bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining Ability of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines for Tryptophan and Quality Traits Across Diverse Soil Nitrogen Environments
Authors: Dosho Bedasa M. , Ifie B. E. , Asante I. K. , Danquah E. Y. , Zeleke Habtamu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMaize (Zea mays L.) is the most important cereal crop on which many small‐scale farmers depend as a sole source of protein. However, it contains lower amounts of the essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan compared to other crops. Quality Protein Maize (QPM), developed through conventional plant breeding methods, has higher levels of lysine and tryptophan than non‐QPM maize varieties. This study was designed to assess the combining ability of QPM inbred lines for tryptophan content, endosperm modification score, protein, and protein quality index under low and optimum soil nitrogen environments. We crossed eleven QPM inbred lines using a complete diallel mating scheme to generate 110 F1 hybrids. Including five maize hybrid checks, we evaluated the 110 F1 hybrids and 11 parental lines under both low and optimum soil nitrogen environments in an 18 × 7 alpha‐lattice design with two replications. We estimated tryptophan content, kernel modification scores, total protein contents and protein quality index in the F2 grain of F1 hybrids using Near‐Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS 6500). The results of the study indicate that the mean squares for general and specific combining ability were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) for all measured quality traits under both low and optimum soil nitrogen environments. The GCA sum of squares was greater than the SCA sum of squares for the endosperm modification score under low, optimum, and across soil nitrogen environments. However, the SCA sum of squares was higher than the GCA sum of squares for the protein quality index under low, optimum and across soil nitrogen environments. The contributions of GCA, SCA, and reciprocal effects were significant for all measured traits under both environments, indicating that the inheritance of the quality traits is controlled by both additive and non‐additive gene action.
Virus-induced perturbations in the mouse microbiome are impacted by microbial experience
Authors: Roach Shanley N. , Phillips Wendy , Pross Lauren M. , Sanders Autumn E. , Pierson Mark J. , Hunter Ryan C. , Langlois Ryan A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

The bacterial microbiome has a major impact on health and can shape metabolism, host tolerance, immune responses, and the outcome of future infections. The bacterial microbiome is highly variable between individuals. Specific pathogen-free animals have reduced microbiome diversity, making it difficult to evaluate the impact of infection-induced microbiome disruption that would be observed in free-living animals, including people. Mice are commonly used as a preclinical model but unfortunately often fail to predict translation success or failure, particularly for immune and infectious disease-targeting therapies. Here, we utilize pet store mouse cohoused “dirty” mice with diverse microbial experience to explore how host variability and infection may be interacting to drive unique microbiome changes. We found that cohoused animals had significantly increased bacterial diversity in the small intestine and cecum but not in the large intestine. There were differentially abundant taxa between clean and dirty animals in all three tissues. After infection with influenza A virus, samples clustered by both housing condition and infection status in the cecum and large intestine, while small intestine samples clustered predominantly by infection. Altogether, these results highlight the differential impact of housing, infection, and interaction between the two in dictating community composition across the gastrointestinal microbiome.

IMPORTANCE
Traditionally housed pathogen-free mouse models do not fully capture the natural variability observed among human microbiomes, which may underlie their poor translationally predictive value. Understanding the difference between pathogen-induced shifts in the bacterial microbiome and natural microbiome variance is a major hurdle to determining bacterial biomarkers of disease. It is also critical to understand how diverse baseline microbiomes may be differentially impacted by infection and contribute to disease. Pet store cohoused “dirty” mice have diverse microbial experiences and microbiomes, allowing us to evaluate how baseline variation, infection, and interaction between the two impact the microbiome.
Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets of Hepatitis B Virus Pre-S Mutant-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumorigenesis
Authors: Jeng Long-Bin , Chan Wen-Ling , Teng Chiao-Fang 
Published: February 2025

Background: Despite significant progress in diagnosis and therapeutics, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still among the most commonly occurring and life-taking human cancers globally, raising an urgent need for discovering effective therapeutic targets. Purpose: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiological factor associated with HCC development, progression, and prognosis. Pre-S mutants are naturally occurring mutated forms of HBV large surface proteins and predict a higher risk of HCC development and recurrence. Moreover, pre-S mutants function as important HBV oncoproteins which can promote HCC tumorigenesis through initiating a variety of oncogenic signaling pathways. Targeting pre-S mutant-induced oncogenic signaling pathways displays therapeutic potential in HCC. Research Design: This review summarizes the underlying molecular mechanisms of pre-S mutant-associated HCC tumorigenesis and highlights their potential in serving as therapeutic targets for HCC.
Student’s experience in using simulators for the development of complex skills in logistics education: assessing enjoyment of learning
Authors: Pacheco-Velázquez Ernesto Armando , Rodés-Paragarino Virginia , Ramírez-Echeverri Sergio Augusto 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The article discusses the efficacy of game-based learning (GBL) in logistics education, specifically through an empirical evaluation of the “Logistics Simulator LOST.” Recognizing the complexities of evaluating serious games— interactive serious games platforms designed for educational, purpose—the article emphasizes the need for games that both enhance knowledge and engage learners. The study is conducted within the ambit of an undergraduate engineering course in Mexico and employs the EGameFlow scale as its evaluative instrument. This scale quantifies student satisfaction and intrinsic enjoyment derived from the learning process. Findings indicate that the Logistics Simulator LOST is highly effective in both knowledge enhancement in logistics and in elevating student engagement and satisfaction. By leveraging a formal evaluation tool in the EGameFlow scale and focusing on a specific educational context, the manuscript offers a nuanced, empirically substantiated contribution to the discourse on the adaptability and efficacy of GBL in diverse educational settings.
The role of exercise in alleviating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms: addressing diagnostic challenges and management shortcomings
Authors: Hailu Gebrezabher Niguse , Gebremariam Meles Mebrahtu , Meles Hailemariam Atsbeha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent yet intricate gastrointestinal condition that poses substantial challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. The lack of definitive diagnostic markers and the focus on symptom-based therapies often result in inadequate relief for patients, leading to frustration and psychological distress. In areas where access to healthcare is limited, the uncertainty surrounding IBS frequently drives patients to explore alternative treatments, including traditional medicine, which can potentially worsen the condition or introduce new health risks.

Aim
This case report study aimed to examine the underappreciated role of exercise as a viable treatment for IBS, shedding light on the shortcomings of current diagnostic and therapeutic practices. It provides an important perspective on the diagnostic and treatment challenges of IBS and presents exercise as a highly effective non-pharmacological intervention that is often underutilized in clinical practice in Ethiopia.
Optimizing Recruitment and Retention in Cancer Clinical Trials in Low-Resource Settings: Barriers and Facilitators From Nigerian Provider's Perspectives
Authors: Olakunde Babayemi O. , Idemili-Aronu Ngozi , Friebel-Klingner Tara M. , Chike-Okoli Adaeze , Itanyi Ijeoma U. , Onyeka Tonia C. , Levinson Kimberly , Rositch Anne F. , Roden Richard B.S. , Wu Tzyy-Choou , Ezeanolue Echezona E. 
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE
The under-representation of African countries in cancer clinical trials continues to widen the cancer health disparity. In this study, we assessed health care workers' perspectives on recruitment and retention in cancer clinical trials in Nigeria.

METHODS
This study was a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, using a survey for quantitative analysis and focus group discussions (FGDs) for further qualitative investigation. The health care providers that participated in the study were drawn from the ICON-3 Practice-based Research Network across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

RESULTS
Of the 42 providers, 35 completed the survey and 25 participated in the FGDs. The most cited (agreed or strongly agreed) patient-related barriers were lack of understanding of cancer clinical trials (83%), cultural barriers (77%), and lack of financial compensation for study visits (77%). The most cited provider-related barriers were negative attitude of the clinical team (89%), lack of training in good clinical practice (89%), and an overwhelming clinical workload (86%). On trial-related barriers, about 71% agreed or strongly agreed that lack of trial publicity was a barrier. Over 90% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that several factors, including the friendliness of the study team (97%) and clarity in the presentation of trial information (97%), are important facilitators. The FGDs unveiled additional themes, including systems-related barriers such as lack of infrastructure, limited research collaboration, and prolonged ethical approval process, and capacity building and community engagement as potential facilitators.

CONCLUSION
Our study provides providers' perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to the recruitment and retention of participants in cancer clinical trials in a low-resource setting and highlights the need for culturally appropriate recruitment strategies.
Meriones unguiculatus serves as a spontaneous primary aldosteronism rodent model
Authors: You Mei , Lu Zongshi , Wang Bowen , Liu Min , Zhou Qing , Li Li , Tong Dan , Zhao Yu , Zhang Hexuan , Bai Zhongping , Wang Lijuan , Cao Tingbing , Gao Peng , Yan Zhencheng , Zhu Zhiming 
Published: February 2025

Background
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of endocrine hypertension. The available animal models of PA rely on gene manipulation, thus fail to duplicate the general pathological process of PA in humans. Meriones unguiculatus (MU) has been reported to possess a large size of adrenal gland and an elevated ability to save water. In this study, we aimed to confirm whether MU can serve as an ideal animal model of PA.

Methods
Sprague Dawley rats of the same body weight (SD1) or age (SD2) as MU were used as control groups. Blood pressure and serum aldosterone, renin and electrolyte levels were measured, and the oral salt loading test was used as confirmatory test to compare the inhibition level of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) among the three groups. The expression and distribution of CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) were evaluated in the adrenal gland of each group.

Results
MU exhibited typical clinical manifestations of PA, including hypertension, hyperaldosteronism, low renin levels and strong sodium retention and potassium excretion abilities. Compared with control groups, the inhibitory effect of a high-sodium diet on the RAAS was milder in MU, accompanied by significant cardiac dysfunction. The protein expression level and distribution area of CYP11B2 were significantly increased in the adrenal gland of MU.

Conclusion
The current study reveals that MU could serve as an ideal spontaneous PA model. The increased expression and distribution of CYP11B2 stimulate the excessive aldosterone production in a renin-independent manner, leading to a significant increase in blood pressure in MU.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological treatments to improve sleep quality in university students
Authors: Tadros Michelle , Newby Jill M. , Li Sophie , Werner-Seidler Aliza 
Published: February 2025

Objective
This paper reviews the literature evaluating psychological treatments to improve sleep quality in young adult university students.

Method
Participants (N = 6179) were young adult (aged 18–30 years) university students. Databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, EMBASE and Medline) were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating psychological treatments for sleep disturbance in university students. The search date was 20 September 2024.

Results
22 original trials met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that psychological interventions outperformed control groups (n = 14) on improving sleep quality (g = 0.50, 95%CI:0.26–0.73). There were significantly different effect sizes found between studies that evaluated cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBT-I; n = 6, g = 0.72, CI: 0.43–1.02) versus studies that evaluated mindfulness interventions (n = 5, g = 0.16, 95% CI: -0.18–0.51).

Conclusions
Psychological treatments improve sleep quality for young adult university students. While CBT-I showed larger effect sizes than interventions focused on mindfulness, further research is needed to verify if this reflects a true difference in the efficacy of the interventions.
Kultowy wymiar gór
Authors: Drozdowicz Zbigniew 
Published: February 2025

Even for people who are quite “resistant” to the beauty of nature, mountains can make quite an impression – especially when you stand at the foot of a large mountain and look towards its cloud-covered peak. For centuries, this has translated into various cult forms – from mythological to tourist ones. In these considerations, I present selected aspects of this cult and cite its selected examples. Not in every case the peaks of these mountains reach the “heaven” – not only atmospheric, but also religious. However, in each they are linked to culturally significant beliefs and practices. Some of them appeared in the distant past and even if they have survived to modern times, they have been adapted to the currently accepted and implemented cultural standards. However, there are also those that have resisted such adaptation attempts and remain as living monuments of the past.
Tajemnice i poszukiwanie bezpieczeństwa. O sposobach utraty tajemnic inadziejach na ich odzyskanie. Część II
Authors: Szulakiewicz Marek 
Published: February 2025

Mysteries have appeared in many areas of past culture as one of the prerequisites for asking about the world. However, the old forms of their appearance and the philosophers’ (Heidegger’s) dreams of the necessity of returning to them belong to the past. The article attempts to answer the question of the meaning of mystery in our culture, philosophy and religion. It characterises the social and metaphysical dimensions of the secret and contrasts secret and mystery. In metaphysical terms, the secret refers to the way in which the world and man exist, and not to a lack of knowledge. In it (and through it) the world appears as not complete, not fulfilled, not finished and always unfinished, but open to new possibilities. The text also shows and discusses the processes of demystification and their consequences for man and culture. The last section of the article shows areas in which the hope for a restoration of culture has remained. These are religion and science. In its essential aspect, religion is naturally interwoven with mystery. Modern science also takes a “step back” in the face of a soulless and objectified reality. It maximises the role of the cognitive subject and minimises the objectification of the world.
Stimulus-dependent expression ofBdnfis mediated by ATF2, MYT1L, and EGR1 transcription factors
Authors: Esvald Eli-Eelika , Moistus Andra , Lehe Karin , Avarlaid Annela , Šubina Anastassia , Kuusemets Liis , Tuvikene Jürgen , Timmusk Tõnis 
Published: February 2025

Neurotrophins like BDNF have a key role in the proper functioning of the central nervous system, influencing numerous processes like memory formation and behavior. An imbalance in BDNF levels can lead to a wide range of diseases, including depression and neurodevelopmental disorders. While the potential therapeutic effects of BDNF are well-recognized, there is a knowledge gap in understanding the mechanisms governing BDNF expression levels. Here, we focused on the regulation ofBdnfgene expression in response to different stimuli, specifically studying the effects of neuronal activity and BDNF-TrkB signaling onBdnftranscription in cultured neurons from rats of either sex. We usedin vitroDNA pulldown combined with mass spectrometry to determine transcription factors that interact with theBdnfpromoters upon different stimuli and validated numerous known regulators, such as USF and AP1 family, and novel candidate regulators using reporter assays. We show that the USF family of transcription factors is specifically recruited after membrane depolarization, whereas the AP1 family participates inBdnfregulation only after BDNF-TrkB signaling. We further describe ATF2, MYT1L and EGR family as novel regulators ofBdnfexpression by demonstrating their direct binding toBdnfpromoters using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays bothin vitroand in vivo, showing their functional role inBdnfgene expression, and ultimately identifying their regulatorycis-elements inBdnfpromoters. Furthermore, our results show competition between ATF2, CREB, and AP1 family in regulatingBdnflevels. Collectively, our results provide insight into the regulation ofBdnfexpression upon different stimuli.Significance statementMembrane depolarization and neurotrophin BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) signaling via its receptor TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B) are critical processes for proper neuronal functions. Here, we studied how these two stimuli regulate the expression of two mainBdnftranscripts -Bdnfexon I- and IV-containing transcripts. Our results reveal a remarkable overlap of regulators that are recruited to bothBdnfpromoters I and IV and after both stimuli. Overall, our results shed light to the complex regulation ofBdnfexpression highlighting a dynamic interplay of cooperative and competitive mechanisms among transcription factors. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms beyond single transcription factors and considering the combinatorial effects could pave the way for specifically modulatingBdnflevels as therapeutic interventions.
Social media burnout scale: Confirmación de su estructura factorial en el contexto brasileño
Authors: Carlos de Oliveira Santos Layrtthon , Lopes Loureto Gleidson Diego , Silva Santos Isabella Leandra 
Published: February 2025

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo confirmar la estructura de la Social Media Burnout Scale (SMBS) en el contexto brasileño.
Método: Se trata de un estudio psicométrico de enfoque cuantitativo, donde participaron 419 individuos de la población general, en su mayoría estudiantes universitarios, con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 57 años (M=24,77; DE=6,75). Los participantes completaron un cuestionario sociodemográfico, la Social Media Burnout Scale y la Escala de Evaluación del Síndrome de Burnout en Estudiantes Universitarios (EESB-eu).
Resultados: Los datos se analizaron utilizando el software JASP. Los resultados mostraron que el modelo de tres factores de la SMBS presentó índices de ajuste satisfactorios en la muestra brasileña (χ²=77,75; gl=32; CFI=0,97; TLI=0,97; RMSEA=0,05, 95 %IC=0,04-0,07; SRMR=0,06). Además, los tres factores presentaron omegas de McDonald’s aceptables. Finalmente, los factores Extenuación de la SMBS y Agotamiento Físico y Emocional de la EESB-eu se correlacionaron al nivel de r=0,32 (p<0,001), evidenciando validez convergente.

Conclusión: La medida denominada en portugués Escala de Burnout de Redes Sociais (EBRS) es la primera válida y confiable para investigar este fenómeno en el contexto brasileño.
Edukasi Penyakit Asam Urat di Desa Dawung Wetan Surakarta
Authors: Wikantyasning Erindyah Retno , Wahyuni Arifah Sri , Julianti Tri Budi , Amalia Nastity Zhahwa , Astuti Devi Dwi 
Published: February 2025

Prevalensi penyakit tidak menular, termasuk asam urat, semakin meningkat di Indonesia. Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini menguraikan pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat yang difokuskan pada penyuluhan penyakit asam urat di Kelurahan Dawung Wetan, Kota Surakarta, Provinsi Jawa Tengah. Penyuluhan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat tentang penyakit asam urat dan mendorong praktik hidup sehat. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah penyuluhan tentang faktor risiko penyakit asam urat kepada ibu-ibu PKK. dan pencegahan penyakit, dilanjutkan dengan sesi tanya jawab, pemberian pretest sebelum penyuluhan, dan posttest setelah penyuluhan untuk menilai tingkat pengetahuan masyarakat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 66,7% peserta memiliki pemahaman yang komprehensif tentang asam urat, sedangkan 33,3% menunjukkan pengetahuan yang memadai. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa edukasi yang disampaikan memberikan pemahaman ibu-ibu PKK tentang asam urat meningkat terlihat dari jawaban pretest dan posttest yang diberikan. Meskipun demikian, temuan ini juga memberikan arahan untuk meningkatkan inisiatif edukasi dan pencegahan. Upaya pengabdian masyarakat ini secara efektif meningkatkan pengetahuan masyarakat tentang asam urat dan mendorong penerapan gaya hidup sehat. untuk mewujudkan masyarakat yang lebih sejahtera dan berkualitas. Kata Kunci: Edukasi, Asam Urat, Gaya Hidup Sehat, Kesehatan The prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including gout, is rising in Indonesia. This community service outlines the execution of community service initiatives centred on gout education in Dawung Wetan Village, Surakarta City, Central Java Province. This counselling seeks to enhance public comprehension of gout and encourage healthy lifestyle practices. The methodology entails instructing PKK moms on risk factors and disease prevention, succeeded by a question and answer session, the administration of a pretest prior to counselling, and a posttest subsequent to counselling to assess the community's knowledge level. The findings indicated that 66.7% of participants possessed a comprehensive awareness of gout, whilst 33.3% demonstrated adequate knowledge. These findings suggest educational initiatives aimed at enhancing public comprehension of gout. Nonetheless, these findings also offer direction for enhancing educational and preventive initiatives. This community service effort effectively enhances public knowledge about gout and promotes the adoption of healthy lifestyles to cultivate a more prosperous and quality society.