bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding screening and managing diabetic microvascular complications among general practitioners of community health centres: a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Huang Cuiling , Lan Chengdian , Chen Zhangyan , Yu Ying , Gao Jian , Yang Hua
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding screening and managing diabetic microvascular complications, encompassing diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic neuropathy (DN), among general practitioners (GPs).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The online questionnaire survey was conducted between April and July 2023.

Participants

GPs from community health centres (CHCs) in all 16 districts of Shanghai were recruited.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The data of sociodemographic characteristics, KAP scales, training experience and screening instruments for community screening and managing diabetic microvascular complications were collected. Multiple stepwise linear regression was used to explore the influencing factors of KAP. Restricted cubic spline curves with four knots (5%, 35%, 65%, 95%) were used to determine the association between KAP score and duration of general practice.

Results

A total of 1243 questionnaires were included in the analysis. The total KAP score was 66.6±8.8/100, and the knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 64.7±8.7, 83.5±10.5 and 51.6+17.8, respectively. Male (β=−2.419, p=0.012), shorter practice duration (β=−1.033, p=0.031), practice in rural area (β=3.230, p=0.001), not attending training in diabetic microvascular complications (β=−6.346, p<0.001), not managing diabetic patients (β=−4.503, p<0.001), less number of diabetes patients under management (β=−0.007, p=0.035), less number of screening instruments based on self-report of GP (β=−1.681, p<0.001), lower knowledge score (β=−0.190, p<0.001) and lower attitude score (β=−0.414, p<0.001) were associated with lower practice score of GPs. The KAP total score increased with the working years of general practice; however, this effect was no longer observed in knowledge score after 15 years, while the attitude and practice scores showed a continuously increasing trend.

Conclusions

GPs showed insufficient knowledge and poor clinical practice on screening and managing diabetic microvascular complications. There is an urgent need to improve their capacity to provide better care for those with diabetic microvascular complications through targeted training.
Occupational skin diseases among bricklayers and brick masons in a resource poor setting, Southwest Nigeria: prevalence and correlates – a case–control study
Authors: Israel Michael Gbenga , Israel Oluwaseyi Kikelomo , Akinboro Adeolu Oladayo , Uduagbamen Peter Kehinde , Oiwoh Sebastien S , Olayemi Olanrewaju , Olanrewaju Fatai O , Oripelaye Mufutau M , Aiyedun Stephen Olawale , Oninla Olumayowa , Olasode Olayinka , Onayemi Olaniyi
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Cement and most other materials used by bricklayers and brick masons for construction purposes could heighten the risk for occupational skin diseases (OSDs) which mostly include occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) and others. The activities of the bricklayers or brick masons are essentially manual as they work as artisans involving mixing sands and gravels with cement and water for building and block moulding, respectively. This can lead to a significant decline in the quality of life and psychosocial function. We determined the prevalence of OSDs and their correlates among bricklayers and brick masons.

Design

This was a comparative case–control study which involved 200 bricklayers/brick masons and 200 healthy non-bricklayers/non-brick masons.

Settings

This study was carried out in two local governments (LGAs) in Ogbomoso community.

Methods

Respondents were selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Interviewer–administer semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the prevalence of OCD and other OSD were determined, χ2test and logistic regression were obtained. A p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of the bricklayers/brick masons was 39.74±17.03 years, while that of the control group was 40.04±17.24 years. The prevalence of OCD was significantly higher in the bricklayers/brick masons (43.0%) than controls (5.5%), p<0.001. Other dermatological conditions were more common among the cases (8.5%) than the controls (5.0%), p=0.04. Bricklayers/brick masons not using personal protective equipment (PPE, hand gloves) were three times more likely to develop OCD compared with those who used them (OR=3.38, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.72, p=0.007). A family history of allergy is also a predictor of OCD (OR=2.69, 95% CI 1.30 to 5.60, p=0.008).

Conclusion

OSD are common in bricklayers/brick masons, especially among those without the use of PPE. Regular educational programmes emphasizing the need to reduce direct contact with cement including the proper and regular use of PPE among this population group are advised.
Understanding how older people with mild frailty engage with behaviour change to support their independence: a qualitative study
Authors: Barrado-Martín Yolanda , Frost Rachael , Catchpole Jessica , Rookes Tasmin Alanna , Gibson Sarah , Avgerinou Christina , Gardner Benjamin , Gould Rebecca L , Chadwick Paul , Hopkins Jane , Drennan Vari M , Kharicha Kalpa , Marston Louise , Kumar Rashmi , Elaswarapu Rekha , Jowett Claire , Walters Kate R
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To explore barriers and facilitators to behaviour change in older people with mild frailty.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Community-dwelling older people living with mild frailty.

Participants

64 older people with mild frailty, workers delivering the service and stakeholders.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted between July 2022 and May 2023 with participants in a randomised controlled trial (‘HomeHealth’) of a 6-month, home-based, personalised goal setting intervention, based around the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model. We purposively sampled older participants receiving the service (n=49), workers delivering it (n=7) and stakeholders supporting its delivery (n=8). Interviews explored participation experiences, including engagement, perceived progress and impact. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Key themes included frailty symptoms and adapting/compensating for these, self-efficacy and beliefs about capacity or need for change, familiarity with goal-setting processes and health-related knowledge, accessibility of services and outdoor environments, and enabling social support. Participants were empowered to change behaviours with support, where personalised meaningful goals were set. These were maintained where they led to a tangible outcome and had increased self-efficacy; however, new health challenges and lack of intrinsic motivation could be barriers.

Conclusions

Regular and continued empathic person-centred support helps empower mildly frail people who are motivated to change their behaviour. Identifying those willing and able to identify their need for change may be key to maximise service use impact.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN54268283.
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with atrial fibrillation receiving catheter ablation: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) with embedded process evaluation
Authors: Fitzhugh Charlotte , Jones Helen , Foweather Lawrence , Lip Gregory Y H , Gupta Dhiraj , Mills Mark T , Buckley Benjamin JR
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects approximately 2.5% of the UK population, with a risk of 1 in 3–5 individuals after the age of 45 years. The global prevalence has risen sharply in the past two decades, from 33.3 million to 59 million individuals living with AF, and is associated with stroke, heart failure and mortality. Catheter ablation is commonly used for symptomatic patients to restore normal rhythm. A recent Cochrane review of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) has demonstrated that exercise training may induce positive effects on AF burden, AF severity, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The aim was therefore to investigate the feasibility of delivering exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with AF receiving catheter ablation within usual care in the UK.

Methods and analysis

A two-armed feasibility RCT with embedded process evaluation will be undertaken as a phased programme of work. Patients on a waiting list for catheter ablation will be offered a referral to cardiac rehabilitation. The intervention consists of supervised exercise sessions run by a clinical exercise physiologist and psychoeducation sessions. The trial (n=60) will involve one National Health Service (NHS) research site enrolling patients to assess intervention and study design processes. Primary outcomes are recruitment rate, adherence to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation and loss to follow-up. Semistructured interviews and focus groups with patients and clinicians will be used to gather data on the acceptability of the intervention and study procedures. Secondary outcome measures will be taken at baseline (pre-intervention), post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up and will consist of AF burden, AF recurrence, quality of life, exercise capacity measured by peak oxygen consumption and echocardiographic parameters.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved in the UK by the Northwest-Preston Research Ethics Committee (24/NW/0061; IRAS project ID: 330155). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international scientific meetings, and summaries will be communicated to participants.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:NCT06401148.
Exploring community stakeholder perspectives of partnership development in community-engaged undergraduate Global Health Education in the UK: a qualitative study
Authors: Pettitt Christine , Chapko Dorota , Budhathoki Shyam Sundar , Murray Keitumetse-Kabelo , Ward Helen
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Traditionally, patients have had passive roles in medical education; however, there have been increasing efforts to partner with communities to create authentic representation of laypeople in medical education. Communities’ perspectives of these initiatives have rarely been reported in the literature. This study explores the perspectives of members of community-based organisations (CBOs) who were partnered with a community engagement programme for intercalating medical students at Imperial College London.

Design

A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted, employing reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting

London, UK.

Participants

A total of five participants (one member from five CBOs who agreed to participate) were interviewed for this study. The selection criterion was direct involvement in the community engagement programme.

Results

Three key themes were identified aligning with the core principles of co-production: building partnership, reciprocity in partnership and maintenance of relationship. Partnership development was influenced by the CBOs’ perception of students which caused power differentials in the development of learning plans. Reciprocity refers to a multidirectional benefit pathway resulting from the community involvement programme, which had short-term and anticipated long-term effects. Relationships built were maintained via a service evaluation report, and participants discussed how attitudes of academic institutions towards collaboration influence communities’ ability to participate in medical education.

Conclusions

The perspectives of CBOs reported in this study demonstrate that factors important to partnership development in community-engaged medical education are consistent with the key principles of co-production. Supported by literature, the findings emphasise that community involvement can be linked to social accountability and sustainable health practice. Provided that the possible risks/challenges are appropriately identified and mitigated to facilitate co-productive partnerships between stakeholders, the involvement of CBOs in medical education has the potential to provide benefits for communities, students and educational institutions.
Thermodynamics of a Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by quintessence in the generalized uncertainty principle framework
Authors: Sen Soham , Dutta Abhijit , Gangopadhyay Sunandan
Published: January 2025

We investigate the thermodynamics of a Schwarzschild black hole, surrounded by the quintessence energy-matter in the linear and quadratic generalized uncertainty principle framework. Considering the variance in the position to be of the order of the event horizon radius and equating the variance in the momentum to the Hawking temperature of the black hole, we substitute these variances in the deformed algebra. From there we obtained the generalized uncertainty principle-modified black hole temperature and eventually the specific heat of the black hole. Then we calculate the critical as well as the remnant mass and obtain the entropy relation. We observe that the entropy relation includes the usual leading order “area divided by four” term, sub-leading logarithmic term, and higher order inverse of the area corrections. Finally, calculating the energy output as a function of time, we obtain the evaporation time of the black hole. The results show the dependence of the quintessence parameter on the thermodynamic quantities in the framework of linear and quadratic generalized uncertainty principle.
6. Observational Models: Quantifying the Conceptual Model through Investigation
Authors: Roberts T. O. L. , Powrie W. , Lee M.
Published: January 2025

An Observational Model is a conceptual framework, with quantitative elements, for the behaviour of the ground and groundwater system, within which calculations and performance assessments may be made. It is built up by observations from a variety of sources, including

the literature and existing information through a desk study,

an intrusive ground investigation,

in situ and laboratory tests, and

monitoring data.

There is a particular emphasis on the topology, stratigraphy, groundwater boundary conditions and groundwater flow properties including hydraulic conductivity (Darcy permeability), inhomogeneity and anisotropy.

The aim of this chapter is to describe and discuss the site investigations and associated laboratory testing, pumping tests/trials and long-term monitoring that contribute to building an observational groundwater model. It encompasses methods, instruments, techniques; the design of site investigations, pumping tests/trials; and monitoring strategies, interpretation and reporting. A particular objective is to critically appraise methods for the assessment of hydraulic conductivity and anisotropy.
4. A framework for groundwater risk management
Authors: Duncan Ian
Published: January 2025

‘A framework for groundwater risk management introduces the use of models to manage groundwater risk. Parry et al (2014) in the publication ‘Engineering Geological Models - an introduction: IAEG Commission 25’, subsequently updated in Baynes et al (2022), introduces three fundamental geological models; the Conceptual Engineering Geological Model, the Observational Engineering Geological Model and the Analytical Model. The models are progressively developed and iterated throughout the stages of a project, reducing uncertainty through increasing the understanding of both the ground and its engineering significance.’
Research on the Development of Crack Diseases at the Jiayuguan Rammed Earth Site in Multivariate Time Series Based on Deep Learning and Transfer Learning
Authors: Yu Li , Cui Kai , Zhang Xiang , Wang Donghua , Yu Xiangpeng
Published: January 2025

Jiayuguan, the first majestic pass at the western end of the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall, is an important world cultural heritage site with high historical, scientific, social, and artistic value. It is primarily constructed of rammed earth and has existed in the form of earth relics for over 600 years. Due to prolonged exposure to natural environmental factors such as rainfall, wind-borne sand, and temperature variations, typical crack diseases have developed significantly, posing a threat to the overall stability of the earthen site. To ensure the long-term safety of rammed earth sites, we explore the primary environmental factors influencing the progression of damages in these sites using monitoring techniques. Additionally, employing data mining techniques to analyze the development trends of these damages for predictive warnings will prove to be a challenging task. In this context, this paper collects monitoring data on crack diseases and the occurrence environment of the Jiayuguan rammed earth site, and uses the wavelet correlation analysis method and Boruta feature screening to find the main environmental factors that affect the development of crack diseases. Then, combining with environmental factor variables, it uses deep learning LSTM, GRU, Transformer and transfer learning Transformer-LSTM, GRU-Transformer, and A-SBiLSTM to predict the development trend of crack diseases on the north wall and beacon tower respectively. It can be seen that (i) Transformer model RMSE=0.0154, R
2
=0.973; (ii) Transformer-LSTM model RMES=0.0290, R
2
=0.937; and (iii) Transformer model and Transformer-LSTM model are closer to the actual SD value than other models. The research results show that the Transformer and Transformer-LSTM models have high accuracy, good stability, and optimal prediction effects. They are suitable for predicting the development trend of crack diseases at the Jiayuguan rammed earth site. These models have application potential in related research fields and provide references for subsequent research.
The effect of dietary supplements on core temperature and sweating responses in hot environmental conditions: a meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Peel Jennifer S , McNarry Melitta A , Heffernan Shane M , Nevola Venturino R , Kilduff Liam P , Waldron Mark
Published: January 2025

Dietary supplements are widely used among individuals exposed to hot environments, but whether their consumption confers any thermoregulatory effect is unclear. Therefore, we systematically evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation on key aspects of thermoregulation (core temperature [Tcore] and sweating responses) in the heat. Three databases were searched in April 2024. After screening, 124 peer-reviewed articles were identified for inclusion within three separate meta-analyses: (1) peak Tcore; (2) whole-body sweat rate (WBSR); (3) local sweat rate (LSR). The moderating effect of several variables (e.g. training and heat acclimation status), known to influence thermoregulatory function, were assessed via sub-analysis and meta-regression. There was no overall effect of the differing supplement types on WBSR ( p = 0.405) and LSR ( p = 0.769), despite taurine significantly increasing WBSR ( n = 3, Hedges’ g = 0.79, p = 0.006). Peak Tcore was significantly affected by supplement type ( p = 0.011), primarily due to caffeine’s small significant positive effect ( n = 30; Hedges’ g = 0.44, p < 0.001) and taurine’s ( n = 3, Hedges’ g = −0.66, p = 0.043) and oligonol’s ( n = 3; Hedges’ g = −0.50, p = 0.014) medium significant negative effects. Dietary supplements, such as amino acids (e.g. taurine), some anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories (e.g. oligonol) conferred the greatest thermoregulatory benefits during heat exposure. Taurine ingestion in such conditions may lower heat strain, which is likely through its augmentation of thermal sweating. Conversely, caffeine intake may potentially pose the greatest risk in the heat due to its effect on Tcore.
Endothelial dysfunction in middle-aged and older men with low testosterone is associated with elevated circulating endothelin-1
Authors: Babcock Matthew C. , DuBose Lyndsey E. , Hildreth Kerry L. , Stauffer Brian L. , Kohrt Wendy M. , Wenner Megan M. , Moreau Kerrie L.
Published: January 2025

Middle-aged/older men with low testosterone have reduced vascular endothelial function compared with young and age-matched men with normal testosterone. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that men with low testosterone have higher plasma endothelin-1, which is associated with worse brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. The source of higher plasma endothelin-1 remains unknown; however, higher circulating endothelin-1 appears to be a mechanism contributing to reduced vascular endothelial function in men with low testosterone.
Postpartum dams exposed to a low-resource environment display neuroinflammation, elevated corticosterone, and anhedonia-like behavior
Authors: Jones Kylie , Smith Savanna , Smith Jonna , Castillo Angie , Burkes Allison , Howard Ahfiya , Garvin Madison M. , Bolton Jessica L. , Colon-Perez Luis , Cunningham Mark W.
Published: January 2025

Postpartum dams exposed to a low-resource environment experience anhedonia, elevated corticosterone, and neuroinflammation. Increases in corticosterone and neuroinflammation may contribute to the development of postpartum depression (PP-Dep) and postpartum hypertension (PP-HTN). Healthcare providers should consider asking questions about the social economic status and accessibility of resources for women after pregnancy. This study advocates for extended postpartum care beyond traditional care and better implementation of assessments for PP-Dep and PP-HTN.
Performance Evaluation of Different Blood Levels of Crossbred Dorper Sheep and Farmers’ Perception Toward Crossbred Dorper Sheep in Central South Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Habtegiorgis Kebede , Gemiyo Deribe , Abebe Ayele , Jimma Addisu
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the growth performance of Dorper × indigenous crossbred sheep under semi‐intensive management system and assesses farmers’ perceptions toward these crossbred lambs in southern Ethiopia. Performance data, namely, birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), and average daily weight gain from birth to weaning (ADG0‐3), were collected from Mente Dubo breed evaluation and distribution (BED) site. To gather comprehensive information on sheep production systems and farmers’ perceptions, on‐farm surveys were conducted in the Damot Pulasa, Damot Gae, and Damot Sore districts of Wolaita Zone using semistructured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using different procedures in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Analysis of growth performance revealed that, under the semi‐intensive management system, the least squares means (LSM) for BWT, WWT, and ADG0‐3 were 2.84 ± 0.06 kg, 15.40 ± 0.90 kg, and 137.78 ± 99 g/day, respectively, with a preweaning survivability rate of 77.7%. Farmers primarily raised sheep for income generation (index = 0.28) and as a form of savings (index = 0.25). Farmers expressed a preference for Dorper crossbred lambs due to their faster growth rates (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95, p  < 0.05) and docile behavior (OR = 2.12, p ≤ 0.01). However, challenges such as increased susceptibility to disease and color‐related drawbacks were also identified. In conclusion, there is a possibility of continuing cross‐lamb production and disseminating it to selected pocket areas within the study areas. The breed could be promoted as an optional genetic material. To ensure better survival of crossbred lambs, it is important to integrate improved management systems, such as enhanced feed, housing, and healthcare.
Identification of Subthreshold Depression Based on fNIRS–VFT Functional Connectivity: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Li Lin , Liu Jingxuan , Zheng Yifan , Shi Chengchao , Bai Wenting
Published: January 2025

Background: Subthreshold depression (SD) is regarded as a prodromal stage and a substantial risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD). The timely identification of SD is of critical clinical significance. This study aimed to develop a machine learning (ML) classification model for the identification of individuals with SD using functional near‐infrared spectroscopic imaging (fNIRS) and the verbal fluency task (VFT).

Methods: This study recruited a total of 70 participants with SD and matched 73 healthy controls (HCs) to differentiate between the two groups based on functional connectivity (FC) features during fNIRS–VFT, using an interpretable random forest (RF) classification model.

Results: The RF model demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77, an accuracy (ACC) of 75.86%, a sensitivity of 75.00%, a specificity of 76.00% and an F1 score of 0.75 for identifying participants with SD. The highest‐ranked FC features, in terms of importance, were identified between Channel (CH) 26 (the right frontal eye fields (FEFs)) and CH 30 (the right FEF), CH 3 (the left premotor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC‐and‐SMA)) and CH 42 (the right PMC‐and‐SMA), as well as CH 26 (the right FEF) and CH 32 (the right primary somatosensory cortex (PSC)).

Conclusion: The RF model has the capacity to effectively classify individuals with SD efficacy based on the abnormal FC features of fNIRS–VFT, particularly in the right FEF, bilateral PSC and right PMC‐and‐SMA. The findings of this study have provided a foundation for large‐scale screening of SD populations, offering promising opportunities for the early diagnosis and prevention of MDD.
Long Short‐Term Memory Wavelet Neural Network for Renewable Energy Generation Forecasting
Authors: Vivas Eliana , Allende-Cid Héctor , Guenni Lelys Bravo de , Bariviera Aurelio F. , Salas Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

Renewable energy forecasting is crucial for pollution prevention, management, and long‐term sustainability. In response to the challenges associated with energy forecasting, the simultaneous deployment of several data‐processing approaches has been used in a variety of studies in order to improve the energy–time‐series analysis, finding that, when combined with the wavelet analysis, deep learning techniques can achieve high accuracy in energy forecasting applications. Consequently, we investigate the implementation of various wavelets within the structure of a long short‐term memory neural network (LSTM), resulting in the new LSTM wavelet (LSTMW) neural network. In addition, and as an improvement phase, we modeled the uncertainty and incorporated it into the forecast so that systemic biases and deviations could be accounted for (LSTMW with luster: LSTMWL). The models were evaluated using data from six renewable power generation plants in Chile. When compared to other approaches, experimental results show that our method provides a prediction error within an acceptable range, achieving a coefficient of determination (R2) between 0.73 and 0.98 across different test scenarios, and a consistent alignment between forecasted and observed values, particularly during the first 3 prediction steps.
Correlation Coefficient Filtering Method for Optimal Sensor Layout Strategies in Inverse Problems
Authors: Yuan Qingyang , Guo Xiangji , Han Jiajie , Han Bingyue , Zhang Bo , Lan Tian
Published: January 2025

The gappy POD method is described as an inverse problem‐solving technique based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). It is used to reconstruct global information with minimal measurement points and has applications in fields such as heat transfer and fluid dynamics. The accuracy and stability of the gappy POD method depend heavily on sensor number and placement. The paper proposes a correlation coefficient filtering method to optimize sensor layout, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional methods reliant on matrix condition numbers. The method’s effectiveness is tested using the one‐dimensional Burgers’ equation and later the two‐dimensional lid‐driven cavity flow. The paper introduces two key indicators: expected coefficient of correlation (α) and remaining points (RPs). Finally, the study explores the impact of database sparsity and demonstrates the importance of this method in determining optimal sensor placement for future engineering applications. The study reflects the significant value of the correlation coefficient filtering method, based on the assumption of global correlation maximization, in evaluating optimal measurement points of the system, laying a foundation for the subsequent application of this algorithm in engineering.
Round-Robin Comparison of RET Rearrangement Detection in ctDNA: A Novel Method for Limited Clinical Samples
Authors: Paweletz Cloud P. , Urvalek Alison , Ha Minh , Garg Kavita , Bence Lin Aimee , Szpurka Anna M. , Sireci Anthony , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Janne Pasi A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Next-generation sequencing assays for ctDNA analysis are routinely used in the care of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer. However, variable assay sensitivities in detection of fusions have been reported. Here, we report on the performance of detecting RET rearrangements in plasma across three commercial next-generation sequencing laboratories.

Experimental Design:

Banked plasma from the phase 3 LIBRETTO-431 trial was studied. For each patient (n = 60) with a known RET fusion by local tumor tissue genotyping, pretreatment plasma was divided into two 3-mL aliquots and tested on two of three: Guardant Health’s Guardant360, Foundation Medicine’s FoundationOneLiquid CDx, and Resolution Bioscience’s ctDx-First. A round-robin comparison was performed across vendors using three pairwise comparisons of 20 patients each. On an exploratory basis, agreement of fusion breakpoint calling between plasma and tissue and determinants of false negatives in plasma were assessed.

Results:

Of 40 samples received by each laboratory, 100% (40/40), 92.5% (37/40), and 90% (36/40) were successfully sequenced by Guardant360, FoundationOne Liquid CDx, and ctDx-First, with a RET fusion or rearrangement detected in 60% (24/40), 67.6% (25/37), and 63.9% (23/36) of cases, respectively. Discordant results included rare and common RET translocations but were usually below allelic frequency of 0.5%. Of samples with a RET fusion detected in plasma and a reported fusion partner by tumor assay, the same fusion partner was identified in tissue and liquid 81% to 89% of the time.

Conclusions:

Our results support the utility of ctDNA assays concurrently with tissue testing for detection of translocations, with opportunities to further optimize performance.
Supplementary Figure S4 from Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Cell Stemness by Blocking Fibronectin-Binding Integrins on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Wu Chengsheng , Von Schalscha Tami , Sansanwal Diva , Qian Chen , Jiang Qinlin , Shepard Ryan M. , Wettersten Hiromi I. , McCormack Stephen J. , Weis Sara M. , Cheresh David A.
Published: January 2025

Effect of BsAb on primary fibroblasts isolated from patients with fibrotic disease
Figure 3 from Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Cell Stemness by Blocking Fibronectin-Binding Integrins on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Wu Chengsheng , Von Schalscha Tami , Sansanwal Diva , Qian Chen , Jiang Qinlin , Shepard Ryan M. , Wettersten Hiromi I. , McCormack Stephen J. , Weis Sara M. , Cheresh David A.
Published: January 2025

BsAb improves the targeting of FN-binding integrins on CAFs. A, BsAb for dual recognition of αvβ3 and α5β1 heterodimers. Schematic depicts the design of a novel BsAb with monovalent recognition of two antigens, integrins αvβ3 and α5β1. The Fab domains for the BsAb are identical to the “control” bivalent (i.e., monospecific) mAb recognizing αvβ3 (derived from etaracizumab) and α5β1 (derived from volociximab). B, BsAb binding to cells compared with commercial and control antibodies. Flow cytometry plots show the binding of each antibody to CAF-1299 and CAF-1424. C, BsAb shows improved binding to CAFs compared with constituent mAbs. The graph shows median fluorescence intensity (MFI) for antibody binding to CAF-1299 and CAF-1424 cells. Bars and error bars represent SD from n = 3 independent experiments.
The male genitalia of some neotropical Drosophila: notes and illustrations
Authors: Val F. C.
Published: January 2025

.
Editorial
Authors: Negrelos Eulalia Portela , Tavares Jeferson Cristiano
Published: January 2025

Sem resumo
Onde se fala de António Pedro – a partir dos seus pares e ímpares a propósito da consciência surrealista
Authors: Amaral André Luiz do
Published: January 2025

Despite highlighting the importance of António Pedro (1909-1966) for the Portuguese literature and arts, critics such as Jorge de Sena and José-Augusto França repeatedly pointed out the lack of “surrealist consciousness” of that multiple artist. By interposing this theoretical question, we hereby discuss, although briefly, the place of António Pedro in Portuguese Surrealism and show, in a somehow late response or reparation, the signs of his (supra)consciousness in essays, literary artifacts and visual work.
Transculturalidade, Oriente-Ocidente e o espaço-entre
Authors: Yzumizawa Allan Tanioka , Avancini Atílio , Wolkoff Gisele
Published: January 2025

In which spaces do the arts move – painting and performative arts? How do they articulate social transfigurations of painting and popular festivals? How do identities get reinvented? Adaptations to spaces, times and (social) modes have been the centre of reflection to those interested in cultural dialogues between East-West and the new in-between spaces produced by both time and language (re)configurations, as well as by their transit in their reconfigurations. Following a transcultral thought derived from Translation Studies, this paper investigates two cultural manifestations from the two sides of the world, namely, Tomoo Handa´s painting in modernist Brazil and the Matsuri festival and its performative dance in Kyoto, Japan. The proposed dialogue between such apparently different forms of culture offers a reflection upon how (varied) arts have been translating culture(s) in ways as to adapt them, recreating identifications in hybrid spaces as ellaborated by Homi Bhabha (1998), Wolfgang Welsch (1999) and Avancini, Cordaro, Okano (2021) at the same time that it still justifies the interdisciplinarity of Cultural Studies (Cevasco, 2003) by means of an example.
Making a Way through Grassland (An Approach to Translation)
Authors: Fréine Celia de Fréine de
Published: January 2025

[This essay will provide some background information on the history of the Irish language. It will also put forward reasons as to why it is essential for Irish-language writers to have their work, e.g., poetry, translated into English. Different approaches to translation will be outlined as will reasons as to why some choose to write in a minority language. My approach to translating my own work, and that of others, from Irish, and other languages, into English will be discussed also.]
Às margens do Boyne: O’Donnell em tradução
Authors: Will Ana Flávia , Ruffini Mirian
Published: January 2025

Este trabalho objetivou empreender a tradução do conto “Walking Ghosts”, de Mary O’Donnell, para a língua portuguesa brasileira, com enfoque na transferência cultural, estilística e linguística da obra. Buscou-se a aproximação de vocábulos, expressões e construções na tradução com as formas de escrita da autora, de forma a oferecer uma pintura tangenciada da Irlanda, das personagens e das interações, descritas no texto, ao leitor do português brasileiro. A transposição da sensibilidade e perspicácia do conto e suas temáticas foram igualmente almejadas, resultando em uma tradução potencialmente estrangeirizante.
Kinetic chain exercises on muscle cross-sectional area, pain, and functional mobility in knee osteoarthritis: A single-blinded, randomised multigroup clinical trial
Authors: Tiwari M. , Vaidya N. , Agarwal S.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three modes of kinetic chain exercises (KCE) on muscle cross-sectional area, pain, function, and mobility among individuals with knee osteoarthritis (IKOA). 60 IKOA aged, over 50 years were recruited using a convenience sampling technique based on selection criteria. Then, the group was randomly allocated into three different groups, namely, open kinetic chain exercise (OKCE), close kinetic chain exercise (CKCE), and combined chain exercise (CCE). Muscle cross-sectional area, pain, and functional mobility were measured using thigh girth measurement, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and timed-up-go test (TUG), respectively. Data obtained before (baseline), at the end of the 3rd and 6th weeks were taken for analysis. Statistical significant () changes were observed in thigh girth measurement, WOMAC and TUG in CCE than OKC and CKC groups. The result of this study suggests that CCE are more effective in improving functional outcomes and mobility than OKCE and CKCE in PKOA.

Registered with Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI): REF/2021/12/049412.
Locatives in the Spoken Arabic of Mardin (Turkey)
Authors: Grigore George
Published: January 2025

This study explores the system of locatives—linguistic elements denoting place or direction—in the spoken Arabic of Mardin, a peripheral dialect with unique features preserved through limited external influence. Drawing upon a corpus of recordings from 2002 to the present, the research builds on prior work, including L’arabe parlé à Mardin (Grigore, 2007) and comparative frameworks such as Arlette Roth's (2006) analysis of Kormakiti Arabic and Stephan Procházka’s (1993) studies on Arabic prepositions.

The analysis identifies two main categories of locatives: independent semantic markers (locative adverbs) and dependent ones (locative prepositions). Adverbs, such as taḥt ('under'), fōq ('above'), and hawn ('here'), function autonomously, situating actions in spatial relation to fixed reference points either within the discourse or the situational context. Conversely, prepositions like ʿala ('on'), mən ('from'), and qəddām ('in front of') operate relationally, requiring determiners such as nouns or pronouns to define spatial relationships.

The study highlights structural innovations specific to Mardin Arabic, such as the use of adverbs in status constructus formations (e.g., ḥāṛṛ hawnake—‘the heat there’), diverging from broader Arabic norms. Despite significant contact with Turkish and Kurdish, Mardin Arabic retains its locative system largely intact, reflecting the resilience of its prepositional framework rooted in Classical Arabic. This stability underscores the distinctiveness of Mardin Arabic within the broader landscape of Arabic dialectology.
Non-Governmental Organizations, Climate Change, and Resilience: A Case of CARE Zimbabwe’s ENSURE Program
Authors: Dube Kiriana
Published: January 2025

NGO climate adaptation efforts have been criticized as marginal. This article examines the contribution of the CARE ENSURE program in building climate resilience in the Zaka district. This qualitative study employed in-depth interviews, observation, focus group discussions, and secondary sources to collect data. In all, 18 project beneficiaries and 11 key informants participated in the study. The findings reveal that CARE Zimbabwe is moving beyond the criticisms, and improved three essential capacities: absorptive, adaptive, and transformative, which are critical for building the resilience of communities. A coordinated multistakeholder approach is needed to tackle climate change and build resilience to climate impacts.
Transformative Social Policy Through Land Reform: Women’s Economic Agency and Rural Social Change in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chipenda Clement
Published: January 2025

This article investigates the transformative potential of social policy interventions in restructuring gender relations and women’s economic empowerment. It specifically examines Zimbabwe’s Fast Track Land Reform Programme as a social policy instrument designed to reshape women’s economic and social positioning in rural settings. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses of data from 30 women land beneficiaries, the study reveals significant shifts in women’s roles from being marginalised individuals to landowners and employers, thereby challenging traditional patriarchal structures. The findings indicate that these transitions not only enhance women’s economic autonomy but also elevate their social status within their communities, fostering a sense of agency and participation in agricultural production and community leadership. The article highlights the transformation of agricultural production dynamics and labour relations, as women increasingly assume leadership roles, disrupting conventional dynamics and promoting equity in agrarian contexts. The micro-level experiences documented provide insight into how women navigate and reshape agrarian relations. This contributes to a reframing of the social policy discourse that emphasises the necessity for policies recognising women’s contributions to agrarian economies. The study also acknowledges the limitations of land reform as a universal solution, suggesting that its effectiveness is contingent upon having support systems in place. The article concludes that land reform can serve as a powerful catalyst for social transformation, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable agrarian landscape in Zimbabwe.
Autoethnography of disability and active travel in Greater Manchester: Encountering (non)citizenship through access controls on traffic-free walking, wheeling and cycling paths
Authors: Larrington-Spencer Harriet
Published: January 2025

Enlivening is an increasingly common response to urban challenges and seeks to make urban space ‘liveable’ and ‘healthy’. A central tenet in achieving the enlivened city, is an active citizen who travels by sustainable modes, namely active travel. Whilst there is an increasing impetus upon producing an inclusive template of the active citizen within policy, it is our encounters with the materiality of active travel infrastructures within our everyday lives as disabled people that impact upon our ability to exercise citizenship rights and upon our sense of belonging within enlivening. Using an autoethnographic approach to my own experiences as a disabled tricyclist in Greater Manchester, UK, this paper demonstrates how through both encounters and non-encounters with access control barriers on traffic-free routes, the city is rendered less liveable, rather than enlivened, for many disabled people. I also attend to practices of care and repair related to infrastructures of active travel, and how these further consolidate embodied experiences of (non)citizenship. Recognising that such every day, small-scale interactions are the foundations of larger social forms, I demonstrate how autoethnography can contribute to informing inclusive policy and practice, in this case by demonstrating how practice needs to match rhetoric of inclusive, enlivened futures within Greater Manchester, as well as more broadly, if disabled people are to enact our citizenship through active mobility and be part of enlivened urban futures.
Evidence fusion of process variable and expert knowledge for abnormal condition recognition in blast furnace ironmaking process
Authors: Xu Siyuan , Pan Dong , Chen Zhiwen , Yu Haoyang , Zhou Ke , Sun Xiaodong , Jiang Zhaohui
Published: January 2025

Accurately recognising blast furnace condition is essential for effectively monitoring the status of the blast furnace ironmaking process. However, numerous process variables and complex mechanisms of blast furnace ironmaking process make the recognition tasks challenging. Therefore, this article proposes a novel abnormal condition recognition method by fusing process variables with expert knowledge through evidence fusion. Firstly, an objective evidence model is developed by capitalising process variables, using a support vector classifier with tunable parameters and a Platt scaling probability mapping function. Concurrently, a subjective evidence model is constructed by leveraging expert knowledge, incorporating multiple logical rules and membership functions designed for specific blast furnace condition. To address potential conflicts between the evidences produced by the above objective and subjective evidence models, a conflict redistribution and evidence fusion method is invented. The resulting fusion of subjective and objective evidences facilitates accurate blast furnace condition recognition. Industrial experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in recognising abnormal conditions, such as hanging and channelling.
Optimal Location and Capacity Planning for Parcel Lockers: A Bi-Level Optimization Model Considering Planners’ and Customers’ Perspectives
Authors: Dayal Eshwar , Unnikrishnan Avinash , Pani Agnivesh , Lakshay
Published: January 2025

Last-mile segments contribute significantly to the delivery costs and environmental impacts of e-commerce networks. Parcel lockers are a sustainable alternative to reduce the inefficiencies in last-mile delivery by offering secure collection points in apartment blocks, workplaces, and railway stations where customers can retrieve their packages at their convenience. However, research addressing optimal parcel-locker placement and its operational-capacity planning is limited in the literature. To this end, this paper presents a bi-level optimization model encompassing the planner’s strategic considerations and customer preferences. In the bi-level model, the upper level focuses on minimizing operational costs for the planner by strategically determining the optimal locations and capacities of parcel lockers. Simultaneously, the lower-level model maximizes customer benefits, factoring in their preferences and behaviors. A case study in Mumbai, India, is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the bi-level optimization model. The numerical results show that parcel lockers are located at, and a significant majority of customers are allocated to, those facilities that are in customers’ top two preferences.
Are there any session-to-session changes in ventilation during a weekly hemodialysis cycle?
Authors: Pietribiasi Mauro , Leypoldt John K , Wieliczko Monika , Debowska Malgorzata , Malyszko Jolanta , Waniewski Jacek
Published: January 2025

Significant changes in pre-dialytic partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) during a week-long cycle of hemodialysis (HD) can be an effect of the intermittent supplementation of bicarbonate to correct chronic acidosis in patients. Mathematical modeling efforts carried out using the same parameters before each HD session might fail to produce accurate predictions of pCO2 and plasma bicarbonate concentration (CBic) because of this variability. A numerical model describing acid-base equilibrium changes during HD was applied to predict pCO2, pH, and CBic in 24 chronic HD patients, using both fixed parameters for the whole week and estimating a new value of minute ventilation (VE) and net acid generation rate (GH) for each interdialytic interval. Dialysances of bicarbonate and dissolved CO2 were also estimated independently for each HD session. The error of the model compared to the pre-dialytic data of CBic and pCO2 significantly decreased when VE and GH were estimated piecewise throughout the week. To fit the data, VE changed from 3.9 ± 1.0 mL/min before HD1, to 3.8e1 mL/min after HD1, 3.6 ± 1.0 mL/min after HD2, and 3.9 ± 1.1 mL/min after HD3 ( p < 0.05). GH changes after each session were not statistically significant. VE values strongly correlated with pre-dialytic pCO2 (Spearman’s ρ = −0.97), but GH only weakly correlated with pre-dialytic CBic (ρ = −0.30). Acid-base equilibrium is extremely sensitive to respiratory regulation. When attempting to predict the evolution of pCO2 a CBic during the HD cycle, changes in the respiration parameters must be accounted for by the model, at the risk of a significant loss of prediction accuracy.