bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Environmental Scan of Bibliometrics and Research Impact Open Instructional Trends at Canadian Academic Research Libraries
Authors: Palmer Megan , Bredahl Laura , Weaver Kari
Published: January 2025

While bibliometrics have been used for years in academia, recent conversations into their responsible use have driven a need for greater understanding of bibliometrics and research impact within the academic community. Academic librarians are ideal individuals to contribute to instruction on bibliometrics, as they are already embedded within their academic community’s scholarly processes and are often familiar with relevant tools and their functions. The purpose of this environmental scan was to evaluate the current state of open instructional materials for bibliometrics and research impact at the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) academic member institutions. An environmental scan of research guides was chosen as a methodology for this study. Results of this scan identify that 97% (28/29) of CARL academic member institutions held at least one research guide related to bibliometrics and research impact, in a total of 56 guides reviewed. A keyword analysis revealed that of the guides reviewed, keywords related to tools and methodologies of bibliometrics and research impact were discussed at the highest frequency (present within 96% of guides), while keywords related to responsible and alternative metrics were discussed at lowest frequency (present within 38% of guides). Results of this article will benefit 1) practicing librarians who are creating or updating their own bibliometrics and research impact guides or developing library instruction on related topics and 2) strategic planning and governance within academic institutions and more broadly at the national level by revealing trends in bibliometrics and research impact services and resources in the Canadian context.
Application of Optical Genome Mapping to the Risk Stratification and Treatment Optimization of Hematologic Diseases
Authors:   Department of Hematopathology and Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, India, Jadhav Sachin , Naik Meena , Ojha Nishit , Panchal Amey , Naik Yesheswini , Rao Sandeep ,   Department of Hematopathology and Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, India, Arora Rahul ,   Department of Hematology, Alexis Hospital, India, Khushoo Vishwadeep ,   Department of Medical Hematology, AIIMS, India, babu Vasu ,   Department of Medical Oncology and BMT, HCG Curie City Cancer Center, India, Dhakate Nishad ,   Department of Hematology and BMT, HCG Cancer Center, India, Jain Poonam ,   Helix Pathology and Genetic laboratory, India, Jain Punit ,   Department of Hematology, Apollo Hospitals, India, Hauenstein Jen , Mylavarapu Anusha , Matthews Beth , Finley Jenna , J Wicks Stephen , Hastie Alex , Chaubey Alka ,   Bionano Laboratories, San Diego, USA
Published: January 2025

Structural Variations (SVs) play a key role in the pathogenicity of hematological malignancies. Optical Genome Mapping
(OGM) is an emerging technology that enables genome-wide detection of all classes of SVs at a high resolution and
sensitivity. Identification of cryptic SVs leading to gene disruption or predicted novel gene fusions could be important
drivers for cancer development and/or portend a prognostic relevance, which could be used to modify the treatment plan.
A cohort of 106 consented cases that had a successful OGM analysis performed were included in the study. Demographic,
clinical, laboratory and treatment data were collected. Routine diagnostic and prognostic testing were done on the
peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate as indicated. Additional samples of peripheral blood and/or bone marrow
were sent for OGM testing. OGM led to a change in risk stratification in 17/66 (25.75%) of patients with hematological
malignancies, the majority of these patients (15/66, 22.72%), having their risk stratification upgraded with a resulting
change in treatment of 14 patients. This study highlights the ability of OGM to detect rare, cryptic and clinically relevant
variants that potentially impact disease diagnosis, risk stratification and actionable treatment targets.
PROCESSOS DE ENSINO E APRENDIZAGEM NOS ANOS INICIAIS E AS TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS
Authors: Jucemar dos Santos Priscila , Dias de Oliveira Eduarda , Corrêa Shirlei de Souza , Zluhan Mara Regina , Alves Cleide
Published: January 2025

O presente estudo busca refletir acerca das práticas metodológicas atuais nos Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental e no seu papel de romper com fronteiras puramente técnicas, para avançar na formação de um aluno reflexivo, crítico, ético e transformador. Com o objetivo de discutir a importância da utilização dos recursos tecnológicos nas práticas pedagógicas dos Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental. Foi utilizada como metodologia a pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. Constata-se como o processo ensino ainda está focado na metodologia tradicional, que desestimula a vontade de aprender, já que não atende mais às necessidades dos alunos neste novo tempo. Além disso, há desafios internos e externos que o discente enfrenta, podendo ser um agravante na aprendizagem.
Palavras chave: Tecnologias digitais. Práticas pedagógicas. Pandemia.
 Abstract
 The present study seeks to reflect on current methodological practices in the Initial Years of Elementary School and its role in breaking with purely technical boundaries, to advance in the formation of a reflective, critical, ethical and transformative student. With the aim of discussing the importance of using technological resources in pedagogical practices in the Initial Years of Elementary School. Documentary and bibliographical research was used as a methodology. It can be seen how the teaching process is still focused on traditional methodology, which discourages the desire to learn, as it no longer meets the needs of students in this new era. Furthermore, there are internal and external challenges that the student faces, which can be an aggravating factor in learning.
Keywords: Digital technologies. Pedagogical practices. Pandemic.
Optimasi Prediksi Kelulusan Mahasiswa Menggunakan Random Forest untuk Meningkatkan Tingkat Retensi
Authors: Sulehu Marwa , Wisda Wisda , Wanita First , Markani Markani
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan model prediksi berbasis algoritma Random Forest guna mengidentifikasi mahasiswa yang berisiko putus kuliah di Universitas Teknologi AKBA Makassar, di mana tingginya angka putus kuliah menjadi tantangan signifikan yang disebabkan oleh berbagai faktor akademik, sosial-ekonomi, dan psikologis. Dengan pendekatan kuantitatif melalui metode data mining, data dari sistem informasi akademik dan survei primer, menggunakan 1.425 data mahasiswa yang diolah melalui tahap preprocessing dan dibagi menjadi 80% untuk pelatihan dan 20% untuk pengujian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa IPK, motivasi belajar, dan kehadiran merupakan variabel paling signifikan dalam memprediksi kelulusan, dengan model prediksi yang mencapai akurasi 70% serta performa precision dan recall yang memadai. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi penting dalam mendukung pengambilan keputusan strategis di institusi pendidikan tinggi untuk meningkatkan tingkat retensi mahasiswa dan mengurangi angka putus kuliah, meskipun masih terdapat ruang untuk peningkatan kinerja model, khususnya dalam menangani ketidakseimbangan data.
Meningkatkan Minat pada Profesi Data Analyst di Indonesia: Pendekatan Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Suwandhi Albert , Johan Johan , Jimmy Jimmy , Benny Benny
Published: January 2025

Profesi data analyst di Indonesia masih tergolong langka meskipun sangat dibutuhkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi minat terhadap profesi ini dan alasan mengapa profesi ini kurang diminati. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pendekatan Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) menggunakan aplikasi Expert Choice. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor utama yang memengaruhi minat adalah kesenjangan keterampilan (skill gap) dan kurangnya pelatihan yang memadai. Rekomendasi diberikan kepada pemerintah, institusi pendidikan, dan perusahaan untuk mengatasi kendala ini guna meningkatkan jumlah data analyst yang kompeten di Indonesia.
Criminological Review Of Article 365 Kuhp On The Crime Of Theft Accompanied By Violence In Sorong City
Authors: Ramadhan Syahrul , Sokhib Naim  , Hasriyanti Hasriyanti
Published: January 2025

This study aims to identify the factors causing the crime of theft accompanied by violence in the Sorong City Police area and analyze the countermeasures made by the police against these cases, in accordance with Article 365 of the Criminal Code.The research method used is empirical method by collecting primary data from the field and secondary data from relevant written legal materials. The results showed that factors such as economy, environment, education, alcohol (Miras), unemployment, association, and victim negligence significantly contributed to the increase in cases of theft accompanied by violence in the area. Countermeasures carried out by the police include preventive strategies such as blupatroli, socialization through Bhabinkamtibmas, and strengthening the environmental security system. In addition, repressive efforts involving rigorous investigation and prosecution are also applied in accordance with applicable legal provisions to handle these cases.
Analysis of Credit Guarantee Binding with Power of Attorney to Enforce Mortgage Rights
Authors: Taufan Nadya Apriliani , Simanjuntak Kristi Warista
Published: January 2025

This study aims to determine the legal consequences of binding credit collateral with a Power of Attorney to Enforce Mortgage Rights (SKMHT) and to find out the legal remedies that can be taken by creditors against collateral bound by SKMHT if the debtor defaults. This research was conducted using juridical-normative research with data obtained from legal materials and library materials which were then analyzed using qualitative methods. The results obtained from this research include, among others, the encumbrance of Mortgage Rights through SKMHT must be upgraded to APHT in accordance with the laws and regulations. If it is not done, the SKMHT is declared null and void and the creditor's position is not as a preferred creditor who has the right to execute the collateral object if the debtor defaults, but there are exceptions to the type of micro business credit binding that is classified as productive in Ministerial Regulation Number 22 of 2017, while the legal efforts that can be taken by creditors through litigation and non-litigation channels to obtain a legally enforceable judge's decision to be able to carry out the execution or sale process under the hands of the creditor
Editorial
Authors: Cadernos do Tempo Presente Editores
Published: January 2025

Editorial
Mobilidades no tempo presente
Authors: Amarante Carolina do
Published: January 2025

Referência
ASSIS, Gláucia de Oliveira; PADILLA, Beatriz e FRANÇA, Thais (Org.). Gênero e Mobilidades no Tempo Presente. Ponta Grossa: Todapalavra Editora, 2020, 332p.
THE CONCEPT OF "ELECTRON AS A CATALYST" IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF CATALYSIS
Authors: Kaplunenko Volodymyr , Kosinov Mykola
Published: January 2025

The discovery of electron and electric field catalysis led to the need to clarify and change the basic postulates of catalysis. The emergence of the "electron as a catalyst" concept revealed the contradictions of the current catalysis paradigm. The concept made it possible to formulate a new paradigm of catalysis. The article focuses on the most important aspects of the new paradigm of catalysis. The features of the general mechanism of catalytic reactions are considered. The origin of the laws of catalysis from the mechanisms of catalysis has been considered. In the model of the unified mechanism of catalysis, the stages of fundamental interaction and the stage of chemical interaction of the participants are distinguished. At the stage of fundamental interaction, the redox cycle of catalysis is realized. At this stage, there is an increase in the reactivity of the reagents. From the mechanisms of catalysis, the laws of catalysis as a function of the substance characteristics of the participants of the catalytic reaction are derived.
Esponjas marinas (Porifera: Demospongiae) de los espigones de Tuxpan, Veracruz, con nuevos registros para México
Authors: De la Cruz-Francisco Vicencio
Published: January 2025

Los espigones son estructuras rocosas que protegen la costa y promueven el establecimiento de diversos organismos sésiles, como las esponjas marinas. El presente trabajo proporciona los primeros registros de esponjas marinas que habitan en los espigones de Tuxpan, Veracruz, México. En total se identificaron siete especies de la Clase Demospongiae, de las cuales tres son nuevos registros para México y cuatro son nuevos registros para el litoral norte de Veracruz. Estos registros contribuyen al conocimiento de la biodiversidad marina en México.
Especie nueva de Eusiroides (Amphipoda: Calliopioidea: Pontogeneiidae) del golfo de México
Authors: Varela Carlos , Ortiz Manuel
Published: January 2025

Se describe una especie nueva de anfípodo de aguas profundas pertenecientes al género Eusiroides. El material estudiado fue colectado en localidades del golfo de México y el estrecho de la Florida por el B/I Gerda de la Universidad de Miami, en 1963. Se ofrecen además las diferencias más notables entre la especie nueva y E. monoculoides (Haswell, 1879) y E. yucatanensis McKinney, 1980, las dos únicas especies conocidas del mencionado género hasta el presente, en el mar Caribe.
Primer registro del género Platyscapa Motschoulsky, 1863 (Chalcidoidea: Agaonidae) para la República Dominicana
Authors: Ramírez Pérez Candy G
Published: January 2025

Para confirmar la presencia de la avispa polinizadora de Ficus religiosa en República Dominicana, se recolectaron cinco siconos de cuatro árboles ubicados en igual número de localidades de la ciudad de Santo Domingo. En todos se encontró la avispa Platyscapa quadraticeps Mayr, 1885. Este hallazgo constituye el primer registro de una especie introducida de la familia Agaonidae para República Dominicana y se incrementa a tres géneros y cuatro especies la diversidad conocida para esta familia en la Hispaniola.
Impacts of surface wear of attachments on maxillary canine distalization with clear aligners: a three-dimensional finite element study
Authors: Li Qiuying , Xu Bowen , Fang Dongyu , Yang Kai
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study established three-dimensional finite element models to explore the impacts of surface wear of attachments on maxillary canine distalization with clear aligners, thereby guiding the clinical application of attachments and enhancing the efficiency of clear aligner therapy.

Materials and methods

Finite element models of maxillary canine distalization, including the maxilla, dentition, periodontal ligament, attachments (in both initial and worn states), and clear aligners, were established. Two groups of attachments (vertical rectangular attachment and optimized root control attachment) and five working conditions representing different degrees of attachment wear (M0, M2, M4, M6, and M8) were designed for canine distalization. Tooth displacement and equivalent stress in the roots and periodontal ligaments were analyzed.

Results

The canines in both groups exhibited a tipping movement pattern under all working conditions. By M8, the distal displacement of the canine crown, the equivalent stress values in the roots, and the equivalent stress values in the periodontal ligaments in the rectangular attachment group decreased by 12.04%, 30.80%, and 16.48%, respectively, compared to M0. In the optimized root control attachment group, these values decreased by 24.98%, 34.69%, and 19.15%, respectively. However, under all working conditions, the canines in the rectangular attachment group presented greater displacement and stress. The greatest reduction in canine crown distal displacement and stress values was observed between M6 and M8 in the rectangular attachment group, but the efficiency of canine distalization was still 64.30% at M8, with minimal change. In the optimized root control attachment group, the greatest reduction was observed in M4–M6, and the efficiency of canine distalization decreased to less than 60% in response to M6.

Conclusion

The canines tended to tip when maxillary canine distalization was performed with clear aligners. Attachment wear led to a reduction in the efficiency of canine distalization. Compared with optimized root control attachments, the impact was less significant for rectangular attachments. Once optimized root control attachments have been in place for more than 4 months and maxillary canine distalization is still required, orthodontists should closely monitor the wear of these attachments. If necessary, timely restoration or rebonding of the attachments is recommended.
Interpreting IGF-1 in children treated with recombinant growth hormone: challenges during early puberty
Authors: Ly Helena-Jamin , Ankarberg-Lindgren Carina , Fors Hans , Nilsson Staffan , Dahlgren Jovanna
Published: January 2025

Objective

It can be challenging to determine the correct dosage of recombinant growth hormone (GH) in children with GH deficiency, leading to highly variable treatment responses. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a tool for monitoring GH treatment and dosing. However, IGF-1 levels depend on sex, age, and pubertal stage, amongst other factors, making its interpretation somewhat difficult. This study aimed to evaluate descriptively a group of 93 children treated per protocol with GH to assess the influence of pubertal signs and sex steroid levels on the interpretation of IGF-1.

Methods

93 (67 boys and 26 girls) prepubertal children who participated in a previous GH treatment trial were included. Age, pubertal stage, weight, height, GH dose, and IGF-1 plasma concentrations were collected at least yearly from 2 years before pubertal start and 3 years after pubertal start. Levels of estradiol in girls and testosterone in boys were analyzed from previously collected frozen samples.

Results

Nine of 58 (15.5%) estradiol samples in girls with Tanner breast stage 1 had pubertal levels of estradiol ≥25 pmol/L. For boys with testes size <4 mL, 24 out of the 153 (15.7%) testosterone samples were above the pubertal cut-off, ≥0.47 nmol/L. All the IGF-1 samples were divided into two groups based on an IGF-1 standard deviation score (SDS) of ≥2 or <2 SDS. The IGF-1 ≥2 SDS samples had a higher median (range) GH dose, 0.042 (0.02-0.10) mg/kg/day, compared with the IGF-1 <2 SDS samples, 0.038 (0.01-0.10) mg/kg/day, p<0.001. In the IGF-1 ≥2 SDS samples vs the IGF <2 SDS samples, estradiol levels were lower among girls, 13 (3-214) vs 102 (1-1070) pmol/L p<0.001, and testosterone levels were lower among boys, 0.35 (0.11-27.2) vs 6.9 (0.04-31.2) nmol/L p<0.001.

Conclusion

Interpretation of IGF-1 near puberty is challenging due to the influence of sex steroids. Variations in sex steroid levels and pubertal status can lead to misleading interpretations and an overestimation of IGF-1 SDS. Establishing an IGF-1 reference range that includes sex steroid levels can improve its clinical use to monitor GH treatment.
Distributed consensus-based voltage and frequency control for isolated microgrids with fault-induced delayed voltage recovery mitigation
Authors: Alghamdi Baheej
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a distributed consensus-based voltage and frequency control (VFC) strategy for isolated microgrids with distributed energy resources (DERs) and induction motor loads. The proposed controller coordinates the DERs to regulate microgrid frequency and voltage while mitigating fault-induced delayed voltage recovery (FIDVR), a phenomenon where system voltage remains depressed for several seconds after fault clearance due to induction motor stalling. The VFC loop adjusts DER voltage setpoints based on frequency deviation and voltage level to regulate voltage and mitigate FIDVR events, while the active power control loop maintains frequency stability by coordinating active power sharing among DERs and compensating for the constant power load behavior of stalled induction motors. A proximity-based reactive power support prioritization and a distributed voltage estimator enhance the controller’s response to FIDVR events. Coordination between the VFC and active power control loops is achieved through adaptive gain adjustment and a voltage recovery coordination term. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller in maintaining microgrid stability, ensuring fast voltage recovery, and providing robust performance under various operating conditions, including communication delays and different fault durations.
Morphological analysis of cold-water coral skeletons for evaluating in silico mechanical models of reef-scale crumbling
Authors: Peña Fernández Marta , Williams Josh , Büscher Janina V. , Roberts J. Murray , Hennige Sebastian J. , Wolfram Uwe
Published: January 2025

The structural complexity of cold-water corals is threatened by ocean acidification. Increased porosity and thinning in structurally critical parts of the reef framework may lead to rapid physical collapse on an ecosystem scale, reducing their potential for biodiversity support. Understanding the structural-mechanical relationships of reef-forming corals is important to enable the use of in silico mechanical models as predictive tools that allow us to determine risk and timescales of reef collapse. Here, we analyze morphological variations of the branching architecture of the cold-water coral species Lophelia pertusa to advance mechanical in silico models based on their skeletal structure. We identified a critical size of five interbranch lengths that allows using homogenized finite element models to analyze mechanical competence. At smaller length scales, mechanical surrogate models need to explicitly account for the statistical morphological differences in the skeletal structure. We showed large morphological variations between fragments of L. pertusa colonies and branches, as well as dead and live skeletal fragments which are driven by growth and adaptation to environmental stressors, with no clear branching-specific patterns. Future in silico mechanical models should statistically model these variations to be used as monitoring tools for predicting risk of cold-water coral reefs crumbling.
Mechanisms of cage noise generation in machine tool bearings
Authors: Takeshima Kazuho , Mutoh Keisuke , Imanishi Kenji , Oshima Shunichi
Published: January 2025

Cage instability in ball bearings can lead to torque fluctuations and significant noise. In machine tool spindles, which require high rotational precision, outer ring-guided cages are often preferred over common ball-guided cages. While outer ring-guided cages suppress instability modes caused by sliding friction between the cage and balls, increased interaction between the cage and outer ring can introduce other instability modes, leading to noise. Despite the critical implications of these findings, prior research into this specific type of cage instability, incorporating both experimental and analytical perspectives, remains limited. Therefore, in this study, we utilized a high-speed camera system to conduct visualization tests on cage behavior in grease-lubricated angular contact ball bearings used in machine tools. Through detailed image-processing of the results, we identified specific behaviors associated with cage noise. To facilitate the optimal design of the cage to stabilize these behaviors, we developed a dynamic analysis model focusing on the friction between the cage and the outer ring under grease lubrication, considering fluid pressure effects. The validity of this model was confirmed through experiments at various rotational speeds. This analytical model enabled us to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving cage instability. The insights gained from this research are expected to significantly enhance the fundamental understanding of cage design principles aimed at eliminating cage noise.
Assessment of hypoxia status in a rat chronic liver disease model using IVIM and T1 mapping
Authors: Dong Wenlu , Xiao Longyang , Luo Ziwei , Yu Haiyang , Wang Lili , Gao Yuanxiang , Li Zhiming
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and T1 mapping in detecting hypoxia status of chronic liver disease using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat model.

Materials and methods

The hypoxia group of chronic liver disease consisted of eight rats induced by injection of CCl4 and the control group consisted of nine rats injected with pure olive oil. All 17 rats underwent MRI examination at week 13 after injection, using T1 mapping and IVIM. Liver specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for the exogenous hypoxia marker pimonidazole and the endogenous hypoxia marker HIF-1α and scored semi-quantitatively. Differences in MRI multiparameters, pimonidazole H-scores, and HIF-1α were analyzed between the control and hypoxia groups. Correlations between MRI multiparameters and H-score, and MRI multiparameters and HIF-1α, were analyzed, and the diagnostic performance of multiparameter MRI was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

There were significant differences between the control group and the hypoxia group in D* values (p = 0.01) and f values (p = 0.025) of IVIM parameters, T1 mapping (p = 0.003), HIF-1α (p < 0.001) and pimonidazole scores (p = 0.004). D* (r = 0.508, p = 0.037) and T1 mapping (r = 0.489, p = 0.046) values positively correlated with pimonidazole scores. D* (r = 0.556, p = 0.020) and T1 mapping (r = 0.505, p = 0.039) showed a positive correlation with HIF-1α. The optimal cut-off value of T1 mapping was 941.527, and the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 87.5, 77.8, and 0.889 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.734–1), respectively.

Conclusion

IVIM and T1 Mapping are promising methods for non-invasive detection of hypoxia status in chronic liver diseases.
The evolution of cell-free fetal DNA testing: expanded non-invasive prenatal testing and its effect on target populations
Authors: Yang Shaozhe , He Yanqi , Lv Jingshang , Li Rongxiang , Fu Xiuhong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical performance of expanded non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT-plus) in screening for fetal chromosome aneuploidy and copy number variations (CNVs) among pregnant women with different risk factors to investigate how the target population of cell-free fetal DNA may change in NIPT-plus.

Methods

The clinical data, test results, confirmatory invasive testing outcomes, and follow-up results of 6,220 pregnant women who underwent NIPT-plus were re-viewed. The performance indicators of the positive predictive value (PPV), positive rate (PR), specificity, and sensitivity in screening for common trisomies, sex chromosomal abnormalities (SCAs), rare autosomal aneuploidies (RAAs), and CNVs were calculated. The PR or PPV of NIPT-plus for screening chromosome aneuploidy and CNVs in women of varying ages, risk factors, and clinical indications were determined.

Results

The PRs of common trisomies, SCAs, RAAs, and CNVs in NIPT-plus were 0.71, 0.45, 0.32, and 0.59%, respectively, with 100% sensitivity and specificities ranging from 99.69 to 99.87%. The PPVs were 80.95, 30.77, 13.33, and 44.12%, respectively. The high-risk group had higher PRs and PPVs for chromosome aneuploidy, with no significant difference in screening for CNVs. NIPT-plus showed greater PR for aneuploidy in the older age group than in the younger age group, with no significant differences in CNVs screening.

Conclusion

NIPT-plus was able to effectively screen for chromosome aneuploidy and CNVs. The performance of CNVs screening was not significantly different among different risk factors and age groups. The target population for NIPT-plus should include all pregnant women, not just those at high risk.
Recent advances in the management of knee osteoarthritis: a narrative review
Authors: Shtroblia Viktor , Petakh Pavlo , Kamyshna Iryna , Halabitska Iryna , Kamyshnyi Oleksandr
Published: January 2025

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that causes pain and reduces the quality of life for many people. It also leads to high health and financial costs. Managing knee OA pain requires using different methods together for the best results. This review overviews current therapeutic options for knee OA pain, focusing on their efficacy, safety, and potential roles in clinical practice. Topical treatments, such as NSAIDs and capsaicin, offer significant pain relief with minimal systemic side effects and are suitable for initial therapy, together with nonpharmacologic interventions like exercise and, when relevant, weight loss. Oral analgesics, including acetaminophen and opioids, have limited efficacy and serious side effects, making them appropriate only for short-term or rescue therapy. Intra-articular injections, such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and platelet rich plasma, demonstrate varying levels of efficacy and safety. Nutritional supplements, including curcumin, Boswellia serrata, and glucosaminechondroitin combinations, offer modest benefits and are best used as adjuncts to standart treatment. Nonpharmacological treatments, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, and local heat therapy, provide variable pain relief and should be customized based on individual patient responses. Targeted biologic agents, such as antibodies to TNF-α, IL-1, and NGF, hold promise for more precise pain relief; however, further research is required to establish their routine use. Treating knee OA pain should be personalized, combining several methods. Research must continue to improve treatments and make them safer.
The promotion effect of FeS2 on Sb2S3 bioleaching and Sb speciation transformation
Authors: Zheng Xing-fu , Xia Jin-lan , Nie Zhen-yuan , Cao Hong-peng , Hu Rui-Jia , Liang Yu-ting , Liu Hong-chang
Published: January 2025

Stibnite (Sb2S3) is an important but difficult to biologically leach mineral, so it is important to find a potential scheme for improving the bioleaching rate of Sb2S3. In this study, by combining experiments and first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the impact and related mechanisms of pyrite (FeS2) on stibnite (Sb2S3) bioleaching were studied for the first time. The bioleaching results revealed that FeS2 obviously improved the Sb2S3 bioleaching rate, and in the 0.5FeS2:0.5CuFeS2 system, the bioleaching rate of Sb2S3 increased from 2.23 to 24.6%, which was the best mass mixing ratio. The XPS and XANES results revealed that during the bioleaching process, Sb2S3 was transformed to Sb2O3 and Sb2O5. The electrochemical results revealed that after FeS2 was mixed, a FeS2-Sb2S3 galvanic cell formed, which promoted the electron transfer efficiency and redox reaction of Sb2S3. The DFT results show that between the Sb2S3 (0 1 0) and FeS2 (1 0 0) surfaces, S-Fe, S-S, S-Sb, and Sb-Fe bonds are formed, and the direction of electron transfer is from Sb2S3 to FeS2; the work functions for Sb2S3 after addition of FeS2 decrease, implying that faster electron transfer occurs; Fe(III)-6H2O derived from FeS2 adsorbs on the surface more easily than does glucose, which is the major component of the extracellular polymeric substances in bacteria, indicating that during the bioleaching process, Fe(III)-6H2O plays an important role; after mixing, both Fe(III)-6H2O and glucose adsorb on the Sb2S3 (0 1 0) surface more easily, with stronger bonds and larger adsorption energies, which are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Long-term survival with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy in a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma of unclear primary origin harboring MTHFR C677T(T/T) mutation: a case report
Authors: Yu Yuan , Li Nan-Jing , Wang Jin
Published: January 2025

This case report presents a patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of unclear primary focus at initial presentation and revealed lung adenocarcinoma in subsequent follow-up. The patient has been surviving for more than 10 years after pemetrexed-based treatment and local radiotherapy. Sequential gene tests showed kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) G13D mutation and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) 19ins. To further investigate the correlation between pemetrexed efficacy and genetic polymorphisms, genotyping tests on folate-metabolism-related genes [methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (C677T) and MTHFR (A1298C)] were performed, revealing that the patient exhibited the T/T genotype for MTHFR (C677T) and the A/A genotype for MTHFR (A1298C). The clinical data and gene analysis were discussed with literature review to explain the underlying explanation for the long survival.
Prioritizing breast cancer surgeries: insights from the KRONOS SCORE
Authors: Navarro Lucía , Perez-Bartivas Luis , Ponferrada David , Cejas Javier , Camús Juan Adrián , Rangel Natalia , Porras Maria , Morales Estevez Cristina , Palacios Eito Amalia , Rioja Pilar , Alvarez Marina , Aranda Enrique , De La Haba-Rodríguez Juan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In many healthcare systems, the time to surgery (TTS) is used as a quality measure in breast cancer (BC) care. Although guidelines suggest that a waiting period of up to four weeks is acceptable, this is often exceeded, potentially impacting treatment outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to reassess surgical urgency. This study aims to explore the relationship between TTS and clinical outcomes in BC patients, focusing on how TTS influences final tumor stage and lymph node involvement.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 924 women diagnosed with cT1-T3 BC without axillary lymph node involvement between 2014 and 2023. Preoperative staging was done using mammography and ultrasound, while postoperative staging relied on definitive anatomopathological reports. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Wilcoxon tests, and binary logistic regression. A prognostic score, the KRONOS SCORE, was developed based on significant variables from the final model, and internal validation was performed.

Results

Out of 924 patients, 781 had ductal carcinomas, 127 had lobular carcinomas, and 16 had other histologies. Breast-conserving surgery was performed on 664 patients, while 260 underwent mastectomy. TTS was less than 8 weeks for 513 patients and more than 8 weeks for 411 patients. No significant differences in tumor size changes were observed based on TTS. However, lymph node involvement increased from 23.8% in patients operated on within 8 weeks to 26.5% in those operated on after 8 weeks, with significant differences noted in poorly differentiated tumors (G3). The KRONOS SCORE, based on age, tumor grade, and size, was validated, showing a higher risk of lymph node involvement with higher scores.

Discussion

Although TTS did not significantly affect most clinical and pathological parameters, a trend towards increased lymph node involvement with prolonged TTS was observed, particularly in patients with poorly differentiated tumors (G3). The KRONOS SCORE offers a tool for prioritizing surgical patients based on risk factors. However, further multicenter and prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and the KRONOS SCORE model’s effectiveness in different clinical settings.
Shaping oral and intestinal microbiota and the immune system during the first 1,000 days of life
Authors: Zhu Jie , He Mingxin , Li Simin , Lei Yumeng , Xiang Xiaochen , Guo Zhi , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2025

The first 1, 000 days of life, from the fetal stage of a woman's pregnancy to 2 years of age after the baby is born, is a critical period for microbial colonization of the body and development of the immune system. The immune system and microbiota exhibit great plasticity at this stage and play a crucial role in subsequent development and future health. Two-way communication and interaction between immune system and microbiota is helpful to maintain human microecological balance and immune homeostasis. Currently, there is a growing interest in the important role of the microbiota in the newborn, and it is believed that the absence or dysbiosis of human commensal microbiota early in life can have lasting health consequences. Thus, this paper summarizes research advances in the establishment of the oral and intestinal microbiome and immune system in early life, emphasizing the substantial impact of microbiota diversity in the prenatal and early postnatal periods, and summarizes that maternal microbes, mode of delivery, feeding practices, antibiotics, probiotics, and the environment shape the oral and intestinal microbiota of infants in the first 1, 000 days of life and their association with the immune system.
Tanshinlactone triggers methuosis in breast cancer cells via NRF2 activation
Authors: Lin Wanjun , Huang Zifeng , Zhang Xuening , Zheng Dayuan , Yang Yanchao , Shi Meina , Yang Dongfang , Chu Tong , Ma Wenzhe
Published: January 2025

Background

Tanshinlactone is a compound derived from the herb Salvia miltiorrhiza. Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women globally. While significant strides have been made in breast cancer management, these interventions are often impeded by substantial adverse effects that undermine patients’ quality of life and confront limitations due to the eventual development of multi-drug resistance. Catastrophic macropinocytosis, also called methuosis, as a nonapoptotic cell death associated with cytoplasmic vacuolization, has gained increasing attention, largely because of its potential importance in cancer therapy.

Methods

The effect of tanshinlactone on the growth of human cancer cells was evaluated using sulforhodamine B and colony formation assay. Fluorescent dyes are used to label macropinosomes and lysosomes. Phase contrast, confocal and transmission electron microscopy were employed to observe cell morphological changes. RT-PCR, western blot, lentiviral-mediated gene overexpression, and pharmacological inhibitor assays were comprehensively designed to regulate the identified signaling pathways and confirm the mechanism of tanshinlactone. Human breast cancer cell lines-derived xenograft tumor explants assay was used to evaluate the compound’s efficacy and to assess the induction of methuosis via NRF2 activation by tanshinlactone.

Results

Tanshinlactone selectively inhibits the growth of ER+ and HER2+/EGFR + breast cancer cells while showing limited cytotoxicity against other cancer types and normal cells. The selective anti-breast cancer activity is associated with the induction of methuosis, characterized by cytoplasmic vacuolization due to dysfunctional macropinocytosis. This process is mediated by the activation of the transcription factor NRF2, leading to the formation of macropinosomes that fail to fuse with lysosomes or recycle to the plasma membrane, resulting in cell death. The in vitro induction of methuosis via NRF2 activation was replicated in a murine xenograft explants model. Additionally, tanshinlactone demonstrated effectiveness against lapatinib-resistant breast cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Tanshinlactone as a novel therapeutic agent, is capable of selectively inhibiting ER+ and HER2+/EGFR + breast tumors through a unique mechanism of inducing catastrophic macropinocytosis. This regimen holds promise for targeted therapy with minimized side effects and offers a new therapeutic avenue for breast patients with drug-resistant diseases.
Dynamic physiology and transcriptomics revealed the alleviation effect of melatonin on Reaumuria trigyna under continuous alkaline salt stress
Authors: Li Xuebo , Wang Lei , Wang Heyi , Hao Rui , Gao Lunkai , Cui Hongbo , Wu Hai , Wu Xiaodong , Qiao Tong , Bai Weijie , Zhang Liming
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Reaumuria trigyna, a pivotal salt-tolerant plant species in Central Asian salt desert ecosystems, has garnered significant attention due to its resilience under harsh environmental conditions. This study investigates the response mechanisms of melatonin on the dynamic physiology and transcriptomics of Reaumuria trigyna, a critical salt-tolerant plant species in Central Asian salt desert ecosystems. Despite significant progress in understanding plant salt tolerance, research on the positive effects of melatonin on Reaumuria trigyna, particularly its impact on seed germination and the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms, remains limited.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the physiological responses of Reaumuria trigyna under continuous alkaline salt stress and examined the effect of melatonin on seed germination.

Results

Our results demonstrate that melatonin at concentrations of 300μmol/L significantly enhances plant growth and promotes the accumulation of osmotic regulators. Notably, melatonin treatment increased the germination rate by 35.48% compared to the alkaline salt stress group, which exhibited a 52.15% lower germination rate than the untreated control. The key mechanism identified involves melatonin’s ability to increase antioxidant enzyme activity, reduce reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide levels, and alter gene expression patterns.

Discussion

Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression, particularly in photosynthetic signal transduction, phytohormone signaling, MAPK signaling, and the peroxisome pathway, which are crucial for the plant’s response to alkaline salt stress. Our findings provide new insights into how melatonin affects plant growth, salt tolerance, seed germination, and gene expression in Reaumuria trigyna under continuous alkaline salt stress. These results address a significant gap in current scientific knowledge and offer valuable theoretical support and practical guidance for cultivating salt-resistant crops and the ecological restoration of salt-affected desert environments.
Selection of suitable reference lncRNAs for gene expression analysis in Osmanthus fragrans under abiotic stresses, hormone treatments, and metal ion treatments
Authors: Zhang Yingting , Yan Qingyu , Xia Hui , Zeng Xiangling , Yang Jie , Cai Xuan , Li Zeqing , Chen Hongguo , Zou Jingjing
Published: January 2025

Intoduction

Osmanthus fragrans, a well-regarded traditional flower in China, holds extensive applications in gardening, food, cosmetics, and traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its importance, research on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in O. fragrans has been constrained by the absence of reliable reference genes (RGs).

Methods

We employed five distinct algorithms, i.e., delta-Ct, NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and RefFinder, to evaluate the expression stability of 17 candidate RGs across various experimental conditions.

Results and discussion

The results indicated the most stable RG combinations under different conditions as follows: cold stress: lnc00249739 and lnc00042194; drought stress: lnc00042194 and lnc00174850; salt stress: lnc00239991 and lnc00042194; abiotic stress: lnc00239991, lnc00042194, lnc00067193, and lnc00265419; ABA treatment: lnc00239991 and 18S; MeJA treatment: lnc00265419 and lnc00249739; ethephon treatment: lnc00229717 and lnc00044331; hormone treatments: lnc00265419 and lnc00239991; Al3+ treatment: lnc00087780 and lnc00265419; Cu2+ treatment: lnc00067193 and 18S; Fe2+ treatment: lnc00229717 and ACT7; metal ion treatment: lnc00239991 and lnc00067193; flowering stage: lnc00229717 and RAN1; different tissues: lnc00239991, lnc00042194, lnc00067193, TUA5, UBQ4, and RAN1; and across all samples: lnc00239991, lnc00042194, lnc00265419 and UBQ4. The reliability of these selected RGs was further validated by analyzing the expression patterns of lnc00003036, lnc00126603, and lnc00250780. This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of lncRNA RG stability in O. fragrans, significantly enhancing the accuracy and depth of lncRNA expression analyses in this species, contributing to advancements in plant stress resistance breeding and improving environmental adaptability.
Characterization and fungicides sensitivity of Colletotrichum species causing Hydrangea macrophylla anthracnose in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhao Juan , Cheng Yanli , Liu Yayong , Shi Xiaojing , Zhang Taotao , Qin Wentao
Published: January 2025

Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. is one of the widely cultivated plants in home gardens and scenic areas of China. Anthracnose disease is commonly observed during the normal growth of H. macrophylla, significantly impacting its ornamental and economic values. From 2021 to 2023, an investigation on H. macrophylla anthracnose was carried out in nine parks of Beijing, China, and a total of 114 Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from the diseased leaves with typical anthracnose symptoms. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of six genomic loci including rDNA-ITS, ACT, TUB2, CAL, CHS-1, and GAPDH, these isolates were identified as belonging to six Colletotrichum species. Among which, C. gloeosporioides was the most abundant (65 isolates, 57.0%), followed by C. fructicola (33 isolates, 28.9%), C. aenigma (8 isolates, 7.0%), C. truncatum (4 isolates, 3.5%), C. subacidae (2 isolates, 1.8%) and C. sojae (2 isolates, 1.8%). Pathogenicity test conducted on detached leaves of H. macrophylla revealed a distinct variation in virulence among isolates from different Colletotrichum species, and wounding was either essential or conducive to successful infection. Specifically, C. gloeosporioides exhibited greater aggressiveness, resulting in larger lesions, while C. subacidae induced lesions most quickly. Fungicide sensitivity assays demonstrated that prochloraz exerted a remarkable inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of representative isolates belonging to the three predominant Colletotrichum species. In contrast to difenoconazole and tebuconazole, the mean EC50 values for prochloraz against C. gloeosporioides, C. fructicola, and C. aenigma were 0.062, 0.033, and 0.023 μg/ml, respectively. This is the first report of C. aenigma, C. truncatum, C. subacidae and C. sojae causing H. macrophylla anthracnose worldwide including China. These findings have elucidated the Colletotrichum species associated with H. macrophylla anthracnose as well as their fungicides sensitivities in Beijing, China. This provides a scientific foundation for the accurate diagnosis and local management of H. macrophylla anthracnose.