bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-33-ST2 signaling in fibro-adipogenic progenitors alleviates immobilization-induced muscle atrophy in mice
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Yoda Masaki , Tsuji Osahiko , Horiuchi Keisuke , Watanabe Kota , Nakamura Masaya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The regenerative and adaptive capacity of skeletal muscles reduces with age, leading to severe disability and frailty in the elderly. Therefore, development of effective therapeutic interventions for muscle wasting is important both medically and socioeconomically. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the potential contribution of fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), which are mesenchymal stem cells in skeletal muscles, to immobilization-induced muscle atrophy.

Methods
Young (2–3 months), adult (12–14 months), and aged (20–22 months) mice were used for analysis. Muscle atrophy was induced by immobilizing the hind limbs with a steel wire. FAPs were isolated from the hind limbs on days 0, 3, and 14 after immobilization for transcriptome analysis. The expression of ST2 and IL-33 in FAPs was evaluated by flow cytometry and immunostaining, respectively. To examine the role of IL-33-ST2 signaling in vivo, we intraperitoneally administered recombinant IL-33 or soluble ST2 (sST2) twice a week throughout the 2-week immobilization period. After 2-week immobilization, the tibialis anterior muscles were harvested and the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers was evaluated.

Results
The number of FAPs increased with the progression of muscle atrophy after immobilization in all age-groups. Transcriptome analysis of FAPs collected before and after immobilization revealed that Il33 and Il1rl1 transcripts, which encode the IL-33 receptor ST2, were transiently induced in young mice and, to a lesser extent, in aged mice. The number of FAPs positive for ST2 increased after immobilization in young mice. The number of ST2-positive FAPs also increased after immobilization in aged mice, but the difference from the baseline was not statistically significant. Immunostaining for IL-33 in the muscle sections revealed a significant increase in the number of FAPs expressing IL-33 after immobilization. Administration of recombinant IL-33 suppressed immobilization-induced muscle atrophy in aged mice but not in young mice.

Conclusions
Our data reveal a previously unknown protective role of IL-33-ST2 signaling against immobilization-induced muscle atrophy in FAPs and suggest that IL-33-ST2 signaling is a potential new therapeutic target for alleviating disuse muscle atrophy, particularly in older adults.
Complement C1q-mediated microglial synaptic elimination by enhancing desialylation underlies sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity
Authors: Wang Gang , Liu Hua-yue , Meng Xiao-wen , Chen Ying , Zhao Wei-ming , Li Wen-ting , Xu Han-bing , Peng Ke , Ji Fu-hai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Repeated neonatal sevoflurane exposures led to neurocognitive disorders in young mice. We aimed to assess the role of microglia and complement C1q in sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods
Neonatal mice were treated with sevoflurane on postnatal days 6, 8, and 10, and the Morris water maze was performed to assess cognitive functions. For mechanistic explorations, mice were treated with minocycline, C1q-antibody ANX005, and sialidase-inhibitor N-acetyl-2,3-dehydro-2-deoxyneuraminic acid (NADNA) before sevoflurane exposures. Western blotting, RT-qPCR, Golgi staining, 3D reconstruction and engulfment analysis, immunofluorescence, and microglial morphology analysis were performed. In vitro experiments were conducted in microglial cell line BV2 cells.

Results
Repeated neonatal sevoflurane exposures resulted in deficiencies in learning and cognition of young mice, accompanied by microglial activation and synapse loss. Sevoflurane enhanced microglia-mediated synapse elimination through C1q binding to synapses. Inhibition of microglial activation and phagocytosis with minocycline significantly reduced the loss of synapses. We further revealed the involvement of neuronal sialic acids in this process. The enhanced activity of sialidase by sevoflurane led to the loss of sialic acids, which facilitated C1q binding to synapses. Inhibition of C1q with ANX005 or inhibition of sialidase with NADNA significantly rescued microglia-mediated synapse loss and improved neurocognitive function. Sevoflurane enhanced the engulfment of BV2 cells, which was reversed by ANX005.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated that C1q-mediated microglial synaptic elimination by enhancing desialylation contributed to sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity. Inhibition of C1q or sialidase may be a potential therapeutic strategy for this neurotoxicity.
Rapid recovery of desert shrubs is attributed to imbalance of water supply to demand after disturbance in Northwest China
Authors: Zhou Hai , Feng Xiangyan , He Zhibin , Yang Qiyue , Ren Heng , Zhao Wenzhi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Disturbance is a key driver of changes in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in water limited regions. In the desert ecosystem of Northwest China, shrubs are often foraged by camels and this causes the shrubs lost their aboveground tissues. Although the aboveground tissue could recover after the disturbance, the mechanisms of resprouts’ recovery after the disturbance are still poorly understood. We investigated the morphological and physiological characteristics and root water uptake sources of resprouts and non-disturbed seedlings of four desert shrub species that were often foraged by camels.

Results
The results showed that the resprouts grew rapidly after the removal of aboveground tissue. The height and aboveground biomass of resprouts reached the level of 5-year-old seedlings following a growing season. Compared to un-disturbed seedlings, higher leaf water potential, leaf hydraulic conductance and photosynthesis rate were observed in resprouts, indicating that resprouts grew rapidly after disturbance. Furthermore, we found that the root water uptake source did not change after disturbance. This indicated that the roots of resprouts kept intact water uptake capacity after disturbance, which could keep supplying sufficient water to the aboveground tissue. Due to the removal of aboveground tissue of the resprouts, the water demand of aboveground tissue decreased, which induced an imbalance of water supply from roots to demand of aboveground tissues of resprouts. This explained the improved physiological performance and rapid recovery of resprouts after disturbance.

Conclusions
The imbalance of water supply to demand contributes to the rapid recovery of desert shrubs after disturbance. The findings provide insight into the eco-physiological mechanism for the maintenance of desert ecosystems that are facing disturbance.
Piperine reduces hair oiliness by inhibiting adipogenesis of hair stem cells
Authors: Im Minyoung , Kim Nackhyoung , Park Ui-Hyun , Heo Hyeon Ho , Um Soo-Jong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPiperine, an alkaloid compound in black pepper (Piper nigrum), has beneficial bioactivities. Specifically, piperine inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells by suppressing the transcriptional activity of PPARγ. Control of hair oiliness, which is related to adipogenic regulation, is important to prevent hair loss. Excessive sebum from the sebaceous gland (SG) can cause acne, folliculitis, or irritated skin by clogging pores. To investigate the in vivo function of piperine in SG, we used mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The HFD increased the size and Oil Red O (ORO) staining intensity of SG, which were significantly reduced by piperine. The HFD also upregulated the expression of sebocyte-associated genes, including PPARγ target genes, an effect reversed by piperine. In CD34/CD49f double-positive hair follicle bulge stem cells isolated from mouse vibrissae, piperine inhibited cellular adipogenesis, likely via transcriptional repression of related genes. Furthermore, piperine reduced the thickness of subcutaneous fat. In human dermal papilla cells, piperine inhibited cellular adipogenesis, as shown by the reduction in ORO staining and the downregulation of PPARγ target genes. In conclusion, piperine can be used to reduce hair greasiness by suppressing adipogenesis in hair stem cells.
Classification of multiple text reading test formats by analyzing English language proficiency tests
Authors: Mikami Yosuke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study proposes a classification method for multiple text reading test formats in English language proficiency tests. A preliminary study involving 11 proficiency tests revealed two tests that fit the scope of the main study. Results show that multiple text reading test formats use complementary texts rather than conflicting texts. As for questions in a set of test forms in multiple text reading test formats, cognitive processing on integrating the contents of texts was different in proficiency tests. Moreover, the type of connection formation required by the questions differed among the proficiency tests. Implications for pedagogy are presented.
Empowering students through active learning in educational big data analytics
Authors: Tsai Yun-Cheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores how Educational Big Data Analytics can enhance student learning. It investigates the role of active learning in improving students’ data analysis skills and critical thinking. By actively engaging students in data analysis assessments, the aim is to equip them with the skills to navigate the data-rich educational landscape.

Methods
The study uses a teaching strategy that combines structured and unstructured data analysis using Python tools and ChatGPT APIs. It presents five assignments, each highlighting data analysis skills and encouraging critical thinking.

Results
The paper offers insights into how the teaching strategy effectively enhances students’ data analysis and critical thinking skills. It investigates the specific impact of active learning on students’ engagement with educational data. The study reveals that all students can complete a comprehensive project, integrating the skills they have learned in the five assignments related to educational big data while incorporating the educational implications from their respective disciplines.

Conclusion
The key lies in instructors being able to design individual assignments that link practical experiences, enabling each teaching session’s effectiveness to accumulate in students’ personal experiences and practical skills, ultimately empowering them with the abilities necessary to work effectively with Educational Big Data Analytics. The findings of this study make a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about enhancing the educational experience for students in this data-rich era.
Optimizing PSMA scintigraphy for resource limited settings – a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Kolade Olumayowa U. , Brink Anita , Ayeni Akinwale O. , More Stuart , Holness Jennifer 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
PSMA PET/CT is the most sensitive molecular imaging modality for prostate cancer (PCa), yet much of the developing world has little or no access to PET/CT. [99mTc]Tc-PSMA scintigraphy (PS) is a cheaper and more accessible gamma camera-based alternative. However, many resource-constrained departments have only a single camera without tomographic or hybrid imaging functionality, and camera time is frequently in high demand. Simplifying imaging protocols by limiting the field of view (FOV) and omitting SPECT/CT or even SPECT may provide a partial solution. The aim was thus to determine the adequacy of PS planar-only and/or SPECT-only imaging protocols with a limited FOV.

Methods
The scans of 95 patients with histologically proven PCa who underwent PS with full-body planar and multi-FOV SPECT/CT were reviewed. The detection rates for uptake in the prostate gland/bed and in metastases were compared on planar, SPECT, and SPECT/CT. The agreement between modalities was calculated for the detection of metastases and for staging. The impact of imaging a limited FOV was determined.

Results
Pathological prostatic uptake was seen in all cases on SPECT/CT (excluding two post-prostatectomy patients), 90.3% of cases on SPECT, and 15.1% on planar images (p < 0.001). Eleven (11.7%) patients had seminal vesicle involvement on SPECT/CT, which was undetectable/indistinguishable on planar images and SPECT. The agreement between modalities was moderate to good (κ = 0.41 to 0.61) for the detection of nodal metastases, with detection rates that did not differ significantly (SPECT/CT = 11.6%, SPECT = 8.4%, planar = 5.3%). Detection rates for bone metastases were 14.7% (SPECT/CT) and 11.6% (SPECT and planar). Agreement between modalities for the detection of bone metastases was good (κ = 0.73 to 0.77). Three (3.1%) patients had visceral metastases on SPECT/CT, two of which were detected on SPECT and planar. There was good agreement between modalities for the TNM staging of patients (κ = 0.70 to 0.88). No metastatic lesions were missed on the limited FOV images.

Conclusion
When PS scintigraphy is performed, SPECT/CT is recommended. However, the lack of SPECT/CT capabilities should not preclude the use of PS in the presence of limited resources, as both planar and SPECT imaging are adequate and will correctly stage most PCa patients. Furthermore, time-based optimisations are achievable by limiting the FOV to exclude the distal lower limbs.
Non-diffractive, toric, extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses in eyes with low corneal astigmatism
Authors: Pastor-Pascual Francisco , Orts-Vila Paz , Tañá-Sanz Pedro , Tañá-Sanz Santiago , Ruiz-Mesa Ramón , Tañá-Rivero Pedro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
To assess clinical outcomes after implanting toric, extended-depth-of-focus intraocular lenses (IOLs) to correct low corneal astigmatism in eyes with cataracts.

Methods
47 eyes were implanted with the AcrySof IQ Vivity Toric DFT215 IOL. Main outcome measures were refractive error, monocular uncorrected and corrected distance (UDVA/CDVA), uncorrected and distance-corrected intermediate (UIVA/DCIVA), and uncorrected near and distance-corrected near (UNVA/DCNVA) visual acuities, monocular defocus curve, rotational stability, and IOLSAT and QUVID questionnaires. Patients were assessed at 3 months postsurgery.

Results
All eyes had a postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) within ± 0.50 D and 97.87% (n = 46) had a refractive cylinder ≤ 0.50 D. The mean SE and refractive cylinder were − 0.10 ± 0.17 D and − 0.16 ± 0.24 D, respectively. The CDVA was ≥ 20/25 and ≥ 20/32 in 95.74% (n = 45) and 97.87% (n = 46) of eyes, respectively. The DCIVA was ≥ 20/32 in 85.11% (n = 40) of eyes and the DCNVA was ≥ 20/40 in 74.47% (n = 35). The mean values of CDVA, DCIVA, and DCNVA were − 0.02 ± 0.08, 0.14 ± 0.09, and 0.23 ± 0.12 logMAR, respectively. The defocus curve revealed good visual acuity at far and intermediate distances with a depth-of-focus of about 1.75 D. IOL rotation was 0.74 ± 1.13 degrees and all eyes had a rotation of less than 5 degrees. Patients reported either good or very good postoperative vision without eyeglasses under bright-light-conditions at distance (87.80%, 36/41) and intermediate distance (92.68%, 38/41). Between about 63.83%–72.34% (30–34) of patients reported no starburst, halos, or glare, or if experienced, were not bothersome.

Conclusions
The Vivity toric IOL implanted in eyes with low-astigmatism provides accurate refractive outcomes, good visual acuity at different distances and excellent rotational stability.
Trial Registration The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00030579)
Challenges of diagnosing severe malaria with complications in adult patients: a case report
Authors: Bur Rika , Nelwan Erni Juwita , Danasasmita Ira , Hakim Gardian Lukman , Bahri Syukrini , Dewi Febby Elvanesa Sandra , Athaya Rana Zara , Nainggolan Leonard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria is known to be the main cause of death in malaria-endemic areas. The authors report a case of severe malaria in an adult with no history of travel from an endemic area with good outcomes after hospitalization.

Case presentation
A 46-year-old man was brought to the Emergency Room (ER) because of fever and chills for 6 days. Complaints were accompanied by nausea and vomiting three times a day. The patient also experienced headaches, weakness, coughing, and a runny nose after two days of admission. The patient had no history of traveling from a malaria-endemic area. The patient was transferred from the Emergency Department (ED) to the High Care Unit (HCU), and during 1 day of intensive care at the HCU, there was a clinical deterioration characterized by dyspnea, icteric sclerae, acral edema, tenderness in both calves, and rash in the abdominal area. Due to worsening respiratory function, the patient was placed on a ventilator. During intensive treatment, the patient continued to show deterioration. The clinical findings suggested a possible feature of Weil’s disease or fulminant hepatitis, and although the patient was in intensive care, there was no clinically significant improvement. Furthermore, microscopic blood smear examination and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria were carried out on the 4th day of treatment with negative results. As there was no clinically significant improvement, it was decided to take a blood smear and repeat RDT on the twelfth day, which showed a positive result for falciparum malaria. Subsequently, artesunate was administered intravenously, and the patient’s condition began to improve with a negative parasite count the following day. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition on day 25 of treatment.

Conclusion
Good quality malaria diagnostic techniques are essential to diagnose malaria. A timely diagnosis of malaria has the potential to save the patient. Because Jakarta is not a malaria endemic area, it was concluded that this case was an introduced malaria case.
Differences in Biomechanical Determinants of ACL Injury Risk in Change of Direction Tasks Between Males and Females: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Donelon Thomas A. , Edwards Jamie , Brown Mathew , Jones Paul A. , O’Driscoll Jamie , Dos’Santos Thomas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Change of direction (COD) movements are associated with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in multidirectional sports. Females appear at increased risk compared to males, which could be attributable to whole body kinematic strategies and greater multiplanar knee joint loads (KJLs) during COD which can increase ACL loading.

Objective
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine and quantitatively synthesise the evidence for differences between males and females regarding KJLs and their biomechanical determinants (whole body kinematic strategies determining KJLs) during COD tasks.

Methods
Databases including SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched (July 2021–June 2023) for studies that compared differences in knee joint loads and biomechanical determinants of KJLs during COD between males and females. Inclusion criteria were: (1) females and males with no prior history of ACL injury (18–40 years); (2) examined biomechanical determinants of KJLs and/ or KJLs during COD tasks > 20°; (3) compared ≥ 1 outcome measure between males and females. Studies published between 2000 and 2023 examining a cutting task > 20° with a preceding approach run that compared KJLs or the whole body multiplanar kinematics associated with them, between sexes, using three-dimensional motion analysis.

Results
This meta-analysis included 17 studies with a pooled sample size of 451 participants (227 males, 224 females). Meta-analysis revealed females displayed significantly less peak knee flexion during stance (SMD: 0.374, 95% CI 0.098–0.649, p = 0.008, I2: 0%); greater knee abduction at initial contact (IC) (SMD: 0.687, 95% CI 0.299–1.076, p = 0.001, I2: 55%); less hip internal rotation (SMD: 0.437, 95% CI 0.134–0.741, p = 0.005, I2: 34%) and hip abduction at IC (SMD: −0.454, 95% CI 0.151–0.758, p = 0.003, I2: 33%). No significant differences were observed between males and females for any internal or externally applied KJLs. All retrieved studies failed to control for strength, resistance training or skill history status.

Conclusion
No differences were observed in KJLs between males and females despite females displaying greater knee abduction at IC and less peak knee flexion during the stance phase of CODs, which are visual characteristics of non-contact ACL injury. Further research is required to examine if this translates to a similar injury risk, considering morphological differences in strain characteristics of the ACL between males and females. This observation may in part explain the disproportionate ACL injury incidence in female multidirectional athletes. Further higher quality controlled research is required whereby participants are matched by skill training history, resistance training history and strength status to ensure an appropriate comparison between males and females.
Investigating the role of subsistence renewables in alleviating power poverty within Nigeria’s energy-mix strategy
Authors: Olayungbo David Oluseun , Faiyetole Ayodele Adekunle , Olayungbo Adenike Anike 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNigeria, a country rich in renewable sources still heavily relies on nonrenewable energy, of which the government’s on-grid supply remains inadequate, and generally of poor services. This study, therefore, investigated subsistence renewables by citizens able to contribute to the country’s energy-mix plan and help ameliorate power poverty challenges. Qualitative primary data were sourced using the Delphi experts’ method from energy experts and practitioners possessing relevant knowledge bases regarding the energy-mix strategy with an understanding of the power poverty scenarios. The findings show that the effect size in the very high-level option for solar potentials was relatively more than wind and bio sources. The study reveals that citizens could mostly afford low-capacity solar installations, with considerable interest in the energy-mix strategy. Medium-capacity solar was found to be quite unaffordable, leading to a perceptually very low potential for solar. A showstopper in incorporating solar effectively into Nigeria’s energy-mix scenario was the citizens’ non-affordability of accessing high-capacity systems. It is, however, deduced that affordability and recognition of values are congruous. Conclusively, the experts are optimistic regarding subsistence renewables potentials in the energy-mix strategy. Solar is, however, considered the most crucial, surpassing wind and bio sources. The study suggests that the government could incentivize renewable energy systems, particularly solar, to promote subsistence solutions through affordability by citizens, adoption, and sustainability within the energy-mix strategy. It is further recommended that citizens’ income levels should be raised to favor the affordability of off-grid renewable energy systems.