bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Molecular Predictors of Response and Survival Following Venetoclax Plus Hypomethylating Agents in Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Single-Center Study in Chinese Patients
Authors: Wang Linya , Gao Haitao , Fu Qiang , Jiang Qian , Jiang Hao , Wang Yu , Xu Lanping , Zhang Xiaohui , Huang Xiaojun , Tang Feifei
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and the clinical and molecular predictors of response and survival following venetoclax plus hypomethylating agents (VEN + HMAs) in adult relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 197 adult R/R AML patients who received the VEN + HMAs regimen. Molecular profiling was performed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 139 genes to explore potential response and survival genetic predictors. Results: The median treatment cycle was 1 (1–4) cycle. The composite complete remission (CRc) rate, encompassing complete remission (CR) and CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi), was 44.7%, while the overall response rate (ORR) reached 59.9%. With a median follow-up period of 14.0 months (range: 0.7–54.0 months), the 1-year and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 55.4% and 40.2%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that mutations in NPM1 and SRSF2 were significantly associated with improved response rates. Conversely, prior exposure to HMA therapy, early relapse, and the presence of GATA2 mutations were linked to lower response rates. Regarding survival outcomes, the CBFB-MYH11 fusion gene, as well as mutations in NPM1 and IDH1/2, were found to be favorable prognostic factors for OS, whereas mutations in FLT3-ITD, TP53, DNMT3A, and GATA2 were associated with worse OS. Conclusions: The VEN + HMAs regimen demonstrated considerable efficacy in the treatment of R/R AML patients, with both response rates and overall survival being influenced by distinct genetic features. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing personalized treatment strategies for this challenging patient population.
WBP5 Expression Influences Prognosis and Treatment Response in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jeong Eun-jeong , Kim Eunjeong , Jung Kwang-Yoon , Baek Seung-Kuk , Kim Yeon Soo
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by complex genetic alterations. This study aimed to identify WBP5 as a promising therapeutic target and evaluate the effect of WBP5 expression on prognosis and treatment response in HNSCC. Methods: Publicly available datasets were comprehensively analyzed to investigate WBP5 expression through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and functional validation. Results: WBP5 was particularly overexpressed in HNSCC, as analyzed through the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis version 2 (GEPIA2) database and validated using multiple Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Analysis with UALCAN confirmed that WBP5 expression was significantly higher in advanced cancer stages and tumor grades than that of normal samples. A Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that patients overexpressing WBP5 had a poor prognosis. Moreover, WBP5 expression correlated with the overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor in HNSCC. In vitro experiments revealed that WBP5 knockdown significantly reduced FaDu cell proliferation and viability. Furthermore, silencing WBP5 enhanced cisplatin sensitivity, indicating its potential role in chemoresistance. Conclusions: These results indicate that WBP5 could act as a prognostic marker and a viable therapeutic target in HNSCC. Modulating WBP5 expression may represent a novel strategy to enhance treatment efficacy. Future studies should elucidate the precise mechanisms of WBP5 action and develop targeted therapies. This integrated approach, combining a comprehensive analysis of publicly available datasets with in vitro experimental validation provides strong evidence for the clinical significance of WBP5 in HNSCC.
Multidisciplinary Treatment for Lymphorrhea and Chylorrhea Following Lymph Node Dissection for Genitourinary Cancer
Authors: Kamiya Naoto , Noro Takahide , Okazaki Taro , Ishitsuka Naoki , Suzuki Yuta , Iijima Shota , Sugizaki Yuka , Somoto Takatoshi , Oka Ryo , Utsumi Takanobu , Endo Takumi , Kasuya Shusuke , Hiruta Nobuyuki , Suzuki Hiroyoshi
Published: February 2025

Background: Lymph node dissection (LND) is often performed in genitourinary cancer to improve accurate staging. However, the resultant lymphatic damage often leads to postoperative lymphorrhea and chylorrhea. Further, since lymphatic fluid lacks platelets, it has very few clotting factors, and it is often difficult to treat postoperative lymphatic leakage. Treatments for lymphorrhea include conservative treatment (e.g., fasting, total parenteral nutrition, and drug therapy), interventional radiology (IR) and surgical treatment. However, there is no guideline of refractory lymphorrhea, and no clear criteria for switching to the next treatment. Methods: We reviewed the records of 28 patients at Toho University Sakura Medical Center with postoperative lymphorrhea or chylorrhea after LND that did not improve with conservative treatment. Based on this analysis, we partially revised the treatment algorithm for lymphorrhea developed by Rose et al. Results: The cases consisted of 26 men and two women, aged 65.0 ± 9.9 years. The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 25.3 ± 15.0. Octreotide was administered in 27 patients, lymphangiography was performed in three patients, and lymphatic embolization was performed in two patients. The mean duration of octreotide administration was 9.7 ± 6.1 days, and the mean dose was 211.1 µg/day. The treatment success rates with octreotide and IR were 78.6% and 100%, respectively. The mean duration of drain placement after surgery for primary cancer was 18.3 ± 14.3 days. Conclusions: Patients with lymphorrhea and chylorrhea should be initially treated conservatively, with IR performed if conservative treatment is unsuccessful. Surgical treatment should be a last resort.
Alternative Splicing as a Modulator of the Interferon-Gamma Pathway
Authors: Suri Parul , Badalov Ariana , Ruggiu Matteo
Published: February 2025

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a critical cytokine that plays a pivotal role in immune system regulation. It is a key mediator of both cellular defense mechanisms and antitumor immunity. As the sole member of the type II interferon family, IFN-γ modulates immune responses by activating macrophages, enhancing natural killer cell function, and regulating gene expression across multiple cellular processes. Alternative splicing is a post-transcriptional gene expression regulatory mechanism that generates multiple mature messenger RNAs from a single gene, dramatically increasing proteome diversity without the need of a proportional genome expansion. This process occurs in 90–95% of human genes, with alternative splicing events allowing for the production of diverse protein isoforms that can have distinct—or even opposing—functional properties. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in cancer immunology, potentially generating tumor neoepitopes and modulating immune responses. However, how alternative splicing affects IFN-γ’s activity is still poorly understood. This review explores how alternative splicing regulates the expression and function of both upstream regulators and downstream effectors of IFN-γ, revealing complex mechanisms of gene expression and immune response modulation. Key transcription factors and signaling molecules of the IFN-γ pathway are alternatively spliced, and alternative splicing can dramatically alter IFN-γ signaling, immune cell function, and response to environmental cues. Specific splice variants can enhance or inhibit IFN-γ-mediated immune responses, potentially influencing cancer immunotherapy, autoimmune conditions, and infectious disease outcomes. The emerging understanding of these splicing events offers promising therapeutic strategies for manipulating immune responses through targeted molecular interventions.
Enhancing Progestin Therapy with a Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Agonist for the Conservative Management of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Hagemann Andrea R. , Hagemann Ian S. , Mutch David G. , Devor Eric J. , Malmrose Paige K. , Zhang Yuping , Morrison Abigail M. , Thiel Kristina W. , Leslie Kimberly K.
Published: February 2025

Objective: Obesity is a major risk factor for endometrial cancer. In addition to hormone therapy with progestins, glucagon like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists such as semaglutide may be helpful to achieve weight loss during conservative treatment of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Methods: We theorized that the combination of semaglutide and the progestin levonorgestrel would be useful as a novel treatment or prevention regimen and tested this hypothesis using endometrial cancer cell lines and patient-derived organoids (PDOs). Results: Hec50, KLE, and Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells express GLP-1R, as determined by both qPCR and Western blotting, and GLP-1R agonist treatment induces GLP-1R mRNA transcription through positive feedback mechanisms in cell models. PDOs from six individuals with grade 1 endometrial carcinomas were treated with progesterone, levonorgestrel, semaglutide, or levonorgestrel + semaglutide. Multiple models demonstrated a significant reduction in viability in response to combinatorial treatment, and the effect was noted in models from both PR high- and PR low-expressing tumors. Most interesting was the induction not only of the membrane GLP-1R with treatment, but also the significant upregulation of nuclear and membrane progesterone receptors—PR and PGRMC1/2, respectively—indicating a potential positive feedback loop between semaglutide and progestins such as levonorgestrel. Conclusion: In summary, we identify synergistic molecular cross-talk between the GLP-1R and steroid hormone receptor pathways, with the potential to enhance the anticancer activity of levonorgestrel when combined with semaglutide.
Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents for Palliation of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Authors: Kudaravalli Pujitha , Singh Sahib , Facciorusso Antonio
Published: February 2025

Interventional endoscopy is gaining ground in the armamentarium of the management of cancer-related complications [...]
N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP)—A Prognostic Biomarker in Older and/or Frail Adults with Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer: A Post Hoc Analysis of the GO2 Clinical Trial
Authors: Tao Yuewei , Lang Chim C. , Petty Russell D. , Hall Peter S. , Baxter Mark A.
Published: February 2025

Background: Better prognostic biomarkers are needed in older adults with cancer. There are established links between N-terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) and sarcopenia, and sarcopenia is associated with poorer cancer survival. However, there are limited data regarding baseline NT-proBNP as a biomarker of cancer outcome. The GO2 trial recruited older and/or frail United Kingdom (UK) patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer and investigated the role of chemotherapy dose de-escalation. Using the GO2 database, we sought to investigate the prognostic role of NT-proBNP as well as the interaction between NT-proBNP and frailty. Methods: This was a post-hoc analysis of a completed clinical trial. Frailty measures included ECOG performance status (PS) and GO2 frailty grouping (based on an assessment of nine geriatric domains). A corrected NT-proBNP (cBNP) was calculated for each patient, adjusting for the upper limit of normal (ULN) reference from each centre. Results: A total of 241 patients were eligible to be included in the analysis. The median age was 76 (range 52–89), 187 (77.6%) were male and 211 (87.6%) had adenocarcinoma. Eighty (33.2%) patients had a baseline NT-proBNP above the local ULN. There was no association between cBNP and ECOG PS (p = 0.36) or the GO2 frailty group (p = 0.58). Those with the highest cBNP (n = 59) had significantly inferior median overall survival: 5.3 months (mos.) vs. 6.8 mos. (medium, n = 120) vs. 8.2 mos. (low, n = 61); HR 1.57 (95% CI; 1.04–2.37), p = 0.031. This was maintained on a Cox regression analysis (HR 1.69, p = 0.01) accounting for the GO2 trial stratification factors. There was no clear association between frailty and NT-proBNP. Conclusions: In this study, NT-proBNP appeared to be prognostic-independent of other factors. Further investigation and validation are needed to confirm our findings and to determine the potential beneficial role of cardioprotective therapy in at-risk patients with cancer identified in this manner.
Young Adults and Alcohol-Associated Liver Cancer: Incidence and Death from 2000 to 2021
Authors: Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Pang Yanfang , Diaz Luis Antonio , Arab Juan Pablo , Hwang Soo Young , Dejvajara Disatorn , Suresh Varshini , Suenghataiphorn Thanathip , Wannaphut Chalothorn , Suparan Kanokphong , Wijarnpreecha Karn , Kim Hyunseok , Kim Donghee , Singal Amit G. , Yang Ju Dong
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The incidence and mortality of early-onset cancers have been rising in recent decades. While epidemiological studies have examined various types of cancer, updated global data on alcohol-attributable primary liver cancer (PLC) in young adults remains limited. Methods: This study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study spanning 2000 to 2021 to evaluate the age-standardized incidence, mortality, and corresponding rates of alcohol-attributable PLC among young adults aged 15–49 years. Results: In 2021, there were 8290 incidence cases and 6590 deaths from alcohol-attributable PLC in young adults. The age-standardized incidence rate has increased in Europe (annual percent change [APC]: 0.44%, 95%CI 0.35 to 0.54%), Southeast Asia (APC: 0.40%, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.44%), and the Western Pacific region (APC: 0.65%, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.86%). In 2021, alcohol-attributable PLC in young adults represented 11% (+2% from 2000) of incident cases and 11% of (+2% from 2000) deaths among all PLC in young adults. About half of the countries showed an increase in the age-standardized incidence rate of alcohol-attributable PLC among young adults between 2000 and 2021. Conclusions: The incidence rate of alcohol-attributable liver cancer in young adults has shifted significantly over the past two decades, with notable increases in Europe and the Asia–Pacific region. This trend underscores the need for global strategies to address the rising prevalence of alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease and their impact on young adults.
Molecular Testing as Triage in Cervical Cancer Screening: Economic Evaluation Using Headroom Analysis
Authors: Castañeda Kelly M. , Vermeulen Karin M. , van Asselt Antoinette D. I. , Schuuring Ed , Wisman G. Bea A. , Greuter Marcel J. W. , de Bock Geertruida H.
Published: February 2025

Background: Molecular triage testing for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-based cervical cancer screening can be used in self-sampling, potentially reducing unnecessary colposcopies and increasing attendance. However, its commercial value remains underexplored. This study used headroom analysis to estimate the maximum reimbursable price (MRP) at which molecular testing would be cost-effective for the triage of hrHPV-positive women, compared with cytology. Methods: A validated microsimulation Markov model for the Dutch cervical cancer screening program evaluated three triage scenarios: (1) cytology (base scenario), (2) molecular testing in self-samples only (scenario I), and (3) molecular testing on self- and GP-collected samples (scenario II). Test sensitivity and specificity ranged from 65% to 95%, with a threshold of EUR 20,000 per life-year gained. Results: In scenario I, MRPs ranged from EUR 244 (85% sensitivity, 75% specificity) to EUR 435 (95% sensitivity, 95% specificity). In scenario II, molecular testing was cost-effective across all parameters, with MRPs from EUR 162 (65% sensitivity, 65% specificity) to EUR 624 (95% sensitivity, 95% specificity). Increasing the sensitivity did not significantly affect life-years gained (due to the low mortality of cervical cancer in the Netherlands), but increased specificity did reduce the number of unnecessary colposcopies. Conclusions: Enhancing the specificity of molecular triage testing will improve its commercial value by reducing colposcopy referrals without affecting the number of life-years gained.
Evaluation of the Quality of Results of Lung Cancer Surgery in France Using the PMSI National Database
Authors: Bernard Alain , Cottenet Jonathan , Quantin Catherine
Published: February 2025

Background. Given the complexity of lung cancer surgery, this study aims to provide an overview of hospitals authorised to perform lung cancer surgery in France, and to assess their performance focusing on severe post-operative complications and 30-day in-hospital mortality based on the Clavien–Dindo classification (grade > 2). Methods. We included all patients (n = 64,304) who underwent pulmonary resection for lung cancer from the French hospital database (2019–2023). To quantify variations within regions, we used the ratio of the 90th to the 10th decile of the standardised outcome rate of the hospitals. We used a hierarchical logistic regression model to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) according to the number of annual procedures. We then used the results of this modelling to see how the standardised rate estimate might evolve after simulating a new organisation of hospitals authorised to perform this surgery. Results. A total of 18,151 patients (28%) had severe complications (Clavien–Dindo > 2). Compared to hospital performing less than 100 procedures/year, the risk of severe complications was significantly reduced for hospitals performing between 101 and 250 procedures/year (aOR = 0.83 [0.77–0.89]) and more than 250 procedures/year (aOR = 0.85 [0.77–0.93]). A simulation of hospital reorganisation, using 100 procedures/year as the threshold value, showed that 477 severe complications could have been prevented over the period. Conclusions. This study shows inequalities in performance indicators between hospitals in each French region. The influence of the volume of activity raises questions about the need to restructure the offer of care for complex surgeries, such as lung cancer surgery.
Artificial Intelligence for Neuroimaging in Pediatric Cancer
Authors: Dalboni da Rocha Josue Luiz , Lai Jesyin , Pandey Pankaj , Myat Phyu Sin M. , Loschinskey Zachary , Bag Asim K. , Sitaram Ranganatha
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming neuroimaging by enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment planning. However, its applications in pediatric cancer neuroimaging remain limited. This review assesses the current state, potential applications, and challenges of AI in pediatric neuroimaging for cancer, emphasizing the unique needs of the pediatric population. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on AI’s impact on pediatric neuroimaging through accelerated image acquisition, reduced radiation, and improved tumor detection. Key methods include convolutional neural networks for tumor segmentation, radiomics for tumor characterization, and several tools for functional imaging. Challenges such as limited pediatric datasets, developmental variability, ethical concerns, and the need for explainable models were analyzed. Results: AI has shown significant potential to improve imaging quality, reduce scan times, and enhance diagnostic accuracy in pediatric neuroimaging, resulting in improved accuracy in tumor segmentation and outcome prediction for treatment. However, progress is hindered by the scarcity of pediatric datasets, issues with data sharing, and the ethical implications of applying AI in vulnerable populations. Conclusions: To overcome current limitations, future research should focus on building robust pediatric datasets, fostering multi-institutional collaborations for data sharing, and developing interpretable AI models that align with clinical practice and ethical standards. These efforts are essential in harnessing the full potential of AI in pediatric neuroimaging and improving outcomes for children with cancer.
The Effect of the Pore Size of TiO2 Aerogel on the Photocatalytic Decomposition of Formaldehyde
Authors: Sun Fenglei , Yue Xian , Yu Xianbo , Di Yuqian , Chen Hu , Xie Shuao , Han Wei , Xi Xiaoxue , Zhang Wenjing , Zou Hanyu , Li Huaxin , Xiang Junhui
Published: February 2025

TiO2 aerogels have been employed for the degradation of formaldehyde (HCHO) via the photocatalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (O2−, ·OH), and its pore size plays a crucial role in affecting the decomposition efficiency. However, there remains a lack of a comprehensive understanding regarding the internal mechanisms underlying the influence of pore size on HCHO decomposition. In this study, we prepared TiO2 aerogels by the sol–gel method, and added polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to introduce flexible molecular chains for pore size regulation, and obtained anatase crystals after a heat treatment at 800 °C. The photocatalytic decomposition mechanism of HCHO was researched using TiO2 aerogels with varying pore sizes as catalysts. The results indicated that the pore size of TiO2 aerogels was one of the important factors for HCHO decomposition. We validated that the efficiency of HCHO decomposition was related to the oxygen pressure in the pores of the TiO2 aerogel, and the oxygen pressure was inversely proportional to the pore size, then the pore size of the TiO2 aerogel and the decomposition efficiency of HCHO were linked through the oxygen pressure. Finally, the optimal pore size of the TiO2 aerogel for the photocatalytic HCHO decomposition was 2 nm–10 nm. The present study aims to establish the relationship and influence of the pore size of TiO2 aerogels on the performance of photocatalytic decomposition and promoting further advancements in porous nanomaterials for catalysis.
SnO2-Based CMOS-Integrated Gas Sensor Optimized by Mono-, Bi-, and Trimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Egger Larissa , Sosada-Ludwikowska Florentyna , Steinhauer Stephan , Singh Vidyadhar , Grammatikopoulos Panagiotis , Köck Anton
Published: February 2025

Chemical sensors, relying on electrical conductance changes in a gas-sensitive material due to the surrounding gas, have the (dis-)advantage of reacting with multiple target gases and humidity. In this work, we report CMOS-integrated SnO2 thin film-based gas sensors, which are functionalized with mono-, bi-, and trimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) to optimize the sensor performance. The spray pyrolysis technology was used to deposit the metal oxide sensing layer on top of a CMOS-fabricated micro-hotplate (µhp), and magnetron sputtering inert-gas condensation was employed to functionalize the sensing layer with metallic NPs, Ag-, Pd-, and Ru-NPs, and all combinations thereof were used as catalysts to improve the sensor response to carbon monoxide and to suppress the cross-sensitivity toward humidity. The focus of this work is the detection of toxic carbon monoxide and a specific hydrocarbon mixture (HCmix) in a concentration range of 5–50 ppm at different temperatures and humidity levels. The use of CMOS chips ensures low-power, integrated sensors, ready to apply in cell phones, watches, etc., for air quality-monitoring purposes.
Mo-Doped Co3O4 Nanostructures for Enhanced N-Butanol Sensing Performance
Authors: Chen Yanping , Zhang Guangfeng , Ren Jing , Xu Haoyang , Jia Yonghui
Published: February 2025

In this work, Mo-doped Co3O4 nanostructures were synthesized through a simple solvothermal method. To characterize the structures of the pure Co3O4 and Mo-doped Co3O4 samples, a variety of analytical techniques, such as XRD, SAED, TEM, SEM and XPS, were utilized. The analysis of the gas sensing performance indicated that the 1 at% Mo-doped Co3O4 sensor exhibited optimal sensing performance for low concentrations of n-butanol, achieving a notable Rg/Ra ratio of 9.53 at 10 ppm at a lower operating temperature of 150 °C. This performance was approximately four times that of pure Co3O4, with a response time of 81 s and a recovery time of 66 s. Additionally, the sensor also exhibited outstanding gas selectivity and repeatability. The incorporation of Mo significantly improved the catalytic activity and sensitivity of Co3O4, primarily due to the increased formation of oxygen vacancies and the modification of the electronic structure. These changes facilitated more efficient gas adsorption and faster response times. Therefore, the Mo-doped Co3O4 sensor exhibits considerable potential for detecting n-butanol gas.
Comparative Evaluation of Alveolar Nerve Block with 2% Lidocaine–Epinephrine and 4% Articaine–Epinephrine Buccal Infiltration in Mandibular Premolar and Molar Region in Children: A Double-Blind, Randomized Trial
Authors: Komsic Jelena , Vujkov Sanja , Neskovic Isidora , Blagojevic Duska , Tadic Ana , Petrovic Bojan , Bajkin Branislav
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Effective pain control in pediatric dentistry combines behavior management, local anesthesia, and follow-up care. This study compared the efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) with 2% lidocaine and epinephrine versus buccal infiltration (BI) with 4% articaine and epinephrine in treating primary molars, permanent premolars, and molars in children. Methods: Sixty children aged 5–18 years were randomly assigned to two groups in a double-blind study. One group received 1.7 mL BI with 4% articaine, and the other 1.8 mL IANB with 2% lidocaine for dental treatment. Pain was assessed using the self-reported Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (W-BFRS), while anesthesia effectiveness and behavior were evaluated using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS) and vitality tests. Results: The articaine group reported significantly lower pain scores on all scales (VAS: 1.23 ± 2.01; FBRS: 0.47 ± 0.57; W-BFRS: 1.33 ± 2.04) than the lidocaine group (VAS: 3.17 ± 1.64; FBRS: 1.26 ± 0.45; W-BFRS: 3.17 ± 1.64). Articaine also outperformed lidocaine in secondary measures, with higher positive responses on the questionnaires (articaine: 8.37 ± 1.61 vs. lidocaine: 5.27 ± 1.41, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Buccal infiltration with 4% articaine is more effective than 2% lidocaine administered via IANB for invasive dental procedures in children, providing superior pain control and positive patient responses.
Association Between Family Planning and Early Childhood Development: Secondary Analysis of the 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Gezgen Kesen Gamze , Yalçın Sıddıka Songül
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Early childhood development (ECD) significantly influences long-term academic and social outcomes. Family planning (FP) can affect ECD by altering family dynamics and resource allocation. We aimed to investigate the association between the unmet need for family planning (UMNFP) and early childhood development (ECD), as well as family child care practices in Türkiye. Materials and Methods: We included mothers with children under 5 years from the “2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys” (TDHS). Dependent variables included the ECD index, child care practices. Independent variables included FP needs, child–family characteristics. The study applied complex sample analysis. Results: The UMNFP was not associated with poorer child care practices; however, the availability of multiple types of toys or books was associated with the presence of UMNFP. Children from families with UMNFP had engaged in a smaller number of activities compared to their peers. However, on developmental assessments, these children did not perform differently than the comparison group. Factors such as maternal education and socioeconomic status also significantly moderated these effects, highlighting the complex interplay between FP and ECD. Conclusions: UMNFP is not associated with adverse child care practices but is related inversely to some educational activities and engagement in Türkiye, though no direct relationship with early childhood development (ECD) outcomes was identified. Expanding access to FP services and addressing socioeconomic disparities have the potential to improve child care practices, thereby contributing to more equitable developmental outcomes nationwide.
KRAS Mutation Status in Relation to Clinicopathological Characteristics of Romanian Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Avădănei Elena-Roxana , Căruntu Irina-Draga , Nucă Irina , Balan Raluca Anca , Lozneanu Ludmila , Giusca Simona-Eliza , Pricope Diana Lavinia , Dascalu Cristina Gena , Amalinei Cornelia
Published: February 2025

Our study’s aim was to evaluate the clinicopathological profile of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients from North-East Romania in relation to the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS). We designed a retrospective study on 108 CRC patients using the fully automated real-time PCR-based molecular testing system, IdyllaTMKRAS Mutation Test (Biocartis, Mechelen, Belgium). Of the patients, 64 (59.3%) were men and 62 (57.4%) were older than the group average, with left bowel location in 38 cases (35.2%), adenocarcinoma NOS in 102 cases (94.4%), mixed histological pattern in 65 cases (60.2%), T3 in 60 patients (55.6%), N2 in 46 patients (42.6%), and 7–12 tumour buds registered in 58 tumours (53.7%). A total of 54 tumour samples (50%) showed KRAS mutation. Statistical comparative analyses associated KRAS mutations with the histopathological pattern (p = 0.018), tumour grade (p = 0.030), depth of invasion (pT) (p < 0.001), lymph node involvement (pN) (p < 0.001), venous vascular invasion (p = 0.048), and tumour buds’ number (p = 0.007). Our results demonstrate the relationship between KRAS mutation and clinicopathological features, with possible impact in clinical tumour stratification and therapeutic management.
Protection Criteria of Cathodically Protected Pipelines Under AC Interference
Authors: Paterlini Luca , Marinelli Andrea , Brenna Andrea , Ormellese Marco
Published: February 2025

Carbon steel structures employed to convey hydrocarbons and other dangerous fluids, such as oil or flammable liquids, are equipped with degradation prevention systems, which typically consist of a cathodic protection (CP) system combined with an external insulating coating, both designed to reduce the corrosion rate below 10 µm/year. The presence of electrical interference, both AC and DC, can cause significant corrosion damage to metallic structures, even when CP is applied. DC interference is determined by the presence of a third-party CP system or public transportation system. AC interference may occur through conduction or induction mechanisms, caused by high-voltage powerlines or high-speed trains, powered by AC. Both interferences may lead to localized corrosion at coating defects, despite compliance with the −0.850 V saturated Cu/CuSO4 reference electrode (CSE) protection criterion. Considering AC-induced corrosion, both field failures and laboratory investigations have demonstrated that corrosion can occur at industrial frequencies, and when CP is applied following the standards. Even though AC-induced degradation is generally not as severe as DC interference, uncertainties remain regarding the protection potential range necessary to achieve acceptable corrosion prevention under AC interference. To formulate a CP criterion under AC interference, weight loss measurements were conducted on carbon steel samples under cathodic protection in solutions that simulate real soil conditions. Carbon steel coupons protected by CP were interfered with AC densities ranging from 1 A/m2 to 800 A/m2 for four months. During this time interval, polarization potential, protection current density and AC density were monitored. Based on the experimental data gathered during this study, a proposal for a risk map is also suggested. The results indicate that overprotection (potentials < −1.2 V CSE) represents the most dangerous scenario when AC interference is involved.
Generative AI-Enhanced Cybersecurity Framework for Enterprise Data Privacy Management
Authors: Nadella Geeta Sandeep , Addula Santosh Reddy , Yadulla Akhila Reddy , Sajja Guna Sekhar , Meesala Mohan , Maturi Mohan Harish , Meduri Karthik , Gonaygunta Hari
Published: February 2025

This study presents a Generative AI-Enhanced Cybersecurity Framework designed to strengthen enterprise data privacy management while improving threat detection accuracy and scalability. By leveraging Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and traditional anomaly detection methods, the framework generates synthetic datasets that mimic real-world data, ensuring privacy and regulatory compliance. At its core, the anomaly detection engine integrates machine learning models, such as Random Forest and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), alongside deep learning techniques like Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, delivering robust performance across diverse domains. Experimental results demonstrate the framework’s adaptability and high performance in the financial sector (accuracy: 94%, recall: 95%), healthcare (accuracy: 96%, precision: 93%), and smart city infrastructures (accuracy: 91%, F1 score: 90%). The framework achieves a balanced trade-off between accuracy (0.96) and computational efficiency (processing time: 1.5 s per transaction), making it ideal for real-time enterprise deployments. Unlike analog systems that achieve > 0.99 accuracy at the cost of higher resource consumption and limited scalability, this framework emphasizes practical applications in diverse sectors. Additionally, it employs differential privacy, encryption, and data masking to ensure data security while addressing modern cybersecurity challenges. Future work aims to enhance real-time scalability further and explore reinforcement learning to advance proactive threat mitigation measures. This research provides a scalable, adaptive, and practical solution for enterprise-level cybersecurity and data privacy management.
Understanding Student Struggles: The Phenomenon of Objectification in Indonesian Online Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Muassomah Muassomah , Abdullah Irwan , Na’imah Na’imah , Khairiah Khairiah , Demina Demina , Jasmine Asyifa Nadia
Published: February 2025

Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has positioned students as objects. They are not given a position as subjects in the teaching–learning process. The policies of the online education system have forced students to lose their rights to negotiate and interact with teachers and friends. They are required to comply with all applicable regulations in their schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper maps the objectification aspects experienced by students during online education, including the types of burdens experienced during the learning process, as well as learning evaluations that are not optimal. The qualitative method used in this paper relies on data from interviews with 30 elementary school students. The results of this paper show that the online education system during the pandemic has positioned children as passive objects who only accept the decisions of adults, depriving them of opportunities to ask questions or engage in discussions with their teachers and peers. Children were expected to adhere to all predetermined policies without being given a platform to express their perspectives. This paper concludes that learning in the time of COVID-19 has taken away the ideal meaning of education for students, which should have been realized and safeguarded according to the expected goals.
Induction of UV-B Stress Tolerance by Momilactones and Gibberellic Acid in Rice
Authors: Rayee Ramin , Anh La Hoang , Xuan Tran Dang
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate the effects of momilactone-rich bran fractions (MRBF) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on the physiological responses, biochemical composition, and antioxidant activity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under UV-B stress. Rice seedlings were treated with MRBF (3 mg mL−1), or GA3 (50 and 100 µM) by foliar spraying, then exposed to UV-B-induced stress for 0, 1.5, and 3 h. Phenolic acids and endogenous momilactones A (MB) and B (MB) were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). The results demonstrated that UV-B stress reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid, which were significantly elevated by GA3 and GA3 + MRBF treatments. MRBF alone increased proline concentrations by 18.33%, while GA3 significantly enhanced total flavonoid content (TFC), and GA3 + MRBF raised total phenolic content (TPC). Among identified phenolic acids, sinapic, ferulic, and salicylic acids were notably elevated under MRBF and 3 h UV-B stress, while cinnamic and gallic acids were markedly reduced. The highest endogenous MA content was found in MRBF-treated plants under 1.5 h UV-B stress, with significant MA and MB concentrations also in plants treated with 50 µM GA3 + MRBF after extended UV-B exposure. This combination also enhanced antioxidant activities and reduced rice seedlings’ oxidative stress index (OSI) by 30.55%. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship of MA with TPC and proline. Together, these results support the potential role of momilactones in regulating UV-B stress tolerance in rice; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation require further investigation.
Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease in Human Participants Using EEGConformer and Attention-Based LSTM During the Short Question Task
Authors: Kim Seul-Kee , Kim Jung Bin , Kim Hayom , Kim Laehyun , Kim Sang Hee
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder advancing through subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, making early diagnosis crucial. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative to advanced neuroimaging for detecting early neural changes. While most studies focus on resting-state EEG or handcrafted features with traditional machine learning, deep learning (DL) offers a promising tool for automated EEG analysis. This study classified the AD spectrum (SCD, MCI, AD) using EEG recorded during resting-state and task-based conditions. Specifically, EEG was recorded during a simple yes/no question-answering task, mimicking everyday cognitive activities, and was explored. We hypothesized that brain activity during tasks involving listening, comprehension, and response execution provides diagnostic insights. Methods: We collected 1 min of resting-state EEG and approximately 3 min of task-based EEG from 20, 28, and 10 participants with SCD, MCI, and AD, respectively. Task data included response accuracy and reaction time. After minimal preprocessing, two DL models, attention long short-term memory and EEGConformer, were used for binary (e.g., SCD vs. MCI) and three-class (SCD, MCI, AD) classification. Results: Task-based EEG outperformed resting-state EEG, with a 5–15% improvement in accuracy. The area under the curve (AUC) results consistently demonstrated superior classification performance for task-based EEG compared to resting-state EEG across all group distinctions. No significant performance difference was observed between the two DL models. Conclusions: We proposed a cognitive task-based approach for early AD spectrum diagnosis via EEG, offering greater accuracy by leveraging advanced DL models.
Exploring Social Participation Among Adults with Spinal Cord Injury During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada
Authors: Fortin-Bédard Noémie , Ladry Naomie-Jade , Bouchard David , Rahn Caroline , Borisoff Jaimie , Sweet Shane N. , Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P. , Routhier François , Best Krista L.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic challenged people with spinal cord injury (SCI) regarding a variety of mental and physical issues. New challenges may arise as the effects of the pandemic continue. The objective of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the social participation of Canadians with SCI during the second wave of COVID-19. Methods: Participants with SCI from two Canadian provinces (Quebec and British Columbia) were interviewed. Results: Eighteen participants completed interviews. The facilitators of social participation remain similar since the first wave of COVID-19, such as the use of technology, help received by relatives, and the use of delivery services to obtain groceries and other essentials. Obstacles to mobility due to winter conditions and lack of considerations related to COVID-19 public health measures specific to wheelchair users were also discussed by participants. Conclusions: People with SCI perceived participation restrictions, little changes in life habits, and uncertainty about the future during the second wave of COVID-19. The unique living conditions of people with SCI, ability to adapt life habits, and the lived experiences of people with SCI may have contributed to an overall resilience during the pandemic. Adaptive families, social contacts, and technology made a difference during the pandemic.
Bone Remodeling Around Implants with Different Macro-Design Placed in Post-Extraction Sockets: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (RCT)
Authors: Grassi Roberta , Silva Fábio França Vieira e , Musella Gennaro , Pettini Francesco , Camolesi Gisela Cristina Vianna , Coppini Martina , Cantore Stefania
Published: February 2025

Background: Immediate post-extraction dental implants are increasingly popular, but ensuring primary stability and managing peri-implant tissues remain challenging. Implant macro-design significantly impacts stability and osseointegration. This study used Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate changes in alveolar bone following immediate placement of two implant designs, System 2P and Dura-Vit 3P, which feature semi-conical microgeometry and apical self-tapping portions for improved stability and bone regeneration. Methods: With a 1:1 allocation ratio, the current investigation was a two-arm parallel group randomized clinical trial. Patients qualified if they required immediate dental replacements with adequate buccal bone support. Two types of implants were placed: System 2P (cylindrical shape) and Dura-Vit 3P (more conical shape, with a particular architecture of threads). Following the intervention, CBCT was performed both immediately (T1) and six months later (T2). Measurements of CBCT horizontal bone level at apical, medial, and bevel height on the palatal/lingual and vestibular sides as well as the buccal vertical gap were the primary results. Complications, implant stability quotient (ISQ), and torque insertion were evaluated. The Mann–Whitney test was used to determine time-based differences within each group, while the Wilcoxon test was used to estimate differences between groups. The impact of baseline marginal gap dimension and gingival biotype was estimated using multiple regressions. Results: Thirty patients were recruited and randomized to treatments, with two lost to follow-up. One System 2P implant failed and two patients of the Dura-Vit 3P group dropped out. At T1, the Dura-Vit 3P group exhibited a lower mean insertion torque and a higher ISQ than the System 2P group. Furthermore, the Dura-Vit 3P group showed lower bone reduction compared to System 2P at horizontal and vertical measurements with significant differences for the vestibular and palatal base and medial level (p-values < 0.05). Regression models indicated a positive effect of thick biotypes on gap filling and dimensional bone reduction. No complications were observed in both groups. Conclusions: The Dura-Vit 3P implant exhibits high primary stability when inserted in post-extraction sites. Furthermore, this kind of implant stimulates higher bone stability on both the palatal and buccal side when compared to the System 2P implant. The present findings support the evidence that the macro-design of the Dura-Vit 3P implant promotes increased primary stability and reduces bone loss.
Federated Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient for Delay and Energy Consumption Optimization in Urban Air Mobility with UAV-Assisted MEC
Authors: Pan Chunyu , Luo Zhonghao , Zhang Jiuchuan , Shi Lei , Yi Jirong , Yang Zhaohui
Published: February 2025

With the rapid expansion of urban populations and the accelerated pace of urbanization, the concept of urban air mobility (UAM) has emerged. During flights, UAM aircraft need to transmit real-time sensing information to base stations for further processing and analysis. Large-scale real-time data require leveraging the computing capabilities of edge servers at the network edge to reduce transmission delay and energy consumption of UAM aircraft. In cases where edge servers are unable to process information, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with computing capabilities and operating in low-altitude airspace can serve as a relay to assist in communication and computation. Due to the limited payloads and flight times of UAVs and UAM aircraft, delay and energy consumption within the system pose significant challenges. To tackle these challenges, two fundamental objectives have been proposed: minimizing delay and minimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, an optimization problem has been proposed to minimize the weighted sum of delay and energy consumption. Then, a UAM federated twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (UF-TD3) algorithm has been proposed to solve the original problems characterized by complex, non-convex, and inseparable variables. Simulation results show that the proposed UF-TD3 algorithm converges quickly and significantly outperforms four other baseline algorithms in optimizing delay and energy consumption performance. Moreover, compared to the conventional delay minimization strategy and energy minimization strategy, the proposed strategy of minimizing the weighted sum of delay and energy consumption can reduce the delay by 63.8% and reduce energy by 73.96%.
Thermodynamic Properties of Hydrogen Adsorbed on Graphite Surfaces at Temperatures Above 100 K: A Molecular Dynamics and Classical Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Jervell Vegard G. , Hammer Morten , Wilhelmsen Øivind , Trinh Thuat T.
Published: February 2025

Improved technological solutions for the transport and storage of hydrogen are crucial for the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Graphite-based materials have been identified as potential candidates due to their high surface area and ability to adsorb hydrogen molecules. In this study, we investigate the adsorption and thermodynamic properties of hydrogen adsorbed on a graphite surface using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and classical density functional theory (cDFT). We demonstrate how to use the MD parameters for graphite to derive an effective wall potential for hydrogen–graphite interactions that can be used in the cDFT calculations. The methodology results in good agreement between cDFT and MD, with the enthalpy and entropy of adsorption differing by 3.5% and 7%, respectively. We determine the enthalpy and entropy of adsorption at 298K to be in the ranges of −6.37 kJ mol−1 to −6.16 kJ mol−1 and −75.42 J mol−1 K−1 to −79.95 J mol−1 K−1, respectively. We find that the adsorbed hydrogen has a 12.4 J mol−1 K−1 to 11.4 J mol−1 K−1 lower heat capacity than the bulk hydrogen in the temperature range from 150 K to 400 K. This suggests that the adsorbed molecules are bound to adsorption sites that arrest nearly all the translational degrees of freedom.
Entropic Probability and Context States
Authors: Schumacher Benjamin , Westmoreland Michael D.
Published: February 2025

In a previous paper, we introduced an axiomatic system for information thermodynamics, deriving an entropy function that includes both thermodynamic and information components. From this function, we derived an entropic probability distribution for certain uniform collections of states. Here, we extend the concept of entropic probability to more general collections, augmenting the states by reservoir and context states. This leads to an abstract concept of free energy and establishes a relation between free energy, information erasure, and generalized work.