bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractal Dimension and Entropy Analysis of Medical Images for KNN-Based Disease Classification
Authors: R Selvakumar , Mahapatra Krishna
Published: February 2025

شهدت دراسة الكشف عن الأمراض المستندة إلى الصور الطبية زيادة ملحوظة في الاهتمام والنجاح باستخدام الأساليب الحسابية. يقترح هذا العمل إطارًا جديدًا للكشف عن الأمراض في مراحل مبكرة من الصور الطبية، باستخدام النمذجة الرياضية والتعلم الآلي. نقدم مقياسين كميين جديدين للكشف عن مرض كوفيد-19 وأمراض الأورام: عدم اليقين في الصورة بناءً على إنتروبيا شانون وتعقيد الصورة بناءً على البعد الكسري. أظهرت نتائجنا أنه في الصور الإيجابية لـCOVID-19 أظهرت توزيعًا منحرفًا للبكسل بسبب المناطق الضبابية مما أدى إلى انخفاض قيم الإنتروبيا للحالات المريضة مقارنة بالحالات السليمة. أما الكمية الثانية، وهي البعد الكسوري، فقد تم قياسها بطريقة العد المربع التي تحدد مدى تعقيد الصورة. تم تطبيق نتائج كلا التقنيتين على تصنيف الصور باستخدام نموذج التعلم الآلي (ML) k-NN (أقرب جار). يوفر هذا الإطار الكامل نهجًا جديدًا وفريدًا لتحديد وتصنيف أنواع مختلفة من الصور بدقة تصنيف تبلغ ≈ 90% لفيروس Covid و≈ 70% للورم. يُظهر عملنا أن الأنتروبيا والأبعاد الكسرية يمكن أن تميز بين كوفيد-19 والمرضى الأصحاء، مما يجعلها واعدة بالتشخيص المبكر. تقدم هذه المخطوطة منهجية جديدة وفعالة حسابياً وقابلة للتفسير لتصنيف الأمراض والتي توفر الكشف عن المرض في مرحلة مبكرة.
Medicinal Plant Leaf Classification using Deep Learning and Vision Transformers
Authors: Hossain Shahriar , Hasan Rizbanul , Uddin Jia
Published: February 2025

يعد تحديد أوراق النباتات الطبية أمرًا بالغ الأهمية نظرًا لأن زراعتها وإنتاجها ضروريان لصناعة الأدوية. تبدو العديد من فئات الأوراق الطبية المختلفة متطابقة ولكنها تخدم أغراضًا مختلفة في صناعة الأدوية ولها علاجات مختلفة لأمراض مختلفة. ومن ثم، لا بد من استخدام أساليب آلية وأسرع وتنتج دقة جيدة. لقد تم تدريب النماذج المتطورة لتمييز الفروق الدقيقة بين الأنواع المختلفة من الأوراق، وهو ما يمثل عددًا لا يحصى من العوامل مثل نسيج الورقة، وشكلها، وتغيرات الألوان، والتي غالبًا ما تكون غير محسوسة بالعين البشرية. في هذا البحث، قمنا بتنفيذ نموذج VGG16 القائم على التعلم النقلي (TL) ونماذج محولات الرؤية (ViT) مثل ConvMixer وCCT لتصنيف صور الأوراق الطبية باستخدام مجموعة بيانات مكونة من 38066 صورة للأوراق تحتوي على 10 فئات مختلفة. نقترح نموذجًا مخصصًا للشبكة العصبية التلافيفية (CNN) ونموذج CNN-ViT المختلط، حيث يحتوي كلاهما على عدد منخفض جدًا من المعلمات مقارنة بالنماذج الأخرى بالمقارنة مما يجعلها خفيفة وقادرة على أن تكون أقل تكلفة من الناحية الحسابية. قمنا بمقارنة معلماتها وأدائها مع النماذج المذكورة أعلاه بعد تدريب كل نموذج لمدة 30 حقبة. تنتج VGG16 وCCT وConvMixer درجات AUC تبلغ 0.50 و0.79 و0.50 على التوالي لمجموعة البيانات بينما يمنح نموذج CNN والنموذج الهجين المقترح درجات AUC تبلغ 0.83 و0.74 على التوالي. علاوة على ذلك، فإننا نقدم خوارزمية تقليل الضوضاء الهجينة التي تدمج عتبة المويجات والتمويه الغاوسي لتقليل الضوضاء في الصور والحفاظ في نفس الوقت على الجودة الأصلية للصورة.
A Novel Approach to Cexp Average Assignments on Chain Graphs
Authors: Kannan A. Rajesh
Published: February 2025

بشكل عام، ليس من الضروري أن يكون المتوسط ​​الأسي لعددين موجبين عددًا صحيحًا. ولهذا السبب، يجب أن يكون المتوسط ​​الأسي عددًا صحيحًا يأخذ في الاعتبار دالة الأرضية أو السقف. لقد تم تعريفها بحيث يمكن تسمية الرسوم البيانية بمتوسط ​​أسي، حيث يمكن لدالة الأرضية أو دالة السقف تطبيقها على تسميات الحواف. لتأسيس تعيين المتوسط ​​الأسي على الرسوم البيانية، سوف يتم وضع تسميات الحواف التي تنشأ من دالة السقف وحدها في الاعتبار. تُسمى دالة تعيين قمة الرأس δ ودالة تعيين الحافة  بتخصيص متوسط ​​Cexp للرسم البياني G مع رؤوس p وحواف q إذا كانت δ شاملة و  متباينة وتكون العلاقات المكافئة
   ويتم تعريفه بواسطة تسمية الحافة δ* كما يلي:
  , حيث وN هي مجموعة جميع الأعداد الطبيعية. إذا كان الرسم البياني يقبل تعيين متوسط ​​Cexp، فإنه يطلق عليه رسم بياني لمتوسط ​​تخصيصCexp.  يُقترح في هذه الورقة متوسط ​​تخصيص الرسوم البيانية لـCexp ، ويتم استكشاف خصائصه في الدورة، واتحاد المسار والدورة، واتحاد الرسم البياني T والدورة، والرسم البياني G*، والرسم البياني G'، والرسم البياني Ĝ والشرغوف.
SIGNALS OF A RESISTIVITY LOGGING TOOL WITH TOROIDAL COILS: PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL MODELING
Authors: Mikhaylov I.V. , Oshlykov I.S. , Surodina I.V. , Nikitenko M.N. , Glinskikh V.N.
Published: February 2025

The study compares in detail the signals of an electromagnetic tool with toroidal coils which were measured in an electrolytic tank with a borehole and numerically calculated in its three-dimensional geoelectric model. For each electrical resistivity of the electrolyte, we performed the profiling of the air–tank and tank–borehole boundaries during round-trips of the tool. The values of the coupling coefficient of the measured and modeled signals have been determined for the entire set of frequencies and positions of the measuring coils in the summary and differential operating regimes. We have identified a pair of signals with a virtually constant coupling coefficient at varying electrolyte mineralization. Drawing on this pair, transformations of the tool signals into the apparent electrical resistivities of the geoenvironment have been constructed. The resulting transformation graphs allow a reliable recalculation of the measured signals of the toroidal tool into the apparent electrical resistivity distribution in the near-wellbore space, which is necessary for the petrophysical interpretation of the field log data.
Primordial Rotating Disk Composed of ≥15 Star Forming Clumps at Cosmic Dawn
Authors: Fujimoto Seiji , Ouchi Masami , Kohno Kotaro , Valentino Francesco , Giménez-Arteaga Clara , Brammer Gabriel , Furtak Lukas , Kohandel Mahsa , Oguri Masamune , Pallottini Andrea , Richard Johan , Zitrin Adi , Bauer Franz , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Dessauges-Zavadsky Miroslava , Egami Eiichi , Finkelstein Steven , Ma Zheng , Smail Ian , Watson Darach , Hutchison Taylor , Rigby Jane , Welch Brian , Ao Yping , Bradley Larry , Caminha Gabriel , Caputi Karina , Espada Daniel , Endsley Ryan , Fudamoto Yoshinobu , González-López Jorge , Hatsukade Bunyo , Koekemoer Anton , Kokorev Vasily , Laporte Nicolas , Lee Minju , Magdis Georgios , Ono Yoshiaki , Rizzo Francesca , Shibuya Takatoshi , Shimasaku Kazuhiro , Sun Fengwu , Toft Sune , Umehata Hideki , Wang Tao , Yajima Hidenobu
Published: February 2025

Early galaxy formation, initiated by the dark matter and gas assembly, evolves through frequent mergers and feedback processes into dynamically hot, chaotic structures1. In contrast, dynamically cold, smooth rotating disks have been observed in massive evolved galaxies merely 1.4 billion years after the Big~Bang2, suggesting rapid morphological and dynamical evolution in the early Universe. Probing this evolution mechanism necessitates studies of young galaxies, yet efforts have been hindered by observational limitations in both sensitivity and spatial resolution. Here we report high-resolution observations of a strongly lensed and quintuply imaged, low-luminosity, young galaxy at z=6.072 (dubbed the Cosmic Grapes), 930~million years after the Big Bang. Magnified by gravitational lensing, the galaxy is resolved into at least 15 individual star-forming clumps with effective radii of re≃ 10-60 parsec (pc), which dominate ≃ 70% of the galaxy's total flux in rest-frame ultraviolet (UV). The cool gas emission unveils a smooth, underlying rotating disk (rotational-to-random motion ratio of 3.58 ± 0.74) characterized by a gravitationally unstable state (Toomre Q ≃ 0.2-0.3), with high surface gas densities comparable to local dusty starbursts with ≃ 103-5 solar mass (M⊙) per pc2. These gas properties suggest that the numerous star-forming clumps are formed through disk instabilities with weak feedback effects. The clumpiness of the Cosmic Grapes significantly exceeds that of galaxies at later epochs and the predictions from current simulations for early galaxies. Our findings have unveiled the connection between the host galaxy's internal small substructures and the underlying dynamics along with feedback effects for the first time at cosmic dawn, potentially explaining the high abundance of bright galaxies observed in the early Universe3.
The role of centromeric transposable elements in shaping chromosome evolution
Authors: Parisod Christian , Poretti Manuel , Mandáková Terezie , Choudhury Rimjhim , Lysak Martin
Published: February 2025

Transposable elements (TEs) play pivotal roles in genome evolution, yet their impact on pericentromeric regions of chromosomes, characterized by high sequence turnover and TE abundance, remains largely unclear. This gap in knowledge limits our understanding of TEs biology and their role within host genomes. In this study, we address this gap by analysing chromosome-scale assemblies to explore the content and dynamics of pericentromeric regions in four closely related Biscutella species. Although they share substantial synteny, we observe significant variability in the non-coding genome, especially within pericentromeric regions of the species affected by strongest genetic drift due to smallest population size. By comparing TEs from the CRM clade, which specifically target centromeric regions, with those from the Athila clade, we identify specialized CRMs that follow centromeres after recent repositioning, alongside an invasion by Athila copies that exhibit less insertion bias. Additionally, we find that TEs migration from pericentromeric towards distal nucleolus organizer regions correlates with increased DNA methylation and decreased gene expression. These results highlight how rapid pericentromeric evolution driven by bursts of TE activity can significantly impact genome functionality and stability. Our findings offer new insights into the evolutionary mechanisms shaping genome organization and underscore the broader implications for understanding genome dynamics and adaptation.
Highly Efficient Removal of Cadmium from Wastewater Using Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Amorphous Silicoaluminophosphates as Adsorbent Particles
Authors: Annath Hamza , Jaiyeola Oluwafikayo , Mangwandi Chirangano
Published: February 2025

This study highlights the promising use of amorphous eco-friendly aluminophosphate (Am-AlP) and silicoaluminophosphates (Am-SiAlP) as effective adsorbents for cadmium removal from wastewater. Incorporating silicon into Am-AlP significantly enhanced its surface and porous characteristics, optimizing its adsorptive capacity. The ideal composition identified was 7.5 mol% Si and 92.5 mol% Al, which demonstrated excellent decontamination efficiency. Kinetic studies revealed that over 90% of cadmium was removed within the first 30 minutes, indicating rapid adsorption capabilities. Overall, these findings suggest that Am-AlP and Am-SiAlP are not only cost-effective and environmentally friendly but also highly efficient materials for addressing cadmium contamination in wastewater.
Identifying high risk seafloor areas to bottom trawling in Aotearoa New Zealand to support marine spatial management
Authors: Hall Benjamin , Bennion Matthew , Lam-Gordillo Orlando , Fitzsimmons Clare , Stephenson Fabrice
Published: February 2025

Seafloor species play important ecological roles within marine ecosystems, yet many are vulnerable to the impacts of bottom fishing. Despite the known vulnerability of many seafloor taxa, destructive bottom fishing remains prevalent in many parts of the world given demand for wild-caught seafood. Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are increasingly used to estimate the distribution of vulnerable taxa and estimate possible risk of interactions with fishing gears, but most approaches have used a limited number of taxa. In this study, spatial predictions of species distributions for 207 seafloor invertebrate taxa in New Zealand waters were combined with a comprehensive database of functional traits related to bottom trawling to predict areas of high vulnerability. In addition, spatial estimates of functional redundancy were calculated and combined, these elucidated areas of ‘high combined risk’ that covered 182,087 km2 (9.5%) of the study area. The interactions of these areas with current Marine Management Areas (MMAs) and highly fished zones revealed that current MMAs protect 50% of the ‘high combined risk’ areas (91,000 km2), and less than 1% is within fished areas. This leaves a predicted 90,937 km2 (49%) outside current protection, some are close to current MMAs and are potentially of high priority for future marine spatial management. Identifying areas most vulnerable to bottom trawling showcases interactions within previously fished areas, as well as highlighting areas for management action. Using different sets of functional traits as a combined approach could also be used to assess other anthropogenic impacts, improving ecosystem-based spatial management by ensuring protection of functions at globally significant scales.
Estimating socioeconomic status for health equity surveillance in Cameroon: an expert opinion survey
Authors: NkumBuh Collins , Emalio Yannick Niamsi , Ngoufack Marie Nicole , Dongmo Gilles Protais Lekelem , Tamfon Brian Bongwong , Nanfak Aude , Kodjo Jerome Sedowo Eyi , Chichom-Mefire Alain , Juillard Catherine , Hubbard Alan , Nguefack-Tsague Georges
Published: February 2025

Background
Despite increasing awareness of socioeconomic status’s (SES) association with health outcomes, there is no widely accepted and rapidly implementable estimation of SES measures in resource-limited settings. An exception is the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS)’s wealth quintile index constructed from household ownership assets. To facilitate health equity surveillance, method of individual SES estimation requiring fewer number of household assets is needed. The objective of this study was to identify the DHS assets most relevant for measuring SES in Cameroon.
Methods
Participants interviewed with a structured questionnaire included stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of DHS in Cameroon for many years. Using a 5-point Likert scale, experts graded DHS assets’ likelihood to measure SES. The questionnaire was strongly reliable (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.943, 95% CI: 0.920–0.961, p < 0.001) for using the 29 items retained to measure SES.
Results
The probabilities of agreeing that an asset can be a useful measure of SES varied from 0.016 to 0.047. The 12 DHS assets most likely to measure SES included having Refrigerator(85.3%), Television(83.8%), Laptop(79.4%), Mixer(77.9%), Computer(77.9%), Agricultural land(77.9%), Cable/Satellite(76.5%), Cell phone(76.5%), Modem/Internet key(73.5%), Water pump(72.1%), Car/truck(72.1%) and Gas stove(72.1%) with a respective probability (prior) of 0.047, 0.046, 0.044, 0.043, 0.043, 0.043, 0.042, 0.042, 0.041, 0.040, 0.040 and 0.040.
Conclusions
This research underscores the importance of integrating local expert insights to refine the measurement of SES, promoting improved health outcomes in populations, particularly in Cameroon. Future research should explore the application of this expert-opinion-driven framework in various contexts to create more comprehensive, robust, and reliable SES indicators.
Proximity-Induced Nodal Metal in an Extremely Underdoped CuO2 Plane in Triple-Layer Cuprates
Authors: Ideta Shinichiro , Adachi Shintaro , Noji Takashi , Yamaguchi Shunpei , Sasaki Nae , Ishida Shigeyuki , Uchida Shin-ichi , Fujii Takenori , Watanabe Takao , Wang Wen , Moritz Brian , Devereaux Thomas , Arita Masashi , Mou Chung-Yu , Yoshida Teppei , Tanaka Kiyohisa , Lee Ting-Kuo , Fujimori Atsushi
Published: February 2025

ARPES studies have established that the high-Tc cuprates with single and double CuO2 layers evolve from the Mott insulator to the pseudogap state with a Fermi arc, on which the superconducting (SC) gap opens. In four- to six-layer cuprates, on the other hand, small hole Fermi pockets are formed in the innermost CuO2 planes, indicating antiferromagnetism. Here, we performed ARPES studies on the triple-layer Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ over a wide doping range, and found that, although the doping level of the inner CuO2 plane was extremely low in underdoped samples, the d-wave SC gap was enhanced to the unprecedentedly large value of Δ0～100 meV at the antinode and persisted well above Tc without the appearance of a Fermi arc, indicating a robust ″nodal metal″. We attribute the nodal metallic behavior to the unique local environment of the inner clean CuO2 plane in the triple-layer cuprates, sandwiched by nearly optimally-doped two outer CuO2 planes and hence subject to strong proximity effect from both sides. In the nodal metal, quasiparticle peaks showed electron-hole symmetry, suggesting d-wave pairing fluctuations. Thus the proximity effect on the innermost CuO2 plane is the strongest in the triple-layer cuprates, which explains why the Tc reaches the maximum at the layer number of three in every multi-layer cuprate family.
A new method for analyzing trihalomethanes using a GC-FID device
Authors: Karimi M. , Shayesteh Keyvan , Sepehri Nabiollah , Mozafari Zohreh
Published: February 2025

In water chlorination for removing pathogens, trihalomethanes (THMs) become among the significant carcinogenic by-products of drinking water chlorination. The conventional measurement means for these compounds is a GC device with an ECD detector (GC-ECD) or GC/MS. A GC-ECD or a GC/MS is utilized for analyzing trihalomethanes at the microgram per liter scale. Due to international sanctions, purchasing an ECD detector is not easy or cost-effective. This article introduces a new concentration method using the Head Space technique in a GC-FID device for measuring the concentration of trihalomethanes. In this method, four compounds, chloroform (CHCl3), di-bromochloromethane (CHClBr2), bromodichloromethane (CHCl2Br) and bromoform (CHBr3), are plotted on a 5-point calibration chart after being measured on a microgram per liter scale. This method, designed at laboratory, can be used to measure concentrations and analyze data in the laboratories of water and wastewater, environment, petroleum and petrochemistry, etc. High accuracy of the method (µg/L) is the main feature of this method. Here, the design method and advantages of this method are presented with diagrams and tables.
The Long-Term Impacts of Breastfeeding on Educational Attainment of Adults
Authors: Khudri Md Mohsan , Hussey Andrew
Published: February 2025

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examine the impact of breastfeeding on the likelihood of obtaining a college degree and attending graduate school. Using a doubly robust estimation technique, we find that having been breastfed is linked to an increased probability of obtaining a college degree, but its association with graduate school attendance is largely insignificant. The effect on college degree attainment is primarily concentrated among males, blacks, and whites. Investigating potential mechanisms, we find evidence that these effects are operating through the impact of breastfeeding on adolescents’ cognitive ability.
JEL classification: I12, I23, J15, I18, C21
Periodically-Modulated Unipolar and Bipolar Orders in Nematic Fluids: Towards Miniaturized Microscopic Nonlinear Photonics
Authors: Lu Yan-qing , Zhang Guang-Yang , Lin Enjun , Wang Ze-Yu , Pan Jin-Tao , Yang Jidan , Deng Minghui , Wei Yang , Ye Yong , Wang Ning , Ma Ling-Ling , Wang Yu , AYA Satoshi
Published: February 2025

Complex polar topological configurations are the foundation for exploring exotic phases and nontrivial emergent phenomena in condensed-matter physics. While numerous topological configurations like skyrmions and merons are known to occur spontaneously in various materials, achieving the designability of magnetically- and electrically-polar textures in a controlled manner is a long-standing challenge in domain engineering. Here, we discover an unprecedented mesophase that exhibits unipolar and bipolar orders, where both the apolar and polar orientational order parameters are modulated. The polar state enables defect-free polar patterning with designability and controllability at large scales. We succeed in scaling down the volume of the nonlinear vectorial beam generation devices by a factor over 10-6, providing a foundation for the microscopic nonlinear optical apparatuses.
Ketoanalogs supplementation not only retarded kidney function deterioration but also reversed adverse outcomes in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease in a nationwide study
Authors: Lee I Hsueh , Lin Cheng-Jui , Kuo Feng-Chi , Sun Fang-Ju , Chiang Shu-O
Published: February 2025

Background and aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most burdensome health conditions worldwide and necessitates the preservation of kidney function. In recent years, ketoanalogs (KAs) and low-protein diets have been used to treat end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, we used theNational Health Insurance Research Database(NHIRD) of Taiwan to explore the benefits of KAs in clinical practice.
Methods: Data on patients with CKD were extracted from the NHIRD for the period 2000–2013. After the data of 7,883 patients were extracted, 1:3 case‒control matching was performed to minimize the differences between KA users and nonusers. A time-dependent Cox regression model and a generalized estimating equation method wereused to examine the clinical effects of KAs in patients with advanced CKD.
Results: After 1:3 case‒control matching, the patients were divided into a KA group (n = 369) and a non-KA group (control, n = 1,107). The patients in the KA group had a longer duration from the time point of CKD diagnosis to ESRD compared with those in the control group (30.9 versus 16.8 months, p < 0.0001). In addition, the patients in the KA group had a lower mortality rate, fewer blood transfusions, and fewer erythropoietin prescriptions per month (mortality rate: 14.6% versus 32.8%, p < 0.01; blood transfusions: 18.9% versus 33.8%, p < 0.01; erythropoietin prescriptions per month: 0.8 versus 1.1, p < 0.01). These results indicated that KAs had a positive effect on patients withCKD.
Conclusion: KAs have a major effect on patients with advanced CKD, enabling them to defer dialysis, thereby mitigating their anemia and reducing their mortality risk. Our real-world clinical data demonstrate that low-protein diets and KAs can mitigate the adverse effects of CKD in patients with advanced CKD.
Comparative analysis of co-occurrence patterns of macrobenthic communities in intertidal and offshore zones of the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Wang Jiao , Jiang Shaoyu , Sun Debin , Chen Jing , Li Baoquan , Chen Linlin
Published: February 2025

Species co-occurrence is crucial for understanding ecological processes, species interactions, and predicting community responses, supporting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health. In this study, we explored co-occurrence patterns of macrobenthos in the intertidal and offshore two different habitat types of the Yellow River Delta (YRD) based on both the matrix level and the species-pair level methods. Results showed the intertidal zone displayed lower species diversity, primarily featuring mollusks, crustaceans, and polychaetes, while the offshore zone consistently exhibited higher crustacean abundance, particularly shrimps and crabs, along with an increased fish species count across multiple months. Matrix-level results using a null model indicated that macrobenthic species with low mobility predominantly exhibited a random pattern across the intertidal zone; on the other hand, these species with high mobility showed a significant segregated pattern within offshore regions. The pairwise-level analysis showed that the species pairs of the macrobenthic communities were mainly randomly associated and fewer species pairs demonstrated both the significant aggregation/separation existing within the intertidal zone and its various subdivisions. Furthermore, species pairs displaying significant aggregation were more numerous than those showing separation among the overall pairs. These findings further support the notion that macrobenthic species within the intertidal zone tend to lack a distinct structure, likely due to the diminished impact of interspecific competition and also the increased impact of environment factors in this unique habitat of the YRD. This study improves understanding of species co-occurrence across different ecological types in estuarine wetlands, supporting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.
A Long-term Progression-free Survival with Glioblastoma Patient Harboring MSH6 Pathogenic Germline Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Zhou Yiqiang , Zhang Yanxiang , Han Tiantian , Piao Yueshan , Tang Jie
Published: February 2025

Background Lynch syndrome (LS) is a cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes. Patients with Lynch syndrome have higher risk of brain tumors, predominantly high-grade gliomas. LS-related gliomas have poor overall survival.
Case presentation We present a case of a31-year-old male patient with a frontal lesion by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The pathological diagnosis was isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)wildtype glioblastoma (WHO grade 4) with 30% Ki-67 proliferation index. After surgery, this patient received radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy following Stupp protocol. During over 64 months follow up, no sign of tumor recurrence was found after surgery. Therefore, next-generation sequencing was suggested to this patient. The result revealed a heterozygous germline variation of c.3261dup in exon 5 of MSH6 gene which resulted in a truncated MSH6 protein (MSH6 p.F1088Lfs*5) with a tumor mutation burden of 327.36 Mut/Mb.
Conclusion MMR deficiency may lead to TMZ resistance in glioma cells. However, this case had long-term benefits from standard radio- and chemo-therapy after surgery, probably due to the distinct molecular characteristics and tumor microenvironment. This finding provided insight to perform clinical studies to investigate the molecular characterization of Lynch associated glioma patients and the role of microglia in antitumor.
Predicting trajectories of acute illness using RNA velocity of whole blood
Authors: Dunican Claire , Wilson Clare , Habgood-Coote Dominic , Patterson Suzanna , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Moseki Raymond , Stek Cari , Wilkinson Robert , Agyeman Philipp , Beudeker Coco , Biesbroek Giske , von Both Ulrich , Brengel-Pesce Karen , Carrol Enitan , Coin Lachlan , D'Souza Giselle , De Tisham , Emonts Marieke , Fidler Katy , Fink Colin , Flier Michiel Van der , Georgaki Ioanna , Kolberg Laura , Kolnik Mojca , Kuijpers Taco , Martinon-Torres Federico , Mommert-Tripon Marine , Nichols Samuel , Paulus Stéphane , Pokorn Marko , Pollard Andrew , Rivero-Calle Irene , Rudzate Aleksandra , Schlapbach Luregn , Schweintzger Nina , Shen Ching-Fen , Shrestha Shrijana , Tan Chantal , Tsolia Maria , Usuf Effua , Velden Fabian van der , Vermont Clementien , Voice Marie , Yeung Shunmay , Zavadska Dace , Zenz Werner , Wright Victoria , Levin# Michael , Herberg Jethro , Lai Rachel , Meintjes Graeme , Chiu Christopher , Barahona Mauricio , Kaforou Myrsini , Cunnington Aubrey
Published: February 2025

Transcriptomic analyses reveal the status of cells, tissues, or organisms, across states of health and disease. RNA velocity adds a temporal dimension to single cell analyses, predicting future transcriptomic and phenotypic states, based on current spliced and unspliced mRNA of each cell. We hypothesized that RNA velocity could be adapted to predict future clinical status of individuals with acute illness using their whole-blood transcriptome. We developed a method for quantitative prediction of transitions in clinical state from a single time-point sample, which we call VeloCD. This predicted transcriptomic trajectories and future infection status in influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 human challenge studies. In HIV-TB coinfected individuals, it predicted the onset of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. In a multinational observational study of acutely unwell febrile children, VeloCD predicted those with greatest medical care requirements. Our results demonstrate a novel application of RNA velocity to predict the trajectory of acute illness.
tsRNAs sequencing reveals tRNA-Gly (GCC)-derived small RNAs as colorectal cancer biomarker
Authors: Wan Yu , Jiao Yuting , Liu Anrui , Lai Yushan , Luo Wenfeng , Zhang Xiaoying , Lin Xiaoling , Wang Xiaoyun
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal tumors and the second leading cause of malignancy-related death worldwide. Novel biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are necessary to improve the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in terms of early diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, we obtained tsRNAs expression profiles from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) clinical tissue samples to identify novel tsRNAs with potential biomarker properties in colorectal cancer. The expression profiles of colorectal cancer tsRNAs were successfully constructed, 612 up-regulated and 439 down-regulated tsRNAs were identified in the tumor group. tRNA-Gly (GCC)-derived i-tRF-Gly-GCC and 5′-tRF-Gly-GCC were highly expressed in CRC tissues compared to the paraneoplastic tissues. The same results were found in serum from colorectal cancer patients compared to serum from healthy volunteers. Both tsRNAs were highly expressed in CRC tissues and the AUC in ROC analysis was greater than 0.7, which has clinical diagnostic value. WGCNA analysis showed that the target genes of the two tsRNAs were closely related to CRC, and the expression of the target genes was significantly decreased in the cancer groups of the COAD and READ datasets. We also performed validation experiments in HCT-116 cells, and the results confirmed that i-tRF-Gly-GCC and 5′-tRF-Gly-GCC significantly enhanced cell proliferation and migration. In conclusion, we identified and characterized two tsRNAs (i-tRF-Gly-GCC and 5′-tRF-Gly-GCC) as the biomarkers for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
A column-switching two-dimensional liquid chromatography - high resolution/triple quadrupole dual mass spectrometry system for simultaneously untargeted metabolome and targeted exposome analyses
Authors: Xu Guowang , Wang Yuting , Cao Penglong , Guan Pengwei , Chen Tiantian , Guo Xingyu , Shi Xianzhe , Liu Xinyu
Published: February 2025

Metabolome-exposome association studies (mEWAS) demands high-coverage and high-sensitivity analytical methods for metabolites and exposures with diverse chemical properties and concentrations. Here, we present an integrated column-switching two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2DLC) - high resolution/triple quadrupole dual mass spectrometry (MS) method, achieving simultaneously untargeted metabolome and targeted exposome analyses including 598 chemical exposures in a single run. Polar and non-polar compounds with log P ranging from -8 to 15 were separated without unretained compounds in the dead time. Benchmarked against biological matrices, analyte coverage increased by 35-104% over one-dimensional LC method. Highly sensitive limits of detection with 0.001-1 μg/mL for >90% metabolites and 0.001-1 ng/mL for >90% chemical exposures were obtained, matching the concentration difference between the metabolome and exposome in human blood. The method was demonstrated in patients with chronic diseases, showing the feasibility of establishing simultaneously untargeted metabolome and targeted exposome analytical methods for mEWAS by integrating 2DLC-dual MS techniques.
Financial Sustainability of Local NGOs Funded by the Churches Health Association of Zambia in Zambia. A Mixed Methods Survey.
Authors: Kachumi Michael Mutaya , Nawa Mukumbuta , Mwanakatwe Joseph , Bwembya Raymond , Menda Dhally Mutombo , Sichinga Karen Sichali , Shaikh Junaid M
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Local Non-Profit Organisations (LNPO) play an important role of providing services to vulnerable communities especially in rural areas where for-profit organisations do not reach. However, sustainability of the Non-Profit Organisations is often not guaranteed as evidenced by closures of Non-Profit Organisations that were once thriving. This study assessed the financial sustainability of local organisations that are funded by the Churches Health Association of Zambia.
Methodology: The study used a mixed methods approach which comprised of a desk review, qualitative and quantitative survey. Data analysis of the qualitative component was done using the thematic analysis approach. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22; descriptive and inferential statistics was done by summarization of the findings which included an assessment of the financial position and operational activity of the NPOs and multivariable linear regression.
Results: A total of 87 participants were interviewed in the survey and 21 participated in the qualitative in-depth interviews. CHAZ's significantly contributed to the financial suitability of the four local NPOs, with its funding heavily relied upon by NPO 2 (up to 99%) and less so by others (8-19%). Operating margins fluctuated widely, with three NPOs averaging negative margins, reflecting financial instability. Cash reserves varied, showing limited liquidity across NPOs. Regression analysis identified Financial Planning and Strategy and Leadership as key contributors to financial sustainability, while Sound Administration negatively impacted it. From interviews, challenges included limited donor funding, restricted domestic resource mobilization, economic instability, and internal issues such as inadequate long-term planning and founder dependency.
Conclusion: The study highlighted that funding from CHAZ significantly enhances the financial sustainability of LNPOs in Zambia by promoting income diversification and reducing reliance on single funding sources. However, it encourages that there should be a need for the studied LNPOs to expand funding avenues beyond CHAZ to help mitigate risks and longer financial viability. Organizations with positive reserve ratios are financially stable, but those with low or negative reserves face vulnerabilities. Key factors like strategy, leadership and financial planning related to improved financial sustainability.
Shared structural mechanisms of alternating access between the secondary peptide transporter SbmA and ABC transporters
Authors: Beis Konstantinos , Ettema Thijs , Inaba-Inoue Satomi , Thangaratnarajah Chancievan , Silva Leticia Alves da , Clarke Amy , Stepien Piotr , Shah Anokhi , Ma Yue , Hardman Katie , David Sophia , El-Mkami Hassane , Heddle Jonathan , Nomura Norimichi , Ogasawara Satoshi , Iwata So , Ghilarov Dmitry , Pliotas Christos , Stockner Thomas , Slotboom Dirk
Published: February 2025

SbmA is a membrane transporter from Escherichia coli that imports antimicrobial peptides. Although the protein is a secondary transporter that is energized by the proton gradient, it is structurally related to the transmembrane domain (TMD) of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. SbmA therefore bridges the structural divide between primary and secondary transporters. However, it remained unclear, if SbmA also shares the mechanism of alternating access with ABC transporters, because only a single (outward-open) state has been resolved. Here, we show by sequence analysis that SbmA has likely evolved from the TMD of an early ancestor of the ABC transporter YddA. We determined the cryogenic electron microscopy structures of SbmA in occluded and inward-facing states. These conformations closely resemble equivalent states found in ABC transporters, indicating a shared structural mechanism of transport. In contrast to ABC transporters, where nucleotide binding, hydrolysis and release steer conformational changes necessary for substrate translocation, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal how pH changes induce conformational transitions in SbmA, consistent with a mechanism of substrate internalization that utilizes the transmembrane proton gradient.
The Theoretical Model Construction of the Identity of Chinese Preservice Physical Education Teachers ——Based on the Grounded Theory
Authors: Zhu ShuSheng
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Cultivating the professional identity of preservice physical education teachers (PPETs) is crucial for their career development. However, the factors that influence their professional identity are still unclear.
Method
We reviewed the literature on the identity of PPETs and conducted interviews with 15 PPETs. The data collected was analysed using the grounded theory and Nvivo12.
Results
There are three categories of influencing factors that affect the identity of PPETs: (a) preconcept identify, which contains the anticipation for the image of teachers, impression of PE Teachers, social and cultural influence and personal characters and preferences; (b) professional learning identity, which includes curricular knowledge, counselors’ guidance and self-efficacy; (c) educational practice identity, which includes internship guidance, internship environment and internship evaluation.
Conclusion
This research result can help the education department understand the influencing factors of PPETs' identity and help PPETs obtain a good identity.
Analysis of the influence of postoperative personal care on the surgical outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Zheng Xinyu , Liu Yunming , Yu Xinyue , Wang Kerui , Meng Ziwei , Li Jing , Yang Can , Gong Chengzhen , Liang Xuanwei , Chen Rongxin , Li Shuiling
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To investigate the impact of early postoperative personal care of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) on surgical outcomes.
Methods: This prospective study evaluated the early prognosis (1 month) and personal care of 90 patients with 94 eyes who underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) for Chronic dacryocystitis（CD）. Surgical outcomes were divided into ostium grade and operative effect. Operative effect was judged by subjective symptom improvement, in addition to ostium assessment based on the results of nasal endoscopic review, and the relationship between operative effect and ostium grade was explored. In addition, we analyzed the key factors affecting operative effect and ostium grade during postoperative personal care.
Results: The results of correlation analysis between operative effect and objective indicators showed that the outcomes of lacrimal duct irrigation（r=0.444，P＜0.001）, DDT（r=0.217，P=0.036）, and ostium grade（r=0.350，P＜0.001） were positively correlated with the operative effect of patients. The analysis of influencing factors during postoperative nursing showed that patients with nasal saline rinsing at least once a day after operation, nasal spray (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride and Budesonide) at least once a day after operation and without postoperative respiratory tract infection had better ostium grades and operative effect (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The early surgical outcome of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) is closely related to the condition of the ostium. During postoperative personal care, patients who maintain nasal saline rinsing and nasal spray (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride and Budesonide) at least once a day and reasonably prevent respiratory tract infection tend to have better recovery of early postoperative ostium and better operative effect. Medical staff should strengthen the home nursing guidance for patients after En-DCR day surgery.
Health Challenges in Patients with Epidermolysis bullosa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Souza Mariana Silveira , Lopes Laura Cascão , de Almeida Luiza Grossmann , Dantas Maria Thaynná Cintra , Moura Mariela Dutra Gontijo , de Almeida Rinaldo Borges , Grossmann Soraya de Mattos Camargo
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic disorder affecting connective tissue that causes painful ulcerations and oral disorders. In our study, we aimed to characterize the general and oral health of patients with EB, develop a profile of such patients, and establish prevention and treatment strategies to improve their oral health.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study conducted participants underwent anamnesis, an oral clinical evaluation, and an oral health orientation. Fisher’s test was used to assess associations between clinical variables and oral diseases observed.
Results
Twelve patients with EB were examined; 58% were female, and their mean age was 22 years. Anamnesis revealed that 67% of patients were taking medication, 92% were under medical care, 50% had prior hospitalizations, 58% had anemia, and 42% had undergone surgery. Psychological assessments showed that 58% of patients had experienced anxiety, 58% reported good self-esteem, and 31% received psychological counseling. Intraoral exams identified oral mucosal lesions in 58% of patients and carious lesions in 42%. Pain was significantly associated with mucosal lesions (p = .024), and photobiomodulation therapy using a low-level laser was performed to treat oral mucosal lesions. All patients presented better after completing the therapy.
Conclusion
The diverse health needs of patients with EB emphasize the importance of individualized care and interventions, including photobiomodulation therapy, to alleviate pain and promote healing.
Does Rural Credit Participation Promote the Adoption of New Technologies by Family Farms? Evidence from Two Family Farm Demonstration Areas in China
Authors: Wang qianling , Gui li , Meng Qianyue , Wang Huichuan , Hu Jingwen
Published: February 2025

This study applies an asset portfolio investment framework to examine the impact of rural credit participation on the adoption of new agricultural technologies. Using field survey data from two family farm demonstration areas in China (Wuhan, Hubei Province, and Langxi, Anhui Province), the study employs the propensity score matching (PSM) method. The results show a significant positive relationship between rural credit and new technology adoption. Formal rural credit promotes the adoption of high-capital, low-risk technologies. In contrast, informal credit supports the adoption of low-capital, high-risk technologies. The effects of rural credit are stronger for large-scale family farms, which are better positioned to use financial resources for technological upgrades. Small-scale family farms benefit less in comparison. These findings highlight the role of financial mechanisms in agricultural modernization and emphasize the need for targeted rural financial policies to improve credit access and promote innovative technologies in family farming systems.
JEL: Q16; O33
From Quiet Quitting to Knowledge Hiding: Unraveling the Path through Employee Silence
Authors: Bari Muhammad Waseem
Published: February 2025

This research examines the relationship between quiet quitting strategies, i.e., organizational, relational, and work-life spillover, and knowledge-hiding behaviors. Drawing on social exchange theory, the study investigates how these quiet quitting strategies impact knowledge hiding, including evasive hiding, playing dumb, and rationalized hiding, where employee silence acts as a mediator. The study employed PLS-SEM and Smart PLS 4 and collected data from 466 IT professionals from China to establish that quiet quitting strategy and knowledge-hiding behaviors have direct and indirect relationships.
Results: Relational quitting and work-life spillover quitting have a significant impact on knowledge-hiding behaviors, however, organizational quitting has not a significant impact on evasive knowledge-hiding. Employee silence mediates these relationships, strengthening the impact of quiet quitting strategies on knowledge-holding. It emphasizes employee silence as the course of organizational quitting. IPMA also highlights the significance of employee silence in the current study model. Open employees’ communication channels help to prevent employees quiet quitting.
Effective Feedback in Medical and Health Science Education, in Malawi: Perceptions and Experiences
Authors: Thomson Emma , Mwambyale Tuntufye , Jones Linda
Published: February 2025

Background
Well-delivered feedback can positively influence learning behaviours and bring actual and desired performances closer together. This is especially important for patient safety in health professions education. Feedback only aids learning when used effectively and accepted by its recipients. Most current literature on effective feedback is from western perspectives that we cannot assume will be applicable to all cultures. This study seeks to contribute to discourses relating to feedback effectiveness, exploring concepts of optimizing it in a sub-Saharan healthcare education institution.
Methods
This qualitative study investigated student and lecturer perceptions and experiences of receiving and delivering feedback at College of Medicine (CoM), Malawi, and how stakeholders felt this influenced self-reported behavioural change in response.
Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, with students and lecturers, from across all faculties at CoM, and subsequently analysed sequentially for emerging themes using a grounded theory approach.
Results
Inductive data analysis resulted in eight interconnected themes: conception of feedback; affective dimension; thirst for feedback; need to achieve; feedback conversations; self-preservation; feedback relationships; students’ ideal feedback which included the desire for pastoral support. Several tensions also emerged from student data: Firstly, a yearning for feedback but experiencing corrective feedback as emotional assaults requiring action for self-preservation. Secondly a preference for receiving affirmative feedback, despite acknowledging that corrective feedback can lead to improved performance. Thirdly, participants valuing dialogue highly as opportunities to seek clarification/understanding/justify themselves, which was deemed less likely with senior faculty whose feedback was paradoxically greatly respected. Whilst students greatly valued feedback from senior faculty, due to cultural respect for hierarchy, they felt less able to engage in the dialogue they desired. Finally, both stakeholder groups equated hard work with success and that critical feedback was perceived as accusations of student laziness.
Conclusion
‘Best feedback practices’ articulated by students mostly aligned with western educational discourses but in contrast to international literature students desired lecturers to fulfil pastoral roles rather than simply provide feedback on tasks. Cultural expectations and respect for hierarchy needs to be considered when building evidence-based feedback in a Malawian context.