bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable Deep Learning for Breast Cancer Classification and Localization
Authors: Di Giammarco Marcello , Vitulli Camilla , Cirnelli Simone , Masone Benedetta , Santone Antonella , Cesarelli Mario , Martinelli Fabio , Mercaldo Francesco
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer is a kind of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, breast cancer represents the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. As a matter of fact, in January 2022, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the United States, this is the reason why there is a need for novel methods for automatic breast cancer screening, with the aim of starting any therapy as quickly as possible to try to limit the proliferation of the disease. In this article, we propose a method aimed at detecting breast cancer through a deep learning network developed by authors. Moreover, the proposed method is able to provide prediction explainability by means of class activation mapping, aimed to automatically highlight the suspicious area on the image. We take into account a way to understand whether the cancer prediction and localization can be considered robust by analyzing the output of two different class activation mapping algorithms. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method by using a dataset composed of 9,016 images obtaining an accuracy equal to 93.5%, thus showing the effectiveness of the proposed network for breast cancer detection and localization.
Online Correction of Task Registration and Robot Models from User Input
Authors: Poignonec Thibault , Nageotte Florent , Zemiti Nabil , Bayle Bernard
Published: November 2024

In application domains such as surgical robotics, fully autonomous control remains a long-term ambition and the systems are mostly teleoperated. In this article, the presence of an operator in-the-loop is exploited to perform the online registration of an initially inaccurate haptic guidance and the calibration of robot kinematic models using operator’s intention instead of relying on exteroceptive sensors. This is used to improve online haptic guidance in the context of shared control, or to progress toward automatic task completion after an initial learning phase. The method presented in this article is based on an optimization in the task space to minimize the errors between the executed and desired trajectories, both estimated from models. This approach is particularly relevant when the execution of a planned task would suffer from errors that exteroceptive measurements could not fully correct, because of sensor inaccuracy or unavailability. A user study realized for a drawing task is detailed to illustrate that initially inaccurate task registration and robot models can be corrected from user inputs only. The results show that the proposed algorithm can learn the correct models, which in turns significantly improves the quality of the haptic guidance and decreases path deviations during the teleoperated task.
Authenticate As You Go: From Exploring Smart Home Authentication with Daily Objects to Authenticating with Primary Tasks
Authors: Zimmermann Verena , Schäfer Stina , Dürmuth Markus , Marky Karola
Published: November 2024

Smart home applications aim to increase convenience, yet often require authentication to protect sensitive data. This is non-trivial: effortful authentication contradicts intended convenience, the multitude of devices raises scalability issues, many devices lack suitable interfaces, and the presence of other inhabitants requires intentional and acceptable interactions. To address these issues, we explored new and creative authentication interactions with an interaction relabelling approach using everyday objects. We conducted six focus group workshops with 20 participants in a living room and a kitchen setting that resulted in a variety of creative authentication interactions with analogue and digital objects. Furthermore, participants created authentication interactions based on tasks that they have to or wish to perform anyway such as cleaning the kitchen - thus primary tasks. This led us to explore the option to transform authentication from being an additional, secondary task towards using primary tasks further in an online study with 194 participants. Relevant implications in terms of acceptable authentication task characteristics, user perceptions, arising security challenges, and psychological habit research are discussed.
Extracting Political Interest Model from Interaction Data Based on Novel Word-level Bias Assignment
Authors: Zhang Yihong , Hara Takahiro
Published: November 2024

In democratic countries, political interest is deeply involved in people’s daily lives. Research in political consumerism shows that product purchase decision is also influenced by the political orientation of the consumer. In traditional recommendation system design, user interest in an item is provided by a unified model. Recently, interest disentanglement methods have been introduced. It is shown that by disentangling interest factors such as conformity and private interest, recommendation performance can be significantly improved. However, few studies attempt to disentangle political interest in purchase behavior, which is bipolar. In this article, we propose a method to extract political interest model from e-commerce interaction data, which is supported by a novel word-level political bias assignment. For the bias assignment part, we improved a political bias distilling method. For the political interest model extraction part, we extend a one-side bias method to make it support bipolar bias. We compare our method with state-of-the-art baseline methods in several evaluation settings, and the experimental results show that our method can achieve superior performance. Further investigation shows that our method is consistent with theories of political consumerism.
New Approaches to the Treatment of Hypercortisolism
Authors: Pofi Riccardo , De Alcubierre Dario , Dong Jiawen , Tomlinson Jeremy W.
Published: November 2024

This review explores the evolving landscape of treatments for hypercortisolism, highlighting both established and emerging therapies. Although surgery remains the cornerstone of management, medical therapies play a crucial and expanding role, especially in cases of persistent, recurrent, or severe hypercortisolism. We discuss the effectiveness and limitations of steroidogenesis inhibitors, pituitary-directed drugs, glucocorticoid receptor antagonists, and experimental drugs targeting novel molecular pathways that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypercortisolism. Despite advancements, significant unmet needs persist, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment approaches and the development of targeted therapies. Ongoing and future clinical trials are crucial for validating the safety and efficacy of these innovative treatments in Cushing disease management.
Imaging of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Nakai Hirotsugu , Takahashi Hiroaki , Wellnitz Clinton V. , Stanton Melissa L. , Takahashi Naoki , Kawashima Akira
Published: October 2024

Multifaceted risk stratification is required for management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, and imaging plays an important integrated role in diagnosis and management.
US of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Review
Authors: Roberts Nicholas , DiMaggio Mark , Horrow Mindy M.
Published: October 2024

The standard protocol for lower extremity venous US extends from the common femoral vein through the deep calf veins with color and spectral Doppler sampling, allowing evaluation of acute deep vein thrombosis and differentiation from postthrombotic change.
Quantitative MRI in Childhood Neuroblastoma: Beyond the Assessment of Image-defined Risk Factors
Authors: Wang Haoru , Cai Jinhua
Published: November 2024

Compared with anatomic imaging, quantitative MRI offers the potential to provide more imaging biomarkers for the diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment response evaluation, and prognosis prediction of childhood neuroblastoma.
Numerical Model for Investigating Effects of Cracks and Perforation on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Performance
Authors: Orncompa Peerapat , Jeyammuangpak Apidsada , Saikasem Sahussawat , Nantasaksiri Kotchakarn , Charoen-amornkitt Patcharawat , Suzuki Takahiro , Tsushima Shohji
Published: November 2024

The presence of cracks in the microporous layer (MPL) of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), often occurring during the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing process, has a significant impact on cell performance. However, the exact influence of crack presence, density, and patterns within MPLs on cell performance and transport behaviors remains unclear. This study introduces a three-dimensional macroscale model of PEFCs aimed at investigating the effects of MPL cracks and gas diffusion layer (GDL) perforations on cell performance and transport behavior. This model offers several advantages, including the ability to potentially integrate the effects of flow channel design in future. Additionally, the model can seamlessly incorporate electrochemical reactions and explore phenomena within the catalyst layers (CLs), expanding simulation capabilities beyond water transport alone. The findings suggest that MPL cracks contribute positively to performance by facilitating water drainage. Furthermore, when combined with perforations in GDLs, MPL cracks can significantly enhance performance by providing pathways for water transport. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into developing models for optimizing PEFC performance and underscores the need for further research and development in this area.
Impact of dietary supplementation of glycocalyx precursors on vascular function in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Smith James A. , Ramirez-Perez Francisco I. , Burr Katherine , Gonzalez-Vallejo Juan D. , Morales-Quinones Mariana , McMillan Neil J. , Ferreira-Santos Larissa , Sharma Neekun , Foote Christopher A. , Martinez-Lemus Luis A. , Padilla Jaume , Manrique-Acevedo Camila
Published: October 2024

Endothelial glycocalyx degradation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is thought to contribute to impaired shear stress mechanotransduction, leading to vascular dysfunction. The findings of this study support the notion that restoration of the endothelial glycocalyx using a dietary supplementation of glycocalyx precursors can lead to improvements in vascular function in diabetic mice. However, the utilized dietary supplement as a therapeutic strategy to enhance vascular function in individuals with T2D is not efficacious.
Understanding and Addressing LGBTQ+ Cancer Health Disparities
Authors: Hastert Theresa A.
Published: November 2024

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) cancer survivors disproportionately experience physical and mental health comorbidities compared with their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. A recent study by Waters and colleagues evaluates associations between LGBTQ+ identity and physical and mental health comorbidities and activity limitations using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Consistent with previous work, their findings suggest that LGBTQ+ survivors have higher odds of several chronic conditions, including asthma, depressive disorders, heart attacks, kidney disease, stroke, and diabetes, as well as reporting disabilities related to vision and cognition and difficulty with activities of daily living, including walking, dressing, and running errands. Waters and colleagues expand on previous work by providing estimates separately for sexual orientation and gender identity. Their results for lesbian, gay, and bisexual survivors were similar to those for LGBTQ+ survivors overall. In novel findings, they report much stronger associations between identifying as transgender or gender nonconforming and nearly all comorbidities compared with cisgender survivors, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. This commentary advocates for the importance of future work considering the drivers of disparities in cancer outcomes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

See related article by Waters et al., p. 1405
Metabolic Syndrome and Risks of Breast Cancer Outcomes for Luminal, Triple-Negative, and HER2-Overexpressing Subtypes
Authors: Loroña Nicole C. , Othus Megan , Malone Kathleen E. , Linden Hannah M. , Tang Mei-Tzu C. , Li Christopher I.
Published: November 2024

Background:

We evaluated the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS; obesity plus two metabolic risk factors) and breast cancer outcomes according to molecular subtype.

Methods:

This population-based prospective cohort consisted of 3,267 women ages 20 to 69 years diagnosed with a first primary invasive breast cancer from 2004 to 2015 in the Seattle–Puget Sound region. Breast cancer was categorized into three subtypes based on estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and HER2 expression: luminal (ER+), triple-negative (ER−/progesterone receptor negative/HER2−), and HER2-overexpressing (H2E; ER−/HER2+) subtypes. We used time-varying Cox models to assess the association of prevalent and incident MetS with risks of recurrence, breast cancer–specific mortality (BCSM), and all-cause mortality (ACM).

Results:

MetS was associated with a greater risk of recurrence [HR, 3.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–9.33] and BCSM (HR, 5.34; 95% CI, 2.32–12.31) only for the H2E subtype and greater risks of ACM for luminal (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.37–2.68), H2E (HR, 5.09; 95% CI, 2.51–10.32), and all cases combined (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.42–2.53). We also observed heterogeneity in recurrence and mortality outcomes across specific components of MetS and molecular subtypes.

Conclusions:

MetS is associated with ACM among women with breast cancer and with BCSM among women with the H2E subtype.

Impact:

These results highlight the importance of managing comorbidities to decrease the risk for adverse outcomes among breast cancer survivors.
Oncogenic KRAS Mutations Confer a Unique Mechanotransduction Response to Peristalsis in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Clevenger Abigail J. , Collier Claudia A. , Gorley John Paul M. , Colijn Sarah , McFarlin Maygan K. , Solberg Spencer C. , Kopetz Scott , Stratman Amber N. , Raghavan Shreya A.
Published: November 2024

Colorectal cancer tumors start as polyps on the inner lining of the colorectum, in which they are exposed to the mechanics of peristalsis. Our previous work leveraged a custom-built peristalsis bioreactor to demonstrate that colonic peristalsis led to cancer stem cell enrichment in colorectal cancer cells. However, this malignant mechanotransductive response was confined to select colorectal cancer lines that harbored an oncogenic mutation in the Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) gene. In this study, we explored the involvement of activating KRAS mutations on peristalsis-associated mechanotransduction in colorectal cancer. Peristalsis enriched cancer stem cell marker Leucine-rich repeat–containing G protein–coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) in KRAS mutant lines in a Wnt ligand–independent manner. Conversely, LGR5 enrichment in wild-type KRAS lines exposed to peristalsis were minimal. LGR5 enrichment downstream of peristalsis translated to increased tumorigenicity in vivo. Differences in mechanotransduction were apparent via unbiased gene set enrichment analysis, in which many unique pathways were enriched in wild-type versus mutant lines. Peristalsis also triggered β-catenin nuclear localization independent of Wnt ligands, particularly in KRAS mutant lines. The involvement of KRAS was validated via gain and loss of function strategies. Peristalsis-induced β-catenin activation and LGR5 enrichment depended on the activation of the MEK/ERK cascade. Taken together, our results demonstrated that oncogenic KRAS mutations conferred a unique peristalsis-associated mechanotransduction response to colorectal cancer cells, resulting in cancer stem cell enrichment and increased tumorigenicity. These mechanosensory connections can be leveraged in improving the sensitivity of emerging therapies that target oncogenic KRAS.

Implications: Oncogenic KRAS empowers colorectal cancer cells to harness the mechanics of colonic peristalsis for malignant gain independent of other cooperating signals.
Exploring the Interplay of Diet, Obesity, Immune Function, and Cancer
Authors: Fu Yumin , Guo Xinyu , Sun Linmao , Cui Tianming , Wang Jiabei , Liu Yao , Liu Lianxin
Published: November 2024

This commentary provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationships among diet, obesity, immune function, and cancer, highlighting the potential role of dietary interventions as complementary therapies in cancer treatment. Multiple analyses underscore the importance of personalized dietary strategies in cancer management and identify opportunities for further research in this evolving field.
Redefining the Gastric Microbes in Promoting Gastric Tumorigenesis: The Rise of the Non–H. pylori Microbiome
Authors: Wong Chi Chun , Yu Jun
Published: November 2024

Gastric cancer remains one of the top cancers in China compared with Western countries, mainly attributed to the high rates of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, recent discoveries on the non–H. pylori gastric microbiome have led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of microbial risk factors driving gastric cancer, which will impact future screening and prevention strategies.
Drugging p53: Barriers, Criteria, and Prospects
Authors: Song Huaxin , Xiao Shujun , Wu Jiaqi , Lu Min
Published: November 2024

Pharmacologically targeting tumor suppressors necessitates an unprecedented strategy of restoring, rather than conventionally inhibiting, protein function, and p53, the most commonly mutated protein in cancer, has thus remained undruggable. In this study, we address long-standing misconceptions in the field and gaps in the scientific logic for a p53 function–restoration strategy, identify four barriers for drugging mutant p53, and accordingly propose effectiveness evaluation criteria, clinical-translating norms, and prospects for mutant p53 rescue compounds.
Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Personalized Adjuvant mRNA Cancer Vaccines
Authors: Berraondo Pedro , Cuesta Raquel , Sanmamed Miguel F. , Melero Ignacio
Published: November 2024

In this issue, Gainor and colleagues report on the immunogenicity of personalized neoantigen-encoding mRNA vaccines that elicit measurable polyfunctional CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell responses in patients whose tumors have been resected. Reactivity is substantiated to 20% to 30% of the predicted MHC-I and MHC-II epitopes in four patients with NSCLC postsurgically treated with the vaccine alone and in 12 patients with melanoma treated with their individualized vaccines plus pembrolizumab in the context of a phase 1 clinical trial (NCT03313778).

See related article by Gainor et al., p. 2209
Dynamic Evolution of Fibroblasts Revealed by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dimitrieva Slavica , Harrison Jon M. , Chang Jonathan , Piquet Michelle , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Gabriel Millicent , Sagar Vivek , Horn Heiko , Lage Kasper , Kim Julie , Li Gang , Weng Shaobu , Harris Cynthia , Kulkarni Anupriya S. , Ting David T. , Qadan Motaz , Fagenholz Peter J. , Ferrone Cristina R. , Grauel Angelo L. , Laszewski Tyler , Raza Alina , Riester Markus , Somerville Tim , Wagner Joel P. , Dranoff Glenn , Engelman Jeffrey A. , Kauffmann Audrey , Leary Rebecca , Warshaw Andrew L. , Lillemoe Keith D. , Fernández-del Castillo Carlos , Ruddy David A. , Liss Andrew S. , Cremasco Viviana
Published: November 2024

Cancer progression and response to therapy are inextricably reliant on the coevolution of a supportive tissue microenvironment. This is particularly evident in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a tumor type characterized by expansive and heterogeneous stroma. Herein, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics of normal, inflamed, and malignant pancreatic tissues to contextualize stromal dynamics associated with disease and treatment status, identifying temporal and spatial trajectories of fibroblast differentiation. Using analytical tools to infer cellular communication, together with a newly developed assay to annotate genomic alterations in cancer cells, we additionally explored the complex intercellular networks underlying tissue circuitry, highlighting a fibroblast-centric interactome that grows in strength and complexity in the context of malignant transformation. Our study yields new insights on the stromal remodeling events favoring the development of a tumor-supportive microenvironment and provides a powerful resource for the exploration of novel points of therapeutic intervention in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Significance:

Pancreatic cancer remains a high unmet medical need. Understanding the interactions between stroma and cancer cells in this disease may unveil new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Spatial Context of Immune Checkpoints as Predictors of Overall Survival in Patients with Resectable Colorectal Cancer Independent of Standard Tumor–Node–Metastasis Stages
Authors: Kong Hao , Yang Qingxin , Wu Chunwei , Wu Xiangji , Yan Xinrui , Huang Li-Bin , Chen Lu , Zhou Zong-Guang , Wang Ping , Jiang Hong
Published: November 2024

Although immune checkpoint blockade therapy has shown promising results in a small subset of patients with colorectal cancer with high microsatellite instability, the majority of patients with colorectal cancer do not respond to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The main obstacle to the success of immunotherapy in cancer treatment is the exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Elucidating the spatial organization of immune checkpoints within the tumor microenvironment (TME) could pave the way for the development of novel prognostic tools and therapeutic strategies to enhance antitumor immune responses. To clarify the spatial and functional diversity of TILs in the colorectal TME, we performed multiplexed IHC to examine the exhaustion of TILs in the TME, the expression of PD-1 and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain–containing protein 3 (TIM-3), which are major biomarkers of T-cell exhaustion, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method–Cox analyses of the correlation between colorectal cancer prognosis and TME features. For proof of concept, the antitumor efficacy of TIM-3 and PD-1 dual blockade in colorectal cancer was further evaluated in a CT26 s.c. tumor model of human colorectal cancer. We found that the spatial context of PD-1 and TIM-3 successfully predicted the overall survival of patients with colorectal cancer independent of tumor–node–metastasis stage. Dual targeting of PD-1 and TIM-3 in mouse tumor models inhibited tumor progression and reduced T-cell exhaustion, indicating a potential strategy for improving the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.

Significance:

The identification of specific spatial patterns of immune checkpoint expression that correlate with overall survival in patients with colon cancer suggests a potential prognostic tool for risk stratification and treatment selection. These findings pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance antitumor immune responses.
Single-Cell Analysis of Bone Marrow CD8+ T Cells in Myeloid Neoplasms Reveals Pathways Associated with Disease Progression and Response to Treatment with Azacitidine
Authors: Tasis Athanasios , Papaioannou Nikos E. , Grigoriou Maria , Paschalidis Nikolaos , Loukogiannaki Catherine , Filia Anastasia , Katsiki Kyriaki , Lamprianidou Eleftheria , Papadopoulos Vasileios , Rimpa Christina Maria , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios , Kourtzelis Ioannis , Gerasimou Petroula , Kyprianou Ioannis , Costeas Paul , Liakopoulos Panagiotis , Liapis Konstantinos , Kolovos Petros , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Alissafi Themis , Kotsianidis Ioannis , Mitroulis Ioannis
Published: November 2024

CD8+ T cells are crucial for antitumor immunity. However, their functionality is often altered in higher-risk myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To understand their role in disease progression, we conducted a comprehensive immunophenotypic analysis of 104 pretreatment bone marrow (BM) samples using mass and flow cytometry. Our findings revealed an increased frequency of CD57+CXCR3+ subset of CD8+ T cells in patients who did not respond to azacitidine (AZA) therapy. Furthermore, an increased baseline frequency (>29%) of the CD57+CXCR3+CD8+ T-cell subset was correlated with poor overall survival. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing to assess the transcriptional profile of BM CD8+ T cells from treatment-naïve patients. The response to AZA was linked to an enrichment of IFN-mediated pathways, whereas nonresponders exhibited a heightened TGF-β signaling signature. These findings suggest that combining AZA with TGF-β signaling inhibitors targeting CD8+ T cells could be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with higher-risk MDS and AML.

Significance:

Immunophenotypic analysis identified a BM CD57+CXCR3+ subset of CD8+ T cells associated with response to AZA in patients with MDS and AML. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that IFN signaling is linked to the response to treatment, whereas TGF-β signaling is associated with treatment failure, providing insights into new therapeutic approaches.
A Territory-Wide Follow-Up of Primary and Secondary Extramammary Paget Disease of 2 Decades: Effects of Local Disease on Survival
Authors: Ng Joanna Ka Man , Chan Agnes Wai Sze , Cheung Christina Man-Tung , Ip Edric Chi-Ching , Choi Paul Cheung Lung , Lau Wendy Wan Hang , Lee Jacqueline Ho Sze , Li Joshua Jing Xi
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is an uncommon malignant cutaneous neoplasm that are divided into primary and secondary forms. In this multicenter study, histologically proven cases of primary and secondary EMPD were reviewed for clinical outcomes with subgroup analysis for secondary EMPD. Methodology: Cases of EMPD were identified from pathology report of the involved institutions over a period of over 2 decades. Cases of secondary EMPD were identified review of case notes, radiology, and pathology reports. Clinicopathological and outcome data were retrieved for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 109 cases were retrieved, including 19 cases of secondary EMPD, most commonly associated with colorectal (n = 6), anal (n = 5), and prostatic carcinomas (n = 3). A difference was observed between older age and secondary (vs. primary) EMPD (p = 0.016), but no differences were seen in other clinico-demographical parameters. Male sex (p = 0.018), age over 60 years (p = 0.004), and involvement of margins (resectable) (p = 0.018) were associated with shorter OS. For DSS, involvement of margins (p = 0.009) was an adverse predictor. Secondary EMPD had a shorter DSS than primary EMPD (p = 0.005). Multivariable analysis confirmed all above associations (p < 0.05). In subgroup analysis for secondary EMPD, margin involvement remained associated with shorter OS (p = 0.007) and DSS (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Secondary EMPD is associated with poorer outcomes. Margin involvement is strong and independent indicator of shorter OS and DSS, including secondary EMPD. Resectability is a strong predictor of favorable outcome and excision with clear margins should be attempted when surgically feasible.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Not Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Two-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Zheng Huabo , Guo Tangmeng , Zhao Xiaofang , Wang Kun , Shan Shengshuai , Xie Songpu , Xu Yichen , Liu Chengyun , Lu Weilin
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Previous studies reported inconsistent results of the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: A cohort study of 2,063 adults without NAFLD at baseline, who participated in a repeated health checkup including a 13C-urea breath test and abdominal ultrasonography, was conducted to evaluate the link between H. pylori infection and NAFLD development. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 1.7 years, we did not find a significant association between H. pylori infection and NAFLD (hazard ratio = 1.10 (0.86, 1.40), p = 0.4689). We also found that higher age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (systolic BP), diastolic blood pressure (diastolic BP), fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were risk factors, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was a protective factor for NAFLD development. Conclusion: H. pylori infection might not be positively related to NAFLD development.
Efficacy of Intracameral Mydriatics in Pediatric Lens Surgery
Authors: Van Os Luc , Wouters Kristien , Herbots Hanne , Aerts William , Dumitrascu Catalina , De Backer Iske , Smitz Carine , van Nuijs Alexander L.N. , Covaci Adrian , Saldien Vera , Tassignon Marie-José B.R.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intracameral administration of Mydrane® in children undergoing lens surgery. Methods: We set up a single center prospective cohort trial including 40 consecutive patients between 8 weeks and 17 years old who were planned for lens surgery, including cataract, persistent fetal vasculature or lens subluxation. We injected 0.1 mL of intracameral Mydrane at the beginning of surgery, no preoperative mydriatic eye drops were used. The aim of the study was to measure pupil size and to monitor the evolution of the pupil size during surgery and the need for additional pupil expanding techniques. Results: In 30 patients (75% [95% CI: 59–87%]), we did not need additional manipulations to obtain sufficient pupillary dilatation to perform the surgery and to implant an intraocular lens following the bag-in-the-lens (BIL) technique. In the remaining 10 patients (25%), we saw an initiation of dilatation but not to the required pupil diameter to continue the surgery without additional surgical maneuvers. The duration of surgery was significantly longer in the partial response group, reflecting the need for additional surgical steps. A significant relation between increase of pupillary diameter and age (p = 0.003), gender (p = 0.032), and horizontal corneal diameter (p < 0.001) could be shown. Even at baseline, there is a larger pupil diameter in eyes with larger horizontal corneal diameters (p = 0.039). No adverse events were observed during this study. Conclusion: Intracameral administration of Mydrane resulted in some degree of dilatation in all eyes in this series, 75% of eyes did not need additional techniques to proceed with the surgery. Smaller pupils at baseline, younger age, male sex and small horizontal corneal diameter were related to a poorer response to Mydrane. The mydriasis persisted for the entire duration of the surgery, no ocular adverse events were observed during this study. This leads us to conclude that intracameral Mydrane is an effective and safe way to dilate the pupil in pediatric lens surgery.
Functional Differentiation along the Rostro-Caudal Axis of the Avian Hippocampal Formation
Authors: Santiago Gonzalez Karina , Boswell Timothy , Smulders Tom Victor
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Different functional domains can be identified along the longitudinal axis of the mammalian hippocampus. We have recently hypothesized that a similar functional gradient may exist along the longitudinal axis of the avian hippocampal formation (HF) as well. If the 2 gradients are homologous, we would expect the caudal HF to be more responsive to acute stress than the rostral HF. Methods: We restrained 8 adult Dekalb White hens in a bag for 30 min under red-light conditions and compared FOS-immunoreactive (FOS-ir) cell densities in different hippocampal subdivisions to control hens. Results: Although we could find no evidence of an activated stress response in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the restrained birds, we did find a significant increase in FOS-ir cell densities in the rostral HF of the restrained birds compared to controls. Conclusion: We speculate that the HF response is not due to an acute stress response, but instead, it is related to the change in spatial context that was part of taking the birds and restraining them in a different room. We see no activation in the caudal HF. This would be consistent with our hypothesis that the longitudinal axis of the avian HF is homologous to the long axis of the mammalian hippocampus.
Self-investigation exercises: geometry learning strategies for prospective teacher students
Authors: Hamidah Hamidah , Zaenuri Zaenuri , Isnarto Isnarto , Agoestanto Arief
Published: November 2024

This study's purpose was to analyse the relationship between geometric thinking skills with self-regulated learning and with students' basic geometry skills. Furthermore, analyze student errors in solving geometry problems based on their self-regulated learning to determine the optimal geometry learning environment for geometry thinking skills. The study subjects were 46 second-semester students majoring in Mathematics Education for the academic year 2021/2022 of Universitas Bina Bangsa who were selected with purposive sampling techniques. This research uses quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data were obtained from geometric thinking ability tests, basic geometry skills tests, self-regulated learning questionnaires, and interview sheets. The results showed a relationship between the ability to think geometrically and the basic geometry skills of students in solving geometry problems in terms of student self-regulated learning. It was found that students' difficulties in solving geometry problems can be overcome by creating an independent geometry learning environment. The learning process design is an independent investigation exercise involving relevance, assurance, motivation, investigation, evaluation, and satisfaction.
Cognitive strategies of law students in writing opinion text
Authors: Prihatini Arti , Asrini Hari Windu , Wuryaningrum Rusdhianti , Inayati Nina
Published: November 2024

Writing skills are one of the determining factors for law students' success, but it is their biggest problem. This problem stems from the lack of grammar mastery and learning barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to describe cognitive strategies for law students in writing opinion texts during the COVID-19 pandemic and the pedagogical implications. This study employed a mixed method. The research participants were 200 first-year students of the 2021-2022 academic year. Data collection methods are inventory and open-ended questions. The research found that students with Indonesian as first language (L1) are high in cognitive strategies, while second language (L2) students are moderate. The highest cognitive strategy is to look for reference sources on grammar rules on the internet. The correlation found a significant relationship among cognitive strategy. The most significant is the relationship between all cognitive strategies and developing explicit knowledge of grammar. Our findings provide pedagogical implication that writing instruction needs to use cognitive strategies as grammar learning strategies within a contextual-communicative approach in law. In conclusion, cognitive strategies can be used integratively in writing by emphasizing the use of explicit language knowledge and various digital sources for L1 and L2 learners.
Exploring the lived experiences of the persons deprived of liberty enrolled in alternative learning system
Authors: Labarrete Rufo A. , Tiopes Jocylen A.
Published: November 2024

The Philippines government adheres to a system of Education for all (EFA). Thus, it created the alternative learning system (ALS) as an alternative system of education to reach out Filipinos who were unable to complete the prescribed basic education cycle for various reasons. This study explored the lived experiences of the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) as enrollees of the ALS behind bars program. It utilized the trancendental phenomenology as its design and employed eight purposively chosen participants through inclusion criterion. Data was gathered through focus group discussion and analyzed using Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen framework. Three themes emerged following the statement of problem: lived experiences of the PDLs as enrollees of the ALS Behind Bars program, meaning of the PDLs’ attendance to the program, and their recommendations to further improve the delivery of the existing and prospective ALS programs intended for the PDLs. Taking things holistically, the current program is positively perceived by the PDLs. Thus, the need for the government to sustain the program to ensure the holistic transformation of the PDLs enrolled in the program through this alternative learning delivery, which, in turn, is direly needed as they eventually join the mainstream society.
Research skills training implementation and challenges in undergraduate students
Authors: Zahro' Anisatuz , Muzazzinah Muzazzinah , Ramli Murni
Published: November 2024

Research skills are skills that accommodate technological developments in the 21st century and the competencies that students need to be successful in academic and future careers. The main aim of this review is to explore the implementation and challenges in research skills training for undergraduate students. A systematic literature review (adopted the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) method to synthesize 12 selected articles published within 2019-2023 at the ERIC and Google Scholar databases. The finding shows several methods and approaches in training research skills, including practical systematization models, the 4C-ID model, research-based learning, constant supervisor assistance, working on projects independently, training in accessing and utilizing literature, and applying active learning theory. Limited resources, curriculum integration, and pedagogical effectiveness were common challenges in university students' research skills training. Therefore, students' assignments must introduce active learning and research practices. It is also necessary to integrate research practices into the undergraduate curriculum so that research skills training is more structured and optimum.
Exposing tech skills shaping mobile learning in cross-disciplinary English learners
Authors: Vega Nofvia De , Basri Muhammad , Nur Sahril
Published: November 2024

This study delves into information and communication technology (ICT) competency and mobile learning (m-learning) acceptance among Indonesian university students enrolled in English for specific purposes (ESP) programs across various disciplines, such as mathematics, health, management, and counselling guidance. Utilizing survey methodology with closed-ended questions involving a broad sample of non-English major ESP students from these diverse fields revealed over 60% competency in using m-learning platforms. The results underscore the extensive use of digital technology across campus for diverse functions like communication, creation, distribution, storage, and management. These tools have proven crucial for collaboration and social interaction among students. However, pedagogical factors significantly challenge m-learning adoption. This study contributes to the literature by offering insights into ICT competencies' impact on m-learning acceptance among cross-disciplinary ESP learners. The findings carry practical implications for educators, suggesting that understanding ICT competencies can enhance student outcomes and engagement in m-learning platforms. Future research is recommended to incorporate perspectives from students and lecturers on the influence of ICT competencies on m-learning acceptance in cross-disciplinary ESP programs.
Learning and indigenous peoples during the pandemic: perspectives of and for Kalanguyans
Authors: Soriano Randy F. , Camara Jun S. , Salcedo Renato E.
Published: November 2024

Through qualitative study and semi-structured interviews, the researchers explored the learning experiences of Kalanguyan teachers when schools were locked-down during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malico Elementary School, San Nicolas, Pangasinan Philippines. The results revealed the learning gaps, experiences, sacrifices, and challenges encountered by the pupils and teachers. Utilizing Colaizzi’s method, the themes generated from the interviews conducted were presented to the participants and field experts to confirm their validity and authenticity. The themes generated were the Knowledge gap in science, social science, numeracy, and reading, after-work teaching sacrifices outside the classroom, language being ‘fluid’ for kindergarten and grade school pupils, the ability of pupils being compromised during the pandemic, module no hero, no Kalanguyan is left behind, guidance from parents-plus and minus-is a source of active-passive support, uniting learning and culture through curriculum and programs, yes is the key to the workplace on and off pandemic, and assessing technology for Kalanguyans using culture as lens. The study also conducted strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threat (SWOT) analysis. The findings will serve as basis for extension activities which will be headed by Pangasinan State University and collaboration of Department of Education (DepEd) and stakeholders that encompasses range of activities aimed at supporting the community’s educational needs.
Polimarlish.id, a game-based learning website to meet the standard marine communication phrases proficiency
Authors: Sari Dhesi Wulan , Herdawan Deri , Kurniawan Fajar Sari , Marselia Marselia , Anggoro Retno
Published: November 2024

Previous studies suggested that game learning method could assist students in improving English proficiency. However, Gen Z students in a semi-military maritime vocational school had a lack of motivation to enrich their maritime English mastery because of their many non-academic activities. The goal of this study was to present polimarlish.id as an alternative game learning medium to enhance maritime English phrases, vocabulary, and idioms through interactive game-learning such as matching pictures, matching sounds, jumbled words, and fill-in-the-blank. This website was developed by considering various types of games and details of the user experience, such as giving clear instructions, attaching real pictures, and using a native sound speaker. Therefore, in order to evolve this game-based learning website, the researcher also gained data by taking observations, conducting interviews, and delivering questionnaires. The data was analyzed using a Likert scale. A total of 85.71% of 28 participants agreed that polimarlish.id could enhance their maritime English standard marine communication phrases (SMCP) proficiency.
Circular economy awareness of students in higher education: the assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior
Authors: Wardani Dewi Kusuma , Sabandi Muhammad , Kardiyem Kardiyem , Indira Fransisca Rahcmawati
Published: November 2024

The implications of the circular economy system are important in creating a balance of sustainable economic activities. This study aims to analyze student awareness as agents of change towards circular economy principles and practices in terms of knowledge, attitude, and behavior (KAB) variables based on a gender perspective and the correlation between variables. The study used a descriptive quantitative approach with a survey method via a Google form questionnaire. Research data was collected from June to August 2023. The study population composed of active students of economics/cooperative education programs, office administration education, and accounting education batches of 2020 and 2021 at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) and Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) with a research sample of 245 students. Result showed that average circular economy awareness score did not differ significantly between men and women, and an analysis revealed a positive correlation between the variables of knowledge and behavior, knowledge and attitudes, and attitudes and behavior. The study's result demonstrates that knowledgeable students will develop a favorable attitude about the effects of the circular economy and pro-environmental behavior.
Unlocking teachers' organizational citizenship behavior: exploring compensation in transmitting visionary leadership
Authors: Sulistiasih Sulistiasih , Widodo Widodo
Published: November 2024

For both organizational and personal life, especially for teachers in the context of schools, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), is essential. Thus, this study investigates and creates a novel empirical model of the mediation mechanism of compensation on the relationship between visionary leadership and teachers' OCB. For this study, 230 private junior high school teachers in three Indonesian provinces Jakarta, West Java, and Banten were given Likert scale questionnaires. With survey methods and analyses by structural equation modeling (SEM) found a significant impact of visionary leadership and compensation on OCB, the substantial influence of visionary leadership on compensation, and the significant effect of visionary leadership on OCB through compensation. This evidence supports a novelty about visionary leadership, through compensation, affects teachers' OCB. It is in line with and confirms the results of previous research as the basis of this research and, at the same time, negates the conflicting results of previous research. Under these circumstances, the novel model offers a theoretical and practical contribution that necessitates thorough and critical debate prior to adoption, adaptation, or modification as a model for enhancing teachers' OCB through visionary leadership backed by compensation.
The development of knowledge of content and teaching task instruments for pre-service mathematics teacher
Authors: Suprihatiningsih Siti , Masriyah Masriyah , Ekawati Rooselyna
Published: November 2024

The knowledge of the materials to be taught to the students is the basic knowledge that preservice mathematics teachers should possess, as they need to prepare themselves for teaching. In order to research preservice teachers’ understanding of the subject matter and teaching skils, valid and reliable test instruments are required. Knowledge of content and teaching (KCT) is one of the tools that can be used. This research was conducted using the Plomp model. Based on the research results, it was found that the KCT task instruments are valid, reliable, and legible. The instruments were utilized in this study with several revisions to describe the content and teaching knowledge of the subjects. The results of this investigation strongly support the use of KCT instruments. This tool is crucial to implement in understanding the capability of preservice mathematics educators in planning and successfully executing math lessons. Additionally, future research should be conducted on content understanding and classroom instruction on mathematics education. Such research will be able to reveal information on the expertise and experience of prospective mathematics teachers.