bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘See Me as a Person’: A Qualitative Study of Long‐Term Care Recipients Perceptions of High‐Quality Care
Authors: Haave Randi Olsson , Skinner Marianne Sundlisæter , Obstfelder Aud , Melby Line
Published: January 2025

Aim

To explore long‐term care recipients' perceptions of high‐quality care and how person‐centred approaches are applied in the services.

Design

A descriptive explorative qualitative design.

Methods

Data were collected through individual interviews with 19 care recipients and 197 h of participant observation at 10 nursing homes and home care units in three Norwegian municipalities. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed a main theme—to be seen and cared for as an individual—describing the core of the recipients' perceptions of high‐quality care. This main theme encompassed two sub‐themes. The first—individually adapted care—showed that the recipients valued whether their healthcare workers understood them and their individual care needs and preferences. The second theme—interpersonal encounters—captured the recipients' appreciation of their healthcare workers' presence and ability to create moments where they were seen and treated as human beings.

Conclusion

From the perspective of care recipients, high‐quality care services depend on how they are treated as individuals and how the care they receive is adapted to their individual needs and preferences. These recipients' perceptions of individualised care delivered by healthcare workers are consistent with the goal of person‐centred care. These results highlight the value of and need for non‐standard approaches to providing high‐quality care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Despite the long‐term care services' extensive caregiving tasks and time pressure, they should enable healthcare workers to be present in the moment with care recipients.

Reporting Method

Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines are used for this study (Tong, Sainsbury, and Craig 2007).

Patient or Public Contribution

Long‐term care recipients and the units where they received care contributed to this study. The recipients' perceptions of the care and the units' arrangements facilitating participant observation played significant roles in this research.
Trajectories and Predictors of Frailty in Patients With Heart Failure: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yang Mei , Zhang Xiuting , Fang Wenjie , Zhang Yilin , Fan Xiuzhen
Published: January 2025

Aim

This study aimed to identify the heterogeneous trajectories of frailty and determine the predictors of distinct trajectories in patients with heart failure.

Design

A longitudinal study.

Methods

A total of 253 patients with heart failure were recruited at the cardiology department of a tertiary hospital between February and December 2023. Frailty was assessed at baseline, 1 and 4 months after discharge. Patients' sociodemographic characteristics, physical symptoms, nutritional status, psychological distress, illness perception and social networks were obtained at baseline using a structured questionnaire. Group‐based trajectory modelling was performed to identify the heterogeneity of the trajectories of frailty. Multiple logistic regression and decision tree models were used to explore the predictors of heterogeneous trajectories of frailty.

Results

Three distinct trajectories of frailty were identified in patients with heart failure: low frailty with high‐degree improvement group (46.2%), moderate frailty with high‐degree improvement group (41.1%) and high frailty with low‐degree improvement group (12.6%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that physical symptoms, nutritional status, illness perception and employment status were entered as independent predictors of heterogeneous trajectories of frailty. The decision tree model demonstrated that physical symptoms were the primary predictors, followed by nutritional status, illness perception and psychological distress.

Conclusions

Three distinct categories of frailty trajectories were identified in patients with heart failure. Physical symptoms, nutritional status, psychological distress, illness perception and employment status were independent predictors of heterogeneous trajectories of frailty, with physical symptoms being the most important predictor.

Implication to Clinical Practice

Dynamic frailty assessment is recommended. Interventions aimed at alleviating physical symptoms, psychological distress and negative illness perception, and improving nutritional status may be conducive to delaying or reversing frailty in patients with heart failure, particularly in unemployed individuals.

Reporting Method

The reporting followed the STROBE guideline.

Patient or Public Contributions

No patient or public contribution.
Associations of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cell levels and imbalance with recurrent spontaneous abortion: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yuan , Chen Shuxia , Yang Jiecheng , Zhang Kejuan , Feng Xin , Sun Chao , Feng Qiang , Li Zhe
Published: January 2025

Objective

Abnormal levels and imbalances of T cell subsets are common in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients, but most studies have small sample sizes, and comprehensive evaluations are lacking. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aimed to comprehensively investigate T cell subsets and their ratios in RSA patients.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases) were searched until 10 January 2024. T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th1/Th2 ratio, Th17, regulatory T (Treg), Treg/Th17 ratio, and the correlation between Th17 and Treg were considered endpoint indexes.

Results

Twenty‐six studies involving 1143 RSA women (RSA group) and 863 healthy women (healthy control group) were included. Th1 (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.603%; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.406%, 0.800%; p < 0.001), Th1/Th2 ratio (SMD = 0.838; 95% CI: 0.364, 1.312; p = 0.001), and Th17 (SMD = 1.047%; 95% CI: 0.734%, 1.360%; p < 0.001) increased; Th2 (SMD = −0.719%; 95% CI: −1.263%, −0.174%; p = 0.010), Treg (SMD = −1.176%; 95% CI: −1.755%, −0.596%; p < 0.001) and Treg/Th17 ratio (SMD = −0.978; 95% CI: −1.576, −0.381; p = 0.001) reduced in RSA group versus healthy control group. Th17 were inversely correlated with Treg in RSA patients (Correlation coefficient = −0.488; 95% CI: −0.726, −0.145; p = 0.019). The risk of bias was relatively low. There was no publication bias for Th1, Th2, or Th1/Th2 ratio; publication biases for other outcomes were corrected by the trim‐and‐fill method. Sensitivity analyses showed relatively high robustness.

Conclusion

Th1, Th1/Th2 ratio, and Th17 are elevated, while Th2, Treg, and Treg/Th17 ratio are reduced in RSA patients. Meanwhile, Th17 was inversely correlated with Treg in these patients.
Locked down, rising up
Authors: Sagaram Sairaj
Published: January 2025

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, youth across the globe took outstanding initiatives to support their communities. From distributing food and oxygen to raising funds via digital platforms, young people demonstrated their potential in times of crisis. This commentary explores how youth civic engagement surged during the pandemic, driven by digital activism, community‐led initiatives, and institutional collaboration. The scoping review highlighted the importance of Positive Youth Development (PYD) in fostering leadership skills and social responsibility among youth, while also exposing challenges like the digital divide and the risk of armchair activism. Drawing from examples in India, where youth‐led initiatives and government recognition played a crucial role, this commentary discusses how civic participation can be a force for positive change, provided it is adequately supported and inclusive of diverse backgrounds.
Revisiting the Relationship Between Corruption and Press Freedom
Authors: Mahmood Towhid Iqram , Pavlik Jamie Bologna
Published: January 2025

We use matching methods to explore the relationship between the control of corruption and press freedom from 1996–2016. We find evidence that increases in the control of corruption significantly elevates press freedom over both the four‐year and eight‐year horizon. These effects are strongest for the legal and political environment categories of press freedom. However, we find little evidence that press freedom influences the control of corruption overall, hypothesizing that this lack of an effect could be due to the absence of other complementary institutions (e.g., the rule of law and democracy) and/or because we are using perceptions‐based corruption measurements. We find some evidence that press freedom, paired with a strong rule of law system, can reduce corruption. Our results also suggest that reducing press freedom in countries without such institutions is particularly harmful. Lastly, we find that press freedom reduces voter participation yet increases foreign direct investment, suggesting that the perceptions‐based measures of corruption may not tell the full story.
The mediating role of work–life balance on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among Lebanese critical care nurses
Authors: Hemade Ali , Khashab Mohamad Baqer , Houwayek Charbel , Hallit Souheil , Fekih‐Romdhane Feten , Fawaz Mirna
Published: January 2025

Background

In healthcare settings, particularly in intensive care units, nurses face significant stress due to the high demands of their job. This stress can impact their job satisfaction, mental health, and overall quality of life. Emotional intelligence has been identified as a crucial factor that can mitigate workplace stress and enhance job satisfaction. Moreover, work–life balance is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing job satisfaction in the nursing profession.

Aim

Our study aims at understanding the mediating effect of work‐life balance between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction in Lebanese nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit.

Study Design

This study has a cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Nurses working in intensive care units of one hospital (n = 100) were asked to fill an online questionnaire which included the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, Work–Life Balance Self‐Assessment Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale.

Results

Work Interference with Personal Life and Personal Life Interference with Work acted as significant mediators between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. Specifically, the direct role of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction was found to be significant, with work interference with personal life (β = .02, SE = .01, p = .001) and personal life interference with work (β = .02, SE = .01, p = .002) showing significant indirect roles. Higher emotional intelligence was directly and significantly associated with more job satisfaction (p < .01).

Conclusions

The study underscores the potential benefits of emotional intelligence training and work–life balance promotion in enhancing nurses' job satisfaction.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Pending future longitudinal studies, findings cautiously imply that targeting work–life balance could help foster the positive connection between emotional intelligence and Job Satisfaction among nurses. Accordingly, healthcare administrators should prioritize policies that promote flexible scheduling, sufficient staffing levels, and mental health resources, which are essential for maintaining a balance between professional obligations Job Satisfaction and personal life.
The association of dysglycaemia metrics over the first 7 days of ICU stay with ICU mortality among patients with and without diabetes
Authors: Yao Huan , Chen Yao , Dong Yukang , Zhang Guiping , Luo Wen , Chen Ji , Chen Yingfang , Guo Jia
Published: January 2025

Background

Dysglycaemia metrics, defined as hyperglycaemia, increased glucose variability, hypoglycaemia and reduced time in the targeted blood glucose range (TIR), are linked to higher mortality. The relationship between dysglycaemia metrics and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality over time for patients with and without diabetes remains inconclusive, posing challenges for ICU medical staff in accurately identifying and distinguishing various risk factors and taking timely and appropriate responses.

Aim

To explore which dysglycaemia metrics within the first 7 days of ICU stay are associated with ICU mortality among patients with and without diabetes.

Study Design

This retrospective cohort study included 712 patients without diabetes and 222 patients with diabetes. Clinical data were collected within the first 7 days of ICU stay. Binary logistic regression models were built to analyse which dysglycaemia metrics (hyperglycaemia, coefficient of variation [CV], hypoglycaemia and TIR) on the first day, over the first 3, 5 and 7 days of ICU stay were associated with ICU mortality.

Results

In patients with diabetes, hyperglycaemia on the first day (OR: 4.90, 95% CI: 1.51–15.90, p = .008) and TIR <70% during the first 7 days of ICU stay (OR: 16.31, 95% CI: 1.50–176.89, p = .022) were associated with increased ICU mortality. In patients without diabetes, CV >20% on the first day (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03–2.07, p = .035), and TIR <70% during the first 3 (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.35–2.98, p < .001) and 5 days (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09–2.54, p = .019) were associated with increased ICU mortality (p < .05). The proportion of hypoglycaemia did not significantly correlate with ICU mortality in patients with or without diabetes (p > .05).

Conclusions

Specific dysglycaemia metrics are associated with ICU mortality between patients with and without diabetes. In patients with diabetes, hyperglycaemia on the first day and TIR <70% on the first 7 days with higher mortality. In patients without diabetes, CV >20% on the first day and TIR <70% in the first 3 and 5 days are associated with higher mortality. Monitoring these metrics may potentially help develop strategies to decrease ICU mortality through individualized glycaemic management.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Close monitoring of dysglycaemia metrics, especially TIR, and personalized glucose management based on diabetic status may help identify high‐risk ICU patients and improve targeted care strategies.
Refractive error maps: A predictive tool for refractive error progression
Authors: Debowy Fabian , Pierscionek Barbara
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To investigate the influence of axial length on different ocular parameters and create a predictive tool for refractive error progression.

Methods

Two eye models were used to simulate refractive errors, namely the Liou–Brennan and the Goncharov–Dainty. Both models were simulated using Zemax OpticStudio. Simulations were made by varying axial length and central corneal radii of curvature, with values ranging from 21.5 to 28.5 mm and 7.0 to 8.5 mm, respectively. Additionally, simulations of different lens parameters were included.

Results

Refractive error maps were produced for different ethnicities and a comparison with experimental results was undertaken. These showed the relationships between axial length and crystalline lens thickness, refractive index and curvatures of the cornea and lens.

Conclusions

The concept of refractive error maps may provide more insight into the refractive state of individuals and groups with provision for a comparative analysis. With further experimental data added, such refractive error maps could be used as a predictive tool.
Arabidopsis glycosyltransferase UGT86A1 promotes plant adaptation to salt and drought stresses
Authors: Ma Yuqing , Dong Guangrui , Zhao Shuman , Zhang Fengju , Ma Xinmei , Liu Chonglin , Ding Yi , Hou Bingkai
Published: January 2025

UDP‐glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are the largest glycosyltransferase family developed during the evolution of the plant kingdom. However, their physiological significance in abiotic stress adaptation in land plants is largely unknown. In this study, we identified a UGT gene from Arabidopsis thaliana, UGT86A1, that was significantly induced by salt and drought stresses. To explore the potential biological role of UGT86A1 in salt and drought stress response, we created ugt86a1 knockout mutants and UGT86A1‐overexpressing transgenic lines, and analyzed seed germination, seedling development and root growth. The results showed that ugt86a1 mutants are sensitive to drought and salt stresses, while overexpression lines show stronger resistance compared with WT, confirming the positive regulation role of UGT86A1 in abiotic stress response. Our following study indicated that UGT86A1 enhances plant resistance against salt and drought stresses via increasing soluble sugar concentration and promoting ROS scavenging capacity, thereby reducing the damage to plant organs and cells. Moreover, we identified that UGT86A1 largely contributes to the upregulation of multiple stress‐induced genes under salt and drought stress conditions. Therefore, our results demonstrated that UGT86A1 is a crucial responsive gene to salt and drought stresses in a land plant, thus promoting the understanding of the physiological significance of the UGT family in plant evolution.
This Crisis Is Different: Weakened Economic Accountability During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Singer Matthew
Published: January 2025

Classic economic voting theories suggest Donald Trump would be held accountable for the recession during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. I argue, however, that traditional economic voting patterns were less important in 2020 than they otherwise would have been due to the pandemic. Three factors potentially reduced the economy's effect: the complicated and multifaceted nature of this crisis made it difficult to attribute responsibility to the president, the economy's salience fell as the public focused on other issues, and cash transfers cushioned households facing economic uncertainty. I test this expectation in three ways, and all show weak economic voting in 2020. President Trump was generally not held accountable for the personal economic dislocations such as job losses or income reductions individuals endured during the pandemic. The individual‐level connection between sociotropic evaluations and presidential approval weakened in 2020. Finally, President Trump's aggregate approval rating reflected consumer confidence before the pandemic but not during it. The electorate does not blindly hold the incumbent accountable for economic outcomes.
Social acceptance of human–wildlife coexistence: a case study about the reintroduction of the large herbivore European bison (Bison bonasus) in Switzerland
Authors: Zélie Stauffer , Hunziker Marcel
Published: January 2025

This study examines the social acceptance of the reintroduction of large herbivores. Focusing on a representative case study of European bison (Bison bonasus) in Switzerland, this research was carried out alongside a reintroduction project in its early stages in order to measure regional acceptance of human–wildlife coexistence. A representative survey within the reintroduction area and qualitative interviews were used to identify key factors influencing attitudes toward the reintroduction project. The main results showed a very strong polarization of the public, divided into “ecocentric pro‐project” and “anthropocentric and conservative anti‐project” groups. The strongest predictors of acceptance turned out to be the perception of reintroduction project management and communication, the perception of the animal per se, the affiliation to an environmental association and the perception of regional nature parks (the last two aspects constituting different nuances within a person's environmental values). This study shows that project planners need to focus on clear and transparent communication about project management and process, as well as trying to get the public to appreciate the reintroduced species as a friendly animal. The present research highlights the societal challenges of reintroducing large herbivores into rural landscapes and aims to assist in selecting measures that take into account the needs of all parties.
Cord blood for autologous transfusion in infants with congenital anomalies: Volumes, sterility, and stability during storage
Authors: Nelson Olivia , Jones Rebecca , Moldenhauer Julie S. , Rintoul Natalie E. , Hedrick Holly L. , Kumar Sara , Helton Rachel , Zhang Bingqing , Linder Grace , Simpao Allan F. , Stricker Paul A. , Chou Stella T.
Published: January 2025

Background

Neonates with congenital anomalies frequently require perioperative allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Whole cord blood for autologous transfusion to neonates may provide an alternative RBC source, but whether sufficient volumes can be collected after delayed cord clamping to reduce allogeneic RBC requirements is unknown.

Study Design and Methods

Inclusion criteria were mothers delivering a viable infant >34 weeks' gestation. Sterile cord blood collection from the umbilical cord was performed at delivery as per routine obstetric indications. During storage at 4°C, we performed weekly blood gases. Blood culture, complete blood count, and hemolysis tests were performed at baseline and day 21. We compared the whole cord blood volume collected with each infant's allogeneic transfusion requirements.

Results

54 collection attempts yielded 49 collections with a mean volume of 54.1 mL (±20.3) after median delayed cord clamping of 46 seconds (IQR 12.0, 60.0). Among 39 blood cultures obtained, 3 grew organisms after vaginal delivery (3/27, 11.0% vs. 0/12, 0% cesarean delivery, p = .54). Hemolysis was stable during storage (baseline vs. day 21, median [IQR], 0.7% [0.4%–0.9%] vs. 0.7% [0.6%–1.1%], p = .08).

Conclusions

Whole cord blood collection following delayed cord clamping was feasible, with volumes equal to 16.7 mL/kg, or one transfusion. Hemolysis was low, and although potassium increased during storage, it was consistent with patterns observed with adult donor stored whole blood. There were no positive blood cultures from collections during cesarean deliveries. Studies are needed to determine whether whole cord blood transfusions improve patient outcomes.
Lateral Tarsorrhaphy and Fixation on the Orbital Ligament to Correct Macroblepharon in Dogs: 77 Palpebral Fissures
Authors: Werner‐Tutschku Maximilian , Nell Barbara
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To describe a surgical method for correcting lower lid entropion, lateral canthal entropion, and macroblepharon.

Methods

Lid margins were incised at a 45° angle, and lateral lid margins and a rhomboid shaped piece of skin were resected based on the degree of macroblepharon. Subcutaneous tissue was sutured with absorbable sutures and anchored to the orbital ligament with a non‐absorbable suture to maintain lateral canthal position. A new lateral canthus was formed using a “figure of eight” technique with absorbable sutures, and the skin was closed with simple interrupted sutures. Complications were categorized as minor (wound infections, delayed healing) or major (orbital ligament detachment).

Results

Lateral tarsorrhaphy with orbital ligament fixation was performed on 77 palpebral fissures (PF) in 39 dogs, with English Cocker Spaniels and Great Danes being the most affected breeds. Most dogs were male (72%) with a median age of 23 months; 69% were under 50 months. Of the PF treated, 57 (74%) had no complications, 11 (14%) had minor complications, and 9 (12%) had major complications, including six cases of ruptured orbital ligament fixation and one case of unilateral entropion recurrence. One dog was euthanized due to severe complications from auto‐mutilation and lack of compliance.

Conclusion

This surgical method effectively corrects diamond‐shaped eyes, although complications can occur, especially in male dogs with excessive facial skin.
Experimental Study on the Performance in Milling Operations of Inconel® 718 With TiN/TiAlN-Coated Tools
Authors: Sebbe N. P. V. , Silva F. J. G. , Iglesias I. , Jesus A. , Sales-Contini R. C. M.
Published: January 2025

The Inconel® 718 alloy presents superior mechanical properties, which is why it is considered a difficult-to-machine material. To improve the milling process performance, multilayer TiN/TiAlN-coated tools were deposited by Physical Vapor Deposition High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering. Moreover, a lacuna exists in the literature concerning the milling of Inconel® 718 and the selection of ideal machining parameters. Based on this, the surface roughness (Ra), the evolution of flank wear, wear mechanisms, and the tool lifespan were analyzed. The parameters varied in the process were cutting speed (Vc), feed per tooth (fz), and cutting length (Lcut). It was possible to verify the influence of the cutting length on the aspects evaluated and to observe that the cutting speed has a great impact, since the higher this parameter, the greater the roughness and wear obtained, and the shorter the tool life. The primary degradation mechanisms were as follows: abrasive, followed by material adhesion, with the onset of built-up edge development.
Design and Analysis of a Liftfan for eVTOL Aircraft
Authors: Hine R. D. , Cousins D. R. , Maden L. , Walker S. J. , Atkins N. R. , Grimshaw S. D. , Taylor J. V.
Published: January 2025

Ducted liftfans provide greater hovering efficiency to electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft than open propellers of equal disk area. Liftfans are designed with minimized length to limit propulsor weight added and drag incurred during forward flight. Three challenges posed by the liftfan propulsor configuration are addressed in this paper. First, instead of a single-row propeller, liftfans require the design of a fully integrated stage. To maximize the hovering figure of merit, a non-dimensional measure of power consumption, the preliminary and 3D design variables of the rotor and splittered diffuser stator rows are optimized simultaneously using 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The resulting prototype liftfan design is validated through experimental testing. Second, despite efficiency improvements during hover, liftfans sustain additional inlet distortion and drag during forward flight due to their surrounding nacelles. A low-order model is developed to investigate the maximum range for different fan designs with varying diffuser area ratios and forward flight tilt angles. Design selections are validated using full annulus, 3D CFD, and experimental wind tunnel tests. Third, as the electric motors of liftfans are mounted within the hub, fan-driven active cooling is necessary to prevent overheating. The stagnation pressure losses incurred by cooling airflow must be minimized without impeding heat transfer. Low-order models are developed to predict motor heat transfer and loss and to guide the design of a mixed-flow cooling fan. Experimental testing and 3D CFD simulations confirm that the addition of forward sweep and adoption of a high blade count can reduce cooling fan losses.
Unsteadiness in the Secondary Flows of a High-Speed Low-Pressure Turbine Cascade With Unsteady Wakes and Purge Flow
Authors: Lopes Gustavo , Lavagnoli Sergio
Published: January 2025

This work investigates the unsteady interactions between incoming wakes and purge flow in a high-speed low-pressure turbine cascade tested under engine-representative conditions. Experiments were conducted in a linear cascade at outlet Mach and Reynolds numbers of 0.90 and 70,000, respectively. Unsteady wakes characterized by a reduced frequency of 0.95 are generated by cylindrical bars. Purge flow was injected at varying mass flow rates through a cavity slot to study its effect on the modulation of secondary flows. Phase-averaged measurements using a fast-response pressure probe operated in a virtual mode mapped the unsteady development of secondary flows regarding energy loss, turbulence intensity, and flow angles at the outlet. Results highlight a significant strengthening of secondary flow structures when introducing purge flow, in contrast to the weaker passage vortex observed without the cavity slot. The passage vortex was periodically suppressed in the absence of purge, while purge flow enhanced the turbulence intensity and the extent of loss fluctuations in the secondary flow region. This study provides insights into secondary flow modulation and the complex interactions between purge flow and unsteady wakes.
Revealing the reaction path of UVC bond rupture in cyclic disulfides with ultrafast x-ray scattering
Authors: Ma Lingyu , Du Wenpeng , Yong Haiwang , Stankus Brian , Ruddock Jennifer M. , Carrascosa Andrés Moreno , Goff Nathan , Chang Yu , Zotev Nikola , Bellshaw Darren , Lane Thomas J. , Liang Mengning , Boutet Sébastien , Carbajo Sergio , Robinson Joseph S. , Koglin Jason E. , Minitti Michael P. , Kirrander Adam , Sølling Theis I. , Weber Peter M.
Published: January 2025

Disulfide bonds are ubiquitous molecular motifs that influence the tertiary structure and biological functions of many proteins. Yet, it is well known that the disulfide bond is photolabile when exposed to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation. The deep-UV–induced S─S bond fragmentation kinetics on very fast timescales are especially pivotal to fully understand the photostability and photodamage repair mechanisms in proteins. In 1,2-dithiane, the smallest saturated cyclic molecule that mimics biologically active species with S─S bonds, we investigate the photochemistry upon 200-nm excitation by femtosecond time-resolved x-ray scattering in the gas phase using an x-ray free electron laser. In the femtosecond time domain, we find a very fast reaction that generates molecular fragments with one and two sulfur atoms. On picosecond and nanosecond timescales, a complex network of reactions unfolds that, ultimately, completes the sulfur dissociation from the parent molecule.
Complete genome sequences of mycobacteriophages JayJay and Rinkes
Authors: Liebenberg Dale , Sungu Nday L. , Machowski Edith E. , Ealand Christopher S. , Kana Bavesh D.
Published: January 2025

The complete genome sequences were determined for two mycobacteriophages isolated from
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. JayJay, a
myoviral
bacteriophage from cluster C1, encodes 234 putative genes, 32 tRNAs, and 1 tmRNA. Rinkes, a
siphoviral
bacteriophage from cluster B9, harbors a smaller genome encoding 93 putative genes.
Longitudinal increase in physical activity and adverse cardiovascular outcomes following the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Cho Dong-Hyuk , Jae Sae Young , Kunutsor Setor , Choi Jimi , Gwon Jun Gyo
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Physical activity (PA) provides protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, including ischaemic heart disease. However, recommending moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) to patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) raises concerns owing to potential risk of recurrent ACS or fatal arrhythmias. This study investigated the association between longitudinal PA changes following an ACS diagnosis and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes, including non-fatal coronary events, non-fatal stroke and cardiovascular mortality.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study used Korean National Health Insurance Service data from 2010 to 2017, comprising 30 840 patients diagnosed with ACS following invasive coronary angiography or bypass surgery. Leisure-time PA was self-reported, with the frequency and intensity measured weekly. The primary endpoint was a composite of nonfatal coronary events, non-fatal stroke and cardiovascular mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models assessed the association between PA changes and cardiovascular outcomes.

Results

Among patients with ACS (mean age: 60±11 years, men: 81.3%), mean PA levels increased from 544±556 metabolic equivalent task (MET)-min/week to 594±567 MET-min/week. Over 6.7 years of median follow-up, 5639 cardiovascular events occurred. Increased PA was associated with lower cardiovascular event risk (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98). Consistent MVPA pre-ACS and post-ACS reduced cardiovascular event risk (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.96) and MVPA initiation showed a modest risk reduction (HR: 0.91, MET-min/95% CI 0.82 to 1.01).

Conclusions

Longitudinal increases in self-reported PA, maintenance of MVPA and possibly MVPA initiation after ACS reduced the risk of cardiovascular events. Initiating or maintaining MVPA could be an important strategy in improving cardiovascular outcomes following ACS.
The efficacy and safety of thymosin α1 for sepsis (TESTS): multicentre, double blinded, randomised, placebo controlled, phase 3 trial
Authors: Wu Jianfeng , Pei Fei , Zhou Lixin , Li Weiqin , Sun Renhua , Li Yimin , Wang Zheng , He Zhijie , Zhang Xiaofei , Jin Xiaodong , Long Yun , Cui Wei , Wang Chunting , Chen Erzhen , Zeng Jun , Yan Jing , Lin Qinhan , Zhou Feihu , Huang Lei , Shang You , Duan Meili , Zheng Wei , Zhu Duming , Kou Qiuye , Zhang Shihong , Liu Yin , Yao Chen , Shang Meixia , Peng Sui , Zhou Qian , Cheng Kar Keung , Guan Xiangdong
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate whether the immunomodulatory drug thymosin α1 reduces mortality in adults with sepsis.

Design

Multicentre, double blinded, placebo controlled phase 3 trial.

Setting

22 centres in China, September 2016 to December 2020.

Participants

1106 adults aged 18-85 years with a diagnosis of sepsis according to sepsis-3 criteria and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive thymosin α1 (n=552) or placebo (n=554). A stratified block method was used for randomisation, and participants were stratified by age (<60 and ≥60 years) and centre.

Interventions

Subcutaneous injection of thymosin α1 or placebo every 12 hours for seven days unless discontinued owing to discharge from the intensive care unit, death, or withdrawal of consent.

Main outcome measure

The primary outcome was 28 day all cause mortality after randomisation. All analyses were based on a modified intention-to-treat set, including participants who received at least one dose of study drug.

Results

Of 1106 adults with sepsis enrolled in the study, 1089 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analyses (thymosin α1 group n=542, placebo group n=547). 28 day all cause mortality occurred in 127 participants (23.4%) in the thymosin α1 group and 132 (24.1%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.77 to 1.27; P=0.93 with log-rank test). No secondary or safety outcome differed statistically significantly between the two groups. The prespecified subgroup analysis showed a potential differential effect of thymosin α1 on the primary outcome based on age (<60 years: hazard ratio 1.67, 1.04 to 2.67; ≥60 years: 0.81, 0.61 to 1.09; P for interaction=0.01) and diabetes (diabetes: 0.58, 0.35 to 0.99; no diabetes: 1.16, 0.87 to 1.53; P for interaction=0.04).

Conclusions

This trial found no clear evidence to suggest that thymosin α1 decreases 28 day all cause mortality in adults with sepsis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02867267
.
Temporal dynamics and distributions of sardine and anchovy in the southern California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Tran Bryant , Barton Andrew D. , Muhling Barbara , Semmens Brice X. , Erisman Brad , Craig Matthew T. , Jiménez-Rosenberg Sylvia P. A. , Aceves-Medina Gerardo , Thompson Andrew R.
Published: January 2025

Anchovies and sardines are some of the most economically and ecologically important and well-studied fishes on Earth, but there is still uncertainty regarding how distributions and abundances change through time and space. We bring together larval abundance data for northern anchovy ( Engraulis mordax) and Pacific sardine ( Sardinops sagax) collected by United States and Mexican scientists over 50 years (1963–2015) to test the Basin and Asynchrony hypotheses. The Basin hypothesis states that a species’ geographic range and spawning area ( R) increase with overall abundance ( A) according to a power law, R =  aAb , where the exponent ( b) is less than ∼0.5 when the rate of increasing area occupied saturates as population size increases. The Asynchrony hypothesis postulates that anchovy and sardine abundances are negatively correlated through time. We found that the Basin hypothesis was supported for both species but the Asynchrony hypothesis was not during this 53-year period. Due to collaboration between US and Mexican scientists, we were able to better understand how two important fishes utilize their environment.
Study on deformation failure and permeability resistance of large faults under mining
Authors: Deng Hao , Zhu Shuyun , Chen Yingzhou
Published: January 2025

The deformation and failure of large faults during coal seam mining can result in channels being formed that are connected to aquifers, which can present a serious threat to the safe mining of coal seams. This study takes the Beigongcun No. 1 fault in the No. 7 mining area of the Dongtan Coal Mine as a case study, aiming to explore the deformation and permeability resistance of large faults. Through the establishment of an engineering geological model, FLAC3D software is used to simulate the fluid–solid coupling of the mining process. The results show that as the working face advances, the compressive stress within 40 m of the fault decreases significantly and is most affected by mining at 20 m below the coal seam after mining to the fault. The calculated fault permeability strength is lower than the Ordovician limestone water pressure. Further simulation of the fault mining with different dip angles shows that the failure modes are basically the same but the failure depth is different. In the dip angle range of 50°–80°, the fault failure depth is smallest for a dip angle of 65°, and the fault resistance strength is greatest for a dip angle of 60°. This shows that the depth of fault failure is greatest at a specific dip angle.
Teens Online Behavior and Support Interventions in Bangladesh
Authors: Rony Rahat Jahangir , Ahmed Nova
Published: January 2025

Teens are vulnerable online, and their risk behaviors and possible support for safe online space are studied in the Western context but unexplored in developing countries. Considering the cultural context and research gaps, we interviewed
n
= 28 teens in urban Bangladesh to investigate their unique online activities, experiences, and strategies for protecting online accounts and knowledge. They are involved in several risk-taking behaviors, including communicating with strangers without being aware of possible vulnerabilities, uncovering their lack of online safety knowledge, and being unaware of online journeys from the beginning. These teens have negative online experiences; some coping techniques, such as hiding information, changing profile settings, and unfollowing the unknowns, help them without seeking additional support. We propose design interventions regarding knowledge and awareness increment, implementing co-learning and policy, which will help teens become aware and knowledgeable at the beginning of their online usage, reducing their negative experiences in the future.
Wakeup-Darkness: When Multimodal Meets Unsupervised Low-Light Image Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Xu Zishan , Tang Hao , Gu Chaochen , Chen Wei , El Saddik Abdulmotaleb
Published: January 2025

Low-light image enhancement is a crucial visual task, and many unsupervised methods overlook the degradation of visible information in low-light scenes, adversely affecting the fusion of complementary information and hindering the generation of satisfactory results. To address this, we introduce Wakeup-Darkness, a multimodal enhancement framework that innovatively enriches user interaction through voice and textual commands. This approach signifies a technical leap and represents a paradigm shift in user engagement. We introduce a Cross-Modal Feature Fusion (CMFF) that synergizes semantic and depth context with low-light enhancement operations. Moreover, we propose a Gated Residual Block (GRB) and a channel-aware Look-Up Table (LUT) to adjust the intensity distribution of each channel. Crucially, the proposed Wakeup-Darkness scheme demonstrates remarkable generalization in unsupervised scenarios. The source code can be accessed from
https://github.com/zhangbaijin/Wakeup-Dakness
.
Robotics in Elderly Healthcare: A Qualitative Analysis of 20 Recent European Research Projects
Authors: Khaksar Weria , Lindblom Diana Saplacan , Bygrave Lee Andrew , Torresen Jim
Published: January 2025

Studies foresee a dramatic increase in the elderly population of Western Europe over the next decades, putting pressure on healthcare systems. Healthcare robots are developed to facilitate independent living for elderly people. This article aims to provide a qualitative analysis of recent projects in healthcare robotics (2008–2024) and proposes new research directions for healthcare robots for older adults. We provide an overview of current research and a roadmap for upcoming research. Our study began with a literature search using four databases. Searches were performed for articles from research projects containing the words “elderly care,” “assisted aging,” “health monitoring,” or “elderly health.” Additional exclusion criteria were used to focus on elderly healthcare and utilization of commercial robotic systems. Resulting from this endeavor, 20 recent research projects are described and categorized in this article. Then, these projects were analyzed using thematic analysis. Our findings are summarized in common themes: Most projects have a strong bias towards care robots’ functionalities; robots are often seen as outsiders in care settings; there is an emphasis on robots as commercial products; and there is some limited attention to the design and ethical aspects of care robots, but very little attention to their legal aspects. The article concludes with key points representing a roadmap for future research addressing robotics for the elderly.
Mass Spectrometry–Based Applications of Spheroids in Cancer Biology
Authors: Fries Brian D. , Hummon Amanda B.
Published: January 2025

The use of cell culture techniques to model human disease is an indispensable tool that has helped improve the health and well-being of the world. Monolayer cultures have most often been used for biomedical research, although not accurately recapitulating an in vivo human tumor. Tumor spheroids are a form of three-dimensional cell culture that better mimics an avascularized human tumor through their cell–cell contacts in all directions, development of various chemical gradients, and distinct populations of cells found within the spheroid. In this review, we highlight how mass spectrometry has propelled the utility of the spheroid model to understand cancer biology. We discuss how mass spectrometry imaging can be utilized to determine the penetration efficiency of various chemotherapeutics, how proteomics can be used to understand the biology in the various layers of a spheroid, and how metabolomics and lipidomics are used to elucidate how various spheroids behave toward chemotherapeutics.
Conceptualizing and Measuring Systemic Racism
Authors: Brown Tyson H. , Lee Hedwig E. , Hicken Margaret T. , Bonilla-Silva Eduardo , Homan Patricia
Published: January 2025

This article provides a guide for rigorous, theory-driven measurement approaches, proposing best practices for the scientific study of systemic racism in health research. We argue that the analytical crux of measuring systemic racism—a complex, interconnected, and dynamic system—lies in operationalizing the collective logics, properties, and mechanisms that undergird racial inequities. Misalignment between measurement tools and these foundational features undermines research validity, as incongruent measures distort findings and obscure systemic racism's true impacts. To address this, we draw on interdisciplinary theories and evidence to dissect key features of systemic racism, emphasizing their implications for measurement. We further recommend incorporating temporal processes in health research by leveraging core principles of the life course perspective, which elucidate the intricate interplay of individual, historical, and societal trajectories. Our recommendations underscore the necessity of adopting robust, evidence-based methods to advance the understanding of how systemic racism operates and shapes public health.
Post-Training Network Compression for 3D Medical Image Segmentation: Reducing Computational Efforts via Tucker Decomposition
Authors: Weber Tobias , Dexl Jakob , Rügamer David , Ingrisch Michael
Published: January 2025

Tucker decomposition–based post-training compression of the TotalSegmentator model reduced the computational demand of three-dimensional convolution models, maintained high segmentation accuracy, and enhanced model inference speed on less powerful hardware.
Cerebrovascular compliance during progressive hypotension in patients with autonomic failure
Authors: Shoemaker Leena N. , Sajid Aleena , Schondorf Ronald , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: January 2025

We identify a threshold effect for the increase in cerebrovascular compliance (Ci) during progressive hypotension (baseline vs. end-tilt: 86 ± 18 vs. 50 ± 8 mmHg) in individuals with autonomic failure, such that Ci began to increase progressively after pulse pressure fell by 22 ± 6 mmHg and arterial blood pressure fell by 20 ± 11 mmHg.
Probing Pregnane‐3,20‐Dione, 17,21‐[(Methylborylene)Bis(Oxy)]‐, (5. Beta)‐ as an Antiviral Candidate Against White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV): Molecular Docking and Simulation Approach
Authors: Raja Bharath , Sivakumar Abisha , Mekata Tohru , Radhakrishnan Vidya , Asely Amel M. El , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Raja Sudhakaran
Published: January 2025

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a highly infectious virus that poses an imminent threat to global shrimp aquaculture and is responsible for significant mortality in shrimp farms. There is a lack of targeted drug therapy options for preventing or treating WSSV. Consequently, these envelope proteins have garnered attention as an alternative focus for drug development at the molecular level. In the current study, the binding efficiency of pregnane‐3,20‐dione, 17,21‐[(methylborylene)bis(oxy)]‐, (5. beta)‐, a compound identified from Turbianria ornata, was predicted. The target proteins were major envelope proteins VP28, VP24, and VP110 of WSSV. The ligand structure was generated using PubChem and the SMILES platform. Docking was performed using AutoDock 4.2, employing blind docking to identify the preferred binding sites autonomously. A 100‐nanosecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted for each protein–ligand complex using Desmond software to evaluate the stability and dynamics of these interactions. The complexes exhibited minimum values for both docking scores and binding energies. The additional data on root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) further supported the stability of proteins and ligands. The compound’s strong and stable binding with multiple WSSV envelope proteins suggests its potential as a broad‐spectrum antiviral agent against WSSV. The study found that the compound pregnane‐3,20‐dione, 17,21‐[(methylborylene)bis(oxy)]‐, (5. beta)‐ demonstrated high binding affinity Turbinaria ornata and stability with the viral envelope proteins VP28, VP24, and VP110, indicating strong antiviral potential against WSSV.