bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of water on cold‐sintered highly dense dicalcium phosphate anhydrous bioceramic using its hydrate
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhang Hexin , Yu Xiao , Mo Xiumei , Gao Jie , Hu Yunfeng , Min Jie , Ding Qi , Fan Yuchi , Jiang Wan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA, CaHPO4) bioceramic has long been difficult to prepare by conventional sintering techniques due to its weak thermal stability. Here, the DCPA ceramic is prepared at 250°C by cold sintering process (CSP) using the dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD, CaHPO4·2H2O) as the starting powder. It is found that the dehydration temperature of DCPD powder is greatly reduced during CSP, which facilitates the densification even without additive water. However, the ceramic only reaches a relatively low density of around 90% without additive water, which can be ascribed to the lack of particle rearrangement and the readily loss of dehydration water during sintering. In comparison, a high relative density of 95% can be obtained when the DCPD hydrate is densified with additive water, in which both hydration water and additive water play important roles. The obtained DCPA ceramic with high density exhibits a flexural strength of 46.17 MPa and Young's modulus closer to human bones compared with hydroxyapatite. Combined with the low cytotoxicity, the DCPA bioceramic has great potential to be applied for bone tissue engineering.
Which pedagogical approaches are more effective in mobile learning? A meta‐analysis and research synthesis
Authors: Tlili Ahmed , Salha Soheil , Garzón Juan , Denden Mouna , Kinshuk  , Affouneh Saida , Burgos Daniel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground StudySeveral meta‐analysis studies have investigated the effects of mobile learning on learning performance. However, limited attention has been paid to pedagogy in mobile learning, making quantitative evidence of the effects of pedagogical approaches on learning performance in mobile learning scarce. Filling this gap can therefore help stakeholders understand which mobile pedagogical approaches might work or not under which learning conditions, hence achieving better learning experience and performance.ObjectivesTo address this gap, this study conducted a meta‐analysis and research synthesis of the effects of integrated pedagogical approaches on students' learning performance in mobile learning. Additionally, this study analysed the field of education, level of education, learning setting, sample size, and mobile device as moderating variables of the effect of pedagogical approaches.MethodsThe software Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis V.3 was used for this meta‐analysis, where Hedges' g was calculated for the effect sizes. Specifically, 70 quantitative studies (N = 5575 participants) were coded and analysed.ResultsThe results indicate that pedagogical approaches in mobile learning have a large effect on students' learning performance (g = 0.93, p < 0.001). The most effective pedagogical approach was project‐based learning (huge effect), while collaborative learning, situated learning and game‐based learning had large effects. Finally, cognitive theory of multimedia learning and inquiry‐based learning had medium effects. The results also indicate that the effect is moderated by the field of education, the level of education, the learning setting, the sample size, and the mobile device. Finally, it is found that study quality might influence the overall effect size.ConclusionsThe findings of this study can be beneficial to both researchers and practitioners as they highlight and discuss which pedagogical approaches could be more effective in mobile learning under specific conditions. Further research, on the other hand, should focus on covering additional moderators of learning performance like mobile device type and screen size which is one of the limitations of this study.
The impact of genomic distance on enhancer‐promoter interactions at the CFTR locus
Authors: Kerschner Jenny L. , Meckler Frederick , Coatti Giuliana C. , Vaghela Nirbhayaditya , Paranjapye Alekh , Harris Ann 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe identified and characterized multiple cell‐type selective enhancers of the CFTR gene promoter in previous work and demonstrated active looping of these elements to the promoter. Here we address the impact of genomic spacing on these enhancer:promoter interactions and on CFTR gene expression. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated clonal cell lines with deletions between the −35 kb airway enhancer and the CFTR promoter in the 16HBE14o− airway cell line, or between the intron 1 (185 + 10 kb) intestinal enhancer and the promoter in the Caco2 intestinal cell line. The effect of these deletions on CFTR transcript abundance, as well as the 3D looping structure of the locus was investigated in triplicate clones of each modification. Our results indicate that both small and larger deletions upstream of the promoter can perturb CFTR expression and −35 kb enhancer:promoter interactions in the airway cells, though the larger deletions are more impactful. In contrast, the small intronic deletions have no effect on CFTR expression and intron 1 enhancer:promoter interactions in the intestinal cells, whereas larger deletions do. Clonal variation following a specific CFTR modification is a confounding factor particularly in 16HBE14o− cells.
Corticosteroid‐triggered acute skeletal muscle loss in lipodystrophy: A case report
Authors: Sasako Takayoshi , Suzuki Ken , Odawara Sara , Suwanai Hirotsugu , Akuta Naoko , Kubota Naoto , Ueki Kohjiro , Kadowaki Takashi , Yamauchi Toshimasa 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTThe potential liability to hypercatabolism in lipodystrophy remains to be fully elucidated. Here we report a 28‐year‐old Japanese woman with acquired generalized lipodystrophy, who presented with recurrence of panniculitis and anemia. After corticosteroid treatment was started, she showed rapid reductions in body weight and lean mass by 15% at maximum, accompanied by an elevated urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, which recovered almost fully as the corticosteroid treatment was tapered and discontinued. She had multiple risk factors for hypercatabolism: lack of metabolic reserves, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia due to lipodystrophy, lowered daily activity due to anemia, persistent inflammation, and wasting associated with panniculitis, and relatively insufficient energy and protein intake during hospitalization. More attention should be paid to the potential liability to hypercatabolism in patients with lipodystrophy, and to skeletal muscle loss as an adverse effect of corticosteroid treatment in patients at high risk, such as those with diabetes or decreased metabolic reserves.
TET1 inhibits liver fibrosis by blocking hepatic stellate cell activation
Authors: Wang Jingjie , Zhang Yitong , Ma Yanyun , Zhao Suhan , Wang Jiucun , Chen Hongtan , Zhang Jun , Liu Jie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are critical regulator contributing to the onset and progression of liver fibrosis. Chronic liver injury triggers HSCs to undergo vast changes and trans‐differentiation into a myofibroblast HSCs, the mechanism remains to be elucidated. This study investigated that the involvement of hydroxymethylase TET1 (ten–eleven translocation 1) in HSC activation and liver fibrosis. It is revealed that TET1 levels were downregulated in the livers in mouse models of liver fibrosis and patients with cirrhosis, as well as activated HSCs in comparison to quiescent HSCs. In vitro data showed that the inhibition of TET1 promoted the activation HSC, whereas TET1 overexpression inhibited HSC activation. Moreover, TET1 could regulate KLF2 (Kruppel‐like transcription factors) transcription by promoting hydroxymethylation of its promoter, which in turn suppressed the activation of HSCs. In vivo, it is confirmed that liver fibrosis was aggravated in Tet1 knockout mice after CCl4 injection, accompanied by excessive activation of primary stellate cells, in contrast to wild‐type mice. In conclusion, we suggested that TET1 plays a significant role in HSC activation and liver fibrosis, which provides a promising target for anti‐fibrotic therapies.
Perspectives of Certified Nurse‐Midwives and Physicians on the Structural and Institutional Barriers that Contribute to the Reproductive Inequities of Black Birthing People in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Nelson Tamara J. , Butcher Brittany D. Chambers , Delgado Ana , McLemore Monica R. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionBlack birthing people in the United States disproportionately endure inequitable experiences and outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth via structural, interpersonal, and obstetric racism. In this study, the researchers explore provider perspectives of how racism is perpetuated in institutional perinatal and reproductive health care.MethodsCritical Race Theory, Reproductive Justice, and midwifery theory were operationalized through secondary thematic analysis of existing qualitative data from the Community Racial Equity and Training Interventions and Evaluation of Current and Future Healthcare Clinicians Study. Twenty‐four perinatal providers (certified nurse‐midwives [n = 7] and physicians [n = 17]) voluntarily participated in interviews. A comparative approach was used to determine how professional identity and model of care influence physicians’ and certified nurse‐midwives’ perceptions of equity.ResultsThematic analysis produced 5 themes: racism as a comorbidity, health care systems’ inability to address the needs of Black birthing people, health care systems prioritizing providers over patients are failed systems, patients are the experts in the optimal health care model, and benefits of interprofessional teams grounded in Reproductive Justice. Additionally, both physicians and midwives expressed a need for a new care model.DiscussionWith these findings, our team proposes a modification of the midwifery model for application by all provider types that could radically shift the experience and outcomes of perinatal and reproductive health care and reduce mortality. Using a human rights approach to care, a Reproductive Justice–Public Health Critical Race praxis–informed midwifery model may be operationalized by all perinatal and reproductive health care providers. This novel model reflects an iterative process that may offer institutions and providers methods to build on past research supporting midwifery‐centered care for improving outcomes for all patients by specifically focusing on improving care of Black birthing people. The implications of this work offer broad application in current clinical practice, quality improvement, research, technology, and patient resources.
Lipid imaging of Alzheimer's disease pathology
Authors: Hanrieder Jörg 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) affects one in eight individuals over 65 and poses an immense societal challenge. AD pathology is characterized by the formation of beta‐amyloid plaques and Tau tangles in the brain. While some disease‐modifying treatments targeting beta‐amyloid are emerging, the exact chain of events underlying the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. Brain lipids have long been implicated in AD pathology, though their role in AD pathogenesis remains not fully resolved. Significant advancements in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allow to detail spatial lipid regulations in biological tissues at the low um scale. In this issue, Huang et al. resolve spatial lipid patterns in human AD brain and genetic mouse models using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)‐based MSI integrated with other spatial techniques such as imaging mass cytometry of correlative protein signatures. Those spatial multiomics experiments identify plaque‐associated lipid regulations that are dependent on progressing plaque pathology in both mouse models and the human brain. Of those lipid species, particularly pro‐inflammatory lysophospholipids have been implicated in AD pathology through their interaction with both aggregating Aβ and microglial activation through lipid sensing surface receptors. Together, this study provides further insight into how brain lipid homeostasis is linked to progressing AD pathology, and thereby highlights the potential of MSI‐based spatial lipidomics as an emerging spatial biology technology for biomedical research.
A phylogenetic framework to study desirable traits in the wild relatives of Theobroma cacao (Malvaceae)
Authors: Bossa‐Castro Ana M. , Colli‐Silva Matheus , Pirani José R. , Whitlock Barbara A. , Morales Mancera Laura T. , Contreras‐Ortiz Natalia , Cepeda‐Hernández Martha L. , Di Palma Federica , Vives Martha , Richardson James E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCrop wild relatives (CWRs) of cultivated species may provide a source of genetic variation that can contribute to improving product quantity and quality. To adequately use these potential resources, it is useful to understand how CWRs are related to the cultivated species and to each other to determine how key crop traits have evolved and discover potentially usable genetic information. The chocolate industry is expanding and yet is under threat from a variety of causes, including pathogens and climate change. Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae), the source of chocolate, is a representative of the tribe Theobromateae that consists of four genera and c. 40 species that began to diversify over 25 million years ago. The great diversity within the tribe suggests that its representatives could exhibit advantageous agronomic traits. In this study, we present the most taxonomically comprehensive phylogeny of Theobromateae to date. DNA sequence data from WRKY genes were assembled into a matrix that included 56 morphological characters and analyzed using a Bayesian approach. The inclusion of a morphological data set increased resolution and support for some branches of the phylogenetic tree. The evolutionary trajectory of selected morphological characters was reconstructed onto the phylogeny. This phylogeny provides a framework for the study of morphological and physiological trait evolution, which can facilitate the search for agronomically relevant traits.
A daytime nap with REM sleep is linked to enhanced generalization of emotional stimuli
Authors: Reichardt Richárd , Király Anna , Szőllősi Ágnes , Racsmány Mihály , Simor Péter 
Published: February 2024

SummaryHow memory representations are shaped during and after their encoding is a central question in the study of human memory. Recognition responses to stimuli that are similar to those observed previously can hint at the fidelity of the memories or point to processes of generalization at the expense of precise memory representations. Experimental studies utilizing this approach showed that emotions and sleep both influence these responses. Sleep, and more specifically rapid eye movement sleep, is assumed to facilitate the generalization of emotional memories. We studied mnemonic discrimination by the emotional variant of the Mnemonic Separation Task in participants (N = 113) who spent a daytime nap between learning and testing compared with another group that spent an equivalent time awake between the two sessions. Our findings indicate that the discrimination of similar but previously not seen items from previously seen ones is enhanced in case of negative compared with neutral and positive stimuli. Moreover, whereas the sleep and the wake groups did not differ in memory performance, participants entering rapid eye movement sleep exhibited increased generalization of emotional memories. Our findings indicate that entering into rapid eye movement sleep during a daytime nap shapes emotional memories in a way that enhances recognition at the expense of detailed memory representations.
A contactless cure: Leveraging telehealth to improve hepatitis C treatment at a safety‐net hospital
Authors: Frye Krysta , Davis Andrew , Darby Rapheisha , McDaniel Kathryn , Quairoli Kristi , Liu Zhanxu , Miller Lesley S. , Fluker Shelly‐Ann 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) causes significant mortality worldwide. HCV is highly curable but access to care is limited for many patients. The Grady Liver Clinic (GLC), a primary care‐based HCV clinic, utilizes a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for a medically underserved patient population in Atlanta, Georgia. The GLC added a telehealth option for HCV treatment at the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We describe the outcomes of utilizing telehealth in this population. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who initiated HCV treatment from March 2019 to February 2020 (pre‐pandemic) and March 2020 to February 2021 (pandemic). Charts were abstracted for patient demographics and characteristics, treatment regimen, and treatment outcomes. Our primary outcome was HCV cure rate of the pre‐pandemic compared to the pandemic cohorts and within the different pandemic cohort visit types. We performed an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis for all patients who took at least one dose of a direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regardless of therapy completion, and a per‐protocol (PP) analysis of those who completed treatment and were tested for HCV cure. SVR12 rates were >95% on ITT analysis, with no significant difference between pre‐pandemic and pandemic cohorts. There was also no significant difference within the pandemic group when treatment was provided traditionally, via telehealth, or via a hybrid of these. Our findings support the use of telehealth as a tool to expand access to HCV treatment in a medically underserved patient population.
Bacteriophage lambda site‐specific recombination
Authors: Van Duyne Gregory D. , Landy Arthur 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe site‐specific recombination pathway of bacteriophage λ encompasses isoenergetic but highly directional and tightly regulated integrative and excisive reactions that integrate and excise the vial chromosome into and out of the bacterial chromosome. The reactions require 240 bp of phage DNA and 21 bp of bacterial DNA comprising 16 protein binding sites that are differentially used in each pathway by the phage‐encoded Int and Xis proteins and the host‐encoded integration host factor and factor for inversion stimulation proteins. Structures of higher‐order protein–DNA complexes of the four‐way Holliday junction recombination intermediates provided clarifying insights into the mechanisms, directionality, and regulation of these two pathways, which are tightly linked to the physiology of the bacterial host cell. Here we review our current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for regulating and executing λ site‐specific recombination, with an emphasis on key studies completed over the last decade.
Factors influencing health‐related quality of life in women with endometriosis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wu Yueh‐Hsiang , Lu Yu‐Ying , Liu Kuei Fen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the health‐related quality of life and identify its associated factors in women with endometriosis. A cross‐sectional correlation study design and convenience sampling were conducted in the gynecological outpatient clinic of a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. A total of 216 women with endometriosis were recruited. The data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Participants reported a moderate level of health‐related quality of life. The most significant impact of endometriosis on health‐related quality of life was emotional well‐being, followed by feeling of control or powerless, pain, social support, and self‐image. Educational attainment, menstrual cycle, period length, perceived menstrual flow, symptom distress, and self‐management strategies explained 66% of the variance in health‐related quality of life. Factors influencing health‐related quality of life in women with endometriosis play a key role in promoting women's well‐being. Interventions based on these related factors should be developed and taken into practice to effectively manage the disease‐related symptoms for women with endometriosis and thereby improve their overall health‐related quality of life.
Ciliary muscle and anterior segment characteristics in pre‐presbyopic adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Vinuela‐Navarro Valldeflors , Baker Fiona Jane , Woodhouse J. Margaret , Sheppard Amy L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposePrevious research has shown that accommodation deficits are common in individuals with Down syndrome (DS), but the origin and mechanisms behind these deficits are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of different ocular structures involved in accommodation, in particular the ciliary muscle (CM), in a population of individuals with DS to further understand this deficit and its mechanisms.MethodsThirty‐two volunteer participants of pre‐presbyopic age with (n = 16) and without DS (n = 16) were recruited. Temporal and nasal images of the CM were acquired using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT) while participants fixated an eccentrically located target. Analysis of CM parameters was undertaken using validated semi‐automated software. Axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and corneal curvature were obtained with the Topcon Aladdin Optical Biometer and Corneal Topographer. Non‐cycloplegic refractive error and accommodative ability were obtained with an open‐field autorefractor and dynamic retinoscopy, respectively. Independent t‐tests were conducted to determine differences in CM and other anterior segment parameters between participants with and without DS.ResultsNo significant differences were found in the CM parameters studied between participants with and without DS (p > 0.05). In contrast, significant differences were found in visual acuity (p < 0.001), accommodative response (p < 0.001) and corneal curvature (K1 p = 0.003 and K2 p < 0.001) between participants with and without DS.ConclusionsDespite having poorer accommodation, pre‐presbyopic adults with DS do not have a different CM morphology to that found in typically developing adults. These findings suggest that the accommodative deficit found in this population is not due to a mechanical deficit of the CM.
Singlet oxygen signalling and its potential roles in plant biotic interactions
Authors: Goggin Fiona L. , Fischer Hillary D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSinglet oxygen (SO) is among the most potent reactive oxygen species, and readily oxidizes proteins, lipids and DNA. It can be generated at the plant surface by phototoxins in the epidermis, acting as a direct defense against pathogens and herbivores (including humans). SO can also accumulate within mitochondria, peroxisomes, cytosol and the nucleus through multiple enzymatic and nonenzymatic processes. However, the majority of research on intracellular SO generation in plants has focused on transfer of light energy to triplet oxygen by photopigments from the chloroplast. SO accumulates in response to diverse stresses that perturb chloroplast metabolism, and while its high reactivity limits diffusion distances, it participates in retrograde signalling through the EXECUTER1 sensor, generation of carotenoid metabolites and possibly other unknown pathways. SO thereby reprogrammes nuclear gene expression and modulates hormone signalling and programmed cell death. While SO signalling has long been known to regulate plant responses to high‐light stress, recent literature also suggests a role in plant interactions with insects, bacteria and fungi. The goals of this review are to provide a brief overview of SO, summarize evidence for its involvement in biotic stress responses and discuss future directions for the study of SO in defense signalling.