bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinitis pigmentosa with iris coloboma due to miR‐204 gene variant in a Chinese family
Authors: Lei Zhang , He‐Lin Zhu , Hai‐Yan Wang , Wei Jia , Ru Wang , Zhi‐Li Cui , Qian‐Feng Wang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeTo characterize the phenotype and genotype of a Chinese family with autosomal‐dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP) accompanied by iris coloboma.MethodsThe proband, a 34‐year‐old male, was examined with his family by using fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), autofluorescence, and full‐field electroretinography (ffERG). Genetic analyses were conducted through whole‐exome sequencing (WES) to screen for variations.ResultsThree members of this Chinese family were shown to be bilateral iris coloboma. The male proband and his mother exhibited typical RP feature. The proband's late grandfather had been documented manifestation of iris coloboma. The mode of inheritance was confirmed to be autosomal dominance. Through linkage analysis and WES, a heterozygous variation in the miR‐204 gene (n.37C>T), a noncoding RNA gene, was identified in these three members.ConclusionsIn this third independent and the first Asian family, the existence of a miR‐204 variant associated with RP accompanied by iris coloboma was confirmed. Our findings reinforce the significance of miR‐204 as an important factor influencing visual function in the retina. When phenotypes like RP accompanied by iris coloboma in an autosomal‐dominant pattern, including in Chinese patients, miR‐204 aberrations should be considered.
Surgical treatment of a zygomatic sialocele by ventral approach without ostectomy in an adult Shih Tzu
Authors: Thibault Alexandre , Moreau Morgane , Bruwier Aurelie , Hamon Martin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA 5‐year‐old male Shih Tzu was presented for right eye exophthalmia and periorbital swelling. Computed tomography and fine needle aspiration revealed a zygomatic sialocele. A ventral non‐ostectomy approach was performed to remove the zygomatic salivary gland and its duct. This new, minimally invasive approach allowed good visualisation and complete exteriorisation of the gland in this brachycephalic dog. No intra‐ or postoperative complications were noted. This clinical case confirmed the relevance of this approach in the treatment of zygomatic sialoceles in all types of dogs.
EASL–EASD–EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): Executive Summary
Authors:   European Association for the Study of the Liver,   European Association for the Study of Diabetes,   European Association for the Study of Obesity, Tacke Frank , Horn Paul , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Ratziu Vlad , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Francque Sven , Zelber-Sagi Shira , Valenti Luca , Roden Michael , Schick Fritz , Yki-Järvinen Hannele , Gastaldelli Amalia , Vettor Roberto , Frühbeck Gema , Dicker Dror 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is defined as steatotic liver disease (SLD) in the presence of one or more cardiometabolic risk factor(s) and the absence of harmful alcohol intake. The spectrum of MASLD includes steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This joint EASL–EASD–EASO guideline provides an update on definitions, prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for MASLD. Case-finding strategies for MASLD with liver fibrosis, using non-invasive tests, should be applied in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, abnormal liver enzymes and/or radiological signs of hepatic steatosis, particularly in the presence of type 2 diabetes or obesity with additional metabolic risk factor(s). A stepwise approach using blood-based scores (such as the fibrosis-4 index [FIB-4]) and, sequentially, imaging techniques (such as transient elastography) is suitable to rule-out/in advanced fibrosis, which is predictive of liver-related outcomes. In adults with MASLD, lifestyle modification—including weight loss, dietary changes, physical exercise and discouraging alcohol consumption—as well as optimal management of comorbidities—including use of incretin-based therapies (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes or obesity, if indicated—is advised. Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity. If locally approved and dependent on the label, adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage ≥2) should be considered for a MASH-targeted treatment with resmetirom, which demonstrated histological effectiveness on steatohepatitis and fibrosis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. No MASH-targeted pharmacotherapy can currently be recommended for the cirrhotic stage. Management of MASH-related cirrhosis includes adaptations of metabolic drugs, nutritional counselling, surveillance for portal hypertension and HCC, as well as liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.
Construction and Bioinformatics Analysis of ceRNA Regulatory Networks in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Menglin , Wu Xiao , Zhu Honglan , Fu Chenkun , Yang Wenting , Jing Xiaoting , Liu Wenqu , Cheng Yiju 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive form of pulmonary fibrosis of unknown etiology. Despite ongoing research, there is currently no cure for this disease. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks in IPF development. Therefore, this study investigated the ceRNA network associated with IPF pathogenesis. We obtained gene expression datasets (GSE32538, GSE32537, GSE47460, and GSE24206) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed them using bioinformatics tools to identify differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEmRNAs), microRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNA). For DEmRNAs, we conducted an enrichment analysis, constructed protein–protein interaction networks, and identified hub genes. Additionally, we predicted the target genes of differentially expressed mRNAs and their interacting long non-coding RNAs using various databases. Subsequently, we screened RNA molecules with ceRNA regulatory relations in the lncACTdb database based on the screening results. Furthermore, we performed disease and functional enrichment analyses and pathway prediction for miRNAs in the ceRNA network. We also validated the expression levels of candidate DEmRNAs through quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and analyzed the correlation between the expression of these candidate DEmRNAs and the percent predicted pre-bronchodilator forced vital capacity [%predicted FVC (pre-bd)]. We found that three ceRNA regulatory axes, specifically KCNQ1OT1/XIST/NEAT1-miR-20a-5p-ITGB8, XIST-miR-146b-5p/miR-31-5p- MMP16, and NEAT1-miR-31-5p-MMP16, have the potential to significantly affect IPF progression. Further examination of the underlying regulatory mechanisms within this network enhances our understanding of IPF pathogenesis and may aid in the identification of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
The Business of Stealing Futures: Race, Gender, and the Student Debt Regime
Authors: Mir Ali , Toor Saadia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we argue that the system of student debt functions as one of the most egregious and yet poorly understood mechanisms by which structural racism is reproduced in the U.S. today. We present evidence that student debt is unevenly distributed across race and gender, show that this pattern arises from policy choices made over time, and demonstrate that these disparities play a significant role in maintaining and exacerbating racial and gender wealth gaps. Our paper contends that the student debt crisis not only erodes the core principles of higher education but also perpetuates a cycle of racial and gender inequality and given the crucial role played by business corporations, urges scholars of business ethics to pay attention to this issue.
Lifting in Support of Privacy-Preserving Probabilistic Inference
Authors: Gehrke Marcel , Liebenow Johannes , Mohammadi Esfandiar , Braun Tanya 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPrivacy-preserving inference aims to avoid revealing identifying information about individuals during inference. Lifted probabilistic inference works with groups of indistinguishable individuals, which has the potential to prevent tracing back a query result to a particular individual in a group. Therefore, we investigate how lifting, by providing anonymity, can help preserve privacy in probabilistic inference. Specifically, we show correspondences between k-anonymity and lifting and present s-symmetry as an analogue as well as PAULI, a privacy-preserving inference algorithm that ensures s-symmetry during query answering.
Conventional and microfluidic methods: Design and optimization of lipid-polymeric hybrid nanoparticles for gene therapy
Authors: González-García Daniel , Tapia Olga , Évora Carmen , García-García Patricia , Delgado Araceli 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Gene therapy holds significant promise as a therapeutic approach for addressing a diverse range of diseases through the suppression of overexpressed proteins and the restoration of impaired cell functions. Developing a nanocarrier that can efficiently load and release genetic material into cells remains a challenge. The primary goal of this study is to develop formulations aimed to enhance the therapeutic potential of GapmeRs through technological approaches. To this end, lipid-polymeric hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) with PLGA, DC-cholesterol, and DOPE-mPEG2000 were produced by conventional single-step nanoprecipitation (SSN) and microfluidic (MF) methods. The optimized nanoparticles by SSN have a size of 149.9 ± 18.07 nm, a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.23 ± 0.02, and a zeta potential of (ZP) of 29.34 ± 2.44 mV, while by MF the size was 179.8 ± 6.3, a PdI of 0.24 ± 0.01, and a ZP of 32.25 ± 1.36 mV. Furthermore, LPHNPs prepared with GapmeR-protamine by both methods exhibit a high encapsulation efficiency of approximately 90%. The encapsulated GapmeR is completely released in 24 h. The LPHNP suspensions are stable for up to 6 h in 10% FBS at pH 5.4 and 7.4. By contrast, LPHNPs remain stable in suspension in 4.5% albumin at pH 7.4 for 24 h. Additionally, LPHNPs were successfully freeze-dried using trehalose in the range of 2.5-5% as cryoprotectant The LPHNPs produced by MF and SSN increase, 6 and 12 fold respectively, GapmeR cell uptake, and both of them reduce by 60–70% expression of Tob1 in 48 h.Our study demonstrates the efficacy of the developed LPHNPs as carriers for oligonucleotide delivery, offering valuable insights for their scale up production from a conventional bulk methodology to a high-throughput microfluidic technology.

Graphical Abstract
Association of leukocyte telomere length with risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in middle-aged and older individuals without cardiovascular disease: a prospective cohort study of NHANES 1999–2002
Authors: Wang Qianhui , Xi Linqiang , Yang Na , Song Jie , Taiwaikul Dilare , Zhang Xiaoxue , Bo Yakun , Tang Baopeng , Zhou Xianhui 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) shorting was significantly associated with mortality. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between LTL and all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in middle-aged or older individuals without a history of CVD.

Methods
A total of 4174 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 1999 and 2002 were included in this analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to estimate the association between LTL and mortality outcomes. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were employed to evaluate the potential non-linear association.

Results
Over a median follow-up period of 217 months, the weighted rates of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality were 28.58% and 8.32% respectively. Participants in the highest LTL group exhibited a significantly decreased risk of both all-cause mortality (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54–0.78, P < 0.001) and CVD mortality (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45–0.93, P < 0.001) compared to those in the lowest group. Kaplan-Meier survival curves further supported a significant association between shorter telomere length and increased risks of both all-cause and CVD mortality (log-rank test P < 0.001). RCS curves demonstrated a linear dose-response relationship between LTL and all-cause mortality as well as CVD mortality. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

Conclusion
Shorter leukocyte telomere length could serve as a potential biomarker for risk stratification of all-cause and CVD mortality among middle-aged and older individuals without a history of CVD.
Unleashing the transformers: NLP models detect AI writing in education
Authors: Campino José 
Published: June 2024

AbstractArtificial Intelligence (AI) has witnessed widespread application across diverse domains, with education being a prominent focus for enhancing learning outcomes and tailoring educational approaches. Transformer models, exemplified by BERT, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks. This research scrutinizes the current landscape of AI in education, emphasizing the utilization of transformer models. Specifically, the research delves into the influence of AI tools facilitating text generation through input prompts, with a notable instance being the GPT-4 model developed by OpenAI. The study employs pre-trained transformer models to discern whether a given text originates from AI or human sources. Notably, BERT emerges as the most effective model, fine-tuned using a dataset comprising abstracts authored by humans and those generated by AI. The outcomes reveal a heightened accuracy in distinguishing AI-generated text. These findings bear significance for the educational realm, suggesting that while endorsing the use of such tools for learning, vigilance is warranted to identify potential misuse or instances where students should independently develop their reasoning skills. Nevertheless, ethical considerations must be paramount when employing such methodologies. We have highlighted vulnerabilities concerning the potential bias of AI models towards non-native English speakers, stemming from possible deficiencies in vocabulary and grammatical structure. Additionally, users must ensure that there is no complete reliance on these systems to ascertain students' performance. Further research is imperative to unleash the full potential of AI in education and address ethical considerations tied to its application.
Does Leisure Time Equal Recovery Time? A Validation Study of the Demands and Resources Single Item–Private Life Instruments
Authors: Kovács Dániel , Vikoler Thomas , Traut-Mattausch Eva 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe purpose of the studies reported in this paper was to validate and establish two new single-item instruments that assess demands and resources in the context of private life: the Demands Single Item–Private Life (DSI-P) and the Resources Single Item–Private Life (RSI-P). The instruments were tested for construct validity, predictive validity, and temporal stability. Psychometric properties were tested with seven samples across three studies, the first two being cross-sectional and consisting of four (N = 675) and three (N = 375) samples, respectively. The third was a longitudinal study and included two samples (N = 85). Results revealed construct validity to be satisfactory with both the DSI-P and RSI-P being associated with a majority of convergent and divergent measures, as expected. Predictive validity also proved to be satisfactory in terms of simple regression analyses as well as moderation effects. Temporal stability of both single items was revealed to be moderate, which also corresponded with our assumptions. Results, limitations, as well as implications and the necessity for establishing the notion of demands and resources in the private life are discussed.
Terramechanics analysis of climbing behavior of wheel against rigid obstacle on soft terrain
Authors: Kita Keita , Arai Tomoya , Tsuchiya Kei , Kon Seiji , Katayama Masahiro , Ozaki Shingo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the development of lunar and planetary exploration rovers, risk assessment in on-site environments comprising fine regoliths and unevenly distributed rocks is essential. To prevent a rover from being stuck during its operation, one must understand the behavior of its wheel when it climbs over rigid obstacles in off-road environments. In this study, we apply an extended terramechanics model, which can reasonably describe the interaction between soft ground and vehicles, to analyze the obstacle-climbing behavior of rigid wheels. To describe the interaction between the wheel and a hard obstacle, we combine the penalty method with the extended terramechanics model. Subsequently, we verify the effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing its results with those of a traversing single wheel obtained from a laboratory experiment. Furthermore, we use the model to perform a multibody dynamics analysis on a simple rover, where its applicability to the examination of the overall performance of obstacle climbing is demonstrated.
Production pathway of smallholders to nutrition-sensitive agriculture in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Agitew Genanew , Berhanie Zewdu , Gebremedhin Samson 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNutrition-sensitive agriculture is an approach that aims to ensure the production of affordable, safe, culturally appropriate, and nutritious foods in sufficient quantity and quality to meet dietary needs. This study aims to examine the production pathway by which smallholder farmers adopt nutrition-sensitive agriculture in northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected from 478 randomly sampled households through a structured questionnaire-based survey, observations, and group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the influences of demographic, socioeconomic, and institutional explanatory variables on the production of various food groups in households. Arable land owned by households, the use of irrigation, access to the nearest markets, contacts with agricultural extension workers, and management practices affect plant-sourced food production. On the other hand, the number of livestock owned, the total crop produced, and contacts with extension workers affected animal-sourced food production. However, different factors, such as technological, institutional, and managerial challenges, that include dependency on rain-fed and free-grazing-based traditional herding systems adversely affect the production pathway to nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The study concludes that improving agricultural extension services, promoting small-scale irrigation schemes, and introducing improved animal feeding with improved crop and livestock management techniques could significantly contribute to increased household availability of diversified foods.
Novel Ensemble Models Based on the Split‐Point Sampling and Node Attribute Subsampling Classifier for Groundwater Potential Mapping
Authors: Wang Zhengtao , Le TienDuy , Tian Kunjun , Phong Tran Van , Bien Tran Xuan , Pham Binh Thai 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGroundwater potential maps are crucial tools for effectively managing water resources, particularly in agriculturally focused countries such as Vietnam. However, creating these maps is a challenging task that requires reliable data and methods. In this study, we integrated the Split‐Point Sampling and Node Attribute Subsampling Classifier (SPAARC) with the Bagging (B), MultiBoostAB (MBAB), and Random Subspace (RSS) ensemble learning techniques and developed three ensemble models: B‐SPAARC, MBAB‐SPAARC, and RSS‐SPAARC. We selected 13 geoenvironmental factors based on their availability, relevance, and association with groundwater potential in the Sesan River basin of Vietnam. We assessed the models' performance using various metrics such as area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and RMSE. The findings indicated that the ensemble models performed better than the single SPAARC model in mapping groundwater potential. The MBAB‐SPAARC model demonstrated the highest accuracy with an AUC value of 0.891, followed by B‐SPAARC (AUC = 0.844), RSS‐SPAARC (AUC = 0.871), and the single SPAARC (AUC = 0.853) models. The results also highlighted that elevation, rainfall, land use/cover, and altitude were the most significant factors for mapping groundwater potential in the Sesan River basin. The innovative ensemble models and reliable potential maps developed in this study assist water resource managers in planning water usage based on the benefits and costs for various users and in devising sustainable strategies for using, protecting, and managing groundwater.
Watersheds and Infrastructure Providing Food, Energy, and Water to US Cities
Authors: Ao Yufei Zoe , Siddik Md Abu Bakar , Konar Megan , Marston Landon T. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCivil infrastructure underpins urban receipts of food, energy, and water (FEW) produced in distant watersheds. In this study, we map flows of FEW goods from watersheds of the contiguous United States to major population centers and highlight the critical infrastructure that supports FEW flows. To do this, we draw upon detailed records of agriculture, electricity, and public water supply production and couple them with commodity flow and infrastructure information. We also compare the flows of virtual water embedded in food and energy commodity flows with physical water flows in inter‐basin water transfer projects around the country. We found that the virtual blue water transfers through crops and electricity to major US cities was 53 billion and 8 billion m3 in 2017, respectively, while physical interbasin water transfers for crops, electricity, and public supply water averaged 20.8 billion m3. Highways are the primary infrastructure used to import virtual water associated with food and fuel into cities, although waterways and railways are most utilized for long‐distance transport. All of the 204 watersheds in the contiguous US support the food, energy, and/or water supplies of major US cities, with dependencies stretching far beyond each city's borders. Still, most cities source the majority of their FEW and embedded water resources from nearby watersheds. Infrastructure such as water supply dams and inland ports serve as important buffers for both local and supply‐chain sourced water stress. These findings can inform efforts to reduce water resources and infrastructure risks in domestic supply chains.