bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edukasi Obat Analgesik kepada Ibu-ibu Dasa Wisma RW 06 Kelurahan Ciracas Jakarta Timur
Authors: Chusun  , Poppy Indrianti , Sri Istikayati Nur
Published: January 2025

Obat Analgesik atau pereda nyeri merupakan salah satu jenis obat yang paling sering digunakan masyarakat untuk mengatasi nyeri ringan hingga sedang, seperti sakit kepala, nyeri otot, nyeri akibat demam. Kemudahan akses untuk mendapatkan obat Analgesik yang termasuk dalam obat bebas maupun obat bebas terbatas, seringkali diikuti dengan kurangnya pemahaman terhadap penggunaan yang tepat, dan dapat menjadi potensi terjadinya hal-hal yang tidak diinginkan. Edukasi tentang obat Analgesik, merupakan salah satu upaya untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan Ibu-ibu Dasa Wisma tentang cara penggunaan, efek samping dan dosis yang perlu mendapatkan perhatian khusus pada saat penggunaan obat Analgesik. Edukasi diikuti oleh 30 orang peserta yang berasal dari Ibu-ibu Dasa Wisma RW 06 Kelurahan Ciracas – Jakarta Timur. Edukasi ini diawali dengan brain storming dilanjutkan dengan penyampaian materi secara interaktif yang dilanjutkan dengan diskusi/ tanya jawab. Pada acara edukasi ini juga dilakukan Pre test dan Post test yang menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pengetahuan peserta. Selain itu juga dilakukan evaluasi dari penyelenggaraan dengan menggunakan kuesioner yang sudah diuji validitas dan reliabilitas nya serta hasil rata-rata Baik Sekali dan Baik.
The Political Economy of Military Objectives
Authors: Plithides Max
Published: January 2025

The most prominent security scholarship to date focuses on war's causes and resolutions. Yet the operational conduct of war remains understudied. Building on ideas from economics, political science, and military doctrine, I suggest a political economy theory of how states design operational campaigns. I theorize that war planners design campaigns to emphasize the protection of friendly assets that intensively use the state’s relatively scarce economic factor of production, the targeting of hostile assets that intensively utilize an enemy’s scarce factor, and the selection of civilian objectives based on a campaign’s expected duration. I test these three notions using an operational objectives dataset constructed from 25 declassified American war plans. The analysis confirms that (a) Heckscher-Ohlin notions of comparative advantage apply to warfighting, and (b) comparative advantage and expected conflict duration strongly condition civilian objective selection. These findings have significant implications for understanding the relationship between economies, trade theory, and war.
Cultural and creative networks as enabling contexts for artistic research
Authors: Grau Pérez Gemma
Published: January 2025

Cultural and creative networks serve as essential environments that could foster innovation and advancement within artistic research practice. This study investigates how formal networks contribute to strengthening transdisciplinary collaboration, interdisciplinary dialogue, and societal impact of artistic research. Leveraging grounded theory principles, the research delves into the ways in which these networks can provide fertile ground for exploring novel artistic research pathways across ontological, epistemological, and methodological dimensions. Through the analysis of key categories and themes emerging from the empirical research, this study highlights the role of formal networks in the cultural and creative sector, particularly in addressing discipline-specific challenges and unlocking the full potential of artistic inquiry. By shedding light on the mechanisms through which networks facilitate the production and dissemination of knowledge, this study offers insights into the evolving landscape of artistic research and its broader societal impacts. The practical implications of the findings for practitioners, policymakers, and artistic stakeholders are examined. Ultimately, the findings underscore the significance of leveraging cultural and creative networks as drivers of transformative advancements within the artistic research community.
Role of the TGF-β cytokine and its gene polymorphisms in asthma etiopathogenesis
Authors: Plichta Jacek , Panek Michał
Published: January 2025

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a pluripotent cytokine expressed by all cells of the human body which plays important roles in maintaining homeostasis and allowing for proper individual development. Disturbances in TGF-β signaling contribute to the development of many diseases and disorders, including cancer and organ fibrosis. One of the diseases with the best-characterized correlation between TGF-β action and etiopathogenesis is asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of the lower and upper respiratory tract, characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness to a number of environmental factors, leading to bronchospasm and reversible limitation of expiratory flow. TGF-β, in particular TGF-β1, is a key factor in the etiopathogenesis of asthma. TGF-β1 concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples is elevated in atopic asthma, and TGF-β expression is increased in asthmatic bronchial samples. The expression of all TGF-β isoforms is affected by a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms found in the genes encoding these cytokines. Some of the SNPs that alter the level of TGF-β expression may be associated with the occurrence and severity of symptoms of asthma and other diseases. The TGF-β gene polymorphisms, which are the subject of this paper, are potential diagnostic factors. If properly used, these polymorphisms can facilitate the early and precise diagnosis of asthma, allowing for the introduction of appropriate therapy and reduction of asthma exacerbation frequency.
Short-term follow-up of antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate in treating chronic periprosthetic joint infection during two-stage revision
Authors: Sun Xiao , Tan Jun , Zhan Lijuan , Sheng Mingkui , Tang Zhongxin , Wu Lingxiao , Xu Jianzhong , Ma Haijun
Published: January 2025

Background

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant and challenging complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treating chronic knee PJI with and without antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate during two-stage revision surgery.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 94 patients with TKA infections who underwent two-stage revision between May 2017 and January 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Key outcomes assessed included infection recurrence rates, postoperative range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, hematological parameters, and complication rates during the follow-up period.

Results

The demographic characteristics of the two groups showed no significant differences. The infection control rate was significantly higher in the calcium sulfate group (95.7%) compared to the matched control group (80.9%) (P < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in ROM, HSS, and KSS scores compared to preoperative values (P < 0.05). However, intergroup differences in these outcomes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in postoperative complication rates between the two groups.

Conclusion

The use of antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate in two-stage revision surgery for chronic knee PJI ensures sustained local antibiotic release at high concentrations, leading to rapid reduction in inflammatory markers, effective infection control, and a low complication rate. This approach is a safe and effective treatment for chronic knee PJI.
Secretory mitophagy: an extracellular vesicle-mediated adaptive mechanism for cancer cell survival under oxidative stress
Authors: Gade Purva V. , Rivera Angela Victoria Rojas , Hasanzadah Layla , Strompf Sofie , Philipson Thomas Raymond , Gadziala Matthew , Tyagi Atharva , Bandam Arnav , Gabbireddy Rithvik , Kashanchi Fatah , Haymond Amanda , Liotta Lance A. , Howard Marissa A.
Published: January 2025

Mitophagy is a critically important survival mechanism in which toxic, aged, or defective mitochondria are segregated into mitophagosomes, which shuttle the damaged mitochondrial segments to the lysosome and proteasome for destruction. Cancer cells rely on mitophagy under conditions of high oxidative stress or increased energy demand. Oxidative stress can generate a large volume of damaged mitochondria, overwhelming lysosomal removal. Accumulated damaged mitochondria are toxic and their proper removal is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial health. We propose a new cancer cell mechanism for survival that is activated when the demand for segregating and eliminating damaged mitochondria exceeds the capacity of the lysosome or proteasome. Specifically, we show that tumor cells subjected to oxidative stress by carbonyl cyanide-3-chlorophenylhdrazone (CCCP) eliminate damaged mitochondria segments by bypassing the lysosome to export them outside the cell via extracellular vesicles (EVs), a process termed “secretory mitophagy”. PINK1, the initiator of mitophagy, remains associated with the damaged mitochondria that exported in EVs. Using several types of cancer cells, we show that tumor cells treated with CCCP can be induced to switch over to secretory mitophagy by treatment with Bafilomycin A1, which blocks the fusion of mitophagosomes with lysosomes. Under these conditions, an increased number of PINK1 + EVs are exported. This is associated with greater cell survival by a given CCCP dose, enhanced mitochondrial ATP production, and reduced mitochondrial oxidative damage (membrane depolarization). Our data supports the hypothesis that secretory mitophagy is a previously unexplored process by which cancer cells adapt to survive therapeutic or hypoxic stress. Ultimately, our findings may inform new prevention strategies targeting pre-malignant lesions and therapeutic approaches designed to sensitize tumor cells to oxidative stress-inducing therapies.
Canonical and noncanonical autophagy: involvement in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sakurai Maria , Kuwahara Tomoki
Published: January 2025

Autophagy is the major degradation process in cells and is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological functions. While macroautophagy, which employs a series of molecular cascades to form ATG8-coated double membrane autophagosomes for degradation, remains the well-known type of canonical autophagy, microautophagy and chaperon-mediated autophagy have also been characterized. On the other hand, recent studies have focused on the functions of autophagy proteins beyond intracellular degradation, including noncanonical autophagy, also known as the conjugation of ATG8 to single membranes (CASM), and autophagy-related extracellular secretion. In particular, CASM is unique in that it does not require autophagy upstream mechanisms, while the ATG8 conjugation system is involved in a manner different from canonical autophagy. There have been many reports on the involvement of these autophagy-related mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, with Parkinson’s disease (PD) receiving particular attention because of the important roles of several causative and risk genes, including LRRK2. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the contributions of canonical and noncanonical autophagy to cellular functions, with a special focus on the pathogenesis of PD.
Singlet spin order in spin pairs coupled via non-bonded interactions
Authors: Pileio Giuseppe , Yamano Dolnapa , Eccles Craig D. , Tizzard Graham J. , Thompson Sam
Published: January 2025

Fluorine spin pairs that are constrained in spatial proximity show large scalar spin-spin couplings, despite the atoms being separated by several bonds. This is due to a non-bonded atomic interaction related to partial overlapping of fluorine p-orbitals. In this paper we exploit this phenomenon to create long-lived singlet spin order on the fluorine spin pair. This form of order, which, in this example molecule, is more than an order of magnitude longer than longitudinal order, has the potential to be useful in magnetic resonance imaging and molecular tracing experiments, because of the lack of endogenous fluorine in the human body and the high sensitivity achievable in 19F NMR.
In-situ/operando study of Cu-based nanocatalysts for CO2 electroreduction using electrochemical liquid cell TEM
Authors: Wan Jiawei , Zhang Qiubo , Liu Ershuai , Chen Yi , Zheng Jiana , Ren Amy , Drisdell Walter S. , Zheng Haimei
Published: January 2025

The structure of a nanocatalyst during electrocatalytic reactions often deviates from its pristine structure due to intrinsic properties, or physical and chemical adsorption at the catalytic surfaces. Taking Cu-based catalysts for CO2 electroreduction reactions (CO2RR) as an example, they often experience segregation, leaching, and alloying during reactions. With the recent breakthrough development of high-resolution polymer electrochemical liquid cells, in-situ electrochemical liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (EC-TEM) alongside other advanced microscopy techniques, has become a powerful platform for revealing electrocatalysts restructuring at the atomic level. Considering the complex reactions involving electrified solid-liquid interfaces and catalyst structural evolution with intermediates, systematic studies with multimodal approaches are crucial. In this article, we demonstrate a research protocol for the study of electrocatalysts structural evolution during reactions using the in-situ EC-TEM platform. Using Cu and CuAg nanowire catalysts for CO2RR as model systems, we describe the experimental procedures and findings. We highlight the platform’s crucial role in elucidating atomic-scale pathways of nanocatalyst restructuring and identifying catalytic active sites, as well as avoiding potential artifacts to ensure unbiased conclusions. Using the multimodal characterization toolbox, we provide the opportunity to correlate the structure of a working catalyst with its performance. Finally, we discuss advancements as well as the remaining gap in elucidating the structural-performance relationship of working catalysts. We expect this article will assist in establishing guidelines for future investigations of complex electrochemical reactions, such as CO₂RR and other catalytic processes, using the in-situ EC-TEM platform.
Distribution of sasX, mupA, and qacA/B genes and determination of genetic relatedness of epidemic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains associated with bloodstream infections in southern China
Authors: Zhao Rui , Du Bingyu , Hu Lingling , Li Chenxi , Xue Fen , Wang Xing , Jiang Changhong , Wang Jinghua , Zhao Yanfeng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exhibits diverse genotypes with varying virulence and resistance profiles, particularly in the context of bloodstream infections (BSI). This study investigates the prevalence of the sasX, mupA, and qacA/B genes among MRSA isolates from bloodstream infections in southern China and analyzes their genetic relatedness.

Methods

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to detect the presence of the sasX gene, which is associated with nasal colonization, immune evasion, and virulence, the mupirocin resistance gene mupA, and the chlorhexidine tolerance gene qacA/B in a total of 77 MRSA isolates. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed to determine the sequence types (STs) and assess the genetic relatedness of the isolates. The resistance of these strains to 16 antibiotics was also analyzed. The distribution of these genes and their association with epidemic STs were analyzed.

Results

A total of 26 STs were identified, with notable prevalence in five epidemic clones: ST59, ST5, and ST764. The prevalence of the sasX, mupA, and qacA/B genes across all isolates was 23.4%, 33.8%, and 79.2%, respectively. Specifically, the frequency of the sasX gene was highest in ST59 (29.4%), ST239 (100%), and ST764 (37.5%); mupA was most prevalent in ST5 (66.7%), ST59 (17.6%), ST764 (37.5%), and ST15 (100%); qacA/B was predominantly found in ST59 (88.2%), ST5 (66.7%), ST398 (85.7%), ST764 (50.0%), and ST239 (100%). The gene distribution patterns revealed that sasX+ qacA/B+ mupA+ strains were closely associated with epidemic clones ST6290 and ST88, whereas sasX+ qacA/B+ mupA- strains were linked to ST59, ST239, and ST764.

Discussion

Notably, forty-seven (61%) MRSA BSI strains were multidrug-resistant, with the majority exhibiting resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. Major MRSA clones in southern China include ST59, ST5, ST764, and ST398. In this study, sasX, mupA and qacA/B genes were present in the MRSA isolates, with the mupA gene being the most prevalent. Variations in the prevalence of virulence and resistance genes among these epidemic strains underscore the need for targeted infection control measures. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic epidemiology of MRSA in the region, facilitating the development of effective prevention and control strategies for BSI.
Investigating AI systems: examining data and algorithmic bias through hermeneutic reverse engineering
Authors: Shukla Nishanshi
Published: January 2025

Considering Artificial Intelligence systems as boundary objects, which are interdisciplinary objects sustained differently by diverse fields while providing shared discourses between them, this essay summarizes the approaches of examining bias in AI systems. It argues that examining each part related to the building and working of AI systems is essential for unpacking the political play and potential insert points of biases in them. It concentrates on the critical analysis of data and algorithms as two core parts of AI systems by operationalizing hermeneutic reverse engineering. Hermeneutic reverse engineering is a framework to unpack and understand different elements of a technocultural object and/or system that contribute to the construction of its meaning and contexts. It employs a speculative imagination of what other realities can be designed and includes cultural analysis to identify existing meanings and assumptions behind the technocultural object, identifying key elements of signification, and speculating possibilities of reassembling different meanings for the object. The main results obtained by this method on AI systems is using cultural consideration and technological imagination to unpack existing meanings created by AI and design innovative approaches for AI to exert alternate/ inclusive meanings. The research perspectives presented in this article include critical examination of biases and politics within different elements of AI systems, and the impact of these biases on different social groups. The paper proposes using the method of hermeneutic reverse engineering to investigate AI systems and speculate possible alternate and more accountable futures for AI systems.
Endovascular management of a spontaneous aorto-caval fistula resulting from abdominal aortic aneurysm: case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Dongbo , Peng Cheng , Zhou Zhiyong , Chen Jie , He Bin , Ye Zhidong
Published: January 2025

Background

Aorto-caval fistula is a rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms that can occur spontaneously, iatrogenically, or traumatically, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Endovascular stent graft repair represents a practical approach to managing this fatal condition.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old male patient was admitted to the nephrology department of our hospital, complaining of acute back pain, hematuria, and repeated vomiting for one week. The laboratory assessments yielded high creatinine levels, indicating an acute renal impairment. Computed tomography angiography revealed an aorto-caval fistula complicating infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient was successfully treated with the endovascular approach by deploying covered stent grafts that completely excluded the fistula.

Conclusion

Utilizing covered stent grafts for endovascular management of aorto-caval fistula is a good alternative to conventional surgery, especially in elderly high-risk patients.
Radiofrequency ablation vs. cryoablation for pediatric atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in the era of three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping
Authors: Chan Yao-Wei , Chuang Chieh-Mao , Lee Pi-Chang , Tai I-Hsin , Peng Ying-Hsuan , Fan Wen-Po , Lee Yu-Shin , Lin Ming-Chih , Jan Sheng-Ling , Fu Yun-Ching , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: January 2025

Background

Cryoablation for pediatric atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is favored for reducing conduction system injury compared to radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The safety advantage of cryoablation over RF ablation primarily results from studies conducted without a three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (3D EAM) system. Currently, 3D EAM systems offer precise and efficient guidance, improving safety and outcomes. This study compares RF ablation and cryoablation using a 3D EAM system for pediatric AVNRT treatment.

Methods

A retrospective study enrolled consecutive pediatric patients with AVNRT who underwent RF ablation (RF group) or cryoablation (Cryo group) guided by a 3D EAM system at multiple centers from July 2018 to January 2024.

Results

Among 95 patients, 69 received RF ablation and 26 received cryoablation. Recurrence rates were 2.9% in the RF group and 0% in the Cryo group (p > 0.99), with no difference in AVNRT-free survival. No major complications, such as permanent atrioventricular (AV) block, were observed. The minor complication rates, including transient AV block, did not differ significantly (14.5% vs. 11.5%, p > 0.99). The RF group had a significantly shorter procedure time (111 vs. 153.5 min, p = 0.005). Ablation outside the low Koch triangle and cryoablation were independently associated with longer procedure times. The procedure time decreased significantly in the recent 50% of RF ablation cases, but not in cryoablation cases.

Conclusion

With 3D EAM guidance, both RF ablation and cryoablation are considered safe and effective for pediatric AVNRT. RF ablation is more efficient with a shorter procedure time after increasing experience.
Microstructure and macro-mechanical properties of residual soil subjected to repeated hygroscopic cycles
Authors: Xu Xu-tang , Chen Xiang-long , Cai Ye-qing , Xu Xiang
Published: January 2025

Residual soil widely distributed in Fujian region has the characteristics of strong structure and easy softening in contact with water, which limits the possibility of its beneficial utilization. This study investigates the impact of humid and hot environment on the strength characteristics of residual soil, and how changes in soil microstructure are correlated with strength attenuation. Residual soil with particle size distribution from gravel to clay was subjected to repeated hygroscopic cycle tests. Subsequently, unsaturated triaxial consolidation drainage shear (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests were carried out on the samples undergoing 0–7 hygroscopic cycles, and the damage mechanism of the soil was analyzed from macroscopic to microscopic scales. Results showed that the soil shear characteristics were influenced by the number of hygroscopic cycles and had a correlation with stress level (confining pressure and target suction), the greater the cumulative irreversible deformation and the more pronounced shear dilation characteristics of the soil had after more hygroscopic cycles and higher stress levels. The shear strength index of unsaturated soil after repeated hygroscopic paths presented a decreasing trend, but the attenuation of internal friction angle and suction friction angle was limited, and the average values were 21.3° and 14.7°, respectively. The T2 spectral distribution curve of soil was a trimodal pattern, and the content of small holes consistently decreasing as the cycling process progressed, while the percentage of macropores increased significantly. In view of the continuous dissolution of soluble minerals and cementing materials and the repeated release of suction in the soil, the internal particles of the soil were gradually loosened. Accompanied by the continuous expansion and penetration of intergranular pores, connecting cracks were ultimately formed. The above fatigue damage to the soil pore structure led to the attenuation of its macro-mechanical properties. Throughout the test, the saturated shear strength of the soil continued to decrease due to the interaggregate connection was always broken, while the destruction of the intergranular connection in the aggregate was relatively slow, and the internal friction angle in the soil implied a slow decrease and even stabilized at a later stage. The research results could provide a useful reference for a deeper understanding of the environmental damage effects on the soil macroscopic mechanical properties.
Growth hormone treatment in congenital tufting enteropathy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Oktay Mehmet Ali , Çamurdan Mahmut Orhun , Gürkan Ödül Eğritaş , Tehçi Başak Alan , Döğer Esra , Bideci Aysun
Published: January 2025

This article aims to evaluate the effects of growth hormone (GH) therapy in a case with congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE). CTE is a rare autosomal recessive enteropathy that typically presents with persistent diarrhea. In this case, a 13-year-old girl presented with a diagnosis of CTE. Due to short stature, GH therapy was considered. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations were conducted for height, growth rate, and motor skills. As a result, an increase in growth rate and improvement in motor skills were observed with GH therapy. These findings suggest that the potential of GH therapy is to increase growth and improve the quality of life in patients with CTE. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of GH therapy and its efficacy in broader patient groups.
Evaluation of microRNAs as liquid biopsy markers in adrenocortical tumors
Authors: Mytareli Chrysoula , Kalotychou Vassiliki , Lafioniatis Alexandros , Kaltsas Gregory , Zografos George N. , Markou Athina , Papanastasiou Labrini , Fountas Athanasios , Vasilliadi Dimitra Argyro , Kassi Evanthia , Mantzourani Marina , Angelousi Anna
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Adrenal tumors (ATs) encompass a wide differential diagnosis, necessitating a multi-step process for accurate identification. Liquid biopsy emerges as a promising non-invasive technique for distinguishing between malignant and benign, as well as hyperfunctioning and non-functioning cases. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of microRNAs as circulating biomarkers; however, their clinical utility remains underexplored. This study aims to validate the diagnostic performance of selected circulating microRNAs, (miR-483-5p, miR-210, miR-335 and miR-22-3p), identified through microRNA profiling studies, as markers of malignancy or cortisol hypersecretion in a cohort of patients with ATs.

Methods

We collected serum samples from 75 patients with ATs, including 50 cases of adrenocortical adenomas (ACA) and 25 cases of adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC), along with 15 controls. In the ACC subgroup, 16 samples were obtained preoperatively or upon detection of recurrence (active ACC group), while the remaining from disease-free patients with long-term follow-up. Among the 56 patients with ATs evaluated preoperatively (50 with ACAs and 6 with ACC), 26 had non-functioning tumors, 22 exhibited mild autonomous cortisol secretion, and 8 had Cushing syndrome. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to analyze microRNA expression.

Results

Circulating levels of miR-483-5p and miR-210 were significantly elevated in patients with active ACC compared to both ACAs (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively) and controls (p=0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Notably, miR-483-5p serum levels were higher in patients with active ACC compared to disease-free ACC patients (p = 0.01). MiR-483-5p demonstrated the best diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing active ACC cases from ACAs, achieving a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 88%, and from disease-free ACC patients, reaching sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 89%. MiR-22-3p serum levels successfully differentiated patients with Cushing syndrome from those with non-functioning ATs (area under the curve=AUC=0.800, 95% CI: 0.653–0.953, p=0.01) and controls (AUC= 0.800, 95% CI: 0.610–0.990, p=0.02). Additionally, circulating miR-22-3p levels exhibited a significant correlation with traditional diagnostic tests for hypercortisolism.

Conclusion

This study supports the potential of a liquid biopsy approach as an innovative method for diagnosing and monitoring patients with ATs, offering a complementary tool to existing diagnostic methods.
Agricultural structure management based on water–energy–food and carbon sink scenarios in typical fuel ethanol raw material planting areas—a case study of the Hulan River Basin, Northeast China
Authors: Cui Guannan , Wang Haitao , Li Xiaofei , Li Wenchao , Li Huijie , Dong Liming
Published: January 2025

The implementation of Chinese policies promoting fuel ethanol has significantly influenced the land use structure, water resources, and soil environment in ethanol raw material planting areas. This paper focuses on the Hulan River Basin, a benchmark region for maize cultivation, to investigate the specific crop allocation issues in relation to the impact of land use changes on water quality. The study projects an environmentally and economically sustainable structure for the cultivation of fuel ethanol raw materials using the CLUE-S model and multiple linear programming. Additionally, the carbon sequestration potential is assessed under different scenarios. Throughout the study period, the net ecosystem productivity (NEP) in the Hulan River Basin demonstrated variability, evidenced by a decrease of 33.96 gC·m−2·a−1 from 2010 to 2015 and a subsequent augmentation of 55.64 gC·m−2·a−1 from 2015 to 2020. Furthermore, the three scenarios (Grain Crop Priority Policy, Fuel Ethanol Crop Priority Policy, and Carbon Storage Priority Policy) effectively addressed the requirements for land use/cover types and enhanced carbon sequestration within the study area. Consequently, the outcomes provide a conceptual foundation for regional policymakers, providing insights into the refinement of land use within ethanol crop zones and fostering the advancement of the fuel ethanol industry, thus undergirding prospective land use strategies and refinement from the water, energy, food, and carbon perspectives.
Increasing vulnerability of an endemic Mediterranean-climate conifer to changing climate and fire regime
Authors: Davis Frank W. , Parkinson Anne-Marie , Moritz Max A. , Park Isaac W. , D’Antonio Carla M.
Published: January 2025

Conifer species of Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) are especially sensitive to coupled changes in climate and fire regime. Recently California’s MTE conifers have experienced elevated mortality, range shifts, and decreased abundance relative to broadleaf trees. Restricted-range species may be especially vulnerable to environmental change and are a high priority for climate change assessment and adaptation management. We used species distribution modeling and wildfire probability models to assess the potential vulnerability of Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (Bigcone Douglas fir, hereafter BDF), a restricted-range conifer of southern California mountains that is a species of concern because of its ecological importance and recent mortality due to drought and wildfire. We also modeled the distribution of Quercus chrysolepis (CLO), a widespread oak that can be co-dominant with BDF and that can limit fire spread and reduce crown fire risk to BDF compared to the risk from surrounding chaparral vegetation. Ensembles of MAXENT and General Boosted Models were produced for a 2.1 million ha model domain encompassing BDF’s 672,000 ha range for the period 1981–2010, and were projected to 2040–2069 and 2070–2099 using three climate models (warmer-wetter, warmer, and hotter-drier) under a high emission scenario (IPCC 5th Assessment, RCP 8.5). Wildfire projections were analyzed only for mid-century based on warmer-wetter and hotter-drier climate scenarios. Our analysis contributes several important new insights: (1) topoclimatic habitat for BDF could shrink by 19–57% by mid-century, especially for southernmost populations; (2) by mid-century, wildfire probability could increase 2–4 fold in BDF habitat, potentially diminishing the value of mid-to-high elevation sites as topoclimatic refugia; (3) CLO could play a diminishing role in providing refuge from severe wildfires as soon as mid-century but especially by end-of-century; (4) extensive areas of stable mid-century and late-century habitat are confined to national forests in the San Gabriel Mountains and Transverse Ranges. The climate and fire vulnerability of BDF could be reduced by management actions such as mechanical fuel treatments and post-fire restoration, but these are highly constrained by topography, access, and sensitive wildlife species. Our case study illustrates the rapidly increasing vulnerability of endemic conifer species in MTE forests.
Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of patients with severe oligoasthenospermia carrying heterozygous SOHLH1 c.346-1G>A mutation
Authors: Wen Xiaojun , Li Zhiming , Cheng Lizi , Wei Jianhong , Yu Wenjuan , Lin Xiufeng , Fang Xiaowu
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Severe oligoasthenospermia (SOA) is a prevalent cause of male infertility. However, the underlying causes of most SOA cases remain unclear due to the complexity of germ cell development and the significant genetic heterogeneity associated with male infertility. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the genetic etiology of two cases of male infertility resulting from SOA and clarify the novel clinical phenotype associated with a heterozygous mutation at the c.346-1G>A site of the SOHLH1 gene.

Methods and results

Through whole-exome sequencing, we found that patients with SOA carried heterozygous mutations at the c.346-1G>A site. This variant is classified as pathogenic based on disease database records and literature reports. Notably, our study demonstrated that patients with heterozygous mutations at the c.346-1G>A site exhibited severely reduced sperm counts, significantly impaired sperm motility, and pronounced morphological deformities. One patient underwent assisted reproductive treatment through an intracytoplasmic sperm injection and achieved a favorable outcome, resulting in a successful pregnancy.

Discussion

In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence that the heterozygous mutation at the c.346-1G>A site of SOHLH1 is associated with SOA, and elucidates the new clinical phenotype associated with this mutation.
Use of artificial intelligence for gestational age estimation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Naz Sabahat , Noorani Sahir , Jaffar Zaidi Syed Ali , Rahman Abdu R. , Sattar Saima , Das Jai K. , Hoodbhoy Zahra
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Estimating a reliable gestational age (GA) is essential in providing appropriate care during pregnancy. With advancements in data science, there are several publications on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models to estimate GA using ultrasound (US) images. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the accuracy of AI models in assessing GA against US as the gold standard.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies that reported use of AI models for GA estimation with US as the reference standard were included. Risk of bias assessment was performed using Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Mean error in GA was estimated using STATA version-17 and subgroup analysis on trimester of GA assessment, AI models, study design, and external validation was performed.

Results

Out of the 1,039 studies screened, 17 were included in the review, and of these 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Five (29%) studies were from high-income countries (HICs), four (24%) from upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), one (6%) from low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), and the remaining seven studies (41%) used data across different income regions. The pooled mean error in GA estimation based on 2D images (n = 6) and blind sweep videos (n = 4) was 4.32 days (95% CI: 2.82, 5.83; l2: 97.95%) and 2.55 days (95% CI: −0.13, 5.23; l2: 100%), respectively. On subgroup analysis based on 2D images, the mean error in GA estimation in the first trimester was 7.00 days (95% CI: 6.08, 7.92), 2.35 days (95% CI: 1.03, 3.67) in the second, and 4.30 days (95% CI: 4.10, 4.50) in the third trimester. In studies using deep learning for 2D images, those employing CNN reported a mean error of 5.11 days (95% CI: 1.85, 8.37) in gestational age estimation, while one using DNN indicated a mean error of 5.39 days (95% CI: 5.10, 5.68). Most studies exhibited an unclear or low risk of bias in various domains, including patient selection, index test, reference standard, flow and timings and applicability domain.

Conclusion

Preliminary experience with AI models shows good accuracy in estimating GA. This holds tremendous potential for pregnancy dating, especially in resource-poor settings where trained interpreters may be limited.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42022319966).
Identification and validation of a novel autoantibody biomarker panel for differential diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mowoe Metoboroghene O. , Allam Hisham , Nqada Joshua , Bernon Marc , Gandhi Karan , Burmeister Sean , Kotze Urda , Kahn Miriam , Kloppers Christo , Dharshanan Suba , Azween Zafirah , Maimela Pamela , Townsend Paul , Jonas Eduard , Blackburn Jonathan M.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

New biomarkers are urgently needed to detect pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at an earlier stage for individualized treatment strategies and to improve outcomes. Autoantibodies (AAbs) in principle make attractive biomarkers as they arise early in disease, report on disease-associated perturbations in cellular proteomes, and are static in response to other common stimuli, yet are measurable in the periphery, potentially well in advance of the onset of clinical symptoms.

Methods

Here, we used high-throughput, custom cancer antigen microarrays to identify a clinically relevant autoantibody biomarker combination able to differentially detect PDAC. Specifically, we quantified the serological AAb profiles of 94 PDAC, chronic pancreatitis (CP), other pancreatic- (PC) and prostate cancers (PRC), non-ulcer dyspepsia patients (DYS), and healthy controls (HC).

Results

Combinatorial ROC curve analysis on the training cohort data from the cancer antigen microarrays identified the most effective biomarker combination as CEACAM1-DPPA2-DPPA3-MAGEA4-SRC-TPBG-XAGE3 with an AUC = 85·0% (SE = 0·828, SP = 0·684). Additionally, differential expression analysis on the samples run on the iOme™ array identified 4 biomarkers (ALX1-GPA33-LIP1-SUB1) upregulated in PDAC against diseased and healthy controls. Identified AAbs were validated in silico using public immunohistochemistry datasets and experimentally using a custom PDAC protein microarray comprising the 11 optimal AAb biomarker panel. The clinical utility of the biomarker panel was tested in an independent cohort comprising 223 PDAC, PC, PRC, colorectal cancer (CRC), and HC samples. Combinatorial ROC curve analysis on the validation data identified the most effective biomarker combination to be CEACAM1-DPPA2-DPPA3-MAGEA4-SRC-TPBG-XAGE3 with an AUC = 85·0% (SE = 0·828, SP = 0·684). Subsequently, the specificity of the 11-biomarker panel was validated against other cancers (PDAC vs PC: AUC = 70·3%; PDAC vs CRC: AUC = 84·3%; PDAC vs PRC: AUC = 80·2%) and healthy controls (PDAC vs HC: AUC = 80·9%), confirming that this novel AAb biomarker panel is able to selectively detect PDAC amongst other confounding diseases.

Conclusion

This AAb panel may therefore have the potential to form the basis of a novel diagnostic test for PDAC.
cGAS/STING signaling pathway in gynecological malignancies: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic values
Authors: Zhang Danyang , Zhang Bingxue
Published: January 2025

Gynecological cancers, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial malignancies, remain a significant global health burden, exacerbated by disparities in access to preventive measures such as HPV vaccination and routine screening. The cGAS/STING signaling pathway, a pivotal mechanism in innate immunity, detects cytosolic DNA from pathogens or cellular damage, triggering immune responses via type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines. This pathway’s dual role in gynecological cancers, either promoting antitumor immunity or facilitating tumor immune evasion, makes it a compelling target for innovative therapies. The article outlines cGAS/STING’s influence on tumor microenvironments, immune surveillance, and inflammation, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression. It explores interactions between DNA damage response pathways and immune modulation, highlighting the impact of cGAS/STING activation or suppression in ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. The therapeutic potential of STING agonists, PARP inhibitors, and targeted immunotherapies is reviewed, demonstrating how these approaches can boost immune responses, counteract chemotherapy resistance, and improve patient outcomes. The study also discusses strategies for leveraging cGAS/STING signaling to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies and address tumor-mediated immune suppression, providing insights into future directions for personalized cancer treatments.
Altered hemostatic balance in favor of a procoagulant state in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Antovic Aleksandra , Lini Daniele , Soutari Nida , Lalic-Cosic Sanja , Zickert Agneta , Mc Nicholas Andrea , Bremme Katarina , Sennström Maria , Franceschini Franco , Svenungsson Elisabet , Andreoli Laura , Gunnarsson Iva
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate hemostatic parameters in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis, preeclampsia (PE), and antiphospholipid antibody status.

Patients and methods

In total, 34 pregnant patients with SLE and 80 pregnant healthy controls (HC) without PE were included. Patients with SLE were sampled during the first and third trimester of gestation. We analyzed fibrinogen, D-dimer, and global hemostatic parameters including the overall coagulation potential (OCP), overall hemostatic potential (OHP), and the overall fibrinolysis potential (OFP). Fibrin structure was visualized using scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The median age of the patients with SLE was 33 (range 23–42) years and 31 (26–38) years in the HC. The median disease duration was 10 (range 0–26) years. All but two patients with SLE received prophylaxis with low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (LDASA) and 11 received low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). OCP and OHP were significantly increased in the patients with SLE compared to HC (p < 0.01). The levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer increased throughout the pregnancies in the patients with SLE, but no differences were found in the third trimester compared to controls. Among the patients treated with LMWH, OCP, OHP, and OFP were undetectable in two, both of whom were on high prophylactic dosage, and one developed PE. OCP, OHP, and OFP levels were not affected by low prophylactic doses of LMWH. Despite LDASA, preeclampsia occurred in four patients with SLE (12.5%); of whom two received a high prophylactic LMWH dose. Five of 32 (15.6%) patients had major bleeding complications at delivery. There were no thromboembolic complications.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, pregnant patients with SLE developed a hypercoagulable state throughout pregnancy, as demonstrated by the global hemostatic parameters OCP and OHP, except for two patients who were treated with a full dosage of LMWH. The alterations in the coagulation system in SLE pregnancy need to be further studied with the aim of optimizing treatment strategies.
Preprocessing LOFARgram through U-Net++ neural network
Authors: Peng Dan , Xu Xichen , Song Wenhua , Gao Dazhi
Published: January 2025

The study of the low-frequency analysis and recording spectrum (LOFARgram) of ship-radiated noise is essential for extracting critical information, such as target motion trajectories. However, the quality of LOFARgrams often degrades due to the inherent stochasticity of ship noise and the interference of environmental noise. We significantly enhance the clarity and quality of LOFARgrams by employing the U-Net++ neural network model for preprocessing. Effective training of neural network models usually requires large datasets, but the available actual LOFARgrams are often limited and costly to collect. To ensure an adequate dataset for neural network training, this paper introduces an innovative forward model that simulates LOFARgrams from stochastic noise sources. This model uses explosive decaying cosine pulses as basic units to simulate ship noise sources and employs the KRAKEN normal mode model to simulate the underwater acoustic channel’s transfer function, thereby efficiently creating high-fidelity ship noise LOFARgrams. The forward model supplies sufficient data to train the U-Net++ neural network, enabling it to demonstrate effective recovery of LOFARgrams. Additionally, we introduce a new algorithm that utilizes data prior to the Closest Point of Approach (CPA) to predict the CPA parameters, applied to both the original LOFARgrams and those processed with U-Net++. Results indicate that predictions based on U-Net++ enhanced LOFARgrams are more accurate. Our work demonstrate the effectiveness of the forward model and U-Net++ enhanced LOFARgrams for ship-radiated noise analysis and precise prediction of target motion.
The comparisons on wave breaking captured by non-hydrostatic model with or without turbulent dissipation
Authors: He Dongbin , He Yanli , Mao Hongfei , Li Junyu
Published: January 2025

The spilling and plunging breakers in surf zone are simulated by the non-hydrostatic shock-capturing model with or without turbulent dissipation/model. Geometric and dynamic breaking criteria and wave energy flux are investigated to show the differences on breaking onset and energy dissipation. Comparisons between the k-ϵ and laminar data indicate that both of them give reasonable results, but the absence of turbulent dissipation would cause the seaward movement of breaking point, the underestimation of maximum breaking wave height, and the overprediction of breaking energy loss. And the laminar data presents greater change for velocities near the surface and bottom, resulting in a significantly larger proportion of kinetic energy flux after wave breaking, while the k-ϵ data can give better consistency with the measured in velocity calculations.