bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of highly cited articles in cerebral angiography
Authors: Sameer Hafiz Muhammad , Arif Syed Abdullah , Bhatti Aribah , Arshad Faraz , Ali Khadija
Published: February 2025

Objective

To present and analyze the characteristics of the 100 most cited articles that used cerebral angiography for clinical evaluation and intervention.

Method

Two researchers independently extracted articles from multiple databases and ranked them by citation count to create the “top 100 most-cited” list.

Results

The top 100 articles received a total of 115,243 citations. Twenty-one of the top 100 articles were published between 2006 and 2010. Most studied disorder was ischemic stroke ( n = 35), and cerebral angiography was used most frequently for diagnosis ( n = 88).The United States was affiliated with the highest number of articles ( n = 62), with Stroke publishing most articles ( n = 22). Public sources funded 39 articles, private sources funded 35, and 38 articles reported conflicts of interest. Thirty-six studies were randomized controlled trials, and male authors held the majority of both first ( n = 90) and senior ( n = 88) authorship positions.

Conclusion

Within the scope of this study, the following features may define a typical highly cited article—a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the United States that studied ischemic stroke, used cerebral angiography for diagnosis, and was published relatively recently in a high-impact journal by male first and senior authors.
Evaluating the diagnostic ability of treatment response assessment maps (TRAMs)/contrast clearance analysis (CCA) in predicting the presence of active brain tumors
Authors: Alkhatatneh Hassan , Chen Yu-Han , Imhoff Santiago , Fogel Lindsay , Yao Kevin , Dubin David , Zhang Mei , Chen Paul , Nemade Ajay , Herman Marc , Khatatneh Ala , Barnes Tanganyika , Speiser Michael , Janosky Maxwell
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Brain tumors pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their diverse treatment responses and complex imaging characteristics. Traditional MRI techniques often struggle to differentiate between tumor recurrence and post-treatment changes such as pseudoprogression and necrosis, highlighting the need for more accurate diagnostic tools.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study conducted at a single tertiary care center and evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of Treatment Response Assessment Maps (TRAMs), also known as Contrast Clearance Analysis (CCA), in distinguishing between tumor recurrence and post-treatment changes in patients who underwent initial treatment for brain tumors. Data from 27 patients were analyzed, including 10 who underwent surgical resection (Group 1) and 17 who had serial images and TRAMs/CCA assessment (Group 2).

Result

In Group 1, TRAMs/CCA demonstrated nine positive results, with 8 cases of tumor recurrence confirmed via biopsy. A biopsy also confirmed one negative result after a discussion with the patient. In Group 2, where patients did not undergo biopsy, TRAMs/CCA results varied but correlated with clinical outcomes, underscoring the potential utility of TRAMs/CCA in guiding treatment decisions. These findings suggest that TRAMs/CCA may have superior diagnostic performance compared to traditional MRI in differentiating between tumors.

Conclusion

TRAMs/CCA represents a promising advancement in the imaging assessment of brain tumor treatment response, offering higher sensitivity than conventional MRI methods. While implementing TRAMs/CCA could potentially improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize therapeutic strategies for patients with brain tumors, the final decision remains highly dependent on patient-centered discussions.
Laparoscopic partial cystectomy using stapling system for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of urinary bladder: A case report
Authors: Nishiyama Hiroki , Ito Kozue , Hasegawa Go , Ikeda Yohei , Ishida Kyohei , Hara Noboru , Nishiyama Tsutomu
Published: February 2025

A 70-year-old female suffered from gross hematuria and bladder tamponade. She had a solitary non-papillary tumor at the dome of the urinary bladder, underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, and was diagnosed with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase proteins in immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, she underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy using the Signia Stapling System due to the low-grade malignancy of the tumor. The patient has been under outpatient observation with no recurrence for 12 months post-surgery.
Preferences of community-dwelling older adults with multimorbidity for digital empowerment interventions: Protocol for a discrete choice experiment study
Authors: Ren Yawen , Yang Li , Wang Wenguang , Lv Runtian , Fang Xiuqing , Wang Yueling , Zhong Jiayi
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The development of digital health technologies has had a positive impact on the management of comorbidity in the elderly. At the same time, it also sets certain requirements for the digital health literacy of older adults. To effectively implement interventions that improve digital health literacy among older adults with multimorbidity, it is essential to involve patients in decision-making processes and to develop interventions that align with their preferences.

Methods and analysis

This study will use Discrete choice experiment to investigate the needs and preferences of older adults with multimorbidity for digital health literacy intervention. Attributes were identified through a literature review, in-depth interviews, and expert consultation. The attributes are intervention provider, content, type, frequency, material, learning mode, supplementary services, and cost. According to the identified attributes and levels, the choice set questionnaires were generated using Stata software. Furthermore, the study will assess the impact of demographic factors, social support, self-efficacy, levels of digital health literacy, and technology anxiety on the selection of preferences. A mixed logic model will analyze respondents’preferences for different intervention attributes and levels. A latent class model will identify heterogeneous group preferences.

Results

We anticipate a minimum of 300 older adults with multimorbidity in community enrolling and completing data collection. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed scientiﬁc journals.

Conclusions

The collection and analysis of patient preference information will greatly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of digital health literacy interventions in the development, adoption, and economic evaluation.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices for the Prevention and Vector Control of Dengue in a Colombian Rural Population: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Rossana López-Saleme , Katty Escobar-Velásquez , Mayra Barajas-Lizarazo
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Dengue fever is a viral disease of public health concern. Adequate knowledge and self-care practices are the most effective strategies for vector control.

Objective

To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices for the prevention and vector control of dengue.

Methods

Mixed method study. A total of 283 residents in a Colombian rural population were studied. Relative and absolute frequency measures were used for statistical analysis of study variables; emergent categories were identified for qualitative data.

Results

73% were women, 60% were housewives, and 37% had completed primary education. Both knowledge and attitudes presented low percentages in relation to the characteristics of the vector. Regarding practices, 76% did not have a positive disposition toward the use of mosquito nets. Participants perceived problems related to waste management, lack of education, and the presence of mosquitoes in covered water tanks.

Conclusion

The inhabitants of the surveyed population demonstrated acceptable knowledge with respect to dengue control practices; however, they neglected sources of risk in their immediate environment.
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint-Preserving Surgery Is Effective for Forefoot Deformity With Moderate to Severe Joint Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sakai Soichiro , Fujiwara Toshifumi , Yamaguchi Ryosuke , Yokoyama Nobuhiko , Hara Daisuke , Akasaki Yukio , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: February 2025

Background:

The study compares the clinical outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint fusion vs joint-preserving surgery in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with severe forefoot deformities.

Methods:

This single-center retrospective study at Kyushu University Hospital reviewed RA patients who underwent either first MTP joint arthrodesis or joint-preserving surgery for hallux valgus (HV) deformity between January 2008 and December 2022. A total of 103 feet (73 cases) were analyzed, with 75 feet (58 cases) showing radiographic bone destruction of Larsen grade 3 or higher. One foot underwent resection arthroplasty, so ultimately 74 feet in 57 cases were evaluated. Surgical procedures included joint-preserving biplane osteotomy or arthrodesis with crossed screws. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) Hallux scale, whereas radiographic assessments included HV angle (HVA). Propensity score matching was used to minimize bias when comparing postoperative outcomes between the arthrodesis and joint-preserving surgery groups.

Results:

This study analyzed 74 feet undergoing either arthrodesis (27 feet) or joint-preserving surgery (47 feet) for HV. Patients in the 2 groups showed similar demographic and clinical characteristics except with respect to length of follow-up, which was greater in the arthrodesis group (5.1 ± 2.6 years vs 2.4 ± 2.0 years, P < .01) than the joint-preserving group. In the arthrodesis group, all patients underwent resection arthroplasty on the second to fifth toes. The joint-preserving group included first MTP joint surgery alone (n = 5) and first MTP joint and lesser MTP joint surgeries (resection arthroplasty, n = 29; joint-preserving surgery, n = 13). Functional scores significantly improved in both groups, with first metatarsophalangeal joint-preserving surgery yielding better postoperative outcomes. In cases of deformity recurrence, the recurrent cases exhibited greater immediate postsurgical HVA, but other foot function outcomes remained similar at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Joint-preserving surgery for advanced rheumatoid forefoot deformity showed better functional improvement than arthrodesis using the propensity score matching and comparable clinical outcomes, highlighting it as a potential treatment option for severe joint destruction.

Level of Evidence:

Level Ⅳ, retrospective study.
The Global Burden of Major Gastrointestinal Anomalies: A Global, Systematic Review of Gastrointestinal Anomaly Birth Prevalence
Authors: Landrum Kelsey R. , Espinoza Pamela , Cotache-Condor Cesia , Pence Brian W. , Rice Henry E. , Shrime Mark G. , Agala Chris B. , Smith Emily R. , Edwards Jessie K.
Published: February 2025

The burden of congenital gastrointestinal (GI) anomalies is poorly understood. The aim of this systematic review to assess the global prevalence of congenital gastrointestinal (GI) anomalies. We conducted a systematic review of global population-level birth prevalence of gastroschisis, omphalocele, intestinal atresia, esophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Hirschsprung’s disease, and anorectal malformation. We identified 103 studies from high and middle-income countries. Gastroschisis was the most reported condition. Studies reported geographic heterogeneity in gastroschisis, omphalocele, esophageal atresia, Hirschsprung’s disease, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and anorectal malformation prevalence. The prevalence of gastroschisis, omphalocele, and Hirschsprung’s disease prevalence was reported to have increased over recent decades. Mean prevalence per 10 000 live and total births ranged from 2.1 to 4.4 cases and 1.4 to 3.6 per 10 000 live or total births, respectively. There is limited surveillance for congenital GI anomalies in LICs and potential temporal and geographic trends that need to be further investigated.
Bi-Stream Feature Extraction and Multiscale Attention Generative Adversarial Network (BM-GAN): Colorization of GrayScale Images Based on Bi-Stream Feature Fusion and Multiscale Attention Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Gao Xiaoning , Yin Liju , Deng Yulin , Wang Feng , Qin Yiming , zhang Meng
Published: February 2025

Image colorization is one of the core issues in computer vision that has attracted significant attention in recent years. Colorization technique improves the human eye’s ability to recognize grayscale images and understand scenes, particularly in low-light-level (LLL) images. However, current colorization methods still face issues, such as semantic confusion, color bleeding, and loss of image details. To address these issues, a bi-stream feature extraction and multiscale attention generative adversarial network (BM-GAN) is proposed. The bi-stream feature extraction block combines global and local features extracted from two parallel encoders. This combination improves the ability of the network to extract deep features from images. The multiscale attention block enhances key features related to the colorization target across channels and spatial dimensions. This results in higher-quality color images. The proposed method is evaluated on ImageNet, Summer2winter validation set, and LLL images. Experimental results show that BM-GAN reduces the feature-aware evaluation metrics learned perceptual image patch similarity and Fréchet inception distance by 5.2% and 7.5%, respectively.
NOTCH1 dimeric signaling is essential for T-cell leukemogenesis and leukemia maintenance
Authors: Tamiro Francesco , Padovano Costanzo , De Santis Elisabetta , Di Iasio Serena , Sansico Francesca Delia , Canistro Valentina , Colucci Mattia , Di Nunzio Chiara , Bruno Gaja , Doshi Kashish , Totaro Angela , Gu Eric , Santodirocco Michele , Weng Andrew P. , Giambra Vincenzo
Published: February 2025

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by an expansion of T-cell progenitors and DNA mutations that lead to an overactive NOTCH1 signaling in over 50% of T-ALL cases. Using synthetic models of human T-ALL, we report that NOTCH1 dimeric signaling was crucial for the leukemogenesis of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) from cord blood. We also identified a Notch-dimerization-dependent gene signature, including HES4 transcription factor, which induced proliferative advantage in human HSPCs as well as in Notch-dimerization-dependent patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of T-ALL. Interestingly, in human T-ALL cells, HES4 enforced the expression of D133p53 isoform with the concomitant block of pro-apoptotic p53 target genes and the induction of BCL2L1 gene expression and anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein. Additionally, through an integrated experimental approach including genetically modified cell lines, RNA/Chip-sequencing and single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) profiles of primary T-ALL samples, we revealed cell subsets with Notch-dimerization-dependent gene signature, which indirectly correlated with pro-apoptotic genes as well as directly associated with cell markers of poor clinical outcome in primary T-ALL samples. Taken together, these findings highlight the crucial role of NOTCH1 dimeric signaling in human T-cell leukemogenesis and T-ALL maintenance suggesting that a possible benefit can be obtained from a therapeutic strategy targeting NOTCH1-dimer signaling or its downstream effectors.
The association between exercise, activities, and frailty in older Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) data
Authors: Dai Linyan , Tang Yangyang , Guo Yihong , Lai Xia , Wang Xingsheng , Li Baoshan
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between exercise/activities and frailty in older Chinese adults using the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 6862 participants aged 65 years or older from the CLHLS 2018. Frailty was assessed using a 38-variable frailty index (FI). Activities included Tai chi, square dance, garden work, raising animals/pets, playing cards/mah-jongg, social activity and housework. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between exercise/activities and frailty, adjusting for covariates such as gender, age, BMI, chronic diseases, residence, education, co-residence, economic status, smoking, drinking, physical labor history, and nutritional supplements.

Results

The mean age of this study was 81.5 (SD = 10.3)years, with 3567 (52%) females. Frailty prevalence was 32.3%. The prevalence of exercise and daily activities was 31% and 78.6%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of frailty increased with decreased exercise (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.57, 2.18, P < 0.001) and activities (OR = 4.43, 95% CI: 3.74, 5.25, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Participation in exercise/activities is associated with a lower likelihood of frailty. Regular housework may also contribute to reducing frailty risk.
Telehealth and virtual supervision practices for health professions education in the Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Harada Nancy D. , Falco Kimberly , Bowman Marjorie , Byrne John M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Telehealth and virtual supervision practices in health professions clinical education has grown rapidly, including in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which oversees the largest interprofessional training effort in the United States. Telehealth is the provision of healthcare that is provided remotely through telecommunication technology, and virtual supervision is clinical supervision of health professions trainees (HPTs) that occurs through telecommunication technology. In this study we evaluate participation in telehealth and virtual supervision for physician, nursing, and associated health HPTs, and describe prevalent themes concerning HPT perceptions of telehealth and virtual supervision.

Methods

The survey study cohort included 10,865 HPTs that responded to the VA Trainee Satisfaction Survey in Academic Year 2023 (between July 2022 to June 2023). Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate participation rates by profession. Responses to the open-ended question within the survey were coded and summarized using rapid qualitative analysis methods.

Results

Participation rates for telehealth and virtual supervision were: Associated health HPTs (47.2% telehealth, 33.8% virtual supervision), physician residents (31.1% telehealth, 21.5% virtual supervision), and nursing HPTs (22.9% telehealth, 21.5% virtual supervision) (p < .001). HPTs of all professions expressed positive views on their experiences, with profession-specific differences noted in location, frequency and depth of these practices.

Conclusions

Participation in telehealth and virtual supervision was common and well received by HPTs across multiple professions in VA. HPT responses suggest additional efforts are needed to refine profession-specific instructional methods tailored for defined educational needs and goals.
Utilization of second medical opinions as a function of the payment method
Authors: Shmueli Liora , Horev Tuvia
Published: February 2025

Background

The cost of a medical service and its mode of payment are known to play a role in patient decision-making, as demonstrated by the pioneering RAND Corporation Health Insurance Experiment (HIE). This study explores second medical opinion (SO) utilization by payment tracks- “financial reimbursement track” and “network track” by holders of an optional supplementary health insurance. It estimates SO utilization patterns before and after a “Reimbursement-to-Networks Arrangement” regulatory reform initiated on 2015 that eliminated the reimbursement option for SO consultations specifically involving surgeons, and identifies demographic and clinical predictors associated with each payment track before the reform.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of medical records data, including secondary care visits data from Clalit Health Services, Israel’s largest healthcare provider, and claims data from Clalit’s supplementary insurance. An algorithm based on data from Clalit’s electronic medical records was used to identify SO instances by payment method. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify characteristics of SO seekers by their payment method.

Results

There was an increase of 28% in patient demand for SO consultations via the supplementary insurance's co-payment track from 2015 to 2017 due to the regulatory reform initiated in 2015. Before this reform, patients from the Arab sector, low socio-economic groups, immigrants, and residents of central geographical areas tended to seek SO via the “network track”. Whereas patients from peripheral areas and Jewish Orthodox tended to seek SOs via the financial reimbursement track.

Conclusions

In line with the RAND Corporation HIE, we show that incentive structures, such as provider payment methods, can explain some of the variability seen in seeking specialists across health plans or payment tracks. Considerations other than cost, such as geographic distance from the service provider, play a role in deciding on the mode-of-payment for a SO. Analyzing utilization patterns can improve the tracking of regulations’ consequences on expenditure, policy, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
Regulation of CXCR4 function by S1P1 through heteromerization
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tae , Jeong Jae-Yeon , Huh Won-Ki
Published: February 2025

Background

The trafficking of immune cells between lymphoid organs and circulation depends on gradients of CXCL12 and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), mediated through their cognate receptors C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and S1P receptor type 1 (S1P1). S1P1 facilitates the egress of hematopoietic stem cells and lymphocytes by counteracting CXCR4-mediated retention signals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay remain poorly understood. In this study, we uncover CXCR4-S1P1 heteromerization and explore their functional interactions.

Methods

Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, proximity ligation assay (PLA), and quantitative bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay were employed to detect CXCR4-S1P1 heteromerization. Functional properties of the heteromers were assessed using cAMP assay, G protein activation, β-arrestin recruitment, ligand binding, calcium mobilization, and transwell migration assays. S1P1-overexpressing Jurkat T cells were generated via lentiviral transduction, while S1P1-deficient KARPAS299 cells and β-arrestin1/2-deficient HEK293A cells were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

Results

CXCR4-S1P1 heteromerization was observed in HEK293A cells overexpressing both receptors. The S1P/S1P1 axis interfered with CXCR4-mediated signaling, while CXCR4 did not affect S1P1-mediated signaling, indicating a unidirectional modulation of CXCR4 by S1P1. CXCL12 binding to CXCR4 remained unchanged in the presence of S1P1, and interference of CXCL12-induced Gαi activation by S1P1 was observed in β-arrestin1/2-deficient cells. BRET analysis revealed that S1P1 interfered with CXCR4-Gαi pre-association and CXCR4 oligomerization, both of which are critical for CXCR4 function. Domain-swapping experiments identified transmembrane domain 3 of S1P1 as essential for this modulation. In Jurkat T cells overexpressing S1P1, CXCR4-mediated signaling and cell migration were diminished, whereas these functions were enhanced in S1P1-deficient KARPAS299 cells. Co-activation of S1P1 attenuated CXCL12-induced migration, while pretreatment with S1P or FTY720-phosphate increased CXCR4-mediated migration by downregulating surface S1P1 in KARPAS299 cells. In primary T cells, PLA confirmed CXCR4-S1P1 heteromerization, and S1P interfered with CXCL12-induced migration.

Conclusions

This study identifies CXCR4-S1P1 heteromers and demonstrates a unidirectional modulation of CXCR4 by S1P1. S1P1 affects CXCR4 function by disrupting its G protein pre-association and oligomerization. These findings underscore the regulatory role of the S1P/S1P1 axis in CXCR4 signaling within the heteromeric context and provide novel insights into the intricate mechanisms governing immune cell trafficking.
Diversity and natural infection of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an endemic area of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in southeastern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Cova Bruno Oliveira , de Oliveira Livia Alves , Lima Machado Paulo Roberto , de Carvalho Edgar Marcelino , Monte-Alegre Adriano Figueiredo , Schriefer Albert
Published: February 2025

Background

The Cacao Region spans several municipalities in the state of Bahia. It is one of the major foci of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) in Brazil. We report the findings of a pilot cross-sectional study describing the phlebotomine fauna found around living sites of newly diagnosed ATL cases in that area.

Methods

The sand fly fauna was studied from May 2018 to June 2019 via an entomological survey, as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Results

Six hundred nineteen phlebotomine sand flies of 20 species were captured: 272 males (44%) and 347 females (56%). Nyssomyia whitmani was the most prevalent (62.2%), followed by Nyssomyia intermedia (9.2%), Evandromyia bahiensis (6.3%), endemic to Bahia, and Trichophoromyia viannamartinsi (4.5%). Ninety-four percent of the female sand flies collected were screened for infection with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 97 sand fly pools analyzed, seven were positive for L. (V.) braziliensis: three of Nyssomyia whitmani, two of Th. viannamartinsi and one each of Psychodopygus hirsutus hirsutus and Trichopygomyia longispina. The overall value of minimum infection rate (MIR) was 2.2%, and its stratification rates for the above species were 1.9, 10, 33 and 50%, respectively. All positive pools consisted of phlebotomine sand flies collected from the peridomiciles and extradomiciles of homes in the municipality of Taperoá in July 2018, resulting in an adjusted MIR of 7.8%, with 50% of the pools positive for L. (V.) braziliensis during that outbreak of ATL.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that areas experiencing outbreaks of ATL in affected regions present high proportions of infected phlebotomine sand flies involving a variety of species, some not usually considered involved in the L. (V.) braziliensis transmission cycle, such as Th. viannamartinsi.

Graphical Abstract
On the origin of the P-element invasion in Drosophila simulans
Authors: Wierzbicki Filip , Pianezza Riccardo , Selvaraju Divya , Eller Madeleine Maria , Kofler Robert
Published: February 2025

The horizontal transfer (HT) of the P-element is one of the best documented cases of the HT of a transposable element. The P-element invaded natural D. melanogaster populations between 1950 and 1980 following its HT from Drosophila willistoni, a species endemic to South and Central America. Subsequently, it spread in D. simulans populations between 2006 and 2014, following a HT from D. melanogaster. The geographic region where the spread into D. simulans occurred is unclear, as both involved species are cosmopolitan. The P-element differs between these two species by a single base substitution at site 2040, where D. melanogaster carries a ‘G’ and D. simulans carries an ‘A’. It has been hypothesized that this base substitution was a necessary adaptation that enabled the spread of the P-element in D. simulans, potentially explaining the 30-50-year lag between the invasions of D. melanogaster and D. simulans. To test this hypothesis, we monitored the invasion dynamics of P-elements with both alleles in experimental populations of D. melanogaster and D. simulans. Our results indicate that the allele at site 2040 has a minimal impact on the invasion dynamics of the P-element and, therefore, was not necessary for the invasion of D. simulans. However, we found that the host species significantly influenced the invasion dynamics, with higher P-element copy numbers accumulating in D. melanogaster than in D. simulans. Finally, based on SNPs segregating in natural D. melanogaster populations, we suggest that the horizontal transfer of the P-element from D. melanogaster to D. simulans likely occurred around Tasmania.
Fungi stimulate organic phosphorus fraction transformation in subtropical masson pine plantation soils after nine years of thinning and understory removal
Authors: Jian Zunji , Zeng Lixiong , Lei Lei , Frey Beat , Liu Changfu , Shen Yafei , Zhang Jiajia , Xiao Wenfa , Li Mai-He
Published: February 2025

Background

Phosphorus (P) availability in soils regulates forest productivity. However, the drivers of soil P dynamics following forest management remain poorly understood, particularly in P-deficient forests in tropical and subtropical regions.

Method

Soil samples of 0–10 cm were collected from the plots after 9 years of thinning and understory removal (UR) in Pinus massoniana plantations in subtropical China. Soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass and community composition, and Hedley P fractions were measured to assess the underlying mechanisms for the dynamics of soil P fractions.

Results

Compared to undisturbed plots, total soil inorganic P (Pi; + 24%) within the dominant species thinning (DST) plots showed a significant increase, which was associated with the accrual in resin-Pi (+ 30%), NaHCO3-Pi (+ 21%), and C.CHl-Pi (+ 45%). These Pi fractions were primarily correlated with increased relative abundance of Ascomycota, Rozellomycota, and Proteobacteria. Conversely, post-management (thinning and UR) assessments revealed no significant changes in total P, total organic P (Po), and residual P. The observed decrease in total Po (– 9%) in DST plots was linked to reductions in NaHO-Po (– 7%) and C.CHl-Po (– 24%). Notably, these Po fractions were negatively affected by the relative abundance of Glomeromycota. Furthermore, variations in soil fungal and bacterial community structures accounted for 44.3% and 26.3% of the variances in soil Pi fractions, respectively, similarly explaining 20.4% and 33.3% for soil Po fractions, respectively.

Conclusions

These results indicate that P availability following forest management interventions within subtropical pine plantations is intricately connected to microbial community composition that enhances the transformation from Po into Pi forms.
Targeting novel regulated cell death: disulfidptosis in cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Du Fei , Wang Guojun , Dai Qian , Huang Jiang , Li Junxin , Liu Congxing , Du Ke , Tian Hua , Deng Qiwei , Xie Longxiang , Zhao Xin , Zhang Qimin , Yang Lan , Li Yaling , Wu Zhigui , Zhang Zhuo
Published: February 2025

The battle against cancer has evolved over centuries, from the early stages of surgical resection to contemporary treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Despite significant advances in cancer treatment over recent decades, these therapies remain limited by various challenges. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a cornerstone of tumor immunotherapy, have emerged as one of the most promising advancements in cancer treatment. Although ICIs, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, have demonstrated clinical efficacy, their therapeutic impact remains suboptimal due to patient-specific variability and tumor immune resistance. Cell death is a fundamental process for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Recent research highlights that the combination of induced regulatory cell death (RCD) and ICIs can substantially enhance anti-tumor responses across multiple cancer types. In cells exhibiting high levels of recombinant solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) protein, glucose deprivation triggers a programmed cell death (PCD) pathway characterized by disulfide bond formation and REDOX (reduction-oxidation) reactions, termed “disulfidptosis.” Studies suggest that disulfidptosis plays a critical role in the therapeutic efficacy of SLC7A11high cancers. Therefore, to investigate the potential synergy between disulfidptosis and ICIs, this study will explore the mechanisms of both processes in tumor progression, with the goal of enhancing the anti-tumor immune response of ICIs by targeting the intracellular disulfidptosis pathway.
A lightweight resonance tracking system for piezoresistive microcantilever sensors
Authors: Setiono Andi , Nelfyenny  , Suryadi  , Qomaruddin  , Nyang’au Wilson Ombati , Peiner Erwin
Published: February 2025

A lightweight resonance tracking system designed for precise monitoring of resonant frequency shifts in microcantilever sensors is introduced. The system integrates a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL)-based technique with a Python-based interface for real-time control and visualization. A tipless microcantilever sensor was tested under relative humidity (RH) conditions ranging from 63% to 90% to experimentally validate the system. The system demonstrated a sensitivity of 1.082 Hz/% RH and a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 1.89% RH. The silicon dioxide (

$$SiO_2$$

S
i

O
2

) surface of the microcantilever is hygroscopic, allowing water vapor adsorption and causing frequency shifts. This effect is more pronounced at high humidity levels (>80% RH) due to multilayer adsorption. These results confirm the reliability and precision of the system in detecting environmental changes. The findings highlight the potential of the developed system for applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare diagnostics, and industrial chemical sensing.
From portfolio optimization to quantum blockchain and security: a systematic review of quantum computing in finance
Authors: Naik Abha Satyavan , Yeniaras Esra , Hellstern Gerhard , Prasad Grishma , Vishwakarma Sanjay Kumar Lalta Prasad
Published: February 2025

The rapid advancement of quantum computing has sparked a considerable increase in research attention to quantum technologies. These advances span fundamental theoretical inquiries into quantum information and the exploration of diverse applications arising from this evolving quantum computing paradigm. The scope of the related research is notably diverse. This paper consolidates and presents quantum computing research related to the financial sector. The finance applications considered in this study include portfolio optimization, fraud detection, and Monte Carlo methods for derivative pricing and risk calculation. In addition, we provide a comprehensive analysis of quantum computing’s applications and effects on blockchain technologies, particularly in relation to cryptocurrencies, which are central to financial technology research. As discussed in this study, quantum computing applications in finance are based on fundamental quantum physics principles and key quantum algorithms. This review aims to bridge the research gap between quantum computing and finance. We adopt a two-fold methodology, involving an analysis of quantum algorithms, followed by a discussion of their applications in specific financial contexts. Our study is based on an extensive review of online academic databases, search tools, online journal repositories, and whitepapers from 1952 to 2023, including CiteSeerX, DBLP, ResearchGate, Semantic Scholar, and scientific conference publications. We present state-of-the-art findings at the intersection of finance and quantum technology and highlight open research questions that will be valuable for industry practitioners and academicians as they shape future research agendas.
Comparative efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloons versus drug-eluting stents in small vessel coronary artery disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Augustine Monisha , Arain Mustafa , Mustafa Muhammad Saqlain , Moradi Iman , Fredericks Matthew , Rahman Aaliya , Ashraf Muhammad Afnan , Sualeh Glawish , khan Rubab , Saif Aqsa , Arain Haifa , Rajpurohit Dilip Baldevsingh , Maslamani Abdalkareem Nael Jameel , Shojai Rahnama Behrooz , Iqbal Javed
Published: February 2025

Background

Small vessel coronary artery disease presents challenges in percutaneous coronary intervention due to higher restenosis rates with traditional treatments. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) offer a potential alternative, but their efficacy compared to drug-eluting stents (DES) remains debated. This meta-analysis aims to provide updated insights into the comparative outcomes of DCBs versus DES in small coronary artery disease.

Main text

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review identified seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DCBs with DES for small vessel CAD. Data were extracted and pooled for analysis, assessing outcomes including target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent/vessel thrombosis, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.4, employing random-effects models and forest plots with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among 1,808 patients across seven RCTs, no significant difference was found in TVR between DCB and DES over 3 years (OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.58, 1.54], p = 0.82). While initial analyses favoured higher TLR incidence in DES, the trend shifted towards DCB over time, with a non-significant association favouring DCB at 3 years (OR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.26, 1.00], p = 0.05). DCB use was associated with significantly higher rates of MACE and MI at the 3-year mark (MACE: OR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.38, 0.79], p = 0.001; MI: OR = 0.35, 95% CI [0.17, 0.7], p = 0.003), while mortality rates converged between the two interventions over time. Vessel thrombosis rates were similar between DCB and DES.

Conclusions

While DCBs may offer comparable efficacy to DES in terms of TVR and TLR over shorter durations, there is a concerning trend towards higher rates of MACE and MI associated with DCB use at the 3-year mark. Further research with larger sample sizes, longer follow-up durations, and consistent inclusion criteria is needed to elucidate the optimal treatment strategy for small vessel CAD. Until then, DES may be considered a safer option for managing small vessel CAD.
The Drôle de Guerre on the Maginot Line
Authors: Passmore Kevin
Published: February 2025

In September 1939 half the population of Alsace-Lorraine was evacuated or mobilized outside the province and replaced by one million troops from the “interior.” The 1939–40 campaign therefore provides an ideal way to explore Alsace-Lorraine's position in France. While some historians argue that Alsace-Lorrainers’ experience of the Phoney War caused a “crisis of national sentiment,” revisionist military historians present convincing evidence that relations between “interior French” and Alsace-Lorrainers were good. This article uses dialogical methods to reconcile these interpretations and argues that national loyalty was never unconditional or unreflecting. Interior French and Alsace-Lorrainers’ stereotypes concerning each other were contradictory and mediated by mixed views of Germany. Practical interactions between interior French and Alsace-Lorrainers were entangled with gender, class, and religious divides and depended on what was at stake in different contexts. The article shows how relations varied in the pillaged evacuated zone, between soldiers and civilians in nonevacuated villages, and in military units. Even in the extreme situation of combat, protagonists continued to calculate. If anyone experienced a crisis of national sentiment, it was the interior French.
Arabidopsis bHLH60 can regulate leaf development by interacting with and counteracting AS1-AS2 complex to affect BP1 expression
Authors: Chen Qinqin , Deng Min , Zhao Peiyu , Rehmani Muhammad Saad , Cheng Wenpeng , Wang Shuangshuang , Wang Jing , Wang Chen , Gao Shidong , Yang Bo , Deyholos Michael K. , Jiang Yuan-Qing
Published: February 2025

During leaf morphogenesis, various factors interplay to mediate abaxial-adaxial and proximal-distal polarity, along with other factors contributing to organ boundary and leaf expansion. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the genetics of leaf development, there are still gaps in our understanding of leaf morphogenesis. Here we show that the bHLH60 transcription factor can affect leaf development. Overexpression of bHLH60 leads to pleiotropic phenotypes with increased leaf serration and reduced fertility. A RNA-seq analysis showed that the BREVIPEDICELLUS1 (BP1) gene implicated in leaf development was up-regulated as a result of bHLH60 overexpression. Further analysis revealed that bHLH60 directly bound to the BP1 promoter to activate its transcription. Subsequently, bHLH60 interacted with the repressor complex AS1-AS2 and JLO to relieve the inhibition of AS1-AS2 on BP1, thereby indirectly activating the expression of BP1. Genetic analysis indicated that the BP1 mutation partially suppressed the phenotype resulting from bHLH60 overexpression, thereby concluding that the pleiotropic phenotypes of bHLH60-overexpressing plants were partly dependent on BP1. We propose that bHLH60 competes with the AS1-AS2-JLO complex to regulate BP1 expression to modulate leaf development.
Women's studies in the Latin American context: a bibliometric approach
Authors: Valencia Jackeline , Gallegos Ada , Ramón Ruffner Jeri Gloria , Martínez-Rojas Ezequiel , Valencia-Arias Alejandro , Benjumea Arias Martha Luz , Ore León Gina , Palacios-Moya Lucia
Published: February 2025

Background Women’s studies in Latin America are transcendental because they make visible and challenge gender inequalities to achieve a more just and equitable society. However, despite this, there are still many research gaps, for which the objective is to examine the trends in research on women’s studies in Latin America. Methods An exploratory methodology based on bibliometric analysis is proposed to evaluate the scientific literature, based on the parameters of the PRISMA-2020 declaration. Results The bibliometric analysis reveals a growth in women’s studies in Latin America, reflecting its importance and relevance. Scientific production has experienced exponential growth, with leading researchers and journals. The United States and Canada lead scientific production. A change is observed in the topics addressed, focusing more on gender and equality. The thematic clusters identified highlight priority areas such as politics, institutions and representation. Conclusions Emerging keywords include neoliberalism, gender violence, political participation, female empowerment, and femicide, reflecting new concerns and challenges addressed in gender studies in Latin America.
Impact of oral health perception on the quality of life of hospital staff
Authors: Lora Loza Miryam Griselda , Alvarado-Romero Sheyla del Pilar , Flores Ledesma Katia Ninozca , Cuenca Robles Nancy , Rodríguez Díaz David Rene
Published: February 2025

Introduction The perception of oral health that hospital staff may have has repercussions on the general quality of life that they lead and the corresponding work performance. This work attempts to show how these two dimensions of the human being go hand in hand, which would provide the necessary knowledge to draw up strategies that can alleviate the aforementioned profile, and at the same time would help to build a work context that could well have a healthier horizon. Aim To determine the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and oral health perception (OHP) in the staff of level II-1 hospital, located in the northern zone of Peru. Methods The study had a quantitative approach, a cross-sectional design, an applied type and a correlational-causal scope. The participation consisted of 72 participants. Reference was made to the validated questionnaires OHIP-14 and HU-DBI, which allow measuring the quality of life and the perception of oral health, and obtained reliability coefficients of 0.847 and 0.804, respectively. Data processing was carried out by applying the Spearman correlation coefficient and ordinal logistic regression. Results The analyses showed a significant association between quality of life and oral health perception (Rho=0.391, p<0.05), with an impact of 19.8% according to Nagelkerke’s pseudo R square. The dimensions of quality of life that most significantly influenced oral health perception were physical limitation (Rho=0.319, p<0.05) and social limitation (Rho=0.242, p<0.05). Regarding the general results, the excellent level of quality of life was the most prevalent (38.9%), while the low level of oral health perception was the most frequent, with 52.8%. Conclusion The link between quality of life and the perception of oral health in hospital staff emphasizes the need to implement comprehensive strategies that optimize their well-being and work performance, contributing significantly to improving hospital services.
The study protocol for a quasi-experimental study on the effectiveness of a mobile health program in enhancing the physical and psychological capabilities of HIV voluntary counseling and testing among the deaf community
Authors: Rosyad Yafi Sabila , Aljaberi Musheer Abdulwahid , Natarajan Santheesh Babu , Maria Dely
Published: February 2025

Background Deaf person is risk population for health. During the covid-19 epidemic, deaf and hearing loss persons also suffer from psychological issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and seropositive HIV. Objective This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an mobile health educational program to increase mental health and HIV prevention among deaf community Methods Quasi-experimental non-randomized controlled trial with single blinded participants, control standard therapy, assignment use parallel, purpose for health service research, study phase 2-3. pronounced to escalate the sample size to 40 deaf per group, which is 80 total participants. Results The analysis of the data will be conducted utilizing the generalized estimation equation, with a confidence interval set at 95%. Significant differences, both between and within groups, will be identified at a threshold of P<.05. The findings of this study highlight the efficacy of a mobile educational program in enhancing mental health and preventing HIV within the deaf community. Furthermore, the outcomes of this research will augment existing knowledge regarding psychological distress, HIV prevention practices, and coping self-efficacy among individuals who are deaf. Conclusion The intervention group is expected to demonstrate significantly lower scores in psychological distress during both the immediate evaluation and the assessment conducted three months post-intervention, compared to the wait-list group. Additionally, the intervention group is anticipated to exhibit enhanced levels of HIV prevention practices and coping self-efficacy, resulting in a greater degree of adjustment. Clinical trial SLCTR/2024/039, 25 November 2024, https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2024-039