bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What’s in a Word? Analyzing Students’ Oral Reading Fluency to Inform Instructional Decision-Making
Authors: Toste Jessica R. , Fluhler Sally K. , Farris Emily A. , Chandler Brennan W.
Published: February 2025

Students with reading disabilities require instruction and intensive intervention targeted to their current learning needs. Through data-based instruction, educators can monitor student’s performance and make adjustments to instruction to better address student needs using both progress monitoring and diagnostic assessment. This article provides educators with a systematic approach to using error analysis of oral reading fluency data as a diagnostic tool to guide instructional decision-making. Additionally, it examines potential causes of word reading errors—such as phonemic, orthographic, morphemic, or high-frequency word challenges—and offers educator strategies for adapting and intensifying instruction based on individual student error patterns.
Livestreaming Science: How Awe-Inspiring Media Events May Foster Science Interest Through Meta-Emotional Gratification and Eudaimonic Appreciation
Authors: Cui Xi
Published: February 2025

We investigate how livestreaming science events may stimulate audience interest in science. We conducted an online experiment ( N = 356) and found that watching video footage from the live broadcast of a spectacular rocket launch was associated with increased science information-seeking intention, indicating initial science interest development. We distinguish parallel mechanisms of interest evocation, that is, meta-emotional media gratification via the emotion of awe and eudaimonic media appreciation sequentially mediated by awe and awareness of knowledge gap. Moreover, perceived science self-efficacy moderated meta-emotional gratification. Findings suggest that awe-inspiring science media events may facilitate interest development by motivating information-seeking about science topics.
Plasma Iron Levels at Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis Are Associated With Development of Secondary Metastases: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: De Troy Jasmine , Fendt Sarah-Maria , Hatse Sigrid , Neven Patrick , Smeets Ann , Laenen Annouschka , Wildiers Hans
Published: February 2025

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Although most early-stage patients are cured, 20% to 30% develop metastases, significantly reducing survival rates. Recent research highlights the role of iron in cancer progression, although its full impact on breast cancer metastasis is not yet fully understood.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between plasma iron levels at diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer and the risk of developing metastatic disease.

Design:

Retrospective single-center study.

Methods:

Patients with stage I to III breast cancer, diagnosed between 2007 and 2017, and with serum iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin values available within 1.5 months before or after diagnosis were included. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to determine the association between iron levels and risk of metastasis.

Results:

In total, 1113 patients were included, 10% of them developed distant metastasis over a median follow-up period of 7 years. In multivariable analysis adjusting for age, stage, and subtype, transferrin saturation and serum iron were significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer metastasis. For each 10% increment of transferrin saturation at baseline, there was a 19% increase in metastatic risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.02-1.38]). Similarly, a serum iron increment of 10 µg/dL led to a 6% increase in risk (HR = 1.06; 95% CI = [1.01-1.12]). Ferritin was found not to be associated with metastatic risk (HR = 0.99; 95% CI = [0.98, 1.01]). There was no significant association with metastatic site or breast cancer subtype when adjusting for age and stage.

Conclusion:

Elevated transferrin saturation and serum iron at early breast cancer diagnosis are associated with increased risk for metastatic disease but not with location of metastases or breast cancer subtype. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to explore the potential of iron-targeted therapies.
Evaluating the Impacts of Discharging the Effluent of Al-Gabal Al-Asfar Wastewater Treatment Plant on Ismailia Canal in Egypt to Maximize Revenue and Ensure Sustainability
Authors: Aly Marwa M , Zayed Mohamed SM , Salem Mahmoud S , Mostafa Mohamed K
Published: February 2025

This study seeks to examine the impact of directly releasing the treated wastewater from Al-Gabal Al-Asfar WWTP into Ismailia Canal, Egypt, and evaluate how the discharged water affects the water quality and quantity of Ismailia Canal. The HECRAS 1D model is employed to model water quantity, whereas the QUAL2K model is applied to assess the water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), and ammonium (NH4-N). In the winter and summer of 2023, five scenarios were evaluated with a discharge flow varying from 1.15 to 2.50 Mm3/day for the treated water released from Al-Gabal Al-Asfar WWTP, intended for injection into the Ismailia Canal. The optimal scenario was chosen according to the canal water quality post-injection following Article 49 of Law 92/2013, along with the hydraulic capacity of the canal's cross-section. The findings indicated that the fifth scenario (recycling 46% of the treated water, which amounts to 1.15 million cubic meters daily) is the optimal scenario for keeping the concentration of the studied parameters in the Ismailia Canal within the allowable limits and ensuring the canal’s cross-section remains hydraulically secure. Nonetheless, the fourth scenario (reusing 1.50 million cubic meters per day) might be feasible if the efficiency of the plant is enhanced by lowering the ammonium-nitrogen concentration in the effluent. Overall, the suggested solutions can only be implemented if rigorous preventive actions and contingency plans are put into effect on-site. Furthermore, wastewater at Al-Gabal Al-Asfar WWTP must undergo tertiary treatment before its discharge into the Ismailia Canal. The findings of this research may contribute to a decision support system concerning the reuse of treated wastewater in any nation facing water shortages.
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of a nature-based therapy intervention for children with long-term health conditions and associated psychological difficulties
Authors: Bhatti Farhin , Leeuwerik Tamara , Savins Charlotte , Jackson Lana
Published: February 2025

Children and young people (CYP) with long-term health conditions (LTC) are at higher risk of developing mental health difficulties. Research suggests nature-based therapeutic interventions (NBTIs) may benefit CYP’s wellbeing, but less is known about the impact on CYP with LTC. This study’s objective was to explore how CYP with LTC and associated psychological difficulties experienced a NBTI and the impact on their wellbeing. Ten participants aged 10–13 attended a NBTI and took part in semi-structured interviews that explored how they made sense of their journey through the intervention, its impact on mental, physical wellbeing and sense of self. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the interview data yielded four group experiential themes: ‘Overcoming Illness-Identity’, ‘Freedom to Choose’, ‘Sense of Connection’ and ‘A Mindful Presence’. Participants reported improved self-esteem, a deepened sense of belonging with peers and nature, and enhanced emotion regulation. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
In the name of help: Anti-interracial marriage discourse in China and the intersection of racial discrimination, patriarchy, and nationalism
Authors: He Renyi , Xu Manxin
Published: February 2025

Help is typically seen as an act of kindness, aimed at supporting those facing hardship. However, when help is offered without a nuanced understanding of the recipients’ specific experiences and identities, it can unintentionally reinforce discrimination – especially for those facing intersectional oppression. By examining a case on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, where users sought to ‘help’ a young girl by discouraging her from marrying an African partner, this study explores how the discriminatory aspects of help intersect with nationalist sentiment to sustain racial hierarchies, reinforce traditional gender roles and uphold nationalist ideals. The study argues that the assistance offered by Chinese social media users – framed in terms of care and protection – was inherently discriminatory, as it positioned the young girl as a dependent figure needing their guidance, rather than recognizing her autonomy and engaging with her as an equal.
Study on the mechanical behaviour of multicell T-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular short columns under axial and eccentric compression
Authors: Chen Anying , Li Wenxing , Wang Hanqin , Yuan Lizheng
Published: February 2025

To investigate the mechanical performance of multicell T-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular (MCT-CFST) columns, five short columns composed of a rectangular cell and two U-shaped cells were tested under axial and eccentric compression loads. For the axial compression samples, the steel tube surface underwent wave buckling, and local buckling failure occurred along the X-axis direction of the section. For the eccentric compression samples, overall bending occurred first; then, local buckling deformation occurred on the surface of the steel tube. Furthermore, a finite element model (FEM) of MCT-CFST short columns was established in ABAQUS software. The FEMs were validated by the test results to further investigate the influence of the construction parameters on the axial and eccentric compression performance of the MCT-CFST short columns. Finally, the EC4, GB 50936 and JGJ 138 specifications were selected to predict the load-carrying capacity of the MCT-CFST short columns under eccentric loading. Compared with GB 50936, JGJ138 and EC4 yield good predictions according to the test and simulation results.
Motor correlates of finger tapping variability in subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment and probable Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Prigatano George P , Braga Lucia W , McElvogue Molly , Coddaire Katelyn , Steffes Lori , Burke Anna , Stokes Ashley M
Published: February 2025

Background

Variability of finger tapping speeds, especially in the non-dominant hand, has been reported in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI-A) and dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD). An explanation of this finding, however, has not appeared.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate possible motor correlates of finger tapping variability in normal older healthy controls (HC), persons with subjective memory complaints (SMC), MCI-A and probable AD.

Methods

Using a modified version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test (HFTT), individual finger tapping movements were classified as “valid” (i.e., advanced the number on a mechanical counter) or “invalid” (i.e., did not advance the number). Failures at selective motor inhibition and learning and fatigue effects were also measured.

Results

Finger tapping variability was significantly greater in the non-dominant hand in probable AD patients compared to HC and SMC patients. MCI-A and probable AD patients did not differ on this measure. Finger tapping variability was significantly correlated (ρ = + 0.65) with the number of invalid tapping responses but not with selective motor inhibition failures. A small but significant correlation of dominant hand learning effect with finger tapping variability was found. Invalid tapping responses were significantly greater in MCI and probable AD groups compared to HC and SMC groups.

Conclusions

Frequency of invalid tapping responses strongly correlated with finger tapping variability. The number of invalid tapping responses may have diagnostic and prognostic significance when evaluating older individuals with known or suspected memory impairment of a neurodegenerative type.
Speculative labour: The financialized imagination of creative work and the assetization of digital art through non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
Authors: Alacovska Ana , Fieseler Christian , Renza Avellaneda Victor
Published: February 2025

This article investigates – based on semi-structured interviews and conversations on cryptoart forums – how digital artists experience the blockchain-enabled assetization of their work through non-fungible tokens, including the transformation of digital artworks (which previously had negligible if any economic value) into assets capable of increasing in price value over time and generating future income from resale provisions. We show how this assetization of digital artworks has kindled artists’ financialized imagination and incentivized them to perform speculative labour – that is, to speculate on the potential capture of future financial proceeds from present-day underpaid or uncompensated activities, while mobilizing fictional expectations of imagined rentiership futures. We suggest that the commodification thesis, which has traditionally explained the future orientation of creative work as tied to commodity exchange, may be insufficient to account for artists’ speculative, asset-based imaginations of the future under financialized capitalism. Therefore, it may be beneficial to complement it with an assetization lens.
Performance of compatibilizers on polypropylene with recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and sugarcane bagasse towards thermal, chemical and mechanical properties
Authors: Mustaffa Zainal , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Mustafa Wan Azani , Ismail Hanafi
Published: February 2025

Performance of the thermal, chemical and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (r-NBR)/sugarcane bagasse (SCB) composites with the occurrence of Trans-Polyoctylene Rubber (TOR) and Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (DGEBA) as compatibilizers are evaluated. 3 (3) different composites (80/20/15, 60/40/15, and 40/60/15), with fixed filler (15 phr) and compatibilizers (10 phr) content, were carried out. Other than that, these composites were arranged via melt mixing technique utilizing a heated two-roll mill at a temperature of 180°C for 9 min employing a 15-rpm rotor speed. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, tensile and morphological properties were evaluated. The result recorded thermal properties of TOR composites showed increments by 2.65% and 5.75% for a temperature of 70% of materials’ weight (T70%) and peak degradation temperature (Tdeg), respectively. Meanwhile, the DGEBA compatibilizer composite has a higher increment of thermal properties by 3.17%, T70% and 5.94%, Tdeg. The stretching vibration peaks of the NBR’s C≡N group of about 2400 – 2200 were not found for compatibilized composites. Apart from that, the tensile strength dropped as the r-NBR content rises. Nevertheless, subsequent compatibilization reveals that the composites’ tensile properties were greater than control composites. The morphology discovered validates the tensile properties, indicating a stronger interaction between the PP/SCB and r-NBR composites with the addition of compatibilizer DGEBA.
Resistance of conductive FFF 3D printed compounds based on thermoplastic elastomers under repeated strain
Authors: Glogowsky Alexandra , Korger Michael , Huysman Sofie , Rabe Maike
Published: February 2025

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing of electrically conductive paths holds promise for implementing smart electronic functionalities on textiles. The ease of design modifications, a high degree of design freedom and the structural functionality of 3D printing make it an attractive technology for the rapidly evolving field of smart textiles which is still being explored for its full potential regarding functionalities. In electronic textiles, the conductivity of conductive tracks needs to remain stable under conditions such as repeated stretching, abrasion or washing. We show the behaviour of conductive materials printed using FFF under repeated strain with a focus on the functional additives used to achieve conductivity. Different carbon based additives, such as carbon black (CB) materials optimized for conductivity and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), as well as short metal fibres are investigated for this purpose. The need for detailed investigation of electrical conductivity after each production stage and during use is explained and effects of printing and repeated strain on materials are discussed. Durability against abrasion and washing under different conditions are tested.
Nanomaterials and textiles: Review on materials and applications
Authors: Mahltig Boris
Published: February 2025

Textile and fiber materials lead in combination with nanomaterials to innovative and functional products of high scientific interest. However, also industrial and consumer products are based on this combination. With this background, the current review presents and categorizes different nanomaterials in respect to their application on textiles. The main goal of the current review paper is to present nanomaterials and its possibilities in combination with textiles for achievement of new and functional materials. For this, several types of materials are presented in detail, as sol-gel coatings, effect pigments, electro spinning and many more. Also, a view on several applications and functionalities is given, as photoactivity, luminescence, antimicrobial properties etc. Altogether a structural paper is supported guiding the reader through this topic concerning those innovative materials.
Extensor Pollicis Longus Entrapment on CT in Acute Distal Radius Fracture May Be a Predictor of Tendon Rupture
Authors: Laane Charlotte L. E. , Husseini Jad S. , Huang Ambrose J. , Balza Romero Rene , Stam Mark , Chen Neal C.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rupture is a well-described complication after volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Although protrusion of screw tips through the dorsal cortex of the distal radius is likely the cause of a substantial proportion of EPL ruptures, it is probably not the sole cause for EPL rupture after distal radius fracture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of distal radius fractures to characterize the incidence of EPL damage at the time of injury.

Methods:

This retrospective study included adults with operatively treated distal radius fractures and a preoperative CT scan within 2 weeks of injury between January 1, 2017 and July 31, 2018. The cohort consisted of 96 wrists in 95 patients. The median age was 54 (interquartile range, IQR 38-64) years, 68% (65/95) were women, and median follow-up was 56 (IQR 22-61) months.

Results:

The fracture involved Lister’s tubercle in 75% (72/96) of fractures. Of these 72 fractures, 11 had an EPL tendon entrapped by fracture fragments (18%). Within the cohort, two EPL injuries manifested clinically.

Conclusion:

We present evidence that not all EPL ruptures after Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal radius are related to prominent dorsal screws. Extensor pollicis longus entrapment in Lister’s tubercle fracture fragments is relatively frequent and may be a potential contributor to tendon rupture. When a CT scan is obtained for the treatment of distal radius fractures, attention to the EPL and its relation to Lister’s tubercle may be helpful to characterize the risk of late rupture.
Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating Treatments for Carpometacarpal Arthritis Are Statistically Fragile: A Systematic Review
Authors: Koehne Niklas H. , Locke Auston R. , Schroen Christoph A. , Kator Jamie , Awah Christian E. , Hausman Michael R.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis have a significant impact on treatment decisions, yet the robustness of their findings is seldom evaluated. This study aims to investigate the statistical fragility of RCTs evaluating treatments for CMC arthritis.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE were systematically searched for recent RCTs (2010-2023) evaluating treatment variations for CMC arthritis. The fragility index (FI) or reverse FI (rFI) was calculated for each dichotomous outcome, representing the number of event reversals required to alter statistical significance for significant and nonsignificant outcomes, respectively. The fragility quotient (FQ) was determined by dividing the FI or rFI by the total sample size.

Results:

Of the 46 RCTs screened for inclusion, 15 were included for analysis, resulting in 46 total outcomes. The median FI across the 46 outcomes was 4.5, with an associated median FQ (mFQ) of 0.075. Statistically significant outcomes were more fragile (mFQ = 0.026) than nonsignificant outcomes (mFQ = 0.079). In 66.7% of significant outcomes, losses to follow-up were greater than that outcome’s FI. Postoperative functional tests, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were the most common outcome categories reported, with mFQ’s of 0.170, 0.066, and 0.068, respectively.

Conclusions:

Outcomes reported in RCTs studying CMC arthritis are statistically fragile, particularly among significant outcomes where losses to follow-up may have also affected outcome significance. For future studies, we recommend reporting fragility statistics along with P values to provide hand surgeons another metric by which to gauge the results of CMC RCTs.
Examining the bias-efficiency tradeoff from incorporation of nonconcurrent controls in platform trials: A simulation study example from the adaptive COVID-19 treatment trial
Authors: Bonnett Tyler , Potter Gail E , Dodd Lori E
Published: February 2025

Background:

Platform trials typically feature a shared control arm and multiple experimental treatment arms. Staggered entry and exit of arms splits the control group into two cohorts: those randomized during the same period in which the experimental arm was open (concurrent controls) and those randomized outside that period (nonconcurrent controls). Combining these control groups may offer increased statistical power but can lead to bias if analyses do not account for time trends in the response variable. Proposed methods of adjustment for time may increase type I error rates when time trends impact arms unequally or when large, sudden changes to the response rate occur. However, there has been limited exploration of the degree of type I error inflation one can plausibly expect in real-world scenarios.

Methods:

We use data from the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT) to mimic a realistic platform trial with a remdesivir control arm. We compare four strategies for estimating the effect of interferon beta-1a (the ACTT-3 experimental arm) relative to remdesivir (data from ACTT-1, ACTT-2, and ACTT-3) on recovery and death by day 29: utilizing concurrent controls only (the prespecified analysis), pooling all remdesivir arm data without adjustment (the “unadjusted-pooled” analysis), adjusting for time as a categorical variable, and a Bayesian hierarchical model implementation which adjusts for time trends using smoothing techniques (the “Bayesian time machine”). We compare type I error rates and relative efficiency of each method in simulation settings based on observed ACTT remdesivir arm data.

Results:

The unadjusted-pooled approach provided substantially different estimates of the effect of interferon beta-1a relative to remdesivir compared with the concurrent-only and model-based approaches, indicating that changes in recovery and death rates over time were not ignorable across different stages of ACTT. The model-based approaches rely on an assumption of constant treatment effects for each arm in the platform relative to control; error rates more than doubled in settings where this was not satisfied. Relative efficiency of the model-based approaches compared with the concurrent-only analysis was moderate.

Conclusions:

In simulation settings where key model assumptions were not met, potential efficiency gains from incorporation of nonconcurrent controls were outweighed by the risk of substantial type I error rate inflation. This leads us to advise against these strategies for primary analyses in confirmatory clinical trials, aligning with current FDA guidance advising against comparisons to nonconcurrent controls in COVID-19 settings. The model-based adjustment methods may be useful in other settings, but we recommend performing the concurrent-only analysis as a reference for assessing the degree to which nonconcurrent controls drive results.
The memeification of China’s Twitter diplomacy, 2019–2022: Adding memes to the toolkit of China’s wolf warrior diplomats
Authors: Thunø Mette , Nielbo Kristoffer Laigaard , Paulsen Laura Bock , Yang Chu
Published: February 2025

This study examines the use of memes as part of China’s digital diplomacy between 2019 and 2022. Few studies have examined how memes are used to advance state interests in relation to China’s public diplomacy. In this context, the main objective of this study is to provide a preliminary but comprehensive analysis of the content, objectives and novel practice of using memes to communicate China’s foreign policy goals on Twitter. To achieve this, we conduct multiple analyses through a combination of computational techniques and manual coding. The dataset comprises 725,000 tweets from 68 Chinese diplomats’ accounts and 13 state media accounts. Drawing on a theoretical framework regarding the use of humour in international relations, our findings reveal that Chinese diplomats’ use of images in their tweets resulted in significantly more retweets and tweets featuring playful memes achieved a high degree of virality. These memes employed sarcasm to amplify ideological contention, and in doing so, challenged traditional diplomatic decorum.
EXPRESS: Advanced cancer perineural invasion induces profound peripheral neuronal plasticity, pain, and somatosensory mechanical deactivation, unmitigated by the lack of TNFR1. Part. 1: Behavior and single-cell in vivo electrophysiology.
Authors: Gutierrez Silvia , Parker Renee , Zhang Morgan , Santi Maria Daniela , Ye Yi , Boada M. Danilo
Published: February 2025

Patients with cancer perineural invasion (PNI) report greater spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia. Here, we examine the impact of the disease on the peripheral sensory system, the excitability changes induced by PNI at the dorsal root ganglia, and the potential protective role of the absence of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Receptor 1 (TNFR1). To study these effects, we use a murine model generated by injecting mouse oral cancer squamous cell carcinoma (MOC2) into the sciatic nerve (MOC2-PNI) in both male and female mice. We found that MOC2-PNI induces a profound change in the somatosensory landscape by deactivating/blocking the peripheral inputs while modulating the afferent's sensibility (tactile desensitization with concurrent nociceptive sensitization) and demyelination without inducing spontaneous activity. All these changes caused by MOC2-PNI are unmitigated by the absence of TNFR1. We conclude that MOC2-PNI induces an aberrant neuronal excitability state and triggers extreme gender-specific neuronal plasticity. These data allow us to speculate on the role of such plasticity as a powerful defense mechanism to prevent terminal sensory dysfunction, the rise of chronic pain, and extend animals' survivability.
Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acid suppresses the excitability of rat nociceptive secondary neurons via G-protein-coupled receptor 41 signaling
Authors: Sashide Yukito , Takeda Mamoru
Published: February 2025

Short-chain free fatty acids (SCFAs) are generated by gut microbiota through anaerobic fermentation of dietary fibers. Although gut microbiota-derived SCFAs modulate voltage-gated Ca2+ channels via G-protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) in isolated sympathetic ganglion neurons, the influence of SCFAs, specifically propionic acid (PA), on the excitability of nociceptive neurons under in vivo conditions has yet to be ascertained. In the current study we assessed whether systemic PA administration diminishes the excitability of nociceptive trigeminal spinal nucleus caudalis (SpVc) wide-dynamic range neurons responding to mechanical stimulation. Extracellular single-unit recordings from SpVc wide-dynamic range neurons were performed in anesthetized rats after mechanical stimulation of the orofacial region. PA significantly and reversibly inhibited the mean firing frequency of SpVc neurons in response to both non-noxious and noxious mechanical stimuli in a dose-dependent manner. Simultaneous administration of a GPR41 inhibitor abolished the PA-induced inhibited firing rate of SpVc neurons, indicating that systemic PA decreased the excitability of nociceptive secondary trigeminal neurons by activating GPR41 signaling-mediated inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the central terminals of the SpVc. Modulation of trigeminal nociception by systemic SCFA administration indicates that gut microbiota-derived SCFAs could be effective analgesic agents for relieving trigeminal pain, creating a new therapeutic strategy for the management of trigeminal pain, including clinical pain.
EXPRESS: Breaking the silence: exploring the influence of auditory singularity on visual search
Authors: Yuan Mengying , Gao Min , Cui Xinzhong , Lu Sa , Tang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2025

The pip-and-pop effect describes the phenomenon of auditory pure-tone stimuli (pip) causing simultaneously visual target to pop out. This study utilized a dynamic visual search paradigm and conducted two eye movement experiments (Experiment 1: set size = 24 items; Experiment 2: set size = 48 items) to explore the influence of auditory singularity on the Pip-and-Pop effect through single-sound condition (singularity) and multiple-sound condition (non-singularity). In Experiment 1, there were no significant differences between the no-sound, single-sound, and multiple-sound conditions in terms of reaction time, accuracy or fixation number. In Experiment 2, compared with the no-sound condition, both the single-sound and multiple-sound conditions significantly reduced the RT, accuracy and fixation numbers when the target was present. Both Experiments 1 and 2 revealed that the fixation duration under the single-sound condition was significantly longer than that under the no-sound condition. These findings suggest that the singularity of auditory stimuli is not a necessary condition for the pip-and-pop effect. Audiovisual interaction is more likely to be a prerequisite for the occurrence of the pip-and-pop effect.
Efficacy and safety of intravenous alteplase for unknown onset stroke on prior antiplatelet therapy: Post hoc analysis of the EOS individual participant data
Authors: Shiomi Yuma , Miwa Kaori , Jensen Märit , Inoue Manabu , Yoshimura Sohei , Kamogawa Naruhiko , Fukuda-Doi Mayumi , Ma Henry , Ringleb Peter , Wu Ona , Schwamm Lee H , Davis Stephen M , Donnan Geoffrey A , Gerloff Christian , Nakahara Jin , Toyoda Kazunori , Thomalla Götz , Koga Masatoshi
Published: February 2025

Background:

The effects of intravenous alteplase in patients with prior antiplatelet therapy (APT) remain controversial. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of imaging-based intravenous alteplase in patients with unknown onset stroke with prior APT.

Methods:

Data from randomized controlled trials comparing alteplase with placebo/standard care in patients with unknown onset acute ischemic stroke from the Evaluation of Unknown Onset Stroke Thrombolysis (EOS) individual patient data meta-analysis collaboration were analyzed. Favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1 at 90 days post-stroke. Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) at 22–36 h and 90-day mortality.

Results:

Overall, 780 patients had available baseline data on prior APT. Compared with the no prior APT group (n = 523), the prior APT group (n = 257) was older (72 vs. 66 years) and had a higher prevalence of vascular risk factors. There was no interaction between prior APT and treatment effects of alteplase (p for interaction = 0.23). In the prior APT patients, 55/125 (45%) patients in the alteplase group and 39/132 (30%) patients in the control group had a favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.07 [95% confidence interval, 1.18–3.64]). The rates of sICH and mortality in the alteplase and control groups were 5.6% and 0.8% (aOR, 7.78 [0.94–63.37]) and 6.5% and 6.1% (aOR, 1.12 [0.38–3.36]), respectively. In the no prior APT patients, 136 patients (50%) in the alteplase group and 112 patients (45%) in the control group had a favorable outcome (aOR, 1.39 [0.94–2.05]). Safety outcomes were not significantly different between the groups (sICH: 3 [1.1%] vs. 1 [0.4%]; mortality: 13 [4.9%] vs. 3 [1.2%]).

Conclusions:

Alteplase has consistent efficacy regardless of prior APT in patients with unknown onset stroke. In addition, prior APT does not significantly increase the risk of sICH or mortality.
Acetylsalicylic acid and subarachnoid haemorrhage in the Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Ewbank Frederick , Hall Samuel , Gaastra Benjamin , Bulters Diederik
Published: February 2025

Background

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is known to increase the risk of bleeding throughout the body. However, there is also evidence to suggest that acetylsalicylic acid may have a protective role in the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Previous studies investigating acetylsalicylic acid and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) have so far provided conflicting results.

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyse the Nurse’s Health Study (NHS) using serial assessments to evaluate differences in rates of SAH in those participants taking acetylsalicylic acid and those not taking acetylsalicylic acid while considering dose, frequency, and duration as well as different types of SAH.

Methods

The Nurse’s Health Study (NHS) is a prospective population-based cohort study of female nurses. Information on acetylsalicylic acid was first reported in 1980 until 2016 and included acetylsalicylic acid use, dose, frequency and duration. All stroke cases were classified by physicians. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) associated with acetylsalicylic acid use.

Results

A total of 117,648 NHS participants were eligible for analysis with 357 cases of SAH observed over 4,091,239 years of follow up. There was no association between acetylsalicylic acid use and SAH (HR 1.02 [0.82, 1.28], p=0.85), aneurysmal SAH (1.04 [0.78, 1.39], p=0.78), or idiopathic SAH (HR 0.94 [0.65, 1.34], p=0.72). The number of acetylsalicylic acid tablets per week was associated with SAH (HR 1.03 [1.00, 1.06], p=0.02), specifically fatal SAH (HR 1.04 [1.00, 1.08], p=0.03). There was no association between frequency and SAH (HR 1.06 [0.99, 1.13], p=0.07).

Conclusions

There was no evidence to support a protective association between acetylsalicylic acid and either SAH or aneurysmal SAH in female participants. In fact, there was some evidence to suggest increased SAH risk with increased acetylsalicylic acid dose in some but not all analyses.

Data access statement

Data are available by request from the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Demystifying, delegitimizing, debunking: Discursive editorial strategies of neutralizing the rationales for Russia’s intervention in Ukraine
Authors: Molek-Kozakowska Katarzyna , Dragomir Isabela-Anda
Published: February 2025

This study explores the ongoing coverage of the war in Ukraine with special attention paid to how media editors of 15 most prominent mainstream outlets in Poland, a country known for its pro-Ukrainian stance, neutralize Russia’s justifications for the invasion. It uses a special-purpose corpus of self-collected online publications released between February 2022 and June 2024. With both automated and manual methods of analysing collocates of such keywords as ‘Kremlin’ (753 instances), ‘special operation’ (139) and ‘NATO’ (1162), the study identifies a range of thematic domains, salient linguistic framings and rhetorical devices. It documents specific discursive strategies – demystification, delegitimation and debunking – used by editors to recontextualize Russia’s claims to wage preemptive war in Ukraine. The results show how editors use language to gauge audiences’ understandings of war and reactions to it. The findings can be used for journalism training or for raising critical media literacy and resilience to disinformation.
Healing after Bruner and McCash incisions for limited fasciectomy in patients with Dupuytren's disease: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lenzi Luiz Guilherme de Saboya , Santos João Baptista Gomes dos , Kobayashi Elsa Yoko , Cavalheiro Renan Pelluzzi , Nader Helena Bonciani , Faloppa Flavio
Published: February 2025

We compared the healing quality of Bruner and McCash incisions for limited fasciectomy in a randomized clinical trial involving 12 women and 60 men with Dupuytren’s disease. None had had previous surgery on the affected hand, and all were treated between May 2017 and November 2018. Patients were graded according to the Tubiana classification and randomized to Bruner or McCash groups. Scar assessment was performed 6 months postoperatively using four methods: visual analogue scale score, Vancouver Scar Scale score, and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. The mean age of the patients was 61 years, and 72% were Caucasian. The mean time since disease onset was 6 years. Compared with the McCash group, the Bruner group had more concerning postoperative complications including wound dehiscence, pain and hypertrophic scarring. The McCash incision technique had more satisfactory results in terms of fewer postoperative complications, better quality of healing and higher patient satisfaction.

Level of evidence: I
Antegrade versus retrograde headless intramedullary compression screw fixation of diaphyseal proximal phalanx fractures: a biomechanical study
Authors: Vanmierlo Bert , Vandekerckhove Bruno , Goubau Jean , Duerincx Joris
Published: February 2025

This study compared antegrade and retrograde headless intramedullary compression screw fixation for fractures of the proximal third of the proximal phalanx. Antegrade fixation showed superior stability, provided more rigid fixation and preserved the smaller distal articular surface of the proximal phalanx.
An uncomplicated and accurate approach to the measurement and reporting of Dupuytren’s contractures
Authors: du Plessis Rimon , Solomons Michael , McGuire Duncan
Published: February 2025

There is currently no standardized method to measure Dupuytren’s contractures and the reported definitions are variable and often confusing. We present an uncomplicated and accurate measuring and reporting technique that considers the dynamism effect.

Level of evidence: V
Early, integrated palliative care for people with chronic respiratory disease: lessons learnt from lung cancer
Authors: Walker Anne M. , Sullivan Donald R. , Nguyen Phan , Holland Anne E. , Smallwood Natasha
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer and chronic non-malignant respiratory disease cause pervasive, multifactorial suffering for patients and informal carers alike. Palliative care aims to reduce suffering and improve quality of life for patients and their families. An established evidence base exists that has demonstrated the essential role of specialist palliative care for people with lung cancer. Emerging evidence supports similar benefits among people with chronic respiratory disease. Many lessons can be learnt from lung cancer care, particularly as the model of care delivery has transformed over recent decades due to major advances in the diagnostic pathway and the development of new treatments. This narrative review aims to summarize the evidence for specialist palliative care in lung cancer and chronic respiratory disease, by highlighting seven key lessons from lung cancer care that can inform the development of proactive, integrated models of palliative care among those with chronic respiratory disease. These seven lessons emphasize (1) managing challenging symptoms; (2) the efficacy of specialist palliative care; (3) the importance of providing specialist palliative care integrated with disease-directed care according to patients’ needs not prognosis; (4) the need for new models of collaborative palliative care, (5) which are culturally appropriate and (6) able to evolve with changes in disease-directed care. Finally, we discuss (7) some of the critical research gaps that persist and reduce implementation in practice.
A narrative review of proactive palliative care models for people with COPD
Authors: Pascoe Amy , Chen Xinye , Smallwood Natasha
Published: February 2025

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that are distinct in underlying aetiology but share a common disease course of persistent and progressive airflow restriction. People living with COPD, as well as the people who care for them, frequently have severe and unmet physical and psychosocial needs, including breathlessness, fatigue, cough, anxiety and depression. Early proactive palliative care is well placed to address these needs, yet it is frequently under-utilised in this group. This narrative review aimed to identify core components of palliative care and examine how existing models of care are implemented to better understand which models can best serve the needs of people with COPD. Symptom palliation, advance care planning, and support for caregivers emerged as the common components underpinning both generalist and specialist models of palliative care. Models of proactive palliative care were diverse in terms of where and how care was delivered as well as which health professionals were involved. Five key models of palliative care were identified: (1) multi-disciplinary integrated services, (2) nurse-led care, (3) hospice and residential aged care, (4) home-based care, and (5) telemonitoring and telehealth. Each model describes a diverse set of interventions and many of these share common elements, including the normalisation of palliative principles within routine care and the provision of diverse delivery settings to accommodate individual preferences and needs. Successful palliative care models must be practical, accessible and innovative to respond to individuals’ complex and evolving needs, foster multi-disciplinary collaboration and input and optimally utilise local healthcare resources.
Validation methods for encapsulated faecal microbiota transplantation: a scoping review
Authors: Rågård Nina , Baumwall Simon Mark Dahl , Paaske Sara Ellegaard , Hansen Mette Mejlby , Høyer Katrine Lundby , Mikkelsen Susan , Erikstrup Christian , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Hvas Christian Lodberg
Published: February 2025

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is increasingly used for diseases associated with a disrupted intestinal microbiome, mainly Clostridioides difficile infection. Encapsulated FMT is a patient-friendly application method that improves accessibility and convenience. Capsule processing may be standardised, but validation protocols are warranted. This review aimed to describe published validation methods for encapsulated FMT. Original studies reporting using encapsulated faecal formulations were included, regardless of indication. Studies were excluded if they did not address processing and validation or used non-donor-derived content. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review, implementing a systematic search strategy in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Processing data and validation methods were registered during full-text analysis and combined to create an overview of approaches for assessing quality in encapsulated FMT processing. The searches identified 324 unique studies, of which 44 were included for data extraction and analysis. We identified eight validation covariables: donor selection, pre-processing, preservation, oxygen-sparing processing, microbial count, viability, engraftment and clinical effect outcomes, from which we constructed a model for quality assessment of encapsulated FMT that exhaustively categorised processing details and validation measures. Our model comprised three domains: (1) Processing (donor selection and processing protocol), (2) Content analysis (microbiota measures and dose measures) and (3) Clinical effect (engraftment and clinical outcomes). No studies presented a reproducible capsule protocol; their validation strategies were sparse and divergent. The validation of FMT capsules is heterogeneous, and processing requires relevant standardisation protocols, mainly focusing on capsule content. Future studies should report validation covariables to enable accurate comparative assessments of clinical effects.
Comparative analysis of enteroscopy, computed tomography enterography, and intestinal ultrasound for the evaluation of small bowel Crohn’s disease
Authors: Peng Bo , Liu Zhongcheng , Huang Zicheng , Lin Huixian , Wang Zhiyue , Guo Qin
Published: February 2025

Background:

The comparable evaluation of computed tomography enterography (CTE), enteroscopy, and intestinal ultrasound in small bowel Crohn’s disease (CD) is imprecise.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the findings of enteroscopy, CTE, and intestinal ultrasound to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each method for the evaluation of small bowel CD.

Design:

It was a single-center, observational, retrospective study.

Methods:

The differences in localization of disease lesions, mucosal inflammation, and transmural inflammation between enteroscopy, CTE, and intestinal ultrasound for evaluation of small bowel CD were compared.

Results:

A total of 198 patients with small bowel CD were included in the analysis. CTE and intestinal ultrasound had a lower detection rate of upper intestinal lesions compared with enteroscopy ( p < 0.05). Enteroscopy was better than CTE and intestinal ultrasound in the detection of stenosis ( p < 0.001), and the assessment of fistula by CTE was better than that by enteroscopy and intestinal ultrasound ( p < 0.05). Enteroscopy, CTE, and intestinal ultrasound differed in the assessment of inflammatory activity, and the agreement of the three methods was poor (all intra-class correlation coefficient <0.75).

Conclusion:

Enteroscopy is superior to CTE and intestinal ultrasound for the assessment of upper intestinal CD lesions. Enteroscopy, CTE, and intestinal ultrasound were not consistent in evaluating inflammatory activity, and the three methods may need to be combined for an accurate assessment.