bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disease Aggravation With Age in an Experimental Model of Multiple Sclerosis: Role of Immunosenescence
Authors: Dema María , Eixarch Herena , Hervera Arnau , Castillo Mireia , Villar Luisa M. , Montalban Xavier , Espejo Carmen 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) in older individuals correlates with a higher risk of developing primary progressive MS, faster progression to secondary progressive MS, and increased disability accumulation. This phenomenon can be related to age‐related changes in the immune system: with age, the immune system undergoes a process called immunosenescence, characterized by a decline in the function of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. This decline can lead to a decreased ability to control inflammation and repair damaged tissue. Additionally, older individuals often experience a shift toward a more pro‐inflammatory state, known as inflammaging, which can exacerbate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like MS. Therefore, age‐related alterations in the immune system could be responsible for the difference in the phenotype of MS observed in older and younger patients. In this study, we investigated the effects of age on the immunopathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our findings indicate that EAE is more severe in aged mice due to a more inflammatory and neurodegenerative environment in the central nervous system. Age‐related changes predominantly affect adaptive immunity, characterized by altered T cell ratios, a pro‐inflammatory Th1 response, increased regulatory T cells, exhaustion of T cells, altered B cell antigen presentation, and reduced NK cell maturation and cytotoxicity. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that fewer pathways and transcription factors are activated with age in EAE. These findings allow us to identify potential therapeutic targets specific to elderly MS patients and work on their development in the future.
Long‐Term Liver Machine Perfusion Preservation: A Review of Recent Advances, Benefits and Logistics
Authors: Pavan‐Guimaraes Juliana , Devos Lene , Lascaris Bianca , de Meijer Vincent E. , Monbaliu Diethard , Jochmans Ina , Pulitano Carlo , Porte Robert J. , Martins Paulo N. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe global shortage of suitable donor livers for transplantation has prompted efforts to expand the donor pool by using extended criteria donors. Machine preservation technology has shown promise in optimizing graft preservation and improving logistics. Additionally, it holds potential for organ repair, regeneration, therapeutic applications during extended preservation periods, and enhancing organ allocation.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature review using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. All studies published between January 1, 2022, and February 7, 2024, that described machine perfusion preservation of livers for more than 24 h were eligible for inclusion. The findings were synthesized in a narrative review format to highlight key benefits and advancements.ResultsWe identified eleven studies from multiple research groups, employing various techniques, devices, and preservation durations. Perfusion durations ranged from 1 to 13 days, with notable variations in protocols for long‐term preservation beyond 24 h. Viability was assessed during perfusion only. No livers were transplanted. Among the reviewed studies, the introduction of a dialysis system emerged as the most effective strategy for managing waste accumulation during long‐term liver perfusion. Differences were also observed in hemodynamics, oxygenation, organ chambers, supplemental regimens, and glycemic control.ConclusionOver the past two years, substantial progress has been made in refining protocols for long‐term liver machine perfusion, with significant advancements in waste management, enabling successful multi‐day perfusions. While these developments are promising, further research is necessary to standardize and optimize long‐term perfusion protocols, establishing a reliable platform for both organ preservation and therapeutic applications.
Review Article: Surrogate Endpoints to Assess Treatment Efficacy in Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction of Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Camilleri Michael , Ford Alexander C. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSurrogate endpoints such as laboratory parameters that are not direct measurements of, but predict, clinical benefit are approved by regulatory agencies for initial proof of efficacy. No surrogate endpoints are approved for disorders of gut–brain interaction.AimTo assess the correlation of scintigraphic colonic transit (CT) with response rates according to patient‐reported symptom‐based endpoints (composite/global symptoms, abdominal pain or stool frequency/consistency) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).MethodsWe reviewed available data from, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting effects on CT at 24 h and 48 h with drug versus placebo and extracted the difference in the proportions responding to drug or placebo, using rates from individual RCTs or from meta‐analyses when more than one RCT existed for a drug. We analysed associations between differences (drug vs. placebo) in CT and in response rates using Spearman correlation. Additional analyses of CT at 24 h with composite/global symptom or pain endpoints were performed with exclusion of alosetron (the only drug slowing CT).ResultsCT at 24 h correlated significantly with composite/global symptom endpoints (Rs = −0.755, p = 0.021). CT correlated with stool frequency or consistency (at 24 h, Rs = 0.506, p = 0.074; at 48 h, Rs = 0.631, p = 0.026). CT at 24 h did not correlate with abdominal pain (Rs = −0.054, p = 0.843). With the exclusion of alosetron data, CT at 24 h was non‐significantly correlated with the composite/global symptom endpoint (Rs = −0.667, p = 0.073), but not with abdominal pain (Rs = 0.377, p = 0.419).ConclusionScintigraphic CT measurement fulfils the expectation of a surrogate endpoint for symptom‐based outcomes, particularly in IBS‐D or IBS‐C and CIC.
The associations between teachers' lesson‐specific emotions and observed teacher–student interactions and student engagement
Authors: Pöysä Sanni , Vasalampi Kati , Muotka Joona , Lerkkanen Marja‐Kristiina 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundTeachers' emotions while teaching are associated to how they teach. Prior research has evidenced such associations mostly based on teacher or student ratings of different teaching behaviours.AimsThis study examined the extent to which teachers' self‐rated lesson‐specific positive and negative emotions are associated with the observed quality of teacher–student interactions in terms of emotional support, classroom organization and instructional support as well as students' behavioural engagement in the same lesson.SampleThe participants comprised 84 subject teachers (76.2% female) and 907 students (15–16 years old; 50.1% female) from 26 Finnish lower secondary schools.MethodsThe data consisted of video‐recordings from a total of 282 lessons (M = 3.36 lessons/teacher). The quality of teacher–student interactions and students' behavioural engagement was assessed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System–Secondary (CLASS‐S) observational instrument. Data regarding teachers' positive and negative emotions were collected at the end of each video‐recorded lesson using the In Situations Teacher (InSitu‐T) Instrument. The collected data were analysed using cross‐classified two‐level modelling.Results and ConclusionsThe findings revealed that teachers' positive and negative emotions were positively and negatively associated, respectively, with the observed quality of teacher–student interactions in terms of emotional support and classroom organization but not instructional support. The results provide evidence of the associations between teachers' emotions and students' observed behavioural engagement. The findings complement the literature by highlighting the importance of observational data, along with teacher and student ratings.
Smooth muscle cell Piezo1 is essential for phenotypic switch and neointimal hyperplasia
Authors: Zhang Fei‐Ran , Tang Jie , Lai Ying , Mo Shi‐Qi , Lin Zhuo‐Miao , Lei Qing‐Qing , Han Cong‐Cong , Zhou An‐Dong , Lv Xiao‐Fei , Wang Cheng , Ou Jing‐Song , Zhou Jia‐Guo , Pang Rui‐Ping 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackground and PurposeDisturbed blood flow is a critical factor in activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and initiation of neointimal hyperplasia. The Piezo1 channel is a recent yet well‐characterised mechanosensor that plays a vital role in vascular development and homeostasis. However, the role of VSMC Piezo1 in neointima development remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the functional role of Piezo1 channel in neointimal hyperplasia.Experimental ApproachWe measured the expression of Piezo1 in VSMC‐rich neointima from human coronary artery samples and two mouse neointimal hyperplasia models which were induced by cast implantation or guidewire injury. We utilised VSMC‐specific Piezo1 knockout mice to explore its function and the underlying mechanism of neointimal hyperplasia, both in vivo and in vitro.Key ResultsIn human and mouse neointima samples, we observed a significant up‐regulation of Piezo1 expression in the VSMC‐rich neointima compared to the medial layer. VSMC‐specific knockout of Piezo1 significantly reduced neointimal hyperplasia in both animal models. Activation of Piezo1 facilitates, whereas Piezo1 deficiency inhibits disturbed flow‐induced cell proliferation, migration and synthetic phenotype switch. Mechanistic studies suggest that Piezo1 activates YAP and TAZ through Ca2+ and its downstream effectors calmodulin kinase II and calcineurin, which in turn drive VSMC proliferation and migration, thereby facilitating neointimal hyperplasia.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings demonstrate a critical role of mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel in neointimal hyperplasia via modulating VSMC phenotype. Piezo1 channels may represent a novel therapeutic target for maladaptive vascular remodelling and occlusive vascular diseases.
Short‐term impacts of selective logging on forest elephants
Authors: Scalbert Morgane , Fonteyn Davy , Houngbégnon Fructueux , Scalbert Robin , Vermeulen Cédric , Haurez Barbara , Lhoest Simon , Brostaux Yves , Ligot Gauthier , Gorel Anaïs‐Pasiphaé , Doucet Jean‐Louis 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAlthough forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are known to use logged forests, the impact of selective logging on this critically endangered species has never been well established. Considering the potential of some logged areas to serve as other effective area‐based conservation measures, aligning with the Convention on Biological Diversity's 30/30 initiative, we aimed to assess the short‐term impacts of logging on three population parameters: the presence, abundance, and activity of forest elephants. Combining camera traps and dung surveys before and after logging operations, we assessed the response of forest elephants in a certified timber concession in Gabon. Encouragingly, we found no negative effects of logging on the three population parameters studied. There was no discernible change in the presence of elephants after logging, and their abundance actually increased (relative abundance index from 1.56 to 2.59; p‐value 0.0139) at one of the study sites. Activity patterns were also unaffected, showing sustained activity during daylight hours. We also identified the logging‐associated factors that have significantly influenced forest elephant's abundance. Notably, logging intensity, as measured by the average number of trees harvested per hectare, and road density were positively correlated with the number of forest elephant observations (logging intensity effect: 0.2992, p‐value 0.035; road density effect: 0.3628, p‐value 0.060). As global conservation goals evolve, this research provides important insights into the coexistence of well‐managed industrial activities and the conservation of endangered species, highlighting the need to include responsibly managed timber concessions in future conservation strategies. It also underscores the importance of wider adoption of sustainable practices such as low‐impact logging, promoted by certification schemes such as FSC or PEFC, to secure the future of central African forests and their unique wildlife.
Why the South African National Health Research Ethics Council is wrong about ownership of human biological material and data
Authors: Thaldar Donrich , Maboea Uyanda , Gooden Amy 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe South African National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC) states in its 2024 Ethics Guidelines that human biological material (HBM) and data cannot be privately owned under South African law. This position conflicts with established legal principles, guidelines by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and South African university policies, all of which support private ownership of HBM and data. Private ownership is not only legally sound but also ethically necessary, providing a framework for accountability, ensuring fair recognition of institutional contributions, and enabling responsible custodianship over these valuable resources. The NHREC's denial of private ownership of HBM and data undermines South African research institutions’ ability to control their research assets and leaves them vulnerable to exploitation by foreign entities. The NHREC should issue a corrigendum to delete its incorrect position on private ownership of HBM and data.
Validation of the Japanese version of the Clinical Frailty Scale
Authors: Komiya Hitoshi , Suzuki Yusuke , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Nagae Masaaki , Nakashima Hirotaka , Fujisawa Chisato , Miyahara Shuzo , Tajima Tomihiko , Sakai Tomomichi , Takeya Yasushi , Kojima Taro , Umeda‐Kameyama Yumi , Kawashima Shuji , Umegaki Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2025

AimAmong the many screening tools developed to detect frailty and disability in older adults, the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a valid, reliable, and easy‐to‐use tool and has been translated into several languages. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the validity of the Japanese version of the CFS (CFS‐J).MethodsThe necessary permissions were obtained from Rockwood and colleagues. The Japanese version was prepared by translation (English to Japanese) and verified by back translation (Japanese to English). Concurrent criterion validity was assessed by evaluating the extent to which CFS relates to the Frailty Index (FI), the Frailty Index based on a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (FI‐CGA), and Performance Status (PS), using Kendall's tau.ResultsIn total, 223 patients admitted to the geriatric ward of an acute hospital between June 2021 and March 2023 were analyzed in the validation study. Mean age was 84.9 ± 5.9 years (range, 67–101 years), 128 (57.4%) were women, and the mean body mass index was 20.9 ± 4.0 kg/m2. In a correlation analysis, significantly positive associations were found between the CFS‐J and the FI (r = 0.713, P < 0.001), the FI‐CGA (r = 0.691, P < 0.001), and PS (r = 0.669, P < 0.001) for numerical variables. Significant positive associations were also found between the CFS‐J and the FI (r = 0.567, P < 0.001) and the FI‐CGA (r = 0.591, P < 0.001) for categorical valuables.ConclusionThe CFS‐J was found to be a valid instrument for identifying frailty in Japanese inpatients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••–••.
Testing and forecasting price jumps with return moments
Authors: Zhen Fang , Ruan Xinfeng , Zhang Jin E. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWe detect jumps with the cubic variation and derive its exact distribution under a generic pure‐diffusion model with deterministic time‐varying volatility. Our method performs well for not only high‐ but also low‐frequency returns. We use the jump testing method to construct monthly and daily jump indicators from the daily and intraday S&P 500 index returns, and find that they can be significantly and robustly predicted by VIX. Other option‐implied and historical moments are either subsumed by VIX or are conditionally useful. Our results support the superior informational role played by the risk‐neutral volatility in predicting future price jump events.
Virtual Mobility: Mitigating the Adverse Effect of Violence Against Women on the Development of Employment Capabilities
Authors: Dangol Ramesh , Bateman Patrick , Iyer Deepa G. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTViolence against women (VAW) is an endemic phenomenon that adversely affects the entire female population, even those who might not have directly experienced violence. This paper examines VAW's adverse effects on all women's employment capabilities by imposing restrictions on mobility in public spaces, a fundamental resource required for capability development. Drawing upon the new mobilities paradigm, this study also posits that information and computer technologies (ICTs) can enable virtual mobility, which could reduce women's reliance on mobility in public spaces to develop employment capabilities. Country‐level data from the WomanStats Project, the World Bank and the International Labor Organization are used to test the propositions. Implications for viewing virtual mobility as a resource to develop women's employment capabilities in the presence of VAW are discussed.
Top heavy? On the allocative efficiency of small school districts
Authors: Taylor Lori L. , Grosskopf Shawna , Hayes Kathy J. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPolicymakers tend to presume that small local education agencies (LEAs) are administratively top heavy, but indivisibilities at the classroom level could just as easily lead small LEAs to overuse teachers rather than administrators. This analysis uses an input distance function and administrative data on students, staff, and spending to estimate the technical and allocative efficiency of Texas public school districts. Our results suggest that small districts are no more likely to overuse administrators than to overuse teachers. Once likely determinants of inefficiency are taken into account, there is no relationship between school district size and the degree of allocative inefficiency. As such, our analysis casts doubt on the efficacy of efficiency rules of thumb that are common in public service practice.
A fast local search for the identical parallel machine scheduling problem with the position‐based deteriorating effect and maintenance
Authors: Rudek Radosław 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn this paper, we develop a fast local search for the identical parallel machine scheduling problem with maintenance activities and the position‐based deteriorating under the maximum lateness minimization. Our approach allows us to calculate criterion values in a constant time per solution in a neighbourhood. The application is given on the basis of the Nawaz–Ensore–Ham method, iterative local search, tabu search, and a family of memetic search algorithms, where their efficiency equipped with our method is compared with their classical versions. The computational experiments confirm the theoretical analysis that our approach essentially overwhelms the typical implementation and speeds up the related algorithms over 200 times for reasonable problem sizes. Thereby it allows us to search for significantly larger solution space at the same time and, therefore, radically improve the criterion values of the obtained solutions.
Addressing Potential Researcher Distress in Nurse‐Led Research: Ethical Considerations and Practical Strategies
Authors: Bond Carmel , Watson Adrianna , Jackson Debra 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimsTo discuss the need for nurse researchers to consider to the potential for psychological distress when conducting studies on sensitive topics.DesignDiscursive paper.MethodsDrawing from existing literature, we highlight the ethical obligations of researchers to recognise and manage their emotional responses, especially as these can potentially lead to burnout and re‐traumatization. In this paper, we propose practical strategies to mitigate these risks, including trauma‐informed practices, peer support systems, structured mentorship and the establishment of vicarious trauma (VT) plans.ConclusionPrioritising researcher well‐being in nursing research is essential for ethical practices and the mental health of those involved in undertaking research in sensitive areas.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareSupport strategies, such as formal team debriefings, resilience training, VT plans and peer support, can foster safer and healthier research environments, when researching in sensitive areas.
How Universal Adhesive Systems With Nanoencapsulated Flavonoids Improve Long‐Term Bonding to Caries‐Affected Dentin
Authors: Falconi‐Páez Camila , Aldaz Mayra Alejandra Nuñez , Navarro Tobia Gastón , González‐Vaca Claudia Carolina , Campos Lucas Arrais , Davila‐Sanchez Andres , Arrais Cesar Augusto Galvão 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo determine the presence of nano‐encapsulated flavonoids and their effect in universal adhesives on resin‐dentin bond‐strength (μTBS) and nanoleakage (NL) on artificial caries‐affected dentin (CAD) after 24‐h and 6 months of water storage (WS).Materials and MethodsArtificial CAD was created on the occlusal dentin surfaces of 60 human third molars by a microbiological assay. Nanoencapsulated quercetin (Q) and naringin (N) were incorporated into Prime&Bond Universal (PBU; Dentsply‐Sirona) and Single Bond Universal (SBU, 3M ESPE). The adhesive systems with and without (control) flavonoids were applied to the CAD surface, and a 4‐mm resin composite block (TPH Spectrum, Dentsply Sirona) was built up and light‐cured. Specimens were sectioned into resin‐dentin beams (0.8 mm2). The hybrid layer (HL) was subjected to micro‐Raman analysis to detect N and Q. The specimens were tested in tension in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. μTBS and NL tests were performed after 24‐h and WS. μTBS and NL data were analyzed using a nonparametric three‐way ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni's test (α = 5%).ResultsQ and N were detected within the HL. N and Q nanocapsules increased μTBS and reduced NL values after WS. At 24 h, the PBU group showed higher NL values than the SBU group, and the values decreased after WS.ConclusionsIncorporating nanoencapsulated flavonoids may improve the longevity of universal bonding systems applied to CAD.Clinical RelevanceAdhesive restorations incorporating nanoencapsulated quercetin or naringin might be a promising alternative for achieving long‐term bonding stability.