bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Aerial Parts of Blumea lacera in Ameliorating the Hepatic key Enzymes and Carbohydrate Metabolizing Indices in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Rath Diptirani , Khan Haseeb A. , Maharana Laxmidhar
Published: January 2025

Background

Blumea lacera Burm. f. DC (Asteraceae) is an erect herb with antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities, rendering it a potential agent for the evaluation of antidiabetic activity.

Methods

Experimental diabetes was induced in albino Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneally injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg b.w.) dissolved in cold citrate buffer at pH 4.5. Different fractions of methanol extract of aerial parts of B. lacera were subjected to acute antidiabetic study in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg tested up to 10 h. Methanol fraction (MFBL) at 100 and 200 mg/kg was administered to diabetic rats for sub-acute antidiabetic study. Serum biochemistry including lipid profile, insulin levels, and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes as well as histopathology, were performed during the 30 days of interventional study. All the groups were compared with the standard drug Metformin. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of different fractions was conducted to identify the active compounds.

Results

MFBL showed a significant ( P < 0.01) fall in blood glucose levels and hepatic enzymes in a dose-dependent manner in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MFBL also modulated the activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, by significantly increasing the effects of hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and significantly reducing the effects of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. The histopathology of liver and pancreas samples along with antioxidant study also supported biochemical observations. GC-MS analysis identified 17 major bioactive compounds including the antidiabetic agent, Myo-inositol, in different fractions.

Conclusion

The anti-diabetic effects of MFBL are attributed to its modulatory effects on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes as well as the presence of antidiabetic phytochemical ‘Myo-inositol’ in MFBL. Further studies are warranted to identify multiple targets of active compounds present in B. lacera plant.
Hinge Position Dominance Over Osteotomy Inclination in Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Key Factor in Posterior Tibial Slope Changes
Authors: Bax Eva A. , Nguyen H. Chien , van Egmond Nienke , Slump Cornelis H. , Kruyt Moyo C. , Custers Roel J.H. , Hekman Edsko E.G.
Published: January 2025

Objective

A medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) may increase the posterior tibial slope (PTS). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the osteotomy inclination angle (in the sagittal plane) in combination with different hinge positions (in the transverse plane) on the change in PTS due to a MOWHTO.

Methods

We developed a mathematical approach to determine the effect of the osteotomy inclination angle combined with different hinge positions. The change in PTS was determined for different osteotomy inclination angles, hinge positions, and intended wedge angles. Anterior-inclined, parallel, and posterior-inclined osteotomy inclination angles were simulated. Hinge positions varied between 5° anterolateral and −45° posterolateral. The wedge angles were 5°, 10°, and 15°. Moreover, 2 in silico osteotomies were performed to verify the results of the mathematical model.

Results

The PTS was maintained when the osteotomy cut was performed parallel to the tibial plateau with a lateral hinge position. The PTS changed when the osteotomy was not aligned in the sagittal plane, ranging between 0.0° and 0.6°. Different hinge positions, however, had a large effect on postoperative PTS change, ranging between 0.1° and 10.7°.

Conclusions

Our mathematical approach showed that the hinge position has a strong effect on the PTS. The sagittal osteotomy inclination angle had little effect on the PTS. An inclination angle parallel to the medial tibial plateau combined with a lateral hinge position does not change the PTS.
When ‘us’ becomes ‘them’: Rescripting queer sexual subjectivities in Thai children’s lifeworlds
Authors: Doungphummes Nuntiya , Phanthaphoomme Narongdej , Vicars Mark
Published: January 2025

Public discussions of non-normative sexualities are generally ‘tolerated’ in many Thai public spaces; however, being visibly homosexual in Thailand can mean being susceptible to discrimination and stigmatization. In this study, children’s ability to re-narrate their life worlds is articulated and through an a/r/tographic articulation of the assemblages of their onto-epistemic social relations drawn from their everyday encountering of images of gender and sexuality. Their depictions via social media we collected include self-disclosure, desired becoming, intimacy, and the ideal of coupledom and marriage. This study argues that the conspicuous divide between the curated personas of young queers in the digital platform and the nuanced authenticity of their lived experiences may not singularly account for the prejudices they endure within Thai society. The immediacy and alluring nature of these platforms heighten the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ ingénues, whose audacious self-representation serves as both a declaration of identity and a target for inspection.
1990–2041 Global burden of Burkitt lymphoma with 20 years forecast: A systematic analysis using the global burden disease of study of 2021
Authors: Dou Chengyun , Sang Yidan , Zhu Hongbo , Cao Chuangjie
Published: January 2025

Background:

To investigate the trends in Burkitt lymphoma incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years, considering sex and age, from 1990 to 2021, with a 20-year forecast.

Method:

Data regarding Burkitt lymphoma were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study for the year 2021.

Results:

Globally, there were 19,072 incident cases of Burkitt lymphoma in 2021. Cases of Burkitt lymphoma experienced a 207% increase from 1990 to 2021. Over three decades, Burkitt lymphoma-associated deaths rose from 3843 to 6525. The global incidence rate of Burkitt lymphoma increased from 0.127 in 1990 to 0.236 in 2021 per 100,000 population. High body-mass indexes contribution to Burkitt lymphoma is evident in the disability-adjusted life-years, with the United States and the United Kingdom recording 0.06 and 0.05, respectively. Conversely, China and India demonstrated substantially lower contributions, at 0.02 and 0.005, respectively. The groups aged 0–14 and 50–74 years surpassed other age groups in both Burkitt lymphoma-associated incidence and death numbers. Moreover, males consistently had higher Burkitt lymphoma-associated mortality rates and numbers than females in all age groups. Furthermore, the estimated annual percentage changes of incidence with Burkitt lymphoma were positively correlated with sociodemographic index (Pearson r = 0.606; p = 0.003). The Bayesian age-period-cohort model predicts a significant increase in the age-standardized incidence rates of Burkitt lymphoma over the next 20 years. Interestingly, the age-standardized rates of death did not change dramatically from 1990 to 2021; and the trend is expected to remain relatively stable in the future 20 years.

Conclusion:

The burden of Burkitt lymphoma varies according to different regions and genders, and children of 0–14 years, adults of 50–74 years with Burkitt lymphoma disease as well as male patients need special attention. High body-mass index contributes significantly to Burkitt lymphoma burden in the United States and United Kingdom, but less so in China and India. Hopefully, this study will help optimize the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of Burkitt lymphoma to reduce the disease burden.
Real-time mechanism-based interventions for daily alcohol challenges: Protocol for ecological momentary assessment and intervention
Authors: Liu Shuyan , Haucke Matthias , Groß Rika , Schneider Kay , Shin Jaekyung , Arntz Fabian , Bach Patrick , Banaschewski Tobias , Beste Christian , Deserno Lorenz , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich , Endrass Tanja , Ganz Marvin , Ghadami Ali , Giurgiu Marco , Heinz Andreas , Kiefer Falk , Kliegl Reinhold , Lenz Bernd , Marciniak Marta Anna , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Neubauer Andreas B. , Rapp Michael , Smolka Michael N. , Strehle Jens , Spanagel Rainer , Spitta Gianna , Tost Heike , Walter Henrik , Zech Hilmar , Reichert Dominic , Reichert Markus
Published: January 2025

Background

Advancing evidence-based, tailored interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) requires understanding temporal directionality while upholding ecological validity. Previous studies identified loneliness and craving as pivotal factors associated with alcohol consumption, yet the precise directionality of these relationships remains ambiguous.

Objective

This study aims to establish a smartphone-based real-life intervention platform that integrates momentary assessment and intervention into everyday life. The platform will explore the temporal directionality of contextual influences on alcohol use among individuals experiencing loneliness and craving.

Methods

We will target 180 individuals aged 18 to 70 in Germany who report loneliness, alcohol cravings, and meet risk or binge drinking criteria (over 14 standard drinks per week or five drinks in a single day for males, and over seven drinks per week or four drinks in a single day for females). Using a Within-Person-Encouragement-Design and Just-In-Time-Adaptive-Interventions, we will manipulate the contexts of loneliness and alcohol craving with cognitive reappraisal and physical activity interventions against a control condition (working memory task).

Results

Recruitment started in June 2024, with data collection and processing expected by June 2027.

Conclusion

Our real-life intervention platform endeavors to serve as a robust tool for discerning the directionality of the effects from time series data in everyday life influences on alcohol use for the future study. Ultimately, it will pave the way for low-threshold prevention, clinical treatment, and therapy to target diverse contexts of everyday life in SUD.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00033133.
Social media activism and women's health: Endometriosis awareness and support
Authors: Seo Hyunjin , Burkett K. Macy , Okocha Moses , Ha Huong , Chaif Rim , Izhar Nazra , Coelho Michaella Barros , Jona Blessing , Iqbal Azhar
Published: January 2025

Objective

While endometriosis is estimated to affect 1 in 10 women globally, awareness of the disease as well as research and funding to fight the disease remains lacking as compared with other chronic diseases. This study examines how social media users utilized Instagram to raise awareness of and mobilize activism around endometriosis by analyzing prominent topics, word associations, and feminism themes in endometriosis-tagged posts on Instagram.

Methods

We used a mixed-method approach of combining computational analyses (topic modeling and word association) and human coding (qualitative thematic analysis) of Instagram posts on endometriosis.

Results

Our results show that while Instagram users discussed a variety of issues related to the disease on the social media platform, these issues tend to focus on four topic areas: (i) living with endometriosis, (ii) pregnancy and endometriosis, (iii) awareness and empowerment, and (iv) women's health and wellbeing. In addition, social media users widely incorporated three feminism themes: (i) bringing attention to invisible disability, (ii) solidarity and support among women, and (iii) advocacy and activism around women's health.

Conclusion

People with endometriosis use Instagram to create an online public sphere for raising awareness of the disease, offering networking and support to other endometriosis patients, and creating a movement for enhancing women's health and wellness. In doing so, they are also addressing sexism and misconceptions about endometriosis that have traditionally contributed to normalizing women's experience of pain associated with endometriosis and consequently delaying endometriosis diagnoses.
Study and Analysis of Barriers for Implementation of Industry 4.0 Technologies Using Spherical Fuzzy TOPSIS Method
Authors: Kumar Akshay , Krishna Chimata Murli
Published: January 2025

The objective of this research work is to study and analyze the most influential barriers, and minimize their effect for successful implementation of industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing industry. The identified barriers are classified into (i) operational, (ii) technical, and (iii) social barriers. Drivers are proposed to minimize the effect of barriers, and a relationship between barriers and drivers has been established using data collected from a questionnaire survey for the manufacturing industry in India. A multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model is formulated and is solved by using a proposed methodology involving interval-valued spherical fuzzy sets (IVSF) based TOPSIS method. The results indicate that high investment, communication between operational and information technologies, and the resistance of employees to change prove to be potential barriers for the manufacturing industry in developing countries. Drivers such as government initiatives, establishment of fast internet connectivity, job security, etc., are recommended in this research work for minimizing the effect of barriers.
Arthroscopic Bone Grafting of Deep Acetabular Cysts in Hip Preservation Surgery: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Marty Eric W. , Girardi Nicholas G. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Lee Jessica H. , Keeter Carson , Merkle Alexander N. , Mei-Dan Omer
Published: January 2025

Background:

Acetabular subchondral cysts are commonly identified signs of joint degeneration and arthritis. This pathology is generally considered a relative contraindication for hip preservation surgery.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of arthroscopic bone grafting for the treatment of acetabular subchondral cysts.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We completed a retrospective analysis of hip arthroscopies performed by the senior author between 2013 and 2021. Patients with radiologic evidence of acetabular cysts who underwent arthroscopic bone grafting, with or without subsequent periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and/or derotational femoral osteotomy with a minimum of 2-year follow-up, were included in the analysis. Patients undergoing surgical treatment for diagnoses of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Legg-Calves-Perthe disease, osteochondromatosis, or postdislocation syndrome, as well as patients who refused to participate in the study, were excluded. We compared the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for patients who underwent arthroscopic bone grafting with a case-matched control group without acetabular cysts with the same surgical route (hip arthroscopy or hip arthroscopy followed by PAO). An “inside-out” arthroscopic bone grafting technique was utilized, which allowed for precise access to the cystic cavity through the articular side. We analyzed postoperative PROs at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively using the international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) and Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS).

Results:

In total, there were 44 hips in the experimental group and 78 hips in the control group. The mean PRO interval in the experimental group was 3.4 years (range, 2-5 years postoperatively), with 20 patients reaching PROs 5 years postoperatively. The experimental group reported significant improvement of iHOT-12 and NAHS scores postoperatively (both P < .001). Postoperative iHOT-12 and NAHS scores did not significantly differ between groups over a 5-year follow-up interval ( P = .26 and .17, respectively). Radiographic evidence of cyst healing was achieved in all 7 patients who underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, with 3 cases of complete resolution.

Conclusion:

Acetabular subchondral cysts treated with an inside-out method of arthroscopic bone grafting in the setting of hip preservation surgery with or without PAO was associated with a significant improvement in midterm PROs, comparable with a control group of patients without acetabular cysts who did not undergo bone grafting. Our results support the use of arthroscopic grafting in appropriately selected patients and suggest that hip preservation is not contraindicated in patients with acetabular subchondral cysts.
The cognitive processes of incarcerated youth: How does the criminal justice system change the strain coping strategies?
Authors: Wong Dennis SW , Ip Melody WS
Published: January 2025

The Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement (Anti-ELAB) in Hong Kong has drawn scholarly interest due to the active involvement of young people. However, research on the cognitive processes of Hong Kong youth before, during and after the protests has been limited. This study addressed this gap by conducting 59 semi-structured interviews with incarcerated youth aged 18–30 who had engaged in Anti-ELAB activities. Through the lens of general strain theory and rational choice theory, the study uncovered that dissatisfaction with authorities and social conditions led protesters to resort to violent and radical tactics. The research highlighted a shift in coping strategies among the youth post-apprehension within the criminal justice system, influenced by heightened awareness of legal consequences and perceived ineffectiveness of protest actions. While general strain theory primarily guided the study, the insights also aligned with rational choice theory, emphasising the impact of anticipated benefits versus societal norms on criminal decisions. The study demonstrated that the recalibration of cost-effectiveness analyses following apprehension altered how individuals adapted to strain. Despite general strain theory being the primary theoretical framework, the study underscored the value of incorporating rational choice theory to elucidate changes in coping strategies post-apprehension. The findings supported the notion that various strains contribute to deviant behaviours, with coping strategies evolving in response to legal repercussions and the perceived effectiveness of actions within the criminal justice system.
MRI delta radiomics during chemoradiotherapy for prognostication in locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Wagner-Larsen Kari S. , Lura Njål , Gulati Ankush , Ryste Stian , Hodneland Erlend , Fasmer Kristine E. , Woie Kathrine , Bertelsen Bjørn I. , Salvesen Øyvind , Halle Mari K. , Smit Noeska , Krakstad Camilla , Haldorsen Ingfrid S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Effective diagnostic tools for prompt identification of high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients are needed to facilitate early, individualized treatment. The aim of this work was to assess temporal changes in tumor radiomics (delta radiomics) from T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in LACC patients, and their association with progression-free survival (PFS). Furthermore, to develop, validate, and compare delta- and pretreatment radiomic signatures for prognostic modeling.

Methods

A total of 110 LACC patients undergoing CCRT with MRI at baseline and mid-treatment were divided into training (cohortT: n = 73) and validation (cohortV: n = 37) cohorts. Radiomic features were extracted from tumors segmented on pre-CCRT and mid-CCRT T2WI and radiomic deltas (delta features) were computed. Two radiomic signatures for predicting PFS were constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression: Deltarad (from delta features) and Pre-CCRTrad (from pre-CCRT features). Prognostic performance of the radiomic signatures, 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (I–IV), and baseline MRI-derived maximum tumor diameter (Tumormax: ≤2 cm; >2 and ≤ 4 cm; >4 cm) was evaluated by area under time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (tdROC) curves (AUC) in cohortT and cohortV (AUCT/AUCV). Mann–Whitney U tests assessed differences in radiomic delta features. PFS was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank tests.

Results

Deltarad (AUCT/AUCV: 0.74/0.79) marginally outperformed Pre-CCRTrad (0.72/0.75) for predicting 5-year PFS, and both signatures clearly surpassed that of FIGO (0.61/0.61) and Tumormax (0.58/0.65). In total, four features within Deltarad and Pre-CCRTrad significantly differed in delta feature values between progressors and non-progressors, being consistently lower in progressors (p ≤ 0.03 for all). High Deltarad and Pre-CCRTrad radiomic scores were associated with poor PFS (p ≤ 0.04 for Deltarad in cohortT/Pre-CCRTrad in both cohorts; p = 0.11 for Deltarad in cohortV).

Conclusions

Delta- and pretreatment radiomic signatures equally allow early prognostication in LACC, outperforming FIGO stage and MRI-assessed maximum tumor diameter.
Lidocaine could promote the cuproptosis through up-regulating the long noncoding RNA DNMBP-AS1 in Hep-2 cells
Authors: Liu Wei , Yu Yi , He Yi , Lv Meihong
Published: January 2025

Background

Lidocaine is a traditional local anesthetic, which has been reported to trigger apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, independent of death receptor signaling. Cuproptosis is a copper triggered mitochondrial cell death mode. In this study, we explored the biological effects of lidocaine on cuproptosis in Hep-2 cells and studied the relevant mechanisms.

Methods

quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure the expression level of long noncoding RNA (IncRNA) DNMBP-AS1. DNMBP-AS1 siRNA (si-DNMBP-AS1) were transfected into Hep-2 cells to verify the roles of DNMBP-AS1 in cuproptosis. 24 h treatment with 20 nM elesclomol and 2 µM CuCl2 was performed to promote the occurrence of Cuproptosis. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis assays ware utilized to analyze biological effect of lidocaine and DNMBP-AS1 on Hep-2 cells. Active caspase-3 were also determined after treatment.

Results

DNMBP-AS1 was significantly upregulated during cuproptosis in Hep-2 cells. The si-DNMBP-AS1 significantly increased the cell viability with nonactivated caspase-3, promoted the cell migration and suppress the cuproptosis. Lidocaine was cytotoxic to the Hep-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Exposure to 10 µM of lidocaine for 24 h did not reduce the viability or activated the caspase-3, but significantly increased the expression of DNMBP-AS1, and promote the cuproptosis. Anymore, si-DNMBP-AS1 reversed the pro-cuproptosis function of lidocaine.

Conclusions

lidocaine was cytotoxic to Hep-2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, promoted the cuproptosis through up-regulating DNMBP-AS1. The results of this study offered initial optimism that lidocaine could be used in an adjuvant or neoadjuvant fashion in cancer treatment.
Exploring how course social and cultural environmental features influence student engagement in STEM active learning courses: a control–value theory approach
Authors: Choi Yoon Ha , Theobald Elli , Velasco Vicente , Eddy Sarah L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Active learning, on average, increases student performance in STEM courses. Yet, there is also large variation in the effectiveness of these implementations. A consistent goal of active learning is moving students towards becoming active constructors of their knowledge. This emphasis means student engagement is of central importance. Thus, variation in student engagement could help explain variation in outcomes from active learning. In this study, we employ Pekrun’s Control–Value Theory to examine the impact of four aspects of course social and cultural environments on student engagement. This theory posits that social and cultural features of the course environment influence students’ appraisals of their ability to control their academic outcomes from the course and the value they see in those outcomes. Control and value in turn influence the emotions students experience in the course and their behaviors. We selected four features of the course environment suggested in the literature to be important in active learning courses: course goal structure, relevance of course content, students’ trust in their instructor, and perceived course competition.

Results

We surveyed students in 13 introductory STEM courses. We used structural equation modeling to map how features of the course environment related to control, value, and academic emotions, as well as how control, value, and academic emotions influenced engagement. We found engagement was positively related to control and value as well as the emotion of curiosity. Engagement was negatively related to the emotion of boredom. Importantly, features of the course environment influenced these four variables. All features influenced control: goal structure, relevance, and instructor trust increased it, while competition decreased it. All features except competition were related positively to value. Relevance and instructor trust increased curiosity. Goal structure, relevance, and instructor trust all reduced boredom, while competition increased it.

Conclusion

Overall, our study suggests that the way instructors structure the social and cultural environment in active learning courses can impact engagement. Building positive instructor–student relationships, reducing course competition, emphasizing mastery and the relevance of the course to students can all increase engagement in course activities.
Changes in nutritional management after gastrointestinal cancer surgery over a 12-year period: a cohort study using a nationwide medical claims database
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Murotani Kenta , Hayashi Nahoki , Kamoshita Satoru
Published: January 2025

Background

Nutritional management in patients after gastrointestinal cancer surgery has changed throughout the 2000s. However, its evolution has not been formally studied. This study aimed to evaluate changes in nutritional management using real-world data.

Methods

Patient data from 2011 to 2022 were extracted from a nationwide medical claims database. Patients were divided into four groups based on their year of hospital admission: period I, 2011–2013; II, 2014–2016; III, 2017–2019; IV, 2020–2022. For each period, feeding routes in all patients and prescribed doses of parenteral energy and amino acids in fasting patients during postoperative days (POD) 1–7 were determined. The results of the four different periods were compared using statistical trend tests.

Results

The study cohort was comprised of 365,125 patients. During POD 1–3, the proportion of patients administered any oral intake increased over time (I, 40.3%; II, 47.1%; III, 49.4%; IV, 54.2%; P < 0.001), while that of patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) decreased (I, 60.1%; II, 55.0%; III, 50.3%; IV, 45.5%; P < 0.001). Of 19,661 patients with PN alone (i.e., neither oral intake nor enteral nutrition) during POD 1–7, the median (interquartile range) prescribed doses on POD 7 of energy (kcal/kg) [I, 15.3 (10.3–21.9); II, 13.9 (8.4–20.0); III, 13.2 (7.7–19.2); IV, 12.9 (7.0–18.7); P < 0.001] and amino acids (g/kg) [I, 0.65 (0.30–0.94); II, 0.58 (0.24–0.89); III, 0.56 (0.00–0.86); IV, 0.56 (0.00–0.87); P < 0.001] both decreased over time.

Conclusion

From 2011 to 2022, more patients who underwent gastrointestinal cancer surgery in Japan were administered early oral intake, while fewer patients were administered early PN. Overall, the energy and amino acid doses prescribed in PN were far below the guideline recommendations.
Deciphering the potential ability of DExD/H-box helicase 60 (DDX60) on the proliferation, diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in pancreatic cancer: a research based on silico, RNA-seq and molecular biology experiment
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Enze , Cai Ying , sun Yixin , Zeng Peiji , Jiang Xiaohua , Lian Yifan
Published: January 2025

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant abdominal tumors. DDX60 has been shown to be associated with a variety of tumor biological processes. However, DDX60 in pancreatic cancer has not been reported. Our study confirmed that DDX60 can serve as a novel biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Materials and methods

We downloaded pancreatic cancer datasets from GEO and TCGA databases, respectively. To investigate the relationship between DDX60 expression and prognosis in pancreatic cancer. GSEA analysis was performed on DDX60. We performed RNA-seq to further explore the downstream biological targets of DDX60 and the signaling pathways that may be involved in pancreatic cancer. Finally, we tested it through molecular biology experiments. First, we constructed the plasmid and tested the plasmid effect by WB. Then MTT assay was performed to explore the effect of DDX60 knockout on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. LDH assay was performed to explore the effect of DDX60 on the release of lactate dehydrogenase from tumor cells. The effect of DDX60 on cell proliferation was further explored by clonal formation experiment. Continue to explore clinical therapeutic drugs sensitive to DDX60 targets.

Results

By analyzing the GSE71729, GSE183795, GSE16515, GSE28735 and GSE62452 data sets, we found that DDX60 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer. And is associated with poorer outcomes for pancreatic patients. The mRNA expression level of DDX60 was correlated with lymph node metastasis and grade in clinical pancreatic patients. Through the results of RNA-seq analysis, GO and KEGG analysis showed that DDX60 may be associated with cell cycle in pancreatic cancer. Through molecular biology experiments (MTT, LDH, and clonal formation experiment), we found that When DDX60 is knocked down in pancreatic cancer cells, the proliferation ability of tumor cells is significantly decreased. Several drugs targeting about DDX60 have been found, such as JW-7–52-1, this could provide direction for drug therapy against the DDX60 target.

Conclusion

In summary, DDX60 can be used as a novel biomarker related to the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, participate in tumor proliferation, and is associated with poor prognosis in patients.
Novel pain management strategy for uterine fibroid embolization
Authors: Ho Elaine , Tan Kiat Tsong
Published: January 2025

Background

Uterine fibroid embolization can be associated with significant pain due to fibroid ischemia and interventions of the procedure itself. Fentanyl and midazolam are commonly provided for sedation and pain relief, but are not tolerated by all patients. This report outlines a novel pain management strategy for uterine fibroid embolization in a patient who could not receive either opioids or benzodiazepines.

Methods

A 51 year old woman presenting with menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids was referred to interventional radiology for embolization. She was allergic to most opiates and had previously become agitated with IV midazolam, resulting in termination of a previous attempt at embolization. Thus, a combination of three analgesic modalities was used: intraarterial ropivacaine in the uterine arteries, superior hypogastric nerve block with ropivacaine, and intravenous acetaminophen. The patient underwent successful embolization and reported only intermittent pain of 1–2 out of 10 intensity.

Discussion

This combined analgesic cocktail represents a novel alternative to traditional sedation for uterine fibroid embolization and may serve as a viable option for patients with similar contraindications.
Privacy-preserving attribute-based access control using homomorphic encryption
Authors: Kerl Malte , Bodin Ulf , Schelén Olov
Published: January 2025

Authentication and access control for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) are pivotal for protecting systems and their users from problems related to harmful actions and the malicious use of retrieved data. In some situations, making access decisions requires using user information, thereby challenging their privacy. Attribute-based access control (ABAC) supports dynamic and context-aware access decisions that are attractive in cyber-physical system environments. However, privacy preservation for access decisions is an open issue for authorization and is not supported by existing ABAC models. For example, if access decisions need to be made based on private attribute values such as health data, the corresponding access control policies need to be revealed. This paper reviews the ABAC, homomorphic encryption (HE), and zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) approaches, confirming the gap in privacy preservation in ABAC. Based on this observation, we further present the application of a new ZKP-based protocol in which ABAC allows for the privacy-preserving evaluation of attributes. This protocol is implemented and evaluated in terms of its performance and security. The evaluation demonstrates that there is a possibility for privacy-preserving ABAC, which may benefit the use of CPS, e.g., in underground and open-pit mines.
The simultaneous interaction of MSL2 with CLAMP and DNA provides redundancy in the initiation of dosage compensation in Drosophila males
Authors: Tikhonova Evgeniya , Fedotova Anna , Bonchuk Artem , Mogila Vladic , Larschan Erica N. , Georgiev Pavel , Maksimenko Oksana
Published: January 2025

The binding of the Drosophila male-specific lethal dosage compensation complex (DCC) exclusively to the male X chromosome provides an excellent model system to understand mechanisms of selective recruitment of protein complexes to chromatin. Previous studies showed that the male-specific organizer of the complex, MSL2, and the ubiquitous DNA-binding protein CLAMP are key players in the specificity of X chromosome binding. The CXC domain of MSL2 binds to genomic sites of DCC recruitment in vitro. Another conserved domain of MSL2, named Clamp-binding domain (CBD) directly interacts with the N-terminal zinc-finger domain of CLAMP. Here, we found that inactivation of CBD or CXC individually only modestly affected recruitment of the DCC to the X chromosome in males. However, combination of these two genetic lesions within the same MSL2 mutant resulted in an increased loss of DCC recruitment to the X chromosome. Thus, proper MSL2 positioning requires an interaction with either CLAMP or DNA to initiate dosage compensation in Drosophila males.
Meeting report – Alpine desmosome disease meeting 2024: advances and emerging topics in desmosomes and related diseases
Authors: Waschke Jens , Amagai Masayuki , Becker Christoph , Delmar Mario , Duru Firat , Garrod David R. , Gerull Brenda , Green Kathleen J. , Hertl Michael , Kowalczyk Andrew P. , Niessen Carien M. , Nusrat Asma , Schinner Camilla , Schlegel Nicolas , Sivasankar Sanjeevi , Vielmuth Franziska , Spindler Volker
Published: January 2025

Desmosomes are adhesive cell contacts abundant in tissues exposed to mechanical strain, such as the stratified and simple epithelia of the epidermis and mucous membranes, as well as the myocardium. Besides their role in mechanical cell cohesion, desmosomes also modulate pathways important for tissue differentiation, wound healing and immune responses. Dysfunctional desmosomes, resulting from pathogenic variants in genes encoding desmosomal components, autoantibodies targeting desmosomal adhesion molecules or inflammation, cause the life-threatening diseases arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and pemphigus and contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. The Alpine Desmosome Disease Meeting 2024 (ADDM 2024), held in Grainau, Germany in October 2024, connected international researchers from basic sciences with clinical experts from dermatology, cardiology, gastroenterology and surgery. The participants discussed recent advances, identified hot topics in desmosome biology and disease and provided new concepts for pathogenesis and treatment approaches.
Effects of Wii Fit-based Exercises versus proprioceptive training on balance and fall risk in patients with diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Shakil ur Rehman Syed , Hassan Danish , Ikram Maryam , Ikram Mehwish
Published: January 2025

Objective:  To determine the effects of Wii Fit-based exercises and proprioceptive training on balance and fall risk in diabetic neuropathy patients.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Riphah Rehabilitation Centre, Lahore, between March 2022 to August 2022 (duration six months). Thirty-four participants were included, twenty males and fourteen females. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group-A received Wii Fit-based exercises thrice a week for six weeks and Group-B received Proprioceptive training thrice a week for six weeks. Pre and post-measurements of balance and risk fall were assessed through Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG).
Results: Thirty-four participants (20 males and 14 females) were allocated in each group, with a mean age of 62±9.21. The normality test (Shaphiro-Wilk Test, p>0.05) of BBS, MFES, and TUG summarized that data was normally distributed. Six weeks of treatment sessions have shown no significant difference between both groups (p>0.05). However, the within-group comparisons showed significant results that indicate the clinical effects of both treatments (p<0.05).
Conclusion: It was concluded that there was no difference between Wii Fit exercises and proprioceptive training on balance and risk of falls in diabetic neuropathic patients.
Trial Registration Number: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05282602 on date 16/03/2022.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.8775
How to cite this: Shakil ur Rehman S, Hassan D, Ikram M, Ikram M. Effects of Wii Fit-based Exercises versus proprioceptive training on balance and fall risk in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):393-398. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.8775
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Exploring MAR perceptions in Kosovo – disparities in knowledge about MAR among young people
Authors: Dimitrievska Vera , Jana Meloska , Manon Vialle , Virginie Rozée , Kristien Hens , Joke Struyf , Francisco Guell , Maria Lopez Toribio , Jose Miguel Carrasco , De Bayas Sanchez Anna , Fuller Michaela Fuller
Published: January 2025

Research on knowledge and perception about (in)fertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) techniques among young people in Kosovo is lacking. Part of the European Project’s B²-InF’s team conducted a qualitative study in Kosovo with young adults (18–30) in 2021 assessing perceptions and views related to MAR and information provided by the MAR clinics in Kosovo. Main objective of this study is to explore perceptions about motherhood/fatherhood and to understand (in)fertility issues among young people in Kosovo. It is focused to delve more into MAR knowledge and techniques of young people in Kosovo and in general. Fifteen interviews with young people living in Kosovo between June and July 2021 were conducted. A total of 3 themes emerged during the qualitative analysis and were grouped in three main theme levels. The first level, perceptions about motherhood and fatherhood among young people in Kosovo is about different views of young people in Kosovo, desires about becoming parents, what is their personal attitude towards parenting. The second, relevance/importance of fertility in Kosovo context is looking at importance of (in)fertility within the young people from gender perspective. The third, MAR perceptions and new techniques that are prevailing in the global sense as different access opportunities are present. The findings from our interviews demonstrated that parenthood is still gender related. Male (in)fertility is often considered a taboo among the young people in Kosovo. A substantial amount of lack of knowledge was found in relation to MAR techniques, highlighting the importance of detailed information about the whole process of MAR treatments.
Competitiveness of Indonesia’s export products with IJEPA cooperation framework
Authors: Sukarniati Lestari , Lubis Firsty Ramadhona Amalia , Hossain MD Modabber
Published: January 2025

Bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) is a form of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Japan that carries the concept of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). With one of IJEPA's goals in the form of capacity building, Bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) is a form of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Japan that carries the concept of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). With one of IJEPA's goals in the form of capacity building, IJEPA provides space for both parties to collaborate in order to increase the competitiveness of Indonesian producers. Problems in trying to maximize the impact of the IJEPA agreement on increasing domestic product product industries have encouraged Indonesia to be able to determine what products are worthy of being superior products in the context of international trade conducted with Japan. This study analyzes the trade and competitiveness of Indonesian products using Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) and Product Mapping.The results of the product mapping analysis show that there are 3 commodities that are included in the top five highest comparative advantage in 2003, 2013 and 2021, namely HS 11 commodities (Milling Industrial Products; Malt; Starch; Inulina; Wheat Gluten) HS code 21 (Extracts, essences and concentrates, from coffee, tea or mate and preparations with a basis of these products or with a basis of coffee, tea or mate) and HS code 25 (Salt; Sulfur; Soil and Stone; Plaster, Cal and Cement). This shows that these three products can be used as specialization products for Indonesia's trade with Japan.
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Authors: Yasmin Yasmin , Sari Willa Fatika
Published: January 2025

The relationship between economic growth and government spending has been extremely ambiguous over the last few years. In this matter, both Wagner and Keynes expressed their views. However, several research with varying results on those hypotheses. The Keynesian hypothesis, Indonesia's Wagner's law, and the relationship between economic growth and government spending were thus all investigated by the researchers in this study. The Granger causality test and the Engle-Granger cointegration test were used in order to determine the direction with which both variables are linked, as well as a longer-term association. The outcome demonstrated that economic growth and government spending do not have a long-term relationship. In contrast, the causality test revealed a one-way correlation between government spending and economic growth, implying that Wagner's law was applicable in Indonesia. Accordingly, the government must reconsider government spending that is perceived to be less efficient in encouraging economic growth, such as subsidy programs and public goods procurement. Additionally, the government ought to consider reducing government spending and expanding private sector participation in economic development given that Wagner's law has been demonstrated to be applicable in Indonesia.
Impact of pandemic COVID-19 on the E-banking customer behavior: Case of Indonesia
Authors: Pramuditya Fani , Azis An Nisa Febri
Published: January 2025

This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting customers' acceptance and use of the internet and mobile banking during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Indonesia, the COVID-19 epidemic has encouraged residents to utilize other payment methods rather than cash, which easily spreading the virus. Internet and mobile banking are examples of technological innovations which can assist banking customers during the COVID-19 pandemic since it is safer, easier to access, and needs less human interaction. This paper utilizes a Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model to assess consumers' intentions to use the internet and mobile banking. Previous research discussed the mobile banking adoption during the Covid-19 in various fields. Therefore, it is important to analyze the mobile banking intention and behavior in Indonesia. The data collected from questionnaires are used to evaluate the conceptual model, which shows the relationship between UTAUT constructs, performance expectancy, experience expectancy, and social influence. From 158 questionnaires with diverse demographic backgrounds gathered, we found that effort expectancy, performance expectancy, and social influence have a positive impact on the behavioral intention. Furthermore, it found that behavioral intention and facilitating conditions have influence on the using behavior. These results give a suggestion to both the banking industry and government to improve their mobile banking system to improve financial inclusion.
Tourism sector in Bukittinggi: Analysis of tourism competitiveness before and after COVID-19
Authors: Syawal Fadhilah , Satrianto Alpon
Published: January 2025

The tourism industry, a crucial service sector, has been significantly impacted by the global pandemic, Covid-19. This impact has not only affected the development of tourism but also the regional economy. Bukittinggi, a key tourism city in West Sumatra, now more than ever, requires a competitive analysis to ensure its continuous growth. This research is aimed at analyzing and comparing Bukittinggi's tourism competitiveness before and after Covid-19. The research, a quantitative descriptive study with an exploratory research design, utilizes Competitiveness Monitor analysis. The data, sourced from BPS, BKD, and Bukittinggi Tourism Office, is secondary. The research results present the comparative results of the Tourism Competitiveness Analysis of Bukittinggi city as follows: a). PCI before Covid-19 was greater than after Covid-19; b). EI competitiveness before Covid-19 was higher than after Covid-19; c). HTI after Covid-19 was higher than before Covid-19; d). IDI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; e). OI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; 6). HRI after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; f). TAI Value competitiveness index after Covid-19 is higher than before Covid-19; g). SDI before and after Covid-19 is equal. This research explains comparison of Bukittinggi's tourism competitiveness before and after Covid-19. The contribution of study are: a). consideration on improving tourism sites; b). Tourism management needs to be carried out in an integrated manner; and c). The government is expected to conduct more repairs and maintenance on tourism locations to increase visitor comfort when traveling.
Analysis of human capital for infrastructure development relation to industrialization in Indonesia
Authors: Afrianti Nur Lailah , Syafitri Syafitri , Anisa Muni , Bintang Khairil Insan
Published: January 2025

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