bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparse Coding of Episodic Memory in the Human Hippocampus is Related to the Excitability of Neurons at Encoding and Predicts Subsequent Memory
Authors: Tallman Catherine , Steinmetz Peter , Wixted John
Published: January 2025

Neurocomputational models hold that individual episodic memories are represented by a sparse, pattern-separated coding scheme in the hippocampus. In addition, recent theories of neuronal allocation suggest that the assignment of individual neurons to a sparse code is non-random and is associated with intrinsic neural excitability. Here, utilizing an independent dataset of single-unit recordings from epilepsy patients, we demonstrate that a relatively small proportion of high-firing hippocampal neurons represent a single item within a recognition memory test. Critically, only items that were both remembered and showed heightened excitability during encoding were preferentially allocated to a sparse, pattern-separated code, one that was selectively present in the hippocampus. Our findings suggest that individual episodic memories are represented by a sparse distributed coding scheme and that neuronal excitability guides the preferential allocation of hippocampal neurons into sparse codes, which in turn supports subsequent retrieval.
Dynamic Coordinated Geminal-atom Catalyst for Highly Efficient Photo-Fenton Reactions
Authors: Qi Kun , Qiao Yucheng , Zhan Su , He Qiuchen , Zhang Yang , Li Jiangpeng , Jiang Wenjun , Chen Keqiang , Lu Lanlu , Voiry Damien , Zhou Feng
Published: January 2025

Understanding and leveraging non-reactive species in natural environments to modulate the active centers of geminal-atom catalysts (GACs) is crucial for enhancing their catalytic performance. In this study, we present a two-coordinated geminal Cu atomic catalyst and, for the first time, uncover the mechanism by which dynamic metal second coordination shell and non-reactive species boost its photo-Fenton activity. This breakthrough enables the efficient removal of pollutants such as marine microorganisms, oils, and microplastics. Through experimental studies, operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and theoretical analyses, we demonstrate that the dynamic coordination environment promotes synergistic dual-atom interactions, and the second coordination shell influences the significant orbital overlap between the central metal and the delocalized ligand orbitals, enabling direct electron transfer. Additionally, the dynamic coordination of GACs induces a local spin transition, which lowers the reaction barrier through spin-crossover at the active site. This, in turn, reduces the spin-flip barrier for forming the singlet-state *OOH and OH-, thereby accelerating spin non-conservation reactions. The interactions between CO32- ions and adjacent Cu sites significantly alter the electronic structure of the catalytic centers. These modifications enhance charge transfer kinetics, leading to a remarkable 17-fold increase in hydroxyl radical production. This innovative approach—utilizing non-reactive species to amplify the photo-Fenton activity of Cu GACs—offers a constructive solution for environmental remediation in complex matrices and provides valuable guidance for designing high-performance catalysts tailored to challenging environmental conditions.
Genome Survey of Sphallerocarpus gracilis Based on High-throughput Sequencing
Authors: Qi Shiming , Zhang Chunmei , Yan Fang , Zhang Xifeng , Zhao Gang , Song Hai , Chen Ye , Liu Zhenrong
Published: January 2025

Sphallerocarpus gracilis is a high-value medicinal and green health food product. The analysis of the genomic characteristic information of S. gracilis can lay a theoretical foundation for whole genome sequencing and molecular mechanism research of the biosynthesis of bioactive active ingredients. In this study, survey genome sequencing technology was employed to evaluate the genomic characteristics of S. gracilis using K-mer analysis, and smudgeplot analysis was used to evaluate its chromosome ploidy. The K-mer analysis results showed that the genome size of the sample was approximately 1,071 Mb, and the corrected genome size was 1,063 Mb. The heterozygosity rate, the proportion of repeat sequences, and GC content were determined 1.22%, 76.33%, and 35.70%, respectively. Based on the smudgeplot analysis, the maximum possible ploidy of the analyzed species was AB type, corresponding to a diploid plant. Blast analysis revealed S. gracilis to have a close relative relationship with Daucus carota (4.78%). In summary, the results indicate that the genome of S.gracilis is a complex and large genome with high heterozygosity and repetition and a large genome. This study provides a theoretical basis for future whole genome sequencing and related research.
Chaos-induced optical chirality
Authors: Xiao Yun-Feng , Zhang Rui-Qi , Zhang Yi-Fei , Zhu Yunke , Kullig Julius , Kong Xianghong , Chen Weijin , Gao Yunan , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Jing Hui , Wiersig Jan , Gong Qihuang , Cao Qi-Tao
Published: January 2025

Chirality and chaos, both rooted in symmetry breaking, have been long intriguing in fundamental and applied physics. Despite their shared foundation, these two fundamental concepts have largely evolved independently, leaving unexplored potential at their intersection. Here, we report chaos-induced optical chirality in a quantum-dot microlaser, establishing the first direct link between these fundamental phenomena. We reveal that chaotic light dynamics breaks time-reversal symmetry, creating locally imbalanced intensities between counterpropagating cavity modes. By integrating a chirality transformer into the microcavity, this local imbalance is transformed into global chirality, producing highly directional intracavity lasing fields with a measured counterpropagating power ratio exceeding 10 dB. Remarkably, this chaos-induced chirality exhibits exceptional robustness to variations in the transformer’s position and universality across different cavity boundary shapes, surpassing the versatility of conventional approaches, thus paving the way for innovative chiral photonic devices, unidirectional quantum networks and beyond.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV Vaccination among Students at Higher Institutions of Learning in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sobe Lucianni Ewang
Published: January 2025

Background
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) of the reproductive tract, causing a range of diseases in men and women. HPV causes almost half a million cases of cervical cancer and 250,000 related deaths, 80% of which occur in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards HPV and HPV vaccination among students at higher institutions of learning in Buea.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was used, where participants were selected from nine higher institutions of learning in Buea by means of random sampling. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 414 participants. A descriptive summary of the data was presented via frequency tables, percentages and graphs via Microsoft Excel. The descriptive statistics were mostly used to describe the outcome variables as percentages. The logistic regression model was used to test for associations between knowledge, attitudes and practices and the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, and Pearson’s chi square test was used to examine the associations between the dependent variables and sex. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The data were analysed via Microsoft Excel 2013 and the statistical software R studio version 4.2.1.
Results
Among the respondents, 56% (231/414) were females and 44% (183/414) were males, of whom only 1% (4/414) had good knowledge of HPV and its vaccination, and 11.8% (49/414) and 87.2% (361/414) had moderate and poor knowledge, respectively. With respect to attitudes towards HPV and HPV vaccination, 37% (153/414) and 63% (261/414) demonstrated negative and positive attitudes, respectively, whereas 86.2% (357/417) and 13.8% (57/414) demonstrated adequate and inadequate practices, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between knowledge and sex (P = 0.032, χ2 = 6.857) and between attitudes and sex (P = 0.007, χ 2 = 6.857). However, there was not a statistically significant association between practice and sex (P = 0.438, χ2 = 0.438).
Conclusions
Generally, this study revealed that students at higher institutions of learning in Buea do not have sufficient knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination. However, this study highlights the need for more health campaigns to increase awareness of the disease in schools.
Estimating liver cirrhosis severity with extracellular volume fraction by spectral CT
Authors: Zhang Hong , Hao Ee , Xia Dongqin , Ma Mingyue , Wu Jiayu , Liu Tongchi , Gao Ming , Wu Xiaoping
Published: January 2025

Purpose To investigate the diagnostic value of spectral CT in calculating extracellular volume fraction (ECV) for assessing the severity of liver cirrhosis.
Methods In this retrospective study, 172 patients (127 liver cirrhosis patients and 45 controls),who underwent spectral CT liver enhancement scans, and were categorized based on the Child-Pugh classification. During the delayed phase, ECV values were derived from iodine density map. These ECV values were then compared across the control group and subclassified cirrhosis groups (Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C). Furthermore, a correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between ECV values and Child-Pugh scores in liver cirrhosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ECV values and MELD-Na in the Child-Pugh classification of liver cirrhosis.
Results The ECV values were 25.49±3.15, 29.73±3.20, 35.64±3.15, and 45.30±5.16 for the control, Child-Pugh A, Child-Pugh B, and Child-Pugh C group, respectively, demonstrating significant intergroup differences (F=184.67 P<0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between ECV and Child-Pugh liver function classification (r=0.791, P<0.001). The diagnostic performance of ECV for differentiating between Child-Pugh classes A and B (AUC: 0.901), B and C (AUC: 0.966) was higher compared to the MELD-Na score (AUC: 0.772 and 0.868) (P<0.05, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that ECV was the factor independently associated with cirrhosis (OR=1.610, P<0.001).
Conclusion ECV values measured using spectral CT can serve as a noninvasive biomarker for assessing the severity of liver cirrhosis.
Estimate of the Reduction in the Impact of Rainwater on Road Degradation in the Mbanya Catchment Area
Authors: Goune Achille Clovice , Essombo Bathelemy Essombo , Seutche Jean Calvin , Ekani Yannick Roger , Nsouandele Jean Luc , Ben-Bolie Germain Hubert
Published: January 2025

This article is part of the sustainable development of road infrastructure. It assesses the effects of rainwater on unpaved roads in the Mbanya catchment area between January 2019 and December 2023, and proposes mitigation measures. July is the month when the risk of deterioration on these unsealed roads is highest. The aim of the work is to limit the impact of rainwater on the deterioration of roads in the Mbanya catchment area. To this end, an experimental study was carried out to determine the initial water content in the soil and the quantity of quicklime needed to stabilise the soil. Genetic algorithms and neural networks were used to estimate the water content at different depths in the soil. The square correlation coefficient, with a value of around 0.72, and the root mean square error, with a value of around 0.37 on all the test data are performance indicators that demonstrate the high accuracy of the coupled genetic algorithm-neural network model. Porosity and the quantity of lime were used as input parameters for the model, and the results show that porosity and the quantity of lime have an influence on the evolution of the water content in the soil. The pavement construction project is possible on these unsealed roads in the Mbanya watershed, as the soils have a bearing capacity P ≥ .20MPa. However, the increase in water content can weaken as well as reduce the bearing capacity of the soil. Treating the soil with quicklime can lower the water content after water consumption and strengthen the bearing capacity.
Causes of damage of single use ureteroscope: a single center 2-year experience
Authors: El-Shazly Mohamed , Alorabi Ammar , Kandeel Hossam , Aziz Mohammed
Published: January 2025

Background
Since the evolution of flexible ureteroscopy from being reusable to disposable then reused disposable scopes aimed basically to reduce the cost, this study was conducted to evaluate the causes of reused disposable flexible ureteroscope damage in order to extend its longevity and increase the number of procedures per scope.
Patients and Methods:
This retrospective study was conducted in a single center between September 2022 and September 2024. Sixty-two reused disposable flexible ureteroscopes after resterilization were used for 202 patients over 235.7 hours. Potential causes of scope damage were observed, recorded and analyzed.
Results
The observed causes of reused disposable flexible ureteroscope damage were as follows: 32.3% of scopes were damaged by laser fiber related damage (either by sudden withdrawal of fiber during firing or transmitted energy), 27.4% by sustained excessive deflection, 19.4% by scope backloading technique, 9.6% by traumatic ureteral access sheath usage (such as scope withdrawal while deflected over the access sheath and stone fragment lodgment between the sheath and scope) and 11.3% by instrumental working channel damage. On comparing different related causes of damage, fine deflection proved to be superior to excessive deflection (p < 0.001) and access sheath usage proved to be significantly superior to backloading (p = 0.005) while there were no significant difference on comparing laser settings.
Conclusion
Longevity of su-FURS can be extended through the avoidance of possible causes of damage. The best cost effective practice can be achieved by performing flexible ureteroscopy with avoidance of scope backloading in tight ureter and using of ureteral access sheath, avoidance of excessive deflection by lower calyceal stone relocation and avoidance of in-situ disintegration and insertion of laser fiber in a straight scope before deflection with careful holding of the fiber to avoid its sudden withdrawal while firing inside the scope.
18F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of femoral head osteonecrosis in patients with lymphoma
Authors: Song Le , Li Hui , Zhu Anhui , Zhang Weifang
Published: January 2025

Objective To describe the imaging features of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and explore the value of PET/CT in assessing ONFH in patients with lymphoma.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data, PET/CT, and MRI manifestations of 17 patients with ONFH and lymphoma. The FDG uptake of ONFH was recorded, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of ONFH was measured. The staging and extent of ONFH, and other bone involvements, were visually assessed.Results A total of 31 femoral heads were involved, including 2 in stage 1, 24 in stage 2, 4 in stage 3, and 1 in stage 4. The median SUVmax of ONFH in stage 3–4 (5.27) was higher than that in stage 1–2 (1.37) (P = 0.002). In stage 1 lesions, both density and FDG uptake were normal. For stage 2 lesions, 11 showed increased FDG uptake along the peripheral linear high-density and/or within the necrotic region, 5 had peripheral increased uptake with internal decreased uptake, 2 exhibited decreased uptake, and 6 showed normal uptake. All lesions in stages 3–4 demonstrated increased FDG uptake along the peripheral linear high-density and/or at the osteolytic area. Thirteen stage 2 lesions were confined above the epiphyseal line, while 11 stage 2 lesions and 5 stage 3–4 lesions extended below the epiphyseal line. The extent of 20 stage 2 lesions and 5 stage 3–4 lesions observed on CT matched that seen on MRI. Nine patients had osteonecrosis in other bones. The humeral heads were involved in 9 patients, with 4 showing increased FDG uptake along the linear high-densities. Bilateral ilia were involved in 6 patients, with 5 demonstrating peripheral linear high densities and internal decreased FDG uptake. One patient had multiple involvements of the vertebrae, ribs, and scapulae.Conclusions In patients with lymphoma, ONFH exhibits variable degrees of FDG uptake and may be accompanied by involvement of other bones. PET/CT is helpful in diagnosing ONFH and detecting multiple bone involvements while assessing lymphoma.
Estimating risk of long COVID using a Bayesian network-based decision support tool
Authors: Sinclair Jane E. , Mayfield Helen J. , Lu Hongen , Brown Samuel J. , Moghaddam Tina , Waller Michael , Bonner Carissa , Williams Olivia , Litt John C.B. , Short Kirsty R. , Lau Colleen L.
Published: January 2025

Background: Long COVID causes substantial health burden globally, affecting ~30.6% of adults who have ever had symptomatic COVID-19. Despite this, long COVID remains overlooked in public health decision-making. We built a model and easy-to-access online tool for exploring six-month long COVID risk factors.
Methods: A Bayesian network model was developed to estimate long-term COVID-19 adverse outcome probability using data from published studies and government reports. The model calculates probabilities of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death, under different scenarios of vaccine coverage, sex, age, comorbidities, previous infection number, and drug treatments. The model also estimates six-month long COVID symptom risk including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, or neurologic symptoms, kidney issues, metabolic problems, coagulation disorders, fatigue, and mental health problems.
Results: Model estimates show incomplete vaccination, missed drug treatment during acute infection, and repeated infections to be the greatest controllable influences of increased long COVID risk. The model can be updated to include emerging best evidence, data pertinent to specific countries, vaccines, and outcomes. The interactive user-friendly web-based risk-assessment tool (part of the COVID-19 Risk Calculator (CoRiCal) suite), enables easy access to model outputs.
Conclusions: This model and online tool can be used by individuals or in conjunction with clinicians for shared decision making on vaccination, pursuing early drug treatment during acute infection, and continuing protective behaviors such as masking and social distancing. It may also assist public health decision-makers to assess such effects at a population level, contributing to better-informed public health policies.
Novel Classification and Microsurgical Anatomy of the Basilar Artery: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Ocampo-Navia Maria Isabel , Devia-Manosalva Diego Armando , Marín-Navas Felipe , Harker Pablo , Díaz Roberto , Berbeo-Calderón Miguel Enrique
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The trunk of the BA remains underrepresented in microsurgical studies. This study aims to address this gap by providing a detailed review of the BA's microsurgical anatomy, proposing a novel segmental classification of the artery and the significance of each segment in various surgical pathologies and approaches.
Methods
A total of 20 cadaveric adult brain specimens were meticulously examined under high magnification, following Institutional Review Board approval. The dissection focused on the BA and its branches, with morphometric data collected, including dimensions and anatomical variations.
Results
This study included 20 specimens. A novel classification was proposed base on the blood flow direction, including three segments. The inferior segment extended from the junction of the VA to the origin of the most rostral collateral artery, averaging 3.55 mm in diameter and lengths between 9.0 and 17.1 mm, with 3 to 4 caudal perforators. The middle segment, which ranged from the inferior border of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) to the origin of the superior cerebellar artery, measured 3.44 mm in diameter and 15.2 mm in length, featuring 5–6 middle perforating branches. The superior segment ended at the bifurcation of the BA, with an average diameter of 4.2 mm and a length of 3.6 mm. The overall BA length averaged 30.7 mm, with a range of 23.5–38.2 mm.
Conclusion
A comprehensive understanding of the origin, course, branches and segments of the BA is crucial for mitigating vascular complications during both open and endovascular surgical procedures.
Comparative Efficacy of High-Intensity Interval Training and Local-Indigenous Games in Enhancing Physical, Technical, and Cognitive Performance in Youth Football Players: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Olfati¹ Leyla , Piralaiy² Elaheh , Khani³ Mostafa , Isabigloo⁴ Reza , Naddafha Siavash
Published: January 2025

Objective
The present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and training based on selective Local Indigenous games on performance indicators and some specific skills in schoolchildren football players.
Methodology:
This research included 36 youth football players with an average age of 10.10 ± 1.24, who were randomly divided into three groups of 12 people control, HIIT, and local-indigenous games. All three groups were pre-tested, and then the HIIT and local Indigenous games groups performed their training protocol for six weeks (3 sessions per week on non-consecutive days, a total of 18 training sessions). HIIT sessions consisted of 6–8 repetitions of 30–60 seconds of all-out running with 4–4:15 minutes of rest between each repetition. Local-indigenous games also included selected local-indigenous games such as Arada Wordi, Khoros, Haft Sang, Machles, etc. To analyze statistical data, analysis of variance with repeated measurements and one-way analysis of variance were used (P < 0.05).
Result
HIIT and training based on selective local-indigenous games have a significant effect on speed, hand and foot coordination, agility, pass accuracy, shot accuracy, balance, aerobic and anaerobic power (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in hand coordination, foot coordination, pass accuracy and shot accuracy in the HIIT and local-Indigenous groups (P > 0.05), but there was a significant difference between the two groups in other indicators (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Based on the results of the present research, 6 weeks of HIIT and local-indigenous games were effective in improving the physical fitness indicators of schoolchild football players. Due to the many advantages of both types of exercises, it seems desirable to include both types of these exercises in the training program of young soccer players.
Parent-of-Origin inference and its role in the genetic architecture of complex traits: evidence from ~265,000 individuals
Authors: Kutalik Zoltán , Hofmeister Robin , Cavinato Theo , Karimi Roya , Graaf Adriaan van der , Pajuste Fanny-Dhelia , Kronberg Jaanika , Taba Nele , Magi Reedik , Vaudel Marc , Rubinacci Simone , Johansson Stefan , Milani Lili , Delaneau Olivier
Published: January 2025

Parent-of-origin effects (POEs) occur when the impact of a genetic variant depends on its parental origin. Traditionally linked to genomic imprinting, these effects are believed to have evolved from parental conflict over resource allocation to offspring, which results in opposing parental genetic influences. Despite their potential importance, POEs remain heavily understudied in complex traits, largely due to the lack of parental genomes.
Here, we present a multi-step approach to infer the parent-of-origin of alleles without parental genomes, leveraging inter-chromosomal phasing, mitochondrial and chromosome X data, and sibling-based crossover inference. Applied to the UK Biobank (discovery cohort) and Estonian Biobank (replication cohort), this scalable approach enabled parent-of-origin inference for up to 221,062 individuals, representing the largest dataset of its kind.
GWAS scans in the UK Biobank for more than 60 complex traits and over 2,400 protein levels contrasting maternal and paternal effects identified over 30 novel POEs and confirmed more than 50% of testable known associations. Notably, approximately half of our POEs exhibited a bi-polar pattern, where maternal and paternal alleles exert conflicting effects. These effects were particularly prevalent for traits related to growth (e.g., IGF-1, height, fat-free mass) and metabolism (e.g., type 2 diabetes, triglycerides, glucose). Replication in the Estonian Biobank and in 45,402 offspring from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study validated over 75% of testable associations.
Overall, our findings shed new light on the influence of POEs on diverse complex traits and align with the parental conflict hypothesis, providing compelling evidence for this understudied evolutionary phenomenon.
Differences in Gate Apraxia Due to Reduced Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in the Supplementary Motor Area in Corticobasal Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Igari Kota , Fujimaki Motoki , Mai Mera , Sakuma Moe , Saiki Shinji
Published: January 2025

Background
Gait apraxia, characterized by difficulties initiating and coordinating walking despite preserved conceptual movement abilities, is a distinct entity from lower limb apraxia. Although gait apraxia has been associated with dysfunction of the frontal lobe, particularly the supplementary motor area (SMA), the specific associated somatotopic organization phenotype remains poorly understood. Corticobasal syndrome (CBS), a clinical phenotype of corticobasal degeneration, commonly presents with upper limb apraxia, while lower limb or gait apraxia has rarely been reported. Herein, we describe two rare cases of CBS presenting with gait apraxia shown to be caused by SMA dysfunction, based on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) reduction on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
Case presentation:
Case 1 was of an 82-year-old man who exhibited right-sided apraxic gait with freezing and shuffling patterns, along with SMA hypoperfusion in both the dorsal and pre-SMA regions. Neurological examination revealed mild rigidity, right-sided Babinski sign, and clumsiness in mimicking leg movements. Gait patterns were inconsistent and unresponsive to levodopa or sensory cues. Case 2 was of an 80-year-old man who demonstrated a peculiar gait characterized by exaggerated right leg movements and everted ankle positioning. Hypoperfusion was localized to the left dorsal SMA. Examination findings included rigidity and impaired hand weight perception. Sensory tricks and levodopa provided no benefit.
Conclusion
These cases highlight the role of SMA dysfunction in the pathogenesis of gait apraxia. Variations in rCBF reduction correlated with distinct gait patterns. For example, the freezing gait shown in Case 1 likely resulted from pre-SMA impairment, which is critical for movement initiation, while the exaggerated leg movements in Case 2 reflected dorsal SMA dysfunction, involved in motor execution. These results indicate that gait apraxia, which is often underdiagnosed, should be recognized as a potential early indicator of CBS. Further, these cases suggest that SMA dysfunction, identified through SPECT imaging, underlies the distinct gait patterns seen in CBS patients with apraxic gait. Recognizing these symptoms, even in the absence of weakness or limb apraxia, may aid in early CBS diagnosis and improve clinical management.
Analysis of BGN and pan-cancer correlations: based a Mendelian randomisation and bioinformatics study
Authors: Min GuangTao , Tang Hao , Min GuangNing , Li YuMin
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: To preliminarily explore the significance of BGN in various cancers using pan-cancer analysis.
Methods: Transcriptome data of 33 cancers were downloaded from TCGA database, and the expression levels of BGN in 33 cancers were extracted using Perl software. The limma package of R software was used to identify differential genes in some tumour types (paraneoplastic samples ≥5), and the clinical prognostic significance of BGN was analysed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox in conjunction with clinical information from TCGA. Mendelian randomisation was used to test for causal associations between BGN and multiple malignancies. The correlation between BGN and the tumour immune infiltration microenvironment was explored by ESTIMATE package, and the relationship between BGN and immune subtypes, clinical stage and tumour immune infiltration microenvironment were analysed in conjunction with TCGA-GTEx data. Analysis of clinical data of 180 patients with gastric cancer and immunohistochemical verification of the poor prognosis of BGN in gastric cancer.
Results: BGN was significantly differentially expressed in most of the tumours, and MR analysis revealed potential causal associations with colorectal, lung and cervical cancers, etc. BGN showed prognostic correlations with a variety of cancers in survival analyses (P < 0.05). Single-tumour analyses showed correlations between BGN and TNM staging, immune subtypes, and the tumour microenvironment. BGN expression promotes immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoint-associated genes in the tumour microenvironment, and the higher the level of expression, the greater the stromal component and the less the immune component.BGN may be expressed via ECM receptor interaction, BGN may be involved in the process of tumour immune and inflammatory responses through ECM receptor interaction, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and other signalling pathways.
Conclusion: BGN plays an important role in tumour development and is expected to become a new prognostic marker and a potential target for immunotherapy in many types of cancers.
Variation in Morphology of the Suprascapular Nerve and Vessels at the Suprascapular Notch: Clinical Implications for Suprascapular Nerve Release
Authors: Heins BS Robert J. , Konstanty BS Jordan , Hemaya BS Justine , Hodge BS Travis , Olinger Anthony
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study aimed to classify variation in morphology of the suprascapular nerve (SSN), suprascapular artery (SSA), and suprascapular vein (SSV) in relation to the superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) at the suprascapular notch (SN) to evaluate the risk of vascular injury during SSN release.
Methods
Dissections were performed on 104 shoulders to analyze the morphology of the SSN, SSA, and SSV at the SN. The superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) was evaluated for dimensions, ossification, and impact on SN morphology Configurations of the nerve and vessels were categorized, and vascular injury risk was stratified as low, moderate, or high.
Results
The SSN passed beneath the STSL in 99% of shoulders, while the SSA and SSV configurations varied. Low vascular injury risk was identified in 82% of shoulders, moderate risk in 10.6%, and high risk in 7.4%, with female cadavers demonstrating higher risk anatomy (13.3%) compared to males (2.0%). Ossified STSLs were significantly associated with smaller SN dimensions, including reduced height and width (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Anatomical variations at the SN play a critical role in determining the risk of vascular injury during SSN release. Surgeons should consider these morphological differences, particularly in cases involving ossified STSLs or higher-risk configurations, to optimize surgical planning. This study underscores the importance of precise anatomical knowledge for minimizing complications in suprascapular procedures at the SN.
Efficacy of Daily 50 mg Intramuscular Progesterone for Luteal Phase Support in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles: Analysis of Serum Levels and Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Hatami Robabeh , Tehraninejad Ensieh Shahrokh , Rashidi Batool Hossein , Keikha Fatemeh , Masoumi Masoumeh , Barkhordarioon Amirali , Tarafdari Azadeh
Published: January 2025

Background
Frozen embryo transfer (FET) success depends on adequate luteal phase support (LPS), with serum progesterone (P4) levels on embryo transfer (ET) day being a critical factor. While serum P4 levels have been probably associated with improved outcomes, there is ongoing debate regarding the most effective route and dosage of P4 supplementation. This prospective cohort study aimed to (1) evaluate the efficacy of 50 mg/day intramuscular (IM) progesterone in achieving optimal serum P4 levels during endometrial preparation and (2) investigate the association between serum P4 levels on ET day and subsequent fertility outcomes in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) FET cycles.
Methods
The study included 121 women (aged 22–45 years) undergoing HRT-FET at Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex from December 2022 to January 2024. Endometrial preparation began with oral estradiol valerate (6 mg/day) on cycle day 2, followed by daily IM P4 (50 mg) upon achieving endometrial thickness ≥ 8 mm. Serum P4 levels were measured on ET day, and oral dydrogesterone (20 mg/day) was added for patients with P4 levels < 10.0 ng/mL. Primary outcomes included chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and ongoing pregnancy rates.
Results
The mean serum P4 level on ET day was 22.8 ± 10.1 ng/mL, with 78.5% of participants achieving the target range (10-32.5 ng/mL) following IM P4 administration. Overall chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates were 23.1%, 18.2%, and 14.1%, respectively, with a miscarriage rate of 5.0%. Multivariate analysis revealed that P4 levels > 27.8 ng/mL were associated with reduced odds of chemical pregnancy (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05–0.92; p = 0.04), while no significant differences were observed in other pregnancy outcomes across P4 quartiles.
Conclusion
Daily administration of 50 mg IM P4 effectively achieved optimal serum P4 levels in most patients. While higher P4 levels (> 27.8 ng/mL) were associated with reduced chemical pregnancy rates, the absence of significant correlations with other pregnancy outcomes highlights the multifactorial nature of embryo implantation success. These findings emphasize the need for further research to refine P4 thresholds and identify additional predictive factors influencing pregnancy outcomes in FET cycles.
Topography-induced TKE budget behavior over an Amazon Forest
Authors: Laba Paulo Henrique , Dias Nelson Luís da Costa , Chamecki Marcelo , Dias Cléo Quaresma , Torkelson Gregory
Published: January 2025

Data from three different heights (35, 50 and 81 meters) of one of the ATTO Project towers in the Amazon forest were used to calculate the TKE (turbulence kinetic energy) budget and some other statistics within the RSL (roughness sublayer). In addition, the results obtained from the data were compared with large eddy simulation (LES). The analyses were carried out for unstable and stable cases. The vertical turbulence transport (Tv) and the vertical advection (Av) terms do not explain the imbalances found in the TKE budget, highlighting the importance of horizontal terms in complex terrain. Indeed, patterns independent of the time of day were found for Tv, horizontal and vertical velocity skewness, the vertical component velocity (w), and momentum and vertical TKE flux. The highest values of w were observed from the direction where there is a valley near the tower, which may indicate a topographical effect. Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST) predictions, strictly applicable only in the inertial sublayer (ISL), gave reasonable predictions at the 35 m level. At 81 m, there were clear deviations from MOST, disclosing the effect of topography. Finally, the results obtained with LES were in general agreement with tower observations.
SEEKING JUSTICE IN ISLAMIC LEGAL PLURALISM: The Dispute of Child Best Interests in Marriage Dispensation in Indonesia
Authors: Rohmawati Rohmawati
Published: January 2025

The principle of the best interests of children must be the main consideration in adjudicating applications for marriage dispensation. However, its implementation becomes problematic when faced with provisions on the ability to grant marriage dispensations for urgent reasons. This article examines how the best interests of children are implemented in legal applications for marriage dispensation in religious court. It employs a socio-legal approach with a maqāsid al-syarī'ah cum-mubadalah perspective. This article proposes that the principle of the best interests of children is yet considered by judges effectively in deciding the cases. This does not reflect the protection of the child’s life, heredity, intellect, property, and religion, and does not consider the unique experiences of women both biologically and socially. Judges have a biased perspective in measuring the meaning of maturity and readiness of girls to marry, ignoring children's rights in education and reproductive health, and subordinate women in the spiritual realm.
Which of the Lovers Will Achieve Salvation? (One Question to “Metaphysics of Love” by Lev Karsavin)
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Makovetsky Eugene A. , Kuzin Ivan V. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: January 2025

One of the many difficulties in Lev Karsavin's metaphysics of love is how the author solves the issue of preserving human individuality in the series of transformations. On the one hand, the uniqueness of a person is the starting point of the metaphysics of love: love according to Karsavin creates such unity in which the differences of individuals is preserved. On the other hand lovers create a single personality which in turn is an element of the all-human personality of Adam Kadmon. Moreover, according to Karsavin's reasoning this multi-unit human personality will be transformed into the personality of Jesus Christ. Here the question arises: how can their personalities be preserved in the series of transformations awaiting lovers? An attempt to solve the question of the possibility of preserving the human personality in view of the conditions set by the metaphysics of love is the purpose of the article.
To achieve the goal the authors use the following circumstances. Firstly, they expand the source base of the study by involving into the analysis Karsavin’s translation and interpretation of the Memoriale by Angela of Foligno. Secondly, in view of the nature of Karsavin metaphysics, the authors found it possible to place the terminological apparatus of "Noctes Petropolitanae" in a broader conceptual field, in particular, assuming that salvation can be considered as the entelechy of love. Thirdly, the question of the uniqueness and composition of human existence was interpreted through the term hypostasis. The acceptability of such a step is justified by the existing tradition of understanding the personality coming at least from the Izbornik of Sviatoslav 1073 and from the Slavic translations of the Synodikon of Orthodoxy.
As a result of the analysis of the metaphysics of love undertaken from the described methodological positions the authors come to the conclusion that the preservation of human individuality turns out to be highly problematic. This conclusion however may indicate both the imperfection of the methodological apparatus of the study and the fundamental undecidability of the question posed by means of metaphysics.
Myth, Folklore, and Genesis of Philosophy (To the 55th Anniversary of “The Origin of Philosophy” by M. I. Shakhnovich)
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Shakhnovich Marianna M.
Published: January 2025

Against the background of modern debates about the origin of philosophical thought in the Ancient East, the article examines an attempt to resolve the riddle of the genesis of philosophy, undertaken by the Leningrad University Professor M. I. Shakhnovich (1911–1992) in his study “The Origin of Philosophy” (1969). Shakhnovich noted that the process of the birth of philosophy from the womb of religious-mythological consciousness cannot be understood as the transformation of mythology into natural philosophy, religious images into physical concepts and philosophical categories. The study of “pre-philosophy,” by which he understood the rudiments of philosophical thought that existed within mythology, believing that the ancient “wisdom literature” already contained philosophical ideas, was based on his deep knowledge of comparative mythology, ethnography and folklore. Archaic mythology intricately combined mysticism with practical knowledge about nature and man, reality and fantasy, amazing guesses and incredible delusions, true truth and absurd fictions. Shakhnovich drew attention to the nature of human cognitive abilities and the features of language, which make it possible to shed light on the nature of mythological consciousness. Contrary to the established tradition of considering early philosophy exclusively from the point of view of the formation of ontological problems, he believed that ethics, as the most important element of philosophical ideas about man, has a very ancient history, that the origins of philosophy go back to folk sayings and rules of worldly wisdom both in the Ancient East and in Ancient Greece. There is no doubt that the process of formation of philosophy is inseparable from the development of human cognitive abilities and the formation of scientific knowledge, but attempts to solve rationally problems of anthropology and ethics that existed in ancient times cannot be discounted when exploring the question of the origin of philosophy.
The Cult of the Cross Mountains in the Three Rivers
Authors:   Amur State University, Zabiyako Andrey P. , Zabiyako Anna A. ,   Amur State University, Ruyang Zhang ,   North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power
Published: January 2025

Throughout history, mountain landscapes have participated in the formation of images of reality. Mountains are a constant of human existence; their image is a universal of consciousness. One of the expressions of this reality is religious and mythological ideas about mountains and practices associated with them. The article is devoted to the cult of mountains that exists among Orthodox believers in the Russian Three Rivers region. The Russian Three Rivers region is usually called the area of compact residence of Russians located in the People’s Republic of China. The article is based on field research materials (2015–2019, Northeast China). In the spiritual culture of the Russian population of the region, religious and mythological ideas about the holy mountains are preserved. In the sacred topography of Three Rivers, there are seven holy mountains. Orthodox crosses are installed on each holy mountain. Therefore, these mountains are also called “the Cross Mountains”. Modern Russian residents climb the Cross Mountains on some Orthodox holidays. A visit to the Cross Mountains is almost mandatory on the Ascension Day. This custom is deeply rooted in the culture of Russian residents as an important event in religious life along with Easter and Christmas. Believers often climb the Cross Mountains during illness, misfortune, or drought to pray for deliverance from trouble. The Chinese authorities do not interfere with the veneration of the Cross Mountains and the performance of sacred rites there. In Three Rivers, collective ritual actions on the Cross Mountains are consistently included for Russian and Chinese residents in religious syncretism, which combines the traditions of Russian and Chinese folk religion. The veneration of the Cross Mountains and the performance of rituals there is one of the foundations for Russians to preserve their ethno-cultural identity.
Poetic Citations in the Narrative Structure of Vladimir Nabokov’s Story “Cloud, Lake, Tower”
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Pinezhaninova Natalia P.
Published: January 2025

The article examines the interpretive possibilities of two fragments of Feodor Tyutchev’s poetry as key text-forming elements in the narrative structure of Vladimir Nabokov’s story “Cloud, Lake, Tower”. This approach is based on the perception of quotation fragments as a source of intertextual codes that demonstrate two-way communication: retrospective, referring to Tyutchev’s texts, and projective, anticipating the author’s intention in modeling further narrative. The way quotations are presented in the text largely determines the strategies of establishing referential links between the quoted fragment and the verbal and figurative deployment of motif lines. In order to reveal the propositional meaning of the quoted elements, the author analyzes the way of deconstructing the precedent phrase in the connecting link with reminiscence. The organizing role of the author’s forms of quotation for the formation of the interpretative field of poetic inclusions in the art text is determined. The author traces the methods of actualization of semantic components of the theme of silence in the explication of the main narrative motifs and reveals the modeling principle of the author’s play with cultural codes that acquire their own plan of expression in the opposition/displacement of the conventions of poetic and everyday language. The manifestation of the writer’s artistic self-reflection in the reconstruction of the theme of poetic silence in interaction with the social and everyday context of the narrative is shown. The ironic and parodic elements located at different value-semantic levels of the text are revealed. It is stated that the transposition of quotations into the context of the story contributes to the expansion of intertextual space from intertextual and auto-intertextual paradigms, in which the theme of silence is inscribed, to ironic distancing as a way of author’s self-objectification.
Typical Mistakes of Persian-speaking Students when Using Russian Numerals in Oral and Written Speech: Reasons and Ways to Prevent Them
Authors:   Allameh Tabataba’i University, Iskandari Mahnush , Saeidi Ali ,   Allameh Tabataba’i University
Published: January 2025

The authors argue that numerals in Russian and Persian have similarities and differences in structure and usage. One of the differences between the numerals in these languages is that Russian numerals are declined in different cases, and the words of this part of speech in Persian are not declined. Based on many years of experience in teaching Russian numerals to an Iranian audience, the article discusses typical mistakes of Persian-speaking students when using ordinal, collective, cardinal and fractional Russian numerals in speech and writing. The article classifies these typical errors into morphological, syntactic and orthographic ones. The reasons for the appearance of these errors in the speech of Persian-speaking students are revealed. The reasons for the appearance of errors can be interlingual or intralingual interference. At the end of the article, some recommendations are offered to prevent identified errors, as an exercise in analyzing a text with numerals and reading it aloud also helps to fix the correct patterns in the memory of students and thus overcome typical errors. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that for the first time the typical mistakes of Persian-speaking students studying Russian when using Russian numerals are considered. In terms of methodology, the present study is a descriptive study conducted using an integrated approach. The statistical sample of this study included male and female students of the initial stage of teaching the Russian language at the Allameh Tabatabai University. It is revealed that interlingual and intralingual interferences are the main reasons for the appearance of typical errors in the speech of Persian-speaking students.