bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opium of the Media? The Evolving Role of Religion in Western News Coverage of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Authors: Kazarian Diana
Published: February 2025

The debate surrounding the religious dimension of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is practically as old as the conflict itself. Despite credible historical evidence that religious differences are not a causal factor of the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Western media coverage of the region has frequently relied on a ‘Christians vs Muslims’ framing. This article examines the origins of this media narrative, arguing that it stems primarily from a combination of concerted efforts by the Armenian diaspora to describe the conflict in religious terms, as well as a reductive Western perspective of the South Caucasus region. Then, leveraging a large dataset of English-language news articles dating back to 1988, I trace the evolution of Nagorno-Karabakh coverage and find that the emphasis on religion has generally decreased over time. I conclude by specifically examining journalism on the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and demonstrating that an outlet’s choice to highlight religion is often a function of its political affiliation.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with bioinductive patch achieves equivalent patient-reported outcomes and retear rate at 1 year
Authors: Castle Joshua P , Kasto Johnny K , Jiang Eric X , Gaudiani Michael A , Wolterink Trevor D , Timoteo Taylor , Best Jacob , Bishai Shariff K , Kolowich Patricia A , Muh Stephanie J
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a bioinductive patch augmentation following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) in terms of patient-reported outcomes, motion, and complications stratified by tear size.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing primary RCR with and without bioinductive bovine collagen patch augmentation for supraspinatus/infraspinatus tears from 2014 to 2022 at two centers was performed. Exclusion criteria included: age <18 years, revisions, or lack of 6-month postoperative follow-up. Patients were propensity-score matched 2:1 to patch-augmented patients based on age, sex, BMI, and tear size. Outcomes were compared between the patch and control groups after being stratified by tear size.

Results

A total of 125 patients patch augmented RCRs were matched to 250 controls. No significant differences in demographics or comorbidities between groups. Following stratification by tear size, VAS for partial and small/medium tears in the patch cohorts were lower ( p = 0.02) at 3 months. Functional scores were not statistically different. Patch-augmented partial and small/medium tears showed increased forward elevation ( p < 0.05) at 1-year follow-up. Retear rates were statistically similar.

Conclusions

Bioinductive patch augmentation demonstrates equivalent outcomes for pain and function, retear rate, but is associated with improved forward elevation up to 1-year for partial and small/medium tears.

Level of evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
RUMS – how to compare structures of enterprise groups?
Authors: Rommelspacher Simon , Urban Adrian
Published: February 2025

In a globalised and interconnected world, enterprise groups play an increasingly important role in the economy. At the same time, it is becoming more difficult for official statistics to map these structures correctly to be able to analyse them for the various statistical areas. Enterprise groups have complex data structures that often come from different data sources of varying quality and need to be compared at different points in time. Comparing these complex and growing entities is not trivial and has therefore rarely been done in the past across countries and sources. To fill this gap, inspired by other similarity metrics, a new similarity metric has been developed in the German statistical business register: RUMS – R ommelspacher-Urban Metric for Similarity of enterprise groups. RUMS enables the comparison of enterprise groups within and between statistical business registers. This allows the quantification of changes over time or deviations in different business registers, which can help to detect data inconsistencies to increase data quality. RUMS is defined in a way that allows flexible adjustments to the weightings of the properties that are considered in the calculation based on the specific needs of the use case.
Societal impacts and opportunities of federated learning
Authors: Curl Justin , Xie Xing
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have the potential to significantly enhance various aspects of human life, including healthcare, employment, energy management, finance, and creative endeavors. However, the rise of larger, computationally intensive AI models has also led to concerns about their negative societal impacts, such as increasing economic concentration, higher energy emissions, and threats to data privacy. In this paper, we examine the societal implications of a promising machine learning approach called federated learning. We begin by reviewing ongoing research challenges, noting that federated learning is often promoted as a potential solution to mitigate issues of economic concentration, environmental harm, and privacy concerns associated with AI. While federated learning systems hold significant promise, they are currently at an early stage of development and face critical technical challenges, including data leakage risks and high communication costs, which need to be addressed before widespread adoption can occur.
Pulmonary Atresia and Ventricular Septal Defect: Definitions, Nomenclature, and Classification
Authors: Tchervenkov Christo I. , Tang Richard , Peek Giles J. , Bleiweis Mark S. , Jacobs Jeffrey P.
Published: February 2025

This manuscript will provide information about pulmonary atresia + ventricular septal defect, including definitions, nomenclature, and classification, based on the 2021 International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code (IPCCC) and the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases ( ICD-11). The 2021 IPCCC and ICD-11 provide the following definition for Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia: Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia is defined as “A congenital cardiovascular malformation that is a variant of tetralogy of Fallot in which there is no direct communication between the right ventricle and the pulmonary arterial tree.” The 2021 IPCCC and ICD-11 provide the following definition for Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries: Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries is defined as “A congenital cardiovascular malformation that is a variant of tetralogy of Fallot in which there is no direct communication between the right ventricle and the pulmonary arterial tree and there are collateral blood vessels between the systemic and pulmonary arteries.” “Tetralogy of Fallot + pulmonary atresia” is a specific type of “pulmonary atresia + ventricular septal defect” where the intracardiac malformation is more accurately defined. The presence or absence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCA[s]) does not change these definitions. Therefore, “tetralogy of Fallot + pulmonary atresia + MAPCA(s)” is a specific type of “pulmonary atresia + ventricular septal defect + MAPCA(s)” where the intracardiac malformation is more accurately defined. In the universe of patients with pulmonary atresia + ventricular septal defect, the anatomy and morphology of the pulmonary circulation to a large extent determines the surgical approach and overall outcome, with the intracardiac anatomy playing a secondary role. Based on the characterization of the pulmonary circulation, patients with pulmonary atresia + ventricular septal defect can be classified into three groups: In type A, pulmonary blood flow is provided by native pulmonary arteries (NPAs). In type B, pulmonary blood flow is provided by both NPA and MAPCA(s). In type C, pulmonary blood flow is provided only by MAPCA(s).
Understanding and harnessing differences in women with ADHD: A qualitative study
Authors: Bradley Sarah , Parzych Izabela , Platts Jessica , Powell Lauren
Published: February 2025

Women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often misunderstood which is reinforced by deficit-focused research and gendered societal expectations that overlook neurodivergent women. Grounded in the neurodiversity approach, this work views ADHD as a cognitive difference, not deficit. Authors recognise the importance of sharing and understanding these differences as they can harness achievements, empowerment, self-advocacy skills and identity acceptance. This study invited 11 women with ADHD, to share their voices to contribute to a holistic understanding of ADHD in women with particular focus on how differences can facilitate rewarding and positive experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis identified four themes: (1) Social and communication differences can facilitate positive relationships in women with ADHD; (2) Rewarding experiences in women with ADHD are driven by differences, not deficits; (3) ADHD diagnoses in women can be ‘massive’ for identity sense-making and (4) Gendered challenges create barriers to support for women with ADHD (subtheme: Language can reinforce harmful and stigmatised views of ADHD in women). This work will facilitate improved outcomes for women with ADHD by sharing their differences, and how society can adapt to harness these differences through more gender-sensitive approaches.

Lay abstract

Women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience challenges that are different to men with ADHD. There is little research around women with ADHD and the research that does exist usually focuses on their deficits, not their differences or how their differences can facilitate positive experiences. It is important that this changes, because we know this can be beneficial for women with ADHD. Benefits include improved self-esteem, reduced stigma and improved support and understanding women with ADHD. Therefore, this study interviews 11 women with ADHD about their experiences, with a focus on how differences can facilitate rewarding and positive experiences. Participants shared how their ADHD-related differences can help them to gain positive life experiences through pursuing hobbies, developing meaningful relationships and making rewarding decisions around their studies and occupations. Participants also shared challenges they had with gaining their ADHD diagnosis, and others misunderstanding their ADHD which was often reflected through use of negative language by others. By including the lived experience voices in this work, we can improve understanding of the differences experienced by women with ADHD and share how society can adapt to support women with ADHD.
Targeting Caseinolytic Mitochondrial Matrix Peptidase, a Novel Contributor to High-risk Behavior, in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Qin Li , Moreno Rueda Luz Yurany , Ray Upasana , Mahmud Iqbal , Tan Lin , Lorenzi Philip L , Liu Suyu , Lin Heather Yan , Mery David E. , Zhan Fenghuang , Shaughnessy John D. , Yi Qing , Acevedo Calado Maria Jose , Wang Hua , Manasanch Elisabet E. , Lee Hans C. , Patel Krina K. , Kuiatse Isere , Symer David E. , Orlowski Robert Z.
Published: February 2025

Plasma cell dyscrasias encompass a spectrum from the precursors monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering myeloma to symptomatic myeloma, but the genes that enable progression and confer poor prognosis are incompletely understood. Using single cell transcriptomics, we identified the Caseinolytic protease proteolytic subunit (CLPP), a key component of the mitochondrial CLP serine endopeptidase, as being over-expressed in CD138+ neoplastic versus normal, and in symptomatic versus precursor plasma cells. Its high expression was associated with an adverse prognosis across multiple molecularly defined subgroups in the newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory settings, and with extramedullary disease. Pharmacologic CLPP inhibition and genetic suppression reduced organoid growth, cell viability, and cell cycle progression, while triggering an unfolded protein response and apoptosis. This occurred in association with mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss, and caspase and proteasome activation in a reactive oxygen species-dependent manner. Downstream consequences included autophagy and mitophagy induction, and reductions in oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis with consequent compromise of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ATP production. CLP endopeptidase inhibition overcame conventional and novel drug resistance, induced apoptosis in primary samples, showed efficacy in vivo, and could be achieved with the clinically relevant agent inobrodib. Finally, regimens combining a CLPP and proteasome inhibitor showed enhanced efficacy, as did combinations with inhibitors of intermediary metabolism and autophagy. Taken together, our data indicate that CLPP is a key contributor to transformed plasma cells, a novel mediator of high-risk behavior, and a legitimate target for myeloma therapy whose inhibitors could be rationally combined with current therapeutics to improve outcomes.
YAP/TAZ are Crucial Regulator of Macrophage-mediated Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis after Bleomycin-induced Injury
Authors: Mia Masum M. , Ghani Siti Aishah Binte Abdul , Cibi Dasan Mary , Bogireddi Hanumakumar , Nilanthi Uthayanan , Selvan Ashwatthaman , Shiu Wai , Wong Fred , Singh Manvendra K.
Published: February 2025

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the most prevalent and severe form of end-stage interstitial lung disease. Macrophages are crucial players in inflammation-induced PF, but the mechanisms driving macrophage polarization and their specific roles in PF pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that both YAP and TAZ are activated in lung macrophages from patients with PF as well as in mice with bleomycin-induced PF. Myeloid-specificYap/Tazdeletion resulted in reduced recruitment of monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages (Mo-AMs), impaired inflammatory responses, decreased PF, and enhanced alveolar epithelial cell regeneration following bleomycin treatment. Conversely, the expression of a constitutively active YAP mutant (YAP5SA) exacerbated bleomycin-induced PF by increasing Mo-AM recruitment, elevating expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic markers, and impairing alveolar epithelial cell regeneration. We demonstrate that YAP/TAZ-CCL2 signaling plays a crucial role in bleomycin-induced PF, as blocking CCL2 with a neutralizing antibody effectively abrogated the YAP5SA-induced recruitment of Mo-AMs, inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Additionally, we reveal that the YAP/TAZ-MBD2-TGFβ1-pSMAD2 signaling axis is crucial not only for profibrotic macrophage polarization but also for their crosstalk with lung fibroblasts, driving the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting aberrant YAP/TAZ activity to modulate inflammatory and fibrotic response could be a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of PF.
Surgical lung biopsy analyses differ by race and ethnicity in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Jin Kim Eun , Dylan Douglas , Owolabi Tinuola , Lee Cathryn , Symes Emily , Husain Aliya , Strek Mary E. , Elicker Brett M. , Kukreja Jasleen , Wolters Paul J. , Jones Kirk D. , Adegunsoye Ayodeji
Published: February 2025

Rationale

Establishing an interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis may require surgical lung biopsy (SLB). While prior studies have described the epidemiology of ILDs among different races and ethnicities, the pathologic and clinical diagnoses based on SLBs associated with these demographics are unexplored.

Methods

We reviewed SLBs performed between 2000 and 2022 at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Chicago (UChicago) assessing histopathology using structured data collection forms. We analyzed differences in histopathologic features among White, Black, Asian, Hispanic and Native American participants.

Results

A total of 1100 patients (899 UCSF and 201 UChicago study subjects, respectively) with chronic ILD underwent SLBs. 80.6% of patients were White, 6.7% Black, 5.7% Asian, 5% Hispanic and 1.9% Native American. The mean age was 61 years, with Black participants being younger (53 years). Notable histopathologic differences include higher frequency of germinal center formation in Black subjects who also had less microscopic honeycombing, and less frequency of organizing pneumonia in Hispanic subjects. Hispanic subjects had pathologic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) whereas Native American subjects mostly had fibrosing IP. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) was the most common clinical diagnosis in White and Hispanic subjects, connective tissue disease (CTD)-ILD in Black subjects, and unclassifiable ILD in Native American subjects. HP and NSIP frequently require SLB.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates significant racial and ethnic differences in pathologic and clinical diagnoses among ILDs. Recognizing these differences is critical for tailoring diagnostic approaches and may impact precision medicine approaches for ILD management.
Validity of the Chronic Airways Assessment Test (CAAT) in asthma, asthma+COPD and COPD in NOVELTY
Authors: Jones Paul W. , Tomaszewski Erin L. , Belton Laura , Burgel Pierre-Régis , Hughes Rod , Keen Christina , Make Barry J. , Papi Alberto , Müllerová Hana , Reddel Helen K.
Published: February 2025

To assess health status in respiratory diseases, the Chronic Airways Assessment Test (CAAT) was adapted from the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) by replacing COPD-specific wording. It has demonstrated good psychometric properties in asthma and/or COPD. This cross-sectional analysis evaluated how CAAT scores are associated with clinical characteristics in patients with asthma and/or COPD. Using baseline NOVELTY data (NCT02760329) for patients with physician-assigned asthma and/or COPD, linear regression models were implemented to assess the association between CAAT score (range 0–40; higher scores indicating worse health status) and physician-assessed severity, lung function, modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea grade, Respiratory Symptoms Questionnaire score and, for asthma and asthma+COPD, symptom control assessed by Asthma Control Test score. Among 7828 patients (asthma: 4138; asthma+COPD: 991; COPD: 2699), CAAT score was lower in patients with asthma (mean [standard deviation] 14.0 [8.5])versuspatients with asthma+COPD (17.2 [8.6]) or COPD (17.0 [8.3]), indicating better health status in asthma. Associations between CAAT score and clinical characteristics were similar across diagnostic groups (interaction p-values >0.01), with higher CAAT scores associated with more respiratory symptoms, greater exercise limitation due to breathlessness, lower lung function, worse physician-assessed severity and (in asthma±COPD) with worse asthma symptom control. CAAT scores among those with asthma were lowerversusother diagnostic groups by physician-assessed severities. Findings were similar when adjusting for age, and for age, sex and smoking status. The CAAT demonstrated consistent cross-sectional validity across asthma and/or COPD, making it applicable for assessing health status in these conditions in clinical practice and research.
Genetic parameters and parental and early-life effects of boar semen traits
Authors: Sá Pedro , Godinho Rodrigo M. , Gòdia Marta , Sevillano Claudia A. , Harlizius Barbara , Madsen Ole , Bovenhuis Henk
Published: February 2025

Background

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters and studying the influence of early-life and parental factors on the semen traits of boars. The dataset included measurements on 449,966 ejaculates evaluated using a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system from 5692 artificial insemination (AI) boars. In total, we considered 16 semen traits measured on fresh semen and 6 sperm motility traits measured on semen after storage. Early-life effects included the dam’s parity, ages of the dam and sire, gestation length, litter size, litter sex ratio, number of piglets born alive, number of litter mates at weaning, rearing length, and weight gain. A repeatability model accounting for effects at collection was used to (1) estimate heritabilities and repeatabilities for semen traits and genetic and phenotypic correlations between traits, (2) test the significance of early-life effects, (3) quantify the contribution of exclusive dam and sire inheritances to the phenotypic variation, i.e., mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome, identified using a pedigree-based approach, and (4) quantify the contribution of maternal and paternal environment effects to the phenotypic variation of semen traits.

Results

We reported heritabilities between 0.11 and 0.27 and repeatabilities between 0.20 and 0.65 for semen traits. Semen quality traits showed a skewed distribution, and their transformation significantly reduced their repeatability estimates. Motility traits measured after storage were genetically different from motility traits measured on fresh semen. Early-life had suggestive effects on a limited number of semen traits. Mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome did not explain a discerning proportion of the phenotypic variance and the effect of the paternal environment was also negligible. We estimated a significant maternal environment effect predominantly on sperm motility traits, explaining between 2.3 and 4.6% of the phenotypic variance. Including maternal environmental effects in the model reduced heritability estimates for sperm motility traits and total morphological abnormalities.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that trait transformation has a large effect on repeatability estimates of semen traits. Sperm motility traits measured on fresh semen are genetically different from sperm motility traits measured after storage. Early-life conditions can have an effect on later semen quantity and quality traits. Mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome inheritances showed no effect on semen traits. Finally, we emphasize the importance of considering maternal effects when analysing semen traits, which results in lower heritability estimates.
Omilayers: a Python package for efficient data management to support multi-omic analysis
Authors: Kioroglou Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

Multi-omic integration involves the management of diverse omic datasets. Conducting an effective analysis of these datasets necessitates a data management system that meets a specific set of requirements, such as rapid storage and retrieval of data with varying numbers of features and mixed data-types, ensurance of reliable and secure database transactions, extension of stored data row and column-wise and facilitation of data distribution. SQLite and DuckDB are embedded databases that fulfil these requirements. However, they utilize the structured query language (SQL) that hinders their implementation by the uninitiated user, and complicates their use in repetitive tasks due to the necessity of writing SQL queries. This study offers Omilayers, a Python package that encapsulates these two databases and exposes a subset of their functionality that is geared towards frequent and repetitive analytical procedures. Synthetic data were used to demonstrate the use of Omilayers and compare the performance of SQLite and DuckDB.
A theory-based analysis of the implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms into primary care practices using Normalisation Process Theory
Authors: Leighton Cara , Joseph-Williams Natalie , Porter Annavittoria , Edwards Adrian , Cooper Alison
Published: February 2025

Background

Online asynchronous telemedicine platforms are effective and have been implemented in primary care practices, but it is unclear whether implementation was successful. Implementation has not been studied on a large scale in primary care practice. Normalisation Process Theory is a sociological theory used to understand how complex practices can be embedded into routine practice. We aimed to identify and evaluate factors affecting, and make recommendations for, implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms in primary care practice using Normalisation Process Theory.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out across four databases. Studies included were empirical research, published between January 2015 and November 2022, of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods designs, focusing on implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms designed for two-way secure communication between patients and healthcare professionals to give or receive medical advice in primary care. Data extraction was guided by the domains of Normalisation Process Theory: context, mechanisms, outcomes.

Results

25 reports from 21 primary studies were obtained. COVID-19 changed the context in which asynchronous platforms were implemented into primary care, due to restrictions on face-to-face contact. Coherence is supported by online platforms providing benefits for patients. Healthcare staff felt confident using platforms and better teamworking added to cognitive participation, however patient ‘misuse’ of platforms hindered this. Collective action was negatively affected by poor usability and integration of platforms into practice systems. Reflexive action through large- and small-scale studies had allowed improvements to be made, but poor response rates inhibit this. Outcomes include changed roles and responsibilities for staff and patients and high patient satisfaction. There are concerns regarding confidentiality and health inequities.

Conclusions

Increased workload, lack of integration into existing systems and poor usability affect implementation. Widespread implementation of online platforms in primary care practices can be supported by policy-makers through consistent guidelines to improve platforms’ content, functionality and compatibility with clinical systems to try to enable improvements in practice. Further research should explore patient groups or needs for which online platforms are most suitable, reasons why online platforms work better for different patients and how different patient groups can be supported to benefit from asynchronous telemedicine.
Interventions that prevent or reduce perinatal loneliness and its proximal determinants: a restricted scoping review
Authors: Naughton-Doe Ruth , Nowland Rebecca , Tierney Stephanie , Webber Martin , Wittkowski Anja
Published: February 2025

Background

The World Health Organisation’s Commission on Social Connection (2024–2026) highlights the importance of addressing loneliness because of its negative impact on health and well-being. The perinatal period carries an increased risk of loneliness for mothers and fathers which is elevated by intersectional inequalities, such as having a low income, being LGBTQ+, or being from a minoritised community. Perinatal loneliness is associated with perinatal mental illness, which can have lasting negative impacts on parents and their children. The aim of this review was to synthesise studies exploring interventions for perinatal loneliness.

Methods

We conducted a restricted scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology to develop a categorisation of interventions and intervention-mechanisms to reduce perinatal loneliness. We included studies that described and/or evaluated interventions in published studies that intentionally or unintentionally reduced loneliness, or its proximate determinants, such as social connectedness and social support. We searched eight electronic databases for peer-reviewed academic papers published in any country describing or evaluating these interventions between 2013–2023.

Results

Fifty papers were included in the review, from which the following categorisation of interventions was developed: 1) synthetic social support, 2) shared-identity social support groups, 3) parent and baby groups, 4) creative health approaches (arts, nature or exercise based), 5) holistic, place-based and multidisciplinary support that worked with parents to overcome a range of barriers to connection, and 6) awareness campaigns. Five mechanisms were identified within included papers: 1) opportunities for social connection to similar others, 2) positive relationships with a professional or volunteer, 3) normalisation and acceptance of difficulties, 4) meaningful activities and 5) support to overcome barriers (including cultural and financial) to connection. Few studies collected comprehensive demographic data, few considered fathers, and none were LGBTQ+ specific.

Conclusions

The review identified and synthesised approaches that might address perinatal loneliness and its proximate determinants. Further research is needed to scope the grey literature, review papers in the global south, appraise intervention effectiveness, and co-produce interventions, including for fathers, LGBTQ+ parents, and cultural and religious minorities.

Trial registration

The protocol for the trial was registered on Figshare.
A case report of confirmed difficult pulmonary tuberculosis based on the hybrid capture-based tNGS method
Authors: Chen Weiqian , Chen Huimin , Liu Ze , Chi Xinle , Chen Yaomeng , Ye Huan , Huang Wenjie , Cao Chenlei , Weng Wei
Published: February 2025

Background

Early diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis can greatly reduce the harm caused by the disease. However, traditional diagnostic methods have various shortcomings in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. Currently, with the increasing popularity, iteration, and decreasing costs of Next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing technology, NGS is being more widely applied in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old male presented with “fever accompanied by cough for more than 20 days.” Multiple chest CT scans revealed progressive enlargement of the right hilar lymph nodes and thickening of the interlobular septa in the right upper lobe. Routine testing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, search for tuberculosis bacilli, bacterial and fungal cultures, X-pert MTB/RIF, and multiplex PCR-based targeted Next-generation sequencing (mp-tNGS) results were all inconclusive. Finally, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was sent for hybrid capture-based targeted Next-generation sequencing (hc-tNGS) testing, and special staining of the enlarged lymph nodes confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Conclusion

The hc-tNGS has significant value in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis, especially in cases that are difficult to detect with other methods. In the future, this could gradually become a routine diagnostic method for pulmonary tuberculosis, enhancing the accuracy of early diagnosis.
Integrating a quality improvement experiential platform into medical student education
Authors: Stanley Amy S. , Kronlage René M. , Reid Miranda J. , Rains Hannah G. , Kalynych Colleen J. , Lossius Michele N. , Taylor Janice A. , Holland Carolyn K.
Published: February 2025

Background

The call for quality improvement and patient safety (QI/PS) education has increased at every level of medical education. Here, the authors present a QI/PS experiential platform implemented at the University of Florida College of Medicine (UFCOM). The project established a peer-taught hands-on learning platform in a student-run clinic allowing participants to learn and apply QI/PS concepts and tools in a real-world clinic environment. The aims were to assess students’ perceptions in regard to (1) student confidence in quality improvement (QI) methodology, and (2) competency in executing QI initiatives in healthcare as measured by a post-participation survey.

Method

A medical student-led quality improvement team was embedded within University of Florida’s (UF’s) existing student-run clinic network. The QI/PS student-team collaborated with clinic leaders and utilized QI/PS tools to establish, monitor, and expand impactful Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. The impact of the training was then evaluated using The New World Kirkpatrick Model leveraging a post-project survey which included the Beliefs, Attitudes, Skills, and Confidence in Quality Improvement (BASiC-QI) survey and questions on overall student perceptions.

Results

This project demonstrated positive results in all four levels of Kirkpatrick evaluation: (1) Reaction, (2) Learning, (3) Behavior, and (4) Results. This was shown through (1) a voluntary feedback survey that reported positive feedback from participants with 93% of respondents indicating they “strongly agreed” or “agreed” to positive perception questions; (2) significantly higher scores (p < 0.001) on the BASiC-QI Scale for project participants vs. non-participants; (3) the completion of 4.25 PDSA cycles per QI team; and (4) a 10.1% reduction in median patient time in clinic.

Conclusions

This study supports the utility of incorporating a student-led QI/PS interactive platform into student-run clinics to increase knowledge and attitude in implementing QI/PS endeavors while simultaneously improving clinic metrics and outcomes for patients.
Experimental Study on Repairing and Strengthening Seismically Damaged RC Frames by Installing H-Shaped Steel
Authors: Li Yuebing , Song Qushenglin , Wang Hang , Shan Liang , Liu Dawei , Xing Shuang
Published: February 2025

Seismic disaster investigations worldwide have revealed that a large number of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures have been damaged or even collapsed. However, most of these buildings exhibit minor or moderate damage and can be repaired and strengthened. “Strong columns and weak beams, strong joints and weak components” is the concept of seismic design of buildings, and the failure of beam–column joints and columns is considered nonideal. For RC frame structures with damaged joints and columns, a method for repairing and strengthening damaged frames by installing H-shaped steel and pouring grout is proposed. By applying a pseudo static load, a frame structure specimen was damaged to simulate earthquake damage. After removing the crushed concrete, the damaged frame was repaired by pouring grout. Then, the structure was further strengthened by installing H-shaped steel on the columns using post-installed anchors. Through loading tests, seismic indices such as strength, deformation capacity, energy dissipation and failure mode of the frame before and after strengthening were compared. The results showed that the seismic performance of the repaired and strengthened frames exceeded that of the original frame, and the failure mode of the frame changed from joint shear and column-end bending to ideal beam-end yielding. Installing H-shaped steel and pouring grout could effectively strengthen the damaged frame, which provides a solution for repairing and upgrading damaged RC framed structures with a nonideal failure mode.
Comparison of algorithms for the recognition of ChatGPT paraphrased texts
Authors: Kartelj Aleksandar , Mladenović Miljana , Vujičić Stanković Staša
Published: February 2025

The rapid development of artificial intelligence, especially AI assistants, is leading to new forms of plagiarism that are difficult to detect using existing methods. Paraphrasing tools make this problem even more complex and challenging especially in minor languages with inadequate resources and tools. This study explores strategies to help detect plagiarism generated by ChatGPT 4.0 and altered by paraphrasing tools. We propose two new datasets consisting of abstracts of doctoral theses in English and Serbian. Both datasets were subjected to ChatGPT paraphrasing, which allowed us to form two classes of texts: human-written and AI-generated, i.e., AI-paraphrased. We then comprehensively compare 19 widely used classification algorithms based on two feature sets: word unigrams and character multigrams. In addition, we compare these to the results of a commercially available pre-trained ChatGPT content detector, ZeroGPT. The results on the English corpus turn out to be very accurate, achieving an accuracy of 95% or more. In contrast, the results on the Serbian corpus were less accurate, achieving an accuracy of just over 85%. Syntax analysis of the training datasets has shown that in Serbian GPT-paraphrased texts, 33.2% of sentences remain the same, and they are found in 63% of documents. GPT-paraphrased English texts showed that 3.2% of sentences remain the same, and they are found in 16% of documents. Syntax analysis of the test datasets has shown that the change of the model temperature influences syntactic features (average number of words and sentences) in English texts and slightly or not in Serbian texts. We attribute all these differences to GPT’s lower paraphrasing ability in minor languages such as Serbian. Presented findings underscore the necessity for making persistent effort in developing tools made for detecting AI-paraphrased texts in academic and professional settings, particularly for minor languages with limited NLP resources, to preserve content integrity and authenticity.
“Scarlet Cloak and the Forest Adventure”: a preliminary study of the impact of AI on commonly used writing tools
Authors: Bordalejo Barbara , Pafumi Davide , Onuh Frank , Khalid A. K. M. Iftekhar , Pearce Morgan Slayde , O’Donnell Daniel Paul
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the growing complexity of detecting and differentiating generative AI from other AI interventions. Initially prompted by noticing how tools like Grammarly were being flagged by AI detection software, it examines how these popular tools such as Grammarly, EditPad, Writefull, and AI models such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing Copilot affect human-generated texts and how accurately current AI-detection systems, including Turnitin and GPTZero, can assess texts for use of these tools. The results highlight that widely used writing aids, even those not primarily generative, can trigger false positives in AI detection tools. In order to provide a dataset, the authors applied different AI-enhanced tools to a number of texts of different styles that were written prior to the development of consumer AI tools, and evaluated their impact through key metrics such as readability, perplexity, and burstiness. The findings reveal that tools like Grammarly that subtly enhance readability also trigger detection and increase false positives, especially for non-native speakers. In general, paraphrasing tools score low values in AI detection software, allowing the changes to go mostly unnoticed by the software. However, the use of Microsoft Bing Copilot and Writefull on our selected texts were able to eschew AI detection fairly consistently. To exacerbate this problem, traditional AI detectors like Turnitin and GPTZero struggle to reliably differentiate between legitimate paraphrasing and AI generation, undermining their utility for enforcing academic integrity. The study concludes by urging educators to focus on managing interactions with AI in academic settings rather than outright banning its use. It calls for the creation of policies and guidelines that acknowledge the evolving role of AI in writing, emphasizing the need to interpret detection scores cautiously to avoid penalizing students unfairly. In addition, encouraging openness on how AI is used in writing could alleviate concerns in the research and writing process for both students and academics. The paper recommends a shift toward teaching responsible AI usage rather than pursuing rigid bans or relying on detection metrics that may not accurately capture misconduct.
Implementation Strategies for Inpatient Continuous Glucose Monitoring-based Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review
Authors: Olsen Mikkel T , Liarakos Alexandros L , Wilmot Emma G , Dhatariya Ketan , Thabit Hood , Sánchez-García David , Nørgaard Kirsten , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik , Hansen Katrine B , Vangoitsenhoven Roman , Mathieu Chantal , Kristensen Peter L , Mader Julia K
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides real-time glucose data that has revolutionized outpatient diabetes care; however, its impact on inpatient care remains limited, likely due to the lack of standardized CGM-based insulin titration protocols, implementation strategies, and proper familiarity with the technology, among others.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on October 15, 2024, using PubMed and Embase, without a restriction on publication date. The search focused on CGM-based insulin titration protocols and related implementation strategies in non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) settings. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (RD42024596819).

Results

A total of 7625 references were screened. Nine protocols for inpatient CGM-based insulin titration and related implementation strategies were identified. Six protocols recommended a weight-based basal-bolus insulin regimen. Insulin titration on basal and bolus insulin was mostly done daily based on either clinical discretion or clearly defined insulin titration protocols. All protocols employed a hybrid approach, utilizing both CGM and finger prick glucose testing to guide glucose management. Diabetes-trained staff oversaw CGM-based insulin titration and glucose management in 5 protocols. CGM alarm settings varied widely, with hyperglycemic alarm thresholds between >13.9 and >22.2 mmol/L and hypoglycemia alarm thresholds between <3.9 and <5.0 mmol/L.

Conclusion

We observed considerable variation in the detail and clarity provided by the reviewed protocols. This highlights the need for standardized operational protocols for CGM-based insulin titration and related implementation strategies to implement CGM effectively in non-ICU settings.
Pedagogy of Remembrance
Authors: Rasiah Harun
Published: February 2025

As a central actor in the Black liberation movement in the United States, Safiya Asya Bukhari played a critical role in ideological and operational work, parallel to that of Assata Shakur, who has received comparatively more recognition. Bukhari's experience as a Black woman, Muslim, political prisoner, and revolutionary illustrates the Fanonian definition of rank-and-file activism in the practice of militancy, while the ethical aspect of her work is crucial to understanding the evolution of Black radical formations. As a champion of political prisoners and prisoners of war, she amplified the testimony of captive members of the movement. Her praxis, while not always articulated in theoretical language, has profound implications for theory. This essay derives an ethics from her life and thought, an intervention that brings a grammar of Muslim ethics into conversation with ideas of Black struggle to engage with the question of solidarity and its horizons.
Enteropathogenic E. coli effector Map interacts with Rab13 and regulates the depletion of the tight junction proteins occludin and claudins via cathepsin B-mediated mechanisms
Authors: Mandal Anupam , Walling Pangertoshi , Qureshi Shirin , Kansal Kritika , Aijaz Saima
Published: February 2025

Infections by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) cause acute diarrheal disease in infants accounting for severe morbidity and mortality. One of the underlying causes of the disease is the breakdown of the intestinal barrier maintained by the tight junctions (TJs). EPEC uses a type 3 secretion system to translocate more than 20 effectors into infected cells, which disrupt several functions of the host cells. The effectors EspF, Map, EspG1/G2 and NleA have been reported to disrupt the TJs causing the leakage of charged ions and uncharged molecules through the barrier. We have previously reported that EspF and Map cause the depletion of TJ proteins claudin-1, claudin-4 and occludin through both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Here, we show that the inhibition of the lysosomal protease cathepsin B, in cells expressing the EPEC effector Map, reduces the depletion of claudin-1, claudin-4 and occludin. Further, we show that the expression of a mutant Map protein lacking the mitochondrial targeting sequence inhibits the depletion of occludin and its delocalization from the TJs and partially rescues claudin-4 levels and its junctional localization. We also identified a novel interaction of Map with the GTPase Rab13. Rab13 has been reported to mediate the recycling of occludin to the plasma membrane. Since occludin regulates the passage of macromolecules through the intestinal TJ barrier, the interaction of Map with Rab13 may have important implications for the loss of TJ integrity and excessive leakage through the intestinal barrier in EPEC pathogenesis.
Adaptation and Validation of the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS-24) for Utilization in Multiplayer Virtual Reality Environments
Authors: Firdaus Riyadh , Tantri Aida Rosita , Atan Rafidah Binti , Manggala Sidharta Kusuma , Dwiputra Anggara Gilang , Omega Andy , Sianipar Imelda Rosalyn , Muktiarti Dina , Dwijayanti Adisti , Hidayati Rima Maulida , Claudia Tasya , Kusumoningrum Dewi Anggraeni , Arif Luthfi Saiful
Published: February 2025

Background Multiplayer Virtual Reality-Based Simulations (MPVR-based simulations) with immersive 3D environments have become an important tool in interprofessional education (IPE). However, instruments to measure interprofessional socialization in MPVR-based education are limited. The Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS) is a useful tool for evaluating interprofessional socialization. This pilot study aimed to adapt and validate the ISVS-24 for use in interprofessional MPVR-based simulations settings. Methods Seventy-two participants, including anesthesiology residents (at novice, junior, and senior levels), general physicians, and nurses, were recruited voluntarily. The ISVS-24 was cross-culturally adapted and reviewed by experts for content validity in the MPVR simulation context. Participants completed the adapted ISVS after undergoing an interprofessional MPVR-based simulation. Structural validity was assessed using factorial analysis through principal component analysis. Content validity was measured using the mean content validity index (CVI). Consistency validity was evaluated with Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC), and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Results The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test indicated sampling adequacy (0.885), and Bartlett’s sphericity test was significant (χ2(42) = 472.725, p < 0.05). A three-section structure was confirmed. The mean CVI was 0.815, with 21 valid items (Aiken’s V ≥ 0.5). Among the 72 respondents, 40 were female (55.6%) and 32 were male (44.4%); 26 were anesthesiology residents (36.1%), 23 were general physicians (31.9%), and 23 were nurses (31.9%). The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.959. PCC for all items exceeded the r table value (> 0.232) with p < 0.05, showing significant item relationships. Conclusions The adapted version of ISVS for MPVR simulation-based education has good validity and reliability to assess interprofessional socialization in an MPVR-based simulation setting.