stability and a diverse known biotic diversity of any other ecosystems in the southwestern United States of America. The upper San Marcos River contains a relatively larger number of protected biota, including the vertebrate fauna like San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana) and the fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola). Many environmental hazards are increasing day by day due to humanâ€™s development and groundwater extraction. This area receives a great deal of conservation efforts to protect/ enhance habitats, protect biodiversity and ecological condition of the river but still much more priority actions are needed.Â Â
INDONESIAN BANKRUPTCY LAW POLICY AFTER POLITICAL & MONETARY TURMOIL IN 1998
Authors: Pratama Gede Aditya , Putri Elfirda Ade , Imawan Arga Pribadi 
Published: February 2025

The monetary turmoil that occurred in 1998 plunged Indonesia into an economic crisis that had an unfavorable impact on the national economy, which at the time was dependent on foreign investment. In the end, to help improve the economy in Indonesia, the Government at that time took action to ask for assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The injection of funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided conditions for the Government of Indonesia to establish new bankruptcy regulations from the commonly used Dutch Bankruptcy Law of 1905 (Faillissements-Verordening, Staatsblad 217/1905 and Staatsblad 348/1906) so that the Government issued Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 1 of 1998 concerning Amendments to the Bankruptcy Law. In PERPPU 1/1998, it provides easy bankruptcy application requirements where the conditions only require 2 creditors and one of the creditors has a debt that has matured. Until Law No. 37/2004 on Bankruptcy and PKPU was enacted, the requirements for bankruptcy applications remained unchanged, so this paper aims to analyze the requirements for filing bankruptcy applications, which tend to be pro-creditor, so that it is straightforward to put debtors in a state of bankruptcy or PKPU, where the existence of the Bankruptcy and PKPU Law should provide help for debtors to find a solution to the debt pressure that has hit the debtor.