bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of trifecta outcomes for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between simple and complex renal masses: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mitra Arnab , Evangeline Sadanala Madhuri , George A. J. P. , Mukherjee Partho , Gowri Mahasampath , Kumar Santosh , Nirmal Thampi John
Published: February 2025

Background

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) remains technically challenging for complex renal masses, and there are limited data regarding its safety and efficacy. This study aims to compare the perioperative outcomes of LPN for complex renal masses with RENAL nephrometry score ≥ 7 vs. simple renal masses with RENAL score < 7, focusing on achieving the "Trifecta" outcome.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analysed data from 170 patients who underwent LPN for malignant renal masses between 2017 and 2021. Patients were divided into Group A (score < 7) and Group B (score ≥ 7) based on RENAL score. Demographics, blood parameters, renal mass characteristics, surgical details, and pathology findings were compared. Perioperative outcomes were assessed based on Trifecta criteria: negative pathological surgical margin (PSM), warm ischemia time (WIT) ≤ 25 min, and no > grade 2 Clavien–Dindo complications.

Results

Group A and Group B comprised 88 (51.7%) and 82 (48.2%) patients, respectively. Trifecta outcomes were comparable between Group A (68.1%) vs. Group B (62.2%) (p = 0.5). There was no significant difference in patients with WIT ≤ 25 min (77.2% vs. 78%, p = 0.88) and negative PSM (92% vs. 86.5%, p = 0.19). The incidence of major complications was low overall but significantly higher for Group B (9.7%) vs. Group A (2.2%), p = 0.04. Perioperative glomerular filtration rate drop (17.2 vs.16.1, p = 0.66), estimated intraoperative Hb drop (2.1 vs. 2.09, p = 0.15) gm%, mean blood loss (180 vs. 221 ml, p = 0.9) and mean operation time (135 vs. 120 min, p = 0.64) did not significantly differ between Group A vs. Group B, respectively.

Conclusions

LPN is a safe approach for managing complex renal masses, yielding acceptable overall Trifecta outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons in high-volume centers. However, surgeons should be cognizant of the increased risk of positive surgical margins and postoperative complications in tumours with a RENAL score greater than or equal to 7.
The central role of trust and perceived risk in the acceptance of autonomous vehicles in an integrated UTAUT model
Authors: Kenesei Zsófia , Kökény László , Ásványi Katalin , Jászberényi Melinda
Published: February 2025

The adoption of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is crucial for the future of transport. Among their many benefits, one of the most important is increased safety. Yet a key barrier to consumer adoption is the perceived level of risk. In our research, we explore this controversy within the framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model including two key variables: trust and perceived risk. Based on a survey, we tested our hypotheses using structural equation modelling (SEM). Our results suggest that positive perceptions of technology attributes alone—performs well, no effort to use, supported—are not sufficient for acceptance; it is also essential that these attributes increase trust in AVs and thereby reduce perceived risk. If potential users have confidence in AVs and thus perceive a reduced risk, the perceived benefits of the technology can be significantly enhanced. We draw implications for theory and practice from our results, concentrating mainly on the potential to enhance trust in AVs.
De novo genome hybrid assembly and annotation of the endangered and euryhaline fish Aphanius iberus (Valenciennes, 1846) with identification of genes potentially involved in salinity adaptation
Authors: López-Solano Alfonso , Doadrio Ignacio , Nester Tessa Lynn , Perea Silvia
Published: February 2025

Background

The sequencing of non-model species has increased exponentially in recent years, largely due to the advent of novel sequencing technologies. In this study, we construct the Reference Genome of the Spanish toothcarp (Aphanius iberus (Valenciennes, 1846)), a renowned euryhaline fish species. This species is native to the marshes along the Mediterranean coast of Spain and has been threatened with extinction as a result of habitat modification caused by urbanization, agriculture, and its popularity among aquarium hobbyists since the mid-twentieth century. It is also one of the first Reference Genome for Euro-Asian species within the globally distributed order Cyprinodontiformes. Additionally, this effort aims to enhance our comprehension of the species' evolutionary ecology and history, particularly its remarkable adaptations that enable it to thrive in diverse and constantly changing inland aquatic environments.

Results

A hybrid assembly approach was employed, integrating PacBio long-read sequencing with Illumina short-read data. In addition to the assembly, an extensive functional annotation of the genome is provided by using AUGUSTUS, and two different approaches (InterProScan and Sma3s). The genome size (1.15 Gb) is consistent with that of the most closely related species, and its quality and completeness, as assessed with various methods, exceeded the suggested minimum thresholds, thus confirming the robustness of the assembly. When conducting an orthology analysis, it was observed that nearly all genes were grouped in orthogroups that included genes of genetically similar species. GO Term annotation revealed, among others, categories related with salinity regulation processes (ion transport, transmembrane transport, membrane related terms or calcium ion binding).

Conclusions

The integration of genomic data with predicted genes presents future research opportunities across multiple disciplines, such as physiology, reproduction, disease, and opens up new avenues for future studies in comparative genomic studies. Of particular interest is the investigation of genes potentially associated with salinity adaptation, as identified in this study. Overall, this study contributes to the growing database of Reference Genomes, provides valuable information that enhances the knowledge within the order Cyprinodontiformes, and aids in improving the conservation status of threatened species by facilitating a better understanding of their behavior in nature and optimizing resource allocation towards their preservation.
Transcriptomic, metabonomic and proteomic analyses reveal that terpenoids and flavonoids are required for Pinus koraiensis early defence against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus infection
Authors: Yu Lu , Wang Yanna , Wang Xiang , Han Shan , Wang Laifa , Wang Xizhuo
Published: February 2025

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, threatens Pinus seriously. Pinus koraiensis is one of the most important pine species in China and is the host for PWN. However, our understanding of the defence-regulating process following infection by B. xylophilus at the molecular level remains limited. To understand the mechanisms that P. koraiensis responds to B. xylophilus invasion, P. koraiensis was inoculated with B. xylophilus solutions and observed no obvious symptoms during the early stage; symptoms began to appear at 5 dpi. Therefore, we conducted comparative transcriptomic, metabonomic and proteomic analyses between P. koraiensis 5dpi and 0 dpi. In infected plants, 1574 genes were significantly up-regulated, including 17 terpenoid-, 41 phenylpropanoid- and 22 flavonoid-related genes. According to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of significantly up-regulated genes, 86 GO terms and 16 KEGG pathways were significantly enriched. Most terms and pathways were associated with terpenoid-, phenylpropanoid-, flavonoid- and carbohydrate-related events. Similarly, the abundance of 36 and 30 metabolites, significantly increased in positive and negative polarity modes, respectively. Among them, naringenin and 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid exhibited significant toxic effects on B. xylophilus. According to functional analysis of significantly up-regulated metabolites, most terms were enriched in above pathways, in addition to alkaloid biosynthesis. Although the abundance of few proteins changed, response to stress term was significantly enriched in significant up-regulated proteins. Furthermore, plant receptor-like serine/threonine kinases, pectin methylation modulators, pinosylvin O-methyltransferase and arabinogalactan/proline-rich proteins were significantly up-regulated in the infected P. koraiensis compared to healthy plants. These proteins were not abundant in the healthy plant. Overall, these results indicate that P. koraiensis can actively response to PWN via various defense strategies, including events related to terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, lipids and alkaloids. Particularly, terpenoids and flavonoids are required for the early defence of P. koraiensis against B. xylophilus infection.
Aberrant expression of collagen type X in solid tumor stroma is associated with EMT, immunosuppressive and pro-metastatic pathways, bone marrow stromal cell signatures, and poor survival prognosis
Authors: Famili-Youth Elliot H. H. , Famili-Youth Aryana , Yang Dongfang , Siddique Ayesha , Wu Elizabeth Y. , Liu Wenguang , Resnick Murray B. , Chen Qian , Brodsky Alexander S.
Published: February 2025

Background

Collagen type X (ColXα1, encoded by COL10A1) is expressed specifically in the cartilage-to-bone transition, in bone marrow cells, and in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage. We have previously shown that ColXα1 is expressed in breast tumor stroma, correlates with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and predicts poor adjuvant therapy outcomes in ER+/HER2+ breast cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for these effects are unknown. In this study, we performed bioinformatic analysis of COL10A1-associated gene modules in breast and pancreatic cancer as well as in cells from bone marrow and OA cartilage. These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms of transcriptional and extracellular matrix changes which impact the local stromal microenvironment and tumor progression.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine collagen type X expression in solid tumors. WGCNA was used to generate COL10A1-associated gene networks in breast and pancreatic tumor cohorts using RNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Computational analysis was employed to assess the impact of these gene networks on development and progression of cancer and OA. Data processing and statistical analysis was performed using R and various publicly-available computational tools.

Results

Expression of COL10A1 and its associated gene networks highlights inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironments, which identify aggressive breast and pancreatic tumors and contribute to metastatic potential in a sex-dependent manner. Both cancer types are enriched in stroma, and COL10A1 implicates bone marrow-derived fibroblasts as contributors to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in these tumors. Heightened expression of COL10A1 and its associated gene networks is correlated with poorer patient outcomes in both breast and pancreatic cancer. Common transcriptional changes and chondrogenic activity are shared between cancer and OA cartilage, suggesting that similar microenvironmental alterations may underlie both diseases.

Conclusions

COL10A1-associated gene networks may hold substantial value as regulators and biomarkers of aggressive tumor phenotypes with implications for therapy development and clinical outcomes. Identification of tumors which exhibit high expression of COL10A1 and its associated genes may reveal the presence of bone marrow-derived stromal microenvironments with heightened EMT capacity and metastatic potential. Our analysis may enable more effective risk assessment and more precise treatment of patients with breast and pancreatic cancer.
Evaluating the effectiveness of various teaching methods on dental plaque removal in children: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Tusi Somayeh Khoramian , Momeni Zahra , Hamdollahpoor Hajar , Parviz Nastaran , Ghorbani Mahsa
Published: February 2025

Objective

Dental plaque is a major contributor to oral diseases, particularly in children, but its impact can be significantly mitigated through targeted oral health education. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various tooth-brushing instructional methods in reducing dental plaque in children.

Methods

A total of 120 children, aged 6 to 8, attending the pediatric department of Alborz Dental School, were randomly selected for the study. Participants were divided into four groups of 30 children each (15 boys and 15 girls). Each group received a different instructional method: (1) demonstration of tooth brushing on a dental model, (2) self-brushing in front of a mirror, (3) brushing another child’s teeth in front of a mirror, and (4) instruction via a standardized video. Dental plaque levels were measured using a disclosing agent before and after training, with a two-week follow-up to assess the impact of instruction. Senior students provided group-specific brushing training. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 with ANOVA and t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

All four groups demonstrated significant reductions in plaque levels post-training and at the two-week follow-up compared to baseline, as measured by the O’Leary index. The group trained with dental models showed the most substantial plaque reduction (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Instruction using dental models proved to be the most effective and sustainable method for reducing dental plaque in children, highlighting its potential for impactful and enduring oral hygiene education.
From eligibility to diagnosis: candidacy and the complex journey of cerebral palsy diagnosis within primary care
Authors: Baggaley Jessica , Seiboth Charlotte , Rapley Tim , Basu Anna
Published: February 2025

Background

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is an umbrella term for a group of permanent postural and movement conditions caused by non-progressive damage to the developing brain. Infants not identified with risk factors for CP around the time of birth are usually referred on from primary care after six months of age, essentially precluding early therapy. Candidacy, a seven-step dynamic theory, describes how individuals negotiate their eligibility for medical attention with themselves, others, and health services. This study aims to explore the CP diagnostic journey for community identified infants using the concept of candidacy.

Methods

Data was combined from two studies: an online survey of caregivers of children with CP about their earliest concerns and diagnosis journeys (n=255), and a series of interviews to support the development of a new tool to facilitate earlier identification of infants with emerging motor difficulties (11 parents, 11 health care professionals [HCPs]). A deductive thematic analysis was used with a semantic, critical realist approach. An initial analysis was framed by the Andersen Model of Total Patient delay, and then conceptualised using Candidacy.

Results

Participants had difficulties identifying whether their child needed medical attention, prompting online searches, and seeking advice from family and friends. HCP adjudications led to immediate or delayed referral, in which families continued their searches, reappearing at services until a referral was made. Once referred, families faced poor operating conditions, such as long waiting times. After learning the diagnosis criteria, participants began making requests for referral and navigated to private services if requests were denied. Participants felt that more information on infant development from a reliable source was needed to support new parents in raising their concerns to aid earlier identification.

Conclusion

Participants identified personal lack of infant development knowledge as being the limiting factor to earlier referral. Further research is needed to develop materials relevant for the UK and to understand General Practitioner perspectives regarding provision of such materials.
Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical assessment of treated dentin matrix delivered by platelet-rich fibrin for socket preservation in rabbit model
Authors: Sedek Eman M. , Khalil Nesma Mohamed , Abdul-Monem Mohamed M.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to test treated dentine matrix (TDM) with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for socket preservation, following tooth extraction compared to synthetic grafting material Nanobone (NB) with PRF.

Materials and methods

Study was conducted on New Zealand rabbits (n = 40). Bilateral first lower premolar extraction was performed, with one side left empty and the other side filled with (PRF) in one group (n = 20). In the other group (n = 20), one side was filled with TDM/PRF while the other side was filled with NB/ PRF. After one and three months, rabbits were euthanized, and the socket area was examined using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Goldner Masson trichrome stains. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used for histomorphometric analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis of osteopontin was carried out.

Results

Histological analysis of NB/PRF and TDM/PRF groups showed a higher level of new bone formation in comparison to the control and PRF groups. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a significant increase in new bone formation in the TDM/PRF group compared to the NB/PRF group after one and three months (p = 0.042 and p < 0.001), respectively. There were no significant differences in the percentages of unmineralized bone between the TDM/PRF and NB/PRF groups at both intervals (p = 0.375 and 0.352, respectively). Regarding immunohistochemistry, NB/PRF showed the highest osteopontin immune expression followed by TDM/PRF. No significant differences were detected between both groups at both intervals (p = 0.234 & 0.607 respectively).

Conclusions

TDM/PRF showed the ability to form new bone in extraction sockets in rabbits.

Clinical relevance

TDM/PRF can be used as an alveolar bone grafting material for socket preservation.
Spatial interaction mapping of PD-1/PD-L1 in head and neck cancer reveals the role of macrophage-tumour barriers associated with immunotherapy response
Authors: Naei Vahid Yaghoubi , Tubelleza Rafael , Monkman James , Sadeghirad Habib , Donovan Meg L. , Blick Tony , Wicher Agata , Bodbin Sara , Viratham Amelie , Stad Robert , Basu Subham , Cooper Caroline , Barnett Catherine , O’Byrne Ken , Ladwa Rahul , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Hughes Brett G. M. , Kulasinghe Arutha
Published: February 2025

Background

Mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, where the prognosis is poor due to the high rates of recurrence and metastasis. With approximately one million new cases projected in 2024, worldwide mortality of HNSCC is estimated to reach 50% of detected cases the same year. Patients with early-stage tumours showed a 50–60% five-year survival rate in the US. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promising results in prolonging survival in a subset of patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. However, challenges remain, particularly the limited efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapies. PD-L1 protein expression has been shown to be limited in its predictive power for ICI therapies. Emerging evidence shows that intricate characterisation of the tumour microenvironment (TME) is fundamental to understand interacting cells. This study aims to bridge the gap in understanding the tumor microenvironment by identifying distinct spatial patterns of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions and their association with immunotherapy responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

In this study, we sought to apply a more nuanced approach to understanding cellular interactions by mapping PD-1/PD-L1 interactions across whole-slide HNSCC tissue samples collected prior to ICI therapy. We used a combination of spatial proteomics (Akoya Biosciences) and an in situ proximity ligation assay (isPLA, Navinci Diagnostics) to visualise PD-1/PD-L1 interactions across cell types and cellular neighbourhoods within the tumour TME.

Results

Our findings indicate the existence of isPLA+ PD-1/PD-L1 interactions between macrophages/CD3 T cell-enriched neighbourhoods and tumour cells at the tumour-stroma boundaries in ICI-resistant tumours. The presence of these dense macrophage-tumour layers, which are either absent or dispersed in responders, indicates a barrier that may restrict immune cell infiltration and promote immune escape mechanisms. In contrast, responders had abundant B and T cell aggregates, predominantly around the tumour edges linked to enhanced immune responses to ICI therapy and better clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

This study highlights the utility of isPLA in detecting distinct tumour-immune interactions within the TME, offering new cellular interaction metrics for stratifying and optimising immunotherapy strategies.
Development of selective deconjugases for membrane-anchored LC3A/B in post-mitotic neurons
Authors: Choi Haneul , Park Sang-Won , Jang Deok-Jin , Lee Jin-A
Published: February 2025

Neuronal autophagy is essential for maintaining protein and organelle turnover, thereby safeguarding neuronal health. LC3, a central autophagy protein, exists in lipidated (LC3-II) and non-lipidated (LC3-I) forms, both critical for neurons due to their sensitivity to metabolic and proteostatic stress. To elucidate the specific roles of membrane-anchored LC3A/B in post-mitotic neurons, we engineered deconjugases with enhanced selectivity for lipidated LC3. By modifying LC3-interacting regions (LIRs) at the deconjugase termini, we significantly improved targeting specificity toward LC3A/B. Deconjugases with N-terminal LIR modifications reduced LC3A/B-associated autophagosomes, highlighting the importance of LIR positioning for specificity. Sequential N-terminal LIR arrangements further refined LC3A/B targeting without affecting GABARAP-associated autophagosomes. Moreover, reducing the hydrophobicity of the α3 helix to limit membrane residence time further improved selectivity. These targeted modifications demonstrate the potential of customized deconjugases to dissect and modulate specific autophagic pathways in neurons, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases associated with autophagy dysregulation.
A combination of PD-1 and TIGIT immune checkpoint inhibitors elicits a strong anti-tumour response in mesothelioma
Authors: Shi Huaikai , Yu Ta-Kun , Johnson Ben , Selvamani Sakthi Priya , Zhuang Ling , Lee Kenneth , Klebe Sonja , Smith Samuel , Wong Kirby , Chen Kate , Clark Georgina , Rath Emma M. , Pearson Holly , Ortega David Gallego , Linton Anthony , Kao Steven , Silveira Pablo , Cheng Yuen Yee
Published: February 2025

Background

Finding effective and curative treatment for mesothelioma remains challenging. While the introduction of immunotherapy combinations using ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1) have offered hope for some patients, a large proportion of mesothelioma cases, particularly the epithelial subtype, have minimal benefit from this.

Methods

Our study was inspired by the results of the AdvanTG-105 phase I clinical trial, which showed partial response with anti-TIGIT/PD-1 treatment in two epithelioid mesothelioma patients. Here, we conducted a comprehensive in vivo experiment involving eight animal treatment groups administered with either PBS (control group), cisplatin/pemetrexed, anti-PD-1, anti-PD-1 + anti-CTLA-4, anti-TIGIT, anti-PD-1 + anti-TIGIT, anti-PD-1 + anti-CTLA-4 + anti-TIGIT, and cisplatin/pemetrexed + anti-PD-1 + anti-TIGIT.

Results

Our results indicate that animals receiving anti-PD-1 + TIGIT exhibited a superior anti-tumour response, with 90% of the treatment group exhibiting an objective response, compared to 60%, 20% and 40% for the standard-of-care anti-PD-1 + CTLA-4, single-agent anti-PD-1 and cisplatin/pemetrexed treatment groups, respectively. Animals receiving anti-PD-1 + TIGIT displayed a significantly reduced average tumour size, with improved weight and survival rates, and fewer adverse effects than those receiving anti-PD-1 + CTLA-4 treatment. Anti-PD-1 + TIGIT-treated animals achieved complete tumour regression, with heightened effector CD8 + T cell and NK cell activity, remaining tumour-free for over 300 days without immune-related adverse events. After initial tumour elimination, anti-PD-1 + TIGIT-treated animals showed no tumour regrowth in the rechallenge experiment.

Conclusion

These findings provide rationale for the development of an anti-PD-1 + TIGIT combination immunotherapy trial for mesothelioma patients.

Graphical Abstract

Top) The comparison of standard-of-care treatment and anti-TIGIT novel combination treatment in the mesothelioma animal models, with an example of response treated with tislelizumab and ociperlimab in a pleural mesothelioma patient in the AdvanTIG-105 study. The number of animals/patients treated and the number of treatment responders are presented. Bottom) Schematic illustration of anti-tumour immune response at the cellular level induced by anti-PD-1/TIGIT checkpoint blockade for efficient cancer immunotherapy.
Fifteen-year trends in diabetes drug management and control in French-speaking Switzerland
Authors: Pauli Ariane , Alkandari Abdullah , Marques-Vidal Pedro
Published: February 2025

Objective

Drug management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) should comply with established guidelines. Still, little is known about how drug management of T2D in Switzerland has evolved over time. We aimed at assessing 15-year trends in antidiabetic drug prescription and its effectiveness in reducing fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels.

Research design and methods

Data from the baseline (2003–2006) and three follow-ups (2009–2012, 2014–2017 and 2018–2021) of a population-based study conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland. Participants treated for T2D were included. At baseline and the follow-ups, participants had their antidiabetic drugs collected, together with their FPG and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

Results

There were 274, 280, 268 and 195 participants treated for T2D at the baseline, first, second and third follow-ups, respectively, of whom 101 (36.9%), 103 (36.8%), 138 (51.5%) and 84 (43.1%) were controlled (FPG < 7 mmol/L). During the study period, the percentage of biguanides remained stable, the percentage of sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones decreased, and the percentage of SGLT2 and DPP4 inhibitors increased, but no consistent association with T2D control was found. On bivariate and multivariable analysis, participants with newly diagnosed T2D had a higher likelihood of being controlled than participants with established T2D: odds ratio (95% CI) 3.39 (1.89–6.07), 5.41 (2.25-13.0) and 3.47 (1.45–8.31) for the first, second and third follow-ups on multivariable analysis, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite the prescription of novel antidiabetic drugs, half of participants treated for diabetes do not achieve adequate control in Switzerland. Participants with newly diagnosed diabetes achieve much better control than participants with established diabetes.
Relationship between riparian zones and water quality in the main watersheds of Ushuaia City, Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)
Authors: Granitto María , Lopez María Eugenia , Bursztyn Fuentes Amalia Lara , Maluendez Testoni María Constanza , Rodríguez Patricia
Published: February 2025

Background

Ushuaia City has experienced much population growth and still lacks secondary treatment for its wastewater. As a result, most of the discharge is directed into the lotic ecosystems that cross the urban environment. This paper assesses the relationship between riparian areas and water quality along an urbanization gradient in the city's main watersheds: Pipo River, Buena Esperanza Stream and Arroyo Grande River.

Results

The Riparian Forest Quality Index adapted for Patagonia showed a positive correlation with the Fuegian Water Quality Index (r = 0.83, p < 0.05). Differences in the riparian index along the urban gradient were detected in all the studied watersheds. In general, non-urbanized sites in the upper zones showed very good or good quality while urbanized sites showed worse riparian conditions. Furthermore, in relation to the Fuegian Water Quality Index, this work showed spatial and temporal variations. The Pipo River watershed showed no statistically significant differences among sampling sites, although water quality decreased over time at the urbanized site near the outlet of the river (in March 2018 the Fuegian Water Quality Index was 88 and in March 2022 it was 38). In the Buena Esperanza Stream, significant differences were detected among sampling sites; water quality at the non-urbanized zones in the upper section and upper-middle section was higher than at the urbanized sites. In the Arroyo Grande River, despite the lower ranges of the Fuegian Water Quality Index observed at the urban site near the outlet, no significant differences were identified between study sites.

Conclusion

The relationship of both indices supports the relevance of the environmental surroundings of the watercourses and how their ecological integrity affects water quality in urban lotic ecosystems. The watersheds studied here are strongly linked to the complex dynamics of a growing city which was reflected by the Fuegian Water Quality. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for sustainable environmental management. We recommend integrated water resources management that not only ceases the direct discharge of wastewater into watercourses but also implements measures to protect and restore the riparian environment as a fundamental measure for the conservation of urban lotic ecosystems.
Digital financial inclusion, environmental sustainability and regional economic growth in China: insights from a panel threshold model
Authors: Becha Hamdi , Kalai Maha , Houidi Saifeddine , Helali Kamel
Published: February 2025

As digital technologies rapidly transform global economies, the digital financial inclusion index (DFII) has emerged as a critical driver of economic growth, particularly in developing regions. In the context of China, where regional economic disparities persist, the expansion of digital financial services offers a promising avenue to boost regional development, promote inclusive growth, and enhance environmental sustainability. This study looks into how digital financial inclusion affects regional economic growth (GRP) in China’s provinces. It does this by using a panel threshold autoregressive model (PTAR) and a panel smooth transition autoregressive model (PSTAR) to see if the relationship is not always linear. Drawing on data from 31 Chinese provinces between 2003 and 2022, the analysis uncovers significant threshold effects, revealing distinct phases where digital financial inclusion’s influence on economic growth intensifies as financial inclusion increases. Furthermore, digital financial services empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual entrepreneurs to invest in eco-friendly innovations and low-emission technologies. By lowering barriers to funding, digital financial inclusion encourages the adoption of cleaner production processes and efficient resource management, which can significantly decrease emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, enhanced financial literacy and access to information through digital platforms enable consumers to make environmentally conscious choices, further contributing to reduced pollution levels. These findings provide empirical evidence of the transformative role of digital finance in both regional development and environmental sustainability, underscoring the need for policy interventions that enhance financial inclusion to drive economic growth.
The social differentiation of depression among Chinese adults: dynamic perspectives and intersectional views
Authors: Qiu Liya , Li Jianxin
Published: February 2025

Based on the hierarchical age–period–cohort cross-classified random effects model, this study utilizes data from the 2010–2020 China Family Panel Studies to analyze the social differentiation of depression among Chinese adults from dynamic and intersectional perspectives. The study reveals that there is a differentiation in depression levels among adults across education, income, and gender that widens with increasing age and over time periods, and exhibits “outliers” and complex fluctuations across birth cohorts. Depression levels in adults differ across the intersecting structures of education and gender, with education demonstrating a more pronounced effect on reducing depression in women, although this effect tends to diminish gradually with increasing age. Over time periods, the gender disparity in depression levels remains stable across different education groups. From a birth cohort perspective, the gender differences in depression levels across various education groups persist in populations born after the mid-1980s.
The “two sessions”: institutional investors selloff to avoid ambiguity
Authors: Wang Jiarui , Yang Haijun , Liu Shancun
Published: February 2025

We construct a model to examine the time-varying ambiguity of investors. When ambiguity occurs concerning recent news, long (short) position investors who are averse to ambiguity reduce (increase) their holdings, resulting in price drops (rises). We empirically analyze how the “two sessions,” a significant event with high policy ambiguity in China, affect the financial market. Our findings suggest that institutional investors mainly sell their holdings between 15 and 5 days before the meetings. Furthermore, the delay in the “two sessions” in 2020 suggests that these selloffs are driven by ambiguity aversion rather than new information.
An immersive virtual reality-based intervention to enhance mobility and patient-reported outcomes in patients with proximal humeral fractures: a case report
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Kashoo Faizan Zaffar , Kumar Chandan
Published: February 2025

Greater tuberosity (GT) fractures of the humerus contribute to 14–20% of all proximal humeral fractures (PHF) and provide considerable challenges because of their proximity to the rotator cuff, which may negatively affect shoulder function if left untreated. A 45-year-old man who had an isolated, non-displaced GT fracture in a motorbike accident is the subject of this case report. The patient received a new virtual reality (VR) intervention and a thorough rehabilitation programme after an initial period of immobility. Through the VR component, the patient was able to participate in immersive exercises designed to improve motivation and movement. Assessments of range of motion and the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), which increased from 16 on day 1 to 33 at the completion of therapy, were used to track progress. Significant gains in shoulder mobility and patient-reported outcomes were observed in the results, indicating that the use of virtual reality could increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Further investigation in larger clinical studies is necessary in the context of this example, which supports the potential use of VR as an adjuvant in shoulder rehabilitation following a GT fracture.
Inpatient Immunotherapy Outcomes Study: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Riaz Fauzia , Vaughn John L. , Zhu Huili , Dickerson James C. , Sayegh Hoda E. , Brongiel Samantha , Baldwin Elena , Kier Melanie W. , Zaemes Jacob , Hearn Caleb , Abdelghany Osama , Cohen Roger B. , Parikh Ravi B. , Reuss Joshua E. , Prsic Elizabeth , Doroshow Deborah B.
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the care of patients with cancer, but use among hospitalized patients is controversial as a result of questionable benefit and high costs. To evaluate the role of ICIs in the inpatient (IP) setting, we conducted the Inpatient Immunotherapy Outcomes Study (IIOS) to describe characteristics and outcomes of patients who received IP ICIs.

METHODS

IIOS is a retrospective study of patients treated with ICIs during hospitalization between 2012 and 2021 at five academic institutions. Data collection was performed using each institution's electronic medical record. We estimated overall survival (OS) from the first administration of ICI using the Kaplan-Meier method and used adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to explore associations between clinicodemographic variables and OS.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifteen patients received IP ICIs (median age 60 years; 55% White; 14% Black; 13% Hispanic). Thoracic and head and neck (24%), GI (21%), and hematologic (19%) malignancies were most common. Most of the patients were ICI-naïve (75%), had stage IV solid malignancies (75%) at the time of IP ICI initiation, and had no radiographic response to ICI therapy (88%). Median OS from the first IP ICI dose was 1.55 months (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.81) for all patients and 1.28 months (95% CI, 0.95 to 1.80) for patients with advanced solid malignancies. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model analysis found no clinicodemographic variables associated with improved OS after IP ICI administration.

CONCLUSION

IIOS is the largest multi-institutional effort to describe outcomes after IP ICI administration. Clinical outcomes are poor after IP ICI use and IP ICIs should be used with caution.
A larval zebrafish model of traumatic brain injury: optimizing the dose of neurotrauma for discovery of treatments and aetiology
Authors: Locskai Laszlo F. , Gill Taylor , Tan Samantha A. W. , Burton Alexander H. , Alyenbaawi Hadeel , Burton Edward A. , Allison W. Ted
Published: February 2025

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are diverse with heterogeneous injury pathologies, which creates challenges for the clinical treatment and prevention of secondary pathologies such as post-traumatic epilepsy and subsequent dementias. To develop pharmacological strategies that treat TBI and prevent complications, animal models must capture the spectrum of TBI severity to better understand pathophysiological events that occur during and after injury. To address such issues, we improved upon our recent larval zebrafish TBI paradigm emphasizing titrating to different injury levels. We observed coordination between an increase in injury level and clinically relevant injury phenotypes including post-traumatic seizures (PTS) and tau aggregation. This preclinical TBI model is simple to implement, allows dosing of injury levels to model diverse pathologies, and can be scaled to medium- or high-throughput screening.
Conserved roles of ETT and ARF4 in gynoecium development in Brassicaceae with distinct fruit shapes
Authors: McLaughlin Heather Marie , Lü Tian-Feng , Natarajan Bhavani , Østergaard Lars , Dong Yang
Published: February 2025

Gynoecium patterning is dependent on the dynamic distribution of auxin, the signalling of which is transduced through several distinct pathways. ETTIN (ETT)-mediated signalling occurs independently of the canonical auxin pathway, and ETT shares partial redundancy with Auxin Response Factor 4 (ARF4) in the gynoecium. ETT and ARF4 were previously hypothesized to translate auxin gradients into patterns of tissue polarity alongside other ARFs. As ARF repressors, ETT/ARF were assumed to antagonistically regulate targets shared with ARF activators of the canonical pathway. Here, comparative transcriptomics identified the distinct and overlapping targets of ETT/ARF4 in the Arabidopsis gynoecium. However, ETT/ARF4 targets with known roles in gynoecium development did not conform to models of A-B ARF antagonism, leaving the relationship with the canonical pathway unclear. Mutants in tir1 afb2 ett were therefore generated in Arabidopsis and Capsella to assess the relationship between the two pathways, and their conservation in species with distinct fruit shapes. The data presented indicate conserved synergism between the two pathways in gynoecium development and suggest a role for ARF4 in the integration of these pathways in Brassicaceae with distinct fruit shapes.
The diet and feeding habits of Lagocephalus sceleratus in the eastern Mediterranean: A case study carried out off the island of Crete (southern Greece)
Authors: GOMES V.C. RITA , CHRISTIDIS GEORGIOS , PERISTERAKI PANAGIOTA , SOMARAKIS STYLIANOS , TSERPES GEORGE
Published: February 2025

This study focused on the diet and feeding habits of the invasive pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus in the coastal waters of Crete (Cretan and Libyan Sea, eastern Mediterranean). The diet was composed of a wide variety of organisms, while the number of specimens with empty gastrointestinal tracts was low (14.41%). In total we were able to identify 38 different species of fish and invertebrates within the tracts analysed. Fish were the main diet component, followed by crustaceans and mollusks (mostly gastropods and cephalopods). At family level, the most significant preys were Sparidae and Mullidae teleosts, along with Cavoliniidae gastropods. The trophic level of L. sceleratus was estimated to be 4.13. The trophic niche breadth was intermediate, whereas the L. sceleratus population exhibits a mixed feeding strategy. Spatiotemporal differences in diet composition were also identified. The application of generalized additive models (GAMs) revealed that depth at which the fish were captured, season, region and total length, were significant predictors of the probability of occurrence of its most frequent prey groups. Fish prey occurrence was more probable in autumn and summer and at circa 20-25 m depth. In contrast, the probability of consuming crustaceans was higher in spring and winter and in specimens measuring 450-500 mm in length, and lower at 20-25 m, whilst increasing until a maximum at 40 m. The probability of non-cephalopod mollusks consumption was higher in winter and in the Libyan Sea, as well as at greater depths. Fish size had a significant effect on the likelihood of consuming photosynthetic organisms (algae and seagrass) and cephalopods, which was higher in larger fish. This study presents further evidence of the negative impact of L. sceleratus on the fisheries sector, revealing both predation on commercial species and the ingestion of various fishing gear parts.
Going west: the spread of non-native Microporella (Bryozoa) species on drift plastic debris
Authors: ROSSO ANTONIETTA , DI MARTINO EMANUELA , SIDDIOLO CHIARA
Published: February 2025

Despite being a major threat to biodiversity, often causing homogenization and banalization in ecosystems, the understanding of marine bioinvasions remains limited, especially regarding non-economically important taxonomic groups and newly emerging vectors or dispersion pathways. In this paper, we report the finding of viable colonies of five Microporella species on plastic debris stranded on sandy beaches, predominantly in the Ionian Sea, and subordinately in the Tyrrhenian Sea and Sicily Strait. Three species, M. appendiculata, M. modesta and M. ichnusae, are native to the Mediterranean, with the former two widespread in the investigated area, and the latter previously known only from its type locality in northwestern Sardinia, now widening its known distribution range to the west coast of Sicily. Conversely, findings of M. hastingsae and M. browni in Sicily represent localities far from their previously known distributions in the Suez Canal and the Levantine and Red Sea-Indian Ocean regions, respectively. We suggest that these pioneering colonies, found on drift plastics between April 2023 and May 2024, may have arrived through rafting by surface currents, at least in the western Ionian Sea. Human activities, especially commercial and recreational shipping, may have also facilitated their spread, especially in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Sicily Strait. Fouling on buoyant plastics could originate directly from unknown populations in the eastern Mediterranean, or secondarily through shipping, which may have introduced larvae that subsequently attached to plastics along the coast of Sicily. These findings point to the need for further investigations to confirm whether established populations of M. hastingsae and M. browni exist in coastal artificial and/or natural habitats in these areas.
Of Real and Mythic Places
Authors: Stourna Athena
Published: February 2025

This paper is an account of my creative experience in mounting the site-specific devised play Journeys of Water (Five Myths form the Ancient Argolid) in the archaeological sites of Ancient Mycenae, Ancient Tiryns and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, in Epidaurus. This project was a collective creation by the multicultural Okypus Theatre Company and took place around the Argolid area, in May 2012.In Journeys of Water -a dramatisation of local ancient myths related to water and the site-specificity of both the natural and the architectural environment of the local archaeological sites became central to the creative process. The need to make use of the region’s renowned historical heritage provided the company with an outstanding material that shaped this theatrical creation. Hence, all the theatrical components (dramaturgy, mise en scène, musical creation, scenographic concept and the interaction with the audience) derived from the selection of these sites, which were finally used as the actual performance spaces. Materially and symbolically separated from urban and daily life, the archaeological sites became a vast stage, radiating the very special energy from the traverse of mythical, historical, sociopolitical and cultural stories through time.
De – form to Re – form. Architectural Preservation as Safekeeping of the Performative Structure of Space
Authors: Kaleris Aristotelis , Castro Gabi
Published: February 2025

The paper discusses how classical Greek architecture can be and has been used as an example of a primordial ontological structure founded on dynamic relationships between the acting human beings and their environment. In this frame we characterize classical Greek architecture as “performative” as its rationale can be described as an articulation of scenes that resonate cultural narratives through the bodily experience of its material presence in a similar sense with the scenes in a performance. Although such an ontological structure was largely articulated and discussed in the philosophy of the 20th century, the paper attempts to identify traces of such conceptions in the 18th and 19th century architectural discourse, especially in the design principles of English gardens and the notion of picturesque. Following texts by Choisy and later Eisenstein we study how classical Greek monuments are used as examples to represent architectural space as a dramatic / performative sequence. From there we move on to show how the common preservation practices (anastylosis) and policies concerning ancient monuments in Greece conceal this dimension and contribute, along with other aspects of modern culture, to the reduction of monuments to mere objects rather than vibrant storytelling material entities. The research concludes with a brief presentation of an experimental design project that takes as a case study the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae. The project attempts to reconcile the practices of preservation with the scenographic/performative character of classical architecture discussed in the paper. To support this objective, it prioritizes the “anastylosis” of articulated scenes that occur as visitors experience these spaces, rather than solely focusing on the “anastylosis” of the material form. Simultaneously, it investigates the possibility of monuments reclaiming a vivid place in contemporary culture and everyday life, aiming to engage with active users rather than passive tourists / visitors. The project draws inspiration from the very practices of anastylosis in order to create spatial conditions that can allow the reception of contemporary uses.