bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The fate and role of the pericytes in myocardial diseases
Authors: Frangogiannis Nikolaos G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe adult mammalian heart contains a large population of pericytes that play important roles in homeostasis and disease. In the normal heart, pericytes regulate microvascular permeability and flow. Myocardial diseases are associated with marked alterations in pericyte phenotype and function. This review manuscript discusses the role of pericytes in cardiac homeostasis and disease. Following myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac pericytes participate in all phases of cardiac repair. During the inflammatory phase, pericytes may secrete cytokines and chemokines and may regulate leukocyte trafficking, through formation of intercellular gaps that serve as exit points for inflammatory cells. Moreover, pericyte contraction induces microvascular constriction, contributing to the pathogenesis of ‘no‐reflow’ in ischemia and reperfusion. During the proliferative phase, pericytes are activated by growth factors, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and contribute to fibrosis, predominantly through secretion of fibrogenic mediators. A fraction of pericytes acquires fibroblast identity but contributes only to a small percentage of infarct fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. As the scar matures, pericytes form a coat around infarct neovessels, promoting stabilization of the vasculature. Pericytes may also be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure, by regulating inflammation, fibrosis, angiogenesis and myocardial perfusion. Pericytes are also important targets of viral infections (such as SARS‐CoV2) and may be implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac complications of COVID19. Considering their role in myocardial inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis, pericytes may be promising therapeutic targets in myocardial disease.
A taxonomy of multiple stable states in complex ecological communities
Authors: Aguadé‐Gorgorió Guim , Arnoldi Jean‐François , Barbier Matthieu , Kéfi Sonia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNatural systems are built from multiple interconnected units, making their dynamics, functioning and fragility notoriously hard to predict. A fragility scenario of particular relevance concerns so‐called regime shifts: abrupt transitions from healthy to degraded ecosystem states. An explanation for these shifts is that they arise as transitions between alternative stable states, a process that is well‐understood in few‐species models. However, how multistability upscales with system complexity remains a debated question. Here, we identify that four different multistability regimes generically emerge in models of species‐rich communities and other archetypical complex biological systems assuming random interactions. Across the studied models, each regime consistently emerges under a specific interaction scheme and leaves a distinct set of fingerprints in terms of the number of observed states, their species richness and their response to perturbations. Our results help clarify the conditions and types of multistability that can be expected to occur in complex ecological communities.
Revolutionizing elderly care: Building a healthier aging society through innovative long‐term care systems and assessing the long‐term care acceptance model
Authors: Chokphukhiao Chaturapron , Tun Wonn Shweyi Thet , Masa Sakaowrat , Chaiayuth Somporn , Loeiyood Jugsun , Pongskul Cholatip , Patramanon Rina 
Published: April 2024

AimWith a growing elderly population, the demand for caregivers is increasing in Khon Kaen, Thailand, with approximately 17 000 elderly residents. This growing number of older people and a shortage of caregivers could overload the healthcare system.MethodsThe present study involved 129 healthcare volunteers (caregivers for questionnaires study) and the collection of health data from 290 elderly residents from northeastern Thailand. After training, the volunteers assessed its usefulness through questionnaires. Tool reliability and statistical hypotheses were tested using stratified regression analysis (hierarchical regression) and multiple regression.ResultsThe relative mean scores of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward usage and behavioral intention to use technology were 4.51, 4.29, 4.44 and 4.41, respectively. In addition, perceived usefulness and user attitudes positively affected volunteers' willingness to use the system.ConclusionThe study was developed from the awareness of enhancing community quality and ecosystem through a long‐term care system application. Analyzing external factors can enhance technology's future effectiveness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 477–485.
Influence of precoating on the regeneration efficiency of filtration inorganic membranes
Authors: Wang Hongli , Hu Yang , Yang Qian , Wang Xu , Wu Yiyi , Tao Wenliang , Dai Yi , Wen Zhu , Zhou Lan , Nie Dengpan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInorganic membranes are used to effectively capture particulate matter in dust without causing secondary pollution. However, fine dust particles accumulate on the surface and penetrate the structure of inorganic membranes, thereby degrading their performance. This study investigated the influence of the precoating of inorganic membranes with needle‐shaped wollastonite particles on their regeneration efficiency. The filter‐cake‐curing technique was employed, and the results were obtained by characterization methods, including scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. The mechanism for controlling membrane fouling was examined based on the quantity and depth of particle penetration to the filtration medium and pore structure of the filter cake. The results demonstrated that precoating can prevent fine particles from penetrating the membrane pores, thereby alleviating pore blocking in inorganic membranes. Furthermore, this increased the porosity and decreased the fractal dimension of the pore in the cake, thereby reducing the structural complexity and resistance during cake removal. The regeneration efficiency of the inorganic membrane increased from 59.4% without a precoating to 94.1% when wollastonite particles with an aspect ratio of 10 were used for precoating.
Regional metakaolin particle size reduction for higher strength geopolymer
Authors: Sa Ribeiro Ruy A. , Sa Ribeiro Marilene G. , Keane Patrick F. , Sardela Mauro R. , Sa Ribeiro Pamela J. , Kriven Waltraud M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe objective of this project was to further develop new composites and a testing program for the performance‐based specification for natural Amazonian geopolymer (GP) for use in ceramics and construction. While fly ash‐based alkali activated materials are now an established technology, metakaolin‐based GPs still need to be developed and optimized regarding the knowledge of the specific characteristics and properties of local resources. Amazonian kaolin was calcined into metakaolin (AMK). AMK particle size reduction for better reactive material was evaluated by means of dry and wet ball milling and sieving. Three types of metakaolin were analyzed for particle size distribution, and their size d50 ranged from 7.9 to 2.8 µm. Further GP characterization followed physical and mechanical properties in flexural strength tests. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to investigate the microstructure of the materials. Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence was used to measure the GP material composition. Analysis of the results revealed that the strength and stiffness of sodium–metakaolin‐based GP were inversely proportional to particle size. All distinct particle size GPs showed, in general, some increase in strength and stiffness within curing times ranging from 3 to 28 days.
Effectiveness of risankizumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis: a multicenter, real‐world study
Authors: Graceffa Dario , Zangrilli Arianna , Caldarola Giacomo , Lora Viviana , Orsini Diego , Moretta Gala , Pagnanelli Gianluca , Provini Alessia , Masini Cinzia , Bavetta Mauro , Giordano Domenico , Richetta Antonio , Tolino Ersilla , Bianchi Luca , Peris Ketty , Sperati Francesca , Bonifati Claudio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundIL‐23 inhibitors were recently approved for the treatment of skin psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Risankizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds the p19 subunit of IL‐23, has proven effective on PsA in two randomized controlled trials. To date, only a few real‐world data are available on this topic.MethodsOur study aimed to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of risankizumab in patients with PsA in a real‐world setting. For this purpose, both rheumatologic and dermatologic assessments were performed at baseline and after 28–40 weeks of continuous risankizumab administration. Moreover, joint and entheses ultrasound assessment was performed at the mentioned time points.The rheumatologic assessment was carried out by means of the following scores: (i) clinical Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (cDAPSA); (ii) Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI); (iii) Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and (iii) Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). The degree of skin involvement was measured by both the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA). Quality of life was assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Ultrasound assessment of joints and entheses was performed on the basis of the EULAR‐OMERACT score.ResultsAfter treatment, cDAPSA decreased from a mean value of 12.9 ± 7.6 to 7.0 ± 6.1 (P < 0.001), and the median PD score significantly decreased from baseline (3; range 1–8) to TP1 (1; range 0–7) (P < 0.001). PASI score also decreased from 8.4 ± 4.9 to 0.3 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001), and PGA from 3.1 ± 1.0 to 0.4 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001).ConclusionWe can conclude that risankizumab led to substantial improvement in both skin and joint involvement.
Identification of key aroma‐active compounds in long shelf‐life yoghurt and milk produced by different pre‐sterilisation processes of raw milk using SBSE‐GC × GC–O–MS
Authors: Li Jie , Wen Rong , Wang Jia , Zou Tingting , Zhang Dongjie , Hou Yaqiong , Song Huanlu , Li Hongliang , Ma Hairan , Shi Jiao 
Published: April 2024

SummaryAroma is a vital attribute of dairy products. This study employed a combination of human sensory evaluation and instrumental analysis to study the effect of two different pre‐sterilisation processes (A and B) on the odour characteristics of milk and long shelf‐life yoghurt. The results from the sensory evaluation and electronic nose analysis indicated that the pre‐sterilisation process significantly influences the aroma profile and compounds of the samples. Stir bar sorptive extraction coupled with comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography−olfactometry−mass spectrometry (SBSE‐GC × GC−O−MS) was applied to identify the aroma‐active compounds present. Aldehydes and ketones emerged as the most abundant aroma‐active compounds. Quantitative analysis showed variations in the concentrations of aroma‐active compounds. For example, higher concentrations of hexanal, butanoic acid and hexanoic acid were observed in long shelf‐life yoghurt and milk produced by process B than process A, while higher concentrations of nonanal, 2,3‐butanedione and 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone were detected in products from process A than process B. Initial odour activity values provided insight into the contribution of aroma‐active compounds to the overall odour perception. Based on the results of aroma recombination, omission and spiking experiments, 13 and 11 key aroma‐active compounds were identified in long shelf‐life yoghurt and milk, respectively. These compounds, including 2,3‐butanedione, 2,3‐pentanedione, 2‐heptanone, 2‐undecanone, hexanal, octanal, nonanal, decanal, furfural, butanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone and styrene, can serve as potential indicators for determining odour differences between long shelf‐life yoghurt (milk) samples. Consequently, they offer a chemical basis for manufacturers to make informed decisions regarding production processes.
CXCR3+ effector regulatory T cells associate with disease tolerance during lower respiratory pneumovirus infection
Authors: Sebina Ismail , Ngo Sylvia , Rashid Ridwan B. , Alorro Mariah , Namubiru Patricia , Howard Daniel , Ahmed Tufael , Phipps Simon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLifestyle factors like poor maternal diet or antibiotic exposure disrupt early life microbiome assembly in infants, increasing the risk of severe lower respiratory infections (sLRI). Our prior studies in mice indicated that a maternal low‐fibre diet (LFD) exacerbates LRI severity in infants by impairing recruitment of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and consequently attenuating expansion of lung regulatory T (Treg) cells during pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) infection. Here, we investigated whether maternal dietary fibre intake influences Treg cell phenotypes in the mediastinal lymph nodes (mLN) and lungs of PVM‐infected neonatal mice. Using high dimensional flow cytometry, we identified distinct clusters of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which differed between lungs and mLN during infection, with notably greater effector Treg cell accumulation in the lungs. Compared to high‐fibre diet (HFD)‐reared pups, frequencies of various effector Treg cell subsets were decreased in the lungs of LFD‐reared pups. Particularly, recruitment of chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3+) expressing Treg cells was attenuated in LFD‐reared pups, correlating with lower lung expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokines. The recruitment of this subset in response to PVM infection was similarly impaired in pDC depleted mice or following anti‐CXCR3 treatment, increasing immunopathology in the lungs. In summary, PVM infection leads to the sequential recruitment and expansion of distinct Treg cell subsets to the lungs and mLN. The attenuated recruitment of the CXCR3+ subset in LFD‐reared pups increases LRI severity, suggesting that strategies to enhance pDCs or CXCL9/CXCL10 expression will lower immune‐mediated pathogenesis.
The role of traditional Chinese medicine in postoperative wound complications of gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Shiwang , Tian Xudong , Li Shengcai , Wu Zhengquan , Li Yanlong , Guo Jun , Liao Zhifeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDue to the high risks of postoperative complications brought on by gastric cancer, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a commonly used therapy, has exerted its vital role in postoperative recovery care. In this sense, this meta‐analysis was conducted to explore the related documents about TCM's impact on gastric cancer postoperative recovery. During the research, we explored a total of 1549 results from databases PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (WoS). Thirty‐two clinical randomized trials (RCTs) were then selected and analysed for this meta‐analysis by using the software RevMan 5.4 (under PRISMA 2020 regulations), with a population of 3178 patients. Data prove that TCM therapy reduced the risks for postoperative complications exposure by an estimated average of 19% (95% CI). Among the complications, TCM therapy suppressed the risks of wound infection and incisional infections by 53% and 48% respectively. Meanwhile, the patient's wound healing duration exhibited a significant reduction compared to those without TCM treatment, with a difference at around 0.74 days (95% CI). TCM also exerted its potential to strengthen the patient's immune and health conditions, leading to a significantly promoted gastrointestinal function in the patients with a shorter duration to release first exhaustion and defecation compared to those with no TCM therapy. In addition, similar promoted phenomena also exist in those patients with TCM therapy in terms of their immunity and nutritional conditions. These facts all indicate a positive impact of TCM therapy in clinical applications.
Effects of electromagnetic therapy in treating patients with venous leg ulcers: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Wang Guofeng , Zheng Jie , Wu Hongxue , Wu Yucheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aims to evaluate the effects of electromagnetic therapy (EMT) on the treatment of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) by synthesising and appraising available meta‐analyses (MAs) and systematic reviews (SRs). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases up to 10 January 2024, focusing on SRs/MAs that investigated the use of EMT for VLUs. Selection criteria followed the PICO framework, and dual‐author extraction was used for accuracy. Quality assessment tools included AMSTAR2, ROBIS, PRISMA, and GRADE. The search yielded five eligible studies. The reviews collectively presented moderate methodological quality and a low risk of bias in several domains. Reporting quality was high, albeit with inconsistencies in fulfilling certain PRISMA checklist items. The evidence quality, primarily downgraded due to small sample sizes, was rated as moderate. Whilst some studies suggest potential benefits of EMT in the treatment of VLUs, the overall evidence is inconclusive due to methodological limitations and limited sample sizes. This review underscores the need for future research with more rigorous methodologies and larger cohorts to provide clearer insights into the efficacy of EMT for VLUs.
Interstitial doping of Mn4+ ions: An effective method to optimize the optical properties of TeO2 single crystal
Authors: Ding Xu , Tan Lianjiang , Deng Fulang , Liu Lili , Tian Tian , Liu Zhifu , Chu Yaoqing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTeO2 single crystal has drawn much attention in recent years due to its excellent acousto‐optic (AO) performance in the field of spectral imaging and optical processing. The optical properties of TeO2 single crystal are critical for the fabrication of AO devices. To improve the optical properties of the TeO2 single crystal, Mn4+ ions were doped into the TeO2 lattice. Herein, bulk TeO2 single crystal and TeO2:0.02Mn4+ single crystal have been successfully grown by a Bridgman method. Compared with the TeO2 single crystal, a 30% transmittance increase was observed in the TeO2:0.02Mn4+ single crystal. Furthermore, the TeO2:0.02Mn4+ single crystal shows a smaller extinction coefficient (≤0.01) in the Vis–NIR region, indicating less optical loss. The bandgap energy of TeO2:0.02Mn4+ was broadened from 3.360 to 3.635 eV. In addition, TeO2:0.02Mn4+ single crystal exhibits a higher refractive index (about 2.244), which indicates that TeO2:0.02Mn4+ single crystal is a potential medium for high‐efficiency AO devices.
Hardness and scratch resistance of chemically strengthened alkali‐borosilicate thin glass
Authors: Talimian Ali , Limbach René , Galusek Dušan , Wondraczek Lothar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChemical strengthening of glass represents a standard technology for fabricating damage‐resistant protective covers. Still, little attention has been paid to modifications in the tribological properties of ion‐exchanged glass surfaces. This work reports on scratch testing of a chemically strengthened alkali‐borosilicate thin glass. Diffusive Na+/K+‐ion exchange produces a residual surface compressive layer with compressive stress of 200–340 MPa and layers depths between 16 and 50 µm, depending on exchange temperature and treatment time. This leads to notable changes in the surface mechanical properties, such as an increase in surface Young's modulus, indentation, and scratch hardness. Surprisingly, the Na+/K+‐ion exchange is shifting the onsets of scratch‐induced microcracking and microcracking to lower normal loads. The accelerated buildup of lateral indentation stress in glasses with high scratch hardness was found to be responsible for the lower threshold loads of microcracking and abrasive wear in chemically strengthened alkali‐borosilicate thin glass.
The European Union's Regulatory Power: Refining and Illustrating the Concept With the Case of the Transfer of EU Geographical Indication Rules to Japan
Authors: Kennis Anke , Liu Xiyin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe European Union's (EU) regulatory power is an increasing focus of scholarly attention, but the lack of a consistent definition leaves room for refinement. Studies investigating the EU's role as a global regulatory actor yield different interpretations, some viewing the EU as a global market regulator, some as a power residing in the trade–regulatory nexus and others as a law‐making entity that creates widely emulated rules. This article refines the definition of the EU's regulatory power by presenting a conceptual framework for better understanding the EU's regulatory actorness, encompassing its ends and means as a general regulator and/or a regulatory power. Using the proposed framework to analyse the transfer of EU geographical indication (GI) rules to Japan, this study finds that the EU's regulatory power is particularly conditioned on the interest constellation between the EU and a third country. Regarding the EU's goal of exercising regulatory power, interest promotion seems to take priority over rule exporting or norm sharing.
Validity and reliability of the Sitting Assessment Scale in cerebral palsy
Authors: Gözaçan Karabulut Demet , Numanoğlu Akbaş Ayşe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS) in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodsThe study included 34 individuals with a diagnosis of spastic CP. Individuals were evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Classification System and the Manual Ability Classification System. SAS and Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) were applied to the participants. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the scale scored by three different physiotherapists at two different time intervals. Internal consistency was calculated with Cronbach's ⍺ coefficient. The fit between SAS and TCMS for criterion‐dependent validity was evaluated using Pearson Correlation Analysis.ResultsAccording to the GMFCS level, 79.41% of the children were mildly (Level I‐II), 14.71% were moderately affected (level III), and 5.88% were severely affected (level IV). Intra > observer and interobserver reliability values of SAS were extremely high (ICCinterrater > 0.923, ICCintrarater > 0.930). It was observed that the internal consistency of SAS had high values (Cronbach ⍺test > 0.822, Cronbach ⍺retest > 0.804). For the criterion‐dependent reliability; positive medium correlations found between SAS with Total TCMS Static Sitting Balance (r = 0.579, p < 0.001), with TCMS Selective Movement Control (r = 0.597, p < 0.001), with TCMS Dynamic Reaching (r = 0.609, p < 0.001), and with TCMS Total (r = 0.619, p < 0.001).ConclusionSAS was found to have high validity and reliability in children with CP. In addition, the test–retest reliability of the scale was also high. SAS is a practical tool that can be used to assess sitting balance in children with CP.