bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative infections as a prognostic risk factor in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocellular carcinoma: a comparative analysis
Authors: Jördens Markus S. , Oswald Hannah C. , Heinrichs Lisa , Gassmann Nathalie , Wittig Linda , Luedde Tom , Loosen Sven H. , Roderburg Christoph , Knoefel Wolfram T. , Fluegen Georg
Published: January 2025

Background

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocellular adenocarcinoma (CCA) are the most common primary liver tumors representing a major global health burden. In early disease stages, tumor resection may provide long-term survival in selected patients. However, morbidity and mortality rates are still relatively high after extended liver surgery with perioperative bacterial infections representing major complications. In this study, we evaluate the impact of perioperative infection on the postoperative overall survival (OS) of patients undergoing resection of HCC or CCA.

Material and methods

Two hundred two patients that received liver surgery for HCC (139) or CCA (63) at our tertiary referral center were included between 2008 and 2020. Infection prior or after surgery was assessed using patient documentation and correlated to patients´ survival rates and other clinical characteristics.

Results

Patients with perioperative infection displayed a significantly impaired OS compared to patients without a documented infection (419 (95% CI: 262–576) days vs. 959 (95% CI: 637–1281) days; log rank X2(1) = 10.28; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that this effect was only observed among HCC patients, while the outcome of CCA patients was independent of pre- or postoperative infections. Moreover, non-anatomical resection of liver tumors was beneficial in patients with HCC (1541 (95%CI: 1110–1972) vs. 749 (95%CI: 0–1528) days; log rank X2(1) = 5.387; p = 0.02) but not CCA.

Conclusion

Perioperative infection is an important prognostic factor after surgery for HCC but not CCA.
From dusk to dawn: examining how adolescents engage with digital media using objective measures of screen time in a repeated measures study
Authors: Brosnan Bradley , Meredith-Jones Kim A. , Haszard Jillian J. , Wickham Shay-Ruby , Galland Barbara C. , Russell-Camp Takiwai , Taylor Rachael W.
Published: January 2025

Background

Although evening screen time is thought to impair subsequent sleep, current measures are limited to questionnaires which seem unlikely to accurately assess screen time in youth. Given the ubiquitous nature of digital devices, improving measurement of screen time is required before related health effects can be appropriately determined. The aim of this study was to objectively quantify screen time before sleep using video camera footage.

Methods

This repeated-measures observational study in healthy adolescents (11–14 years) from Dunedin, New Zealand measured screen time on four evenings over one week in the home environment from March-December 2021. Wearable and stationary PatrolEyes video cameras captured screen time from two hours before bedtime until sleep and manually coded for device type (phone, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer, handheld gaming console, gaming console, television and other) and screen activity (watching, listening, reading, educational/creative, browsing, communication, social media, video gaming, multitasking) using a reliable coding schedule (κ ≥ 0.8). Descriptive findings are reported.

Findings

Among the 83 participants (mean 12.3 [SD 1.0] years, 42% female, 52% New Zealand European, 37% Māori [indigenous]), 82 used screens in the two hours before bed on 308 of 344 (90%) nights for a mean of 54.4 min (SD 25.5). Televisions (median 37 min, 56% of nights), phones (19 min, 64% nights), and multitasking using multiple devices (19 min, 48% nights) were most commonly used (> 75% of adolescents). Once in bed but before trying to sleep, 58% of adolescents engaged in screen time for 17 (26.3) minutes on 36% of nights. The most common screen activities were watching (32.5%), social media (26.5%) and communication (20.5%). Even after attempting sleep, 32.5% of participants used screens for 8.0 min (median) on 16% of nights, mostly listening on phones.

Conclusions

Objective video cameras offer detailed insight into evening screen habits, capturing frequency, content, and duration. Youth frequently engage with screens before bed and throughout the night on a range of activities, despite recommendations to restrict screen time prior to sleep.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (anzctr.org.au), AACTRN12621000193875, Registered 23 February 2021, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380926&isReview=true.
Mid-term outcomes of the modified Dunn procedure for slipped capital femoral epiphysis: results from a north African pediatric hip unit
Authors: Abdelnasser Mohammad Kamal , Hassan Ahmed Abdelazim , Ibrahim Mohammed , Ibrahim Abdelkhalek Hafez , Abol Oyoun Nariman
Published: January 2025

Background

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is a prevalent pediatric orthopedic condition. Treatment options range from in situ pinning to various osteotomies, with the Modified Dunn procedure gaining significant attention over the past two decades. However, the suitability of this procedure for different SCFE subtypes and the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN), particularly in moderate and severe cases, remains controversial. This study aims to report the midterm clinical and radiographic outcomes of the Modified Dunn procedure in treating SCFE, emphasizing the factors contributing to AVN development.

Patients and methods

We conducted a prospective case series between 2014 and 2022, enrolling patients with moderate and severe SCFE who were treated using the Modified Dunn procedure by a single experienced hip surgeon. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for a minimum of two years.

Results

Thirty-six patients (29 males, 7 females) with moderate and severe SCFE were included, with an average age of 14 years and a mean follow-up of 49.28 months (range: 24–118 months). Statistically significant improvements were observed in clinical and radiographic parameters at the final follow-up compared to pre-operative data. Five patients developed AVN, though no specific risk factor reached statistical significance regarding AVN development. While most AVN cases occurred early in the learning curve, this trend was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Modified Dunn is a safe and effective option for treating moderate to severe SCFE, offering superior femoral head realignment and patient-reported outcomes. When performed by experienced surgeons, it results in acceptable complication rates, including AVN.

Level of evidence

Level IV Prospective Case series.
Metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for the production and secretion of the saffron ingredient crocetin
Authors: Zhou Tingan , Park Young-Kyoung , Fu Jing , Hapeta Piotr , Klemm Cinzia , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

Background

Crocetin is a multifunctional apocarotenoid natural product derived from saffron, holding significant promises for protection against various diseases and other nutritional applications. Historically, crocetin has been extracted from saffron stigmas, but this method is hindered by the limited availability of high-quality raw materials and complex extraction processes. To overcome these challenges, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology can be applied to the sustainable production of crocetin.

Results

We constructed a Yarrowia lipolytica strain using hybrid promoters and copy number adjustment, which was able to produce 2.66 g/L of β-carotene, the precursor of crocetin. Next, the crocetin biosynthetic pathway was introduced, and we observed both the production and secretion of crocetin. Subsequently, the metabolite profiles under varied temperatures were studied and we found that low temperature was favorable for crocetin biosynthesis in Y. lipolytica. Therefore, a two-step temperature-shift fermentation strategy was adopted to optimize yeast growth and biosynthetic enzyme activity, bringing a 2.3-fold increase in crocetin titer. Lastly, fermentation media was fine-tuned for an optimal crocetin output of 30.17 mg/L, bringing a 51% higher titer compared with the previous highest report in shake flasks. Concomitantly, we also generated Y. lipolytica strains capable of achieving substantial zeaxanthin production, yielding 1575.09 mg/L, doubling the previous highest reported titer.

Conclusions

Through metabolic engineering and fermentation optimization, we demonstrated the first de novo biosynthesis of crocetin in the industrial yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. In addition, we achieved a higher crocetin titer in flasks than all our known reports. This work not only represents a high production of crocetin, but also entails a significant simultaneous zeaxanthin production, setting the stage for sustainable and cost-effective production of these valuable compounds.
Rapid isothermal molecular tests to discriminate between Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum infections in dogs
Authors: de Luna Rafaela Lira Nogueira , Sales Kamila Gaudêncio da Silva , Bonifácio Lucas Lisboa Nunes , Figueredo Luciana Aguiar , Shelite Thomas R. , Nogueira Fábio dos Santos , Otranto Domenico , Dantas-Torres Filipe
Published: January 2025

Background

We standardized two recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assays coupled with lateral flow (LF) strips for the detection of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum kinetoplast DNA (kDNA).

Methods

The RPA-LF assays were tested at different temperatures and reaction times, using DNA from cultured L. braziliensis and L. infantum. The L. infantum RPA-LF was also tested using clinical samples (bone marrow and skin) from infected and uninfected dogs.

Results

The detection limits (analytical sensitivity) of the assays were 0.04 pg/μl and 0.04 ng/μl for L. braziliensis and L. infantum kDNA, respectively. Using clinical samples, the L. infantum RPA-LF successfully detected the parasite kDNA in bone marrow (21/30; 70.0%) and skin samples (23/30, 76.6%) from naturally infected dogs. We found an almost perfect agreement (kappa = 0.807) between RPA-LF for L. infantum and our reference quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), considering clinical samples with a quantification cycle (Cq) < 30, whereas the agreement with samples with a Cq > 30 (lower parasite loads) was moderate (kappa = 0.440).

Conclusions

The RPA-LF assays developed here may be promising diagnostic tools for point-of-care diagnosis of L. infantum and L. braziliensis infection in dogs, particularly in remote rural areas lacking laboratory infrastructure.

Graphical Abstract
Subjective cognitive decline predicts longitudinal neuropsychological test performance in an unsupervised online setting in the Brain Health Registry
Authors: Kang Jae Myeong , Manjavong Manchumad , Jin Chengshi , Diaz Adam , Ashford Miriam T. , Eichenbaum Joseph , Thorp Emily , Wragg Elizabeth , Zavitz Kenton H. , Cormack Francesca , Aaronson Anna , Mackin R. Scott , Tank Rachana , Landavazo Bernard , Cavallone Erika , Truran Diana , Farias Sarah Tomaszewski , Weiner Michael W. , Nosheny Rachel L.
Published: January 2025

Backgrounds

Digital, online assessments are efficient means to detect early cognitive decline, but few studies have investigated the relationship between remotely collected subjective cognitive change and cognitive decline. We hypothesized that the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog), a subjective change measure, predicts longitudinal change in cognition in the Brain Health Registry (BHR), an online registry for neuroscience research.

Methods

This study included BHR participants aged 55 + who completed both the baseline ECog and repeated administrations of the CANTAB® Paired Associates Learning (PAL) visual learning and memory test. Both self-reported ECog (Self-ECog) and study partner-reported ECog (SP-ECog), and two PAL scores (first attempt memory score [FAMS] and total errors adjusted [TEA]) were assessed. We estimated associations between multiple ECog scoring outputs (ECog positive [same or above cut-off score], ECog consistent [report of consistent decline in any item], and total score) and longitudinal change in PAL. Additionally we assessed the ability of ECog to identify ‘decliners’, who exhibited the worst PAL progression slopes corresponding to the fifth percentile and below.

Results

Participants (n = 16,683) had an average age of 69.07 ± 7.34, 72.04% were female, and had an average of 16.66 ± 2.26 years of education. They were followed for an average of 2.52 ± 1.63 visits over a period of 11.49 ± 11.53 months. Both Self-ECog positive (estimate = -0.01, p < 0.001, R²m = 0.56) and Self-ECog consistent (estimate=-0.01, p = 0.002, R²m = 0.56) were associated with longitudinal change in PAL FAMS after adjusting demographics and clinical confounders. Those who were Self-ECog total (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.390 [1.121–1.708]) and SP-ECog consistent (2.417 [1.591–3.655]) had higher probability of being decliners based on PAL FAMS.

Conclusion

In the BHR’s unsupervised online setting, baseline subjective change was feasible in predicting longitudinal decline in neuropsychological tests. Online, self-administered measures of subjective cognitive change might have a potential to predict objective subjective change and identify individuals with cognitive impairments.
Neuronal CD59 isoforms IRIS-1 and IRIS-2 as regulators of neurotransmitter release with implications for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Golec Ewelina , Olsson Robin , Tuysuz Emre Can , Karlsson Maja , Serjieh Yasmin , King Ben C. , Wennström Malin , Blom Anna M.
Published: January 2025

We have previously demonstrated that the intracellular, non-GPI anchored CD59 isoforms IRIS-1 and IRIS-2 (Isoforms Rescuing Insulin Secretion 1 and 2) are necessary for insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. While investigating their expression across human tissues, we identified IRIS-1 and IRIS-2 mRNA in the human brain, though their protein expression and function remained unclear. This study shows the presence of both IRIS-1 and 2 proteins in the human brain, specifically in neurons and astrocytes. In the neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y), both isoforms are intracellular, and their expression increases upon differentiation into mature neurons. Silencing IRIS-1 and 2 in SH-SY5Y cells reduces the SNARE complex formation, essential for synaptic vesicle exocytosis, leading to a reduction in noradrenaline secretion. Notably, we observed diminished expression of neuronal IRIS-1 and 2 in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and non-demented individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In SH-SY5Y cells, knockdown of all isoforms of CD59 including IRIS-1 and 2 not only elevates phosphorylated tau but also increases cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) expression, known promoter of hyperphosphorylation and accumulation of tau, a key pathological feature of AD. Additionally, we found that prolonged exposure to high glucose or cytokines markedly reduces the expression of IRIS-1 and 2 in SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting a link between AD pathology and metabolic stress through modulation of these isoforms.
Lethal injuries on the scaphitid ammonoid Hoploscaphites nicolletii (Morton, 1842) in the Upper Cretaceous Fox Hills Formation, South Dakota, USA
Authors: Tajika Amane , Rashkova Anastasia , Landman Neil H. , Klompmaker Adiël A.
Published: January 2025

Predator–prey relationships are considered a major driver for the evolution of organisms, and thus contributed to shaping morphology, ecology, and diversity. During the Late Cretaceous of North America, ammonoid cephalopods were one of the most abundant and diverse marine invertebrates. Despite frequent reports of shell breakage in ammonoids, little is known pertaining to the frequency, position, and size of the shell break through a stratigraphic succession. In this study, we analyze an extensive collection of the scaphitid ammonoid Hoploscaphites nicolletii, which exhibits shell breakage, from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Fox Hills Formation in South Dakota, USA. We focus on four upper Maastrichtian assemblage zones listed stratigraphically from bottom to top—the lower nicolletii Assemblage Zone (LNAZ), the Limopsis-Gervillia Assemblage Zone (LGAZ), the upper nicolletii Assemblage Zone (UNAZ), and the Protocardia-Oxytoma Assemblage Zone (POAZ). Within the collection, we observed two primary types of breakage: ventral and lateral, each displaying a relatively consistent geometry. Lateral breaks, measuring a few centimeters, represent about 20–40% of the maximum conch diameter. Ventral breaks are slightly larger, representing 30–70% of the diameter. Both breakage types occur in the body chamber at approximately 90° from the aperture extending to near the last septum. We find that the incidence of injury increased from 6.6 to 13.7% with some fluctuation across the zones. The breakage size relative to body size does not exhibit a clear change across the assemblage zones. Additionally, no significant difference is apparent in the body size between injured and uninjured specimens within each zone. A weak positive correlation between the size of lateral breaks and maximum conch diameter in LNAZ suggests a tendency for larger predators to target larger individuals. Given the consistency of geometry and size, we presume that these breaks represent lethal injuries from durophagous predators. We propose coleoid cephalopods as the likely culprits for ventral injuries, although fish and crustaceans are plausible alternatives. Concerning lateral injuries, decapod crustaceans appear to be the most probable durophagous predators.
3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one inhibits allergic reactions in IgE-mediated RBL-2H3 cells and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis mouse model
Authors: Kim Moonsu , Kim Huiji , Moon Sun Young , Shin Seong-Ah , Kim Minji , Choi Seyeon , Gwon Sugeun , Lee Jun Hyuck , Park Hyun Ho , Lee Chang Sup
Published: January 2025

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to generally harmless substances, leading to both acute and chronic diseases, which can be fatal. Mast cells are critical mediators of allergic reactions as they bind allergens and trigger the release of inflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of the coumarin derivative 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells sensitized to dinitrophenyl (DNP)-immunoglobulin E (IgE) and human serum albumin (HSA). Our results demonstrated that 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one effectively reduces the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine, inhibiting mast cell degranulation. Additionally, 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one suppressed the production of allergy-related pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-α) and inhibited key signaling pathways, including MAPK, AKT, and NF-κB. Furthermore, in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model, 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one reduced ear edema and Evans blue infiltration, further confirming its anti-allergic effects. Collectively, these findings suggest that 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one is a promising candidate for the development of anti-allergic therapeutics.
The MDPIzation of chilean science: a wake-up call about how we are conducting research and using public resources
Authors: Fontúrbel Francisco E. , Celis-Diez Juan L.
Published: January 2025

MDPI, a rapidly growing mega-publisher, has significantly impacted scientific publishing with a large number of open-access journals covering all areas of knowledge. Fast publication times, numerous special issues, hundreds of guest editors, and incentives for reviewers contribute to its success. However, concerns have arisen about the quality of its peer-review process and the overall quality of its publications; these practices have led some countries to question the validity of MDPI publications for academic evaluations. MDPI’s influence has surged in Chile, with publications rising from 1 to 13% between 2017 and 2023. While offering a solution to the “publish or perish” pressure, this growth has sparked a debate over the quality and sustainability of such publications. Public funding plays a significant role, with approximately 36% of MDPI papers in Chile financed by public funds through national research programs. This situation has raised concerns about the optimal use of these resources. Chilean science, renowned in South America, faces the challenge of maintaining high standards in the open-access era. The focus should be on quality over quantity to ensure impactful and innovative research contributions.
The application of the facial analysis program Face2Gene in a single genetic counseling center: a retrospective study
Authors: Yahya Dinnar , Stoyanova Milena , Hachmeriyan Mari , Levkova Mariya
Published: January 2025

Background

Face2Gene (F2G) is a software program, widely used in clinical genetics and dysmorphology for recognizing children with genetic disorders. In order to assess its accuracy in real clinical context, we applied F2G to patients from our genetic counseling center.

Results

We randomly selected 151 children, who were referred to genetic counseling because of dysmorphic features and later diagnosed with a particular genetic condition. A frontal photograph was uploaded to the program, and at least three phenotypic traits were selected for each case. Date of birth, sex, weight, height, and head circumference were also entered in the software. The efficacy of the program to correctly diagnose the syndrome based on the facial analysis and/or phenotypic traits was assessed. In 56% (84 cases) of the patients, the F2G program accurately identified the correct diagnosis in its top three suggestions. Forty-seven percent (71 cases) of the patients had the correct diagnosis after applying only facial analysis. There was a statistically significant difference between the two types of analysis—p = 0.001. In 19 of the cases where F2G was unable to identify the correct diagnosis among the top three options based on phenotypic and facial analysis, the diagnosis was included among the 30 suggested syndromes, yielding a total success rate of 68%. The diagnosis was found in the ultra-rare syndromes’ suggestions area in six more cases.

Conclusions

Our results show that F2G has a good overall performance, but adding phenotypic features to the case under study may increase even further its diagnostic capacity.
Myocarditis in malaria—current evidence and future directions: a literature review
Authors: Olatunji Gbolahan , Kokori Emmanuel , Ogieuhi Ikponmwosa Jude , Akinmoju Olumide , Omoworare Oluwatobi , Olatunji Doyin , Isarinade David Timilehin , Odukudu God-dowell O. , Abraham Israel Charles , Owolabi Samuel , Nasrallah Jamil , Egbunu Emmanuel , Jaiyeoba Babafemi Oluwadarasimi , Yusuf Ismaila Ajayi , Olanisa Olawale , Aderinto Nicholas
Published: January 2025

Malaria, though witnessing a decline in prevalence, remains a global health threat. Despite its primarily recognized impact on the hematological system, recent studies shed light on severe cardiac complications, particularly myocarditis, associated with Plasmodium infections. This review examines the literature on malaria-induced myocarditis to elucidate its mechanisms, clinical manifestations, regional perspectives, treatment outcomes, and diagnostic challenges. A literature search spanning PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified relevant studies up to January 2024, encompassing case reports, cohort studies, clinical trials, and experimental studies. The relationship between severe malaria and myocardial involvement is explored, showcasing elevated biomarkers indicative of myocardial damage. Notably, while Plasmodium falciparum is traditionally linked to malaria-induced myocarditis, instances of Plasmodium vivax contributing to cardiac complications are documented. Regional perspectives reveal diverse cases, emphasizing the importance of considering malaria-induced myocarditis in endemic regions and beyond. Treatment outcomes underscore the efficacy of timely antimalarial therapy, advocating for integrated approaches to patient care. Diagnostic challenges, often complicated by overlapping symptoms with other cardiac conditions, highlight the need for heightened clinical suspicion. Addressing therapeutic challenges involves balancing antimalarial drugs, supportive care, and long-term monitoring. Future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the necessity for understanding host-parasite interactions, elucidating molecular mechanisms, and developing targeted diagnostic tools. This review consolidates the current knowledge on malaria-induced myocarditis, emphasizing the significance of continuous vigilance, research, and improved diagnostic approaches to mitigate the impact of this overlooked complication.
Parasites: the future of biotherapy
Authors: Singh Ekta , Verma Subhash , Sharma Devina , Parmar Dipali
Published: January 2025

Biotherapy targets molecules that alter the immune response. It involves a plethora of organisms known to alter the course of myriad diseases and ailments. Many of these diseases can be life-threatening to the humans and animals, and exhibit resistance to available antimicrobial medications. To address such ailments, traditional and modernized therapies that target specific molecules responsible for altering the immune response are currently being explored. Such therapies utilize various organisms that are known to impact the progression of numerous diseases and disorders. Diseases caused by certain organisms can also alter the courses or outcomes of other diseases. Biotherapies such as helminth therapy, maggot debridement therapy, and hirudotherapy use parasites (roundworms and flatworms), arthropods (maggots), and leeches (annelids), respectively, as potential biological therapeutic sources to treat autoimmune and other chronic diseases. Where conventional medicine fails, these traditional-turned-modern alternative therapies can serve to boost the health prospects of patients who are vulnerable to the misery and pain inflicted by their ailments. Patients dealing with these circumstances are prevalent in developed countries, where there is enormous market potential for any novel alternative treatments discovered. In this review, we provide a brief outlook on the mechanisms of action of these biotherapies, and summarize their roles in human and veterinary medicine.
Aberrant controllability of functional connectome during working memory tasks in patients with schizophrenia and unaffected siblings
Authors: Wang Feiwen , Liu Zhening , Wang Ju , Li Xiao , Pan Yunzhi , Yang Jun , Cheng Peng , Sun Fuping , Tan Wenjian , Huang Danqing , Zhang Jiamei , Liu Xiawei , Zhong Maoxing , Wu Guowei , Yang Jie , Palaniyappan Lena
Published: January 2025

Background

Working memory deficit, a key feature of schizophrenia, is a heritable trait shared with unaffected siblings. It can be attributed to dysregulation in transitions from one brain state to another.

Aims

Using network control theory, we evaluate if defective brain state transitions underlie working memory deficits in schizophrenia.

Method

We examined average and modal controllability of the brain's functional connectome in 161 patients with schizophrenia, 37 unaffected siblings and 96 healthy controls during a two-back task. We use one-way analysis of variance to detect the regions with group differences, and correlated aberrant controllability to task performance and clinical characteristics. Regions affected in both unaffected siblings and patients were selected for gene and functional annotation analysis.

Results

Both average and modal controllability during the two-back task are reduced in patients compared to healthy controls and siblings, indicating a disruption in both proximal and distal state transitions. Among patients, reduced average controllability was prominent in auditory, visual and sensorimotor networks. Reduced modal controllability was prominent in default mode, frontoparietal and salience networks. Lower modal controllability in the affected networks correlated with worse task performance and higher antipsychotic dose in schizophrenia (uncorrected). Both siblings and patients had reduced average controllability in the paracentral lobule and Rolandic operculum. Subsequent out-of-sample gene analysis revealed that these two regions had preferential expression of genes relevant to bioenergetic pathways (calmodulin binding and insulin secretion).

Conclusions

Aberrant control of brain state transitions during task execution marks working memory deficits in patients and their siblings.
Prevalence of
EGFR
Mutations in Patients With Resected Stage I to III Nonsquamous Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results of India Cohort
Authors: Batra Ullas , Prabhash Kumar , Noronha Vanita , Deshpande Ramakant , Khurana Sachin , Bhat Gull Mohammad , Mistry Rajesh , Agarwala Vivek , Rajpurohit Sajjan , Poladia Bhavesh , Sharma Mansi , Banday Saquib Zaffar
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

The spectrum of
EGFR
is inadequately researched in patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in India. EARLY-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) India (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT04742192
), as part of a noninterventional, real-world global study, evaluated the prevalence of
EGFR
mutations in early-stage NSCLC in India.

METHODS

Prospective data from adult patients with surgically resected stage IA to IIIB (American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition) NSCLC between March 2021 and October 2022 were analyzed. In addition to descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test with Monte Carlo was used to determine the association between
EGFR
mutations and clinicodemographic parameters.

RESULTS

Of 74 patients (median age, 57.0 [range, 33.0-77.0] years) enrolled from eight centers in India, 73.0% (54 of 74) were males, 56.1% (37 of 66) were nonsmokers, and 95.9% (71 of 74) had adenocarcinoma. The
EGFR
mutation prevalence was 26.0% (19 of 73), of which
Exon-19
deletions were the predominant subtype (13, 68.4%) followed by
Exon 21-L858R
(4, 21.1%),
Exon 20-T790M
(1, 5.3%), and compound (1, 5.3%) mutations. Nearly half (48.6%, 36 of 74) of the patients underwent only surgical resection. The remaining 51.4% (38 of 74) of the patients were prescribed neoadjuvant (n = 12; 16.2%) and adjuvant (n = 31; 41.9%) systemic therapies, and one patient (1.4%) received radiotherapy along with systemic therapy. In 60 patients with stage IB to IIIB NSCLC, systemic therapies, mainly platinum-based chemotherapy, were prescribed in 36 (60.0%). Only 8.1% (6 of 74) of the patients were prescribed EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), of which two received neoadjuvant and four were planned for adjuvant EGFR-TKI. Two (2.7%) patients were prescribed adjuvant immunotherapy. The univariate analysis showed higher odds of
EGFR
mutation for females (odds ratio, 3.96;
P
= .017).

CONCLUSION

EARLY-EGFR India results showed the prevalence of
EGFR
mutation to be 26%. The study emphasized the pressing need for up-front biomarker testing at diagnosis to ensure optimal and timely personalized treatment.
Slavery and the Invention of Dutch Art
Authors: Fowler Caroline
Published: January 2025

In Slavery and the Invention of Dutch Art, Caroline Fowler examines the fundamental role of the transatlantic slave trade in the production and evolution of seventeenth-century Dutch art. Whereas the sixteenth-century image debates in Europe engaged with crises around the representation of divinity, Fowler argues that the rise of the transatlantic slave trade created a visual field of uncertainty around picturing the transformation of life into property. Fowler demonstrates how the emergence of landscape, maritime, and botanical painting were deeply intertwined with slavery’s economic expansion. Moreover, she considers how the development of one of the first art markets was inextricable from the trade in human lives as chattel property. Reading seventeenth-century legal theory, natural history, inventories, and political pamphlets alongside contemporary poetry, theory, and philosophy from Black feminism and the African diaspora, Fowler demonstrates that ideas about property, personhood, and citizenship were central to the oeuvres of artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Hercules Segers, Frans Post, Johannes Vermeer, and Maria Sibylla Merian and therefore inescapably within slavery’s grasp.
Innovative devices for seismic isolation of structures
Authors: Σαπουντζάκη Όλγα
Published: January 2025

Το αντικείμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η διαμόρφωση καινοτόμων διατάξεων με στόχο την απορρόφηση σεισμικών και άλλων διατμητικών κυμάτων σε έργα υποδομών, όπως για παράδειγμα γέφυρες ή ανεμογεννήτριες. Οι διατάξεις αυτές βασίζονται στα pentamodes, μια νέα κατηγορία μεταϋλικών, η οποία χαρακτηρίζεται από σχεδόν μηδενικό μέτρο διάτμησης. Η ιδιότητα τους αυτή βασίζεται στη γεωμετρική τους δομή χάρη στην οποία χαρακτηρίζονται από πέντε ιδιομορφές μηδενικής ενέργειας και μόνο μια μη μηδενική. Χρησιμοποιώντας ράβδους pentamodes μπορούν να κατασκευαστούν εφέδρανα από pentamodes, τα οποία λειτουργούν ως διατάξεις για τη σεισμική μόνωση κατασκευών. Αρχικά, συζητάται η προσομοίωση ράβδων pentamodes χρησιμοποιώντας ραβδωτά πεπερασμένα στοιχεία. Για να επιτευχθεί αυτό πρέπει να υπολογιστεί μια ισοδύναμη διάμετρος, η οποία θα προσφέρει στα pentamodes οριζόντια και κατακόρυφη στιβαρότητα ίσες με αυτες που θα είχαν αν προσομοιώνονταν με τρισδιάστατα πεπερασμένα στοιχεία. Στην παρούσα διατριβή ένα ελαστοπλαστικό υλικό χρησιμοποιείται για τα pentamodes, σε αντίθεση με την υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία όπου συχνά χρησιμοποιούνταν ένα ελαστικό. Διερευνάται η αποδοτικότητα καθώς και οι μηχανισμοί αστοχίας των προτεινομένων εφεδράνων. Επιπλέον, σκιαγραφείται η πιθανή απόκλιση από την πραγματικότητα που οφείλεται στη χρήση ενός ελαστικού υλικού.Τα pentamodes χαρακτηρίζονται από ανισοτροπία, η οποία οφείλεται στην έλλειψη κεντρικής συμμετρίας. Λόγω αυτής της ιδιότητας τους πρέπει να διερευνηθεί η απόκριση τους σε σεισμική φόρτιση τυχαίας διεύθυνσης. Προκειμένου να υπερπηδηθεί το πρόβλημα της ανισοτροπίας, διερευνάται η περίπτωση εφεδράνων, τα οποία αποτελούνται από στρώσεις pentamodes με διαφορετική διεύθυνση. Επίσης προτείνεται μια παραλλαγή των εφεδράνων pentamodes, στην οποία τα pentamodes εγκιβωτίζονται σε μια μήτρα από πολυμερές. Στόχος είναι η βελτίωση της απόκρισης τους, καθώς υποτίθεται ότι τα φορτία θα μπορούν να μεταφερθούν μεταξύ των στρώσεων και να αναληφθούν από την ισχυρότερη στρώση ανάλογα με τη διεύθυνση της φόρτισης. Παράλληλα, η διάταξη μπορεί να διατηρεί το χαμηλό της βάρος και η ανθεκτικότητα της αυξάνεται. Η αποδοτικότητα και η δυνατότητα υλοποίησης των προτεινομένων διατάξεων σεισμικής μόνωσης αποδεικνύεται μέσω παραδειγμάτων πραγματικών φορτίσεων. Εξετάζοντας προσομοιώματα ανεμογεννητριών και γεφυρών σε πραγματικές σεισμικές φορτίσεις υπογραμμίζεται η δυνατότητα εφαρμογής των εφεδράνων από pentamodes. Τα αποτελέσματα επιβεβαιώνουν ότι οι προτεινόμενες διατάξεις θα μπορούσαν να αποτελέσουν μια εφικτή εναλλακτική στα υπάρχοντα εφέδρανα.
The impact of the economic crisis on mortality due to infectious diseases in Greece: An analysis of secondary data
Authors: Kourlaba Georgia , Triantafyllou Christos , Filippou Dimitrios , Dafnomili Vasiliki Danai , Gounelas Giorgos , Myrianthefs Pavlos
Published: January 2025

Background: The economic crisis and the implementation of austere measures in Greece and other nations prompted inquiries regarding the potential impact of financial crises on the decreasing trajectory of infectious diseases. The primary aim of this study was to explore the trends of infectious diseases mortality rates in Greece from 2000 to 2019 as well as the association between infectious diseases mortality rates and socio-economic determinants.
Method and Material: An analysis of secondary data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Eurostat, and Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) was conducted. Data on standardized death rates (SDR) (overall, by age and sex, and for administrative regions), total health spending (in US dollars per capita and as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP)), total GDP in euros (2022 value) per capita, unemployment, long-term unemployment, and very long-term unemployment were extracted. Pearson’s or Spearman’s who was used to evaluate the association between quantitative variables.
Results: From 2011, the cut-off point between the “pre-austerity” and the “exposure to austerity” period, there had been an increasing trend in both overall SDRs and age- and`-specific SDRs of infectious diseases. The overall SDRs in Greece were statistically significantly and positively correlated with unemployment and long-term unemployment (p-value<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that the mortality of infectious diseases was affected by the economic crisis. The present findings show significance for public health, as they assist in pinpointing populations at heightened risk during crises and devising suitable measures to safeguard their well-being.
Inputs-Oriented VRS DEA in dairy farms
Authors: Zuniga-Gonzalez C. A. , Jaramillo-Villanueva J. L. , Blanco-Roa N.E
Published: January 2025

Background This paper aims to examine the efficiency of Mexico’s dairy farms within its four regions of Tlaxcala Stated. Methods The Envelopment Data Analysis (DEA) applied to the variable returns to a scale model (VRS) for the year 2020. Also, Examine the statistical accuracy of efficiency estimation using bootstrap resampling techniques. The results reveal that Tlaxcala’s dairy farm efficiency, on the other hand, was adversely influenced by three inputs (costs): cost of investment in livestock, the total annual cost for feeding, reproduction, diseases and treatments, preventive medicine, sanitation, milking, fuel, and total labor. Results The efficiency distribution among farms using VRS, CRS, and FDH technologies reveals varying patterns. Under VRS and CRS, the majority of farms exhibit high efficiency within the 0 to less than 0.2 range, while FDH displays a broader distribution, with notable efficiency at 1 and across various ranges. These findings highlight the diverse landscape of efficiency levels across different technological approaches within the agricultural sector, offering valuable insights for optimization strategies and resource allocation. Conclusions The utilization of Bootstrap methodology enhances the reliability of efficiency assessments by providing robust statistical techniques that accommodate non-normal data distributions. By incorporating Bootstrap, decision-makers can obtain more accurate estimates of efficiency levels and confidence intervals, thereby making informed decisions regarding resource allocation and optimization strategies within the agricultural sector. As part of the study, provided The Policy suggestions.
Diagnostic accuracy of 18F Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET-CT radiotracers in staging and restaging of high-risk prostate cancer patients and patients with biochemical recurrence: protocol for an overview of reviews
Authors: Dullea Andrew , O'Sullivan Lydia , Carrigan Marie , Ahern Susan , McGarry Maeve , O'Brien Kirsty , Harrington Patricia , Walsh Kieran A. , Smith Susan M. , Ryan Máirín
Published: January 2025

Background Correct staging and risk stratification is essential in ensuring prostate cancer patients are offered the most appropriate treatment. Interest has been growing in the use of radiotracers targeting prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), including the use of 18F-PSMA PET-CT, as part of the primary staging or restaging of prostate cancer. Preliminary scoping identified a number of relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses; however, individually, these each appear to look at only part of the picture. An overview of reviews aims to systematically identify, appraise and synthesise multiple systematic reviews, related to a relevant research question or questions. We present a protocol for an overview of reviews, which aims to collate existing evidence syntheses exploring the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-PSMA in staging and restaging of prostate cancer. It also aims to highlight evidence gaps in prostate cancer staging or restaging. Methods This protocol is reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for systematic review protocols (PRISMA-P). The search strategy will be designed in consultation with a librarian. Searches will be performed in Medline (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, supplemented by a targeted grey literature search, forward citation searching and searching reference lists of included reviews. No language or date restrictions will be applied to the eligibility criteria or the search strategy. Title & abstract and full text screening will be performed independently by two reviewers. Data will be extracted by one reviewer and checked in full by a second reviewer. Quality appraisal will be performed using the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool independently by two reviewers, and results will be narratively synthesised. Conclusions This overview of reviews may be of interest to healthcare professionals, academics and health policy decision-makers. Registration OSF (September 7, 2023).
Mennica gdańska w 1795 r.
Authors: Maciakowska Zofia
Published: January 2025

Mennica gdańska, położona przy bocznym kanale Raduni w sąsiedztwie Wielkiego Młyna, została zapewne zbudowana w drugim dziesięcioleciu XVII w. Stopniowo rozbudowywana o kolejne obiekty, w końcu XVIII w. zajmowała obszerną działkę rozciągającą się pomiędzy ul. Bednarską a kanałem. Obok budynków przemysłowych: budynku mennicy, szmelcerni i kuźni, w skład zabudowań wchodziły także domy mieszkalne, w tym dom werkmistrza usytuowany po przeciwnej stronie kanału. W 1793 r. podjęto decyzję o jej zamknięciu i pozostawieniu mennicy w Królewcu jako jedynej w Prusach. W 1795 r., w ramach przygotowań do wydzierżawienia zajmowanych przez mennicę obiektów oraz sprzedaży zgromadzonych w niej narzędzi, urządzeń i kruszców, wykonano ich inwentaryzację. Spisem wyposażenia i jego wyceną objęto 175 pozycji. Szczegółowym opisom inwentaryzacyjnym budynków i oszacowaniu ich wartości towarzyszyły plany pomiarowe zabudowań. Zgromadzony materiał pozwala na szczegółowy opis stanu mennicy w tamtym czasie.
Statuty kas wdowich korporacji murarzy, kamieniarzy i rzeźbiarzy z 1706 r. oraz artylerzystów z lat 1727 i 1731
Authors: Konopacka Marta
Published: January 2025

Publikacja zawiera edycje statutów kas wdowich korporacji murarzy, kamieniarzy i rzeźbiarzy z 1706 r. oraz artylerzystów z lat 1727 i 1731, poprzedzających rachunki kas wdowich powyższych korporacji, dla których stanowią podstawę prawną. Edycje źródłowe rozpoczyna krótkie omówienie sposobów wsparcia wdów w nowożytnym Gdańsku.
Raport z badań rasowych Kaszubów z 1940 r.
Authors: Daniluk Jan
Published: January 2025

Artykuł przedstawia mało dotąd znany dokument ze zbiorów Archiwum Federalnego (Bundesarchiv) w Berlinie-Lichterfelde – raport z przeprowadzonego na początku 1940 r. badania rasowego wyselekcjonowanej grupy Kaszubów z powiatu kartuskiego. Badania przeprowadzili funkcjonariusze SS na zlecenie Urzędu Uzupełnień Kadrowych Waffen-SS (Ergänzungsamt der Waffen-SS). Przedstawiony w oryginale (w jęz. niemieckim) i opracowany dokument jest jednym z przykładów polityki niemieckiego aparatu okupacyjnego wobec kaszubskiej ludności Pomorza, jej postrzegania, traktowania i snucia związanych z nią planów.
Głos krytyczny w sprawie książki Tomasza Glinieckiego, Gdańsk ’45. Propaganda. Opanowanie Pomorza Gdańskiego przez Armię Czerwoną
Authors: Rosner-Leszczyński Kacper
Published: January 2025

Tomasz Gliniecki przez 20 lat był dziennikarzem i zarządzającym mediami, a od ponad dekady muzealnikiem, o czym możemy dowiedzieć się z biogramu umieszczonego na okładce jego książki. W 2016 r. pomyślnie obronił dysertację doktorską pt. „Propaganda wojenna i kreacja mitów wyzwoleńczych na przykładzie mławsko-elbląskiej operacji Armii Czerwonej w 1945 roku”, którą rok później wydano drukiem. Tomasz Gliniecki przez kilka ostatnich lat dał się też poznać jako bardzo aktywnie działający naukowiec i popularyzator wiedzy. Spod jego pióra wyszedł szereg niemałej objętości książek, a także mniejszych opracowań, dotyczących w głównej mierze schyłkowego okresu II wojny światowej. Jednym z jego ostatnich osiągnięć jest dwutomowe wydawnictwo poświęcone dziejom Gdańska w 1945 r. W pierwszym tomie Autor omówił działania zbrojne w ścisłym tego słowa znaczeniu, w drugim natomiast, będącym tematem niniejszego tekstu, poruszył kwestie związane z propagandą wojenną towarzyszącą zdobywaniu tego regionu.
Juntos Permanecemos, Divididos Caímos: Desafios E Perspectivas Para A Liderança Regional Do Uzbequistão Na Ásia Central | Juntos Permanecemos, Divididos Caemos: Desafíos Y Perspectivas Para El Liderazgo Regional De Uzbekistán En Asia Central
Authors: G da Conceição Guilherme
Published: January 2025

RESUMO
O presente trabalho busca responder de que forma as tentativas de associação malsucedidas na Ásia Central podem indicar o fim do regionalismo centro-asiático frente ao recente papel que o Uzbequistão tem desempenhado enquanto promotor do diálogo e da cooperação local. Para tanto, a pesquisa baseou-se na revisão bibliográfica de fontes primárias e secundárias, e analisa o contexto das iniciativas de integração regional e os motivos que as levaram à extinção. Paralelamente, pretende-se estabelecer um paralelo entre as motivações centro-asiáticas à cooperação e os condicionantes que inviabilizam o seu avanço. Examina-se ainda as potencialidades do governo uzbeque, bem como os alcances e limitações de sua possível liderança na Ásia Central.
Palavras-chave: Regionalismo; Ásia Central; Uzbequistão.
 
----
 
RESUMEN
El presente estudio tiene como objetivo responder cómo los intentos fallidos de asociación en Asia Central pueden indicar el fin del regionalismo centroasiático a la luz del reciente papel de Uzbekistán como promotor del diálogo y la cooperación local. Para ello, la investigación se basa en una revisión bibliográfica de fuentes primarias y secundarias y analiza el contexto de las iniciativas de integración regional y las razones de su desaparición. Al mismo tiempo, busca establecer un paralelo entre las motivaciones centroasiáticas para la cooperación y los factores que obstaculizan su avance. También se examina el potencial del gobierno uzbeko, así como el alcance y las limitaciones de su posible liderazgo en Asia Central.
Palabras clave: Regionalismo; Asia Central; Uzbekistán.