bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and outcomes of air leak syndrome and subtypes in neonates in the United States
Authors: Beaton Adam , Sendi Prithvi , Martinez Paul A , Totapally Balagangadhar R 
Published: February 2025

Objectives To describe the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes for neonatal air leak syndrome and its subtypes (pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, and pneumoperitoneum), evaluate variables associated with the development of air leak, and analyze the national trend of neonatal air leak syndrome in the United States. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of neonates was performed using the Kids’ Inpatient Database. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to compare neonates with and without air leak syndrome and its subtypes using the 2016 and 2019 data. Data from 1997 to 2019 were used for trend analysis. Results Of 7.7 million neonatal discharges, 41,814 developed air leak syndrome (5.41/1,000 discharges) in 2016 and 2019, with a mortality rate of 7.2%. Pneumothorax was the most common air leak syndrome (4.3/1,000 discharges). The risk of air leak syndrome increased with decreasing gestational age on univariate analysis. On multivariable analysis, gestational age had a variable effect on developing air leaks depending on the type of air leak syndrome. The presence of meconium aspiration syndrome, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and the use of invasive mechanical ventilation were associated with an increased risk of air leak syndrome. There was an increased linear trend in neonatal air leak syndrome prevalence in the United States from 1997 to 2019. Conclusions Air leak syndrome remains a serious and significant issue among the neonatal population and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present a national prevalence and outcomes of various neonatal air leak syndromes in the United States.
Association of timing of surgery and outcomes in preterm infants with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis and intestinal perforation
Authors: Garg Parvesh Mohan , Riddick Robin , Ansari Md Abu Yusuf , Yi Joe , Pittman Isabella , Porcelli Peter , Varshney Neha , Sawaya David , Shenberger Jeffrey , Hillegass William B , Garg Padma P 
Published: February 2025

Background: To investigate the association between the timing of surgery from the day of NEC/SIP diagnosis and clinical outcomes in preterm infants. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study comparing clinical outcomes of infants undergoing laparotomy at three clinically relevant time points (less and more than 48 hours, 96 hours, and 168 hours [7 days]) following NEC/SIP diagnosis. Results: Infants with NEC/SIP ( N = 97) receiving surgical invention >96 hours (34/97) had significantly lower gestational age (25.5 weeks [24.0; 26.9] vs 27.0 [25.0; 31.3]; p = 0.006), had lower birth weight (687 grams [600; 902] vs 940 [710; 1495]; p<0.001), had pneumoperitoneum less often on the abdominal x-ray (29.4% vs 57.1%, p = 0.017), had hemorrhagic ( p = 0.04) and reparative ( p = 0.003) lesions more often on intestinal histopathology, had PDA diagnosed more often (76.5% vs 50.8%, p = 0.02), required assisted ventilation more frequently ( p = 0.013), and received parenteral nutrition for longer duration (112 days [76.5; 145] vs 65.0 [23.0; 112], p = 0.004) following surgery compared to the infants receiving surgical intervention before 96 hours ( n = 63/97). In NEC-only sub-cohort, infants receiving laparotomy >48 hours ( n = 29/75) had lower median gestational age, lower birth weight, less pneumoperitoneum, and higher acute kidney injury than those receiving surgery <48 hours. On logistic regression, the odds of death were not significantly different (OR 0.65 [0.28, 1.54], p = 0.32) for infants receiving laparotomy ≤48 hours following NEC/SIP compared to subjects undergoing surgery >48 hours. The odds of intestinal failure (>60 days of parenteral nutrition) were 4.5 times (CI 1.56, 14.3), p = 0.005) higher for those having surgery >96 hours from NEC/SIP diagnosis. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in death among infants receiving surgery within 48 hours following surgical NEC/SIP diagnosis compared to those receiving surgery at ≥ 48 hours of diagnosis. However, infants receiving surgery >96 hours were more likely to receive parenteral nutrition for longer time. A prospective study is needed to understand the continuous relationship between time to surgery and outcomes.
Tumor-derived exosomal KPNA2 activates fibroblasts and interacts with KIFC1 to promote bladder cancer progression, a process inhibited by miR-26b-5p
Authors: Yin Cong , Liufu Cen , Ye Shuai , Zhu Tao , Jiang Jiahao , Wang Mingxia , Zhou Liqun , Yao Lin , Wang Yan , Shi Bentao 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Recent studies have illuminated the complexities of treating advanced bladder cancer (BCa), underscoring the importance of comprehending its molecular mechanisms for creating novel therapies. While the role of Karyopherin a2 (KPNA2) in promoting BCa growth is established, the precise mechanism remains elusive.

Methods
To investigate the regulatory role of KPNA2 in BCa, we employed a comprehensive approach integrating clinical case data and bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the expression of KPNA2 in BCa tissues. Mechanisms promoting cancer by KPNA2 were examined using both in vivo and in vitro models.

Results
Our research reveals that miR-26b-5p acts as an anticancer factor by targeting and inhibiting KPNA2 expression. Furthermore, we have observed that the interaction between KPNA2 and Kinesin Family Member C1 (KIFC1) facilitates the transition of BCa cells into the G2/M phase, thereby promoting tumor advancement via activation of the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)- Protein Kinase B (AKT) pathway. Importantly, this investigation is the first to identify KPNA2 expression in exosomes originating from BCa tissues. Plasma exosomes from patients with BCa exhibited notably increased levels of KPNA2 compared with healthy controls, suggesting KPNA2 as a potential new tumor indicator. Additionally, KPNA2 from BCa cells triggered the conversion of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which secreted elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), contributing to a tumor-supporting environment.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that KPNA2 is a key gene that promotes BCa progression, can potentially be a novel tumor marker, and may serve as a new therapeutic target for BCa.

Graphical Abstract
The first record of a shortnose chimaera-like egg capsule from the Mesozoic (Late Jurassic, Switzerland)
Authors: Zhao Yang , Bestwick Jordan , Fischer Jan , Bastiaans Dylan , Greif Merle , Klug Christian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Chondrichthyan egg capsules, fossil and recent, have a taxonomical significance that can provide important insights into the occurrence and reproductive strategy of their producers. However, the rare occurrence of fossil capsules and their sometimes difficult identification hinder our understanding of their systematics and significance. Laffonia from the Late Jurassic of Switzerland and its probable junior synonym, Pseudocaudina, from the Late Jurassic lithographic limestones of southern Germany, have been interpreted in a variety of ways including as a fructification of a plant, a possible egg capsule of a shark or ray, a presumed holothurian, a possible actinarian, or even a ctenophore. Here, we redescribe the holotype of Laffonia, which has a fusiform body that is ornamented with over seven longitudinal ribs and two narrow striated flanges at its lateral edges. These morphological features are incompatible with a diploblast or echinoderm affinity, but highly resemble the characteristics of certain holocephalan egg capsules in several respects. Our phylogenetic analysis places Laffonia within a group containing the Carboniferous fossil capsules Crookallia and Vetacapsula, as well as recent chimaerid capsules. Thus, we suggest that the Mesozoic Laffonia represents an intermediate morphotype between the Carboniferous species and extant chimaerid capsules. Laffonia is the only known fossil chimaerid-like capsule from the Mesozoic so far, which offers novel insights into the morphology and evolution of holocephalan egg capsules.
Behavioral synchronization of two individuals during cooperative interaction: the role of the mentalization ability as measured by the reading the mind in the eyes test
Authors: Kakuszi Brigitta , Bitter István , Czobor Pál 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Interpersonally synchronized behaviors play a fundamental role in social interactions. An important prereqvisite for behavioral synchronization is the mentalization ability of the individuals involved in the interaction. While the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) is widely applied to measure mentalization, most studies of RMET used single-subject designs, which lack ecological validity and have limited generalizability for real, on-going, reciprocal social interactions. Using a two-subject design, our objectives were to examine (i) the predictive validity of RMET for the synchronous behavior of two interacting individuals during a reaction time task; (ii) the association of age-related RMET performance with interpersonal coordination; and (iii) the influence of various potentially important covariates on the association, including psychological distress, basic personality domains such as impulsive responding, and lack of attention.

Methods
We investigated 24 dyads, using 48 subjects (mean age 32.9 [SD = 12.8] years). Synchronous behavior was indexed by the correlation of participants’ responses in terms of reaction times (RTs) to visual stimuli. We used the correct recognition rate from the RMET as a measure of mentalization ability.

Results
Our results indicated that the synchronization of the behavioral responses (i.e., RTs) between the interacting pairs and their mentalization ability, as measured by the RMET, showed significant association. Specifically, with good performance (100% correct recognition), the behavioral response synchronization was significantly (F = 153.34, p < 0.0001) higher (Pearson correlation, r = 0.41) than with poor performance (50% correct recognition, r = 0.25). Higher age was inversely related to behavioral synchronization, with no interaction (p > 0.1) with RMET performance). The inclusion of additional covariates (e.g., measures for psychological distress and basic personality domains) in the analyses did not alter the significance of the association between RMET performance and behavioral synchronization (p < 0.05, after adjustment).

Conclusions
Our results confirm the utility of RMET, as a measure of mentalization, to predict participants’ ability to achieve behavioral synchronization during cooperative interaction. These results may facilitate research into mental disorders, where problems with social interactions play a role in symptom presentation. For this purpose, future studies with larger sample size should examine whether our findings can be dimensionally extrapolated to patients with such disorders.
Development and validation of MRI-derived deep learning score for non-invasive prediction of PD-L1 expression and prognostic stratification in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ding Cong , Kang Yue , Bai Fan , Bai Genji , Xian Junfang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and PD-L1 combined positivity score (CPS) scoring is recommended as a biomarker for immunotherapy. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an MRI-based deep learning score (DLS) to non-invasively assess PD-L1 expression status in HNSCC patients and evaluate its potential effeciency in predicting prognostic stratification following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).

Methods
In this study, we collected data from four patient cohorts comprising a total of 610 HNSCC patients from two separate institutions. We developed deep learning models based on the ResNet-101 convolutional neural network to analyze three MRI sequences (T1WI, T2WI, and contrast-enhanced T1WI). Tumor regions were manually segmented, and features extracted from different MRI sequences were fused using a transformer-based model incorporating attention mechanisms. The model’s performance in predicting PD-L1 expression was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and calibration metrics. Survival analyses were conducted using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests to evaluate the prognostic significance of the DLS.

Results
The DLS demonstrated high predictive accuracy for PD-L1 expression, achieving an AUC of 0.981, 0.860 and 0.803 in the training, internal and external validation cohort. Patients with higher DLS scores demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in both the internal validation cohort (hazard ratio: 0.491; 95% CI, 0.270–0.892; P = 0.005) and the external validation cohort (hazard ratio: 0.617; 95% CI, 0.391–0.973; P = 0.040). In the ICI-treated cohort, the DLS achieved an AUC of 0.739 for predicting durable clinical benefit (DCB).

Conclusions
The proposed DLS offered a non-invasive and accurate approach for assessing PD-L1 expression in patients with HNSCC and effectively stratified HNSCC patients to benefit from immunotherapy based on PFS.
Empowering students’ agentive engagement through formative assessment in online learning environment
Authors: Mohammadi Zenouzagh Zohre , Admiraal Wilfried , Saab Nadira 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study investigated empowering students to engage agentively in formative assessment of their English writing. To this end, student agentic engagement was explored drawing on multiple data collection. A Digitalized Engagement Enhancement Tool (DEET) was utilized to encourage students to record, unpack, plan for actions, and reflect on the feedback they received from the teacher and their peers. A series of content analyses was conducted to codify and track students’ engagement dimensions and practices in multiple writing samples, DEET, and student-revised sample writings. The analysis of the frequency of student engagement codes and their writing performances indicated a significant increase in student engagement at all dimensions. Further Chi-square analysis indicated that student agentic engagement was characterized by reciprocal and proactive practices in the critical assessment of their writing. The analyses indicated significant increase in the quality of student writing performances as well. Thematic analysis of students’ evaluation of self-perceived efficacy of DEET provided insights for teaching practitioners to build on the formative purpose of student engagement enhancement practices. The implications for teaching practitioners were discussed.
Trend analysis using mann-kendall, sen's slope estimator test and innovative trend analysis method in Yangtze river basin, china: review
Authors: Othman. Ali Rawshan , Rashid Abubaker Shadan 
Published: February 2025

Trend analysis of mean monthly flows is fundamental for better water resources management and planning in this study, Mann Kendall (MK), Sen's Method and Åžen's Innovative trend method (ITM) were utilized so as to analyze the possible trends of annual and seasonal flows. In this study, trends of flow of the Yangtze River were reviewed on in seasonal and annual time series utilizing the Mann-Kendall (MK) test, Sen's slope estimator, and innovative trend method (ITM). That is why, the monthly flow information will gather in the stations of Yangtze River Basin. In any case, the seasonal and annual warming magnitudes showed large regional differences, and a higher warming rate was identified in the eastern YRB and the western source area of the Yangtze River on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). In general, a warming wetting trend was identified in the south-eastern and north-western YRB, while there was a warming-drying trend in a middle region. The developed maps of spatial variability of flow trends may help the stakeholders and/or water resource managers to figure out the risk and vulnerability related to climate change in the study region.Â Â Â
Can restitution change lives of farm beneficiaries? Case of Waterberg district municipality, South Africa
Authors: Tjale M.M. , Mwale M. , Kilonzo B.M. 
Published: February 2025

Despite interventions by South African government to implement land restitution after 1994, land ownership, unsustainable livelihoods, poor agricultural extension services, lack of funding, lack of farm implements and poverty among restituted farm owners remain a major challenge, hence, farmers’ livelihoods have not improved since they occupied the farms. It has been shown that, for example, in countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and South Africa, land restitution has been a failure, therefore, this article wants to provide answers to the issue why ownership of the farms has not changed the livelihoods of the farmers. Stratified random sampling was used to select study participants while qualitative data from key informants was collected through group discussions, photo-voice sessions, non-participatory observation, and interview methods while a questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from farm beneficiaries. Thematic content analysis was used with the qualitative data, while the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for quantitative data to compute descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations. Almost (98.5%) of the respondents, 73.0% of whom were men and 25.5% women agreed that the livelihoods of farm beneficiaries in Waterberg district are still the same. It is therefore imperative to develop an intervention strategy to ensure enhancement of beneficiaries’ livelihoods.
Assessing Awareness and Perceptions Towards the Existence of Indigenous Foods in Port St Johns of the Eastern Cape South Africa
Authors: Ntlanga S.S. , Jiba P. , Christian M. , Mdoda L. 
Published: February 2025

Intolerably high rates of food insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies still prevail at an alarming rate in rural poor communities who practice subsistence farming. Despite the fact that, the indigenous fruits and vegetables are abundantly available and are easily accessible in these rural communities. The consumption of indigenous vegetables and fruits can combat the food insecurity and micro-nutrient deficiencies in the resource-constrained communities. This is attributed to negative perceptions shared among rural communities specifically the younger generation are unaware about the indigenous foods. Against this background, the study was developed to assess awareness and perceptions towards indigenous fruits and vegetables in Port St Johns of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
Intolerably high rates of food insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies still prevail at an alarming rate in rural poor communities that practice subsistence farming. Even though indigenous fruits and vegetables are abundantly available and are easily accessible in these rural communities. The consumption of indigenous vegetables and fruits can combat food insecurity and micro-nutrient deficiencies in resource-constrained communities. This is attributed to negative perceptions shared among rural communities, specifically the younger generation, who are unaware of indigenous foods. Against this background, the study was developed to assess awareness and perceptions towards indigenous fruits and vegetables in Port St. Johns of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to evaluate the availability of the perceptions of households and the contribution of indigenous fruits and vegetables to household food security. A total of 340 respondents were purposively selected in the study area. A positive impact on household food security was revealed, suggesting that consuming indigenous fruits and vegetables may address rural household dietary diversity and food insecurity. The study argues that indigenous fruits and vegetables may be used as a food security coping strategy at the household level in rural areas, given their availability, especially in summer. Additionally, dispelling several negative perceptions and targeting consumption drivers will enhance the food security nexus of indigenous fruits and vegetables at the household level.
Utilisation of Digital Technologies by Smallholder Farmers in South Africa
Authors: Bontsa N.V. , Mushunje A. , Ngarava S. , Zhou L. 
Published: February 2025

The study's objective was to assess the utilisation of digital technologies by smallholder farmers, focusing on the types of digital technologies they use, their awareness and perceptions, and the constraints they face. The study used a systematic literature review design. The results show that there has been an increase in studies focussing on using digital technologies by smallholder farmers in South Africa. The focus has been on e-readiness, tools, and constraints in assisting smallholder farmers amongst extension workers, mainly from North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape Provinces. Relevant topics have been smart farming, digital agriculture, adoption, and climate change. However, smallholder digital technology studies in South Africa have transitioned from small-scale agriculture and extension between 2012 and 2014 to transformation, food security and perception between 2014 and 2018, and innovations, communication technologies, and dissemination, more recently. Recent studies have focused on the productivity-enhanced adoption of ICTs, with various technologies used along the complexity spectrum. However, smallholder farmers have concentrated on low-tech digital technologies on the lower end of the complexity spectrum because they are more aware of them. End-user, service provider, and digital technology characteristics have constrained the use of digital technologies. In conclusion, smallholder farmers are aware of and use low-tech digital technologies limited by inherent internalised characteristics of the farmers themselves and the digital technologies.
An Investigation of Estate Planning Among Farming Businesses in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Lingani M. , Hough E.C. 
Published: February 2025

Estate planning is one of the important processes in managing a business, and farm owners often avoid it since it deals with emotional and difficult issues. Additionally, studies have highlighted that decision-making on future ownership of many businesses is still poorly understood. This study investigated the extent of the availability of estate plans amongst farmers in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Interviews were conducted, and data was collected from 42 farmers using structured questionnaires following a mixed-method research design. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies and percentages were employed. The study revealed that the majority (66,67%) of the farmers do not have any estate plan available. In comparison, 47,62% of the farmers were unfamiliar with the estate planning process. In addition, the study also revealed that the businesses own assets with a minimum value of R500 000 to a maximum value of over R2,5 million, showing differences in the commodities across the Western Cape Province. It is recommended that farmers be aware of their responsibilities regarding estate planning, and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture should conduct workshops around the legal side of the business. For funding purposes, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture needs to include conditions related to estate plans in the application forms to prevent the closure of businesses after the recipient's death.