bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanosensitive channel of large conductance enhances the mechanical stretching-induced upregulation of glycolysis and oxidative metabolism in Schwann cells
Authors: Shan Fangzhen , Zhang Nannan , Yao Xiaoying , Li Yi , Wang Zihao , Zhang Chuanji , Wang Yuzhong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Physical exercise directly stretching the peripheral nerve promotes nerve regeneration; however, its action mechanism remains elusive. Our present study aimed to investigate the effects of mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) activated by mechanical stretching on the cultured Schwann cells (SCs) and explore the possible mechanism.

Methods
Primary SCs from neonatal mice at 3–5 days of age were derived and transfected with the lentivirus vector expressing a mutant version of MscL, MscL-G22S. We first detected the cell viability and calcium ion (Ca2+) influx in the MscL-G22S-expressing SCs with low-intensity mechanical stretching and the controls. Proteomic and energy metabolomics analyses were performed to investigate the comprehensive effects of MscL-G22S activation on SCs. Measurement of glycolysis- and oxidative phosphorylation-related molecules and ATP production were respectively performed to further validate the effects of MscL-G22S activation on SCs. Finally, the roles of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in the mechanism of energy metabolism modulation of SCs by MscL-G22S activation was investigated.

Results
Mechanical stretching-induced MscL-G22S activation significantly increased the cell viability and Ca2+ influx into the SCs. Both the proteomic and targeted energy metabolomics analysis indicated the upregulation of energy metabolism as the main action mechanism of MscL-G22S-activation on SCs. MscL-G22S-activated SCs showed significant upregulation of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation when SCs with stretching alone had only mild upregulation of energy metabolism than those without stimuli. MscL-G22S activation caused significant phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and upregulation of HIF-1α/c-Myc. Inhibition of PI3K abolished the MscL-G22S activation-induced upregulation of HIF-1α/c-Myc signaling in SCs and reduced the levels of glycolysis- and oxidative phosphorylation-related substrates and mitochondrial activity.

Conclusion
Mechanical stretching activates MscL-G22S to significantly promote the energy metabolism of SCs and the production of energic substrates, which may be applied to enhance nerve regeneration via the glia-axonal metabolic coupling.
Effects of a dietary intervention with lacto-ovo-vegetarian and Mediterranean diets on apolipoproteins and inflammatory cytokines: results from the CARDIVEG study
Authors: Pagliai Giuditta , Tristan Asensi Marta , Dinu Monica , Cesari Francesca , Bertelli Alessia , Gori Anna Maria , Giusti Betti , Marcucci Rossella , Sofi Francesco , Colombini Barbara 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Apolipoproteins have been recently proposed as novel markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, evidence regarding effects of diet on apolipoproteins is limited.

Aim
To compare the effects of Mediterranean diet (MD) and lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (VD) on apolipoproteins and traditional CVD risk factors in participants with low-to-moderate CVD risk.

Methods
Fifty-two participants (39 women; 49.1 ± 12.4 years), followed MD and VD for 3 months each. Medical and dietary information was collected at the baseline. Anthropometric parameters and blood samples were obtained at the beginning and the end of interventions.

Results
MD and VD resulted in significant improvement in anthropometric and lipid profiles. Both diets led to a reduction in most of the inflammatory parameters. As for apolipoproteins, a significant change was observed for ApoC-I after VD (+ 24.4%; p = 0.020). MD led to a negative correlation between ApoC-III and carbohydrates (R = − 0.29; p = 0.039) whereas VD between ApoD and saturated fats (R = − 0.38; p = 0.006). A positive correlation emerged after VD between HDL and ApoD (R = 0.33; p = 0.017) and after MD between plasma triglycerides and ApoC-I (R = 0.32; p = 0.020) and ApoD (R = 0.30; p = 0.031). IL-17 resulted to be positively correlated with ApoB after MD (R = 0.31; p = 0.028) and with ApoC-III after VD (R = 0.32; p = 0.019). Subgroup analysis revealed positive effects on apolipoproteins from both diets, especially in women, individuals older than 50 years-old or with < 3 CVD risk factors.

Conclusions
Both diets seem to improve CVD risk, however, MD showed a greater positive effect on apolipoproteins in some subgroups, thus suggesting how diet may influence new potential markers of CVD risk.
Trial registration: registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT02641834) on December 2015.
METTL16 promotes liver cancer stem cell self-renewal via controlling ribosome biogenesis and mRNA translation
Authors: Xue Meilin , Dong Lei , Zhang Honghai , Li Yangchan , Qiu Kangqiang , Zhao Zhicong , Gao Min , Han Li , Chan Anthony K. N. , Li Wei , Leung Keith , Wang Kitty , Pokharel Sheela Pangeni , Qing Ying , Liu Wei , Wang Xueer , Ren Lili , Bi Hongjie , Yang Lu , Shen Chao , Chen Zhenhua , Melstrom Laleh , Li Hongzhi , Timchenko Nikolai , Deng Xiaolan , Huang Wendong , Rosen Steven T. , Tian Jingyan , Xu Lin , Diao Jiajie , Chen Chun-Wei , Chen Jianjun , Shen Baiyong , Chen Hao , Su Rui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
While liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, progression, recurrence, and treatment resistance, the mechanism underlying liver CSC self-renewal remains elusive. We aim to characterize the role of Methyltransferase 16 (METTL16), a recently identified RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase, in HCC development/maintenance, CSC stemness, as well as normal hepatogenesis.

Methods
Liver-specific Mettl16 conditional KO (cKO) mice were generated to assess its role in HCC pathogenesis and normal hepatogenesis. Hydrodynamic tail-vein injection (HDTVi)-induced de novo hepatocarcinogenesis and xenograft models were utilized to determine the role of METTL16 in HCC initiation and progression. A limiting dilution assay was utilized to evaluate CSC frequency. Functionally essential targets were revealed via integrative analysis of multi-omics data, including RNA-seq, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-seq, and ribosome profiling.

Results
METTL16 is highly expressed in liver CSCs and its depletion dramatically decreased CSC frequency in vitro and in vivo. Mettl16 KO significantly attenuated HCC initiation and progression, yet only slightly influenced normal hepatogenesis. Mechanistic studies, including high-throughput sequencing, unveiled METTL16 as a key regulator of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) maturation and mRNA translation and identified eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit a (eIF3a) transcript as a bona-fide target of METTL16 in HCC. In addition, the functionally essential regions of METTL16 were revealed by CRISPR gene tiling scan, which will pave the way for the development of potential inhibitor(s).

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the crucial oncogenic role of METTL16 in promoting HCC pathogenesis and enhancing liver CSC self-renewal through augmenting mRNA translation efficiency.
Epidemiology of Bartonella henselae infection in pet and stray cats in Croatia with risk factors analysis
Authors: Stepanić Maja , Duvnjak Sanja , Reil Irena , Hađina Suzana , Kempf Volkhard A. J. , Špičić Silvio , Mihaljević Željko , Beck Relja 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Cats are the primary reservoirs of the bacterium Bartonella henselae, the main cause of cat-scratch disease in humans. The main vector of the bacterium is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. In southeastern Europe, data are lacking on the prevalence of B. henselae infection in cats, the strains of B. henselae involved and the risk factors associated with the infection.

Methods
Blood samples collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-containing tubes from 189 domestic cats (156 pet cats and 33 stray cats) from Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, and 10 counties throughout Croatia were cultured for Bartonella spp. Following culture, bacterial isolates were genotyped at eight loci after using PCR to amplify 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the internal transcribed spacer region between the 16S and 23S rRNA sequences. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for B. henselae infection in cats.

Results
Bartonella spp. was detected in 31 cats (16.4%), and subsequent genotyping at the eight loci revealed B. henselae in all cases. Thirty complete multilocus sequence typing profiles were obtained, and the strains were identified as four sequence types that had been previously reported, namely ST5 (56.7%), ST6 (23.3%), ST1 (13.3%) and ST24 (3.3%), as well as a novel sequence type, ST33 (3.3%). The univariate analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of B. henselae infection in cats residing in coastal areas of Croatia (odds ratio [OR] 2.592, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.150–5.838; P = 0.0191) and in cats with intestinal parasites (OR 3.207, 95% CI 1.088–9.457; P = 0.0279); a significantly lower risk was identified in cats aged > 1 year (OR 0.356, 95% CI 0.161–0.787; P = 0.0247) and in cats sampled between April and September (OR 0.325, 95% CI 0.147–0.715; P = 0.005). The multivariate analysis that controlled for age showed a positive association with the presence of intestinal parasites (OR 4.241, 95% CI 1.243–14.470; P = 0.0119) and coastal residence (OR 2.567, 95% CI 1.114–5.915; P = 0.0216) implying increased risk of infection, and a negative association with sampling between April and September (OR 0.379, 95% CI 0.169–0.848; P = 0.018) implying a decreased risk of infection. After controlling for the season, an increased risk of infection remained for the coastal region (OR 2.725, 95% CI 1.200–6.186; P = 0.012).

Conclusions
Bartonella henselae is prevalent throughout Croatia and is a public health threat. Environmental and host factors can significantly affect the risk of infection, and these should be explored in more detail. The presence of intestinal parasites highlights the need to eliminate the flea vector, Ctenocephalides felis, as the most effective approach to control infections in cats and humans.

Graphical Abstract
Macrophage heterogeneity and its interactions with stromal cells in tumour microenvironment
Authors: Cao Liren , Meng Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhiyuan , Liu Zhonglong , He Yue 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMacrophages and tumour stroma cells account for the main cellular components in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Current advancements in single-cell analysis have revolutionized our understanding of macrophage diversity and macrophage–stroma interactions. Accordingly, this review describes new insight into tumour-associated macrophage (TAM) heterogeneity in terms of tumour type, phenotype, metabolism, and spatial distribution and presents the association between these factors and TAM functional states. Meanwhile, we focus on the immunomodulatory feature of TAMs and highlight the tumour-promoting effect of macrophage–tumour stroma interactions in the immunosuppressive TME. Finally, we summarize recent studies investigating macrophage-targeted therapy and discuss their therapeutic potential in improving immunotherapy by alleviating immunosuppression.
Minimal clinically important change of knee flexion in people with knee osteoarthritis after non-surgical interventions using a meta-analytical approach
Authors: Silva M. Denika C. , Woodward Andrew P. , Fearon Angela M. , Perriman Diana M. , Spencer Trevor J. , Couldrick Jacqui M. , Scarvell Jennie M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Minimal clinically important change (MCIC) represents the minimum patient-perceived improvement in an outcome after treatment, in an individual or within a group over time. This study aimed to determine MCIC of knee flexion in people with knee OA after non-surgical interventions using a meta-analytical approach.

Methods
Four databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science and CINAHL) were searched for studies of randomised clinical trials of non-surgical interventions with intervention duration of ≤ 3 months that reported change in (Δ) (mean change between baseline and immediately after the intervention) knee flexion with Δ pain or Δ function measured using tools that have established MCIC values. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). Bayesian meta-analytic models were used to determine relationships between Δ flexion with Δ pain and Δ function after non-surgical interventions and MCIC of knee flexion.

Results
Seventy-two studies (k = 72, n = 5174) were eligible. Meta-analyses included 140 intervention arms (k = 61, n = 4516) that reported Δ flexion with Δ pain using the visual analog scale (pain-VAS) and Δ function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function subscale (function-WOMAC). Linear relationships between Δ pain at rest-VAS (0–100 mm) with Δ flexion were − 0.29 (− 0.44; − 0.15) (β: posterior median (CrI: credible interval)). Relationships between Δ pain during activity VAS and Δ flexion were − 0.29 (− 0.41, − 0.18), and Δ pain-general VAS and Δ flexion were − 0.33 (− 0.42, − 0.23). The relationship between Δ function-WOMAC (out of 100) and Δ flexion was − 0.15 (− 0.25, − 0.07). Increased Δ flexion was associated with decreased Δ pain-VAS and increased Δ function-WOMAC. The point estimates for MCIC of knee flexion ranged from 3.8 to 6.4°.

Conclusions
The estimated knee flexion MCIC values from this study are the first to be reported using a novel meta-analytical method. The novel meta-analytical method may be useful to estimate MCIC for other measures where anchor questions are problematic.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42022323927.
Higher order $(n,m)$-Drazin normal operators
Authors: AlShammari Hadi Obaid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to introduce and study the structure of p-tuple of $(n,m)$
(
n
,
m
)
-$\mathcal{D}$
D
-normal operators. This is a generalization of the class of p-tuple of n-normal operators. We consider a generalization of these single variable n-$\mathcal{D}$
D
-normal and $(n,m)$
(
n
,
m
)
-$\mathcal{D}$
D
-normal operators and explore some of their basic properties.
Infinite system of nonlinear tempered fractional order BVPs in tempered sequence spaces
Authors: Rao Sabbavarapu Nageswara , Khuddush Mahammad , Msmali Ahmed Hussein , Ahmadini Abdullah Ali H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper deals with the existence results of the infinite system of tempered fractional BVPs $$\begin{aligned}& {}^{\mathtt{R}}_{0}\mathrm{D}_{\mathrm{r}}^{\varrho , \uplambda} \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(\mathrm{r})+\psi _{\mathtt{j}}\bigl(\mathrm{r}, \mathtt{z}(\mathrm{r})\bigr)=0,\quad 0< \mathrm{r}< 1, \\& \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(0)=0,\qquad {}^{\mathtt{R}}_{0} \mathrm{D}_{ \mathrm{r}}^{\mathtt{m}, \uplambda} \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(0)=0, \\& \mathtt{b}_{1} \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(1)+\mathtt{b}_{2} {}^{ \mathtt{R}}_{0}\mathrm{D}_{\mathrm{r}}^{\mathtt{m}, \uplambda} \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(1)=0, \end{aligned}$$

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The effects of educational robotics in STEM education: a multilevel meta-analysis
Authors: Ouyang Fan , Xu Weiqi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEducational robotics, as emerging technologies, have been widely applied in the field of STEM education to enhance the instructional and learning quality. Although previous research has highlighted potentials of applying educational robotics in STEM education, there is a lack of empirical evidence to investigate and understand the overall effects of using educational robotics in STEM education as well as the critical factors that influence the effects. To fill this gap, this research conducted a multilevel meta-analysis to examine the overall effect size of using educational robotics in STEM education under K-16 education based on 30 effect sizes from 21 studies published between 2010 and 2022. Furthermore, we examined the possible moderator variables of robot-assisted STEM education, including discipline, educational level, instructor support, instructional strategy, interactive type, intervention duration, robotic type, and control group condition. Results showed that educational robotics had the moderate-sized effects on students’ STEM learning compared to the non-robotics condition. Specifically, educational robotics had moderate-sized effects on students’ learning performances and learning attitudes, and insignificant effects on the improvement of computational thinking. Furthermore, we examined the influence of moderator variables in robot-assisted STEM education. Results indicated that the moderator variable of discipline was significantly associated with the effects of educational robotics on STEM learning. Based on the findings, educational and technological implications were provided to guide future research and practice in the application of educational robotics in STEM education.
Persona/scenario (P/S) toolkit enhancing inclusive fashion design education
Authors: Lee Jee Hyun , Lee Eunjee , Huh Jiwon , Kim Minji Lena , Kim Jieun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to address the diversity issue in fashion design education by developing two prototypes for Inclusive Fashion Design (IFD) education. The prototypes were constructed based on the 3C3R model of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and incorporated the Persona/Scenario (P/S) toolkit for IFD. Additionally, the study examined the effectiveness of the FEA (Function, Expressive, and Aesthetics) self-checklist and the P/S toolkit in the IFD process. The experiments involved two design instructors, two teaching assistants, and 12 senior-level students divided into four teams. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data collected from the participants. The results revealed that FEA factors were highly considered in both education prototypes, regardless of the presence of the P/S toolkit. Maintaining consistency of the IFD concept throughout each stage of the process was found to be crucial, and the use of the P/S toolkit played a significant role in achieving this consistency. Team communication emerged as an essential factor in IFD education, as team collaboration using the P/S toolkit triggered diverse perspectives on targets, facilitated design expansion, and extended individual competences. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the diversity issue in fashion design education and promotes the adoption of the IFD education methodology, emphasizing the significance of consistent concept development, effective toolkits, and team collaboration in achieving inclusive design practices.
Elevated blood pressure among children born to women with obstructed labour in Eastern Uganda: a cohort study
Authors: Mukunya David , Musaba Milton W. , Nambozo Brendah , Oguttu Faith , Makoko Brian Tonny , Napyo Agnes , Nantale Ritah , Wani Solomon , Tumuhamye Josephine , Auma Prossy , Atim Ketty , Wamulugwa Joan , Nahurira Doreck , Okello Dedan , Ssegawa Lawrence , Wandabwa Julius , Kiguli Sarah , Chebet Martin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Globally, high systolic blood pressure accounts for 10.8 million deaths annually. The deaths are disproportionately higher among black people. The reasons for this disparity are poorly understood, but could include a high burden of perinatal insults such as birth asphyxia. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence of elevated blood pressure and to explore associated factors among children born to women with obstructed labour.

Methods
We followed up children born to women with obstructed labour aged 25 to 44 months at Mbale regional referral hospital that had participated in the sodium bicarbonate trial ( Trial registration number PACTR201805003364421) between October 2021 and April 2022. Our primary outcome was elevated blood pressure defined as blood pressure (either systolic or diastolic or both) ≥ the 90th percentile for age, height, and sex in the reference population based on the clinical practice guideline for screening and management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios between selected exposures and elevated blood pressure.

Results
The incidence of elevated blood pressure was (39/140, 27.9%: 95% (CI: 20.6–36.1)). Participants aged three years and above had twice the odds of elevated blood pressure as those aged less than three years (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.46: 95% CI (1.01–5.97). Female participants had 2.81 times the odds of elevated blood pressure as their male counterparts (AOR 2.81 95% CI (1.16–6.82). Participants with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate had 2.85 times the odds of having elevated blood pressure as those with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (AOR 2.85 95% CI (1.00–8.13). We found no association between arterial cord lactate, stunting, wealth index, exclusive breastfeeding, food diversity and elevated blood pressure.

Conclusion
Our findings show a high incidence of elevated blood pressure among children. We encourage routine checking for elevated blood pressure in the pediatric population particularly those with known risk factors.
Evaluation of brain white matter changes on MRI in patients newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea compared with the control group
Authors: Khoroushi Farzaneh , Davoodi Yasmin , Fathabadi Amirhossein , Bakhshi Reihane , Sharifian Yasamin , Salehi Maryam , Ghofranyha Leila , Hassannejad Ehsan , Kharaghani Farnaz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is nowadays introduced as a risk factor for white matter brain changes. Research on OSA and white matter changes provides contradictory evidence for the contextual link between the two conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of OSA and changes in the brain's white matter and the relationship between severity levels of both diseases.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study in which 40 patients with OSA and 40 patients without OSA underwent polysomnography to determine the severity of OSA and MRI for detecting white matter changes. The severity of white matter changes was classified according to the age-related white matter change (ARWMC) score, and the severity of OSA based on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). To evaluate the independent effect of OSA on white matter changes, a multivariate regression model, including the severity of OSA and risk factors, was used.

Results
76.5% of affected people did not show any changes, and from 13 (32.5%) patients with OSA who experienced white matter changes, 10% were mild, and 22.5% were moderate to severe changes. The white matter changes score increased with increasing OSA severity. The univariate analysis also showed a significant positive correlation between OSA severity and ARWMC score.

Conclusion
Our major finding was that moderate to severe OSA was independently associated with the prevalence of white matter changes. We also observed a higher prevalence of moderate to severe OSA associated with increasing white matter changes, suggesting that the severity of the disease affects brain structural modification.