bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extragenital and Extrapelvic Endometriosis: Literature Update and Mri Immaging Case Collection of Unusual Localizations
Authors: Meucci Rosaria , Garaci Francesco , Fiaschetti Valeria , Montesanto Francesca , Rufi Flavia , Laudazi Mario , Ryan Colleen Patricia , Russo Consuelo , Manenti Guglielmo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is a significant cause of pelvic pain and infertility. It manifests in three patterns: superficial peritoneal lesions, ovarian endometriomas, and deep infiltrating endometriosis. Our aim is to remind radiologists of the possibility of atypical locations of pelvic and extrapelvic endometriosis and to illustrate their characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging.
The most common site of endometriosis is the ovaries, followed by the pelvic peritoneum. Less common locations include deep subperitoneal tissues, the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder, the thorax, and subcutaneous tissues. We present three rare clinical cases: diaphragmatic endometriosis, inguinal canal endometriosis, and a case of sciatic nerve infiltration. MRI imaging provides important findings that help classify the disease and identify the extent of the lesion, thus facilitating appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Radiologists should be familiar with the MRI imaging findings of deep infiltrating endometriosis in various anatomical sites to provide information that allows for adequate pre-surgical counseling.
WITHDRAWN: Does Digital Transformation improve innovation quality in China
Authors: Xiao Peng , Li Baoxi , He Yuhang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The transformation of enterprises towards digitization holds a pivotal position in China's development trajectory driven by innovation, yet the precise mechanisms underlying this process remain obscure. The research examines the influence and underlying mechanisms of digitization on innovation quality, utilizing panel data from 4,229 A-share listed companies (2010–2021). Our analysis reveals a robust and statistically significant positive link between digitization and innovation quality. Specifically, a 10% increase in digitization corresponds to an improvement in innovation quality ranging from 0.45–1.19%, a finding that remains consistent across multiple robustness assessments. Furthermore, our empirical results hint that digitization bolsters innovation quality by facilitating the disclosure of technological innovation risks and securing heightened government subsidies. Additionally, factors such as CEOs possessing overseas work experience, a supportive local environment conducive to innovation marked by high marketization and advantageous business conditions, and a well-established digital infrastructure can significantly augment the strength of this positive correlation through moderating effects. Moreover, digitization fosters both the intensity and efficiency of innovation. This research provides policymakers with invaluable insights into the multifaceted impact of enterprise digitization on innovation. By elucidating these findings, administrators can devise a policy framework to effectively expedite the transition into the contemporary digital era.
Multi-scale ensemble model for dMMR prediction from histopathological images of colorectal cancer
Authors: Petäinen Liisa , Väyrynen Juha P. , Böhm Jan , Ruusuvuori Pekka , Ahtiainen Maarit , Elomaa Hanna , Karjalainen Henna , Kastinen Meeri , Tapiainen Vilja V. , Äijälä Ville K. , Sirniö Päivi , Tuomisto Anne , Mäkinen Markus J. , Mecklin Jukka-Pekka , Pölönen Ilkka , Äyrämö Sami 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Colorectal cancer, the second most fatal malignancy globally, burdens public healthcare systems. AI-assisted cancer diagnostics could enable significant cost savings. This study presents a multi-scale ensemble model for DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) detection from Whole Slide Images (WSIs). dMMR is a clinically important feature, traditionally identified through labor- and time-intensive DNA analysis. The dMMR prediction capability of non-tumorous regions was also evaluated, but it showed limited potential. Therefore, tumorous regions were utilized. The model, comprising two convolutional neural network (CNN) branches and an XGBoost layer, was trained on 1,228 WSIs. It achieved an F1 score of 0.863 (sensitivity 0.852) on internal testing, and F1 scores of 0.770 (sensitivity 0.868) and 0.743 (sensitivity 0.951) on external test sets of 1,010 and 457 WSIs, respectively. The results indicate that a multi-scale approach can be an effective strategy when developing digital pathology algorithms.
Computational Identification of ECT2 as a Potential Pan-Cancer Biomarker and Therapeutic Target Through Integrated Genomic Data Analysis
Authors: Wang Li , Cao Shan , Song Guodong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The ECT2 gene, encoding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, plays crucial roles in cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics, implicating its involvement in various cancers. However, a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis integrating genomic data is still lacking. This study employed an integrated approach using data from multiple cancer genomics databases to assess ECT2 across various malignancies. Expression profiles of ECT2 were analyzed for differential expression across tumor stages and its association with clinical outcomes. Correlation analyses examined the relationship between ECT2 expression and immune cell infiltration levels. Pathway enrichment analysis identified biological processes influenced by ECT2 dysregulation in cancer progression. These methods facilitated a comprehensive exploration of ECT2's role in cancer biology, revealing potential implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Analysis across 33 tumor types consistently shows elevated ECT2 expression. ECT2 correlates with tumor staging in eight cancers and molecular subtypes in 13 cancers, and shows associations with immune subtypes in 22 cancers, suggesting its role in cancer progression and immune modulation. ECT2 demonstrates strong diagnostic potential (AUC > 0.9) in 16 cancers and correlates with poorer overall survival in 11 cancers. ECT2 expression correlates positively with MSI in STAD, MESO, UCEC, and READ, and negatively in DLBC; it correlates positively with TMB in STAD, PAAD, ACC, LGG, and LUAD, and negatively in THYM. ECT2 also exhibits diverse correlations with immune checkpoint genes and specific immune cell types identified through CIBERSORT analysis. ECT2 interacts with proteins like RACGAP1, KIF23, enriched in pathways involving cell polarity, Ras signaling, and tight junctions, impacting cancer progression and stemness in various cancer types. This study offers comprehensive insights into ECT2's role in cancer biology through integrative bioinformatics analyses. The results advocate for ECT2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diverse malignancies, suggesting avenues for personalized oncology strategies.
Thermal investigation of the coconut husk aerogel for enhanced insulation properties
Authors: Bakhari Nursyafawati , Mansur Fatin Zafirah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Insulating buildings effectively is critical for energy conservation. Traditionally, insulation materials have been composed of synthetic polymers or mineral fibers. Recent research has explored the potential of biomass materials, leveraging their inherent insulative properties. To advance these capabilities, converting biomass into aerogel forms offers a promising approach due to their low density and thermal conductivity. This study focuses on producing coconut husk aerogel to assess its thermal insulation performance. The fabrication process involved blending sodium alginate, phytic acid, and coconut husk to create the aerogel. The influence of varying sodium alginate volumes on the fabrication of coconut husk aerogel was systematically investigated, given its crucial role in gelation. The produced aerogels were comprehensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area analysis (BET) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal conductivity measurements were conducted to evaluate their insulation effectiveness. Results demonstrate that the coconut husk aerogel exhibits good insulation properties, characterized by significantly low thermal conductivity.
Completeness of Initial Laboratory Evaluation Impacts Chronic Hepatitis B Outcomes
Authors: Imsirovic Haris , Hung Jui-Hsia (Cleo) , Dumicho Asnake Y. , Manuel Douglas , MacFadden Derek , Cooper Curtis 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction: The health care burden of chronic hepatis B virus (CHB) infection can be reduced by appropriate work-up, treatment and monitoring.
Methods: As a primary objective, we determined whether adequate initial hepatitis B virus (HBV) laboratory work-up in CHB patients is associated with improved CHB complications risk. Secondary outcomes assessed included: mortality, hospitalization, emergency department and liver specialist visits. We conducted a retrospective cohort study from January 1/2012 to December 31/ 2018. Participants were followed from 12 months post index event until outcome occurrence, death, loss of eligibility, or March 31/2023. Health administrative data from Ontario, Canada was utilized. The study cohort included individuals with at least one positive result of either hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen, or HBV DNA viral load documented during the study window. The exposure of interest was defined as adequate laboratory work-up, defined as having subsequent quantitative HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferase testing completed within 12 months of the index event. CHB related complications were assessed using previously validated diagnostic codes. Modified Poisson regression modelling was used to estimate relative risks.
Results: The study cohort consisted of 30,794 CHB patients, with a mean age 45.7 years. The majority were male (53.5%) and within the lowest two income quintiles (50.2%). 68.0% underwent adequate workup. Individuals with adequate workup were more likely to be older, male, urban based, and of the highest racialized and newcomer populations quintile. The risk for CHB complications was 1.50 (95% CI 1.36-1.65) times greater among those with adequate workup. Adequate workup was associated with a lower risk of mortality (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.69-0.87), all-cause hospitalizations (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.74-0.80), all-cause (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.75-0.78) and liver related (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.60-0.75) ED visits.
Conclusions: Adequate CHB clinical workup is associated with improved patient outcomes. Our findings advocate for the comprehensive evaluation of CHB patients using key laboratory tests to optimize clinical management and improve long-term health outcomes. We identified gaps in the workup of young adults, females, and those residing in rural setting which should be addressed to ensure equity of HBV care.
From Gram-Negative Strains to Mortality: Understanding Bacterial Resistance in Mainland China
Authors: Zhao Yi-Chang , Sun Zhi-Hua , Li Jia-Kai , Liu Huai-yuan , Xiao Ming-Xuan , Zhang Bi-Kui , Cao Wei , Yan Miao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria significantly threaten public health due to limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Understanding the factors influencing their detection and resistance rates is crucial for effective interventions. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the detection and carbapenem resistance rates of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii in China and identify associations with climate, agriculture, economy, and diet.
Method
Data were sourced from CARSS, NBS, and CMDC, covering 1435 hospitals. Descriptive statistics and double fixed effect regression models analyzed associations, using SPSS, RStudio, StataMP, and Python.
Results
From 2014 to 2021, bacterial counts increased from 2,227,420 to 3,743,027, with Gram-negative bacteria constituting 70.3–71.5%. Escherichia coli (29.2–29.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.4–20.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.8–12.7%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (9.1–10.8%) were the most prevalent. Environmental data indicated significant geographic distributions, with median humidity at 65%, median temperature at 15.75°C, and median annual rainfall at 1164.50 mm. Regional disparities in detection and resistance rates were observed, with Escherichia coli showing a median resistance rate of 1.40%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18.55%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 6.10%, and Acinetobacter baumannii 55.30%. Factors like hospital environment and food consumption significantly affected detection rates, while GDP per capita impacted resistance rates. Detection rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa correlated significantly with increased mortality (coefficient 0.2007).
Conclusion
This study highlights the significant regional disparities and factors influencing the detection and resistance rates of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in China, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions considering local climatic, economic, and dietary conditions. Detection and resistance profiles did not significantly affect birth rates and population growth.
Genetic correlation between prostate cancer and central obesity: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shuai Chen , Jingya Chen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Our aim was to apply Mendelian randomization to find possible causal relationships between prostate cancer and central obesity. Based on waist-to-hip ratio GWAS and prostate cancer GWAS data as the experimental group, we used 8 MR methods to explore the possible causal relationship between waist-to-hip ratio and prostate cancer. Situation with P < 0.05 was suggested causal relationship. Gene annotation and Gene Ontology (GO) molecular functional enrichment analysis of meaningful SNPs were performed to find potentially significantly molecular function and enriched genes. Finally, we searched for the overlapping molecular functions of the experimental group and the validation group and the overlapping genes enriched in them. All the 8 methods MR methods showed causal relationship between waist-to-hip ratio and prostate cancer in experimental group. The GO enrichment analysis showed that the molecular function of the main enriched pathway, called DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific, overlapped in the experimental group and the validation group. Our results manifest that waist-to-hip ratio has a potential causal relationship with prostate cancer.
Serum Sclerostin as a Marker of Microvascular and Macrovascular Complications among Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sallam Dina Ebrahem , Elhenawy Yamsin , Taha Sara , Abdullah Aya , Elsayed Iman 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Chronically uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to long-term micro and macrovascular adverse outcomes, through speeding up atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular diseases. Owing to the early cardiac and renal involvement, an early diagnostic biomarker is required. Sclerostin is a Wnt-signaling inhibitor, having a pathophysiological role in vasculopathy, and could be used as a vasculopathy marker, nevertheless, few data are available in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We aimed at assessing its serum level, and the relation to diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications.
Methods: a case control study on pediatric and adolescent patients with T1DM, and healthy controls. Patients were divided according to proteinuria into non-diabetic nephropathy (DN), and DN group. Patients’ clinicodemographic, and anthropometric measurements were obtained, with withdrawal of fasting serum lipid profile, kidney function test, and serum sclerostin. Carotid intimal media thickness (CIMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, was measured.
Results:
We included 75 comparable subjects, where median (IQR) serum sclerostin levels was significantly higher in DN, compared to non-DN, and controls [90.83 (82.32 – 115.1), vs 33.29 (28.37 – 38.53), vs 13.5 (10.32 – 15.72) ng/ml respectively, p< 0.001]. Similarly, median (IQR) CIMT was significantly higher in DN, than non-DN and controls [1.1 (0.8 – 1.3), vs 0.11 (0.1 – 0.2), vs 0.11 (0.1 – 0.2) mm, p<0.001]. Serum sclerostin level correlated positively with disease duration, higher HgbA1c%, albuminuria level, and CIMT in all patients. The cut off values of serum sclerostin > 60.0 ng/ml and CIMT >0.3 mm were able to detect DN.
Conclusions: Serum Sclerostin levels could serve as a potential biomarker for micro and macrovascular complications in pediatric patients with T1DM.
Bladder Patch Repair Using Mesothelial Cell-Seeded Autologous Granulation Tissue: An Experimental Study in Male Rabbits
Authors: Yang Lin , Liu Zhao , Yan Lei , Sui Yapeng , Qiu Laiyuan , Sun Yi , Zheng Jianguo , Sun Jiajia , Chang Qinzheng , Gu Gangli 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Currently, bladder reconstruction using gastrointestinal segments is considered as the gold standard for bladder repair or augmentation. However, postoperative complications including bowel dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities, chronic urinary tract infection and stone formation are common. This study aims to evaluate the utility of the compound graft for bladder patch repair by seeding mesothelial cells onto autogenous granulation tissue.
Methods
22 Fr silastic tubes were implanted subcutaneously in 18 male rabbits. The animals were equally divided into two groups. In the experimental group, nine animals underwent omentum biopsies and mesothelial cells were cultured and expanded in vitro. Two weeks after the implantation, the autologous granulation tissue encapsulating the silastic tubes were harvested. The tissue was cut longitudinally and trimmed to 2×2 cm2. In the experimental group, mesothelial cells were seeded onto the outer surface of the tissue and cocultured for 7 days to construct a compound graft. In each animal, a full-thickness defect of 2×2 cm2 in the anterior wall of the bladder was created. The defect was repaired with the constructed compound graft in the experimental group and with the granulation tissue directly in the control group. The bladder was harvested and analyzed grossly and histologically at 1, 2 and 6 months postoperatively. In addition, urodynamics were performed 6 months postoperatively to evaluate the function of the bladder.
Results
In the experimental group, no severe fibrosis and shrinkage were observed postoperatively and the mucosa at the grafts site appeared sleek and normal in color. Histologically, multilayers of urothelium surrounded by increasingly organized smooth muscles were observed. In contrast, severe contracture and fibrosis of the grafts occured in the control group. Gross examination of bladder mucosa revealed ulcer and stone formation at the site of the grafts. Histologically, accumulation of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, and extensive scarring occurred. Six months after surgery, the urodynamic results showed that the experimental group had a larger bladder capacity, a lower maximum intravesical pressure and a better bladder compliance.
Conclusions
Mesothelial cell-seeded granulation tissue can be successfully used for bladder patch repair in male rabbits.
Improving Execution Concurrency in Partial-Order Plans via Block-Substitution
Authors: Noor Sabah Binte , Siddiqui Fazlul Hasan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Partial-order plans in AI planning facilitate execution flexibility and several other tasks, such as plan reuse, modification, and decomposition, due to their less constrained nature. A Partial-Order Plan (POP) allows two actions with no ordering between them, thus providing the flexibility of executing actions in different sequences. This flexibility can be further extended by enabling parallel execution of actions in the POP to reduce its overall execution time. While extensive studies exist on improving the flexibility of a POP by optimizing its action orderings through plan deordering and reordering, there has been limited focus on the flexibility of executing actions concurrently in a plan. Execution concurrency in a POP can be achieved by incorporating action non-concurrency constraints, specifying which actions can not be executed in parallel. This work establishes the conditions for non-concurrency constraints between action pairs for a planning task, and also introduces an algorithm to improve a plan’s concurrency by optimizing resource utilization through substitutions of its subplans with respect to the corresponding planning task. Our algorithm employs block deordering that eliminates orderings in a POP by encapsulating coherent actions in blocks, and then exploits blocks as candidate subplans for substitutions. Experiments over the benchmark problems from International Planning Competitions (IPC) exhibit considerable improvement in plan concurrency.
Prodelphinidin from Purple Sweet Potato Induces Apoptosis in Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells via Reactive Oxygen Species and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Through the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathways
Authors: Zhang Jiluan , Chen Zihan , Wang Shibo , Kong Lingxue , Liu Jinjuan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive and heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer, lacks an effective targeted therapy. Conventional medication has limited efficacy in treating TNBC, which highlights the potential of developing therapeutic agents from natural bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of prodelphinidin (PD), an anthocyanin found in purple sweet potato, in human MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 cells. The results showed that PD selectively inhibited human breast cancer, particularly TNBC. Furthermore, PD demonstrated significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 cell activity. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis revealed that PD induced cell apoptosis by down-regulating Bcl-2, activating caspase-3/9, and cleaving PARP. Additionally, PD treatment upregulated the expression of p-elF2α, GRP78, and CHOP, indicating the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). PD treatment also increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased superoxide dismutase（SOD）activity in TNBC cells. The cytotoxicity of PD reduced significantly by pre-treatment with caspase inhibitors (Ac-DEVD-CHO and Z-LEHD-FMK). In conclusion, PD effectively inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in TNBC cells through the activation of ROS and endoplasmic reticulum stress.