bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the underlying factors influencing students’ choice of private education providers in Nigeria using PLS-SEM
Authors: Manishimwe Theoneste , Raimi Lukman , Bamiro Nurudeen Babatunde 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper empirically explores the underlying factors influencing students' choice of private education providers in a developing country. The study employed a survey research design to collect primary data from 190 respondents selected from a prominent private university in Nigeria. The university was chosen due to the increasing demand for American curriculum-based institutions in Nigeria. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), which facilitates the examination of relationships within a model and enables the simultaneous testing of theoretically hypothesized connections among constructs. The study's results indicated that both marketer-controlled and marketer non-controlled factors have direct and positive effects on university attributes. Additionally, marketer-controlled factors positively influenced both satisfaction and student loyalty towards their chosen university. However, this study did not confirm a direct relationship between marketer non-controlled factors and satisfaction or loyalty. Practical implications suggest that private education providers should focus on refining university attributes and enhancing identification through effective communication. Sustained investment in student activities, university reputation, academics, and other crucial aspects of the university system are necessary. Leveraging influential alumni referrals for admissions can attract applicants among other strategies.
The APOD+DCN+LUM+ cell population and its fibroblastic differentiation in aggressive carcinomas
Authors: Cai Lingyi , Kolonin Mikhail , Anastassiou Dimitris 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We have identified a cell population highly enriched in samples from invasive and chemo-resistant carcinomas characterized by a well-defined multigene co-expression signature. The same signature characterizes naturally occurring fibro‑adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) as well as stromal cells abundant in normal adipose tissue. Our analysis of human gene expression databases provides evidence that adipose stromal cells are recruited by tumors and undergo differentiation into cancer-associated fibroblasts during cancer progression to invasive and chemotherapy-resistant stages.
Isolation and Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Alternaria spp. Causing Grey Leaf Blight of Mustard in Different Regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Md. Humayun , Fakir Oli Ahmed , Millat Nasrul , Ahmed Iqbal , Hossain Md. Belal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mustard (Brassica spp.) is the most important oil seed crop in Bangladesh and the major constraint is grey blight disease which caused significant yield losses. The prime aim of the study was to characterize the Alternaria species on the basis of morpho-molecular variation responsible for grey blight disease of mustard in different regions of Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted in Molecular Biology and Plant Virology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur. Diseased mustard leaves displaying characteristic symptoms were collected from eight distinct mustard-growing districts in Bangladesh, namely Jashore, Khulna, Satkhira, Dhaka, Manikganj, Tangail, Sirajganj, and Dinajpur. Fungal DNA was extracted from pure cultures of Alternaria, and PCR amplification was conducted using ITS primers designed to yield 700 bp fragments. Morphological characterization revealed considerable variations among Alternaria species, including differences in radial mycelial growth, colony color, shape, texture, subsurface color, zonation, conidia production, and sporulation time. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the pathogenic nature of all Alternaria isolates. Molecular analysis using ITS regions demonstrated a 99% similarity of the nucleotide sequences with existing sequences in the NCBI database, closely related to Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria brassicicola, and Alternaria alternata. Three species of Alternaria (A. brassicae, A. brassicicola, and A. alternata) were identified from grey blight-infected mustard leaves. Additionally, variations were observed in the number of conidia, longitudinal septation, transverse septation, conidial length, and breadth among the different isolates. The study highlighted the close genetic relationship among the Alternaria isolates and their association with grey blight disease in mustard. These findings contribute valuable insights into the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of Alternaria species in Bangladesh's mustard-growing regions. Such knowledge can be instrumental in developing effective disease management strategies to mitigate yield losses in this crucial oilseed crop.
Mendelian randomization analyses explore the relationship between cathepsins and stroke
Authors: Chen Jiajun , Jiang Xiaofeng , Shen Yaya , Fu Xianzhao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background：Our current understanding of cathepsins' role in stroke is limited. To delve deeper, we're using R software for bidirectional and multivariate Mendelian Randomization (MR) studies.
Method：We used public Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Data on cathepsins (n=3,301) came from the INTERVAL study; stroke data (n=446,696) from the MEGASTROKE consortium, including ischemic stroke (IS) (n=440,328) and its subtypes, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (n=3,026). Our main analytical method was Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW). Supplementary methods included Weighted Median, MR-Egger, Simple Mode, and Weighted Mode. Heterogeneity was assessed via Cochran Q test, and pleiotropy through MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO analysis. Leave-one-out analysis ensured result stability.
Results：We detected that Cathepsin S acts as a protective factor against cardioembolic IS(IVW: p=0.014, odds ratio (OR) = 0.918, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.857-0.983).In the reverse causation analysis, we found a positive correlation between overall stroke and Cathepsin S (IVW: p=0.006, OR=1.509, 95%CI=1.128-2.019), IS and Cathepsin S (IVW: p=0.015, OR=1.368, 95%CI=1.063-1.762), and large artery IS and Cathepsin S (IVW: p=0.034, OR=1.225, 95%CI=1.015-1.479). Multivariable MR indicated a negative correlation between Cathepsin S and both cardioembolic IS (IVW: p=0.002, OR=0.889, 95%CI=0.825-0.958) and IS (IVW: p=0.032, OR=0.964, 95%CI=0.932-0.997), and between Cathepsin F and IS (IVW: p=0.040, OR=0.946, 95%CI=0.898-0.998). Conversely, Cathepsin E showed a positive correlation with small vessel IS (IVW: p=0.022, OR=1.155, 95%CI=1.021-1.307).
Conclusion：This study provides genetic evidence that Cathepsin S may be a potential protective factor against cardioembolic IS. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this causal relationship.
Tracking the biogeography of the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri spread in China using mitogenomes and endosymbionts
Authors: Wu Fengnian , Dai Zehan , Shi Min , Huang Jianjian , Zhu Hui , Zheng Yuzhong , Chen Zikai , Li Xiuhong , Deng Xiaoling , Fox Eduardo G. P. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Diaphorina citri is the vector of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas), a bacterium associated with the citrus disease as Huanglongbing (HLB). Previous mitochondrial genome (i.e. mitogenome) analyses revealed the prevalence of two major mitochondrial groups (MGs) of D. citri in China, geographically distributed by elevation gradients. We estimated the population diversity of D. citrifrom sampling 54 major citrus-producing areas within 11 provinces/regions of China, through comparing assembled de novo mitogenomes. Additionally, endosymbiont genomes were recovered for “Ca. Carsonella ruddii” (CaCr) and “Ca. Profftella armature” (CaPa) from full-DNA next generation sequencing of 31 samples from the same pool. Most of quantified D. citri diversity came from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five genes: nad3, cox2, rrnL, cob, and atp6. Nine SNPs clustered the analysed D. citri mitogenomes into two major mitochondrial groups (MG) comprising seven subgroups. Independent phylogenetic trees were generated for the endosymbionts CaCr and CaPa, and a CaPa plasmid, supporting patterns obtained for D. citri mitogenomes while adding complexity layers. Additional information from 64 CaCr, 58 CaPa, and 6 CaPa plasmids provided 38 SNPs and two gaps that converged with the independent results of mitogenomes analyses. Furthermore, subgroups within the original MG clusters were revealed by 87 SNPs and one gap. Thus, combined analyses of D. citri mitogenomes and associated endosymbionts proved useful in uncovering layers of population diversity, pointing to patterns in the natural history of an invasive species. Further understanding of D. citri and endosymbionts can aid D. citri HLB management protocols and forecast territorial expansion events.
Effect of Irradiation Insecticidal Technology on Micro-ecology, Physical and Chemical Properties of Strong-flavor Baijiu Daqu
Authors: Wang Yu , Xue Jiahao , Qiu Yue , Zhang Xiaopeng , Wang Dan , Chen Xiaoming , Gao Peng , Du Liquan , Xie Fei , Xia Xiaojun , Liu Qiang , Zeng Yu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this paper, the influence of high-energy electron beam irradiation technology on the microecology of strong-flavor Baijiu Daqu (SBD) was studied. The effects of different irradiation doses (0-3.55 kGy) on the microecology and physicochemical properties of SBD were determined. The interaction between bacteria, fungi, and physicochemical factors in SBD was examined. The potential of 0-1.40 kGy irradiation for pests eradication was analyzed. Under the irradiation dose range of 0.27–1.40 kGy, the micro-ecology of SBD could almost return to the level observed in non-irradiated samples within 3 months, ensuring a storage period of up to 120 d without infestation. Liquefying Power, Saccharifying Power, Acidity and Moisture all meet the industry standards of SBD and can be used for liquor making. The total bacterial count in SBD was approximately 1.4 x 104 CFU/g, while the count of fungi and yeast was about 4.4 x 104 CFU/g. This study provides an experimental reference for the application of electron beam irradiation technology in the insecticidal treatment of SBD.
An extended w-test for outlier diagnostics in linear models
Authors: Yu Yangkang , Yang Ling , Shen Yunzhong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The issue of dealing with outliers has been a research focus in the field of geodesy. Based on the statistical testing method known as the w-test, data snooping along with its iterative form, iterative data snooping (IDS), is commonly used to diagnose outliers in linear models. However, in the case of multiple outliers, these methods may suffer from the masking and swamping effects, thereby limiting their detection and identification capabilities. This contribution is to investigate the cause of masking and swamping effects and to propose a new method to mitigate these phenomena. First, based on the data division, an extended form of the w-test with its reliability measure is proposed, and a theoretical reinterpretation of data snooping and IDS is provided. Then, to alleviate the effects of masking and swamping, a new outlier diagnostic method and its iterative form are presented, namely data refining and iterative data refining (IDR). In general, if the total observations are initially divided into an inlying set and an outlying set, data snooping can be considered a process of selecting outliers from a preset inlying set to the outlying set. In contrast, data refining is then a reverse process to transfer inliers from an outlying set to the inlying one. Both theoretical analysis and actual application examples show that IDR would keep stronger robustness than IDS due to the alleviation of masking and swamping effect, although it may pose a higher risk of accuracy loss when dealing with insufficient data.
Perceived Control Attitude Among Heart Failure Patients in Oman: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Alharrasi Maryam , Al-Noumani Huda , Al-Ghassani Amal , Al-Jadidi Saleha , Al-Maskari Mohammed , Al-Zakwani Ibrahim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a global epidemic with a prevalence of over 64.3 million cases worldwide. Several factors account for the increase in the prevalence of HF. The most significant factor is the growing population of older adults. Other factors include improved treatment and survival after myocardial infarction, poorly controlled hypertension (HTN), and diabetes mellitus (DM). As a modifiable construct, perceived control can be improved to promote healthier lifestyle choices, such as self-care, and consequently better health outcomes. A person's perception of control is their conviction that they have the power to deal with adverse circumstances, like receiving an HF diagnosis, and produce favorable results, such an improvement in symptom status. The aim of this study is to assess the determinants of perceived control attitude among HF patients in Oman. In this sample of HF patients (N = 180), the mean perceived control attitude in this sample was 16.97 ± 2.25. Females (p = 0.006), old age (p < 0.001), smokers (p < 0.001), current health compared to one year back (p < 0.001), higher ejection fraction (p = 0.008) and comorbidities (p = 0.026) have significant relationship with perceived control attitude. The perceived control attitude in this sample was found to be adequate. Female gender, old age, smoking, current health, higher EF and comorbidities were the determinants of control attitude. Thus, interventions targeting attitudes, barriers, and social support may improve perceived control. Clinicians should assess and manage perceived control to maintain or improve good health-related quality of life.
Visceral adiposity index is associated with the development of increased urinary albumin excretion and chronic kidney disease: A population-based study
Authors: Yu Junyan , Huang Chulin , Lin Jiabin , Lin Diaozhu , Li Feng , Qi Yiqin , Liang Ying , Wang Chuan , Cai Leiqin , Feng Wanting , Li Na , Lao Guojuan , Xiao Huisheng , Yang Chuan , Yan Li , Ren Meng , Sun Kan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: In recent years, the impact of visceral fat accumulation on renal damage has garnered significant attention. However, whether visceral fat accumulation contributes to the incidence of both albuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still uncertain. Our objective is to look into the possible correlation between visceral adiposity accumulation and incident increased urinary albumin excretion and CKD.
Methods: We analyzed data from a cohort of 9,916 subjects aged 40 years. As an innovative and convenient biomarker of visceral adiposity distribution, visceral adiposity index (VAI) was calculated in accordance with a gender-specific equation using measurement of blood lipids and anthropometric parameters of obesity. Albuminuria was determined by urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g. CKD was determined by establishment of either of the following: 1. glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or less; 2. UACR ≥ 30 mg/g.
Results: During an average follow-up period of 3.6 ± 0.7 years, 245 (4.7%) subjects developed albuminuria and 332 (6.3%) participants developed CKD. Incidence of albuminuria and CKD had a tendency to advance along with ascending VAI levels in both genders. According to multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GGT), fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were independent determinants for VAI. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of albuminuria with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in Cox regression analysis were 1 (reference), 0.82 (0.53 – 1.29), 1.50 (1.01 – 2.23), and 1.52 (1.02 – 2.26) in ascending quartiles of VAI. Similarly, the HRs with 95% CI of CKD in ascending quartiles of VAI, were 1 (reference), 0.96 (0.66 – 1.41), 1.51 (1.07 – 2.15), and 1.56 (1.10 – 2.20). For subgroup analyses, VAI significantly correlated with risk of both albuminuria and CKD in older subjects (age ≥ 58 years), non-diabetes subjects and non-ASCVD subjects (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The greater deposition of visceral fat assessed by VAI is independently associated with risk of increased urinary albumin excretion and CKD in middle-aged and aged Chinese.
3D spheroid model of adipose-derived stem cell and breast cancer cell co- culture for mimicking cell migration and the cancer environment
Authors: Kim Dongwoo , Kim Changheon , Bae Chaewon , Hong Changgi , Lee Gyubok , Ryu Suhyun , Lee Yejin , Song Boa , Lee Kangwon , Park Min Hee 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture methodologies exhibit significant limitations, notably their failure to replicate the intricate three-dimensional (3D) milieu of human tissue architecture. This discrepancy has catalyzed the exploration of advanced drug screening platforms that more faithfully mimic the complex 3D biological environment. To this end, precision medicine research has increasingly used 3D in vitro models that emulate the tissue microenvironment of the human body. In this study, breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3) were co-cultured with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), mimicking the in vitro 3D tumor microenvironment with the multicellular and heterogeneous nature of solid tumors compared to a 2D cancer cell only system. Additionally, collagen type I was used to replicate the microenvironment within a 3D spheroid platform, enhancing the accuracy of the platform in mimicking human tissue characteristics. Significantly, the interactions between the ADSCs and two breast cancer lines markedly influenced factors such as cell elongation, molecular expression, migration patterns, and drug sensitivity. The integration of ADSCs was pivotal in simulating the cancer microenvironment, highlighting that even within the same cancer cell line, varying microenvironmental contexts can lead to vastly different experimental results. Thus, this study provides insights into the role of factors such as cellular substrates and stem cells in simulating a 3D tumor microenvironment more akin to the human body when constructing a 3D in vitro system based on breast cancer cells.
Laboratory comparison of vegetation and gravel on parameters affecting urban floods under different rainfall and runoff conditions
Authors: Ghazvinian Hamidreza , Karami Hojat 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This research seeks to analyze and compare the performance of impervious surface as control (O), sandy loam substrate, gravel, gravel with geocell layer (GGE), rosemary (R), rosemary with geocell layer (RGE), turf (T), and turf with geocell layer (TGE) in the reduction of rainfall-runoff volume, time to start runoff (TSR), runoff coefficient (C), time to end runoff (TER), peak flow (PF) rate, time to peak (TP), and time base (TB) under three conditions of rainfall, horizontal runoff, and the combination of rainfall and runoff in a slope of 5% using a rainfall simulator. Regarding the factorial results of the effective parameters of the test mode and the test sample on TSR, TER, TP, TB, C, and PF, there was a significant difference at the 5% level between the data in all cases. In all cases, GGE treatment performed better compared to the rest of the test groups in reducing runoff and cumulative volume. On the other hand, treatments O and GGE experienced the highest and lowest flow rate, respectively. For a given test condition, the value of C is the lowest for the GGE treatment.
Dexmedetomidine Alleviates Brain Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by
Regulating Metastasis-associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript
1/MicroRNA-140-5p/ Nuclear Factor Erythroid-derived 2-like 2 Axis
Authors: Qin Zhigang , Xu Younian 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is widely used in perioperative anesthesia, and
recent studies have reported that it protects organs from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Objective:
This study was performed to investigate the role of Dex in alleviating cerebral I/R injury and its regulatory effects on metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1
(MALAT1)/microRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p)/nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2)
axis.

Methods:
In vivo rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and in vitro oxygen-glucose
deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal injury model were constructed. Dex was
injected into the animals or used to culture HT22 cells to observe the pharmacological effects. The
neurological defect, brain water content, infarct volume of the rats, and neuron viability were evaluated. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were detected. Besides, the regulatory effects of Dex on
MALAT1, miR-140-5p, and Nrf2 expression levels and regulatory relationships among them were
evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results:
Dex significantly alleviated the neurological injury of rats with MCAO and promoted the
viability of neurons. Dex treatment suppressed miR-140-5p expression, but elevated MALAT1
and Nrf2 expressions. MALAT1 knockdown down-regulated Nrf2 expression and promoted oxidative stress in neurons. Additionally, miR-140-5p directly targeted Nrf2, and it also functioned as a
downstream target miRNA of MALAT1.

Conclusion:
Dex, via regulating MALAT1/miR-140-5p/Nrf2 axis, plays a neuroprotective role
against I/R-induced brain injury.
An Insight into the Promising Therapeutic Potential of Chicoric Acid
Authors: Goyal Ahsas , Dubey Nandini , Agrawal Anant , Sharma Rashmi , Verma Aanchal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
The pharmacological treatments that are now recommended for the therapy of chronic
illnesses are examined in a great number of studies to determine whether or not they are both
safe and effective. Therefore, it is important to investigate various alternative therapeutic assistance,
such as natural remedies derived from medicinal plants. In this context, chicoric acid,
classified as a hydroxycinnamic acid, has been documented to exhibit a range of health advantages.
These include antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, obesity-preventing, and neuroprotective
effects. Due to its considerable pharmacological properties, chicoric acid has found
extensive applications in food, pharmaceuticals, animal husbandry, and various other commercial
sectors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of in vitro and in vivo investigations
on chicoric acid, highlighting its beneficial effects and therapeutic activity when used as a
preventative and management aid for public health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, and hepatic illnesses like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Moreover, further investigation
of this compound can lead to its development as a potential phytopharmaceutical candidate.