bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Power of Translingual Language Pedagogy in the College Classroom
Authors: Gruber Sibylle
Published: February 2025

This chapter focuses on how critical translingual language teaching and learning can empower students to move from being a recipient of disconnected language practices to becoming agents of change in their communities. Specifically, I use a rhetorician's perspective to argue that language teachers have a responsibility to incorporate culturally and socially responsive teaching practices that pay close attention to language students' situated identities, especially in relation to increasing students' awareness of how current social, cultural, and political issues impact their futures and the futures of their communities. I use the principles of action-based teacher research to provide examples from my own experiences as a language learner, and I show how these experiences have helped me to critically examine the intersections of language learning, culturally restrictive norms, and social inequities.
Beyond “How About You?”
Authors: Holden Daniel
Published: February 2025

Education in Critical Pedagogy (CP) empowers students to address societal injustices and promotes social change, while also advocating for an educational environment based on students' experiences and aiming to cultivate critical thinkers who challenge oppressive conditions. From a second language perspective, Critical Language Pedagogy (CLP) aligns with these democratic values and emphasizes diverse methods and democratic principles by promoting dialogical interactions and action-oriented learning. This study investigates how modified oral and written activities in a CLP-oriented course impact pre-service second language instructors' engagement in critical dialogue. Data from observations, teaching demonstrations, assignments, and online interactions reveal progressive changes in critical dialogue usage among instructors. Preliminary results from learners' interactional tasks demonstrate how CLP-oriented modifications enhance discussion activities and foster deeper thinking about social issues in language education.
Critical Language Pedagogy in Japanese University EFL Classes
Authors: Jackson Lachlan , Kennett Belinda
Published: February 2025

Japanese universities are now conducive places to explore critical approaches to language teaching. However, the viability of CLP in Japan has been questioned, mainly in regard to whether the education system sufficiently prioritizes the skills, practices and dispositions required of this approach. The project described in this chapter is an investigation of the practices and beliefs of twenty CLP practitioners working in Japanese universities, and adds depth and nuance to a Japan-based literature characterized by single, small-scale action research and reflective reports. In this chapter, English language teaching in the Japanese university system is described, and the place for criticality in it is considered. Two telling case stories from experienced practitioners are introduced to show how CLP can be adapted and utilized in Japanese classrooms. CLP is shown to be developed over time and implemented incrementally. Emphasizing there is no one, perfect CLP, the authors illustrate how the development of critical teaching practices is a highly individual and context-specific pursuit.
Rich Text Extraction and Classification From PDF Documents Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: R. Parvathi , Vignesh U. , A. Rukksana , Yuan Xiaohui
Published: February 2025

Portable Document Format files are widely used for storing and sharing documents across different platforms and devices while preserving their original formatting. This research primarily aims to tackle the challenge of extracting rich-text components like bold, italic, underlined text, hyperlinks, important phrases, and tabular data from documents, particularly those in PDF format. The approach involves experimentation with various PDF layouts using seven distinct models: Naive Bayes, LSTM, CNN, CNN-LSTM, MLP, RNN, and FNN. Results demonstrate that the FNN deep learning algorithm outperforms other models, exhibiting higher accuracy across the most PDF documents.The significance of this study lies in its novelty, as existing research primarily focuses on extracting information from plain text within documents, overlooking the diverse data structures found in PDFs. By addressing this gap, the research aims to enhance the accuracy of information retrieval process, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective document analysis and data categorisation systems.
Utilising Machine Learning to Forecast Staff Attrition
Authors: Aarti  , Gowroju Swathi , Karling Saurabh , Vishnoi Susheela
Published: February 2025

Employee attrition, or the organic decrease in employees within an organisation as a result of numerous unavoidable circumstances, is a big problem that costs companies a lot of money. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), replacing an employee typically costs USD 4129 per hire. In order to solve this problem, a study was carried out to determine the root reasons of staff attrition and create a machine learning-based predictive framework. The study's objectives were to forecast attrition using four machine learning approaches and analyse organisational aspects that contribute to attrition. Surpassing prior state-of-the-art research, the suggested optimised Extra Trees Classifier (ETC) technique was able to predict staff attrition with an outstanding 93% accuracy. Furthermore, Employee Exploratory Data Analysis (EEDA) was utilised to ascertain critical elements impacting attrition. The results showed that age, job level, hourly rate, and monthly income all had a big impact on attrition rates. Organisations can target and improve the factors found in the study to address employee attrition with the use of these insights and the suggested methodology.
Adoption of AI and Livestock Management Strategies for Sustainable Food Security in the Face of Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sila Winfred , Kayusi Fredrick , Atuheire Shillah , Chavula Petros , Mijwil Maad M. , Abotaleb Mostafa , Ouko Kevin Okoth , Turyasingura Benson
Published: February 2025

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into livestock management in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) offers a promising solution for improving food security amid climate change challenges. AI technologies have the potential to optimize agricultural practices, enhance supply chain management, and address animal health concerns. However, barriers to AI adoption, such as inadequate data processing capabilities, remain a challenge, especially for smallholder farmers. Food insecurity is a major issue in SSA, driven by climate change, rapid population growth, overreliance on foreign aid, and weak policies. Livestock supports 1.3 billion global livelihoods and plays a crucial role in SSA's food systems. Smallholders rely on livestock as a pathway out of poverty. By 2030, demand for animal-source food is expected to triple due to population growth and shifting consumption patterns. Despite this, there is a gap in policies supporting sustainable livestock production, essential for meeting demand and ensuring long-term food security. This review explores the links between livestock and food security and policy opportunities for a sustainable livestock system.
Connecting Corpus Linguistics and Psycholinguistics
Authors: Fioravanti Irene
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines the integration of corpus linguistics and psycholinguistic methods, focusing on both the advantages and challenges in the triangulation of these two different types of data. We, then, focus on the study of collocational processing – a field that particularly benefits from the integration of these two types of data – highlighting how corpus-derived metrics (e.g., frequency, association strength, and directionality) inform experimental design. Through analyses of key studies using lexical decision task and eye-tracking, the chapter demonstrates that psycholinguistic techniques validate corpus-based measures and allow us to understand their effect on collocational processing. Despite methodological challenges, this interdisciplinary approach offers robust insights into both the linguistic and cognitive dimensions of collocations. The chapter concludes by suggesting future research directions that aim to leverage the triangulation of these data.
Cognitive Patterns in Learner Texts
Authors: Bozdağ Fatih Ünal
Published: February 2025

Traditional SLA research often contrasts learner writing with native-speaker norms, perpetuating linguistic inequality and negatively affecting learners' self-perception and engagement. This chapter examines learner essays without such norms, valuing linguistic diversity and cognitive perspectives. Scrutinizing ICLE corpus, computational topic modeling with BERTopic, and semantic network analysis identified prominent topics across various linguistic backgrounds. The most prevalent topic centered on higher education, particularly the theoretical and practical aspects of university degrees. Key terms like “theoretical,” “degree,” “university,” “practical,” and “real world” formed interconnected semantic networks, reflecting learners' conceptualizations of academic education. Cross-linguistic examination revealed that conceptual frames such as the University-Society and the Theory-Practice relation were prominent across different first-language groups. Findings highlight the interplay of topic, culture, and instructional practices, advocating a more inclusive approach in SLA research.
Corpus Linguistics and Literary Translation
Authors: Ferro Maria João
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines the benefits of applying corpus linguistics methods to literary translation, focusing on consistency as a crucial factor in collaborative projects. Through examples from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Ken Follett's The Armour of Light, the study explores a collaborative workflow designed to streamline terminology management and enhance coherence. It contrasts traditional literary translation practices with methods from technical translation, proposing systematic approaches to maintain consistency in literary works where multiple translators are involved. Applying these methods in both retrospective analyses (as with the Harry Potter series) and proactive analyses (as demonstrated in The Armour of Light) underscores how corpus linguistics aids in addressing terminology, thematic alignment, and stylistic cohesion. This approach concludes that corpus methodologies not only facilitate efficiency but also support quality, helping bridge the gap between creative freedom and technical precision in collaborative literary translation.
Study for Hydrogen-Permeable Pd Membrane Using First-Principles Calculation
Authors: Ogawa Kohei , Horikawa Daisuke , Hakamata Kento , Nakazawa Tatsuya , Kubota Shuichi
Published: February 2025

Pd-alloy membranes such as PdCu alloys (Pd48.3Cu51.7) exhibit considerable hydrogen permeability and are utilized for the purification of high-purity hydrogen. In this research, Pd48.3Cu51.7 alloys with additional elements were synthesized, their hydrogen permeability was assessed, and the energy shift resulting from the incorporation of a third element was calculated using first-principles calculations. Ag, Al, and Mn were selected as the third elements to enhance the stability of the B2 structure-ordered phase in Pd and Cu, which is vital for the superior hydrogen permeation performance of the PdCu alloy. The addition of Ag improved hydrogen permeation performance below 473 K. Conversely, the addition of Mn and Al enhanced hydrogen permeation performance above 673 K. Practically, the findings suggest that modifying PdCu alloys with specific elements can optimize the hydrogen membranes for various temperatures, thereby improving the efficiency and applicability of hydrogen purification systems.
[Analysis of the working population referred to the outpatient clinic for psychological distress in the working environment of the AUSL Romagna]
Authors: Campana Eleonora , Rebecchi Elisabetta , Verni Luciana , Delbianco Massimo
Published: February 2025

The Occupational Physician in accordance with the Prevention and Protection of AUSL Romagna (Rimini) has enabled for some years, a Clinic for the psychological job environmental discomfort addressed to employment, with expressions of the psychophysical disorders, caused by work related stress. Health is defined by the current legislation as a state of psychophysical and social wellbeing.The main purpose of Clinic for the psychological distress in working environment is to provide listening space and psychological support for employees. In order to assure this support, the Occupational Physician can activate the collaboration with the Psychologist of Clinic for the Psychological Evaluation in support to the formulation of the fitness for work. The data analysed are those in the period between November 2010 and 2014, concerning the accesses to the Clinic for the psychological distress in working environment and in order to the developments of the paths undertaken by the workers. The Clinic for the psychological distress in working environment represents an effort into the individual improvement and a possible answer to the reckoning of the risk for work related stress.
Rehabilitation in systemic sclerosis: proposed personalised rehabilitation programme
Authors: Brignoli Elvira , Frassanito Paolo , Vercesi Elisabetta , Ferretti Chiara , Felicetti Guido , Maestri Roberto F.E. , Barak Maja
Published: February 2025

Background: Systemic sclerosis is a multisystem autoimmune disease that causes chronic widespread obliterative vasculopathy of the small arteries associated with various degrees of tissue fibrosis. The prognosis of the disease depends largely on the visceral involvement; however musculoskeletal involvement is an important factor to functional disability. Suffering from a chronic auto-immune disease, such as Systemic Sclerosis, compromises the quality of life and the work ability. The rehabilitative treatment may be a viable option for improving the quality of life, but there are few studies to support this hypothesis in adequate population. (Rehabilitation is still an under- studied field of research).Aim: Proposed personalised rehabilitation programme, with a multilocalized, multidisciplinary approach specifically designed for patients with Systemic Sclerosis.Population: Forty-three patients affected by systemic sclerosis. Methods: Patients underwent a rehabilitation programme of 3 weeks. Three cycles of rehabilitation in 3 consecutive years were administered. The priority outcome measure was the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). The effectiveness of treatment cycles repeated at 1-year intervals was also compared to the first cycle.Results: Each treatment had an acute beneficial effect, leading to an improvement in the disability score after each of the three cycles (admission vs discharge: 1.2$0.6 vs 0.8$0.6, p<0.0001, 1.3$0.6 vs 1.0$0.6, p<0.0001 and 1.4$0.7 vs 1.1$0.7, p<0.0001). The improvement in HAQ-DI scores after repeated cycles was progressively lower, but the difference in efficacy was not statistically significant (p=0.38 and p=0.17 for the comparison between the second and the first and the third and the first cycles respectively).Conclusions: The multilocalized, multidisciplinary protocol developed by our rehabilitation team led to a significant reduction in disability perceived by patients, independently of the disease duration. The beneficial effects at the end of the first cycle were reproduced in the subsequent cycles.Nevertheless, there was a tendency of progressive efficacy reduction in following cycles, due to increased disability caused by disease stage.Impact of rehabilitation: We believe that our results demonstrate the utility of personalised, multilocalized, multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment in slowing the evolution of systemic sclerosis.
Organisational justice: Moderating turnover intention and citizenship behaviour in Eastern Cape nurses
Authors: Majali Thobela G. , Gcaza Nosiphiwo I. , Gcaza Xolile
Published: February 2025

Orientation: The business sector is engulfed with severe challenges of globalisation in this decade. Hence, companies fight for survival in order to be on the map again. Organisational justice is believed to be key to sustaining various businesses.Research purpose: The study employed organisational justice as a moderating variable to delve into the relationship between organisational citizenship behaviour and turnover intention.Motivation for the study: It has been argued that it is a challenge to keep employees devoted and still make a landmark in the business. Of course, with a lack of motivation in their careers, and not requiring more resources, workers are obliged to quit the health sector.Research approach/design and method: A sample of 298 nurses in various hospitals, utilising quantitative cross-sectional research.Main findings: The findings indicate that when both organisational justice and organisational citizenship behaviour increase, then the turnover intention decreases.Practical/managerial implications: Justifications to enhance organisational citizenship behaviour is imperative. Hence, discouragement of turnover intentions and increase in production are much to be desired.Contribution/value-add: The contribution of this project gives emphasis to the expanding body of knowledge in South Africa as well as globally.
Uncommon Etiology in the Onset of Trigger Finger: A Case Report
Authors: Nanda Subhamay , Das Gautam , Mahapatra Sunaina , Nepal Niru
Published: February 2025

Trigger finger is a common disorder characterized by the locking or snapping of a digit, that occurs due to blocking of tendon gliding at the pulley and is usually seen due to stenosing tenosynovitis and thickening of the pulleys. Ganglion cysts are typically found in the wrist and hand, with the most common sites being the dorsum of the wrist and the volar side in the distal forearm at the wrist crease. While these locations are frequently observed, ganglion cysts originating from the flexor tendon sheath and presenting as a cause of trigger finger are uncommon, with only a limited number of cases documented in the medical literature. This case report is submitted to report the uncommon cause of the trigger finger, such as a ganglion cyst of the flexor tendon sheath, whose prompt diagnosis and treatment will yield good results.
Thymoquinone mitigates diclofenac-induced hepatorenal toxicity in male Wistar rats by balancing the redox state and modulating Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 apoptotic pathways and NF-κB signaling
Authors: Safi Amir , Mohammadi Shakila , Emami Mina , Radaei Alireza , Kalantari-Hesari Ali , Nouri Ali , Rahimi-Madiseh Mohammad , Ahmadi Reza
Published: February 2025

Background and purpose:

Diclofenac (DF), a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound from Nigella sativa, against DF-induced organ damage in rats.

Experimental approach:

Forty-eight male rats were divided into six groups (8 each) and treated orally for seven days as follows: group 1 (control): normal saline; group 2: DF (50 mg/kg); group 3: DF (50 mg/kg) + silymarin (50 mg/kg); groups 4-6: DF (50 mg/kg) + TQ at 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg, respectively. Serum biochemical parameters, hepatorenal oxidative stress markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis-related genes were assessed. Histopathological examinations of liver and kidney tissues were also performed.

Findings/Results:

DF administration induced significant liver and kidney damage, evidenced by elevated serum biochemical markers, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis-related gene expression, and histopathological alterations. TQ treatment, particularly at the highest dose (40 mg/kg) effectively attenuated these changes. TQ improved liver and kidney function, reduced oxidative stress markers, suppressed inflammation, modulated apoptosis-related gene expression, and ameliorated histopathological damage.

Conclusion and implication:

TQ exerted significant protective effects against DF-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats, potentially through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. These findings suggest that TQ may be a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating DF-induced organ damage. However, further research, including clinical trials, is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.
Dietary silymarin supplementation enhances chemotherapy efficacy of capecitabine and irinotecan and mitigates hepatotoxicity in a mouse model of colon cancer
Authors: Hassani Sepideh , Malekinejad Hassan , Khadem-Ansari Mohammad Hassan , Abbasi Ata , Kheradmand Fatemeh
Published: February 2025

Background and purpose:

The flavonoid silymarin (SMN) has shown promise due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. SMN has been widely used in preclinical and clinical studies to treat various types of cancer, alone and with chemotherapy agents. Recent research suggests that SMN may increase conventional chemotherapy efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of SMN and its combination with capecitabine (CAP) and irinotecan (IRI) in a mouse model of colon cancer.

Experimental approach:

Following 1,2 dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer, a modified diet supplemented with SMN (2500 ppm) and mono- and combined therapy of CAP and IRI was used. Serum samples were analyzed for lipid profile, liver function, and inflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress and inflammation markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in colonic, hepatic, and circulatory samples. Colonic BAX and Bcl-2 levels were examined via western blotting and histopathological analysis of colon sections was conducted.

Findings/Results:

SMN alone and combined with chemotherapeutic agents significantly mitigated the elevated inflammatory cytokines liver function enzyme levels, and hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, SMN supplementation with chemotherapy agents enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced lipid peroxidation and inflammatory markers. Significant upregulation of BAX and downregulation of Bcl-2 were observed. In addition, treatment regimens ameliorated carcinogen-induced polyp multiplicity, adenoma formation, dysplastic changes, and lymphocytic aggregation.

Conclusion and implications:

Our results demonstrated that the potential anticancer properties of SMN could enhance chemotherapy efficacy and reduce carcinogen- and chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity.
Development and evaluation of Sahasthara Thai medicine remedy in a film-forming spray for topical anti-inflammatory therapy
Authors: Intharit Ninnart , Itharat Arunporn , Choockong Chadchom , Pipatrattanaseree Weerachai , Ketjinda Wichan , Davies Neal M. , Löbenberg Raimar
Published: February 2025

Background and purpose:

The study aimed to develop a localized topical anti-inflammatory treatment using a Thai medicinal herbal remedy called "Sahasthara," known for its anti-inflammatory properties, to create a film-forming spray (FFS).

Experimental approach:

This research evaluated and developed an FFS formulated with Sahasthara ethanolic extract (SHTe). Subsequently, the optimized formulation was investigated for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, cell culture toxicity assessment, pharmacological effects, and stability studies.

Findings/Results:

An optimized formulation (F12) was identified, consisting of 1% w/w SHTe and PVP K90, glycerol, PEG 400, sesame oil, a eutectic blend, and ethanol. This clear, smooth surface, yellowish film releases 42.37%, 38.67%, and 68.93% at 8 h, corresponding to a flux of 20.94, 1.92, and 26.32 µg/cm2/h of piperine, plumbagin, and β-asarone, respectively. F12 was determined to have a viscosity, drying time, and spray angle of 20 cps, 4.57 min, and 66.0 degrees. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated nitric oxide (NO) inhibition with an IC50 of 9.18 µg/mL. No apparent toxicity was observed in a skin cell line. This formulation was developed to be physically stable after undergoing freeze-thaw cycles. Although thermodynamic stability studies under accelerated conditions revealed a minor decrease in piperine and β-asarone within the film, the results indicate no statistically significant changes in its anti-inflammatory activity.

Conclusion and implications:

SHTe FFS offers optimal spray ability, a high in-vitro drug release profile, potent inhibition of anti-inflammatory markers, and stability under accelerated conditions. These findings suggest that SHTe FFS can serve as an innovative topical anti-inflammatory treatment.
Using metabolomics to investigate the relationship between the metabolomic profile of the intestinal microbiota derivatives and mental disorders in inflammatory bowel diseases: a narrative review
Authors: Zarei Parvin , Sedeh Peyman Adibi , Vaez Ahmad , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh
Published: February 2025

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The imbalance between the intestinal microbiota and its host, known as dysbiosis, is one of the factors, disrupting the balance of metabolite production and their signaling pathways, leading to disease progression. A metabolomics approach can help identify the role of gut microbiota in mental disorders associated with IBD by evaluating metabolites and their signaling comprehensively. This narrative review focuses on metabolomics studies that have comprehensively elucidated the altered gut microbial metabolites and their signaling pathways underlying mental disorders in IBD patients. The information was compiled by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2005 to 2023. The findings indicated that intestinal microbial dysbiosis in IBD patients leads to mental disorders such as anxiety and depression through disturbances in the metabolism of carbohydrates, sphingolipids, bile acids, neurotransmitters, neuroprotective, inflammatory factors, and amino acids. Furthermore, the reduction in the production of neuroprotective factors and the increase in inflammation observed in these patients can also contribute to the worsening of psychological symptoms. Analyzing the metabolite profile of the patients and comparing it with that of healthy individuals using advanced technologies like metabolomics, aids in the early diagnosis and prevention of mental disorders. This approach allows for the more precise identification of the microbes responsible for metabolite production, enabling the development of tailored dietary and pharmaceutical interventions or targeted manipulation of microbiota.
Análisis de las estrategias de comunicación e interactividad en redes sociales. El caso de la candidatura de Málaga a la Exposición Universal 2027
Authors: Cabrera-González María Ángeles , Pastor-Marín Francisco-Manuel
Published: February 2025

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la estrategia de comunicación aplicada por la candidatura de Málaga a la Exposición Universal 2027 en las redes sociales. Se examina la actividad, los temas, los formatos y la capacidad de generar interacción con los usuarios frente a las demás candidaturas: Belgrado (Serbia), Minnesota (Estados Unidos), Phuket (Tailandia) y San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina). Metodología: Se emplea el análisis de contenido de las cuentas oficiales de la candidatura. En total, se analizan 1.945 publicaciones del periodo comprendido entre 2020 y 2023 en los perfiles oficiales de Málaga 2027 en Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn e Instagram. Resultados: Se observa que la candidatura usó las redes sociales con un enfoque de arriba abajo en el que el contenido espontáneo generado por los usuarios casi no tuvo cabida. No obstante, los seguidores desempeñaron un papel importante con las acciones de valorar positivamente las publicaciones (sobre todo en Instagram), y más concretamente los vídeos; así como compartir y comentar a través de Twitter/X seguida de Facebook, Instagram y LinkedIn. Discusión: La promoción en redes sociales se hizo de forma similar a cómo lo hacen los grandes destinos turísticos para atraer a sus viajeros, aunque hubo factores ajenos a la comunicación que pudieron influir en el resultado final de la candidatura. Conclusiones: El comportamiento de la audiencia se adaptó a las características propias de cada red social, mientras que la candidatura analizada empleó sus cuentas oficiales como canales de información más que como medios de interacción, echándose en falta una mayor innovación y aprovechamiento de las posibilidades de escucha activa y respuesta que ofrecen las redes sociales.
Extrapolation of the Bayesian classifier with an unknown support of the two-class mixture distribution
Authors: Lukyanov Kirill S , Yaskov Pavel Andreevich , Perminov Andrey Igorevich , Kovalenko A P , Turdakov Denis Yur'evich
Published: February 2025

This work introduces a method aimed at enhancing the reliability of the Bayesian classifier. The method involves augmenting the training dataset, which consists of a mixture of distributions from two original classes, with artificially generated observations from a third, ‘background’ class, uniformly distributed over a compact set that contains the unknown support of the original mixture.
This modification allows the value of the discriminant function outside the support of the training data distribution to approach a prescribed level (in this case, zero). Adding a decision option for ‘Refusal to Classify’, triggered when the discriminant function takes sufficiently small values, results in a localized increase in classifier reliability. Specifically, this approach addresses several issues: it enables the rejection of data that differs significantly from the training data; facilitates the detection of anomalies in input data; and avoids decision-making in ‘boundary’ regions when separating classes.
The paper provides a theoretical justification for the optimality of the proposed classifier. The practical utility of the method is demonstrated through classification tasks involving images and time series.
Additionally, a methodology for identifying trusted regions is proposed. This methodology can be used to detect anomalous data, cases of parameter shifts in class distributions, and areas of overlap between the distributions of the original classes. Based on these trusted regions, quantitative metrics for classifier reliability and efficiency are introduced.
Bibliography: 23 titles.
Modern ultrasound techniques for diagnosing liver steatosis and fibrosis: A systematic review with a focus on biopsy comparison
Authors: Pozowski Patryk , Bilski Mateusz , Bedrylo Maciej , Sitny Paweł , Zaleska-Dorobisz Urszula
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

This review evaluated the diagnostic effectiveness of various ultrasound (US) methods compared to liver biopsy.

AIM

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of US techniques in assessing liver fibrosis and steatosis in adults, using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) as the standard measure.

METHODS

The review included original retrospective or prospective studies published in the last three years in peer-reviewed medical journals, that reported AUROC values. Studies were identified through PubMed searches on January 3 and April 30, 2024. Quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results were tabulated according to the diagnostic method and the type of liver pathology.

RESULTS

The review included 52 studies. For liver fibrosis detection, 2D-shear wave elastography (SWE) AUROCs ranged from 0.54 to 0.994, showing better accuracy for advanced stages. Modifications, including 2D-SWE with propagation map guidance and supersonic imagine achieved AUROCs of 0.84 to nearly 1.0. point SWE and classical SWE had AUROCs of 0.741-0.99, and 0.507-0.995, respectively. Transient elastography (TE), visual TE, vibration-controlled TE (VCTE), and FibroTouch reported AUROCs close to 1.0. For steatosis, VCTE with controlled attenuation parameter showed AUROCs up to 0.89 (for ≥ S1), acoustic radiation force impulse ranged from 0.762 to 0.784, US attenuation parameter from 0.88 to 0.93, and normalized local variance measurement from 0.583 to 0.875. Most studies had a low risk of bias across all or most domains, but evidence was limited by variability in study quality and small sample sizes. Innovative SWE variants were evaluated in a single study.

CONCLUSION

Modern US techniques can serve as effective noninvasive diagnostic tools for liver fibrosis and steatosis, with the potential to reduce the reliance on biopsies.
Sarcopenia and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: The role of exercise-related biomarkers
Authors: Al-Nimer Marwan S
Published: February 2025

The etiology, risk factors, and management of sarcopenia and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are comparable, which prompted the investigators to search for a particular diagnostic or prognostic biomarker that was involved in both disorders. Peptides or proteins known as myokines, or exerkines, are produced and secreted by contracted muscles. Myokines work similarly to hormones in their actions. One common clinical hallmark of sarcopenia and MASLD is physical inactivity, which is associated with alterations in the levels of myokines. Irisin is a positive regulator of muscle size that is elevated in the biological fluids during exercise. Significantly low levels were observed in the pathological conditions associated with physical inactivity. The serum levels of irisin are significantly higher in MASLD patients, while their levels were lower in risk factors of MASLD, e.g. , diabetes mellitus, obesity, and insulin resistance. In sarcopenia with obesity (sarcopenic obesity) or with a normal build, serum irisin levels are significantly lower than in healthy subjects. Therefore, serial determination of irisin levels that showed a transition from higher to lower levels in MASLD indicated the development of sarcopenia in those patients.
Clinical features and prognosis of drug-induced liver injury in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Zhao Ying , Li Jian-Zhou , Liu Yong-Gang , Zhu Yu-Jin , Zhang Yan , Zheng Wen-Wen , Ma Lin , Li Jia , Wang Chun-Yan
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Acute drug-induced liver injury (DILI) events caused by chronic liver disease are relatively common. Some researchers believe that nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) increases the overall risk of DILI. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of DILI in the context of NAFL disease (NAFLD) are still unclear. Therefore, hospitalized patients with NAFLD combined with DILI at the Tianjin Second People's Hospital were included in this study. The clinical manifestations, classifications, severities, laboratory indicators, and clinical outcomes of the enrolled patients were analyzed, and the clinical characteristics and prognoses of the NAFL + DILI patients were evaluated.

AIM

To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of DILI in the context of NAFL.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients diagnosed with DILI and 110 patients diagnosed with both DILI and NAFL at the Tianjin Second People's Hospital were enrolled. Clinical data, including demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory test results, pathology findings, autoantibody titers, suspected drugs, and outcomes, were collected from the two groups of patients. All enrolled patients were followed up to determine the liver function recovery time.

RESULTS

Compared with the patients in the DILI group, those in the NAFL + DILI group had higher body mass indices; Controlled Attenuation Parameter scores; and triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and insulin levels. The levels of the cytokines interleukin-4 and complement complement c3 (C3) were also greater in the NAFL + DILI group than in the DILI group. The proportions of patients with cholestatic-type DILI (16.4% vs 4.5%), cholestasis seen on pathoscopy (40.9% vs 25.8%), grade 2 or above DILI (48.18% vs 40.45%), and a recovery time for liver function ranging from 90 to 180 days (30.6% vs 15.5%) were greater in the NAFL + DILI group than in the DILI group. All of the abovementioned differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The autoantibody positivity rates did not significantly differ between the two groups (P > 0.05), and the proportions of patients who progressed to chronic drug hepatitis or autoimmune hepatitis were not significantly different between the two groups (both P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the context of NAFL, DILI is more likely to be cholestatic, with a greater degree of liver injury, a longer recovery time, and more pronounced expression of immune factors.
Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Limbe Regional Hospital, Southwest, Cameroon
Authors: Ojong Ebot Walter , Ngemenya Moses Njutain , Tafili Melvis Mwantem , Tanue Elvis Asangbeng , Achidi Eric Akum
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by combinations of insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a public health problem worldwide and affects up to 70% of patients with T2DM. Although patients with T2DM have an increased risk of developing advanced liver disease compared to healthy individuals, varying prevalence rates of NAFLD among patients with T2DM, ranging from 34% to 94%, have been reported.

AIM

To determine prevalence and identify associated factors of NAFLD among Limbe patients with T2DM and evaluate correlation with glycemic control.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out from February to June 2024 among patients with T2DM. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and serum triglycerides (TGs) were measured by spectrophotometry. NAFLD was diagnosed using the fatty liver index score. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 for Windows. Student’s t -test was used to compare the means of two groups. The χ 2 test was applied to determine the association of NAFLD and T2DM. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of NAFLD. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients with T2DM recruited for this study, 63 (58%) were females and the majority (84.7%) had good glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin < 7%). Prevalence of NAFLD among patients with T2DM was 19%. Patients with NAFLD had significantly elevated levels of TGs, GGT, and increased body mass index and waist circumference compared to those without NAFLD. There was a significant association between NAFLD and glycemic control. Predictive factors of NAFLD among patients with T2DM were vegetable intake of less than three times per week [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.131, 95%CI: 0.020-0.839; P = 0.032], central obesity (aOR: 0.167, 95%CI: 0.037-0.748; P = 0.019), and metformin treatment for T2DM (aOR: 0.167, 95%CI: 0.037-0.718; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of NAFLD in patients with T2DM in Limbe Regional Hospital was 19%. Age, central obesity, metformin use, and infrequent consumption of vegetables were important predictors of NAFLD.
Pathological features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a pediatric patient with heterozygous familial hypobetalipoproteinemia: A case report
Authors: Miyamoto Kiwako , Kondo Sonoko , Kondo Takeo , Ishikawa Ryou , Tani Ryosuke , Inoue Tomoko , Matsunaga Keiji , Minamino Tetsuo , Kusaka Takashi
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Heterozygous familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) is a semi-autosomal disorder that is caused mainly by an APOB variant. It is usually asymptomatic and rarely leads to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

CASE SUMMARY

A 12-year-old boy was referred to our hospital after prolonged elevation of liver enzymes was observed during health checkups in Kagawa Prefecture. Abdominal ultrasound showed a bright liver, and laboratory investigations revealed low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B protein levels. His family history included fatty liver and hypolipidemia in his father, which led to a clinical diagnosis of FHBL. A liver biopsy was performed on suspicion of liver fibrosis based on biomarkers. The liver tissue showed fatty steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and fibrosis, indicating NASH. Genetic testing detected the APOB variant, and the patient was treated successfully with vitamin E.

CONCLUSION

It is important to assess family history and liver dysfunction severity in non-obese patients with hypolipidemia and fatty liver.
Global landscape of hepatic organoid research: A bibliometric and visual study
Authors: Li Tao , Bo Rong-Qiang , Yan Jun , Johnson Nadia L , Liao Meng-Ting , Li Yuan , Chen Yan , Lin Jie , Li Jian , Chu Fu-Hao , Ding Xia
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Hepatic organoid-based modelling, through the elucidation of a range of in vivo biological processes and the recreation of the intricate liver microenvironment, is yielding groundbreaking insights into the pathophysiology and personalized medicine approaches for liver diseases.

AIM

This study was designed to analyse the global scientific output of hepatic organoid research and assess current achievements and future trends through bibliometric analysis.

METHODS

Articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, and CiteSpace 6.3.R1 was employed to analyse the literature, including outputs, journals, and countries, among others.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2024, a total of 991 articles pertaining to hepatic organoid research were published. The journal Hepatology published the greatest number of papers, and journals with an impact factor greater than 10 constituted 60% of the top 10 journals. The United States and Utrecht University were identified as the most prolific country and institution, respectively. Clevers H emerged as the most prolific author, whereas Huch M had the highest number of cocitations, suggesting that both are ideal candidates for academic collaboration. Research on hepatic organoids has exhibited a progressive shift in focus, evolving from initial investigations into model building, differentiation research in stem cells, bile ducts, and progenitor cells, to a broader spectrum encompassing lipid metabolism, single-cell RNA sequencing, and therapeutic applications. The phrases exhibiting citation bursts from 2022 to 2024 include “drug resistance”, “disease model”, and “patient-derived tumor organoids”.

CONCLUSION

Research on hepatic organoids has increased over the past decade and is expected to continue to grow. Key research areas include applications for liver diseases and drug development. Future trends likely to gain focus include patient-derived tumour organoids, disease modelling, and personalized medicine.
Clinical characteristics of patients with hepatitis and cirrhosis and the construction of a prediction model
Authors: Huang Yu-Shuang , Gao Wei , Sun Ai-Jun , Pu Chun-Wen , Xu Shuang-Shuang
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis is an important disease burden in China. However, there is a lack of effective predictors in clinical practice to drive delivery and enable early treatment to delay disease progression.

AIM

To analyzing the clinical characteristics of patients with hepatitis and cirrhosis, the nomogram model was established and validated.

METHODS

The clinical data of 1070 patients with hepatitis B who were treated in our hospital from October 2015 to July 2022 were collected. In a 7:3 ratio, 749 cases were divided into training cohorts and 321 cases were divided into validation cohorts. In addition, the training cohort and validation cohort were further divided into hepatitis group and hepatitis B-related cirrhosis group based on whether the patient progressed to cirrhosis. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of hepatitis progression to cirrhosis. A roadmap prediction model was established, and the predictive effect of the model was evaluated by patient-subject receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and the effectiveness of the model was evaluated by decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using hepatitis B-related cirrhosis = 1 and hepatitis = 0 as dependent variables, and univariate analysis of serological indicators was used as covariates. The results showed that glutamic oxaloacetate aminotransferase/glutamate acetone aminotransferase levels, prothrombin time activity, and hepatitis B e antigen levels were all contributing factors to the progression of hepatitis to cirrhosis. The area under the ROC curve was 0.693 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.631 to 0.756] for the training cohort and 0.675 (95%CI: 0.561 to 0.790) for the validation cohort. In addition, the decision analysis curves of the prediction models of both the training cohort and the validation cohort confirmed the effectiveness of the nomogram prediction model.

CONCLUSION

Three independent factors influencing the progression to cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis B were identified. The construction of a nomogram prediction model from hepatitis to cirrhosis has high application value as a tool for predicting the occurrence of liver cirrhosis in hepatitis B patients.
Association of Life’s Essential 8 and Life’s Simple 7 with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in the United States
Authors: Fu Wei , Cheng Guo-Bin , Zhao Jun-Long , Lv Lin-Ya , Ding Yao
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular health (CVH) plays a crucial role in overall health, but its association with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate the relationship between CVH, measured using Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) and Life’s Simple 7 (LS7), and the prevalence of MAFLD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study had a sample of 2234 individuals, representing approximately 120 million individuals in the United States. Baseline parameters were compared between the LE8 and LS7 groups. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between LE8, LS7, and MAFLD, while taking into account confounding factors. The investigation employed restricted cubic splines to investigate non-linear associations. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity studies were performed to evaluate the strength and reliability of the results.

RESULTS

Higher LE8 and LS7 scores were significantly associated with a decreased risk of MAFLD, even after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables. This association demonstrated a non-linear pattern, with the most dramatic risk reduction observed at higher CVH levels. Individual CVH components, notably healthy behaviors and factors, exhibited strong relationships with MAFLD. Subgroup analyses indicated consistent relationships across several demographics. Sensitivity tests utilizing other MAFLD definitions validated the robustness of the findings.

CONCLUSION

Higher adherence to CVH criteria, as indicated by LE8 and LS7 scores, is associated with a significantly lower risk of MAFLD. These results emphasize the need to advance CVH to control and avoid MAFLD.