bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RGS3 functions as a tumor promoter by facilitating the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and promoting EMT in ovarian cancer.
Authors: Zhou Jinhua , Wang Zizhao , Sun HuaTing , Zhu Shunpeng , Wang Fang , Li Quan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common and lethal solid malignancies among women, with its incidence steadily rising. Despite substantial advancements in OC research, its pathogenesis remains largely elusive. Recent studies indicate that the regulator of G protein signaling 3 (RGS3) is implicated in tumorigenesis, however, its specific role in OC development has not been extensively investigated. Herein, this research elucidated that the overexpression of RGS3 in OC correlates with adverse clinical pathological features and tumor progression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that silencing RGS3 promotes apoptosis, effectively inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, our findings reveal that RGS3 enhances oncogenic activity by activating the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway and corresponding epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The in-depth mechanism lies in the RGS3 facilitating the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 by directly interacting with AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 3B (ARID3B), which ultimately drives OC cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, our results position RGS3 as a significant prognostic biomarker and tumor-promoting factor in OC, underscoring the pivotal role of the RGS3/TGF-β/EMT signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of this malignancy.
KLF7-Regulated ITGA2 as a Therapeutic Target for Inhibiting Oral Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Lyu Jiong , QI Xin , Li Haoran , Shen Wenyi , Luo Xiayan , Zhao Wenquan , Zhu Huiyong , Li Cang , Zhou Jiang , Li Yunyan , Ma Xiaoqing , Zhang Zhilin , Cui Rutao , Wang Pan , Miao Yuwen , He Yanlin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial roles in tumor metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune evasion. Identifying and understanding the factors that regulate the stemness of tumor cells presents promising opportunities for developing effective therapeutic strategies. In this study on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we confirmed the key role of KLF7 in maintaining the stemness of OSCC. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and dual-luciferase assays, we identified ITGA2, a membrane receptor, as a key downstream gene regulated by KLF7 in the maintenance of stemness. Tumor sphere formation assays, flow cytometry analyses, and in vivo limiting dilution tumorigenicity evaluations demonstrated that knocking down ITGA2 significantly impaired stemness. When bound to its ECM ligand, type I collagen, ITGA2 activates several stemness-related pathways, including PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and Hippo. TC-I 15, which inhibits the ITGA2–collagen interaction, showed a synergistic anti-tumor effect when combined with cisplatin in both in vitro and xenograft models. In summary, we reveal that the KLF7/ITGA2 axis is a crucial modulator of stemness in OSCC. Our findings suggest that ITGA2 is a promising therapeutic target, offering a novel anti-CSC strategy.
Lost in the FOG: Growing Complexity in Financial Reporting – A Comparative Study
Authors: Lesmy Danny , Muchnik Lev , Mugerman Yevgeny 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the evolving readability of financial reporting by analyzing Item 7 of the 10-K reports over a 26-year period, utilizing a dataset of nearly 200,000 reports retrieved from SEC EDGAR filings. Our analysis reveals a significant decline in the readability of these reports over time, measured using the Fog Index. Specifically, we find that the number of years of schooling required to comprehend these texts increases by nearly one month each year, indicating a growing inaccessibility of financial reports for a substantial portion of the population. To contextualize these findings, we extend our analysis to include data from diverse financial corpora, encompassing almost 10 million documents. While most financial texts have shown a systematic increase in readability over the past decades, the Wall Street Journal emerges as a notable exception, exhibiting a moderate decline in readability—though at a much slower rate compared to Item 7. This study highlights the widening gap in financial text accessibility and underscores the need for more readable financial reporting.
JEL Classification: G10, G14
Tandem LTR-retrotransposon structures are common and highly polymorphic in plant genomes
Authors: Morales-Díaz Noemia , Sushko Svitlana , Campos-Domínguez Lucia , Kopalli Venkataramana , Golicz Agnieszka , Castanera Raul , Casacuberta Josep 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
LTR-retrotransposons (LTR-RT) are a major component of plant genomes and are a major driver of genome evolution. Most LTR-RT copies in plant genomes are defective elements, found as truncated copies, nested insertions or being part of more complex structures. With the availability of highly contiguous plant genome assemblies based on long-read sequences it has become feasible the detailed characterization of these complex structures and the evaluation of their importance for plant genome evolution.
Results
The detailed analysis of two rice loci containing complex LTR-RT structures showed that they consist of tandem arrays of LTR copies sharing internal LTRs. Our analysis show that the tandems are not the result of a single insertion and not of the recombination of two independent LTR-RT elements. Our results suggest that gypsy elements may be more prone to form these structures. We show that these structures are highly polymorphic in rice and have therefore the potential to generate genetic and phenotypic variability. We developed a computational pipeline, IDENTAM, that scans genome sequences and identifies tandem LTR-RT candidates and detected 307 tandems in a pangenome built from the genomes of 75 accessions of cultivated and wild rice, showing that tandem LTR-RT structures are frequent in the rice genome and are highly polymorphic in the species. Running IDENTAM in the Arabidopsis, almond and cotton genomes showed that LTR-RT tandems are frequent in plant genomes of different size, complexity and ploidy levels. The complexity of differentiating intra-element variations at the nucleotide level among haplotypes is very high, and we found that graph-based pangenomic methodologies are appropriate to resolve these structures.
Conclusions
Our results show that LTR-RTs can form tandem arrays of elements. These structures are relatively abundant and highly polymorphic in rice and are widespread in the plant kingdom. Future studies will contribute to understand how these structures originate and if the variability that they generate has a functional impact.
The Influence of Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone on Corporate Financial Constraints in China
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Sun Muqing , Zhou Dong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC), as an emerging mode of cross-border trade, has become a new driver of economic growth, so the Chinese government has established 165 comprehensive pilot zones within which entrepreneurs are provided tax incentives, accelerated return, and exchange procedures for promoting development. This study utilized a longitudinal dataset of A-share-listed enterprises in China from 2011 to 2020 and exploited regional and temporal variations to identify the impacts of establishing the experimental zone on regional enterprises with DiD approach. Estimates show it has eased local enterprises' financial constraints by enhancing exports, digitalization, and industrial agglomeration. Heterogenous examination presents different effects across regions. Financing constraints are more effectively alleviated in eastern provinces, non-sub-provincial cities, and municipalities directly under the central government. This research highlights the significance of promoting CBEC through establishing pilot zones and the importance of policy designs in relaxing financial constraints, particularly for periods of economic recession.
Hemodynamic profile of cerebral arteries using transcranial Doppler in children with sickle cell disease compared to children without sickle cell disease : Prospective analytical study
Authors: Kinkunda Patrick Landu , Nkodila Aliocha Natuhoyila , Mutamba Joël Kashale , Yindula Orlin Mamona , Gangale Roger Izeidi , Mokulayanga Lilly , Manzombi Émeraude , Iyoto Djo Mbo-M , Makwanza Lys , Minouche Cynthia Bukumba , Yanda Stéphane Tongo , Molua Antoine Aundu , Mukaya Jean Tshibola 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background : Cerebral vasculopathy is a frequent and serious complication of major sickle cell syndromes. DTC makes it possible to detect stenoses of the main arteries of the base of the skull, before the occurrence of the stroke and to initiate therapies aimed at preventing the occurrence of the clinical accident. The objective of the study is to evaluate and compare the hemodynamic profile of the middle cerebral artery using transcranial Doppler in children with sickle cell disease compared to children without sickle cell disease.
Method : Prospective analytical study extended over a period of 6 months, i.e. from July 4, 2023 to December 28, 2023. The study population consisted of subjects followed for homozygous sickle cell disease SS and non-sickle cell subjects received at the above-mentioned centers, of all sexes combined, ages 2 to 16 years at most.
Results : We recruited 182 children (52.2% male and 47.8% female) divided into 70 children with sickle cell disease and 112 children without sickle cell disease. The mean VSM on the left was 85.0 ± 49.5 cm/s in sickle cell patients and 84.5 ± 17.8 cm/s in non-sickle cell patients. The mean VTD was 40.9 ± 31.2 cm/s in sickle cell patients and 44.0 ± 15.8 cm/s in non-sickle cell patients. The mean VMT was 53.22 ± 39.0 cm/s in sickle cell patients and 57.5 ± 16.3 cm/s in non-sickle cell patients.
Conclusion : The mean velocity of children with sickle cell disease was lower than that of non-sickle cell patients, and the peak systolic velocity of children with sickle cell disease was slightly higher than those of children without sickle cell disease.
Determinants of Self-Medication among Military Retirees in South-west Iran: A Protection Motivation Theory Approach
Authors: Hatamzadeh Nasser , Asadollahi Abdolrahim , Adlirad Fatemeh , Motalebi Samaneh , Yazdanparast Najmeh , Modhej Fatemeh , Khafaie Morteza Abdullatif 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Self-medication is prevalent among the elderly population, posing significant health risks. In Iran, older adults frequently engage in self-medication due to various socio-economic, cultural, and health-related factors. This study aimed to examine the determinants of self-medication among older adults in Ahvaz, Iran, using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) framework.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 340 military retirees aged 60 and above in Ahvaz City. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that gathered demographic information and assessed constructs from the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), including self-efficacy, susceptibility, severity, response cost, and behavior. Additional factors, such as experience, barriers, and resonators, were also evaluated. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with structural equation modeling conducted in JAMOVI.
Results
The mean age of participants was 67.05 years (SD = 7.00), with 72.4% males and 78.8% married individuals. Education was significantly correlated with self-medication prevention behaviors (ANOVA, p = 0.002), where higher education levels promoted more responsible medication management. Among PMT variables, response efficacy (mean = 17.06, SD = 3.66) and severity (mean = 6.72, SD = 1.90) showed the highest influence on behavior. The study also revealed a significant positive correlation between behavior and barriers (r = 0.536, p < 0.05), resonator (r = 0.692, p < 0.05), and response effectiveness (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). Gender differences were observed, with men scoring higher in perceived severity (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.432) and resonators (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.442). Furthermore, experience (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.443) was a significant factor affecting self-medication prevention behaviors.
Conclusion
Education and gender play a crucial role in shaping self-medication prevention behaviors among older adults. Higher education levels corresponded to better medication management, while gender-specific differences were evident in key PMT constructs. These findings provide critical insights for developing targeted interventions to promote safe self-medication practices and improve healthcare outcomes for older adults.
Trends and factors associated with changes in preterm birth at KCMC referral hospital in Northern Tanzania. A birth registry- based study
Authors: Abdul Seif , Mboya Innocent B. , Nanyaro Mary-Winnie Asifa , Mahande Michael J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Preterm birth is a public health concern. It is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and the second leading cause of under-five mortality globally. Despite the current efforts in addressing causes and risk of preterm birth, the burden remains unacceptably high, especially in developing countries. Furthermore, while the risk factors for preterm birth are widely known, it is unclear how these factors change over time and how they influence changes in proportions of preterm birth.
Methods
This was a secondary data analysis using maternally linked data from the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Medical birth registry from 2000 to 2018 and included all recorded deliveries. Data were cleaned and analyzed using STATA software version 15. The trends of preterm birth proportions were computed using Joinpoint regression model. The multivariable Poisson decomposition model was used to determine factors associated with changes in proportions of preterm birth.
Results
The proportions of preterm birth increased significantly from 11.5% in 2000 to 21.2% in 2018, with the annual percentage change of 5%. Change in proportions of antenatal care visits significantly contributed to 82%, 24% and 53% of changes in proportions of preterm birth respectively in all three phases while other factors such as multiple pregnancies, preeclampsia, use of alcohol during pregnancy and young maternal age (≤ 19 years) each contributed to less than 10% of the change in proportions of preterm birth.
Conclusion
The trend in the proportions of preterm birth has gradually increased in Northern Tanzania. Factors that contributed to the change in proportions of preterm birth are changing with time. ANC visits reported to be the main contributors for changes in PTB proportions across the study period. Therefore coordinated efforts are needed to promote early initiation, adequacy of ANC visits among women for early identification and management of high-risk pregnancies.
Views and perceptions of anatomy educators on medical professionalism: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Dzetkuličová Veronika , Račanská Michaela , Brassett Cecilia , Kubíčková Lucie , Joukal Marek , Eltayb Amani 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Integrating medical professionalism into the core curriculum remains challenging for many institutions, particularly in today’s globalised context. This difficulty arises partly from the complexity and ambiguity surrounding the definition of medical professionalism. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the local and global context and define professionalism within that cultural framework. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the knowledge and perceptions of anatomy educators from central European universities (Zagreb, Masaryk and Pécs) and the University of Cambridge on medical professionalism through the lens of local context and culture.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was developed, and data were collected utilising a survey tool conducted by the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership project, LEANbody (Project number: 2021-1-HU01-KA220-HED-000027542). The collected data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Purposeful sampling was used for including the study participants (n=16) who were anatomy educators from above mentioned institutions.
Results
The educators were asked to define “professionalism”. Summative content analysis of their answers uncovered six recurring sets of keywords. Latent content analysis was used to analyse educators’ responses on the distinction between professional values and professional behaviours, three categories and nine subcategories emerged as part of one overarching theme ‘The Interplay between Professional Values and Behaviours in Healthcare’. A self-reflecting framework was developed to focus on the connection between professional values and professional behaviour in the healthcare context. Almost 75 % (n=12) agreed that there are cross-cultural differences in the definition of medical professionalism. Most educators felt that students’ multicultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, values, sex and gender significantly influenced their approach to anatomical dissection. Regarding the existence of a governing body that would determine guidelines for medical professionalism, only the participants from the University of Cambridge responded in the affirmative.
Conclusions
This study showed that there would appear to be an urgent need for anatomy educators in several central European universities to enhance their knowledge on professionalism, discuss and agree on creating common terminology through the lens of European context and culture. This improves the understanding and practice of medical professionalism along with its application to anatomy curriculum development and teaching practices.
Examining the determinants of Antenatal care quality in Ghana: Evidence from a Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
Authors: Yabila Solomon , Gmayinaam Vincent Uwumboriyhie , Amenu Johnpaul , Dzando Gideon , Okyere Eunice 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Antenatal care services play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of pregnant women and their babies. It provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to deliver essential support, care, and information during pregnancy. As many countries strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the need for quality antenatal services becomes imperative to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Despite this, very little is known about the factors influencing the quality of services in Ghana.
Methods
The study was a quantitative cross-sectional study that used nationally representative data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. The total sample of women who had live births 5 years before the data collection period was 3466. The data was analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression models were used, with P-value = 0.05 at a 95% confidence Interval.
Results
The results indicate that the majority of the respondents 78% received high-quality antenatal care. The quality of antenatal care was predicted by region of residence, marital status, parity, number of antenatal care visits, and early antenatal care initiation.
Conclusion
While the coverage of antenatal care is at its peak, the quality is less. There is a need to initiate public health campaigns and community-based initiatives to ensure women receive quality antenatal care services.
High-Speed Graphene-based Sub-Terahertz Receivers enabling Wireless Communications for 6G and Beyond
Authors: Koppens Frank , Soundarapandian Karuppasamy , Castilla Sebastián , Koepfli Stefan , Marconi Simone , Kulmer Laurenz , Vangelidis Ioannis , Bastida Ronny de la , Rongione Enzo , Tongay Seth , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Lidorikis Elefteris , Tielrooij Klaas-Jan , Leuthold Juerg 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the telecommunications field has experienced an unparalleled proliferation of wireless data traffic. Innovative solutions are imperative to circumvent the inherent limitations of the current technology, in particular in terms of capacity. Carrier frequencies in the sub-terahertz (sub-THz) range (~0.2-0.3 THz) can deliver increased capacity and low attenuation for short-range wireless applications. Here, we demonstrate a direct, passive and compact sub-THz receiver based on graphene, which outperforms state-of-the-art sub-THz receivers. These graphene-based receivers offer a cost-effective, CMOS-compatible, small-footprint solution that can fulfill the size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) requirements of 6G technologies. We exploit a sub-THz cavity, comprising an antenna and a back mirror, placed in the vicinity of the graphene channel to overcome the low inherent absorption in graphene and the mismatch between the areas of the photoactive region and the incident radiation, which becomes extreme in the sub-THz range. The graphene receivers achieve a multigigabit per second data rate with a maximum distance of ~3 m from the transmitter, a setup-limited 3 dB bandwidth of 40 GHz, and a high responsivity of 0.16 A/W, enabling applications such as chip-to-chip communication and close proximity device-to-device communication.
Integrated Digital Health Technologies in Multimorbidity Management: Mechanisms, Outcomes, Challenges, and Strategies
Authors: Endalamaw Aklilu , Zewdie Anteneh , Wolka Eskinder , Assefa Yibeltal 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Multimorbidity amplifies healthcare burdens due to the intricate requirements of patients and the pathophysiological complexities of multiple diseases. To address this, digital health technologies (DHTs) play a crucial role in effective healthcare delivery, requiring comprehensive evidence on their applications in managing multimorbidity. Therefore, this scoping review aims to identify various types of DHTs, explore their mechanisms, and emphasize the significance of utilizing DHTs within the context of multimorbidity.
Methods: This scoping review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were used to search articles. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, types of health technologies, mechanisms, outcomes, challenges, and facilitators. Results were presented using figures, tables, and texts. Thematic analysis was employed to describe mechanisms, impacts, challenges, and strategies related to DHTs in managing multimorbidity.
Results: Digital health technology encompasses smartphone apps, wearable devices, and platforms for remote healthcare (telehealth). These technologies work through care coordination, collaboration, communication, self-management, remote monitoring, health data management, and tele-referrals. Digital health technologies improved quality of care and life, cost efficiency, acceptability of care, collaboration, streamlined healthcare delivery, reduced workload, and bridging knowledge gaps. Patients’ and healthcare providers’ resistance and skills, lack of support (technical, financial, and infrastructure), and ethical concerns (e.g., privacy) barred DHTs implementation. Arranging organization, providing technical support, employing care coordination strategies, enhancing acceptability, deploying appropriate technology, considering patient needs, and adhering with ethical principles facilitate DHTs implementation.
Conclusions: Digital health technology holds significant promise in improving care for individuals with multimorbidity by enhancing coordination, self-management, and monitoring. Successful implementation requires addressing challenges such as patient resistance and infrastructure limitations through targeted strategies and investments. It is also essential to consider usability, privacy, and trustworthiness when adopting these tools.