bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Marrero-Rodriguez Daniel , Cortes-Morales Victor A , Cano-Zaragoza Amayrani , Martinez-Mendoza Florencia , Kerbel-Suton Jacobo , Vela-Patiño Sandra , Chavez-Santoscoy Alejandra , Hinojosa-Alvarez Silvia , Hernandez-Perez Jesus , Gomez-Apo Erick , Fajardo-Orduña Guadalupe R , Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Montesinos Juan Jose , Mercado Moises 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes diverse cellular components such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and immune cells, among others. MSC have been isolated from different tumors and they favor tumor cell growth; however, their role in pituitary tumors (PTs) remains unknown.

Objective
Herein we report the presence of MSCs in 2 adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-secreting PTs causing Cushing disease (MCU), 2 nonfunctioning adenomas of gonadotrope differentiation (MNF), and 2 nontumoral pituitary glands (MS).

Methods
We have analyzed the transcriptomic profiles by RNA sequencing and compared MSCs in terms of their immunosuppressive effects against lymphoid T-cell and macrophage populations by means of cocultures and flow cytometry.

Results
Our transcriptomic analysis revealed molecular differences between MSCs derived from nontumoral pituitaries and MSCs derived from PTs. Two distinct subpopulations of MSC emerged: one displaying immunosuppressive properties and the other with increased proproliferative capabilities, regardless of their origin. MSCs derived from ACTH- and nonfunctioning PTs, but not those derived from nontumoral glands, significantly inhibited the proliferation of activated T cells, favored the generation of regulatory T cells, and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Such immunosuppressive effects were correlated with an upregulation of programmed death ligand 1 and intracellular expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and interleukin-10. Importantly, MSC derived from ACTH-PTs showed a higher immunosuppressive potential than MSC isolated from nonfunctioning tumors.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the presence of at least 2 MSC subpopulations in the pituitary gland and suggests that immunosuppressive effects of MSCs may have important implications in PT growth.
Air Pollution and Diabetes Mellitus: Association and Validation in a Desert Area in China
Authors: Li Lin , Ji Weidong , Wang Zhe , Cheng Yinlin , Gu Kuiying , Wang Yushan , Zhou Yi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Despite the growing evidence pointing to the detrimental effects of air pollution on diabetes mellitus (DM), the relationship remains poorly explored, especially in desert-adjacent areas characterized by high aridity and pollution.

Objective
We conducted a cross-sectional study with health examination data from more than 2.9 million adults in 2 regions situated in the southern part of the Taklamakan Desert, China.

Methods
We assessed 3-year average concentrations (2018-2020) of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) through a space-time extra-trees model. After adjusting for various covariates, we employed generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the association between exposure to air pollutants and DM.

Results
The odds ratios for DM associated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM1, PM2.5, PM10, CO, and NO2 were 1.898 (95% CI, 1.741-2.070), 1.07 (95% CI, 1.053-1.086), 1.013 (95% CI, 1.008-1.018), 1.009 (95% CI, 1.007-1.011), and 1.337 (95% CI, 1.234-1.449), respectively. Notably, men, individuals aged 50 years or older, those with lower educational attainment, nonsmokers, and those not engaging in physical exercise appeared to be more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. Multiple sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these findings.

Conclusion
Our study provides robust evidence of a correlation between prolonged exposure to air pollution and the prevalence of DM among individuals living in desert-adjacent areas. This research contributes to the expanding knowledge on the relationship between air pollution exposure and DM prevalence in desert-adjacent areas.
Discrimination of the Russian-speaking ethnic group in Latvia on the basis of citizenship: political and legal aspects
Authors: Dolzhenkova E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Throughout the entire post-Soviet period in Latvia, there has been a problem of finding the Russian-speaking population in the status of non-citizens with limited rights, including political ones. Currently, restrictions have also extended to Russian citizens with a residence permit in Latvia. The study is based on the case study method. Statistical data on the ethnic composition of the country's population are analyzed. Regulatory acts indicating restrictive mechanisms against non-citizens, as amended in 2022 and 2023, are being considered. Using the method of comparative studies, national legislation and legal regulations of the European Union (international standards) in the field of protection of human and civil rights and freedoms are compared. The results of the study show that the entire Russian–speaking population of Latvia is discriminated against, especially the most vulnerable - pensioners, for whom the new rules for obtaining a residence permit are a problem. This may threaten them with the loss of social security, up to and including forced expulsion from the country. The Russian-speaking population in Latvia cannot influence their own position in the country due to the lack of political rights. Throughout the entire period of independence, the Latvian government has been using this group of the population in its own political agenda, ensuring the legitimacy of its own power and decisions. Such internal political processes contribute to the division of society along ethnic lines and the development of discriminatory attitudes. The theoretical significance of the study lies in the systematization of the mechanism of discrimination against a certain group of the population. In turn, the practical significance lies, on the one hand, in drawing the attention of human rights organizations to the problem of discrimination, and on the other hand, it clearly shows the essence of the mechanism of discrimination and ways to improve it in states in the post-Soviet space. Consequently, the results of the study can be applied to the development of mechanisms for the protection of compatriots in other states where discrimination trends are at an early stage.
Fostering Innovative Learning and Satisfaction in Virtual Teamwork: Shedding Light on Apprentices
Authors: Hiller Frank , Zarnow Stefanie 
Published: April 2024

Purpose: The digital transformation and the increased use of technologies have changed the world of work severely. With it, collaboration and cooperation methods among employees. Therefore, new ways of working together must be applied to work in an international and digital working environment. For Vocational Education and Training (VET), developing new (transversal) competencies to engage in virtual teamwork is necessary to adequately prepare young professionals for the present and future labor market. However, there is little research on the current situation in VET regarding virtual teamwork.
Approach: We deployed a cross-sectional design and collected data from N = 181 commercial apprentices in Germany regarding virtual teamwork. We analyze our data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the interrelationships between input, process, and outcome variables to foster satisfaction and innovative learning in virtual teams as desired targets of VET. To assess these results regarding virtuality, the complexity of tasks, gender of the apprentices, and the size of the training firms, we derived a multigroup analysis (MGA) of our model.
Findings: The results indicate that organizational factors have the most significant influence concerning the relationship between input and process factors. Surprisingly, the technical affinity of individuals has only a minor effect. Regarding the relationship between process and outcome factors, motivation and responsibility have the highest impact on innovative learning, whilst communication culture severely affects the perceived satisfaction in virtual teamwork.
Conclusion: The findings lead to valuable insights on factors influencing virtual teamwork in VET and can help to design learning programs to prepare young professionals to smoothly transition to and successfully master their future working environments by using new ways of collaboration and cooperation. This is particularly relevant for VET, as prior research has focused primarily on primary and secondary education. Lastly, we identify potential scales and items that help capture some of the inherent constructs of virtual teamwork.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors related to first line drugs refractoriness in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)
Authors: Fayad Claire , Saad Kely , Kahwagi Georges-Junior , Hallit Souheil , Griffin Darren , Abou-Khalil Rony , El-Hayek Elissar 
Published: April 2024

Introduction
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is a prevalent form of epileptic disorder, specifically categorized within the realm of Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE). Its hallmark features encompass unprovoked bilateral myoclonus and tonic-clonic seizures that manifest during adolescence. While most JME patients respond favorably to anti-seizure medication (ASM), a subset experiences refractory JME, a condition where seizures persist despite rigorous ASM treatment, often termed “Drug-Resistant Epilepsy” (DRE). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence of refractory JME, and further to identify socio-demographic, electrophysiological and clinical risk factors associated with its occurrence. Pinpointing these factors is crucial as it offers the potential to predict ASM responsiveness, enabling early interventions and tailored care strategies for patients.

Material and methods
The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Cochrane Handbook and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study evaluated outcomes post ASM treatment in JME cohorts by searching papers published up to September 2023 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Predefined inclusion criteria were met by 25 eligible studies, forming the basis for analysis.

Results
A total of 22 potential risk factors for refractory JME were documented. Notably, robust risk factors for treatment resistance included Psychiatric Disorder (Odds Ratio (OR), 3.42 [2.54, 4.61] (95% Confidence Inverval (Cl)), Febrile Seizures (OR, 1.83 [1.14, 2.96] (95% Cl)), Alcohol Consumption (OR, 16.86 [1.94, 146.88] (95%Cl)), Aura (OR, 2.15 [1.04, 4.47] (95%Cl)), childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) evolving into JME (OR, 4.54 [1.61, 12.78] (95%CI)), occurrence of three seizure types (OR, 2.96 [1.96, 4.46] (95%CI)), and Focal EEG abnormalities (OR, 1.85 [1.13, 3.01] (95%Cl)). In addition, there were some non-significant risk factors for DRE because of noticeable heterogeneity.

Conclusion
In aggregate, over 36% of JME patients demonstrated drug resistance, with seven significant risk factors closely linked to this refractoriness. The interplay between these factors and whether they denote treatment non-response or heightened disease burden remains an open question and more studies would be required to fully examine their influence.
Reinventing the self through participatory art: writing and performing among rough sleepers
Authors: Piazza Roberta 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Cupchik (2013. ‘I am, therefore I think, act, and express both in life and in art’) claims that being is associated with artistic expressions of various kinds. In line with this notion, the present paper reports on a socially engaged art project that involved the clients at a day centre for people experiencing homelessness. For nearly four months, the participants met once a week for a few hours under the direction of a facilitator and a film-maker who video-recorded the group activities. The experimental ethnographic project aimed to establish whether engagement in creative art can provide these usually ‘invisible’ individuals with an opportunity to reflect on their self and find a voice. The paper describes the group’s activities and the individuals’ responses. The focus is on the minimal narratives the clients produced from surrealistic scenarios to personal memories and political reprieves. The study shows how intrinsically participatory art, centred on the encounter of the participants’ different subjectivities, can encourage self-reflection among individuals with problematic lives.
Advancing seismic performance: Isolators, TMDs, and multi-level strategies in reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Jasim Fadhil A. , Jasim Nabeel A. , Al-Hussein Abdullah A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study evaluates seismic mitigation methods, including high damping rubber bearing, lead rubber bearing, double sliding pendulum (DSP), and tuned mass damper (TMD), considering earthquake intensity, building height, and isolation level. Moreover, the study delves into a novel approach that incorporates multi-level isolation and multi-level TMD. Reinforced concrete buildings, ranging in height from 4 to 40 storeys, were nalysed and nalysed using SAP2000 under the seismic influence of the Badra, El Centro, and Northridge earthquakes. The study reveals a significant rise in the fundamental period (T) with base isolation systems, reaching 378% of the fixed base value for a six-storey building. Building height directly affects T values, with simplified equations introduced for calculation. DSP proves 5% more efficient in reducing base shear (BS), while TMD is effective in weaker earthquakes for minimizing lateral displacement. Base isolators outperform mid-level isolation and TMD at the top storey. Combining base isolators with TMD at the top storey is deemed impractical and uneconomical. The study recommends multilevel isolation or multilevel TMD for enhanced seismic isolation efficiency, with four-level isolation achieving an 80% reduction in BS for 12-storey buildings. In addition, four-level TMD outperforms TMD at the top storey with a 44.5% reduction in BS, surpassing the 26.6% reduction achieved with TMD at the top storey only.
Numerical study on entropy minimization in pipes with helical airfoil and CuO nanoparticle integration
Authors: Ali Hussein Hayder Mohammed , Mohammed Ali Jasim , Alshukri Mohammed J. , Hussien Adnan M. , Alsabery Ammar I. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this study, minimizing entropy generation in a horizontal pipe is numerically investigated through two passive techniques: in the first mode, the helical wire inserts in the pipe were placed at three various ratios of pitch ratio. The second mode is adding cupric oxide nanoparticles at various volume concentrations. Experiments were conducted for Reynolds numbers ranging from 4,000 to 14,000 under a uniform heat flux scenario of 25,000 W/m2. The study utilized the ANSYS 14.5 software, employing the K-omega standard model, which involves three primary governing equations: continuity, momentum, and energy. According to the data, it was determined that the helical wire placed inside the pipe with a small pitch ratio decreased the entropy generation number. Cupric oxide nanoparticles also have a substantial impact on the entropy generation number. The higher volume concentration models had lower entropy generation numbers and Bejan numbers than the other models. Comparative analyses further emphasize the substantial advantages of using cupric oxide nanofluids and helical-wire inserts, with efficiency gains ranging from 5.08 to 11.7%.
The effect of urban environment on large-scale path loss model’s main parameters for mmWave 5G mobile network in Iraq
Authors: Mezaal Mushtaq Talib , Aripin Norazizah Binti Mohd , Othman Noor Shamsiah , Sallomi Adheed Hasan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The high speeds resulting from the use of millimeter waves (mmWave) in 5G mobile networks are accompanied by high path loss. The issue of generating a reliable propagation model of radio waves is crucial to the development of cellular networks since it reveals essential information regarding the properties of the wireless channel. The received signal strength, the coverage area, and the outage probability in certain places may all be determined through theoretical or empirical radio frequency propagation models, which offer essential valuable information regarding signal path loss and fading. This work analyzes a comprehensive three-dimensional ray-tracing method at 28 GHz for Najaf city, Iraq. The optimum path loss model for the city of Najaf is evaluated using the close-in (CI) model. On average, the values of the main parameters of CI model

n

n

,

X

σ

CI

{X}_{\sigma }^{{\rm{CI}}}

accomplished, respectively, 3.461866667 and 11.13958333. The lowest achievable path loss exponent was 3.0619 across all analyzed scenarios, while the highest possible value was 4.1253. The results of this work can serve as a baseline for mmWave measurement campaigns conducted in comparable conditions, and they provide a new avenue for future research into mmWave at 28 GHz in Iraq.
A Re-Evaluation of the Iconography of the Etruscan Bronze Lamp of Cortona
Authors: Alburz Ronak , Tol Gijs Willem 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper addresses unresolved issues in the study of the enigmatic iconography of the Etruscan bronze lamp of Cortona. Drawing upon literary sources and additional iconographic evidence, issues with previous interpretations of the lamp will be discussed. Subsequently, new identities are proposed for the key figures on the lamp, concluding that its iconography is a manifestation of Dionysian thiasus and that the lamp was a cult object associated with the mystery cult of Dionysus. This paper will also contribute to the refutation of the concept of “Dionysism without Dionysus” in Archaic Etruria.
Distinguishing Hawai‘i Creole neva and néva: prosodic evidence from podcast interviews
Authors: Spencer Keolakawai K. G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates prosodic and contextual differentiation strategies between preverbal past tense negator neva and adverb never in Hawai‘i Creole. It aims to demonstrate differing syntactic restrictions and advocates for treating these words as two distinct morphemes. The analyses are based on phonological data gathered from interviews uploaded onto YouTube by Hawaiiverse, a Local podcast. As demonstrated through spectrogram analyses, HC néva (=ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ) is marked by a stressed accent on its first syllable and prominence on word-initial /n/, whereas neva (=ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ) is marked by a lack of these features under typical circumstances. This suggests that Hawai‘i Creole morphophonology depends more on stress-timed features than previously researched (cf. syllable-timed features). Neva-néva ambiguity may arise when stress does not clearly indicate which word is being used, and when context cannot be relied upon to distinguish meaning. By exploring these intricacies, this investigation offers insight into how future researchers may approach analysing other English-lexified creoles (and varieties of English) which also use never as a preverbal past tense negator.
Quand l’école promeut des albums plurilingues de littérature jeunesse pour soutenir des pratiques inclusives de collaboration avec les familles en milieu pluriethnique et plurilingue
Authors: Gosselin-Lavoie Catherine , Charette Josée 
Published: April 2024

Cet article présente les résultats d’une vaste recherche dans laquelle les Albums plurilingues ÉLODiL (Armand et al., 2018), une plateforme numérique regroupant des albums plurilingues de littérature jeunesse québécois, ont été utilisés dans une perspective de collaboration école-famille au préscolaire en milieu pluriethnique et plurilingue. Des entretiens semi-dirigés faits auprès de 16 parents ayant participé au projet illustrent comment la diversité linguistique promue par les albums permet la reconnaissance du bagage linguistique des familles par l’école et contribue à offrir aux parents des façons de collaborer avec l’école qui prennent en compte leurs réalités et leurs cadres de vie.
Evaluation of analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential of Dianthus crinitus using mice as a research animal
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ali Khan Ayaz , Ur Rehman Maqsood , Abdullah  , Siraj Muhammad , Ali Akbar , Sarwar Abid , Naseeb Jasra , Alasmari Abdullah F. 
Published: April 2024

In the past, natural resources were used as best therapeutic sources for different diseases. Among several herbal resources, certain plant families are known for their analgesic activities, such as Dianthus crinitus, which showed a good curative potential. The mentioned plant has been used traditionally for the healing of several illnesses such as pain, inflammation, injuries, etc. The current study, therefore, evaluated the analgesic and anti-antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts of leaves, flowers, and seeds of Dianthus crinitus in mice. For analgesic activity, acetic acid and a hot plate thermal stimulation method were used to induce writhes in mice, followed by a tail emersion process. Results showed that the extract demonstrated analgesic potential in mice, signifying both peripheral and central modes of action. Furthermore, extract also significantly inhibited the rat paw edema triggered by carrageenan seaweed and dextran as revealed by neutrophil migration toward the peritoneal cavities of animals and enhanced vascular permeability. The data suggested that the extract exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant action. These preliminary observations provided support for further exploration and justification for the potential development of a new class of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicines from the constituents of Dianthus crinitus extract.
The organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of innovative high-fiber khalas date-based bar
Authors: Barakat Hassan , S.M. Almutairi Abdulkarim 
Published: April 2024

Making functional and nutritionally balanced date bars is of innovative concern. The current study intends to create a novel high-fiber and nutritious Khalas date-based bar (KDBB). The proximate composition, mineral contents, sugar profile, amino and fatty acids profile, volatiles and phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, and an in vitro digestion of protein and carbohydrates for bar formula containing 50% Khalas dates (KD) were investigated. Results indicated that protein, fat, ash, fiber, available carbohydrates, and vitamin C were 9.34, 4.93, 2.05, 8.01, 54.04 g 100 g-1, and 16.67 mg, respectively. Potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium were present in abundance. Sucrose had the highest sugar concentration at 246.35 mg g-1. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 547.19 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 g-1, giving 719.39 and 815.98 µmol of Trolox equivalent (TE) 100 g-1 for 2,2-diphenylpicrylhy-drazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)-RSA, respectively. Total carotenoids, flavonoids, and flavonols were 327.19 mg 100 g-1, 998.25 mg quercetin equivalent 100 g-1, and 749.57 mg QE 100 g-1, respectively. The highest discovered phenolics, flavonoids, and isoflavone were pyrocatechol (10249.73 μg g-1), catechin (193.50 μg g-1), and daidzein (18.77 μg g-1), respectively. Lysine was the highest among the essential amino acids. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were 43.73% and 56.27%, respectively. The omega-6 fatty acid, cis-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic, was predominant with a 31.08% valuation. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified 17 compounds, with a predominant presence of 9,12-octadecadienoyl chloride (38.13 g 100 g-1). The glycemic index (GI) of KDBB was 39.97, which was lower than KD’s score (54.12). In conclusion, prepared KDBB could present a good idea for consuming dates and the based products with high fiber content and lower GI. Scaling up such products could be helpful to health-conscious individuals.