bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD163+ macrophages in the triple-negative breast tumor microenvironment are associated with improved survival in the Women’s Circle of Health Study and the Women’s Circle of Health Follow-Up Study
Authors: Omilian Angela R. , Cannioto Rikki , Mendicino Lucas , Stein Leighton , Bshara Wiam , Qin Bo , Bandera Elisa V. , Zeinomar Nur , Abrams Scott I. , Hong Chi-Chen , Yao Song , Khoury Thaer , Ambrosone Christine B. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a prominent immune subpopulation in the tumor microenvironment that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Thus, it is important to characterize this cell population across different tumor subtypes including patterns of association with demographic and prognostic factors, and breast cancer outcomes.

Methods
We investigated CD163+ macrophages in relation to clinicopathologic variables and breast cancer outcomes in the Women’s Circle of Health Study and Women’s Circle of Health Follow-up Study populations of predominantly Black women with breast cancer. We evaluated 611 invasive breast tumor samples (507 from Black women, 104 from White women) with immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarray slides followed by digital image analysis. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) for 546 cases with available survival data (median follow-up time 9.68 years (IQR: 7.43–12.33).

Results
Women with triple-negative breast cancer showed significantly improved OS in relation to increased levels of tumor-infiltrating CD163+ macrophages in age-adjusted (Q3 vs. Q1: HR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.16–0.83) and fully adjusted models (Q3 vs. Q1: HR = 0.30; 95% CI 0.12–0.73). A similar, but non-statistically significant, association was observed for BCSS. Macrophage infiltration in luminal and HER2+ tumors was not associated with OS or BCSS. In a multivariate regression model that adjusted for age, subtype, grade, and tumor size, there was no significant difference in CD163+ macrophage density between Black and White women (RR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.71–1.10).

Conclusions
In contrast to previous studies, we observed that higher densities of CD163+ macrophages are independently associated with improved OS and BCSS in women with invasive triple-negative breast cancer.
Trial registration
Not applicable.
Unfolding the ventral nerve center of chaetognaths
Authors: Ordoñez June F. , Wollesen Tim 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Chaetognaths are a clade of marine worm-like invertebrates with a heavily debated phylogenetic position. Their nervous system superficially resembles the protostome type, however, knowledge regarding the molecular processes involved in neurogenesis is lacking. To better understand these processes, we examined the expression profiles of marker genes involved in bilaterian neurogenesis during post-embryonic stages of Spadella cephaloptera. We also investigated whether the transcription factor encoding genes involved in neural patterning are regionally expressed in a staggered fashion along the mediolateral axis of the nerve cord as it has been previously demonstrated in selected vertebrate, insect, and annelid models.

Methods
The expression patterns of genes involved in neural differentiation (elav), neural patterning (foxA, nkx2.2, pax6, pax3/7, and msx), and neuronal function (ChAT and VAChT) were examined in S. cephaloptera hatchlings and early juveniles using whole-mount fluorescent in situ hybridization and confocal microscopy.

Results
The Sce-elav+ profile of S. cephaloptera hatchlings reveals that, within 24 h of post-embryonic development, the developing neural territories are not limited to the regions previously ascribed to the cerebral ganglion, the ventral nerve center (VNC), and the sensory organs, but also extend to previously unreported CNS domains that likely contribute to the ventral cephalic ganglia. In general, the neural patterning genes are expressed in distinct neural subpopulations of the cerebral ganglion and the VNC in hatchlings, eventually becoming broadly expressed with reduced intensity throughout the CNS in early juveniles. Neural patterning gene expression domains are also present outside the CNS, including the digestive tract and sensory organs. ChAT and VAChT domains within the CNS are predominantly observed in specific subpopulations of the VNC territory adjacent to the ventral longitudinal muscles in hatchlings.

Conclusions
The observed spatial expression domains of bilaterian neural marker gene homologs in S. cephaloptera suggest evolutionarily conserved roles in neurogenesis for these genes among bilaterians. Patterning genes expressed in distinct regions of the VNC do not show a staggered medial-to-lateral expression profile directly superimposable to other bilaterian models. Only when the VNC is conceptually laterally unfolded from the longitudinal muscle into a flat structure, an expression pattern bearing resemblance to the proposed conserved bilaterian mediolateral regionalization becomes noticeable. This finding supports the idea of an ancestral mediolateral patterning of the trunk nervous system in bilaterians.
Comparative profiling of microbial communities and volatile organic compounds in fermented wrapper, binder, and filler cigar tobaccos
Authors: Zhang Mingzhu , Guo Dongfeng , Wang Haiqing , Wu Guanglong , Shi Yaqi , Zhou Jinlong , Zheng Tianfei , Zhao Eryong , Wu Xiaolei , Li Xingjiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Economic benefits for tobacco growers are closely linked to the quality of fermented cigar tobacco leaves (CTLs). This research focused on an in-depth examination of the microbial community and flavor compounds within CTLs, specifically analyzing the wrapper, binder, and filler components of a cigar. The primary objective was to unravel the complex relationship between the microbial composition and the resultant flavor profiles, thereby providing insights that could enhance the economic value of CTLs.

Results
The study revealed distinct variations in flavor chemicals and microbiota across different sections of CTLs. Prominent species identified in the fermented CTLs included Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. Bidirectional orthogonal partial least squares (O2PLS) analysis pinpointed five bacterial and four fungal species as key contributors to flavor compound formation. Additionally, an analysis considering Within-module and Among-module connectivity highlighted two bacterial and thirteen fungal genera as keystone species. The insights from Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) further underscored the influential role of fungal microorganisms in defining CTLs' flavor profile.

Conclusions
The research findings illuminate the intricate interplay between flavor chemicals and microbes in the traditional fermentation process of CTLs.

Graphical Abstract
Testosterone Therapy Does Not Affect Coagulation in Male Hypogonadism: A Longitudinal Study Based on Thrombin Generation
Authors: Lanzi Valeria , Indirli Rita , Tripodi Armando , Clerici Marigrazia , Bonomi Marco , Cangiano Biagio , Petria Iulia , Arosio Maura , Mantovani Giovanna , Ferrante Emanuele 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Context
Testosterone therapy has been variably associated with increased thrombotic risk but investigations of global coagulation in this setting are lacking.

Objective
This work aimed to compare global coagulation of hypogonadal men before (T0) and 6 months after (T1) starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods
An observational prospective cohort study was conducted at 2 tertiary endocrinological ambulatory care centers. Patients included 38 men with hypogonadism (mean age 55 years, SD 13) and 38 age-matched HCs. Thrombin generation assay (TGA) was performed at T0 and T1 in hypogonadal men and in HCs. TGA is an in vitro procedure based on the continuous registration of thrombin generation and decay under conditions mimicking the process that occurs in vivo. The following TGA parameters were recorded: lag time; thrombin-peak concentration; time-to-reach peak, velocity index, and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), the latter representing the total amount of thrombin generated under the driving forces of procoagulants opposed by the anticoagulants. Protein C, antithrombin, factor (F) VIII, and fibrinogen were assessed.

Results
No changes in TGA parameters were observed between T0 and T1. Hypogonadal men displayed significantly higher ETP, fibrinogen, and significantly lower antithrombin levels both at T0 and T1 compared to HCs. Thrombin peak of hypogonadal men was significantly higher than HCs at T0 but not at T1. ETP and antithrombin were correlated with testosterone levels.

Conclusion
Hypogonadal men display a procoagulant imbalance detected by increased thrombin generation. Short-term TRT does not worsen global coagulation, suggesting that the treatment can be safely prescribed to men diagnosed with hypogonadism.
Exome Sequencing Has a High Diagnostic Rate in Sporadic Congenital Hypopituitarism and Reveals Novel Candidate Genes
Authors: Martinez-Mayer Julian , Vishnopolska Sebastian , Perticarari Catalina , Iglesias Garcia Lucia , Hackbartt Martina , Martinez Marcela , Zaiat Jonathan , Jacome-Alvarado Andrea , Braslavsky Debora , Keselman Ana , Bergadá Ignacio , Marino Roxana , Ramírez Pablo , Pérez Garrido Natalia , Ciaccio Marta , Di Palma Maria Isabel , Belgorosky Alicia , Forclaz Maria Veronica , Benzrihen Gabriela , D'Amato Silvia , Cirigliano Maria Lujan , Miras Mirta , Paez Nuñez Alejandra , Castro Laura , Mallea-Gil Maria Susana , Ballarino Carolina , Latorre-Villacorta Laura , Casiello Ana Clara , Hernandez Claudia , Figueroa Veronica , Alonso Guillermo , Morin Analia , Guntsche Zelmira , Lee Hane , Lee Eugene , Song Yongjun , Marti Marcelo Adrian , Perez-Millan Maria Ines 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Context
The pituitary gland is key for childhood growth, puberty, and metabolism. Pituitary dysfunction is associated with a spectrum of phenotypes, from mild to severe. Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is the most commonly reported pediatric endocrine dysfunction, with an incidence of 1:4000, yet low rates of genetic diagnosis have been reported.

Objective
We aimed to unveil the genetic etiology of CH in a large cohort of patients from Argentina.

Methods
We performed whole exome sequencing of 137 unrelated cases of CH, the largest cohort examined with this method to date.

Results
Of the 137 cases, 19.1% and 16% carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in known and new genes, respectively, while 28.2% carried variants of uncertain significance. This high yield was achieved through the integration of broad gene panels (genes described in animal models and/or other disorders), an unbiased candidate gene screen with a new bioinformatics pipeline (including genes with high loss-of-function intolerance), and analysis of copy number variants. Three novel findings emerged. First, the most prevalent affected gene encodes the cell adhesion factor ROBO1. Affected children had a spectrum of phenotypes, consistent with a role beyond pituitary stalk interruption syndrome. Second, we found that CHD7 mutations also produce a phenotypic spectrum, not always associated with full CHARGE syndrome. Third, we add new evidence of pathogenicity in the genes PIBF1 and TBC1D32, and report 13 novel candidate genes associated with CH (eg, PTPN6, ARID5B).

Conclusion
Overall, these results provide an unprecedented insight into the diverse genetic etiology of hypopituitarism.
The National Cancer Database Conforms to the Standardized Framework for Registry and Data Quality
Authors: Palis Bryan E. , Janczewski Lauren M. , Browner Amanda E. , Cotler Joseph , Nogueira Leticia , Richardson Lisa C. , Benard Vicki , Wilson Reda J. , Walker Nadine , McCabe Ryan M. , Boffa Daniel J. , Nelson Heidi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Standardization of procedures for data abstraction by cancer registries is fundamental for cancer surveillance, clinical and policy decision-making, hospital benchmarking, and research efforts. The objective of the current study was to evaluate adherence to the four components (completeness, comparability, timeliness, and validity) defined by Bray and Parkin that determine registries’ ability to carry out these activities to the hospital-based National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods
Tbis study used data from U.S. Cancer Statistics, the official federal cancer statistics and joint effort between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which includes data from National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) to evaluate NCDB completeness between 2016 and 2020. The study evaluated comparability of case identification and coding procedures. It used Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards from 2022 to assess timeliness and validity.

Results
Completeness was demonstrated with a total of 6,828,507 cases identified within the NCDB, representing 73.7% of all cancer cases nationwide. Comparability was followed using standardized and international guidelines on coding and classification procedures. For timeliness, hospital compliance with timely data submission was 92.7%. Validity criteria for re-abstracting, recording, and reliability procedures across hospitals demonstrated 94.2% compliance. Additionally, data validity was shown by a 99.1% compliance with histologic verification standards, a 93.6% assessment of pathologic synoptic reporting, and a 99.1% internal consistency of staff credentials.

Conclusion
The NCDB is characterized by a high level of case completeness and comparability with uniform standards for data collection, and by hospitals with high compliance, timely data submission, and high rates of compliance with validity standards for registry and data quality evaluation.
«Αυτή η ταινία μού ‘τρύπησε την καρδιά’»: Η αξιοποίηση του κινηματογράφου στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση
Authors: Μάγος Κώστας , Χανιωτάκης Νίκος 
Published: May 2024

Οι κινηματογραφικές ταινίες μπορεί να αποτελέσουν ένα αποτελεσματικό εργαλείο για τους εκπαιδευτικούς, καθώς μπορούν να υποστηρίξουν την διδασκαλία πολλών και διαφορετικών γνωστικών αντικειμένων του αναλυτικού προγράμματος. Συγχρόνως, η προβολή ταινιών δημιουργεί ένα ευχάριστο περιβάλλον για την εξέλιξη της διδακτικής διαδικασίας και της επικοινωνίας μεταξύ εκπαιδευτικών και μαθητών. Στο ίδιο πλαίσιο μπορεί να λειτουργήσει η προβολή ταινιών και στην εκπαίδευση των υποψήφιων εκπαιδευτικών. Ιδιαίτερα η αξιοποίηση ταινιών οι οποίες αφορούν σε εκπαιδευτικά ζητήματα μπορεί να βοηθήσει τους υποψήφιους εκπαιδευτικούς να γνωρίσουν και να στοχασθούν σχετικά με διαφορετικές διαστάσεις της εκπαίδευσης. Το παρόν άρθρο περιγράφει την επίδραση που είχε σε υποψήφιους εκπαιδευτικούς η προβολή της ιρανικής ταινίας «Τα παιδιά του παραδείσου» στο πλαίσιο του μαθήματος «Η εκπαίδευση στον κινηματογράφο», το οποίο διδάσκεται σε δύο παιδαγωγικάτμήματα του Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλίας.
Πρόσφυγες ή μετανάστες; Αναπαραστάσεις των προσφυγικών ροών από τους μελλοντικούς εκπαιδευτικούς
Authors: Γκότοβου Αναστασία 
Published: May 2024

Flows of refugee populations into a country usually create a de facto religious, ethnic, linguistic or cultural diversity which eventually has its impact on the host country’s educational system. Objectively existing heterogeneity does not mean, however, that the host country population automatically adopts a positive attitude towards this change and that it endorses without reservations or reactions the official narrative of the value and usefulness of a multicultural society. The positive attitudes of political formations, scientific unions, intellectuals, artists and other influential authorities in the public sphere may contribute to the development of a climate of acceptance of the "other", but the course of the narrative of multiculturalism from its exponents to the wider social body should not be considered linear. Of particular interest are the perceptions of future teachers about the motives behind the refugee flows to the host country. This paper presents and discusses some of the results of an empirical study on a sample of 297 students of educational faculties / future teachers on the motivations of refugees to cross the borders. The central question this article attempts to answer is (a) whether the new generation of teachers sees behind the refugee flows individuals who move because they are in danger (refugees) or persons who attempt to improve their economic life conditions (migrants), and (b) whether this perception has an impact on the degree of endorsing multiculturalism on their part as a positive social model.
M. Słupczewski, Wnioskowanie per analogiam w prawie podatkowym, Wolters Kluwer, Warszawa 2022, ISBN 978-83-8328-722-5, s. 335
Authors: Brzeziński Bogumił 
Published: May 2024

Książka Marka Słupczewskiego Wnioskowanie per analogiam w prawie podatkowym jest interesującą i wartościową zarazem próbą naukowej analizy jednej z metod wykładni prawa, tj. wykładni per analogiam. Autor w swojej książce przedstawia zarówno ogólne założenia oraz ideologię wykładni prawa per analogiam, jak i specyfikę analogii przy rozwiązywaniu dylematów interpretacyjnych na gruncie prawa podatkowego. Jest to pierwsza w polskiej literaturę podatkowoprawnej monografia poświęcona tej problematyce.
Estimating Markov Chain Mixing Times: Convergence Rate Towards Equilibrium of a Stochastic Process Traffic Assignment Model
Authors: Iryo Takamasa , Watling David , Hazelton Martin 
Published: May 2024

Network equilibrium models have been extensively used for decades. The rationale for using equilibrium as a predictor is essentially that (i) a unique and globally stable equilibrium point is guaranteed to exist and (ii) the transient period over which a system adapts to a change is sufficiently short in time that it can be neglected. However, we find transport problems without a unique and stable equilibrium in the literature. Even if it exists, it is not certain how long it takes for the system to reach an equilibrium point after an external shock onto the transport system, such as infrastructure improvement and damage by a disaster. The day-to-day adjustment process must be analysed to answer these questions. Among several models, the Markov chain approach has been claimed to be the most general and flexible. It is also advantageous as a unique stationary distribution is guaranteed in mild conditions, even when a unique and stable equilibrium does not exist. In the present paper, we first aim to develop a methodology for estimating the Markov chain mixing time (MCMT), a worst-case assessment of the convergence time of a Markov chain to its stationary distribution. The main tools are coupling and aggregation, which enable us to analyse MCMTs in large-scale transport systems. Our second aim is to conduct a preliminary examination of the relationships between MCMTs and critical properties of the system, such as travellers’ sensitivity to differences in travel cost and the frequency of travellers’ revisions of their choices. Through analytical and numerical analyses, we found key relationships in a few transport problems, including those without a unique and stable equilibrium. We also showed that the proposed method, combined with coupling and aggregation, can be applied to larger transport models. History: This paper has been accepted for the Transportation Science Special Issue on the 25th International Symposium on Transportation and Traffic Theory. Funding: This study was financially supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [Grant-in-Aid 20H00265]. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2024.0523 .
AUTOLOGOUS MATRIX-INDUCED CHONDROGENESIS (AMIC)-AIDED RECONSTRUCTION OF OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS OF THE TALUS: FIVE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP
Authors: Wiewiorski M. , Barg A. , Valderrabano V. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionAutologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) for surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT) has shown excellent clinical and radiological results at short term follow up two years after surgery. However, no mid-term follow up data is available.Aim1. To evaluate the clinical outcome after AMIC-aided reconstruction of osteochondral lesions of the talus at a minimum follow up time of five years. 2. To evaluate the morphology and quality of the regenerated cartilage by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at on at a minimum follow up time of five years.MethodsSeventeen patients prospectively underwent surgery receiving a AMIC-aided repair of OCLT consisting of debridement, autologous grafting, and sealing of the defect with a collagen scaffold (Chondro-Gide, Geistlich Surgery, Wolhusen, Switzerland). Clinical and radiological assessment was performed before and after a minimum of 60 months after surgery (average 78 months, range, 60–120). Clinical examination included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Radiological imaging consisted of MRI. The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score was applied.ResultsThe AOFAS ankle score improved significantly from a mean of 60 points preoperatively (range, 17–79) to 91 points (range, 70–100) postoperatively (p< 0.01). The preoperative pain score averaged a VAS of 5 (range, 2–8), improving to an average of 1.1 (range 0–8) (p< 0.01). The MOCART score for cartilage repair tissue on postoperative MRI averaged 71 points (range, 50–90).ConclusionThe AMIC-procedure is safe for the treatment of OCLT with overall good clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results at five years follow up.
BIOPATCH GRAFTING OF LARGE OR RECALCATRANT OSTEOCHONDRAL DEFECTS OF THE TALUS
Authors: Cruickshank J. , Eyre J. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionLarge osteochondral defects (OCD) of the talus present a difficult management conundrum. We present a series of Maioregen xenograft patches applied through an open approach, early lessons from the technique and good early outcomes, in patients who are otherwise looking at ankle salvage techniques.Results16 patients underwent open patch procedures, performed by a single surgeon, over a 30 month period. 12 males, and 4 females with age at presentation from 21–48. The majority were young, male, in physical employment with active sporting interest. MoxFQ, and E5QD were collected preop, 3, 6, 12 month postoperatively. There were significant improvements in ROM, pain, and scores in the cohort. 3 cases returned to Theatre, 1 for a concern about late infection, which settled with good outcome, and a further 2 with metalwork / adhesions.ConclusionEarly results suggest that this patch technique may be useful in prolonging the longevity of the TTJ, where micro fracture has failed, or the lesion is so large that it would likely be futile. Patients rescoped demonstrated good integration of the patch material, with stability and functional improvement. There may be a place for this technique in the management of large lesions, particularly in young patients where preservation is desired over joint salvage.