bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of the thiotepa–busulfan conditioning regimen as for autologous stem cell transplantation in relapsed/refractory systemic diffuse large B cell lymphoma: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Io Katsuhiro , Nagai Kenichi , Kakihara Bunta , Izumi Kiyotaka , Kitagawa Tomoya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard treatment for relapsed diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The BEAM regimen is widely used, but the MEAM regimen is more common in Japan due to the unavailability of carmustine. This retrospective analysis evaluated the efficacy of the thiotepa and busulfan (TT/BU) regimen compared with other regimens in 27 patients with systemic DLBCL who underwent ASCT at our institution from December 2013 to March 2022. Fourteen patients received the TT/BU regimen, while 13 received alternative regimens. The TT/BU regimen demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to other regimens, with a 3 year PFS of 84.4% and OS of 91.7%. The TT/BU group also had fewer severe adverse events, particularly regarding renal function. Our findings suggest that the TT/BU regimen is a well-tolerated and effective alternative for relapsed/refractory DLBCL and provide valuable insights for future treatment strategies.
Numerical technique based on Bernstein polynomials approach for solving auto-convolution VIEs and the initial value problem of auto-convolution VIDEs
Authors: Aourir E. , Dastjerdi H. Laeli , Oudani M. , Shah Kamal , Abdeljawad Thabet 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study introduces a computational technique aimed at solving the auto-convolution Volterra integral equation (AVIE) and the auto-convolution Volterra integro-differential equation (AVIDE). In this approach, we use the Bernstein approximation method to estimate solutions for these equations. By leveraging the characteristics of Bernstein polynomials, we simplify the problem, transforming these equations into a manageable system of algebraic equations. We provide a detailed description of the approach, and then its practicality for the suggested equations is presented. The suggested algorithm is computationally efficient, has greater stability, is straightforward to implement on computers, and demands less computer memory. This approach first converts these equations into a class of integral equations and then uses the proposed approach to estimate the solution. Some theorems have been proposed to demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of the suggested approach. In addition, an estimate of the error bound for this approach is provided. A comparison of this technique with previously known methods is examined. Finally, representative numerical tests are reported to demonstrate the precision and efficiency of the proposed solving method.
Identification of T cell dysfunction molecular subtypes and exploration of potential immunotherapy targets in BRAF V600E-mutant colorectal cancer
Authors: Gu Tiefeng , Qi Haonan , Wang Jiaqi , Sun Liangwei , Su Yongqi , Hu Hanqing 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Immunotherapy is an effective treatment for BRAF V600E-mutant colorectal cancer, but currently, only a few benefit from it. Therefore, exploring new immunotherapy strategies is essential.

Methods
We obtained RNA sequencing data and clinical information of colorectal cancer patients from the TCGA and GEO databases. The impact of the BRAF V600E mutation on tumor microenvironment characteristics, gene expression, and signaling pathways was evaluated using bioinformatics approaches. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify core genes associated with T cell dysfunction. Consensus clustering was applied for subtype construction. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms were employed to filter potential immunotherapy targets.

Results
We found that BRAF V600E mutation has a complex impact on the immune profile of colorectal cancer. It increases immune cell infiltration and activates immune-related signaling pathways, yet it also severely restricts T cell function. We subsequently identified 39 core genes associated with T cell dysfunction and constructed subtypes of BRAF V600E colorectal cancer based on their expression profiles. Significant heterogeneity was observed between these subtypes in immune signaling pathway activity, immune infiltration patterns, immune phenotype scores, and mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy. Ultimately, using machine learning algorithms and bioinformatics validation, we identified IDO1 as a potential immunotherapy targets for BRAF V600E-mutant colorectal cancer.

Conclusion
This study constructed novel T cell dysfunction molecular subtypes for BRAF V600E-mutant colorectal cancer and identified IDO1 as a potential immunotherapy target, providing a new strategy for immunotherapy.
A critique of the needs-based funding model in public schools: principals and their experiences of funding
Authors: Rowe Emma E. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Australia’s approach to school funding has long been underwritten by ‘the concept of need’, both as an empirical measure and theoretical concept, evident in major government reviews of funding, instrumentalised in central agreements, and it continues to be a core component of Australia’s funding policy architecture. Taking this as its central focus, this paper critiques Australia’s ‘needs-based’ school funding model, drawing on survey data and interviews with principals from public schools in Australia, to examine principals’ day-to-day experiences of ‘needs-based funding’, arguing that systemic under-funding marginalises public schools and their leaders. Amidst a national teacher shortage and the high cost of emergency relief teachers, the principals did not describe public school funding as needs-based, responsive to context, or flexible. In contrast, the majority of interviewed principals experienced funding as punitive, extractive and disempowering. Principals reported challenges in funding student wellbeing programs and school infrastructure. However, I suggest that the interviewed principals simultaneously engaged in forms of resistance to crisis narratives of public schools that tend to buttress systemic under-funding, emphasising that the budgetary challenges they experienced increased their school’s aptitude and resilience.
Relationship between dietary consumption of live microbes with mortality in adults with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Han Jianxin , Zhang Huan , Li Xinchun , Tang Yumei , Du Yunfei , Zhang Haiyan , Liao Dan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The connection between gut dysbiosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized, but, the effect of dietary intake of live microbes on the prognosis of CKD is still unclear. This analysis examined the relationship of dietary live microbe intake with mortality among adults with CKD.

Methods
For this study, information was gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018, which included 8725 adult participants with CKD. MedHi refers to the live microbial content of food beyond 104 CFU/g. To elucidate the link between MedHi dietary live microbe intake and mortality from all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD), we implemented a weighted multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results
In contrast to survivors, non-survivors had a lower intake of dietary live microbes. The findings from the multivariable model indicated a negative and linear relationship between an increment of 100 g in MedHi foods and reduced mortality from all-causes and CVD. Likewise, participants in the highest MedHi food group exhibited a 20% and 26% decreased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively, compared to those in the lowest MedHi food group. Stratified analyses conducted on various subgroups yielded consistent findings.

Conclusion
A significant inverse linear relationship was found between high dietary live microbe consumption and reduced all-cause and CVD mortality.

Graphical abstract
A Decision-Theoretic Approach to Model Choice
Authors: Karhunen Markku 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Model choice algorithms are usually compared based on their accuracy, i.e. ability to find true models. However, conservative algorithms (such as BIC minimisation) are accurate when no true effects exist, while more liberal algorithms (such as Lasso) are accurate when there are plenty of true effects. There is ambiguity, then, regarding the correct algorithm. The purpose of this paper is to show how expected utility maximisation and Monte Carlo simulations can be used to compare model choice algorithms. Two loss functions are derived from the expected utility function of the researcher. Both loss functions turn out to be linear combinations of specificity and one or two kinds of sensitivity which are discussed in this paper. Subsequently, this paper experiments with four parametrisations of these loss functions, and then uses these parametrised versions to compare nine algorithms within the contexts of both logistic and Gaussian regression. The results demonstrate that researchers who avoid false positives should either use BIC or BICc for model choice or report nothing at all. AIC does not seem to be the optimal method for the range of parameters covered in this study.
Evaluation of United Kingdom (UK)—Windsor Framework and Comparison Against European Union (EU) Regulations for Medicines Regulation
Authors: Ankitha R. B. , Dewan Shailee , Fernandes Francis , Verma Sharad , Bhat Gowri M. , Muragundi Pradeep M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The United Kingdom (UK)’s regulatory profile is changing following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU). As a consequence, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) became more independent. Since then, numerous attempts have been made to ease the separation of the UK from the European Union, focusing mainly on Northern Ireland (NI), which is part of the UK but shares a land border with the EU. The Windsor Framework facilitates the relationship between the EU and the UK, including the role of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and MHRA in NI. The review throws light on the implementation of the Windsor Framework detailing the key aspects, and the pre- and post-implementation changes in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The Framework is useful for industries such as pharmaceuticals where regulatory approval and an uninterrupted supply chain are critical. Evaluating the Framework illuminate’s areas for improvement, threats, and scope for cooperation between the UK and EU authorities. The review details efficiency, costs, and market accessibility of medicines, to give a better representation of the regulatory position in NI. The study reveals the pros and cons of the Framework, to assist stakeholder evaluation of Marketing Authorisation Holders (MAHs) that have registered both in UK and EU markets.
Development of an Early Years Outcomes Framework and Implementation Plan Using Integrated Knowledge Translation
Authors: O’Connor Amanda , Cunningham Helen , White Sue , Melder Angela , Savaglio Melissa , Skouteris Helen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Tracking, measuring, and reporting outcomes fosters improvement and adoption of best practices. It enables identification of what is and is not working and can contribute towards greater effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery and engagement of programs and interventions. The early years of a child’s life significantly influence life-long health and wellbeing, learning and behaviour outcomes. Due to the complexity of parenting during the early years of a child’s life many parents and caregivers seek support and guidance to improve their parenting knowledge and confidence. In Victoria, Australia, Early Parenting Centres support families with their parenting practices through a range of programs. Evidence of the impact of Early Parenting Centres programs has been limited with minimal data collected focusing on the outcomes of Early Parenting Centres program involvement and delivery. To gain a detailed understanding of the impact of Early Parenting Centres programs the development of a Victorian Early Parenting Centres Outcomes Framework was commissioned. This paper provides a methodological roadmap for Outcomes Framework and Implementation Plan development which is underpinned by co-creating Knowledge Translation Framework and Integrated Knowledge Translation and exchange approaches. Steps one to three of the co-creating Knowledge Translation Framework were utilised and resulted in the development of an Outcomes Framework and Implementation Plan for the Victorian Early Parenting Centres sector. Additionally, this blueprint of outcomes framework development addresses a significant gap in the literature—the lack of guidance, research, and clarity in developing an Outcomes Framework for Early Parenting Centres.
The design and construction of an efficient modular zero-energy solar house—a case study of solar decathlon China project “24+35 Housing Home”
Authors: Li Guopeng , Jiao Feipeng , Liu Jiyuan , Zhao Xiangyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper, taking Solar Decathlon China competition project “24 + 35 Housing Home” designed and constructed by Dalian University of Technology as an example, systematically summarizes the design concepts implemented throughout the entire process of the project’s design, production, transportation, and construction, focusing on human habitability, efficient prefabrication, sustainability in energy, and intelligent connectivity. The project is closely aligned with practical situations, with an emphasis on issues of human habitation health in the design of architectural spaces and the configuration of residential equipment. It explores an efficient modular system that merges long-distance transportation with rapid assembly, while also optimizing the design of sustainable energy systems in conjunction with climates and environments. Simultaneously, it integrates smart connectivity technologies, aiming to explore the possibilities of future human habitats. This paper intends to consolidate the strengths and advantages of the competition project and offers insights for expediting the construction of zero-energy solar houses.
Staphylococcus aureus susceptibilities from wounds of patients who use illicit fentanyl
Authors: Dickinson Drew T. , Saw Stephen , Dutcher Lauren , Maguire Christina , Terico Adrienne , Lowenstein Margaret , Patel Sonal 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective:
Develop a Staphylococcus aureus wound antibiogram among patients who use fentanyl (PWUF) presenting with acute S. aureus skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Design:
Retrospective, multisite cohort study.

Patients and Setting:
Individuals presenting to emergency departments or admitted to inpatient units of four Penn Medicine hospitals with an acute S. aureus SSTI and illicit fentanyl use within the previous year.

Methods:
We described susceptibilities of S. aureus isolated from wound cultures among the PWUF cohort and compared these to the health system’s wound antibiogram. We compared frequency of in-hospital medication treatment for opioid use disorder among patients who left the hospital prior to vs after the availability of S. aureus susceptibilities.

Results:
Among 131 S. aureus isolates from 131 PWUF, 35/131 (26.7%) were susceptible to oxacillin, 73/121 (60.3%) were susceptible to clindamycin, 77/122 (63.1%) were susceptible to tetracycline, and 119/126 (94.4%) were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. PWUF displayed significantly reduced susceptibility to oxacillin and tetracycline compared to the health system’s outpatient wound S. aureus antibiogram. Compared to patients discharged prior to susceptibility availability, more patients discharged after the reporting of susceptibilities were administered buprenorphine or methadone in the hospital (82.0% vs 51.4%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
High nonsusceptibility to clindamycin and tetracycline suggests these agents should not be prescribed as empiric therapy for acute S. aureus SSTI in PWUF in Philadelphia. PWUF would benefit from joint management by infectious diseases and addiction medicine experts to ensure prescription of active therapy. Additional study is needed of PWUF in other regions.
Standardization in the management of gram-negative bloodstream infections after implementation of a clinical care guideline at a large academic, safety-net institution: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Deaney Michael A. , Shihadeh Katherine C. , Craig Alexandra , Cooper Margaret M. , Paratore Paul D. , Jenkins Timothy C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective:
To evaluate the impact of implementing a clinical care guideline for uncomplicated gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSI) within a health system.

Design:
Retrospective, quasi-experimental study.

Setting:
A large academic safety-net institution.

Participants:
Adults (≥18 years) with GN-BSI, defined by at least one positive blood culture for specific gram-negative organisms. Patients with polymicrobial cultures or contaminants were excluded.

Interventions:
Implementation of a GN-BSI clinical care guideline based on a 2021 consensus statement, emphasizing 7-day antibiotic courses, use of highly bioavailable oral antibiotics, and minimizing repeat blood cultures.

Results:
The study included 147 patients pre-intervention and 169 post-intervention. Interrupted time series analysis showed a reduction in the median duration of therapy (–2.3 days, P = .0016), with a sustained decline (slope change –0.2103, P = .005) post-intervention. More patients received 7 days of therapy (12.9%–58%, P < .01), oral antibiotic transitions increased (57.8% vs 72.2%, P < .05), and guideline-concordant oral antibiotic selection was high. Repeat blood cultures decreased (50.3% vs 30.2%, P < .01) without an increase in recurrent bacteremia. No significant differences were observed in 90-day length of stay, rehospitalization, recurrence, or mortality.

Conclusions:
Guideline implementation was associated with shorter antibiotic therapy durations, increased use of guideline-concordant oral antibiotics, and fewer repeat blood cultures without compromising patient outcomes. These findings support the effectiveness of institutional guidelines in standardizing care, optimizing resource utilization, and promoting evidence-based practices in infectious disease management.
Edge Statistics for Lozenge Tilings of Polygons, II: Airy Line Ensemble
Authors: Aggarwal Amol , Huang Jiaoyang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We consider uniformly random lozenge tilings of simply connected polygons subject to a technical assumption on their limit shape. We show that the edge statistics around any point on the arctic boundary, that is not a cusp or tangency location, converge to the Airy line ensemble. Our proof proceeds by locally comparing these edge statistics with those for a random tiling of a hexagon, which are well understood. To realize this comparison, we require a nearly optimal concentration estimate for the tiling height function, which we establish by exhibiting a certain Markov chain on the set of all tilings that preserves such concentration estimates under its dynamics.
Do Political Leaders Understand Public Opinion Better than Backbenchers?
Authors: Walgrave Stefaan , Sevenans Julie , Varone Frédéric , Sheffer Lior , Breunig Christian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
How elected representatives think about public opinion affects the degree to which policies are congruent with the public’s policy preferences. This is especially true for politicians occupying leadership positions, their perceptions matter even more. Extant work concluded that politicians in general do not exhibit a high perceptual accuracy, but direct evidence of the relative accuracy of leaders’ perceptions of public opinion is missing. Drawing on surveys among politicians and citizens in four countries, this study examines the accuracy of the public opinion perceptions of leaders and backbenchers. Irrespective of how leadership is defined and operationalized – executive or party leadership, formal or informal leadership, current or past leadership – we find low perceptual accuracy levels among leading politicians. Compared to backbenchers, and although politicians themselves consider leaders to have a special nose for public opinion, leading politicians do not possess a special public opinion rating skill.
Dysfunction in the hierarchy of morphometric similarity network in Alzheimer’s disease and its correlation with cognitive performance and gene expression profiles
Authors: Zheng Chuchu , Zhao Wei , Yang Zeyu , Guo Shuixia ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Previous research has shown abnormal functional network gradients in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Structural network gradient is capable of capturing continuous changes in brain morphology and has the ability to elucidate the underlying processes of neurodevelopment. However, it remains unclear whether structural network gradients are altered in AD and what associations exist between these changes and cognitive function, and gene expression profiles.

Methods
By constructing an individualized structural network gradient decomposition framework, we calculated the morphological similarity network (MSN) gradients for 404 subjects (186 AD patients and 218 normal controls). We investigated AD-related alterations in MSN gradients, along with the associations between MSN gradients and cognitive function, MSN topological properties, and gene expression profiles.

Results
Our findings indicated that the principal MSN gradient alterations in AD were primarily characterized by an increase in the primary and secondary sensory cortices and a decrease in the association cortex 1. The primary and higher-order cortices exhibited opposite associations with cognition, including executive function, language skills, and memory processes. Moreover, the principal MSN gradients were found to significantly predict cognitive function in AD. The altered gradient pattern was 14.8% attributable to gene expression profiles, and the genes demonstrating the highest correlation are involved in metabolic activity and synaptic signaling.

Conclusions
Our results offered novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of structural brain network impairment in AD patients, enhancing our understanding of the neurobiological processes responsible for impaired cognition in patients with AD, and offering a new dimensional structural biomarker for AD.
The role of multiword sequences in fluent speech
Authors: Takizawa Kotaro , Suzuki Shungo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study explored how second language (L2) speakers’ use of multiword sequences in speech predicted perceived fluency ratings while controlling for their utterance fluency. A total of 102 Japanese speakers of English delivered an argumentative speech, which was analyzed for bigram and trigram measures (frequency, proportion, and mutual information) and utterance fluency measures capturing three subdimensions: speed, breakdown, and repair fluency (Tavakoli & Skehan, 2005). Perceived fluency was assessed by 10 experienced L2 raters. Mixed-effects regression analyses revealed that after establishing the parsimonious model solely by UF predictors (marginal R2 = .61), a frequency-based n-gram predictor––bigram proportion––slightly but significantly explained the remaining variance of fluency rating scores (0.8%). The results indicated that multiword sequences in speech had a small but systematic impact on perceived fluency, even controlling for the effects of utterance fluency. This finding contributes to the discussion concerning the role of multiword sequences in fluent speech production.