bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tenascin-C Potentiates Wnt Signaling in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Hartmann Heather A , Loberg Matthew A , Xu George J , Schwarzkopf Anna C , Chen Sheau-Chiann , Phifer Courtney J , Caroland Kailey , Chen Hua-Chang , Diaz Diana , Tigue Megan L , Hesterberg Amanda B , Gallant Jean-Nicolas , Shaddy Sophia M , Sheng Quanhu , Netterville James L , Rohde Sarah L , Solórzano Carmen C , Bischoff Lindsay A , Baregamian Naira , Hurley Paula J , Murphy Barbara A , Choe Jennifer H , Huang Eric C , Ye Fei , Lee Ethan , Weiss Vivian L
Published: February 2025

Tenascin-C (TNC) is a secreted extracellular matrix protein that is highly expressed during embryonic development and re-expressed during wound healing, inflammation, and neoplasia. Studies in developmental models suggest that TNC may regulate the Wnt signaling pathway. Our laboratory has shown high levels of Wnt signaling and TNC expression in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), a highly lethal cancer with an abysmal approximately 3- to 5-month median survival. Here, we investigated the role of TNC in facilitating ligand-dependent Wnt signaling in thyroid cancer. We used bulk RNA-sequencing from 3 independent multi-institutional thyroid cancer patient cohorts. TNC expression was spatially localized in patient tumors with RNA in situ hybridization. The role of TNC was investigated in vitro using Wnt reporter assays and in vivo with a NOD.PrkdcscidIl2rg–/− mouse ATC xenograft tumor model. TNC expression was associated with aggressive thyroid cancer behavior, including anaplastic histology, extrathyroidal extension, and metastasis. Spatial localization of TNC in patient tissue demonstrated a dramatic increase in expression within cancer cells along the invasive edge, adjacent to Wnt ligand–producing fibroblasts. TNC expression was also increased in areas of intravascular invasion. In vitro, TNC bound Wnt ligands and potentiated Wnt signaling. Finally, in an ATC mouse model, TNC increased Wnt signaling, tumor burden, invasion, and metastasis. Altogether, TNC potentiated ligand-driven Wnt signaling and promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis in a mouse model of thyroid cancer. Understanding the role of TNC and its interaction with Wnt ligands could lead to the development of novel biomarkers and targeted therapeutics for thyroid cancer.
Materializing Metafiction: Embedded Media and Embodied Reading in Ruth Ozeki's A Tale for the Time Being
Authors: Manis Karl
Published: February 2025

The term metafiction is widely used to describe fiction that foregrounds its own narrative and linguistic construction. It also has historically specific roots in reflexive postmodernist literary experimentation. This article asks how contemporary metafiction inherits postwar traditions of self-conscious narration within the context of twenty-first-century social and technological mediation. At a time when digital media compels written literature to take stock of its print lineage, this article argues that narrative reflexivity is accompanied by a reflexive materiality: an ethical concern with the material conditions of reading and writing. It examines how Ruth Ozeki's novel A Tale for the Time Being tethers reflexive narration to material media, drawing attention to the collaborative exchanges and fleshly encounters that inflect and animate any act of reading. Told partly through handwritten diary entries and partly through the online searches, emails, and editorial efforts of a fictionalized version of Ozeki, the novel blends multiple modes and media into its depiction of intimately embodied reading practices. At the same time, its depiction of gendered and racialized violence shows how bodies are often read in cruel and undesirable ways. In effect, the novel materializes metafiction, embedding within textual self-awareness an ethical attunement to the materialities that complicate and exceed written inscription. It thereby resists the involuted loops of postmodern linguistic self-reference, instead deploying a feminist insistence that fiction choreographs a constant torsion between discursive structures and fleshly bodies and enticing readers to imaginatively enact fictional meaning in whatever postures are particular to their own bodies.
Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes. Dermatological manifestations associated with malignancies
Authors: Polańska Paulina , Gruszka Marta , Zakrocka Martyna , Kubicka Maria
Published: February 2025

Introduction and purpose: Paraneoplastic syndromes (PS) are conditions associated with malignant tumours whose mechanism of onset is not fully understood. It is postulated that it’s pathophysiology may involve metabolic, endocrine, haematological changes and autoimmune reactions. The aim of this study is to describe cutaneous PS that nearly always occur with neoplasms. The work aims to give an overview of their clinical manifestations and to indicate the neoplasms they are most commonly associated with.
Description of the state of knowledge: Several types of cutaneous PS are almost always associated with malignancies. These include conditions like acroceratosis paraneoplastica, paraneoplastic pemphigus, erythema gyratum repens, acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa, necrolytic migratory erythema, tripe palms, and syndromes such as AESOP syndrome, ectopic ACTH syndrome, and carcinoid syndrome. These dermatoses present a wide range of clinical features, including skin lesions that vary in appearance, severity, and location, and they are linked to different types of tumors. The connection between cutaneous PS and underlying neoplasms involves various potential pathophysiological mechanisms. However, the exact processes driving these relationships remain unclear and are the subject of ongoing research.
Conclusions: Awareness of cutaneous PS is crucial for early malignancy detection. Timely identification of these skin manifestations allows for quicker diagnosis and treatment of underlying neoplasm, significantly improving the patient's prognosis.
The Effects of the Ketogenic Diet on Disorders of Central Nervous System
Authors: Mikołajec Patryk , Jolanta Mędyk  , Michał Rogulski   , Yauheniya Patarocha  , Aleksandra Ślusarska   , Paulina Błasiak   , Małgorzata Wirkijowska   , Ruslan Huk   , Barbara Bilecka 
Published: February 2025

The ketogenic diet (KD) that focuses on forcing body to switch from burning glucose to burning fat for fuel, has recently been a subject of livid investigation in terms of being a viable therapeutic option for various disorders, starting with obesity, through neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, to mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Emerging evidence suggests that it may be useful in treating these conditions. This article explores the possible role of KD in the treatment of those condition.
Methods: Extensive research was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. References from selected articles were included in the analysis.
Myopia as a problem of the modern world. Methods of treatment and prevention
Authors: Szewczyk Marcelina , Ufnal Julia , Rosińska-Lewandoska Dominika , Lewandowska Dominika , Kożuchowska Klaudia , Pilarz Dawid , Morawska Maria , Wolff Anna , Gruszka Szymon , Jarosz Kinga
Published: February 2025

Introduction and objective
Sight is one of the most important human senses, which enables proper coordination of the entire body. Short-sightedness is increasingly being called the “scourge” of our time. Prognosis in early 2024 predict that people with myopia problems may represent as much as 35% of humanity. In the research, we want to present the possibilities of treating and preventing short-sightedness, collect those that seem most relevant and effective against the background of today's knowledge.
 
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge
Short-sightedness (myopia) is a visual defect in which light rays do not focus properly on the retina, but in front of it. Among the methods of treating and slowing down the progression of myopia, we can identify environmental, pharmacological, optical and surgical methods. Intracular lenses and soft contact lenses are the most frequently used forms of correction. However, at high values of the defect, they may not be effective enough. The choice in such situation is hard contact lenses, which are not always well tolerated by patients. Among the methods confirmed by numerous studies of slowing the progression of myopia still include atropine and orthocorrection. More innovative techniques include DIMS lenses, HAL and red light therapy. However, they require more research to confirm their long-term effectiveness and safety.
 
Summary
In recent years, myopia has become a worldwide problem. Promising results are provided by recent studies on HAL spectacle lenses, DIMS, MiSight contact lenses and RLRL. Thanks to the large number of treatment methods, the doctor can adjust the treatment that seems to be best for the patient. The development of current therapies, as well as an appropriate lifestyle, are important aspects for the treatment of myopia.
Research on the cultivation system of college campus football reserve talents from the perspective of integration of sports and education
Authors: Chen Qiuyi , Chen Zhijun , Jiang Bo , Wang Shaojie
Published: February 2025

With the rapid development of football in our country and the country's increasing emphasis on the training of football talents, establishing an effective environment for the development of talents has become the key to improve the level of campus football. Under this background, the training of college campus football reserve personnel is faced with many challenges, such as the single training mode, the insufficient integration of resources and so on. Starting from the aspects of training concept renewal, curriculum system construction, teacher team construction, site facility guarantee, this study focuses on the construction path of college campus football reserve talent cultivation system from the perspective of sports and education integration. Through the research, it is found that constructing a scientific and reasonable training system is of great significance to improve the quality of college football reserve talents, which not only provides strong support for the development of college football, but also helps to promote the students' physical and mental health and all-round development, and lays a solid foundation for the long-term development of football cause in our country.
Operacje plastyczne okolicy twarzy w Szpitalu Ujazdowskim w Warszawie podczas II wojny światowej
Authors: Grucka Agnieszka
Published: February 2025

Korzenie chirurgii plastycznej sięgają 2 tys. lat p.n.e. Pierwsze operacje plastyczne były wykonywane już w starożytnych Indiach. Początek rozwoju współczesnej chirurgii plastycznej w Polsce datuje się na koniec XIX, początek XX w. Jednym z prekursorów tej dziedziny medycyny w Polsce był dr Stanisław Michałek-Grodzki. Podczas II wojny światowej prowadził oddział chirurgii plastycznej, na którym były wykonywane bardzo precyzyjne zabiegi i operacje odtwórcze. Wszystko wskazuje na to, że dr Michałek-Grodzki uratował wielu rannych przed trwałym „zniekształceniem”. Celem artykułu jest udzielenie odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy podczas II wojny światowej w Szpitalu Ujazdowskim były przeprowadzane z sukcesem operacje plastyczne twarzy. Aby potwierdzić hipotezę, przeanalizowano 301 historii chorób pacjentów Oddziału IV A, które znajdują się w dokumentach pozostawionych przez dr. Michałka-Grodzkiego i przekazanych do Muzeum Historii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Poznaniu przez jego bliskiego krewnego.
Historia hemoreologii
Authors: Szpernalowska Anna Maria , Marcinkowska-Gapińska Anna
Published: February 2025

W pracy przedstawiono historię rozwoju hemoreologii, czyli nauki o przepływie i lepkości krwi, łączącej zagadnienia biofizyki oraz medycyny, szczególnie w zakresie patogenezy chorób sercowo-naczyniowych. Ukazano, jak od początków badań nad układem krążenia, poprzez kluczowe odkrycia w zakresie hemodynamiki i reologii, zmieniało się spojrzenie świata medycyny na fizjologię układu krwionośnego, a co za tym idzie rozumienie patogenezy chorób krążenia oraz jak zmieniały się sposoby ich leczenia. Ponadto w pracy przybliżono najbardziej przełomowe odkrycia wybitnych naukowców, które przyczyniły się do rozwoju wyżej wymienionych nauk. Zaakcentowano fakt pogłębiania wiedzy z zakresu hemoreologii na przestrzeni wieków i podkreślono znaczenie dalszych badań, jak też mnogość zastosowań w praktyce klinicznej.
Zenobiusz Michał Bednarski (1923-2014) – olsztyński ftyzjatra i historyk medycyny
Authors: Rydzewski Michał , Skrobut Jan , Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: February 2025

W poniższej pracy przedstawiono biografię oraz dorobek naukowy dr. n. med. Zenobiusza Michała Bednarskiego, olsztyńskiego ftyzjatry, historyka medycyny oraz ordynatora II Oddziału w Szpitalu Specjalistycznym Zespołu Gruźlicy i Chorób Płuc w Olsztynie w latach 1959-1991. Zenobiusz M. Bednarski urodził się w 1923 r. w Pińczowie. Studia lekarskie ukończył w 1952 r., a tytuł doktora nauk medycznych otrzymał w 1975 r. Był redaktorem naczelnym „Biuletynu Lekarskiego” i sekretarzem redakcji czasopisma naukowego pt. „Rocznik Medyczny”. Był autorem licznych prac naukowych z zakresu medyny oraz historii medycyny.
Adam Kwaskowski (1893-1984) – współtwórca okulistyki polskiej XX w.
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Rabiza Agnieszka
Published: February 2025

W pracy przedstawiono biografię oraz dorobek naukowy Adama Kwaskowskiego, kierownika Kliniki Okulistycznej Akademii Medycznej w Poznaniu w latach 1956-1964. Adam Kwaskowki urodził się w 1893 r. w Warszawie. Otrzymał dyplom lekarza w czerwcu 1919 r. na Uniwersytecie Kijowskim. Był członkiem zarządu głównego Polskiego Towarzystwa Okulistycznego oraz kierownikiem jego poznańskiego oddziału. Był również członkiem Komisji Medycyny Doświadczalnej Wydziału Lekarskiego Poznańskiego Towarzystwa Przyjaciół Nauk i Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego. Został odznaczony Krzyżem Kawalerskim Orderu Polonia Restituta, Złotym Krzyżem Zasługi i Medalem 10-lecia Polski Ludowej. Napisał wiele prac naukowych.
Jerzy Grzędzielski (1901-1941) – docent okulistyki Wydziału Lekarskiego Uniwersytetu Jana Kazimierza we Lwowie
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Pactwa Katarzyna
Published: February 2025

Jerzy Grzędzielski (1901-1941) – lekarz, okulista, docent Uniwersytetu Lwowskiego. Ukończył studia w 1925 r. na Wydziale Lekarskim Uniwersytetu Jana Kazimierza we Lwowie. Swoje życie zawodowe związał z Kliniką Okulistyczną Uniwersytetu Lwowskiego, na której kolejno był asystentem, adiunktem, a następnie habilitował się na docenta okulistyki. Grzędzielski to autor licznych prac naukowych, m.in. poświęconych zabiegowym metodom leczenia w okulistyce oraz odwarstwieniu siatkówki. Ponadto był członkiem Polskiego Towarzystwa Okulistycznego oraz Towarzystwa Lekarskiego we Lwowie. Wygłosił referaty na XVII oraz XVIII Zjeździe Okulistów Polskich. Został zamordowany w masakrze profesorów lwowskich w 1941 r.
Biografia, analiza twórczości oraz osiągnięć medycznych Reginy Salomei z Rusieckich Pilsztynowej
Authors: Rydzewski Michał , Skrobut Jan , Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: February 2025

W poniższej pracy przedstawiono biografię oraz dokonano analizy pamiętnika Reginy Salomei Rusieckiej pt. Proceder podróży i życia mego awantur, w tym opisanych w nim metod leczenia. Regina Salomea Rusiecka urodziła się prawdopodobnie ok. 1718 r. w pobliżu Nowogródka. Obecnie przez niektórych autorów bywa uważana za pierwszą polską lekarkę, mimo że nigdy nie zdobyła formalnego wykształcenia medycznego. Praktykowane przez nią sposoby leczenia pacjentów zostały skonfrontowane z zawartością podręczników lekarskich pochodzących z czasów współczesnych Rusieckiej oraz z obecnym stanem wiedzy medycznej w celu stwierdzenia, czy metody te mogły istotnie przynieść poprawę stanu jej pacjentów.
Code and Data Repository for Heuristic Methods for Γ-Robust Mixed-Integer Linear Bilevel Problems
Authors: Beck Yasmine , Ljubić Ivana , Schmidt Martin
Published: February 2025

This repository contains the code accompanying the paper Heuristic Methods for Gamma-Robust Mixed-Integer Linear Bilevel Problems by Yasmine Beck, Ivana Ljubić, and Martin Schmidt.
Predicting Instructor Performance in Online Education: An Interpretable Hierarchical Transformer with Contextual Attention
Authors: Wang Wen , Zhou Mi , Li Beibei , Zhuang Honglei
Published: February 2025

Online education is a vital consumer industry that is undergoing rapid technological change. This paper develops a deep learning model to predict instructor performance on online education platforms from a content-based perspective. Specifically, we design an interpretable hierarchical transformer with contextual attention to predict instructor rating and course rating using textual data. Our model captures the inherent hierarchical structure of online courses and the sequential dependency of lectures within a course. Moreover, it goes beyond prediction and enables interpretability analysis, which provides additional insights into potential reasons behind the predictions made by the model. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our model outperforms classic machine learning models as well as state-of-the-art deep learning models. Furthermore, we conduct in-depth interpretability analysis to explore what factors might predict the success of an online course at the lecture, sentence, and word level. We also showcase the value and applicability of our model through a randomized experiment. Our findings and methods provide managerial implications for instructors and online education platforms to improve course creation and delivery in this vitally important emerging market.
Non-conservative construals with percentage quantifiers in Slavic
Authors: Wągiel Marcin , Gehrke Berit
Published: February 2025

abstract: The paper investigates non-conservative, as opposed to conservative, interpretations of sentences with percentage quantifiers corresponding to 'fifty percent' in Slavic. Based on the results of a questionnaire study in Slavic languages with (Bulgarian and Macedonian) and without definiteness marking (BCMS, Czech, Polish, Russian, Slovak, and Slovenian), we make the novel observation that word order is a main and sometimes the only means to distinguish between conservative and non-conservative readings. We argue that for the non-conservative reading to arise the percentage quantifier has to appear in a low position, VP-internally, in order to be part of the predicate and to take the VP's extension as its first argument.
Block scanning single-pixel imaging at the single photon level in a near-infrared band
Authors: Liu Jie , Yang Zhao-hua , Zhao Zhi-hao , Tian Yi-fan , Dong Ze-yuan , Li Ming-fei , Yu Yuan-jin
Published: February 2025

Single-pixel imaging (SPI) is highly effective for weak light detection. However, SPI often requires extensive photon accumulation cycles to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of images. This process can lead to pile-up effects when multiple photons hit the detector simultaneously, causing signal distortion and degradation of imaging quality. To address these challenges, we propose a blocky basis scanning method that combines the robustness of point-scanning imaging with the efficiency of SPI. This approach significantly reduces the required dynamic range for photon counting compared to SPI using Hadamard patterns. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed strategy decreases photon usage by 25 times compared to Hadamard patterns. Additionally, the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the retrieved image is increased by 1.1 times, achieving imaging with just 1.34 photons per pixel. The proposed method improves information acquisition speed and SNR in SPI while enabling three-dimensional object reconstruction, making it promising for mapping applications.
Genetically programmable optical random neural networks
Authors: Tegin Ugur , Carpinlioglu Bora
Published: February 2025

Today, machine learning tools, particularly artificial neural networks, have become crucial for diverse applications. However, current digital computing tools to train and deploy artificial neural networks often struggle with massive data sizes and high power consumptions. Optical computing provides inherent parallelism and perform fundamental operations with passive optical components. However, most of the optical computing platforms suffer from relatively low accuracies for machine learning tasks due to fixed connections while avoiding complex and sensitive techniques. Here, we demonstrate a genetically programmable yet simple optical neural network to achieve high performances with optical random projection. By genetically programming the orientation of the scattering medium which acts as a random projection kernel and only using 1% of the search space, our novel technique finds an optimum kernel and improves its initial test accuracies 7-22% for various machine learning tasks. Our optical computing method presents a promising approach to achieve high performance in optical neural networks with a simple and scalable design.
Using a multi-strain infectious disease model with physical information neural networks to study the time dependence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Li Wenxuan , Chen Xu , Liu Suli , Zhang Chiyu , Liu Guyue
Published: February 2025

With the ongoing evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its increasing adaptation to humans, several variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) have been identified since late 2020. These include Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron parent lineage, and other variants. These variants may show distinct levels of virulence, antigenicity, and infectivity, which require specific defense and control measures. In this study, we propose an SI1…InR infectious disease model to simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants among the human population. We combine the proposed epidemic model and reported infected data of variants with physical information neural networks (PINNs) to develop a novel mechanism called VOCs-informed neural network (VOCs-INN). In our experiments, we found that this algorithm can accurately fit the reported data of the British Columbia (BC) province and its five internal health agencies in Canada. Furthermore, it can simulate observed or unobserved dynamics, infer time-dependent parameters, and enable short-term predictions. The experimental results also reveal variations in the intensity of control strategies implemented across these regions. VOCs-INN performs well in fitting and forecasting when analyzing long-term or multi-wave data.
“Feeding the baby breast milk shouldn’t be a problem” breastfeeding confidence and intention in pregnant persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus from Thailand
Authors: Phonyiam Ratchanok , Teng Chiao-Hsin , Cortés Yamnia I. , Sullivan Catherine S. , Palmquist Aunchalee E. L. , Hodges Eric A. , Baernholdt Marianne
Published: February 2025

Breastfeeding initiation has been found to be lower in pregnant persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, no studies have explored the potential impact of T2DM during pregnancy on breastfeeding plans among Thai pregnant persons. This study aimed to describe breastfeeding confidence and intention during pregnancy among Thai pregnant persons with T2DM. This qualitative analysis utilized data from a parent study with a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. This study was guided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Framework. Eligible participants were pregnant persons diagnosed with T2DM, aged 20–44 years, and proficient in speaking Thai. The pregnant persons participated in semi-structured interviews and completed three questionnaires: demographic, infant feeding intentions, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics for quantitative data and directed content analysis for qualitative data. Twelve interviews revealed four main themes: breastfeeding intentions during pregnancy, breastfeeding confidence throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding barriers (such as previous challenging experiences and physical distance between mother and baby), and breastfeeding facilitators (including benefits and cost-effectiveness, consumption of Thai foods and herbs, and the availability of breast milk shipping services). This study offers insights into the intentions and confidence of Thai pregnant persons with T2DM regarding breastfeeding their baby after childbirth. To improve breastfeeding outcomes, the pregnancy period could serve as an opportunity to assess breastfeeding confidence, barriers, and facilitators that influence breastfeeding intentions among pregnant persons with diabetes.
Does corporate governance mechanism deter earnings management and enhance readability of annual reports?
Authors: Zheng Dong , Ali Rajib , Feifei Zhao , Shaique Muhammad
Published: February 2025

This study aims to know the impact of earnings management (accrual, real and total) and corporate governance mechanisms on the readability of annual reports. Additionally, the study also seeks to know the moderating impact of corporate governance mechanisms between earnings management (accruals, real and total) and readability of annual reports. The sample of the study consists 250 listed firms of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) for the period of 2014–2022. The hypotheses are tested using System GMM technique. The results of the study suggest that earnings management (accruals, real and total) has negative and significant impact on readability of annual reports. However, all four corporate governance mechanics have a significantly positive impact on readability of annual reports. Additionally, corporate governance mechanics significantly moderates the relationship between earnings management (accruals, real and total) and the readability of annual reports. This study has practical implications for regulators, investors, and firms. The findings of the study may suggest to the Security Exchange Commission Pakistan that authorities improve readability by requiring companies to use clear, understandable language and include appropriate information in annual reports. Firms listed on PSX need to produce more readable annual reports to make information more concise and clear, using simple and short sentences, and familiar words.
Disease trajectory and competing risks of patients with cirrhosis in the US
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Hasjim Bima J. , Balbale Salva N. , Polineni Praneet , Huang Alexander A. , Paukner Mitchell , Banea Therese , Dentici Oriana , Vitello Dominic J. , Obayemi Joy E. , Duarte-Rojo Andrés , Nadig Satish N. , VanWagner Lisa B. , Zhao Lihui , Mehrotra Sanjay , Ladner Daniela P.
Published: February 2025

Background

Cirrhosis is a dynamic disease process leading to liver-related death, which has increased by over 65% over the last decade. Unpredictable hepatic decompensation complications are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Thus, accurately characterizing disease progression through discrete stages of cirrhosis is critical towards implementing timely intervention and liver transplant (LT) waitlisting.

Methods

A retrospective, longitudinal, population-cohort study of adult patients with cirrhosis from a US metropolitan area (2006–2012) was conducted. Clinical diagnoses were defined by ICD-9 and CPT codes. Cirrhosis stages were defined as: compensated without portal hypertension (Stage 1), compensated with portal hypertension (Stage 2), variceal bleeding (Stage 3), hepatic encephalopathy (Stage 4a), ascites (Stage 4b), and ≥2 different decompensating complications (Stage 5). Multivariate Fine-Gray competing risk survival analysis adjusted for clinicodemographic covariates.

Results

Among 12,196 patients with cirrhosis, the mean (±SD) age was 56.8 (±11.7) years with a follow-up time of 2.35 (±1.81) years. A novel 5-stage disease progression framework was used. The 1-year mortality rates for each stage were 7.3% for Stage 1, 5.4% for Stage 2, 11.4% for Stage 3, 10.0% for Stage 4a, 20.2% for Stage 4b, and 43.8% for Stage 5. Compared to those in Stage 1, Stage 3 (sHR:1.83, 95% CI:1.36–2.48, P<0.001), Stage 4b (sHR:1.45, 95% CI:1.23–1.70, P<0.001), and Stage 5 (sHR:1.95, 95% CI:1.71–2.23, P<0.001) patients had higher risks of mortality. Additional disease progression rates were identified.

Conclusion

Even among patients with compensated cirrhosis, the 1-year mortality rate was as high as 7.3% and subsequently increases with each decompensation complication. This one-year mortality rate is higher than 5-years mortality rate reported in previously known non-US studies. The highest associated risk of death was observed among patients with ≥2 different decompensating complications (95.2%), variceal bleeding (83.2%) and ascites (44.9%). Overall, patients in advanced stages of cirrhosis were more likely to die than they were to receive a LT, suggesting that patients should be referred and waitlisted for LT earlier in the disease process.
Hydrothermal treatment of yeast cell wall generates potent anti-proliferative agents targeting MCF7 breast cancer cells effectively even under culture conditions separated by a plastic wall
Authors: Kitagawa Takanori
Published: February 2025

Traditionally, the yeast cell wall (YCW) has limited applications because of its low solubility. To overcome this, a novel method was developed using a hydrothermal reaction to enhance its solubility and decrease its viscosity; this resulted in the production of a soluble form of YCW, known as the YCW treated with hydrothermal reaction (YCW-H), with broader chemical composition. However, the biological impact of YCW-H is unclear, excluding its reported plant growth-promotion by effectively regulating soil microspheres. This study investigated the potential of YCW-H to inhibit MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation. YCW-H demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects on MCF7 cells, reducing cell growth by 58.7% ± 6.9 even when physically separated from the cells by a plastic wall. The observation suggests the presence of a diffusible factor against cell proliferation in YCW-H, a phenomenon not observed in the presence of untreated YCW. Reactive carbon species (RCS) generated during the hydrothermal treatment of YCW could be responsible for the effect. The addition of Fe(III) ions into YCW-H further amplified RCS production and elevated its inhibitory activity by about 10% across the plastic barrier. Radical adduct concentration of H2O in a tube which was incubated in YCW-H was 0.47 μmol/L, indicating that radicals migrated into the water through the plastic wall. The concentration of radical adducts in H2O in a tube exposed to YCW-H with Fe(III) ions further increased to 0.51 μmol/L, indicating that the growth inhibition was correlated with the increased RCS levels. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis revealed the cytotoxic effects of YCW-H, indicating YCW-H is applicable to cancer therapy. Therefore, the findings highlight the pivotal role of RCS in the YCW-H anti-cancer activity, suggesting its potential as a promising candidate for the development of novel medical devices for cancer treatment.
Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on parameters in glaucoma: A systematic review
Authors: Prinz Julia , Prokosch Verena , Wang Xiaosha , Feng Yuan , Walter Peter , Fuest Matthias , Migliorini Filippo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the efficacy of GBE administration in patients with glaucoma and healthy volunteers.

Methods

This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. All clinical studies investigating the efficacy of GBE administration on the intraocular pressure (IOP), the corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) and the mean deviation of visual field testing, and heart rate were considered. The weighted mean difference (MD) effect measure, 95% confidence interval (CI), and t-test were used for continuous variables.

Results

Data from 8 studies, including 428 patients, were retrieved. The mean age of all patients was 51.1 ± 15.5 years. The median follow-up was 3.7 (IQR 9.4) months. The administration of GBE was not associated with an improvement in IOP (MD -1.5; 95%CI -7.1 to 9.6; P = 0.5), mean deviation (MD 0.7; 95%CI -9.4 to 8.2; P = 0.8), CPSD (MD -1.6; 95%CI -3.8 to 6.9; P = 0.5), or heart rate (MD -2.5; 95%CI -11.5 to 16.5; P = 0.4) from baseline to the last follow-up. There was no difference between GBE versus the control group in IOP (MD 1.1; 95%CI -5.7 to 3.5; P = 0.4), mean deviation (MD -0.4; 95%CI -9.1 to 9.9; P = 0.9), CPSD (MD 0.3; 95%CI -6.8 to 6.2; P = 0.9), and heart rate (MD -1.3; 95%CI -15.1 to 17.7; P = 0.8) at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

Currently, the evidence is not sufficient to conclude that GBE affects IOP, mean deviation, CPSD, or heart rate in glaucoma patients and healthy volunteers. These conclusions must be interpreted with caution given the limitations of the reviewed studies, particularly the follow-up time of the included studies.
Integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analyses of the effects of total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae on reducing ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis by regulating gut microbiota and related metabolites
Authors: Li Qiuyue , Wu Xuelin , Niu Xinyu , Yu Zhangjingze , Fang Shengjie , Chu Xuelei , Zhu Jia , Song Qinghui , Hou Chengzhi , Wei Xu
Published: February 2025

TFRD has been widely used in China to treat osteoporosis (OP). However, the specific molecular mechanism of TFRD against OP has not been fully clarified. Our previous studies have also proved that TFRD could attenuate OP and the clinical equivalent dose of 67.5mg/kg/d is the effective dose for TFRD treating OP. Therefore, this study used 67.5mg/kg as the dosage of TFRD in combination with multi omics to investigate the mechanism of action of TFRD in the treatment of OP. The aim of this study was to further elucidate molecular mechanism of TFRD for treating OP based on metagenomic and metabolomic analyses. In this study, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and bone mineral density (BMD) analysis were used to observe pharmacological effects of TFRD against ovariectomized (OVX)-induced OP. Subsequently, multiomics analysis including metagenomics, untargeted and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) metabolomics were carried out to identify whether the anti-osteoporosis mechanism of TFRD correlated with gut microbiota and related metabolites. Our results indicate that TFRD could improve the microstructure and density of trabecular bone in OVX rats. 17 differential species, which mainly from Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Phascolarctobacterium genus, 14 related differential metabolites and acetic acid in SCFAs were significantly altered by OVX and reversed by TFRD. Furthermore, according to results of untargeted metabolomics analysis, it was found that several metabolic pathways such as phenylalanine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and so on might play an important role in TFRD against OP. In order to further study the relationship between gut microbiota and related metabolites, spearman correlation analysis was used, and showed that gut microbiota such as Akkermansia muciniphila might be closely related to several metabolites and metabolic pathways. These findings suggest that TFRD treatment could reduce the effects of OVX-induced OP by altering community composition and abundance of gut microbiota, regulating metabolites and SCFAs. It was speculated that the gut microbiota especially Akkermansia muciniphila and related metabolites might play an important role in TFRD against OP, and deserve further study by follow-up experiment. This conclusion provides new theoretical support for mechanism research of TFRD against OP.
SC-GROG followed by L+S reconstruction with multiple sparsity constraints for accelerated Golden-angle-radial DCE-MRI
Authors: Najeeb Faisal , Amjad Kashif , Ullah Irfan , Omer Hammad
Published: February 2025

The GRASP (Golden-angle-radial Sparse Parallel MRI) is a contemporary method for reconstructing dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). This method combines the temporal incoherence of stack-of-stars Golden-angle-radial sampling pattern and acceleration capability of parallel MRI (PI) and compressed sensing (CS) for highly accelerated free-breathing DCE-MRI reconstruction. GRASP uses Temporal Total Variation (TV) norm as a sparsity transform to promote sparsity among multi-coil MRI data and Nonlinear Conjugate Gradient (NL-CG) algorithm to obtain an optimal solution. Additionally, GRASP uses NUFFT gridding to map Golden-angle-radial data to Cartesian grid before NL-CG based CS reconstruction. However, major limitations of GRASP include the temporal averaging effect due to Temporal TV, leading to a degradation in the dynamic contrast of DCE-MRI, and a high computational burden/reconstruction time due to repeated NUFFT gridding/degridding in NL-CG reconstruction. This paper introduces a novel approach to address limitations in GRASP reconstruction technique for free-breathing DCE-MRI. The proposed method combines SC-GROG gridding with low-rank plus sparse (L+S) reconstruction using multiple sparsity constraints for accelerated Golden-angle-radial DCE-MRI with improved temporal resolution and dynamic contrast. Monotone FISTA with variable acceleration (MFISTA-VA) is used to optimize the L+S optimization problem. Further, SC-GROG gridding is used to map Golden-angle radial data to Cartesian grid before L+S reconstruction. The proposed method is tested on two different 3T free-breathing in-vivo DCE-MRI datasets. Reconstruction results of the proposed method are evaluated by using: (i) convergence error, (ii) peak and mean values of arterial signal intensity in the selected region of interest (ROI) of DCE MR Images, and (iii) reconstruction time. Results show that the proposed method provides significant improvements in the reconstruction time and dynamic contrast than the conventional Golden-angle-radial DCE-MRI reconstruction techniques (i.e., GRASP, XD-GRASP). Furthermore, convergence analysis shows that integration of MFISTA-VA in L+S reconstruction provides faster convergence compared to conventional L+S reconstruction.
The bone phenotype associated with cherubism is independent of Caspase-1-dependent inflammasome activation in the mouse
Authors: Rabhi Badre-Victor , Thomasseau Sylvie , Decrouy Xavier , Cohen-Solal Martine , Deckert Marcel , Coudert Amélie E. , Brial François
Published: February 2025

Cherubism is a rare genetic disorder caused by SH3BP2 mutations. This sterile autoinflammatory disease is characterized by jaw osteolysis, in which bone tissue is replaced by multinucleated giant cells containing fibrous tissue. The cherubism mouse model (Sh3bp2 KI) is characterized by systemic bone loss as well as inflammatory phenotypes induced and maintained by TNFα. IL-1β, produced by the NRLP3 inflammasome through recruitment of Caspase-1, is involved in the development of sterile autoinflammatory disease. We previously reported a cherubism patient with elevated serum IL-1β, and cherubism mice also have elevated serum IL-1β levels. Thus, we wanted to disentangle the role of IL-1β in cherubism. To that end, we deleted Caspase-1 in Sh3bp2 KI mice to tamp down IL-1β production. However, deleting Caspase-1 did not rescue the systemic bone and inflammatory phenotypes.
Inhibition of the Integrated stress response by Epstein-Barr virus oncoprotein LMP1 attenuates epithelial cell differentiation and lytic viral reactivation
Authors: Singh Deo R. , Zhang Yitao , White Sophia J. , Nelson Scott E. , Fogarty Stuart A. , Pawelski Abigail S. , Kansra Alisha S. , Kenney Shannon C.
Published: February 2025

EBV infects normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs) and plays an essential role in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We previously showed that the EBV oncogene, LMP1, promotes proliferation and inhibits spontaneous differentiation in telomerase-immortalized NOKs grown in growth factor-restricted conditions. Here we have further examined the phenotypes of NOKs infected with wild-type EBV (WT EBV) versus an LMP1-deleted EBV mutant (ΔLMP1 EBV) in growth factor-restricted conditions. RNA-seq results show that WT EBV-infected NOKs not only have reduced differentiation, but also decreased expression of genes activated by the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway, in comparison to the ΔLMP1 EBV-infected cells. The ISR pathway is mediated by increased phosphorylation of the eIF2α translation initiation factor, leading to decreased translation of most cellular proteins but increased expression of some proteins, including ATF4 and CHOP. Immunoblot analyses confirmed that WT EBV-infected NOKs have decreased phosphorylation of eIF2α in comparison to uninfected and ΔLMP1 EBV-infected cells and showed that expression of LMP1 alone is sufficient to inhibit eIF2α phosphorylation. We found that LMP1 decreases the activity of two different eIF2α kinases, PERK and GCN2, in WT EBV-infected NOKs, resulting in decreased expression of the ISR-induced transcription factors, ATF4 and CHOP, in WT EBV-infected versus uninfected and ΔLMP1 EBV-infected NOKs. Furthermore, we found that both GCN2 and PERK activity are required for efficient TPA-induced lytic EBV reactivation and TPA-mediated epithelial cell differentiation. In addition, we demonstrate that over-expression of CHOP is sufficient to induce both lytic EBV reactivation and epithelial cell differentiation in WT EBV-infected NOKs and NPC cells and show that this effect is mediated by CHOP activation of the differentiation-inducing transcription factors, KLF4 and BLIMP1. Our results suggest that inhibition of the ISR pathway by the EBV oncoprotein, LMP1, may promote early NPC development by preventing epithelial cell differentiation and lytic EBV reactivation.
Analysis of kinetic parameters of sexed Holstein-Friesian bull spermatozoa using Percoll density gradient centrifugation with computer-assisted sperm analysis
Authors: Utami Putri , Yekti Aulia Puspita Anugra , Simbolon Chairun Nisa Aperi , Syah Habib Asshidiq , Amaliya Anny , Siswoyo Tri Agus , Isnaini Nurul , Susilawati Trinil
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim: Artificial insemination (AI) is a key biotechnology for improving dairy cattle populations, offering genetic enhancement and increased milk production. The advent of sexed semen allows for the preferential selection of female offspring which is beneficial for dairy operations. This study aimed to evaluate and optimize a spermatozoa sexing method using Percoll density gradient centrifugation (PDGC) and analyze kinetic parameters of the separated spermatozoa using computer-assisted sperm analysis.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on two Holstein-Friesian bulls at the Singosari Artificial Insemination Center and Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia. Semen samples underwent PDGC sexing at two density gradients, (T1) 20%-65% and (T2) 20%-60%. Kinetic parameters, including motility, velocity, and movement patterns, were assessed pre- and post-sexing. Statistical analyses were performed using a one-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s test to determine significant differences.

Results: Fresh semen (control) exhibited significantly higher motility (88.45%) compared to T1 (70.94%) and T2 (72.22%), with p < 0.01. Velocity parameters, including curvilinear velocity, were also significantly reduced post-sexing. However, motility levels in sexed samples still exceeded the 40% AI threshold. The 20%-65% gradient demonstrated better performance in maintaining sperm quality compared to the 20%-60% gradient.

Conclusion: Although sexing reduced motility and kinetic parameters, both gradients yielded semen suitable for AI applications. The 20%-65% gradient showed superior results, indicating its potential for optimizing the sexing process. Further research is recommended to refine the technique and improve the viability of sexed sperm.

Keywords: Artificial insemination, computer-assisted sperm analysis, Holstein-Friesian, Percoll density gradient centrifugation, sperm motility.
Overview Paper of Capacity Management in a Data Center
Authors: Karkare Aneesh
Published: February 2025

Advancements in virtualization and resource pooling have revolutionized the design of next- generation data centers, prioritizing efficiency, flexibility along with cost-effectiveness. This paper derives insights from recent research and progress made on resource and capacity management and optimization, demand prediction, and Quality of Service (QoS) optimization within shared resource environments. Key findings include trace-based methodologies for different workload demand predictions, and workload placement strategies along with frameworks like R-Opus which is used for managing application’s performance under different scenarios. Comparative analysis made across different case studies shows the potential for considerable improvements in resource utilization and enhanced QoS adherence. These discoveries demonstrate the potential of automated, scalable, and flexible optimization solutions for resource pools, which are particularly beneficial in modern environments that are dynamic in nature and demand high resource usage.
ประโยชน์ทางเศรษฐกิจการท่องเที่ยวและการมีส่วนร่วมของนักศึกษาในการจัดการแข่งขันกีฬารักบี้ฟุตบอลนานาชาติเพื่อส่งเสริมการท่องเที่ยวสงขลา
Authors:   มหาวิทยาลัยทักษิณ พัทลุง, แก้วมณี สุฐิพัศ , ปุยชุมพล ปิโยรส ,   มหาวิทยาลัยทักษิณ พัทลุง, ศิริรัตนพันธ์ คัชชา ,   มหาวิทยาลัยทักษิณ พัทลุง, แย้มขวัญยืน ชนินันท์ ,   มหาวิทยาลัยสวนดุสิต, วงศ์สวัสดิ์ ศันสนีย์ ,   มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฎสุราษฎร์ธานี
Published: February 2025

งานวิจัยมีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อ(1)ศึกษาความพึงพอใจของผู้เข้าร่วมงานการแข่งขันกีฬารักบี้ (2)วิเคราะห์ความต้องการด้านการท่องเที่ยวและผลประโยชน์ทางเศรษฐกิจการท่องเที่ยว และ(3)ศึกษา ความคิดเห็นและระดับการมีส่วนร่วมของนักศึกษาในการจัดการแข่งขันกีฬารักบี้ จากกลุ่มตัวอย่าง 2 กลุ่ม คือ ผู้เข้าร่วมการแข่งขันกีฬารักบี้ฟุตบอลในระหว่างวันที่ 19-21 สิงหาคม 2565 จำนวน 225 คนและนักศึกษาจำนวน 68 คน ใช้แบบสอบถามสำหรับผู้เข้าร่วมงาน และนักศึกษาที่มีส่วนร่วมในการจัดงานในการรวบรวมข้อมูล วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลเชิงปริมาณโดยใช้สถิติเชิงพรรณนา และการทดสอบ t - test
ผลการศึกษาพบว่าผู้เข้าร่วมการแข่งขันกีฬารักบี้ฟุตบอล พึงพอใจต่อการจัดงานในภาพรวมในระดับมากที่สุด ในด้านความต้องการด้านการท่องเที่ยวและผลประโยชน์ทางเศรษฐกิจการท่องเที่ยว พบว่าระดับความต้องการส่วนใหญ่ของผู้ตอบแบบสอบถามเป็นประเภทชายหาด ชายทะเลมากที่สุด รองลงไปคือย่านเมืองเก่า และถนนคนเดินตามลำดับ ด้านประโยชน์ทางเศรษฐกิจพบว่ามีค่าใช้จ่ายต่อคนเฉลี่ยเท่ากับ 5,366 บาท ส่วนด้านความคิดเห็นและระดับการมีส่วนร่วมของนักศึกษาในการจัดการแข่งขันกีฬารักบี้ นักศึกษามี ความคิดเห็นเกี่ยวกับประโยชน์ที่ได้รับจากการแข่งขันกีฬารักบี้ฟุตบอลในภาพรวมในระดับมากที่สุด โดยเฉพาะเกี่ยวกับการบูรณาการการทำงานร่วมกันของนักศึกษาระหว่างสาขา และมีความคิดเห็นเกี่ยวกับระดับการมีส่วนร่วมในการจัดการแข่งขันกีฬารักบี้ฟุตบอลในภาพรวมในระดับมาก โดยเฉพาะการมีส่วนร่วมในด้านการดำเนินงานการจัดการแข่งขัน เปรียบเทียบพฤติกรรมความต้องการการท่องเที่ยวสงขลาของนักท่องเที่ยว จำแนกตามปัจจัยส่วนบุคคล พบว่า เพศแตกต่างกัน มีความต้องการการท่องเที่ยวสงขลาแตกต่างกันอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ 0.05