bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Value of the MAR+ Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm for Postoperative Assessment of Lumbar Internal Fixation
Authors: Fang Jiayi , Yu Fei , Yang Bin , Wang Guan , Si Guangyan 
Published: January 2025

Background:
With the widespread use of lumbar pedicle screws for internal fixation, the morphology of the screws and the surrounding tissues should be evaluated. The metal artifact reduction (MAR) technique can reduce the artifacts caused by pedicle screws, improve the quality of computed tomography (CT) images after pedicle fixation, and provide more imaging information to the clinic.

Purpose:
To explore whether the MAR+ method, a projection-based algorithm for correcting metal artifacts through multiple iterative operations, can reduce metal artifacts and have an impact on the structure of the surrounding metal.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 57 patients who underwent lumbar spine CT examination after lumbar internal fixation from January to December 2023 in our hospital were retrospectively enrolled. The CT images were reconstructed using MAR+ and non-MAR+ techniques and were subdivided into MAR+ and non-MAR+ groups. The CT number (in Hounsfield units) and the SD noise values of the spinal canal, vertebral body, psoas major muscle, and adjacent fat were measured in the 2 groups of CT images, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. The subjective score was evaluated by two diagnostic radiologists using a double-blind method for image quality evaluation of the MAR+ group and the non-MAR+ group, and the image quality was classified on a 5-point scale. The rank-sum test was utilized to compare the subjective and objective scores of the 2 groups.

Results:
The SD values of the spinal canal (Z=−4.12, P<0.01), vertebral body (Z=−3.81, P<0.01), and psoas major muscle (Z=−3.87, P<0.01) in the MAR+ group were significantly lower than those in the non-MAR+ group (P<0.05). However, the SD values of the adjacent fat (Z=−2.03, P=0.42) in the MAR+ group, although smaller than those in the non-MAR+ group, were not statistically significant. The CNR values of vertebral canal (Z=−2.67, P=0.008) and fat (Z=−2.60, P=0.009) were higher in the MAR+ group than in the non-MAR+ group, whereas the CNR values of the vertebral body (Z=−6.74, P<0.01) in the MAR+ group were smaller than those in the non-MAR+ group, and the difference of all of them was statistically significant (P<0.05). Furthermore, for both CT and SNR values, the MAR group’s values were all less than those of the non-MAR group and were statistically significant (P<0.05). The subjective scores of the measurement points were all higher in the MAR+ group than in the non-MAR+ group.

Conclusions:
The MAR+ technique has a noise reduction effect on different tissues and artifacts are significantly reduced. Although the artifacts caused by metal screws were not completely eliminated, the MAR+ technique was able to reduce the interference of artifacts in the diagnosis of CT images, thus improving their diagnostic quality.
Isolated Lymph Node Metastasis as Initial Presentation of Collecting Duct Carcinoma on 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT
Authors: Wan Zibei , Zhang Feiyu , Wang Kan , Liu Ya , Huang Zhanwen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A 64-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with low back pain. Enhanced CT imaging revealed an isolated retroperitoneal mass. Since primary retroperitoneal lymphoma could not be ruled out, the patient was enrolled in our clinical trial of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT. The mass exhibited intense uptake of 68Ga-pentixafor and was subsequently confirmed as lymph node metastasis originating from collecting duct carcinoma. Our case demonstrated that 68Ga-pentixafor may lack specificity in distinguishing primary retroperitoneal lymphomas from other conditions.
Tumor Lesion Uptake of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-Rituximab in Skeletal and Splenic Disease in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Edamadaka Yeshwanth , Parghane Rahul V. , Basu Sandip 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and a sizable fraction of the DLBCL patients presents with advanced, relapsed, and refractory disease, demonstrating poor response to standard chemotherapy regimens. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) has shown to be clinically effective in refractory DLBCL. We present the case of a patient with DLBCL with [18F]FDG-avid widespread skeletal as well as splenic involvement as poor prognostic extranodal disease on FDG PET/CT. RIT based on [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-rituximab was explored to study the biodistribution and dosimetry of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-rituximab in CD20-positive lymphoma. An exceptionally high tracer concentration in skeletal and splenic disease was observed, supporting its potential RIT application in relapsed and refractory DLBCL patients in the future.
Preventing and Treating Delayed Gastric Emptying (DGE) after Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Montorsi Roberto M. , Strijbos Bo T.M. , Stommel Martijn W.J. , van Laarhoven Kees , Daams Freek , Busch Olivier R. , Probst Pascal , Cillo Umberto , Marchegiani Giovanni , Besselink Marc G. 
Published: January 2025

Objective:
To identify strategies to prevent and treat delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreatic surgery.

Background:
Among all complications of pancreatic surgery, DGE has the largest impact on prolonged hospital stay. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have addressed DGE after pancreatic surgery, either as primary or as secondary outcome.

Methods:
RCTs involving pancreatic surgery with DGE as primary or secondary outcome were identified using the online database of the ISGPS Evidence Map of Pancreatic Surgery (2007-2023). Meta-analysis was performed for impact on DGE grade B/C for interventions studied by at least 2 RCTs.

Results:
Overall, 152 RCTs were included with 22,260 patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. The overall rate of DGE grade B/C was 11.9%, including 12.7% after pancreatoduodenectomy and 4.2% after left pancreatectomy. No RCT identified an effective treatment of DGE grade B/C. Strategies which reduced the rate of DGE in at least one RCT included: prehabilitation, pancreatico-jejunostomy, antecolic gastrojejunostomy, Billroth II technique, pylorus resection, modified Roux-en-Y technique, no intraperitoneal drainage in left pancreatectomy, minimally invasive left pancreatectomy, minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy, mERAS, nasojejunal tube, and early oral feeding. Additional meta-analyses identified minimally-invasive left pancreatectomy as preventive for DGE grade B/C compared to open left pancreatectomy.

Conclusion:
This systematic review of RCTs identified 12 strategies which reduced the rate of DGE grade B/C after pancreatic surgery but no effective treatment strategy. Of the 12 preventive strategies, only minimally-invasive left pancreatectomy was confirmed effective in a meta-analysis. Future RCTs should focus on both prevention and treatment of DGE after pancreatic surgery.
Nipah virus matrix protein utilizes cortical actin to stabilize the virus assembly sites and promote budding
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Kliemke Vicky , Liu Jinxin , Matta Giuliana Leonarda , Wang Qian , Luo Yuhang , Zhang Mengyu , Liu GuanQun , Liu Qian 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSeveral families of enveloped viruses assemble and bud from the host cell plasma membranes (PM), including paramyxoviruses. Nipah virus (NiV) is a deadly zoonotic paramyxovirus causing yearly outbreaks in Southeast Asia with >75% mortality. NiV encodes matrix proteins (M) that drive assembly and budding. NiV-M forms dimers and interacts with membrane lipids in the host cell’s PM for budding. Using single-molecule localization microscopy and single-particle tracking, we show that the host F-actin maintains the nanoscale organization of NiV assembly sites at the PM. This F-actin-dependent integrity of NiV assembly sites is observed at the membrane retention stage after the assembly process is complete, rather than during the recruitment of NiV-M molecules to these sites. NiV-M interacts with actin via its C-terminal domain. We also show that the actin-branching factor, Arp2/3 complex, promotes virus-like-particle production. Meanwhile, inhibiting Arp2/3 disfavors the PM retention of NiV assembly sites and NiV-M-mediated generation of membrane protrusions, but does not affect the assembly rate. This suggests that Arp2/3-nucleated actin polymerization and branching are critical for maintaining NiV-M assembly sites at the PM, allowing it to facilitate membrane protrusion generation for virus budding. Our findings support the following model: NiV-M interacts with F-actin through its C-terminus to remain at the host PM after assembly completion. This F-actin-dependent retention is promoted by the Arp2/3-driven actin branching and polymerization, which also drives the formation of NiV-M-induced membrane protrusions necessary for virus budding.SignificanceNipah virus (NiV) is a deadly paramyxovirus capable of animal-animal and animal-human transmissions. To produce a NiV particle, the NiV matrix protein (M) must create an assembly site by binding to the surface of an infected cell and pushing the cell membrane outward for virus budding. To do so, the NiV matrix protein must co-opt or overcome an actin network underneath the cell membrane. We provide single-molecule evidence that M interacts with the actin cytoskeleton for membrane retention but not recruitment of M to existing assembly sites. This process is promoted by the Arp2/3-driven actin branching and polymerization. Our findings suggest the role of actin remodeling in NiV budding and identify a druggable site at the C-terminus of NiV-M.
Pilidium lythri: A Climate-Driven Disruptor of Plant-Associated Microbiomes and Ecological Stability
Authors: Siegieda Dominika , Panek Jacek , Hannula S. Emilia , Frąc Magdalena 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAlthough ongoing global warming is an important driver of phytopathogen spread to new areas, little is known on how fungal pathogens disrupt fragile balance in plant-microbe interactions. After assessing high adaptability of emergingPilidium lythrito growing temperatures, we analysed its impact on microbiome structure of soil (bulk soil, rhizosphere) and strawberry plant (roots) niches. For this, we employed high-throughput marker sequencing and various statistical models. Our results revealed thatP. lythriinfection disrupted microbial community assembly processes, transitioning from deterministic to stochastic dynamics in the rhizosphere and bulk soil, aligning with the Anna Karenina Principle. Fungal microbiome diversity increased locally in infected rhizospheres, while microbial migration patterns highlighted shifts in community interactions. Network analysis underscoredP. lythri’s role in destabilizing fungal community connectivity, enhancing antagonistic interactions, and occupying a central ecological niche. This study provides valuable insights into how spreading phytopathogens modulate microbial equilibrium in the plant holobiont, with implications of managing emerging threats in agriculture.
Gut microbiota phospholipids regulate intestinal gene expression and can counteract the effects of antibiotic treatment
Authors: Zhang Xue-Song , Wang Yujue , Sun Haipeng , Zerbe Christa , Falcone Emilia , Bhattacharya Sneha , Zhang Meifan , Gao Zhan , Diaz-Rubio Maria Elena , Bharj Disha , Patel Disha , Pan Samuel , Ro Gabrielle , Grenard Jessica , Armstrong Abigail , Yin Yue Sandra , Dominguez-Bello Maria Gloria , Holland Steven , Su Xiaoyang , Blaser Martin J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe gut microbiome influences immune and metabolic homeostasis. Our research using non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice revealed that early-life antibiotic exposure remodels the gut microbiome affecting metabolism and accelerating type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence, with cecal material transplant (CMT) mitigating the damage. Now examining murine intestinal lipidomic profiles, we identified 747 compounds. Comparing the lipidomic profiles of cecal contents of conventional and germ-free mice and their diets, we identified 87 microbially-produced lipids reduced by antibiotic exposure but CMT-restored. Parallel analysis of human fecal lipid profiles after azithromycin-exposure showed significant alterations with substantial overlap with mice.In vitroco-culture with mouse macrophages or small intestinal epithelial cells and human colonic epithelial cells identified phospholipids that repress inflammation through the NFκB pathway. Oral administration of these phospholipids to antibiotic-treated NOD mice reduced expression of ileal genes involved in early stages of T1D pathogenesis. These findings indicate potential therapeutic anti-inflammatory roles of microbially-produced lipids.
Fine-tuning mechanical constraints uncouples patterning and gene expression in murine pseudo-embryos
Authors: Pineau Judith , Wong-Ng Jerome , Mayran Alexandre , Lopez-Delisle Lucille , Osteil Pierre , Shoushtarizadeh Armin , Duboule Denis , Gobaa Samy , Gregor Thomas 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe interplay between mechanical forces and genetic programs is fundamental to embryonic development, yet how these factors independently or jointly influence morphogenesis and cell fate decisions remains poorly understood. Here, we fine-tune the mechanical environment of murine gastruloids, three-dimensionalin vitromodels of early embryogenesis, by embedding them in bioinert hydrogels with precisely tunable stiffness and timing of application. This approach reveals that external constraints can selectively influence transcriptional profiles, patterning, or morphology, depending on the level and timing of mechanical modulation. Gastruloids embedded in ultra-soft hydrogels (< 30 Pa) elongate robustly, preserving both anteroposterior patterning and transcriptional profiles. In contrast, embedding at higher stiffness disrupts polarization while leaving gene expression largely unaffected. Conversely, earlier embedding significantly impacts transcriptional profiles independently of polarization defects, highlighting the uncoupling of patterning and transcription. These findings suggest that distinct cellular states respond differently to external constraints. Live imaging and cell tracking imply that impaired cell motility underlies polarization defects, underscoring the role of mechanical forces in shaping morphogenesis independently of transcriptional changes. By allowing precise control over external mechanical boundaries, our approach provides a powerful platform to dissect how physical and biochemical factors interact to orchestrate early embryonic development.
Chemical Synthesis of Oligosaccharides Derived fromStreptococcus pneumoniaeSerotype 35B and D to Investigate Binding of Complement and Serum Factors
Authors: Gagarinov Ivan A. , Liu Lin , Boons Geert-Jan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe wide use ofStreptococcus pneumoniaecapsular polysaccharide (CPS) conjugate vaccines is causing serotype replacement and the emergence of serotype 35B is concerning because of its multidrug resistance. CPS of 35B is composed of pentasaccharide repeating units that are linked through phosphodiester linkages. One of the galactofuranose residues of the pentasaccharide is acetylated, which distinguishes it from the invasive serotype 35D lacking the acetyl ester. Here, we describe a synthetic approach that can provide oligosaccharides derived of CPS 35B and 35D composed of up to 15 monosaccharides using a pentasaccharide building block equipped with four orthogonal protecting groups. The synthetic compounds were used to examine binding properties of ficolin-2, which is a protein that can activate the lectin pathway of the complement system. It was found thatO-acetylation is essential for recognition by ficolin-2 requiring at least two repeating units. The data provides a rationale why 35D may escape immune detection and be more invasive. The synthetic oligosaccharides were also investigated for binding to pneumococcal serum factor 35a and 29b, which are employed for serotype identification. It indicates that immunization with 35B CPS will not provide protection against 35D and thus inclusion of 35B in vaccines may result in serotype replacement by 35D. On the other hand, antibodies that can bind 35D can recognize 35B and thus 35D CPS may provide cross protection. Our findings have direct implementation for the development of the next generation pneumococcal vaccine and provide an understanding of disease severity by the emerging serotype 35B and 35D.
TadA-Derived Cytosine Base Editor for Precise Genome Editing in Zebrafish
Authors: Qin Wei , Lin Sheng-Jia , Petree Cassidy , Varshney Pratishtha , Varshney Gaurav K. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCRISPR base editors are crucial for precise genome manipulation. Existing APOBEC-based cytosine base editors (CBEs), while powerful, exhibit indels and sequence context limitations, where TC-context preferences restrict effective editing of CC and GC motifs. To address these challenges, we evaluated various tRNA adenine deaminase (TadA)-derived CBEs, ultimately engineering zTadCBE that demonstrates high editing efficiency, minimized off-target effects, and an expanded targeting range. Our approach integrates beneficial mutations from TadA-based adenine base editors (ABEs) with SpRYCas9n-enhanced protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) compatibility. Additionally, we engineered expanded-window zTadCBE variants, zTadCBE-ex1 and zTadCBE-ex2, to target wider nucleotide ranges, further increasing the versatility of this tool. To demonstrate the utility of zTadCBE variants in the functional assessment of genetic mutants, we generated a model for CDH23-associated hearing loss to validate the pathogenicity of a patient-specific variant in zebrafish. Furthermore, we induced a premature stop codon in the mediator complex genemed12to inactivate its function using a CRISPR-STOP strategy and recapitulated patient-specific phenotypes in the founding (F0) generation. zTadCBE variants thus offer a robust set of CBEs for precise and efficient C-to-T editing in zebrafish, promising to advance the rapid functional assessment of genetic variants in vivo.
Minimal
SO(10)
near the edge: The importance of being effective
Authors: Preda Anca , Senjanović Goran , Zantedeschi Michael 
Published: January 2025

The minimal SO(10) grand unified theory, augmented by higher-dimensional operators, is based on the following Higgs representations: adjoint 45H, spinor 16H, and complex vector 10H. It was recently realized that, as opposed to the conventional wisdom, any intermediate mass scale has to lie close to the grand unification one. This bears profound consequences for the scalar particles mass spectrum and the proton decay lifetime. A complete analysis of the parameter space shows the following interesting correlation under the requirement of perturbativity of the theory: a color octet below approximately 5 TeV would imply a lower bound on neutrino mass mν≳0.2  eV, soon to be probed; a scalar weak triplet below 500 GeV; and a scalar-like quark below 3 TeV. If one were to stick to no flavor cancellations in proton decay amplitudes, one would recover a recent result of all these states being accessible at collider energies. Moreover, the proton decay lifetime would then be tantalizingly close to the present experimental bound.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Linking sources of employee support to life insurance agents’ retention: the role of felt obligation
Authors: Ramasamy Siva Kumar , Sri Ramalu Subramaniam 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study is the maiden attempt to understand the influence of four specific sources of employee support (SES), on the life insurance agents’ retention (AR) with the mediation of felt obligation (FO) in the context of the life insurance industry.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a quantitative methodology and used the partial least squares-structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses of the study. Using convenience sampling method and a web-based questionnaire, this study gathered data from agents (n 265) of life insurance companies located in the central region of Malaysia.

Findings
The results reveal a positive relationship between all SES and AR. This means when agents perceive higher levels of support from their supervisors, peers, technology and mentors, they are more likely to remain in the industry. Contrary to the expectations, FO does not mediate the relationship between SES and AR, indicating that SES directly influences AR without the involvement of FO.

Originality/value
This study is the first to explore how an integrated model of SES influences AR within the Malaysian life insurance industry. The model takes a comprehensive approach, incorporating various SES including the less studied perceived technological support in influencing AR through the framework of social exchange theory.
Beyond instinct: the influence of artificial intelligence on investment decision-making among Gen Z investors in emerging markets
Authors: Maheshwari H. , Samantaray Anup K. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
In the modern financial landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is gaining prominence, offering significant economic advantages. This research paper aims to investigate the impact of Behavioural Biases (BB) such as Overconfidence Bias (OCB), Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), Herding Bias (HB) and Regret Aversion Bias (RAB) on Investment Decision-Making (IDM). Additionally, it explores how the AI-led Adoption of Digital Advisory Services (ADAS) moderates these biases among Gen Z investors in India.

Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized a convenience sampling method, gathering 457 responses from Gen Z investors in India through an online survey questionnaire. The data was analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings
The results confirm a significant relationship between OCB, FOMO, HB and RAB on IDM. The study also found that ADAS significantly moderated the relationship between FOMO and IDM, as well as between HB and IDM. However, the moderation effect of ADAS was not supported for the relationships between OCB and IDM, and RAB and IDM.

Practical implications
This research offers valuable insights for academics, individual investors, fintech companies and policymakers. It highlights how behavioural biases affect IDM and underscores the importance of AI-enabled digital services in helping Gen Z investors recognize and manage these biases. Policymakers can use these insights to establish standards for AI use, ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting ethical conduct in AI-driven investment decisions.

Originality/value
The novelty of this study lies in its conceptual approach, particularly in examining the moderation role of ADAS in addressing behavioural biases among Gen Z investors.