bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effect of PET/CT Fluorodeoxyglucose inclusion on mortality and survival in operated thymoma patients
Authors: Agaoglu Sanli Bahar , Duman Elif , Gulmez Bariş , Aguloglu Nurşin , Yazgan Serkan , Ceylan Kenan Can , Ucvet Ahmet 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
In recent years, the use of fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography (PET-CT) has become widespread to evaluate the diagnosis, metabolism, stage and distant metastases of thymoma. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the connection of malignancy potential, survival and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) measured by PET-CT before surgery according to the histological classification of the WHO in patients operated for thymoma. In addition, the predictive value of the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) generated by C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin values on recurrence and survival was investigated and its potential as a prognostic biomarker was evaluated.

Methods
Forty-five patients who underwent surgical resection for thymoma and were examined with PET-CT in the preoperative period between January 2010 and January 2022 were included in the study. The relationship between WHO histological classification, tumor size and SUVmax values on PET-CT according to TNM classification of retrospectively analyzed corticoafferents were evaluated. Preoperative albumin and CRP values were used to determine GPS.

Results
The cutoff value for SUVmax was found to be 5.65 in the patients and the overall survival rate of low-risk (<5.65) and high-risk (>5.65) patients was compared according to the SUVmax threshold value (5.65) and found to be statistically significant. In addition, the power of PET/CT SUVmax value to predict mortality (according to receiver operating characteristics analysis) was statistically significant (P = 0.048). Survival expectancy was 127.6 months in patients with mild GPS (O points), 96.7 months in patients with moderate GPS (1 point), and 25.9 months in patients with severe GPS (2 points).

Conclusion
PET/CT SUVmax values can be used to predict histological sub-type in thymoma patients, and preoperative SUVmax and GPS are parameters that can provide information about survival times and mortality in thymoma patients.
The added diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomic analysis in multiple myeloma patients with negative visual analysis
Authors: An Shuxian , Huang Gan , Yu Xiaofeng , Liu Jianjun , Chen Yumei 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
A small number of patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) by bone marrow aspiration reported as being disease-free on 18F-FDG PET/CT. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic value of radiomics approach in patients with MM who were negative by visual analysis.

Materials and methods
Thirty-three patients judged negative by visual analysis were assigned to the MM group. Contemporaneous 31 disease-free patients served as the control group. 70% of the whole data set was used as training set (23 from MM group and 22 from control group) and 30% as testing set (10 from MM group and 9 from control group). Axial skeleton volumes were automatically segmented and high-dimensional imaging features were extracted from PET and CT. The unsupervised machine learning method was used to filter and reduce the dimensions of the extracted features. Random forest was used to construct the prediction model and then validated with 10-fold cross-validation and evaluated on the independent testing set.

Results
One thousand seven hundred two quantitative features were extracted from PET and CT. Of those, three first-order and one high-order imaging features were uncorrelated. With the cross-validation on the training group, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the curve of random forest were 0.850, 0.792, 0.818 and 0.894, respectively. On the independent testing set, the accuracy of the model was 0.850 and the area under the curve was 0.909.

Conclusion
Radiomic analysis based on 18F-FDG PET/CT using machine learning model provides a quantitative, objective and efficient mechanism for diagnosing patients with MM who were negative by visual analysis.
Immunotherapy for transplantation of hepatocellular carcinoma: the next frontier in adjunctive therapy
Authors: Tabrizian Parissa , Zeitlhoefler Marcus , Hassan Ahmed Talaat , Marino Rebecca 
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review
The increasing success of liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) drives an ever-evolving search for innovative strategies to broaden eligible patients’ pools. Recent advances in immuno-oncology have turned the spotlight on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review offers an updated overview of ICIs in liver transplantation for HCC, exploring neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches and addressing unanswered questions on safety, patients’ selection, and response predictors.

Recent findings
ICIs have transitioned from being a last-chance therapeutic hope to becoming an integral cornerstone in the treatment of advanced HCC, holding great promise as a compelling option not only to downstage patients for transplantation but also as an alternative strategy in addressing posttransplantation disease recurrence. Despite ongoing refinements in immunotherapeutic agents, the complex molecular pathways involved emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to integrate immunotherapy in liver transplantation.

Summary
Initial concerns about graft rejection, with ICIs as a bridging therapy to liver transplantation, were successfully addressed using adequate immunosuppressants strategies and minimized with a sufficient washout period. Post-liver transplantation disease recurrence remains challenging, requiring a balance between effective therapy and preserving graft function. Emphasis should be placed on clinical trials validating the risk-benefit ratio of ICIs for liver transplantation, guiding appropriate patients’ selection, and establishing clear management pathways.
Eye Tracking to Assess the Functional Consequences of Vision Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nieboer Ward , Ghiani Andrea , de Vries Ralph , Brenner Eli , Mann David L. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND
Eye tracking is a promising method for objectively assessing functional visual capabilities, but its suitability remains unclear when assessing the vision of people with vision impairment. In particular, accurate eye tracking typically relies on a stable and reliable image of the pupil and cornea, which may be compromised by abnormalities associated with vision impairment (e.g., nystagmus, aniridia).

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to establish the degree to which video-based eye tracking can be used to assess visual function in the presence of vision impairment.

DATA SOURCES
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, encompassing literature from inception to July 2022.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS
Studies included in the review used video-based eye tracking, included individuals with vision impairment, and used screen-based tasks unrelated to practiced skills such as reading or driving.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
The included studies were assessed for quality using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology assessment tool. Data extraction and synthesis were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS
Our analysis revealed that five common tests of visual function were used: (i) fixation stability, (ii) smooth pursuit, (iii) saccades, (iv) free viewing, and (v) visual search. The studies reported considerable success when testing individuals with vision impairment, yielding usable data from 96.5% of participants.

LIMITATIONS
There was an overrepresentation of conditions affecting the optic nerve or macula and an underrepresentation of conditions affecting the anterior segment or peripheral retina.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS
The results offer promise for the use of eye tracking to assess the visual function of a considerable proportion of those with vision impairment. Based on the findings, we outline a framework for how eye tracking can be used to test visual function in the presence of vision impairment.
Human DDIT4L intron retention contributes to cognitive impairment and amyloid plaque formation
Authors: Li Kai-Cheng , Shi Hai-Xiang , Li Zhen , You Pu , Pan Jing , Cai Yi-Chuan , Li Jin-Wen , Ma Xue-Fei , Zhang Shuo , Diao Lei , Cai Bing , Lu Yang , Wang Hai-Bo , Zhong Yan-Qing , Chen Liang , Mao Ying , Zhang Xu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCognitive impairment and amyloid plaques are the most important clinical and neuropathological feature for dementia, especially in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the etiology of dementia is complicated. The present study reveals that an aberrant splicing of DDIT4L, the isoform DDIT4L intron retention (DIR), occurs in AD patients. Homozygous DIR-knock-in (KI) mice showed DIR expression in hippocampal neurons, marked cognitive impairment, augmented Aβ deposition and enhanced Tau phosphorylation. The DIR colocalized with thioflavin S-positive plaques and gelsolin in AD patients. The DIR induced Aβ deposition and cognitive impairment by interacting with gelsolin. Moreover, DIR interacted with GluA1, the subunit of the AMPA receptor, contributing to synaptic deficiency and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, an anti-DIR monoclonal antibody (mAb) alleviated cognitive impairment and reduced Aβ deposition and Tau phosphorylation. Thus, DIR contributes to cognitive impairment and amyloid plaques, and could be a potential therapeutic target for dementia.
Cell density couples tissue mechanics to control the elongation speed of the body axis
Authors: Lu Changqing , Vidigueira Joana M. N. , Jie Christopher Chan Jin , Maksymiuk Alicja , Xiong Fengzhu 
Published: January 2024

SUMMARYThe vertebrate body forms by addition of new tissues at the posterior end. This leads to body axis elongation which balances the anterior segmentation process to produce the stereotypic body plan. How elongation speed is constrained remains unknown. Here we utilised modeling and tissue force microscopy on chicken embryos to show that cell density of the posterior presomitic mesoderm (pPSM) dynamically modulates elongation speed in a negative feedback loop. Elongation alters the cell density in the pPSM, which in turn controls progenitor cell influx through the mechanical coupling of body axis tissues. This enables responsive cell dynamics in over- and under-elongated axes that consequently self-adjust speed to achieve long-term robustness in axial length. Our simulations and experiments further suggest that cell density and FGF activity act synergistically to drive elongation. Our work supports a simple mechanism of morphogenetic speed control where the cell density relates negatively to progress, and positively to force generation.
Rapid turnover of CTLA4 is associated with a complex architecture of reversible ubiquitylation
Authors: Tey Pei Yee , Dufner Almut , Knobeloch Klaus-Peter , Pruneda Jonathan N. , Clague Michael J. , Urbé Sylvie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe immune checkpoint regulator CTLA4 is an unusually short-lived membrane protein. Here we show that its lysosomal degradation is dependent on ubiquitylation at Lysine residues 203 and 213. Inhibition of the v-ATPase partially restores CTLA4 levels following cycloheximide treatment, but also reveals a fraction that is secreted in exosomes. The endosomal deubiquitylase, USP8, interacts with CTLA4 and its loss enhances CTLA4 ubiquitylation in cancer cells, mouse CD4+T cells and in cancer cell-derived exosomes. Depletion of the USP8 adapter protein, HD-PTP, but not ESCRT-0 recapitulates this cellular phenotype, but shows distinct propertiesvis-à-visexosome incorporation. Re-expression of wild-type USP8, but neither a catalytically inactive, nor a localisation-compromised ΔMIT domain mutant can rescue delayed degradation of CTLA4, or counteract its accumulation in clustered endosomes. UbiCRest analysis of CTLA4-associated ubiquitin chain linkages identifies a complex mixture of conventional Lys63- and more unusual Lys27- and Lys29-linked polyubiquitin chains that may underly the rapidity of protein turnover.
Targeting the G-quadruplex structure in the hTERT promoter: In silico screening of phytocompounds and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Uttarkar Akshay , Niranjan Vidya 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTelomerase activity plays a crucial role in maintaining telomere length and cellular immortality, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter contains a G-rich region that can form G-quadruplex (G4) structures, which have been shown to regulate hTERT expression. In this study, we used in silico screening and molecular dynamics simulations to identify phytocompounds that can stabilize the G4 structure in the hTERT promoter. We performed shape-based and pharmacophore-based screening of a phytochemical database and identified two lead compounds with assistance from oleanolic acid and maslinic acid as controls which showed in vitro telomerase activity. Molecular docking and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations for a temperature profile of 300K to 350K were used to evaluate the binding affinity and stability of these compounds with two different G4 conformations in the hTERT promoter. Our results suggest that astragaloside-1 can stabilize the parallel-stranded G4 conformation (2kze) in the hTERT promoter, while novel compounds may be required to stabilize the intramolecular G4 conformation (2kzd). Our study highlights the potential of in silico screening and molecular dynamics simulations in identifying lead compounds for targeting G4 structures.
Automated liquid handling extraction and rapid quantification of underivatized amino acids and tryptophan metabolites from human serum and plasma using dual-column U(H)PLC-MRM-MS and its application to prostate cancer study
Authors: Kipura Tobias , Hotze Madlen , Hofer Alexa , Egger Anna-Sophia , Timpen Lea E. , Opitz Christiane , Townsend Paul A. , Gethings Lee A. , Thedieck Kathrin , Kwiatkowski Marcel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFree amino acids (AAs) and their metabolites are important building blocks, energy sources and signaling molecules associated with various pathological phenotypes. The quantification of AA and tryptophan (TRP) metabolites in human serum and plasma is therefore of great diagnostic interest. Robust and reproducible sample extraction and processing workflows as well as rapid, sensitive absolute quantification of AA and TRP metabolites are required to identify candidate biomarkers and to improve current screening methods. We developed a validated semi-automated extraction and sample processing workflow using a robotic liquid handling platform and a rapid method for the absolute quantification of 20 free, underivatized AAs and 6 TRP metabolites using dual-column U(H)PLC-MRM-MS. The automated extraction and sample preparation workflow is designed for use in a 96-well plate format, allowing robust and reproducible high sample throughput without the need for further SPE, evaporation and/or buffer exchange. Samples extracted from serum and/or plasma in 96-well plates can be transferred directly to the U(H)PLC autosampler. The dual-column U(H)PLC-MRM-MS method, using a mixed- mode reversed-phase anion exchange column with formic acid as mobile phase modifier and a high- strength silica reversed-phase column with difluoroacetic acid as mobile phase additive, provided absolute quantification with nanomolar lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) for all metabolites except glycine (LLOQ: 2.46 µM) in only 7.9 minutes. The semi-automated extraction workflow and dual-column U(H)PLC-MRM-MS method was applied to a human prostate cancer study and was shown to discriminate between treatment regimens and to identify amino acids responsible for the statistical separation between healthy controls and prostate cancer patients on active surveillance.
DMSO derives Trophectoderm and Clonal Blastoid from Single Human Pluripotent Stem Cell
Authors: Alsolami Samhan , Chandrasekaran Arun Pandian , Jin Yiqing , Shakir Ismail M. , Zhang Yingzi , Ramos-Mandujano Gerardo , Yuan Baolei , Saera-Vila Alfonso , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos , Li Mo 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTHuman naïve pluripotent stem cells (nPSCs) can differentiate into extra-embryonic trophectoderm (TE), a critical step in the generation of the integrated embryo model termed blastoid. The current paradigm of blastoid generation necessitates the aggregation of dozens of nPSCs treated with multiple small molecule inhibitors, growth factors, or genetic modifications to initiate TE differentiation. The presence of complex crosstalk among pathways and cellular heterogeneity in these models complicates mechanistic study and genetic screens. Here, we show that a single small molecule, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), potently induces TE differentiation in basal medium without pharmacological and genetic perturbations. DMSO enhances blastoid generation and, more importantly, is sufficient for blastoid generation by itself. DMSO blastoids resemble blastocysts in morphology and lineage composition. DMSO induces blastoid formation through PKC signaling and cell cycle regulation. Lastly, DMSO enables single nPSC-derived clonal blastoids, which could facilitate genetic screens for mechanistic understanding of human embryogenesis.
MIWI arginines orchestrate generation of functional pachytene piRNAs and spermiogenesis
Authors: Vrettos Nicholas , Oppelt Jan , Zoch Ansgar , Sgourdou Paraskevi , Yoshida Haruka , Song Brian , Fink Ryan , O’Carroll Dónal , Mourelatos Zissimos 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTN-terminal arginine (NTR) methylation is a conserved feature of PIWI proteins, which are central components of the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway. The significance and precise function of PIWI NTR methylation in mammals remains unknown. In mice, PIWI NTRs bind Tudor domain containing proteins (TDRDs) that have essential roles in piRNA biogenesis and the formation of the chromatoid body. Using mouse MIWI (PIWIL1) as paradigm, we demonstrate that the NTRs are essential for spermatogenesis through the regulation of transposons and gene expression. Surprisingly, the loss of TDRD5 and TDRKH interaction with MIWI results in defective piRNA amplification, rather than an expected failure of piRNA biogenesis. We find that piRNA amplification is necessary for both transposon control and for sustaining levels of select, nonconserved, pachytene piRNAs that target specific mRNAs required for spermatogenesis. Our findings support the notion that the vast majority of pachytene piRNAs are dispensable, acting as autonomous genetic elements that rely for propagation on MIWI piRNA amplification. MIWI-NTRs also mediate interactions with TDRD6 that are necessary for chromatoid body compaction. Furthermore, MIWI-NTRs promote stabilization of spermiogenic transcripts that drive nuclear compaction, which is essential for sperm formation. In summary, the NTRs underpin the diversification of MIWI protein function.Key pointsMIWI-NTRs coordinate interactions with TDRDs required for piRNA biogenesis to sustain piRNA amplificationMIWI-NTRs are necessary for both transposon control and for sustaining levels of select pachytene piRNAs that target specific mRNAs required for spermiogenesisMIWI-NTRs mediate interactions with TDRD6 to compact the Chromatoid BodyMIWI-NTRs underlie stabilization of spermiogenic transcripts that drive nuclear compaction, which is essential for sperm formation
Environmental innovations and sustainability practices of manufacturing firms in Uganda
Authors: Alinda Kassim , Tumwine Sulait , Kaawaase Twaha Kigongo 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the pivotal role of environmental innovations in driving sustainability practices within medium and large manufacturing firms operating in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a cross-sectional and quantitative methodology, data were collected through a questionnaire survey involving 208 manufacturing companies. The smart partial least squares path modelling technique was used for the analysis.

Findings
The analysis unveils significant and positive associations. Specifically, product innovation exhibits a robust and affirmative relationship with sustainability practices. Similarly, the correlation between process innovation and sustainability practices emerges as statistically significant. Moreover, the findings underscore the noteworthy and constructive predictive influence of environmental innovation on sustainability practices.

Practical implications
These empirical results present substantial implications for theoretical frameworks and practical applications. From a policy perspective, the findings emphasise the importance of incentivising eco product and eco process innovations as potential drivers of eco-friendly practices. On the managerial front, strategic resource allocation and the adoption of integrated environmental innovation strategies are advocated, with the ultimate goal of enhancing sustainable business approaches within Uganda’s manufacturing subsector.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents the inaugural attempt to investigate the role of environmental innovations in elucidating sustainability practices within a least developed country. Notably, while all dimensions demonstrate significance, it is noteworthy that product innovation emerges as the more substantial contributor to the promotion of sustainability practices.
The interplay between psychological empowerment and employee engagement: identifying research trends using SPAR-4-SLR process
Authors: Kaul Natashaa , Deshpande Amruta , Mittal Amit , Raut Rajesh , Bhandari Harveen 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the research that examines psychological empowerment (PE) and employee engagement (EE) via bibliometric analysis. The study also aims to offer an overview of the present state of research and indicate potential future research topics.

Design/methodology/approach
The literature on PE and engagement was reviewed using bibliometric analysis based on publications in the Scopus database. The analysis comprises a three-field plot, theoretical framework examination, thematic analysis and quantitative analysis of the most frequently referenced publications, affiliations, countries and authors.

Findings
The study identifies research trends such as the use of the leadership lens, the examination of the different degrees of empowerment, the examination of alternate mechanisms to improve engagement and the impact of supervisor resources on these constructs. The study also suggests areas for future research, such as the influence of leadership and organizational culture on these two factors, the link between PE and EE and the impact of the changing structure of work via the increased use of technology and new work relations like gig work on these concepts.

Originality/value
This study offers a thorough and systematic overview of the state of the research in the area of PE and EE. This study emphasizes the significance of PE and engagement in management by giving a thorough overview of the present state of research and outlining future research possibilities.