bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stress-protectant molecule trehalose mediates fluconazole tolerance in
Candida glabrata
Authors: Zhu Qingjuan , Wijnants Stefanie , Feil Regina , Van Genechten Wouter , Vergauwen Rudy , Van Goethem Odessa , Lunn John E. , Van Ende Mieke , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: January 2025

The incidence of non-
albicans Candida
infections has witnessed a substantial rise in recent decades.
Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabratus
), an opportunistic human fungal pathogen, is accountable for both superficial mucosal and life-threatening bloodstream infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Distinguished by its remarkable resilience to environmental stressors,
C. glabrata
exhibits intrinsic tolerance to azoles and a high propensity to swiftly develop azole resistance during treatment. The molecular mechanism for the high tolerance is not fully understood. In this work, we investigated the possible role of trehalose in this tolerance. We generated mutants in the
C. glabrata TPS1
,
TPS2
, and
NTH1
genes, encoding trehalose 6-phosphate synthase (Tps1), trehalose 6-phosphate phosphatase (Tps2), and neutral trehalase (Nth1), respectively. As expected, the
tps1∆
strain cannot grow on glucose. The
tps2
∆ strain demonstrated diminished trehalose accumulation and very high levels of trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), the biosynthetic intermediate, in comparison to the wild-type (WT) strain. Whereas these higher T6P levels did not affect growth, the lower trehalose levels clearly resulted in lower environmental stress tolerance and a lower susceptibility to fluconazole. More interestingly, the
tps2∆
strain completely lost tolerance to fluconazole, characterized by the absence of slow growth at supra-MIC concentrations of this drug. All these phenotypes are reversed in the
nth1
∆ strain, which accumulates high levels of trehalose. Our findings underscore the role of trehalose in enabling tolerance toward fluconazole in
C. glabrata
. We further show that the change in tolerance is a result of the effect that trehalose has on the sterol pattern in the cell.
Shifts in fungal communities drive soil profile nutrient cycling during grassland restoration
Authors: Xu Yuting , Cui Ke , Zhang Xiaoshan , Diwu Guodong , Zhu Yuanjun , Deng Lei , Zhong Yangquanwei , Yan Weiming
Published: January 2025

Soil microbial diversity and community life strategies are crucial for nutrient cycling during vegetation restoration. Although the changes in topsoil microbial communities during restoration have been extensively studied, the structure, life strategies, and function of microbial communities in the subsoil remain poorly understood, especially regarding their role in nutrient cycling during vegetation restoration. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of the changes in the soil microbial community, assembly process, life strategies, and nutrient cycling functional genes in soil profiles (0–100 cm) across a 36 year chronosequence (5, 15, 28, and 36 years) of fenced grassland and one grazing grassland on the Loess Plateau of China. Our results revealed that soil organic carbon increased by 76.0% in topsoil and 91.6% in subsoil after 36 years of restoration. The bacterial communities were influenced primarily by soil depth, while the fungal communities were highly sensitive to the years of restoration. Microbes in the subsoil recovered faster, and the microbial community structure and functional genes in the soil profiles gradually became more consistent following restoration. In addition, we observed a transition in microbial life history strategies from a persistent
K
-strategy to a rapid
r
-strategy during restoration. Notably, the fungal community assembly process played an important role in changes in nutrient cycling genes, which were accompanied by increased carbon fixation and nitrogen mineralization function. Overall, our findings provide several novel insights into the impact of changes in the fungal community on soil nutrient cycling in the soil profile during vegetation restoration.

IMPORTANCE

Our study revealed that microbes in the subsoil recovered faster than those in the topsoil, which contributed to the reduction in differences in microbial community structure and the distribution of functional genes throughout the soil profile during the restoration process. Importantly, the assembly of fungal communities plays a pivotal role in driving changes in nutrient cycling genes, such as increased carbon fixation and nitrogen mineralization, alongside a reduction in carbon degradation gene abundance. These alterations increase soil organic carbon and nutrient availability during restoration. Our results increase the understanding of the critical role of fungal communities in soil nutrient cycling genes, which facilitate nutrient accumulation in soil profiles during grassland restoration. This insight can guide the development of strategies for manipulating fungal communities to increase soil nutrients in grasslands.
Effects of vaginal microbiota on
in vitro
fertilization outcomes in women with different infertility causes
Authors: Zhao Huimin , Wang Cong , Narsing Rao Manik Prabhu , Rafiq Muhammad , Luo Gang , Li Shijun , Kang Ying-Qian
Published: January 2025

Backed by advancements in technologies like microbial sequencing, many studies indicate that the vaginal microbiome is a key marker of female reproductive health. However, further studies are still needed to investigate the correlation between vaginal microbiota (VMB) and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Therefore, this study compared the VMB of two types of infertile women undergoing
in vitro
fertilization (IVF) with normal control women during the implantation window period and investigated the effects of VMB characteristics on IVF outcomes. Vaginal swabs from IVF patients (
n
= 85) were collected before embryo transfer (ET), and vaginal swabs from normal control women (
n
= 37) were collected during the 6–8 days of ovulation detection. Results showed differences in the vaginal community structure between infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and with tubal factor infertility (TFI) undergoing IVF treatment. The results revealed a higher relative abundance of
Lactobacillus iners
in the non-pregnant group compared with the pregnant group. The results also demonstrated the abundance of
Pseudomonas
spp. in both non-pregnant groups of infertile women. The findings suggested that the VMB composition affects the IVF outcomes and that the pre-ET high abundance of
L. iners
may potentially indicate an IVF failure. The abundance of
Pseudomonas
spp. in the vagina may be an adverse factor for ART pregnancy.

IMPORTANCE

Many studies suggest that vaginal microbiota (VMB) may affect
in vitro
fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes. Assessing VMB before embryo transfer can optimize timing for better assisted reproductive technology (ART) results. This study examined VMB distribution in infertile women undergoing ART using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results revealed that VMB structure impacted ART outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and tubal factor infertility (TFI) before embryo transfer ([less than or equal to] 24 hours).
Lactobacillus iners
and
Pseudomonas
spp. were identified as adverse factors for post-ET pregnancy. The study also showed differences in pre-ET VMB between normal women and women with PCOS and TFI during the ovulatory window. These findings highlight the importance of considering VMB composition to optimize embryo transfer timing and personalize ART treatment based on infertility type, improving the chances of success.
Supplemental Material: Late Mesozoic ridge subduction and subduction initiation in the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean (Tibet): Evidence from two distinct arc magmatic systems
Authors: 李 晨伟 , al. et
Published: January 2025

Figures S1–S3 and Tables S1–S5.
Classification of kinesiophobia in patients after cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation in China: latent profile and influencing factors analysis from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xing Wenhui , Piao Jing Jing , Ren Tong , Liang Yujing , Li Qi , Gu Yanmei , Wang Rong
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the potential classification of kinesiophobia in patients after cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation from a psychosocial perspective, and analyse the characteristic differences among different latent levels of patients.

Study design

This is a cross-sectional study of Chinese adults after cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation, aged 18 years and older, recruited from a tertiary hospital in North China.

Methods

This study uses latent profile analysis to identify potential classifications of kinesiophobia in questionnaires from 348 patients undergoing cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors at different latent classifications.

Results

The average performance of each indicator in Model 3 is best suited for analysis, Entropy=0.873 and bootstrap likelihood ratio test (p)＜0.0001. The result of regression equation shows postoperative time (p<0.001), age, self-efficacy, pain and social support level (p<0.05) were the factors influencing the potential profile classification of patients after cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation.

Conclusion

The study identified three distinct classifications of patients: the low kinesiophobia group, the moderate kinesiophobia—high-risk perceived symptoms group and the high kinesiophobia—high exercise avoidance group (HK-HEAG). Addressing kinesiophobia, especially in older male patients during the early postoperative period, is crucial. Enhancing self-efficacy seems effective in reducing kinesiophobia, while increasing social support may not be as beneficial for the HK-HEAG. These findings provide a basis for implementing preventive interventions in cardiac rehabilitation.

Trial registration number

The research is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200057895).
Behavioural factors associated with cigarette quitting behaviour: an analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected in three low-income South African communities
Authors: Filby Samantha , Rossouw Laura
Published: January 2025

Objective

To study the behavioural factors associated with sustained cigarette smoking cessation, and those associated with a current smoker attempting to quit, among current and former cigarette smokers living in low-income South African communities.

Setting

Three low-income areas in South Africa.

Design

In-person surveys with structured questions that asked respondents about their cigarette smoking and quitting behaviour, sociodemographic information and behavioural attributes.

Participants

Current smokers were eligible to participate if they had smoked at least one cigarette in the week prior to the interview (n=569). Former smokers were eligible if they had ever smoked cigarettes regularly in the past and had abstained from smoking for at least 6 months (n=106).

Outcomes

(1) Abstinence from cigarette smoking for at least 6 months and (2) attempting to quit cigarette smoking in the past 12 months.

Results

Compared with low levels of self-control, high levels of self-control increase the odds of sustained cessation (OR=2.690, 95% CI: 2.480 to 2.917) and of making a quit attempt (OR=1.271, 95% CI: 1.254 to 1.288). Relative to low levels of stress, high levels of stress reduce the odds of sustained cessation (OR=0.938, 95% CI: 0.927 to 0.948) and of attempting to quit (OR=0.824, 95% CI: 0.666 to 1.019). Hyperbolic discounting reduces the odds of sustained cessation (OR=0.841, 95% CI: 0.822 to 0.862) while exhibiting more quitting self-efficacy increases these odds (OR=2.063, 95% CI: 1.745 to 2.439). Being impatient reduces the odds of making a quit attempt (OR=0.814, 95% CI: 0.702 to 0.943), as does a tendency to postpone important tasks (OR=0.784, 95% CI: 0.644 to 0.956).

Conclusions

Non-pharmacological cessation support to low-income smokers should challenge potential lifetime quitters to practice self-control, equip them with tools to manage stress, and tackle temptations to time-discounting. Existing healthcare infrastructure should be leveraged to question people who smoke about their behavioural attributes, and to use this information to deliver behavioural support that motivates and facilitates sustained smoking cessation.
Burden and mortality of breast cancer attributed to diabetes and smoking in women: a secondary analysis based on Global Burden of Disease 2019 in North Africa and the Middle East
Authors: Shadmani Fatemeh Khosravi , Abedi Gheshlaghi Leili , Jafari-Khounigh Ali , Rezakhani Leila , Khazaei Mozafar
Published: January 2025

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer in the world. This study aimed to investigate the burden of BC due to some risk factors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease 2019 data. In this study, we used data for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and mortality of BC in MENA countries. Also, we presented data for DALYs and mortality attributed to diabetes, smoking and passive smoking among women with BC.

Results

The age-standardised DALY due to BC in women increased slowly from 395 (95% CI: 357 to 458) per 100 000 in 1990 to 473 (95% CI: 409 to 544) per 100 000 in 2019. But Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Turkey saw a decrease in age-standardised DALY trends between 1990 and 2019. In 1990, the age-standardised mortality rate was 12.3 (95% CI: 11.0 to 14.2) per 100 000 people, and by 2019, it had increased to 15.2 (95% CI: 13.3 to 17.3) per 100 000. The rate in 2019 varied between countries. Diabetes, smoking and passive smoking contribute significantly to the burden of disease and mortality from BC, with diabetes playing a more impactful role than the other risk factors. Across the MENA region, the burden and mortality attributed to diabetes vary among countries.

Conclusion

In the MENA region, the attributable fraction of risk factors such as diabetes, smoking and secondary smoking over BC deaths and DALY has increased in recent years.
Ecopsychosocial strategies for the self-exploration of professional family caregivers to manage the behavioural and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer patients in Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Amiri Parastoo , Niazkhani Zahra , Pirnejad Habibollah , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz
Published: January 2025

Objective

The aim of the present study was to explore the experiences and viewpoints of professional family caregivers in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) to identify the ecopsychosocial strategies applied by them.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Kerman, Iran.

Participants

Stories were collected from 40 professional family caregivers of dementia patients.

Measurement

The guidelines of the National Consensus Project (NCP) of the USA served as the conceptual framework for the deductive thematic analysis of our qualitative data. A schematic of the entire process was performed in five steps.

Results

30 stories relevant to the aim of this study were included in the analysis from April to June 2021. A majority of the stories were written by female caregivers. We identified 19 ecopsychosocial interventions, which covered the NCP dimensions except ‘Care of the patient nearing the end of life’. More than half of these interventions were classified into psychological/psychiatric and physical aspects of care (57.8%). In addition to the care/support provided by special care units or home care, some caregivers believe that support from the government, various care organisations, social media and even other family members/friends is necessary to better manage BPSDs.

Conclusion

Despite limitations, such as having a small sample size and analysing only one story from each caregiver, our results indicate that dementia caregivers need more educational and cultural support in their ecopsychosocial strategies. Government involvement would yield more positive outcomes in managing BPSDs.
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of late gestation oral melatonin supplementation in reducing induction of labour rates in nulliparous women: the MyTIME study protocol
Authors: Bradfield Zoe , White Scott W , Davies-Tuck Miranda , Sharp Mary , Warland Jane , Callander Emily , Kuliukas Lesley , Rose Monique , Pettitt Amber , Ekin Kylie , Doherty Dorota A , Keelan JA
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Around the world, rates of induction of labour (IOL) among nulliparous mothers have increased in the last 10 years. In Australia, rates have increased over the last decade by 43%, from 32% to 46%. There is growing concern about the rapid rise in IOL before 41 weeks for nulliparous women without medical complications because of the associated increased rates of caesarean section, reduced satisfaction with birth, and birth trauma. Melatonin potentiates the action of oxytocin and may promote the spontaneous onset of labour; therefore, we will test the hypothesis that exogenous melatonin supplementation in late pregnancy will reduce the rate of labour induction by 30% or more.

Methods and analyses

This is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in nulliparous pregnant women to reduce IOL rates. We will randomise 530 women to receive either 3 mg oral melatonin or placebo daily from 39+0weeks’ gestation until they give birth. The primary endpoint will be IOL rate after 39 weeks post enrolment. Secondary endpoints will include the following: interval between administration of trial medication and birth; a range of maternal and neonatal outcomes, including birth outcomes; breastfeeding on discharge, at 10 days and at 2 months; maternal satisfaction; child developmental outcomes at 2 months of age; and cost-effectiveness of melatonin compared with standard care. All data will be analysed by intention to treat.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Western Australia Health Central Human Research Ethics Committee (RGS0000006283). Trial findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

The trial has been prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12623000502639 on 17/05/2023.
Protocol for a first-in-human feasibility study of T regulatory cells (TR004) for inflammatory bowel disease using (ex vivo) Treg expansion (TRIBUTE)
Authors: Rodger Beverley , Clough Jennifer , Vasconcelos Joana , Canavan James B , Macallan D , Prevost A Toby , Lord Graham M , Irving Peter
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), presenting with symptoms of abdominal pain and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. There is no known cure. In vitro-expanded ‘thymus-derived’ regulatory T cells (tTreg) have shown promise in preclinical models of IBD, leading to interest in their use as a potential therapy in CD. We present a study protocol for a first-in-human study of Tregs for IBD using ex vivo Treg expansion. This study will explore the preliminary safety and tolerability of a single dose of Treg immunotherapy and will inform the design of a subsequent larger trial.

Methods and analysis

Four patients will be recruited from gastroenterology clinics at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Eligible participants are those who are at least 18 years old, have a diagnosis of active moderate to severe CD and have failed to respond to or tolerate at least two prior lines of standard medication. Participants receive a single dose of autologous ex vivo-expanded Tregs and will be followed up to week 21 to collect safety and exploratory efficacy data. Additional safety monitoring will occur at 1 and 2 years post-dose. The primary endpoint is defined as the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicity occurring within 5 weeks post-infusion.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol and related documents have been approved by a NHS Research Ethics Committee, the Health Research Authority and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for Clinical Trial Authorisation. It is intended that the results of the trial will be presented at international conferences and will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Trial registration number

NCT03185000
Association of age, race, and ethnicity with access, response, and toxicities from CAR-T therapy in children and adults with B-cell malignancies: a review
Authors: Ghilardi Guido , Hasanali Zainul S. , Susanibar-Adaniya Sandra P. , Winestone Lena E. , Ruella Marco , Garfall Alfred L.
Published: January 2025

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies are now standard-of-care for several B-cell malignancies, and additional indications are being evaluated. In this review, we survey data on how outcomes after CAR-T therapies vary according to age, race, and ethnicity. We also review the representation of age, racial, and ethnic groups in key CAR-T clinical trials. We focus on B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Factors controlling high elevations in the Canadian Cordillera: Isostatic analysis and thermal contributions
Authors: Zhāng Quán , Chen Yunfeng , Currie Claire A. , Audet Pascal
Published: January 2025

The Canadian Cordillera is characterized by higher mean elevation and thinner crust compared to the adjacent craton to the east, in apparent contradiction with the Airy isostatic model. Roy Hyndman hypothesized that the high Cordillera elevations may be supported by an overall hot, low-density Cordilleran backarc mantle, but this idea hasn't been tested at the regional scale. We use a new high-resolution crustal thickness model for western Canada derived from teleseismic receiver functions and active source data, to conduct a detailed analysis of elevation-crustal thickness trends in four distinct regions: forearc, backarc, foreland, and craton. The backarc and foreland regions have higher elevations relative to the forearc and craton, requiring additional buoyancy beneath these areas. Using a grid search, we find that unrealistically low crustal densities are required to explain the high elevations and, therefore, the support must come from below the crust. To isolate the mantle component, we use a global crustal density model to correct for the effects of crustal density variations. After correction, the elevation-crustal thickness trends in each area align with the Airy hypothesis. For a given crustal thickness, the elevation of the backarc region is ~700 m higher than that of the craton. This is consistent with uplift caused by a hot backarc mantle. However, the difference is lower than that determined for the entire North American Cordillera (~1600 m). This may suggest the mantle under the Canadian Cordillera is slightly cooler than regions to the adjacent US Cordillera, perhaps due to the absence of ongoing subduction.
Machine-learning based photon counting for PMT waveforms and its application to the improvement of the energy resolution in large liquid scintillator detectors
Authors: Jiang Wei , Huang Guihong , Liu Zhen , Luo Wuming , Wen Liangjian , Luo Jianyi
Published: January 2025

Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are widely used in particle experiments for photon detection. PMT waveform analysis is crucial for high-precision measurements of the position and energy of incident particles in liquid scintillator (LS) detectors. A key factor contributing to the energy resolution in large liquid scintillator detectors with PMTs is the charge smearing of PMTs. This paper presents a machine-learning-based photon counting method for PMT waveforms and its application to the energy reconstruction, using the JUNO experiment as an example. The results indicate that leveraging the photon counting information from the machine learning model can partially mitigate the impact of PMT charge smearing and lead to a relative 2.0–2.8% improvement on the energy resolution in the energy range of [1, 9] MeV.
The molecular potential for the cluster decay
Authors: Gök G. B. , Dagtas R. , Bayrak O.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we systematically investigate the cluster decay half-lives of heavy nuclei using the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin method and Bohr–Sommerfeld quantization condition for the Morse molecular potential. We determine the optimal nuclear potential parameters that best fit the experimental data of known cluster decay half-lives. Subsequently, we theoretically calculate the cluster decay half-lives for the heavy nuclei lacking experimental decay half-lives. Our findings reveal that the Morse model is highly effective in explaining the decay half-lives of the heavy nuclei, particularly when utilizing two degrees of freedom. This approach produces results that match the accuracy of empirical models found in the existing literature. Theoretical determinations of cluster decay half-lives with optimally derived model parameters are expected to guide future experimental studies.
A novel approach for spectroscopic study of Ωbbc baryon in the hypercentral constituent Quark model
Authors: Salehi Nasrin
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we determine the radial and orbital states mass spectra of the triply heavy baryon [Formula: see text] with total spin [Formula: see text] and 3/2 using the hypercentral constituent quark model (hCOM). The mass spectra are obtained by incorporating the color Coulomb plus linear confining term and the harmonic oscillator potential with first-order correction. Additionally, we considered spin–spin, spin-orbit and tensor interactions for hyperfine splitting calculation. Our computed mass spectra of the [Formula: see text] baryon is compared with existing literature. Further, we establish Regge trajectories of this baryon in ([Formula: see text]) and ([Formula: see text]) planes which are helpful in determining the unknown quantum number and [Formula: see text] values.
A variational principle of an electrohydrodynamic fluid
Authors: Tian Yi , Shao Yabin , Shen Yue , He Ji-Huan
Published: January 2025

Electrohydrodynamic fluids possess extensive applications, spanning from the formation of magnetic fields in planets and stars to oil recovery. In this paper, a variational principle for an electrohydrodynamic fluid is presented, and formulated through the semi-inverse method. The Ritz method is utilized to derive an approximate solution. Furthermore, the potential application of this principle to optimal control problems constrained by an electrohydrodynamic fluid is explored.
Joint Ability Assessment for Talent Recruitment: A Neural Cognitive Diagnosis Approach
Authors: Ma Haiping , Li Manwei , Qin Chuan , Shen Dazhong , Zhu Hengshu , Zhang Xingyi , Xiong Hui
Published: January 2025

Ability assessment is a critical task in talent recruitment that aims to identify the most suitable job candidates by evaluating the alignment of their skills with job requirements. Indeed, traditional ability assessment involves multiple staffing processes with various forms of evaluation methods, such as written tests and face-to-face interviews, which usually result in fragmented, noisy, and inconsistent conclusions. Therefore, a long-standing challenge in talent recruitment is how to comprehensively evaluate candidates by integrating multi-source heterogeneous assessment results. To this end, in this paper, we propose a holistic framework, JCD-TR (
J
oint
C
ognitive
D
iagnosis for
T
alent
R
ecruitment), for enhancing the performance of ability assessment in talent recruitment by jointly modeling the multi-source heterogeneous assessment results. Specifically, we first construct a skill graph based on the co-occurrence relations of skills in multi-source recruitment data. Along this line, we can learn the skill representations that maintain both the semantic and structural information with graph embedding. Then, we design a multi-source candidate ability profiling module with the guidance of item response theory in psychometrics and the neural topic model. As a result, the candidates’ ability profiles can be explored from their resumes, written tests, and interview assessment data, respectively. Furthermore, we propose a joint cognitive diagnosis module by integrating those multi-view ability profiles and skill representations to assess the candidates’ skill proficiency state. Extensive experiments on a real-world dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our JCD-TR.
A Survey on Speech Deepfake Detection
Authors: Li Menglu , Ahmadiadli Yasaman , Zhang Xiao-Ping
Published: January 2025

The availability of smart devices leads to an exponential increase in multimedia content. However, advancements in deep learning have also enabled the creation of highly sophisticated Deepfake content, including speech Deepfakes, which pose a serious threat by generating realistic voices and spreading misinformation. To combat this, numerous challenges have been organized to advance speech Deepfake detection techniques. In this survey, we systematically analyze more than 200 papers published up to March 2024. We provide a comprehensive review of each component in the detection pipeline, including model architectures, optimization techniques, generalizability, evaluation metrics, performance comparisons, available datasets, and open source availability. For each aspect, we assess recent progress and discuss ongoing challenges. In addition, we explore emerging topics such as partial Deepfake detection, cross-dataset evaluation, and defenses against adversarial attacks, while suggesting promising research directions. This survey not only identifies the current state of the art to establish strong baselines for future experiments but also offers clear guidance for researchers aiming to enhance speech Deepfake detection systems.
MM-PCQA+: Advancing Multi-Modal Learning for Point Cloud Quality Assessment
Authors: Zhang Zicheng , Zhou Yingjie , Li Chunyi , Sun Wei , Min Xiongkuo , Liu Xiaohong , Zhai Guangtao
Published: January 2025

The importance of visual quality in point clouds has been significantly underlined due to the rapid rise in 3D vision applications which aim to deliver affordable and superior user experiences. Reviewing the evolution of point cloud quality assessment (PCQA), it’s observed that visual quality evaluation typically employs single-modal data, either sourced from 2D projections or the 3D point clouds. The 2D projections possess abundant texture and semantic information while they are heavily reliant on viewpoints. In contrast, 3D point clouds are more reactive to geometric distortions and viewpoint-invariant. Consequently, to maximize the benefits of both point cloud and image modalities, we present an advanced no-reference Multi-Modal Point Cloud Quality Assessment (MM-PCQA+) metric. Specifically, we divide the point clouds into sub-models to reflect local geometric distortions such as point shifting and down-sampling. Afterwards, we render the point clouds using a cube-like projection setup and sample the projections of interest using a point-visible-ratio for image feature extraction. In order to fulfill these objectives, the sub-models and projected images are encoded using point-based and image-based neural networks. Lastly, we implement symmetric cross-modal attention to amalgamate multi-modal quality-aware features. Experimental results demonstrate that our metric surpasses all state-of-the-art methods and significantly advances beyond previous no-reference PCQA methods.
Evaluation of Local Tumor Outcomes Following Microwave Ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases Using CT Imaging: A Comparison of Visual versus Quantitative Methods
Authors: Shur Joshua D. , Porta Nuria , Kafaei Leila , Pendower Laura , McCall James , Khan Nasir , Oyen Wim , Koh Dow-Mu , Johnston Edward
Published: January 2025

Quantitative analysis of pre- and postprocedure CT images more reliably identified residual tumor and local tumor progression compared with visual assessment in patients who underwent microwave ablation of colorectal liver metastases.
Supplementary Tables from Spatial and Single-Cell Analyses Reveal Heterogeneity of DNAM-1 Receptor–Ligand Interactions That Instructs Intratumoral γδT-cell Activity
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Wang Hui , Lu Zhengjing , Liu Xiangjun , Chai Wenjia , Wang Wei , Feng Jun , Yang Shen , Yang Wei , Cheng Haiyan , Chen Chenghao , Zhang Shihan , Sun Nian , Liu Qiaoyin , Li Qiliang , Song Wenqi , Jin Fang , Zeng Qi , Wang Shengcai , Su Yan , Wang Huanmin , Ni Xin , Gui Jingang
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Tables and Supplementary Figure legends
Supplementary Figure 9 from Spatial and Single-Cell Analyses Reveal Heterogeneity of DNAM-1 Receptor–Ligand Interactions That Instructs Intratumoral γδT-cell Activity
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Wang Hui , Lu Zhengjing , Liu Xiangjun , Chai Wenjia , Wang Wei , Feng Jun , Yang Shen , Yang Wei , Cheng Haiyan , Chen Chenghao , Zhang Shihan , Sun Nian , Liu Qiaoyin , Li Qiliang , Song Wenqi , Jin Fang , Zeng Qi , Wang Shengcai , Su Yan , Wang Huanmin , Ni Xin , Gui Jingang
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 9 The characteristics of NB tumors and immune cells in CD112/CD155 high-ratio and low-ratio groups revealed by bulk RNA sequencing analysis. (A) A total of 3537 DEGs between CD112/CD155 high-ratio and low-ratio groups (grouping according to the ratio median in the violin plot) are identified by RNA sequencing analysis with 38 NB tumor samples and illustrated in volcano plot. (B) The expression of genes related with neuroblastoma in KEGG pathway transcriptional misregulation in cancer is illustrated in heatmap. (C) and (D) The enriched top 20 KEGG pathways in high-ratio or low-ratio tumors are shown in dot plots. (E) and (F) The enriched top 30 GO pathways (top 10 in BP, CC and MF respectively) in high-ratio or low-ratio tumors are shown in dot plots. (G) and (H) The representative GSEA pathways enriched in high-ratio or low-ratio tumors are labeled with NES and p values.
Supplementary Figure 6 from Spatial and Single-Cell Analyses Reveal Heterogeneity of DNAM-1 Receptor–Ligand Interactions That Instructs Intratumoral γδT-cell Activity
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Wang Hui , Lu Zhengjing , Liu Xiangjun , Chai Wenjia , Wang Wei , Feng Jun , Yang Shen , Yang Wei , Cheng Haiyan , Chen Chenghao , Zhang Shihan , Sun Nian , Liu Qiaoyin , Li Qiliang , Song Wenqi , Jin Fang , Zeng Qi , Wang Shengcai , Su Yan , Wang Huanmin , Ni Xin , Gui Jingang
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 6 The cell-cycle scores and expression of functional genes in tumor cells and γδT cells in spatial transcriptome analysis and scRNA sequencing analysis. (A) Cell-cycle score analysis of tumor cells in spatial transcriptome analysis. (B) Spatial distribution and expression of proliferating markers. (C) Cell-cycle score analysis of tumor cells in scRNA sequencing analysis. (D) Violin plots showing the expression levels of neuroblastoma related genes in tumor cells in scRNA sequencing analysis. (E) and (F) Cell-cycle score and GSVA score analysis of γδT cells in scRNA sequencing analysis. (G) Violin plots showing the expression levels of DNAM-1, TIGIT, CD96, PD-1, TIM-3, IFN-γ, granzyme B and perforin in γδT cells in scRNA sequencing analysis.
Supplementary Figure 10 from Spatial and Single-Cell Analyses Reveal Heterogeneity of DNAM-1 Receptor–Ligand Interactions That Instructs Intratumoral γδT-cell Activity
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Wang Hui , Lu Zhengjing , Liu Xiangjun , Chai Wenjia , Wang Wei , Feng Jun , Yang Shen , Yang Wei , Cheng Haiyan , Chen Chenghao , Zhang Shihan , Sun Nian , Liu Qiaoyin , Li Qiliang , Song Wenqi , Jin Fang , Zeng Qi , Wang Shengcai , Su Yan , Wang Huanmin , Ni Xin , Gui Jingang
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 10 Identification of Tet-on system, ROC curves and survival curves of different groups for NB tumor. (A) and (B) The variation of CD112 and CD155 expression in SK-N-BE2 cells treated with different concentration of doxycycline (0, 2 nM, 20 nM, 200 nM, 2 μM, 20 μM) is detected by qPCR and Western blot. (C) ROC curves are generated for CD112, CD155, and CD112/CD155 ratio to predict NB patient death, tumor risk or MYCN amplification. The results are expressed as the means ± SEMs from at least three independent experiments. Significant differences between groups are represented by ns no significance, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Spatial and Single-Cell Analyses Reveal Heterogeneity of DNAM-1 Receptor–Ligand Interactions That Instructs Intratumoral γδT-cell Activity
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Wang Hui , Lu Zhengjing , Liu Xiangjun , Chai Wenjia , Wang Wei , Feng Jun , Yang Shen , Yang Wei , Cheng Haiyan , Chen Chenghao , Zhang Shihan , Sun Nian , Liu Qiaoyin , Li Qiliang , Song Wenqi , Jin Fang , Zeng Qi , Wang Shengcai , Su Yan , Wang Huanmin , Ni Xin , Gui Jingang
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 1 Identified major cell types, cell proportion analysis and CD112 and CD155 expression in NB tumor scRNA-seq analysis. (A) Violin plots showing the number of features, RNA counts and percent mitochondrial transcripts following quality control. (B) Violin plots showing the average expression of the genes for annotating the major cell types identified in NB tumors. (C) UMAP plots showing the distribution of cell types for each sample. (D) Bar plots showing the proportions of cell types for each sample. (E) UMAP plots showing the expression levels of CD112 and CD155.
A New Era in the Management of Cardiorenal Syndrome: The Importance of Cardiorenal Units.
Authors: León-Román Juan , Azancot María Antonieta , Marouco Catarina , Patricio-Liebana Marc , Zamora Jorge Iván , Ramos Terrades Natalia , Toapanta Néstor , Núñez-Delgado Sara , Mendez Fernandez Ana Belen , Soler María José
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Approximately 70% of patients with heart failure (HF) also have kidney disease. Mortality is increased both by cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and by the exacerbation of other comorbidities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical performance of patients with CRS who are followed up by the Cardiorenal Unit (CRU).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients referred to the CRU from April 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. Demographics, laboratory and ultrasonographic tests, and outcomes were evaluated.

Results: Fifty-four patients were seen in the CRU. A total of 45 (83%) and 16 (30%) patients completed follow-up in the CRU at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The mean age was 70 years±1.6, and 65% were men. Almost 50% of patients had ischemic heart disease-related HF. The mean cardiac ejection fraction (EF) was 40%±1.6, and 61% of patients had HF with reduced EF (HFrEF). NYHA functional classes II and III were the most frequent (60% and 35%, respectively). At six months after follow-up, treatment was optimized with sacubitril-valsartan in 33% vs. 49% (p=0.02) and SGLT2 inhibitors in 48% vs. 72% (p=0.008), without significant deterioration in renal function (creatinine: p=0.61; eGFR: p=0.19). There was also a reduction of more than 50% in the number of hospital admissions (p=0.002). A total of 22% required peritoneal dialysis, and 20% required hemodialysis. Ten (19%) patients died, five of them due to cardiovascular (CV) events.

Conclusions: The CRU is vital for the management of complex patients, as it ensures the implementation of medications that reduce CV mortality and decrease the number of hospital admissions in HF.
Bilateral Paraneoplastic Optic Neuropathy as the First Presentation of Pre-Clinical Small Cell Lung Cancer: Case Report
Authors: Sharif Sara , Gor Dhruv , Shah Haider , Ghadiri Nima
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Paraneoplastic optic neuropathy (PON) is a rare immune-mediated optic neuropathy, secondary to an underlying malignancy. This report describes a rare case of bilateral PON as the initial manifestation in a 77-year-old male, leading to the early detection and treatment of pre-clinical small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Case Presentation

The patient initially presented with incidental bilateral disc swelling but was asymptomatic, with preserved visual function. Initial investigations, including orbito-cranial imaging, lumbar puncture, temporal artery ultrasound, and serological testing, were inconclusive. Six weeks later, the patient had persistent disc swelling with compromised bilateral visual function and was commenced on oral steroids. Further diagnostic workup identified paraneoplastic antibodies (anti-CV2/CRMP-5 and anti-Hu) and PET scan findings consistent with a nodular SCLC. Following biopsy confirmation, the patient received carboplatin and etoposide chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy. Initial oral steroids, prior to cancer treatment, resulted in resolution of optic disc swelling and stabilization of visual function.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of a systematic approach to optic neuropathies where an initial diagnosis is not found, revisiting diagnostic pathways when initial findings remain ambiguous, and consideration of PON as a differential – even in the absence of known malignancy or typical cancer symptoms. Timely recognition allows for early intervention, improving patient outcomes. This report contributes to the limited literature on PON and highlights the role of multidisciplinary care in managing complex cases involving paraneoplastic syndromes.
Association between serum zinc levels and trabecular bone scores among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Hori Mayuko , Takahashi Hiroshi , Kondo Chika , Takeda Asami , Morozumi Kunio , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Zinc, an essential trace element, plays an important role in various cellular processes, and zinc deficiency is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Zinc has been shown to stimulate osteoblastic bone formation and mineralization and inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption. Although osteoporosis is highly prevalent among patients undergoing hemodialysis, the utility of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is limited because DXA cannot reveal bone microarchitectural alterations. The trabecular bone score (TBS) extracted from DXA images is a new texture measurement used to assess the bone microarchitecture. However, whether zinc status is associated with TBS in patients undergoing hemodialysis remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the association between serum zinc levels and osteoporosis parameters (aBMD and TBS) in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 316 outpatients undergoing hemodialysis at the Masuko Memorial Hospital in Japan. Serum zinc levels were measured, and aBMD and TBS were assessed using DXA.
Results: In total, 139 (41.0%) patients had zinc deficiency, defined as serum zinc levels < 60 µg/dL. In multivariate linear regression analyses, high serum zinc levels were associated with high TBS (β = 0.146, P = 0.004) but not aBMD values (total hip aBMD: β = -0.0200, P = 0.63; lumbar spine aBMD: β = 0.0478, P = 0.34). In multiple logistic regression analysis, zinc deficiency was associated with degraded bone microarchitecture according to the TBS (odds ratio, 2.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–4.22; P = 0.009). No association was found between the serum zinc status and aBMD thresholds for osteoporosis.
Conclusion: These results suggest that zinc plays a protective role in bone metabolism by inhibiting chronic kidney disease-induced changes in the bone microarchitecture.
The impact of diabetes and antidiabetics on uro-oncological disease outcomes: A single center experience
Authors: Elleisy Moustafa , Zettl Heike , Dräger Desiree Louise , Hakenberg Oliver W.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: To determine the impact of diabetes and antidiabetic medications on referral and pathological outcomes in uro-oncology cases. We report preliminary results from a single center study.
Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 781 patients treated between 2018 and 2023 for radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa), radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BCa), radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma, partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal cell cancer (RCC). A total of 617 (79%) patients were non-diabetics and 164 (21%) were diabetics. Patient data were assessed for differences between diabetics and non-diabetics.
Results: All diabetic patients had a significantly higher BMI than non-diabetic patients (p<0.05 for PCa and p=0.006 for RC respectively). In diabetic patients with PCa, a lower proportion of ISUP grade 3 and 5 PCa was seen (p=0.047). In diabetic RCC patients on anti-diabetic medication, there was a significantly higher incidence of recurrence rates after RN (p=0.015). Penile cancer was diagnosed in diabetic patients at an older age (p=0.019).
Conclusion: Significantly, higher BMI was observed for RP and RC in diabetic patients, as well as for RCC after RN. Diabetics showed a significantly higher occurrence of recurrence for RCC after RN.
Management of Diathermy-Induced Corneal Burn following Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty with Multilayer Amniotic Membrane Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bachtalia Konstantina , Palioura Sotiria
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Thermal injuries associated with cosmetic eyelid surgery can significantly impair corneal integrity, potentially leading to vision loss. Conventional management, including bandage contact lens use, topical steroids, lubrication, autologous serum tears, and vitamin C, plays a crucial role in preventing long-term complications. This case report explores the potential benefits of multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) as an adjunct to standard therapy for treating diathermy-associated corneal burns. Review of the literature advocates the beneficial effects of supplementary AMT in managing thermal corneal trauma. Case Description: A 75-year-old man presented with unilateral diathermy-associated corneal laceration superior to the visual axis following cosmetic blepharoplasty. Vision had deteriorated from his baseline 20/30 to 20/125 postoperatively. Intervention involved multilayer AMT alongside standard care, including topical steroids and antibiotics, oral doxycycline, and vitamin C. Postoperative course was monitored with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging. By 3 months, complete corneal healing and restoration of baseline visual acuity were achieved. Conclusion: This is the first documented case of multilayer AMT as an effective supplement to conventional management of diathermy-associated corneal injury. While AMTs unique properties likely contributed to corneal healing and visual recovery, the results should be interpreted in the context of a multimodal therapeutic approach.
Plastic Materials in Postwar Czechoslovakia: A Testimony to Man’s Inventiveness and Consumerism
Authors:   Charles University in Prague, Dvořáčková Věra
Published: January 2025

Plastic materials and products were a truly remarkable phenomenon in the postwar period, influencing not only material reality but, through their symbolic validity, also the value settings of society. The production of plastic materials was a cornerstone of the postwar chemicalisation of industry, and their widespread adoption due to their multiple advantageous properties, led not least to the rapid development of scientific research on polymers. The Czechoslovak Communist regime also sought to exploit the advantages and popularity of plastics ideologically, and positioned them as a symbol supporting the legitimacy of the political course of the time.
Communication on the Use of Virtual Reality in the Hospitality Sector and Global Travel and Tourism
Authors:   Vellore Institute of Technology, Srividya Iyengar Murali
Published: January 2025

Virtual reality is now being used to enhance the travel experience by offering extra marketing tools for destinations, attractions, and companies, altering customer experiences, and creating a new tourism paradigm. This study was inspired by a rapidly changing world in which virtual reality is gradually becoming the norm in which we live, work, and play. These technologies are always improving, posing new problems for tourist and hospitality management