bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study of the fatty liver index in the Taiwanese population reveals shared and population-specific genetic risk factors across ethnicities
Authors: Lau Pei Pei , Wei Chun-Yu , Lin Min-Rou , Chou Wan-Hsuan , Wan Yu-Jui Yvonne , Chang Wei-Chiao 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and objectives
Although the incidence of fatty liver disease (FLD) is increasing worldwide, the genetic basis of this disease is not fully understood. This study uses the fatty liver index (FLI) to identify and compare genetic variants associated with FLD in Taiwanese and European populations.

Results
In this study, a total of 145,356 Taiwan Biobank participants were included in the discovery analysis. Subjects with elevated FLI were found to have a significantly greater risk of developing FLD, as confirmed by imaging data (OR: 4.43; 95% CI: 3.88–5.06). Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we identified 6 variants previously associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and validated 50 shared risk variants located in ZPR1 and FTO between the Taiwanese and European populations. Conditional analysis of 423 significant variants from FLI-defined FLD further revealed 16 independent variants within 14 genes. Pathway analysis of GWAS significant genes revealed that lipid metabolism and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway are causes of hepatic fat accumulation.

Conclusion
This study identified six independent NAFLD-associated variants in GCKR, LPL, TRIB1AL, and FTO and emphasized ZPR1 and FTO as shared risk genes for FLI-defined FLD in both Taiwanese and European populations. These findings support the utility of the FLI for FLD prediction, provide new genetic insights, and reveal the common genetic pathways of FLD across two ethnic groups. This research offers a valuable framework for advancing personalized medicine and therapeutic strategies for FLD.
Key sector identification of Nepal: an integrated approach with linkage and hypothetical extraction method
Authors: Bhusal Lila Ballav 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study presents the first comprehensive key sector analysis for Nepal, using an integrated approach of linkage analysis and hypothetical extraction method with the 2022 input–output table. The empirical analysis identifies three strategically crucial sectors. Agriculture emerges as the economy’s foundation, demonstrating the highest impact on both output and value-added generation, reflecting its fundamental role in employment and GDP contribution. Wholesale Trade exhibits balanced demand–supply effects through market integration, while Financial Intermediation shows strong supply-side influence through credit intermediation services. Moreover, Construction and the Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply sectors play vital supporting roles, enhancing infrastructure development and leveraging extensive hydropower resources to boost growth potential. The analysis reveals interesting disparities between output and income generation across sectors, particularly in the Food, Beverages, and Tobacco sector. These empirical findings align with and provide evidence-based support for recent government initiatives. While acknowledging methodological limitations regarding employment and environmental data, this research establishes an evidence-based framework for strategic sector prioritization and offers policy recommendations for sustainable economic development.
Genetic determinants of skin ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies and candidate genes
Authors: Wong Chloe , Ng Jun Yan , Sio Yang Yie , Chew Fook Tim 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Skin ageing is influenced by complex genetic factors. Various phenotypes such as wrinkling, pigmentation changes, and skin cancers have been linked to specific genetic loci. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms and pathways remain poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise the genetic loci found to be associated with skin ageing phenotypes by published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene studies. We also evaluated the overall association of loci via meta-analysis and identified the association patterns to explore potential biological pathways contributing to skin ageing. The Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched on January 2024 using specific exclusion criteria (e.g., study of non-human subjects, focus on skin diseases, or treatments) to identify relevant articles. There did not appear to be any significant publication bias observed across the all phenotypes.

Main body
A total of 48 studies were included, revealing 30 loci that were confirmed to be associated with skin ageing by multiple studies (e.g., AFG3L1P: odds ratio 1.133 95% confidence interval [1.044, 1.222]; BPIFA3: 1.859 [1.567, 2.151]; CLPTML1: 1.164 [1.0.99, 1.229]; CPNE7: 0.905 [0.852–0.958]; DEF8: 1.186 [1.042, 1.331]; IRF4: 1.260 [1.025, 1.495]; MYO16: 2.303 [1.697, 2.908]; PRDM16: 1.105 [1.084, 1.127]; RORA: 1.391 [1.206, 1.577]; SPG7: 0.922 [0.897, 0.947]; SPON1: 2.214 [1.204, 3.225]; SPTLC1: 1.464 [1.432, 1.495]; TYR: 1.175 [1.007, 1.343]). The lack of significance for many loci may be due to studies analysing different SNPs within the same locus, weakening the overall associations. Several loci were associated with specific phenotypic categories (e.g., skin colour related, skin cancer related, wrinkling and sagging related), suggesting shared biological pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of different skin ageing phenotypes. This pattern was also observed in several of the loci that do not have a significant overall association with skin ageing.

Conclusion
Despite significant heterogeneity among the included studies and the use of subjective visual methods for phenotype assessment, our review highlights the critical role of fundamental biological processes, such as development and cellular organisation, in skin ageing. Future research that targets the same SNP across multiple populations could strengthen the association of additional loci with skin ageing. Further investigation into these underlying biological processes would significantly advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of skin ageing phenotypes.
Global progress, challenges and strategies in eliminating public threat of viral hepatitis
Authors: Zhang Sihui , Cui Fuqiang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The problem caused by viral hepatitis is a major public health challenge faced in the past decade, and the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 is still far away. With the use of hepatitis B vaccine and the launch of new drugs, there are more means to control viral hepatitis and more technologies to prevent, diagnose and treat it. While improving the coverage of vaccine use, drugs for treating hepatitis B are not only becoming more effective, but also decreasing in price. The objective of this article was to explore the urgent issues that need to be addressed in global viral hepatitis with the increasing availability of vaccines and antiviral drugs.

Main text
The updated World Health Organization guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment for people with chronic hepatitis B infection (2024 edition) and Chinese guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (version 2022) simplify clinical algorithms for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of hepatitis B, expand treatment eligibility criteria, and provide alternative treatment options, which will cover a higher proportion of all hepatitis B surface antigen positive populations. These actions promote the global goal of eliminating the public health hazards of viral hepatitis by 2030. Among the countries that have made remarkable progress in eliminating viral hepatitis policies, the key strategy is to simplify the diagnosis and treatment plan. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has identified 38 priority countries for viral hepatitis. Expand access to viral hepatitis services in these countries.

Conclusions
Regions and countries with the high burden of viral hepatitis still need to take urgent action regarding the new measures proposed by the WHO to achieve the 2030 targets. First, countries must establish a complete public health system aligned with the World Health Organization’s strategy. Second, provide effective, people-oriented services and public prevention strategies. Third, prioritize the implementation of health strategies in the 38 identified priority countries. Finally, use complete and measurable data to monitor progress.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring shape diversity and sexual dimorphism in two populations of Nigma conducens through geometric morphometrics
Authors: El-masry Safa M. , Ismail Tarek G. , Mustafa Asmaa N. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Spiders are highly adaptable hunters found in nearly all terrestrial ecosystems and play an important role in biological control by preying on pest insects. Spiders’ body size and shape are vital for their survival, particularly in prey capture, and these morphological features are often utilized in cladistic analyses. This study employed geometric morphometrics to investigate prosoma shape and size variations between two populations of Nigma conducens spiders and between sexes within each population. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explored shape variation, while Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) compared shape differences between populations and sexes. Multivariate regression analysis was used to check for allometry.

Results
MANOVA results revealed significant shape variations in spider prosoma between the two populations and between sexes, though the degree of these differences was small. The considerable overlap in individual shapes between populations may indicate a response to microhabitat similarity. Additionally, sexual dimorphism was observed in the prosoma shape of N. conducens, likely due to sexual selection or adaptive divergence related to different microhabitats. Size differences between sexes were insignificant in either population, particularly in the first, suggesting that prosoma size does not contribute to reproductive success. Moreover, the non-allometric relationship indicated that shape variations between the populations were independent of size.

Conclusion
Overall, these findings highlight the complexity of morphological adaptations in N. conducens in response to ecological pressures and sexual selection.
Multitasking: does task-switching add to the effect of dual-tasking on everyday-like driving behavior?
Authors: Asuako Piesie A. G. , Stojan Robert , Bock Otmar , Mack Melanie , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
It is well established that performing multiple tasks simultaneously (dual-tasking) or sequentially (task-switching) degrades performance on one or both tasks. However, it is unknown whether task-switching adds to the effects of dual-tasking in a single setup. We investigated this in a simulated everyday-like car driving scenario. We expected an additive effect of task-switching on dual-tasking, leading to a stronger deterioration of driving performance due to the increased cognitive load required to handle multiple task-sets. Forty-five young adults aged 18 to 30 years (age: 23.62 ± 2.51, 28 females) were instructed to follow a lead car driving at a constant speed of 70 km/h through a rural landscape while concurrently performing additional tasks. The additional tasks were typing and arguing, in response to stimuli presented visually or auditorily. The tasks were presented either in separate blocks or in intermixed order (conditions: repetitive vs. switching). Driving performance was assessed by use of the average velocity and the standard deviation of lateral position, and performance in the additional tasks was assessed by reaction time. Linear-mixed effect models revealed better performance in the repetitive, compared to the switch condition only for the standard deviation of the lateral lane position while performing the additional typing task. This provides limited evidence for the view that task-switching adds to the challenges of dual-tasking. We therefore posit that already dual-tasking alone involves processing demands that are not substantially increased by adding switching demands.
Instruments for assessing patient-reported experience measures among patients with diabetes mellitus: a scoping review
Authors: Tint Soe Sandi , Oo Myo Zin , Buawangpong Nida , Jiraporncharoen Wichuda , Wiwatkunupakarn Nutchar , Rerkasem Kittipan , Kulprachakarn Kanokwan , Chuljerm Hataichanok , O’Brien Timothy E. , Mathur Rohini , Angkurawaranon Chaisiri 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) management is increasingly focusing on patient-centered care, making patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) critical for understanding the subjective aspects of diabetes treatment and self-management. These measures differ based on cultural contexts and individual perspectives, leading different countries to the development of country-specific tools to assess care quality from the patient’s viewpoint. This review aimed to identify available instruments for assessing patient-reported experiences in individuals with diabetes and examine the different domains, items, and the validity and reliability of these instruments.

Methods
Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched for English-language articles without year limitations. This scoping review focused on PREMs that evaluate the quality of diabetes care among adolescent and adult patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. Studies that used patient expectation questionnaires, involved individuals not receiving care, or focused on patient-reported outcomes rather than experiences were excluded.

Results
Eight articles from six countries representing different healthcare settings were included, mostly from developed countries. A variety of methodologies were used to develop these PREM instruments, with unique domains and items. Content analysis revealed five commonly measured domains: (1) care planning, (2) patient education, (3) professionalism, (4) quality of care, and (5) hospital care and transition, reflecting diverse patient experiences across healthcare services.

Conclusions
This scoping review identifies a limited number of tools for evaluating PREMs in diabetes care, highlighting variability in their development and domain coverage. Five core domains are proposed across different settings, with an emphasis on culturally adapted measures to enhance the accuracy of patient experience capture in diverse populations.
Role of stem cells on motor function recovery in stroke patients: systematic review
Authors: Raghuwanshi Babita , Thanneeru Suresh K. , Chanchalani Roshan , Raj Sumit , Chouksey Pradeep , Yunus Md , Agrawal Amit 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The effectiveness of stem cell (SC) therapy for motor recovery in stroke patients remains debated within the scientific community.

Aim/Objective
This study aims to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the therapeutic potential of SC administration for motor recovery in stroke.

Methods
A thorough search was performed on major electronic databases—PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane—until August 15, 2023. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure methodological rigor and relevance.

Results
The initial search identified a substantial number of studies. After applying the selection criteria, a final set of eligible studies was reviewed. The extracted data covered various outcome measures related to motor recovery in stroke patients.

Conclusions
Although some studies suggest the potential efficacy of stem cell therapy for motor recovery in stroke patients, the evidence lacks consistency. Future well-designed, robust randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and ethical implications of stem cell therapy for motor recovery in stroke patients.
Bone within bone as a calcified chronic extra-dural hematoma mimicking ossified chronic subdural hematomas: a rare case report in pediatric patients
Authors: Karki Mohan , Roka Yam Bahadur , Jha Abhinash 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Calcified chronic extra-dural hematoma is a rare presentation which often can be observed in traumatic or ventriculoperitoneal shunt cases; it can result in mass effect and raised intracranial pressure. It is common in young adults presumably due to relatively lax adhesion of dura to calvarium.

Case Presentation
We report a case of 10-year-old female who presented in emergency department with complaints of headache, repeated attacks of seizure, disorientation and sudden loss of consciousness for 2 days. She had a history of fall injury two months ago. On physical examination, she was unconscious (GCS-E3V1M4) with 4 mm dilatation of right pupil. Computed tomography scan of head was done that revealed large extra-axial hypodense mass with thick hyperdense calcified layer between brain parenchyma and hypodense mass in right fronto-temporo-parietal convexity causing mass effect with midline shift: s/o calcified chronic subdural hematoma. Emergency operation-right fronto-temporo-parietal craniotomy was performed. It was chronic extradural hematoma which was evacuated along with removal of calcified innermost layer. Postoperative status went uneventful. She was discharged on 15th day of surgery and doing well on follow-up visit.

Conclusion
We conclude that surgical evacuation of hematoma along with removal of calcified innermost layer is safe and effective for calcified CEDH.
Lack of PTEN in Osteocytes Increases Lipocalin-2 Level and Confers Resistance to High-Fat Diet–Induced Obesity in Mice
Authors: Kinoshita Saori , Onuma Shinsuke , Yamazaki Natsuko , Shibukawa Yukinao , Ozono Keiichi , Michigami Toshimi , Kawai Masanobu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Osteocytes have been shown to play critical roles in the regulation of a wide range of metabolic processes. However, their role in the regulation of glucose metabolism remains to be determined despite accumulating evidence of the integral role of osteoblasts in this regulation, in which osteoblast-derived lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism. Additionally, Lcn2 expression is induced by AKT activation. These results led us to hypothesize that AKT activation in osteocytes regulates glucose metabolism by modulating Lcn2 expression. Therefore, in this study, the Pten gene was deleted in osteocytes to activate AKT signaling by crossing Pten-flox mice with Dmp1-Cre mice (PtenOcy−/− mice). Deleting Pten expression in osteocytes resulted in osteocytic AKT activation, which was associated with decreased adipose tissue mass and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Expression of Pparg2 and lipogenesis-associated genes were decreased in the adipose tissue of PtenOcy−/− mice. Mechanistically, the lack of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted from Chromosome 10 (PTEN) in osteocytes increased Lcn2 expression in the femur, which was associated with increased serum and urine LCN2 levels. The urinary LCN2 level was negatively associated with white adipose tissue mass. Additionally, the treatment of primary white adipocytes with recombinant LCN2 reduced the expression of Pparg2 and lipogenesis-related genes. These results suggest that the absence of PTEN in osteocytes increases the expression of Lcn2, which acts in the adipose tissue to suppress lipogenesis, resulting in enhanced insulin sensitivity in these mice. This study provides novel insights into the critical role of AKT activation in osteocytes in regulating glucose metabolism by increasing Lcn2 expression.
Coordinated Inventory Stocking and Assortment Customization
Authors: Bai Yicheng , El Housni Omar , Rusmevichientong Paat , Topaloglu Huseyin 
Published: February 2025

Jointly Making Inventory Stocking and Assortment Offering Decisions Making the product assortment offer decisions for a customer requires keeping a balance between offering an assortment that will satisfy the current customer and reserving the products with scarce inventories for the customers who will arrive in the future. Therefore, whereas the assortment offer decisions should depend on the current inventories of the products, the stocking decisions should anticipate how the offered assortments will deplete the inventories, thereby creating a natural interaction between inventory stocking and assortment offer decisions. In “Coordinated Inventory Stocking and Assortment Customization,” Bai, El Housni, Rusmevichientong, and Topaloglu develop models that jointly make the assortment offer and inventory stocking decisions. Their models allocate the limited stocking capacity to the inventories for different products, while taking into consideration the assortment offer decisions that will be made for the customers arriving over a selling horizon.
The Effect of Problem-Based Learning Using Simulators on CPS Skills and Learning Outcomes of Lighting Systems
Authors: Alvianto Ahmad , Handoyono Nurcholish Arifin 
Published: February 2025

Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) skills are a skill that must be possessed in the 21st century, besides that learning outcomes must also be better in order to become Vocational High School graduates who are ready to become a professional workforce. One of the learning methods that can be applied is Problem-Based Learning (PBL) using simulators. The purpose of this study was to determine the PBL method using simulators to have a better influence than the lecture method on CPS skills and learning outcomes of student lighting systems. The type of research used is a quasi-experiment with non-equivalent group design. The population in this study was class XI TKR Vocational High School Muhammadiyah 1 Bambanglipuro, the sample selection in this study used Cluser Random Sampling, from 4 classes selected XI TKR A Experiment, XI TKR B Control. The instruments of this study are the width of the CPS skill questionnaire and pretest & posttest student learning outcomes. Data analysis technique using t-test preceded by prerequisite tests, namely normality test and homogeneity test. The research results show that the CPS skills and learning outcomes of lighting system students are better using the PBL method than the lecture method. The implication of this research is that teachers can use this method as an alternative learning strategy to improve students' CPS skills as creative problem solvers.