bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clofarabine induces tumor cell apoptosis, GSDME-related pyroptosis, and CD8+T-cell antitumor activity via the non-canonical P53/STING pathway
Authors: Wu Jie , Liu Nian , Chen Jing , Tao Qian , Lu Can , Li Qiuqiu , Chen Xiang , Peng Cong
Published: February 2025

Background

Clofarabine (Clo) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia; however, its effects on solid tumors remain largely unknown.

Methods

In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the cytotoxic effects of Clo on melanoma and lung cancer. The molecular mechanisms of Clo-induced tumor cell death were analyzed using western blotting, ELISA, reverse transcription-PCR, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), short hairpin RNA, co-culture, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and flow cytometry. Clinical data sets were used to analyze the correlation between stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-NFκB signaling and immune infiltration.

Results

In this study, Clo significantly reduced the growth of melanoma and lung cancer cells. Furthermore, Clo treatment induced GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Most importantly, Clo administration dramatically increased the cytotoxic activity of CD8+T cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the administration of Clo induced the interaction of P53 with STING, which activated the non-canonical STING-NFκB pathway; consequently, NF-κB directly bound to the promoter regions of its target genes, including CCL5, CXCL10, HLAs and BAX. This resulted in apoptosis, pyroptosis, and immunogenic cell death in tumor cells by Clo. Furthermore, Clo-induced GSDME-mediated pyroptosis partly assists in activating T cell immunity via CCL5 and CXCL10. The non-canonical STING-NF-κB pathway is the crucial signaling pathway that initiates and links apoptosis, pyroptosis, and immunogenic cell death.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to show that Clo, an FDA-approved drug, induces tumor cell apoptosis, GSDME-related pyroptosis, and CD8+T-cell antitumor activity via the non-canonical P53-STING-NF-κB signaling pathway, providing a novel strategy for the clinical therapy of melanoma and lung cancer.
Atrial fibrillation outcomes in patients from Asia and non-Asia countries: insights from GARFIELD-AF
Authors: Cheng Chun-Yan , Lian Tian-Yu , Zhu Xi-Jie , Virdone Saverio , Sun Kai , Camm John , Li Xian-Mei , Goto Shinya , Pieper Karen , Kayani Gloria , Fang Xian-Hong , Jing Zhi-Cheng , Kakkar Ajay K
Published: February 2025

Background

Differences in the clinical outcomes and level of risk among Asian versus non-Asian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have been sparsely investigated.

Objective

To provide a contemporary prospective comparison of outcomes for newly diagnosed patients with AF, between Asian and non-Asian regions.

Methods

Six Asian countries (China, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand) and 29 countries outside Asia participated in the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-AF (GARFIELD-AF) study. Newly diagnosed patients with AF, enrolled between 2010 and 2016, were followed up for≥2 years. The outcome studies were all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality, non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism (SE), major bleeding. The association of geographical region with clinical outcomes (event rates per 100 person-years) were estimated using multivariable Cox models.

Results

13 841/52 057 (26.6%) GARFIELD-AF participants were enrolled in Asia. Average age and prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities were lower than in non-Asian countries and patients at high risk of stroke (ie, CHA2DS2-VASc≥2 excl. sex) were less frequently anticoagulated (60.1% vs 73.2%). Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) was similar in both regions (∼28%), though Asian patients were more frequently underdosed. Both Asian and non-Asian patients who received NOAC at enrolment experienced lower all-cause mortality and non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE compared with patients on other treatments or none.

All-cause mortality, non-cardiovascular mortality and major bleeding were less frequent in patients from Asia versus non-Asia (HR (95% CI): 0.62 (0.39 to 0.99), 0.52 (0.28 to 0.97), 0.58 (0.36 to 0.96), respectively). Associations of moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease and vascular disease with increased risk of all-cause mortality were stronger in Asian versus non-Asian patients (interaction p values: 0.0250 and 0.0076, respectively). There was notable heterogeneity in oral anticoagulant (OAC) usage within the Asian countries.

Conclusions

Patients in Asian countries had a lower risk of all-cause mortality and major bleeding compared to the rest of the world. NOAC had evident benefits for reducing mortality and stroke across populations. Further studies on sociocultural impacts on OAC outcomes are needed.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.govNCT01090362.
Aires protégées en contexte autochtone : pour un véritable partenariat dans la gouvernance du parc national Assinica
Authors: Côté Gabrielle , Beaudoin Jean-Michel , Bélanger Louis , Suffice Pauline , Blacksmith Benny
Published: February 2025

Au Canada, plusieurs initiatives autochtones de conservation évoluent vers de véritables partenariats avec des ministères gouvernementaux. Toutefois, il est possible de se questionner sur l’adéquation de ces cadres gouvernementaux avec les besoins et les attentes des Autochtones. Ce projet de recherche porte sur le projet de parc national Assinica initié par la communauté crie d’Oujé-Bougoumou dans la région Eeyou Istchee au Québec. Employant une approche collaborative alliant entretiens semi-dirigés et recherche documentaire, ce projet visait à comprendre dans quelle mesure les aspirations cries sont concrétisées au sein du parc. Les résultats démontrent que ce projet découlant de la Paix des Braves est perçu par les Cris comme un moyen de conserver un mode de vie fondé sur la continuité du lien au territoire et de poursuivre une tradition d’intendance du territoire. Même s’ils ont dû s’allier avec le cadre de parc national, leur vision s’en distingue. Ainsi, des lacunes informationnelles et participatives constatées dans notre recherche suggèrent que la structure de gouvernance des parcs nationaux du Québec ne permet pas pleinement de représenter la vision crie. Cette étude de cas soulève l’importance de revoir les cadres institutionnels applicables aux aires protégées pour qu’ils outrepassent la logique coloniale en vigueur, afin de permettre une participation des communautés autochtones à la hauteur de leurs aspirations.
Effect of Non-Structural Components on Over-Track Building Vibrations Induced by Train Operations on Concrete Floor
Authors: Qiu Yitao , Zheng Bokai , Jiang Bolong , Jiang Shuo , Zou Chao
Published: February 2025

Train-induced vibration inevitably affects the living standards and work productivity of residents and staff within transit-oriented development (TOD) buildings, especially when trains operate on the concrete floor. Traditional structural calculation models ignore the influence of non-structural components and incorrectly simulate the dynamic characteristics of floor slabs. The influence of non-structural components has been extensively studied, but their impact on train-induced vibrations within the building has not been considered. This study established a numerical model to reveal the effect of partition walls and floor pavement on train-induced vibrations. The result indicated that non-structural components have a significant impact on the distribution of the modal characteristic of the floor slab. The acceleration levels of floor slabs below 50[Formula: see text]Hz are significantly affected by non-structural components. Besides, non-structural components provide a new pathway for more efficient vibration dissipation below 20[Formula: see text]Hz within the slab. However, there is a potential for vibration amplification to occur at 25–40[Formula: see text]Hz due to slab resonance. The findings offer a practical guideline and threshold for TOD building design, thereby contributing to the enhancement of occupant comfort.
A Survey on Exploring Real and Virtual Social Network Rumors: State-of-the-Art and Research Challenges
Authors: He Qiang , Zhang Songyangjun , Cai Yuliang , Yuan Wei , Ma Lianbo , Yu Keping
Published: February 2025

This survey reviews the phenomenon of rumor propagation in social networks, defining rumors and their manifestations and highlighting the societal confusion, panic, and harm they cause. It explores the psychological, social, and technical factors contributing to rumors and their impact on reputation, panic, and decision-making. The review covers theoretical frameworks of rumor propagation, analyzing progressive and nonprogressive diffusion models in social networks. It also introduces the metaverse, discussing its impact on information spread and the new challenges it poses for rumor dissemination. Detection and intervention methods using AI, network analysis, and multimodal representation are highlighted, alongside policy and public education strategies. Additionally, the survey addresses challenges such as fake news, deepfakes, and the role of social bots and automated accounts. Future research directions are discussed, including the development of sophisticated detection algorithms, real-time monitoring, cross-platform and cross-cultural rumor detection, privacy protection, and automated coping mechanisms. The survey advocates for integrated strategies combining technological, social, and legal approaches to manage rumor propagation complexities and maintain information authenticity and social stability.
Electrochemical Insights into Copper Electrodeposition on Nd2Fe14B Grains: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Saksida Črt , Rebernik Mihaela , Tomše Tomaž , Péter László , Burkhardt Carlo , Schieren Laurence , Samardžija Zoran , Žužek Kristina
Published: February 2025

This study explores Cu electrodeposition from a near-neutral sulphate bath onto Nd-Fe-B bulk and powder electrodes. The former served for the preliminary electrochemical tests, while the latter was used for Cu coating of the corrosion-sensitive powdery raw material. Cyclic voltammetry established the potential intervals for Cu deposition (at least −0.1 V and below) and the Nd-Fe-B oxidation (above −0.5 V). Cu electrodepositions were performed on both electrodes in potentiostatic mode for 30 s. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed that Cu deposited at high overpotentials (−1.05 and −0.5 V) had a dendritic structure mainly due to mass transport limitations. A chronoamperometric study on Nd2Fe14B powder electrodes at −0.25 V resulted in a positive current, indicating the Nd-Fe-B oxidation dominance. At −0.5 V, the current remained negative, but showed diffusion limitations. The latter was improved by using ultrasonic agitation, which resulted in a higher total negative charge and more uniform Cu deposits on Nd2Fe14B grains. Cu-coated Nd₂Fe₁₄B grains showed a mass magnetization decrease from 137 to 127 emu g−1, corresponding to a ∼9% Cu mass increase determined via gravimetry. The study demonstrates successful Cu electrochemical deposition with no magnetization loss beyond the paramagnetic Cu phase, paving the way for grain-boundary engineering of novel Nd-Fe-B magnets.
Water Diffusion, Drag and Absorption in an Anion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Grimler Henrik , Nikolić Nikola , Ekström Henrik , Lagergren Carina , Lindström Rakel Wreland , Lindbergh Göran
Published: February 2025

Water is a key factor in anion-exchange membrane fuel cells, since it is both a product and a reactant, and humidifies the membrane and the ionomer phase. To optimize the operation conditions preventing cathode drying and anode flooding, better knowledge on the water transport is needed. In this work, the water transport across an AemionTM membrane is quantified for different applied water partial pressure differences and current densities. Two membrane thicknesses, 25 and 50 μm, are studied, as well as two gas diffusion layers (GDLs) of different hydrophobicity: the hydrophobic Sigracet 25BC treated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Freudenberg H23C2 being hydrophilic as it is not treated with PTFE. The measurements show that having a hydrophilic GDL on both electrodes results in poor electrochemical performance, and restricted water transport. Although the highest water molar flux was observed for hydrophilic GDL on cathode and hydrophobic GDL on anode, the best electrochemical performance was observed for the opposite combination. A water transport model considering absorption/desorption resistance, electroosmotic drag and diffusion was deployed. The best fit of the model to the experimental data was obtained with a water drag coefficient of 2, and almost about 30% difference in absorption/desorption coefficient due to different GDLs.
Fast Fourier Transform-Based Distribution of Relaxation Times Analysis for Efficient and Flexible Time-Domain Electrochemical Impedance Characterization
Authors: Py Baptiste , Ciucci Francesco
Published: February 2025

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful analytical technique offering broad frequency range and straightforward implementation. However, low-frequency measurements are constrained by lengthy acquisition times and potential disruption of steady-state conditions. While the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) can accelerate impedance acquisition and interpret EIS data, current approaches are limited to pulse signals and their linear combinations. Herein, we present a novel, fast Fourier transform-based DRT formulation for rapid EIS acquisition with arbitrary signals and DRT deconvolution. Our approach demonstrates computational efficiency and improved DRT recovery, advancing opportunities for fast, efficient EIS characterization.
Data from Intra- and Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinomas Display Differing Sensitivities to NK Cell Lysis and Modulate NK Cell Function through Shared and Distinct Pathways
Authors: Nguyen Ngan , Henrich Ian C.
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer that arises from the bile duct and is broadly classified by the location of the tumor as either intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA). Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, yet its utility in CCA has been limited as the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CCA is poorly understood compared with other common cancers. Utilizing previously published transcriptome data, our reanalysis has revealed that CCA has one of the highest relative levels of NK cells, a potent cytotoxic immune cell, compared with other cancers. However, despite iCCA and eCCA having comparable relative levels of NK infiltration, NK cell infiltration only correlated with survival in patients with eCCA. Our subsequent investigation revealed that although iCCA and eCCA profoundly altered NK activity, eCCA had a significantly reduced impact on NK functionality. Whereas iCCA was resistant to long-term NK coculture, eCCA was markedly more sensitive. Moreover, although both iCCA and eCCA dysregulated key NK-activating receptors, eCCA coculture did not impact NKp30 nor NKp44 expression. Furthermore, tumor transcriptome analysis of NKHigh CCA samples revealed a modulation of multiple immune and nonimmune cell types within the TME.

Implications: These studies are the first to investigate how iCCA and eCCA impact NK cell functionality through shared and distinct mechanisms and how elevated NK cell infiltration could shape the CCA TME in a subtype-dependent manner.
Breastfeeding and Health Benefits for the Mother-Infant Dyad: A Perspective on Human Milk Microbiota
Authors: Dinleyici Ener Cagri
Published: February 2025

Background:: Current scientific research on breastfeeding provides substantial evidence of its numerous positive impacts, not only for children in both the short and long term but also for mothers who engage in breastfeeding. Summary:: In addition to the gold standard effect of human milk on infant nutrition, breastfeeding is associated with a lower incidence of infections, reduced infant/childhood mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis, and obesity during childhood and later in life, better cognitive performance, and a higher IQ score. For mothers, breastfeeding prolongs lactational amenorrhea, may facilitate postpartum weight loss, and may reduce breast and ovarian cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Breastfeeding can also play a beneficial role in preventing antibiotic resistance, which is a global concern across all age groups. Implementing exclusive breastfeeding for all infants has the potential to enhance child development and decrease healthcare expenses, leading to economic savings for both individual families and society. Human milk is a biologically active food that functions as both prebiotic and probiotic because of its oligosaccharides and the composition of its microbiota, which act as synergistic synbiotics.
Protocol for a Systematic and Scoping Review of Emergent Motion Capture Technology for Upper Extremity Assessment in Stroke
Authors: Fisher Jarrad , Lannin Natasha A. , Anderson Craig S. , Chen Xiaoying
Published: February 2025

Background: A significant proportion of stroke survivors, ranging from 50% to 88%, experience upper limb motor impairments. Traditional upper limb assessments in clinical settings rely on subjective observations, leading to inconsistencies. Motion capture (MoCap) systems offer objective, precise assessments of kinematics. This review aims to systematically evaluate emergent MoCap technologies for upper limb assessment in stroke patients.
Methods: This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 6.4. The review is registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF). Searches will be conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and IEEE Xplore. We will include peer-reviewed studies from 2014 to 2024, in English, focusing on adults (≥18 years) post-stroke using MoCap technologies for upper limb assessment. Two or more reviewers will independently screen, select, and extract data. A narrative synthesis will describe the evidence's quality and content.
Discussion: This review will enhance our understanding of MoCap technologies for upper limb assessment post-stroke, identifying strengths, limitations, and providing evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice and future research. It aims to bridge the gap by capturing and analysing the latest advancements and their clinical applications.
BrainAgeNeXt: Advancing brain age modeling for individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: La Rosa Francesco , Dos Santos Silva Jonadab , Dereskewicz Emma , Invernizzi Azzurra , Cahan Noa , Galasso Julia , Garcia Nadia , Graney Robin , Levy Sarah , Verma Gaurav , Balchandani Priti , Reich Daniel S. , Horton Megan , Greenspan Hayit , Sumowski James , Bach Cuadra Merixtell , Beck Erin S.
Published: February 2025

Aging is associated with structural brain changes, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases. Brain age, an imaging biomarker sensitive to deviations from healthy aging, offers insights into structural aging variations and is a potential prognostic biomarker in neurodegenerative conditions. This study introduces BrainAgeNeXt, a novel convolutional neural network inspired by the MedNeXt framework, designed to predict brain age from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. BrainAgeNeXt was trained and validated on 11,574 MRI scans from 33 private and publicly available datasets of healthy volunteers, aged 5 to 95 years, imaged with 3T and 7T MRI. Performance was compared against three state-of-the-art brain age prediction methods. BrainAgeNeXt achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.78 ± 3.64 years, lower than the compared methods (MAE range 3.55–4.16 years). We also tested all methods across different levels of image quality, and BrainAgeNeXt performed well even with motion artifacts and less common 7T MRI data. In three longitudinal multiple sclerosis (MS) cohorts (273 individuals), brain age was, on average, 4.21 ± 6.51 years greater than chronological age. Longitudinal analysis indicated that brain age increased by 1.15 years per chronological year in individuals with MS (95% CI = [1.05, 1.26]). Moreover, in early MS, individuals with worsening disability had a higher annual increase in brain age compared to those with stable clinical assessments (1.24 vs 0.75, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that brain age is a promising prognostic biomarker for MS progression and potentially a valuable endpoint for clinical trials.
Five new species of Polana (Polana) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini) from Brazil and Costa Rica, and new combinations in the genus
Authors: DOMAHOVSKI ALEXANDRE CRUZ
Published: February 2025

The subgenus Polana comprises 34 species, of which only five are currently recorded in Brazil. In this work five new species are described in the subgenus Polana of which P. torta sp. nov. is from Costa Rica and four are from Brazil: P. inflexa sp. nov. from Distrito Federal and states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, and Paraná; P. insolita sp. nov. from states of Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul; P. languida sp. nov. from states of Mato Grosso and Rondônia; and P. sinopensis sp. nov. from state of Mato Grosso. New distribution records are given and five species are newly recorded from Brazil: P. coresa DeLong & Freytag, 1972; P. innata DeLong & Foster, 1982; P. mala DeLong & Freytag, 1972; P. scruta DeLong & Freytag, 1972; and P. squalera DeLong & Freytag, 1972. Additionally, P. flectara DeLong & Freytag, 1972 and P. fusconotata (Osborn, 1938) have new records to Brazilian states. The following new combinations are proposed: three species of the subgenus Polana—P. ocellata (Spångberg, 1878), P. villara DeLong, 1979, and P. pravida DeLong & Foster, 1982 are transferred to the subgenus Nihilana; three species of the subgenus Nihilana—P. onara DeLong & Triplehorn, 1979, P. robusta DeLong, 1980, and P. thugana DeLong & Triplehorn, 1979 are transferred to the subgenus Polana; five species of the subgenus Polana—P. caputa DeLong, 1980, P. carla DeLong, 1980, P. diversita DeLong & Wolda, 1982, P. julna DeLong & Wolda, 1982, and P. tinae DeLong & Wolda, 1982 are transferred to the subgenus Polanana; one species of the subgenus Polanana—P. chena DeLong & Wolda, 1978 is transferred to the subgenus Hobemanella; seven species not placed in subgenera are here designed as follows: P. cumbresa DeLong & Wolda, 1984 and P. gatunana DeLong & Wolda, 1984, are placed in Bulbusana; P. censora DeLong & Wolda, 1984 is placed in Hobemanella; and P. boquetea DeLong & Wolda, 1984, P. calvanoa DeLong & Wolda, 1984, P. clavata DeLong & Wolda, 1984, and P. miramara DeLong & Wolda, 1984 are placed in Polanana. Polana (Hobemanella) ardua DeLong & Freytag, 1972 and Polana (Varpulana) elera DeLong & Freytag, 1972 are considered incertae sedis within Polana. A key to males of the subgenus Polana is provided.
2. Previous Scholarship on Zajal Metrics
Authors: Haydar Adnan
Published: February 2025

The second chapter delivers a thorough review of previous scholarship on the metrics of Lebanese zajal. It includes a discussion and analysis of writings by Amīn Nakhleh, Buṭrus al-Bustānī, R.P.A. Dozy, Jurji Zaydān, Ibrahīm al-Ḥūrānī, C.F. Seybold, Mārūn cAbbūd, Anīs Frayḥah, Jean Lecerf, Jabbūr cAbd al-Nūr, Munīr Whaybeh, and others. The chapter concludes with the statement that much of the criticism discussed abounds in impressionistic statements, contradictions, shaky terminology and serious lack of documentation. Also striking is that none of the critics admits music, song, and stress into metrical study.
Conclusion
Authors: Haydar Adnan
Published: February 2025

The study concludes that music, stress, and the role of the chorus (riddadeh) are essential to understanding zajal compositions and to properly describing the metrics of Lebanese zajal poetry. The methodology used in the study could also be applied to other oral traditions.
Are Soft Skills Enough? Experimental Evidence on Skill Complementarity for College Graduates
Authors: Osman Adam , Speer Jamin D.
Published: February 2025

The authors study how complementarities in skill may affect the returns to vocational training using a randomized controlled trial in Cairo, Egypt. Participants, who were college-educated, were given either a four-week training in soft skills (e.g., grooming, time management), technical skills (e.g., Microsoft programs, English language), or a mix of the two (half of each). Findings show large differences in outcomes between the three treatments. The technical and mixed treatments do best in the short term, raising first-job income by about 15%, relative to the soft skill treatment. In the longer term, the mixed-skill treatment significantly outperforms the other two treatments, giving participants 20–27% higher income. The high returns for this group may come from increased access to jobs that require speaking English, which may be at higher-quality employers. Overall, the results suggest that curriculum details play an important role in the outcomes of vocational training programs and that leveraging skill complementarity can yield tangible benefits.
EXPRESS: To Acquire or to Ally? the Impact of Strategic Emphasis on Governance Mode Choice
Authors: Mallapragada Girish , Bommaraju Raghu , Kumar Alok , Pedada Kiran
Published: February 2025

In pursuit of growth, firms often rely on outside options and choose a specific governance mode (acquisitions or alliances) to manage their external partnerships. In such pursuits, a firm’s strategic emphasis, i.e., relative focus on value appropriation vs. value creation, could be crucial in determining appropriate governance mode choice. In this paper, the authors draw on transaction cost economics and the resource-based view to articulate and empirically assess the impact of strategic emphasis on governance mode choice using a large panel of publicly listed US firms. They also identify and test two boundary conditions, namely CMO presence and analyst coverage of the firm. The results indicate that firms with a greater strategic emphasis on value appropriation relative to value creation are more likely to prefer acquisitions over alliances. Further, the positive impact of strategic emphasis on the likelihood of choosing acquisitions over alliances is weakened both with CMO presence and with increasing analyst coverage of the firm. These results provide insights on how a firm’s strategic emphasis might impact its choice of governance mode, in the presence of CMO and analyst coverage.
Existential upheavals: Tracing war’s immediate effect on individual religiosity in Ukraine
Authors: KARAKAI Danyil , MOSKOTINA Ruslana
Published: February 2025

This study examines religious changes during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine through a two-wave panel study of 595 individuals before and during the 2022 war. It explores the relationship between wartime adversity and changes in religiosity. Our findings suggest that greater personal exposure to war does not increase religiosity. At the same time, greater existential insecurity is associated with a greater magnitude of religious change, regardless of its direction. In addition, the research found that individuals who were less religious before the war experienced a greater increase in religiosity. However, the effect of war exposure on the change in religiosity was more pronounced among religious people.
The Use of Mobile Phones by Itinerant Teachers of Students with Visual Disabilities
Authors: Corn A.L. , Patterson W. , Love C. , Erin J.N.
Published: February 2025

This article reports on a study of the use of mobile phones by 25 itinerant teachers in Texas. Among the factors considered were time management, costs, changes in the use of various types of phones, and feelings of security. One finding was that with each outgoing call per day, the teachers accumulated the equivalent of one week’s service each year to their students.
Who Are Midlife Women Family Caregivers With Negative Attitudes Toward Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care?
Authors: Im Eun-Ok , Yang You Lee , Chee Wonshik
Published: February 2025

Background:

Midlife women play a major role as the family caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease (PLAD). Cultural differences are frequently the major reason for the high risk faced by racial and ethnic minority family caregivers. However, little is known about the characteristics of midlife women family caregivers that are linked to their negative attitudes toward Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the characteristics of midlife women who were family caregivers of PLAD that were linked to their negative attitudes toward Alzheimer’s disease and dementia caregiving.

Methods:

A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from 172 midlife women who were family caregivers of PLAD and participated in a large cross-sectional online survey. Linear multiple regression analyses were used for the data analysis.

Results:

Participants’ attitude toward Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia scores were significantly associated with employment status, race/ethnicity (Hispanic), and instrumental activities of daily living. Those who were unemployed, Hispanic, and with low instrumental activities of daily living tended to have negative attitudes toward Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care.

Conclusions:

Additional interventions should be developed to improve attitudes toward caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in this specific group of midlife women who are family caregivers of PLAD.
Decoding enterprise digital transformation: A multi-theoretical exploration
Authors: Ou Lingjun , Tian Yihui
Published: February 2025

The concept of Enterprise Digital Transformation (EDT) is increasingly capturing the attention of both academic and business communities. Through a critical examination of the burgeoning body of literature on EDT, this paper aims to unearth and delineate future research avenues critical for the advancement of understanding in this domain. Utilizing organizational and social theories as lenses, we systematically categorize and dissect the extant research literature pertaining to the digital transformation process. This approach enables us to comprehensively understand the current landscape of EDT research, thereby uncovering potential research opportunities and directions. Following a contextual discussion on digital transformation, we methodically review recent literature on EDT from a theoretical standpoint. Our analysis particularly focuses on the current research state regarding the drivers of digital transformation, specific practices employed by enterprises during such transformations, and the subsequent performance outcomes of EDT initiatives. Within this review framework, we also spotlight pertinent research questions related to digital transformation that merit further exploration. Furthermore, we illuminate additional theoretical frameworks that hold promise for future inquiries into digital transformation, thus offering a succinct summary of our review.
A new look at the potential links between music practice, empathy, and prosociality
Authors: Morand-Grondin Dorothée , Oliveira Beatriz , van Vugt Floris T , Rigoulot Simon
Published: February 2025

Engaging in music practice is often assumed to increase empathy and prosociality. However, data in support of this relationship are limited, leaving unclear which components of empathy (cognitive empathy, emotional contagion, and emotional disconnection) and prosocial behaviors, if any, would be affected. Here, we recruited musicians with more than 2 years of musical experience ( n = 80) and nonmusicians ( n = 89) to measure empathy (using subjective and objective measures) and prosociality (using economic games). We hypothesized that musicians would score higher than nonmusicians on empathy and prosociality, and that musicians who practice more would show greater effects. Using classical and Bayesian analyses of variance (ANOVAs), we found no difference between musicians and nonmusicians in empathy and prosociality, and no correlation with the amount of practice. Exploratory analyses revealed associations between the age of onset of music practice and empathy, suggesting that it is not music practice per se but specifically its initiation in early life that could be linked to empathy. These findings challenge the common assumption that music practice in general increases empathy and prosociality and invites to explore in which specific contexts music practice does so (e.g., particular age ranges or group-based settings).
Stochastic Two-Scale Convergence in the Mean in Orlicz-Sobolev’s Spaces and Applications to the Homogenization of an Integral Functional
Authors: Joseph Dongho , Joel Fotso Tachago , Franck Tchinda Takougoum
Published: February 2025

In this article, we study the stochastic homogenization for a family of integral functionals with convex and nonstandard growth integrands defined on Orlicz-Sobolev’s spaces. One fundamental in this topic is to extend the classical compactness results of the two-scale convergence in the mean method to this type of spaces. Moreover, it is shown by the two-scale convergence in the mean method that the sequence of minimizers of a class of highly oscillatory minimizations problems involving convex functionals converges to the minimizers of a homogenized problem with a suitable convex function. 1
Ethically challenging situations in eldercare: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Selander Kirsikka , Korkiakangas Eveliina , Nikunlaakso Risto , Koivisto Tiina , Laitinen Jaana
Published: February 2025

Background

Ethically challenging situations are one of the many stressors that strain eldercare employees.

Aim

The study aimed to examine (1) the mean levels of ethically challenging situations among eldercare employees in different Finnish eldercare service types and (2) the associations between organizational constraints and poor work-unit collaboration with ethically challenging situations.

Research design

Cross-sectional survey in 2020 including 4,347 Finnish eldercare employees (response rate 67%). These employees provide care and support to older adults, such as assist with daily activities and manage medical needs. Employees were classified into four categories based on the eldercare service type: home care ( n = 1,683), service housing ( n = 1,649), outpatient and ward care ( n = 650), and guidance and activity services ( n = 365). The data was analyzed with variance analysis, t-tests, and linear regression analysis.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the ethical board of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Respondents’ provided informed consent for participation.

Findings

Analyses showed that the level of ethically challenging situations was highest in service housing, among nurses, and among practical nurses. Organizational constraints—job strain and organizational injustice—had the strongest positive association with ethically challenging situations. Poor work-unit collaboration, instead, had a minor positive association with ethically challenging situations.

Conclusions

Organizational constraints, especially job strain and organizational injustice, are important to identify to alleviate ethically challenging situations among eldercare workers.
Utilization of Mandibular Occlusal Plane as Vector Guidance Oral Prosthesis in Cleft Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis: A Technical Note
Authors: Tan Fo Yew , Mohd Nor Nor Adilah Binti , Ahmad Siti Fauzza , Hariri Firdaus
Published: February 2025

Background

Conventionally, vector guidance for internal distractor placement during cleft maxillary distraction osteogenesis (DO) is done using vector guidance splint. Vector guidance splint cannot be fabricated if occlusion is not decompensated for model surgery.

Solution

Using mandibular occlusal plane as anatomical reference, vector guidance oral prosthesis is fabricated to guide distractor placement and vector determination, in cases where model surgery is not possible.

What we do that is new

Vector guidance oral prosthesis is a new prototype produced to guide maxillary DO without the need of model surgery.
EXPRESS: Are All Generic Drugs Created Equal? An Empirical Analysis of Generic Drug Manufacturing Location and Serious Drug Adverse Events
Authors: Noh In Joon , Gray John , Ball George , Wright Zachery , Parks Hyunwoo
Published: February 2025

Generic drugs provide lifesaving, affordable treatment to millions of people each day. Generic drug manufacturing has been steadily moving from advanced economies, such as the U.S., to emerging economies, such as India. Due to the opacity of drug supply chains, the quality risk implications of manufacturing in emerging economies has not been carefully empirically tested. This study addresses this gap. To do so, we identify a novel source of drug manufacturing location data which allows us to compare the occurrence of serious adverse events of generic drugs made in different locations. Using exact matching analyses based on the equivalency criteria established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we find that generic drugs manufactured in India, where a majority of emerging economy generic drugs are made, are associated with significantly higher instances of serious adverse events than equivalent generic drugs made in the U.S., where a majority of advanced economy generic drugs are made. We further show that this key result is explained by mature generic drugs, which are particularly susceptible to operations and supply chain cost reduction efforts—efforts that unfortunately may compromise drug quality. Our study finding leads to implications for the FDA in their regulation of generic drugs.
Use of different protein and antioxidant sources in couscous production to improve chemical and functional properties
Authors: Cankurtaran Kömürcü Tekmile
Published: February 2025

In this study, it was aimed to improve couscous chemical and functional properties by replacing wheat flour used in traditional couscous production with pea and mung bean flours as different protein sources at the rate of 20% and with ginger and turmeric powders as antioxidant sources at the rate of 1%, 2%, and 3%. Sixteen different couscous formulations were produced. In those couscous samples, some chemical contents (moisture, ash, protein, fat, and phytic acid), bioactive contents (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and ion reducing antioxidant capacity antioxidant activities and total phenolic content), color (L*, a*, and b*), firmness and cooking properties were determined. The use of pea and mung bean flour decreased the L* value of the samples, while turmeric increased the yellowness values. In addition, the weight increase and firmness values of couscous decreased with the use of leguminous flours and antioxidant sources. The use of peas and mung beans significantly increased the amount of ash, protein, and phytic acid values compared to the control. The antioxidant activity value of ion-reducing antioxidant activity capacity increased by 7 and 5 times, and the total phenolic contents increased approximately 2 times, respectively, in the samples with the substitution of 3% turmeric and pea and mung bean flour. Pea flour and mung bean flour provided a significant increase in the amounts of Ca, Mg, K, and Zn. The combination of pea flour with 3% turmeric powder resulted in couscous with superior nutritional and functional properties.
Multimodal fake news detection model using improved heuristic approach with optimal weighted integration and dilated adaptive deep learning
Authors: Kishore Vikash , Kumar Mukesh
Published: February 2025

A lot of fake news is published with the help of television and social media. As a consequence, we are affected by the disinformation and misinformation spreading in our community. It is implemented to identify fake news creators to prevent spreading misinformation about the people. Thus, it is published like real news for the reputation and finances of an individual. It is challenging, because that is created by the integration of real and false details, and images are attached like originals to confuse the public. Few fake news detection tools are available to detect fake information. To solve this fake news spreading problem, an effectual multimodal fake news detection system is proposed based on the deep learning technique. In the beginning, the input image and text are gathered from benchmark data sources. Consequently, the deep features are extracted from raw images and text. The dilated Visual Geometry Group 16 (VGG16) is adopted to extract the image features and similarly, the text features are retrieved from the Dilated Text Convolutional Neural Network (DTCNN). After achieving two different features, it is upgraded into weighted fused features, in which the weight is tuned by an Adaptive Controlling Parameter-based Chameleon Swarm Algorithm (ACP-CSA). Finally, the fused features are fed as given to the Dilated Adaptive Deep Temporal Convolution Network with Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (DADTCN-Bi-LSTM) for predicting the fake news. The analysis is further performed by tuning the parameters in the model using developed ACP-CSA. The efficiency of the model is investigated and results are conducted. Thus, the analysis of the suggested system shows 95 regarding accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The analysis of the F1-score achieves the value of 90 in the developed model. Hence, the findings demonstrate that it achieves a better detection process to evade the existence of misinformation.
Overlapping Inequalities: Connecting Income Inequality With Health and Education Disparities Motivates Its Reduction
Authors: Soler-Martínez Francisco Miguel , Willis Guillermo B. , García-Sánchez Efraín
Published: February 2025

People often justify income disparities. But what if these disparities create inequality in access to health care or higher education? Across four studies, we aimed to investigate whether perceiving income inequality overlap with health and education could lead to lesser acceptance of economic inequality and greater support for actions to reduce it. In Study 1 ( N = 320), we found that perceived overlap predicted lower acceptance of economic inequality and greater support for collective actions and redistribution. Next, we found that exposing participants to information about high (vs. low) income inequality overlap with health (Study 2a; N = 178) and education (Study 2b; N = 184) decreased acceptance of economic inequality and increased support for collective actions and redistribution in fictitious societies. In Study 3 ( N = 371), we replicated these results in a real-world context. Future interventions could show these overlapping inequalities to gain broader support for economic inequality reduction.
Methimazole-Induced Cholestatic Jaundice: A Rare Case and Literature Review
Authors: Nefzi Ahmed Mohamed , Cherif Dhouha , Dabbebi Habiba , Yacoub Haythem , Hassine Hajer , Kchir Hela , Bellil Khadija , Maamouri Nadia
Published: February 2025

Methimazole is commonly prescribed for patients with hyperthyroidism. It typically exhibits a well-tolerated profile, with common side effects including gastrointestinal disorders and rash. However, more serious rare yet adverse reactions, notably agranulocytosis and hepatotoxicity have been documented in literature. Here we present a case of a 27-year-old female, recently diagnosed with Graves’ disease, who was prescribed methimazole and developed severe pruritus with cholestatic jaundice 13 days later. Concomitant causes of liver disease were ruled out. The treatment was discontinued, and a switch to corticosteroid therapy with a regimen of radioactive iodine sessions was initiated. The patient’s condition showed a resolution of pruritus and jaundice, a disappearance of cytolysis with an aggravation of cholestasis followed by a gradual decrease, leading to the liver function normalization after 2 years. Methimazole-induced cholestatic jaundice is a rare yet severe adverse effect. Patients should be aware of this complication and advised to immediately stop taking the treatment when suggestive symptoms (pruritus, jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stool) occur.
Retaining Severely Damaged Talar Body and Medial Malleolar Cartilage for Diabetic Ankle/Hindfoot Charcot Arthrodesis Using Intramedullary Nail: A Short Report
Authors: Yammine Kaissar , Samaha Camille , Assi Chahine
Published: February 2025

Background:

The tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail (IMN) is a common method used to treat advanced diabetic ankle/hindfoot Charcot deformity. The talus is usually resected when severe loss of its body is present and the medial malleolar cartilage excised. We report our initial results with talar retention and absence of medial ankle gutter cartilage debridement.

Methods:

Four patients with type 2/3A Brodsky classification and stage 2/3 as Eichenholtz classification, presenting with a hindfoot varus deformity were treated with TTC using IMN. The talus was retained after excision of its proximal and distal cartilages while the medial malleolus cartilage was not touched. Bone union was the primary outcome. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months.

Results:

Bone union was achieved radiologically in all 4 cases within 6 months. No signs of postoperative infection was noted. The mean limb length difference between the pre- and postoperative values was 0.5 ± 0.2 cm. At the final follow-up, all patients were able to walk pain-free with full weightbearing. All 4 patients were very satisfied at 12 months with a mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score of 87 ± 3.1.

Conclusion:

When performing TTC arthrodesis for diabetic Charcot, preserving the talus even when the body is severely damaged could add to the stability of the construct resulting in bone healing and some leg length preservation. Including the medial malleolus in the fusion surgery might not be necessary.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Diagnosis, management, and outcomes of drug-induced erythrocytosis: A systematic review.
Authors: Liu Jessica , Chin-Yee Benjamin , Ho Jenny M , Lazo-Langner Alejandro , Chin-Yee Ian , Iansavichene Alla , Hsia Cyrus C.
Published: February 2025

Secondary erythrocytosis refers to an elevation in hemoglobin or hematocrit due to elevated serum erythropoietin levels. Medications including testosterone and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are increasingly recognized causes of secondary erythrocytosis. We conducted a systematic review to inform the clinical management of drug-induced erythrocytosis. Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL (all via Ovid), and Google Scholar. Of the 2,036 articles screened for eligibility, 45 studies were included in our review, with 35 studies on testosterone and other androgen use, 5 studies on SGLT-2 inhibitors, 3 studies on anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), 1 study on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), and 1 study on a treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Cisgender and transgender men on prescription testosterone had rates of erythrocytosis up to 66.7%, with intramuscular formulations, higher doses, and older age associated with increased risk of erythrocytosis. Up to 2.7% of men on testosterone therapy developed thromboembolic events. In individuals on SGLT-2 inhibitors, rates of erythrocytosis ranged from 2.1-22%, with those who discontinued therapy demonstrating improvement or resolution of erythrocytosis. Thromboembolic events were reported in up to 10% of these individuals. Anti-angiogenic TKIs were studied in patients with cancer, with erythrocytosis developing in up to 43.5% of patients. Drug-induced erythrocytosis is a heterogeneous condition for which there is no clear consensus among clinicians about its diagnosis and management. We offer recommendations for clinical practice within the scope of this systematic review, though further research is required.