bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontline employee competencies for technologically complex service environments: a conceptual model of mindfulness orientation
Authors: Xie Junyi (Amy) , Olajuwon-Ige Olamide , Ranaweera Chatura , Lee Seonjeong (Ally) , Kumari Vishakha
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Technological innovations are rapidly transforming service frontlines, resulting in increasingly complex service touchpoints. These touchpoints place greater demands on frontline employees (FLEs) to deliver a positive customer experience. Despite the considerable extant body of knowledge on FLE competencies, the literature on frameworks for managing the complexity of contemporary frontlines from the FLE’s perspective is sparse. This paper aims to fill this critical gap by developing a framework that enables FLEs to deliver positive moments of truth (MOTs) while ensuring the well-being of all actors involved.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a conceptual approach rooted in the organizational mindfulness and individual mindfulness literature as the theoretical lens. This is complemented by a comprehensive review of the FLE skills literature supported by marketplace examples to illustrate the optimal use of the said skills.

Findings

This paper proposes a conceptual framework of mindfulness orientation which delineates how FLE competencies underpinned by a set of key skills can deliver positive MOTs and actor well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The research is conceptual in nature and does not contain validation through empirical data.

Practical implications

This comprehensive skill set provides a clear roadmap for firms in both recruitment and developing training for their FLEs, thus contributing to practice.

Originality/value

Firstly, we present a conceptual framework of mindfulness, combining organizational mindfulness and individual mindfulness that will enable employees to help facilitate the creation of positive MOTs. Secondly, we develop a comprehensive set of employee skills that underpin the mindfulness orientation framework.
Science, technology and innovation (STI) in ASEAN member states – Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei and Myanmar: a comparative study
Authors: Ravi Ramya , Janodia Manthan D.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to furnish empirical evidence on science, technology and innovation governance in the ASEAN Member States (AMS). This is followed by the understanding of the evolution of technology commercialization activities in Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. Second, the study analyzes the activities of academic-industry technology transfer, barriers in the commercialization of research outputs from universities and its implications in the six AMS countries. The criterion to choose these ASEAN countries is to understand the significance of policy implications and technology transfer in the economy of developing nations/low-middle-income nations.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative data was retrieved from various secondary and published literature sources. The information from the official ministry website was referred to along with the reports published in various countries.

Findings

The evidence suggests that the nature and extent of technology dissemination are based on policies that are triggered by the primary goals at the national level. The primary goals for supporting science and technology differ in terms of financial budget for stimulating R&D; diffusion of technology transfer; managerial gaps in business; systems for facilitating change; and human resources and intellectual assets. The paper concludes by recommending a few strategies to improve STI among low-middle-income countries among AMS.

Originality/value

This paper is an original contribution, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, on the effectiveness of public policies for academic technology commercialization among low-middle-income countries among AMS.
Quantifying relative abundance of the lesser Japanese mole (Mogera imaizumii) in mountain forests: A comparison between natural broad‐leaved forests and conifer plantations
Authors: Yamasawa Tai , Tomimatsu Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

Describing the population abundance of species remains a fundamental challenge in ecology, particularly in soil ecosystems. While the preferred habitats of moles—top predators in the soil food web—are well documented in open areas such as cultivated lands and grasslands, few studies have focused on mountain forests, where assessing mole abundance is complicated by thick layers of plant leaf litter and complex topography. Additionally, many monoculture conifer plantations in Japan are poorly managed, potentially resulting in compacted soil that is less suitable for moles compared to natural broad‐leaved forests. Here, we aimed to quantify the relative abundance of the lesser Japanese mole (Mogera imaizumii) in the mountain forests of Yamagata, Japan, by carefully searching for mole tunnels along 29 census routes (unpaved mountain trails) over 7 months. Although tunnels were detected on most routes (75.9%) regardless of forest type, tunnel density (tunnels/km) was lower in cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantations than in natural oak forests. The variation in tunnel density was positively related to earthworm biomass, highlighting the importance of earthworms as a food source. Lower earthworm biomass was associated with either higher soil hardness or higher soil moisture; however, only soil moisture tended to be higher in plantations. As cedars are typically planted in moist environments, the reduced mole abundance in these plantations may be related to the specific soil conditions of cedar plantations. These results demonstrate that mole abundance varies significantly across forest sites in response to soil environments.
Tsallis–Cirto Entropy of Black Hole and Black Hole Atom
Authors: Volovik G. E.
Published: February 2025

The quantum tunneling processes related to the black hole determine the black hole thermodynamics. The Hawking temperature is determined by the quantum tunneling processes of radiation of particles from the black hole. On the other hand, the Bekenstein–Hawking entropy of the black hole is obtained by consideration of the macroscopic quantum tunneling processes of splitting of black hole to the smaller black holes. These tunneling processes also determine the composition rule for the black hole entropy, which coincides with the composition rule for the non-extensive Tsallis–Cirto δ = 2 entropy. This composition rule suggests that the mass spectrum of the black hole is equidistant, M = NM
0. Here N is an integer number and M
0 =
$$\sqrt 2 $$

m
P is the mass quantum expressed via the reduced Planck mass m
P. The Bekenstein–Hawking entropy of the black hole with mass M = NM
0 is S
BH(N) = N
2.
Effect of biannual azithromycin on respiratory pathogens among symptomatic children: results from the randomised Macrolides Oraux pour Réduire les Décès avec un Oeil sur la Résistance (MORDOR) I trial
Authors: Liu Jie , Brennhofer Stephanie A , Zhang Jixian , Stroup Suzanne , Pholwat Suporn , Arzika Ahmed M , Maliki Ramatou , Abdou Amza , Lebas Elodie , O'Brien Kieran S , Arnold Benjamin F , Keenan Jeremy D , Lietman Thomas M , Platts-Mills James A , Rogawski McQuade Elizabeth T , Houpt Eric R
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Biannual (ie, every 6 months) mass drug administration of azithromycin has reduced childhood mortality in Niger, but its effects on specific respiratory pathogens are not fully elucidated.

Methods

Across 2 years of the Macrolides Oraux pour Réduire les Décès avec un Oeil sur la Résistance (MORDOR) study in Niger, we evaluated 1468 nasopharyngeal swabs from children who presented for care with respiratory symptoms. Swabs were tested by quantitative PCR using a customised TaqMan Array Card that included assays for 19 respiratory pathogens.

Results

Nasopharyngeal detection ofHaemophilus influenzae,Moraxella catarrhalisandStreptococcus pneumoniaewas common in both azithromycin and placebo communities. The prevalence was reduced in children from azithromycin communities for just two pathogens:Bordetella pertussisandH. influenzaetype b (Hib). These children had a 49% and 65% reduction in the prevalence ofB. pertussisand Hib in nasopharyngeal swabs, respectively, compared with children from the control communities (prevalence ratios 0.51, 95% CI 0.35, 0.75; and 0.35, 95% CI 0.17, 0.71).

Conclusions

Biannual administration of azithromycin to communities in Niger was associated with lower prevalence ofB. pertussisand Hib compared with placebo. These reductions may explain some of the childhood mortality benefit of azithromycin.

Trial registration number

NCT02048007.
The financial toxicity of cancer: unveiling global burden and risk factors – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kitaw Tegene Atamenta , Tilahun Befkad Derese , Zemariam Alemu Birara , Getie Addisu , Bizuayehu Molla Azmeraw , Haile Ribka Nigatu
Published: February 2025

Background

Cancer, a major global health challenge, not only threatens lives but also imposes severe financial burdens, known as ‘financial toxicity’. This strain extends beyond treatment costs to include indirect expenses like lost income and out-of-pocket payments. Despite its urgency, global insights remain fragmented, often limited to specific regions with inconsistent findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cancer-related financial toxicity and identify key risk factors contributing to this burden.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching databases like Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, International Scientific Indexing and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed observational studies. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel 2021, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA V.17, with catastrophic health expenditures (CHEs) pooled via a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored to understand variations in study outcomes. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess individual study impacts, while publication bias was evaluated using Begger and Egger’s tests. Univariate meta-regression analysis determined the impact of study-level covariates on CHE estimates.

Results

This analysis included 35 observational studies, covering 428 373 patients with cancer. The pooled prevalence of CHE was 56.1% (95% CI 48.3% to 63.8%). Key risk factors included large family size, low income, lack of health insurance, longer disease duration, older age and multiple treatments. Higher education levels were associated with reduced CHE risk.

Conclusion

Over half of patients with cancer (56.1%) face catastrophic health expenditures, highlighting a severe financial burden. Addressing this issue requires expanding health insurance, providing financial support and ensuring affordable cancer care. Improving education access can also reduce CHE risk among patients with cancer.
Retention in theBukhalitrial in Soweto, South Africa: a qualitative analysis using self-determination theory
Authors: Draper Catherine E , Tshetu Nosibusiso , Nkosi Nokuthula , Lye Stephen , Norris Shane A
Published: February 2025

Introduction

There is limited research on applying theory to retention in complex intervention trials. To address this gap, this study aimed to qualitatively examine retention in theBukhalirandomised controlled trial, from the perspective of trial participants and staff, through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT). TheBukhalitrial is part of the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative in Soweto, South Africa, with young women.

Methods

Nine focus group discussions were used to generate data fromBukhalitrial staff (n=45, 23–64 years), and participants, including those currently enrolled (n=16, 25–31 years) and those who had withdrawn from the trial (n=20, 24–32 years). A codebook thematic approach was taken to data analysis; SDT was used to develop a conceptual model to analyse the data in context. The main themes identified were external influences on the trial, trial implementing environment, controlled motivation and intrinsic autonomous motivation.

Results

Our findings highlighted the contextual issues influencing the trial, including participants’ socioeconomic circumstances, and the presence or absence of social support, the trial complexity and participant burden. Issues related to controlled motivation comprised challenges of staying in contact, financial incentives and food, health services provided and other incentives. We also identified aspects of the trial supporting participants’ psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness, which in turn contributed to their intrinsic autonomous motivation. These included participants’ interest in the trial and its relevance to them; participants’ sense of agency, meaning and purpose through their involvement; the building of their knowledge and awareness about their health; relating to other participants and the relationships built with staff and being treated well.

Conclusion

SDT provides a helpful frame for a contextualised understanding of the complexity of retention ofBukhalitrial participants (longitudinal study and intervention). These findings have relevance for trials in under-resourced settings.
Health system governance for injury care in low- and middle-income countries: a survey of policymakers and policy implementors
Authors:   The Equi-Injury Group, Ghalichi Leila
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Good health system governance is essential for reducing high mortality and morbidity after injury in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Unfortunately, the current state of governance for injury care is not known. This study evaluated governance for injury care in Ghana, Pakistan, Rwanda and South Africa, four LMICs with diverse contexts, to allow understanding of similarities or difference in the status of governance systems in different LMICs.

Method

This cross-sectional study captured the perceptions of 220 respondents (31 policymakers and 189 policy implementers) on injury care governance using the framework for governance in health system developed by Siddiqi. Input was captured in 10 domains: strategic vision; participation and consensus; rule of law; transparency; responsiveness; equity and inclusion; effectiveness and efficiency; accountability; intelligence and information; and ethics.

Result

The median injury care governance score across all domains and countries was 29% (IQR 17–43). The highest median score was achieved in the rule of law (50, 33–67), and the lowest scores were seen in the transparency (0, 0–33), accountability (0, 0–33), and participation and consensus (0, 0–33) domains. Median scores were higher for policymakers (33, 27–48) than for policy implementers (27, 17–42), but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The four studied countries have developed some of the foundations of good injury care governance, although many governance domains require more attention. The gap in awareness between policymakers and policy implementers might reflect a delayed or partial implementation of policies or lack of communication between sectors. Ensuring equitable access to injury care across LMICs requires investment in all domains of good injury care governance.
Observational research in epidemic settings: a roadmap to reform
Authors: Ricotta Emily E , Bustos Carrillo Fausto A , Angelli-Nichols Samuel , Barugahare John , Benton Adia , Carlson Colin J , Chang-Rabley Emma , Dean Natalie E , Duda Stephany N , Federer Lisa , Fill Mary-Margaret A , LeRoy Elizabeth C , Linton Natalie M , Lipsitch Marc , Mathur Maya B , Phelan Alexandra L , Rid Annette , Rosen Jennifer B , Sauer Lauren , Sullivan Sheena G , Zendt Mackenzie , Evans Nicholas
Published: February 2025

Observational studies are critical tools in clinical research and public health response, but challenges arise in ensuring the data produced by these studies are scientifically robust and socially valuable. Resolving these challenges requires careful attention to prioritising the most valuable research questions, ensuring robust study design, strong data management practices, expansive community engagement, and access and benefit sharing of results and research materials. This paper opens with a discussion of how well-designed observational studies contribute to biomedical evidence and provides examples from across the clinical literature of how these methods generate hypotheses for future research and uncover otherwise unattainable insights by providing examples from across the clinical literature. Then, we present obstacles that remain in ensuring observational studies are optimally designed, conducted and communicated.
Young people and parent or carers views on type 2 diabetes mellitus care in England and Wales: analysis of parent and patient-reported measures survey
Authors: Hawton Katherine , Hickingbotham Hannah , Sachdev Pooja
Published: February 2025

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and young people (CYP) is increasing in the UK and worldwide. Little is known about the experience young people and their families have when attending for their diabetes care. The aim of this study is to analyse the responses to the Parent and Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREM) survey 2021–2022 for patients with T2DM and their families to inform care.

Methods

As part of the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit (NPDA) (2022), the NPDA PREM survey was open online between August 2021 and January 2022. The data have previously been analysed collectively for all diabetes; however, we specifically analysed the data for patients living with T2DM.

Results

9.2% (105/1144) of young people living with T2DM in England and Wales responded to the NPDA PREM survey, mostly aged 12–16 years (61.9%) and the majority were female (67.6%). 87% of patients and 95% of carers said that they would recommend their diabetes team, and 73% of patients felt happy after appointments. Only just over half of the patients and parents felt well prepared for transferring to adult care. Only 38% of patients felt that their school or college often had the necessary information to support them with their diabetes.

Conclusions

This analysis describes the experience of CYP and their parents/carers of T2DM care and highlights areas for improvement. These findings may help to inform recommendations about the development of better patient-centred care for young people with T2DM.
Radiological abnormalities persist following COVID-19 and correlate with impaired health-related quality of life: a prospective cohort study of hospitalised patients
Authors: Sykes Robert , Morrow Andrew J , Mangion Kenneth , McConnachie Alex , McIntosh Alasdair , Roditi Giles , Peng Liam , Rooney Claire , Scott Kathryn , Stobo David Barrie , Berry Colin , Church Colin , Bayes Hannah
Published: February 2025

Background

The radiological trajectory of post-COVID-19 is uncertain. We present a prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study using multimodality imaging to describe the pulmonary sequelae of patients hospitalised with COVID-19, predictors of persistent abnormal radiology and implications on health status.

Methods

In survivors of COVID-19, we performed convalescent CT pulmonary angiogram and high-resolution CT imaging as part of the CISCO-19 study (ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT04403607). This included serial blood biomarkers and patient-reported outcomes 28–60 days following discharge from hospital.

Results

Of the COVID-19 cohort, 88 (56%) patients of the COVID-19 cohort (n = 159; mean age, 55 years; 43% female) had persisting radiological abnormalities at 28–60 days postdischarge. This included ground-glass opacification (45%), reticulation/architectural distortion (30%) or mixed pattern (19%). These features were very infrequent among a group of age-matched, sex-matched and cardiovascular risk factor-matched controls (n=29). The majority of COVID-19 cohort (68%) had less than 20% persisting radiological abnormalities, with 67% demonstrating overall improvement compared with admission imaging. Older age, premorbid performance status, typical acute COVID-19 radiological features, markers of severe acute COVID-19, convalescent ICAM-1 and P-selectin were associated with persisting lung abnormalities (all p<0.05). Patients with persisting abnormalities were shown to have lower levels of physical activity and predicted maximal oxygen utilisation (derived VO2) (both p<0.05). Higher percentage of abnormal lung parenchyma was associated with lower patient-assessed quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) score (p=0.03).

Conclusions

Persistent radiological abnormalities post-COVID-19 were common at 28–60 days postdischarge from hospital, although most improved. Patients with persisting radiological abnormalities 28–60 days postdischarge are at risk of persisting health impairment in the longer term and represent a population for targeted intervention.

Trial registration number

NCT04403607.
Acute and chronic effects of physical exercise on atherosclerosis, kynurenine pathway, endothelial function and inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease: a clinical trial protocol
Authors: Paz Gabriela Andrade , Rangel Marcus VDS , Farias Caio Luan , Soares André Luiz Conveniente , Langner Erica , Teixeira Tatiana , Dutra Patrícia M L , Bouskela Eliete , Farinatti Paulo , Souza Maria das Graças C , Borges Juliana P
Published: February 2025

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Patients with CAD exhibit increased levels of kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) metabolites, which are key products of tryptophan (TRP) catabolism and have been identified as predictive markers for cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis progression. However, the effects of exercise on KP metabolites and their influence on atherosclerosis and inflammation in these patients remain poorly understood. We aim to investigate exercise’s acute and chronic effects on carotid intima-media thickness, KP metabolites, inflammatory markers and plasma-soluble adhesion molecules in patients with CAD.Patients with CAD aged40–70will undergo exercise training (three times per week for12 weeks). A healthy reference group will also be included. Evaluations will occur at baseline and post-intervention. On the first visit, carotid artery thickness will be assessed via ultrasound before and after cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The second visit will include an endothelial function evaluation using venous occlusion plethysmography and30 minof moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Blood samples will be collected pre-exercise and post-exercise. Levels of KP metabolites (TRP, KYN, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma), T-cell subpopulations and soluble adhesion molecules (soluble P-selectin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1) will be assessed via ELISA, flow cytometry and multiplex assays, respectively.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (CAAE 81718324.3.0000.5259) and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06579807). Dissemination of the findings will include peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and media releases.
Distribution and determinants of unintentional injuries among older adults population in Tamil Nadu, India: a community-based injury prediction model
Authors: Joseph Alex , Kumar Dhasarathi , Peter Roshni Mary , Mappillairaju Bagavandas
Published: February 2025

Background

Unintentional injuries among older adults represent a significant public health challenge, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of unintentional injuries among older adults in Tamil Nadu, identify associated risk factors and develop a prediction model for unintentional injuries.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults in Tamil Nadu, India, and used probability proportional to size sampling. Data were collected via a semistructured questionnaire. The receiver-operating characteristic curve was created to show the probability of the occurrence of unintentional injuries among older adults.

Results

Among 995 older adults, 13.9% reported having unintentional injuries. Among those injured, about 49% of all injuries were due to falls. The best cut-off point for predicted probability was found to be 0.88 for a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 61%, from receiver-operating characteristic curve. The regression analysis showed that fear of falling (4.5 times higher risk), being tribal (3.15 times higher risk), female gender (1.98 times higher risk) and alcohol consumption (1.95 times higher risk) significantly increased chance of unintentional injury.

Conclusions

The study highlighted the critical need to prioritise the prevention of unintentional injuries among older adults, particularly focusing on high-risk populations such as those from low socioeconomic and tribal communities. The use of receiver-operating characteristic curve in this study provides a robust and reliable method for predicting unintentional injuries in older adults in India, offering actionable insights for healthcare professionals and public health planners, if validated in future studies.
From Peril to Protection: an evaluation of regulations impacting eScooter injuries
Authors: Black Kendra M , Santorelli Jarrett E , Costantini Todd W , Kobayashi Leslie M , Doucet Jay J , Haines Laura N
Published: February 2025

Background

The use of standing electric motorized scooters (eScooters) has skyrocketed since its first release in 2016. This quickly popularized form of transportation has been associated with significant injury and even death. These eScooter-related traumatic injuries led to local advocacy efforts, resulting in safety restrictions including speed limit geofencing, sidewalk restrictions, and limiting the number of eScooter providers in high-density population areas. We hypothesized that these local safety restrictions decreased the number of eScooter-related injuries presenting to our trauma center. 

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of eScooter-crash patients presenting to our Level 1 trauma center from July 2018 to June 2023. Variables included patient demographics, injury severity score (ISS), and mortality. The primary outcome was the rate of eScooter patients presenting over time in relation to the implementation of local-regional safety regulations.

Results

A total of 381 patients presented after eScooter crashes. Males were 73.8% of patients. The average age was 38.6 years; 45+ years was the most common age group at 33%, followed by ages 25–34 (31%). The mean ISS was 9±6, with ISS 0–9 (65.1%), 10–15 (24.4%), 16–24 (8.4%), and >25 (20.1%). There were three (0.8%) deaths. The median number of eScooter patients per month with prespeed limits was nine and post five (p=0.005), showing a 44.4% decrease in injured patients. After February 2022 restrictions, the rate precipitously declined with a median of two (p=0.033), reflecting an additional 60% decrease in injured patients.

Conclusion

Local advocacy resulting in increased safety regulations was associated with a significant reduction in injured patients secondary to eScooter use. This demonstrates the importance of advocacy efforts in response to changes in injury patterns and mechanisms of injury. We believe that our work can serve as a model for other urban centers seeking to reduce eScooter-related injuries and implement effective safety measures.

Level of evidence

IV, prognostic/epidemiologic.
2. Engineering Geological Principles of Groundwater
Authors: de Freitas Michael Henry , Tellam John
Published: February 2025

The theory of groundwater flow quantifies the movement, storage and release of groundwater, including the mass of soluble and insoluble inorganic and organic matter, and heat, it carries, and is thus wide ranging in its application to groundwater studies and groundwater management in general. This section considers those aspects of the theory most encountered in engineering geology.
ScaWL: Scaling
k
-WL (Weisfeiler-Lehman) Algorithms in Memory and Performance on Shared and Distributed-Memory Systems
Authors: Soss Coby , Sukumaran Rajam Aravind , Layne Janet , Serra Edoardo , Halappanavar Mahantesh , Gebremedhin Assefaw H.
Published: February 2025

The
k
-dimensional Weisfeiler-Leman (
k
-WL) algorithm—developed as an efficient heuristic for testing if two graphs are isomorphic—is a fundamental kernel for node embedding in the emerging field of graph neural networks. Unfortunately, the
k
-WL algorithm has exponential storage requirements, limiting the size of graphs that can be handled. This work presents a novel
k
-WL scheme with a storage requirement orders of magnitude lower while maintaining the same accuracy as the original
k
-WL algorithm. Due to the reduced storage requirement, our scheme allows for processing much bigger graphs than previously possible on a single compute node. For even bigger graphs, we provide the first distributed-memory implementation. Our
k
-WL scheme also has significantly reduced communication volume and offers high scalability. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach is significantly faster and has superior scalability compared to five other implementations employing state-of-the-art techniques.
THE CATECHOLAMINE RESPONSE TO GRADED HIGH-ALTITUDE FLIGHT IN YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS (SETOPHAGA CORONATA)
Authors: Ivy Catherine M. , Young Kevin G. , Qu Melanie , Dick Morag F. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Guglielmo Christopher G.
Published: February 2025

Chronic exposure to low oxygen (hypoxia) leads to amplification of the hypoxic chemoreflex, increasing breathing and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation. Prolonged SNS activation redistributes blood to hypoxia-sensitive tissues, away from muscles. Recent tracking studies have shown that migratory songbirds can fly 5,000 m or higher above sea level, leading us to hypothesize that migratory birds may have a blunted hypoxic chemoreflex to maintain blood flow to muscles during migratory flight at high altitudes. To test this hypothesis, we used a hypobaric wind tunnel and measured circulating plasma catecholamines after maximal altitude flight, flight at 75% of maximal altitude, flight at ground level (~250 m), and after rest at 75% of maximal altitude and ground level in migratory myrtle yellow-rumped warblers ( Setophaga coronata). Yellow-rumped warblers were capable of flying above 4,000 m simulated altitude above sea level (average maximum altitude of ~3,600 m), and would maintain flights at 75% of individual maximum altitudes (~2,700 m). Circulating dopamine and noradrenaline were similar between resting and flight conditions at ground level and with exposure to 75% of maximal altitude, whereas adrenaline significantly increased with flight, but did not change further with flight at 75% of maximal altitude. By contrast, both adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations increased after maximum altitude flights compared to 75% and ground level flights. Our findings show that exercise increases plasma adrenaline in migratory songbirds, and suggest that warblers flying at high altitudes below their maximum altitude may be minimally hypoxic, allowing them to maintain oxygen transport to flight muscles.
Table 3 from Real-World Incidence of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Alterations in Hispanics with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer at a Large Academic Institution in Los Angeles
Authors: Poei Darin , Ali Sana , Thomas Jacob S. , Nieva Jorge J. , Hsu Robert C.
Published: February 2025

Prevalence of ALK alterations, median age at diagnosis, prevalence of males and females, never smokers, stage IV at diagnosis, and brain metastasis in the ALK population by race/ethnicity
Table 1 from Real-World Incidence of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Alterations in Hispanics with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer at a Large Academic Institution in Los Angeles
Authors: Poei Darin , Ali Sana , Thomas Jacob S. , Nieva Jorge J. , Hsu Robert C.
Published: February 2025

Summary of demographic features of patients with NSCLC treated at the LAG and Norris
Data from Real-World Incidence of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Alterations in Hispanics with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer at a Large Academic Institution in Los Angeles
Authors: Poei Darin , Ali Sana , Thomas Jacob S. , Nieva Jorge J. , Hsu Robert C.
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Race and ethnicity affect the distribution of molecular alterations seen in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) alterations are known to occur in 4% to 5% of the population, data specific to the Hispanic population remain limited. This study describes the real-world incidence of ALK alterations in Hispanic patients with NSCLC treated at a large academic institution in Los Angeles, California, United States, to further elucidate the underlying factors that shape differences in mutational profiles. A total of 607 patients with NSCLC treated at Los Angeles General Medical Center (n = 172) and the University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (n = 435) who received comprehensive genomic profiling were evaluated from January 2015 to June 2023. The Fisher exact test and multivariate logistic regression were incorporated for statistical analysis. Hispanic patients exhibited a higher incidence of ALK alterations (12.76%, n = 18/141) than non-Hispanic patients (5.36%, n = 23/466; P = 0.0046). Multivariate logistic regression showed that Hispanic ethnicity (HR, 2.393; 95% confidence interval, 1.115–5.092) and age at diagnosis (HR, 0.9325; 95% confidence interval, 0.9081–0.9558) were significant variables in ALK alteration incidence, and 55.81% (n = 24) of ALK alterations were initially found via comprehensive genomic profiling. This study highlights a significantly higher incidence of ALK alterations among Hispanic patients with NSCLC, emphasizing the impact of race and ethnicity on molecular alterations. Future research is required to evaluate this trend in a larger, more diverse cohort and investigate the roles of environmental factors and tumor microenvironments in influencing ALK alteration prevalence.
Significance:
This study identified a higher incidence of ALK alterations in Hispanic patients with NSCLC (12.76%) compared with that in non-Hispanic patients (5.36%) treated at a large academic center in Los Angeles, highlighting the impact of race on molecular alteration profiles and emphasizing the need to increase access to molecular analyses for this population. The variability in mutational alterations may be influenced by biological and environmental factors.
Efficacy and Safety of GutGard® in Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Symptoms: A Phase III, Single-Centre, Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Raj Jeffrey Pradeep , Saxena Unnati , Belhekar Mahesh Namdeo , Mamde Ambika , Darak Harish , Pawar Shwetal
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a traditional herbal remedy with various pharmacological activities mainly used for digestive and respiratory ailments. GutGard® is a flavonoid-rich, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice root extract and is standardized to glabridin (≥3.5% w/w), and others viz., glabrol, eicosanyl caffeate, docosyl caffeate, and total flavonoids (≥10% w/w) with glycyrrhizin (≤3.0% w/w)  as glycyrrhizin causes electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and water retention. Hence, the objective of the current study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of GutGard® in managing gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related symptoms when compared to placebo. Methods: It was a double-blind, parallel group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with participants randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the placebo group or GutGard® group. The duration of the interventions/treatment was for 28 days and the follow-up visits were done at day 7, day 14, day 28, and day 35. A telephonic follow-up was also done on day 21. The primary outcome measures studied was the change in the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale. Results: We screened a total of n = 296 participants and enrolled n = 200 participants and obtained written, informed consent from them. Participants in the GutGard® group reported a significantly better quality of life at the end of the intervention period (p = 0.014). They also reported earlier resolution of symptoms of GER as against the placebo group, especially the symptoms of heartburn (p = 0.017 on day 14 and p = 0.005 on day 28) and regurgitation (p = 0.025 on day 7, p = 0.029 on day 14, and p = 0.022 on day 28). Conclusions: The GutGard® group showed better and earlier resolution (within 2 weeks) of symptoms of GER as against the placebo group, especially heartburn and regurgitation.
A ascensão da extrema direita pós-mobilizações de 2013 no Brasil: uma análise da cultura política dos jovens em Porto Alegre/RS
Authors: Morais Jennifer Azambuja de , Rocha Patrícia Figueiredo da , Zanin Isabella Rocha
Published: February 2025

O fortalecimento de líderes e discursos de extrema-direita no Brasil, que visualizaram a oportunidade de ganhar espaço e apoio da população a partir das manifestações de 2013, vem reconfigurando as forças políticas no país. Diante deste cenário, temos os jovens, que já experimentam o sentimento da insegurança em relação ao futuro, em processo de socialização política e constituição de uma cultura política. Com isso, nos questionamos quais os efeitos da ascensão da extrema-direita, pós-mobilizações de 2013 no Brasil, na constituição da cultura política dos jovens de Porto Alegre-RS? Para além dos jovens serem um público pouco estudado na Ciência Política, a escolha pela cidade se justifica por ter sido palco das primeiras manifestações no ano de 2013, feitas antes de junho, como no restante do país, pelo aumento do valor da passagem do ônibus. Para analisar a constituição de cultura política dos jovens, a partir da metodologia quantitativa, serão analisados dados das pesquisas feitas com jovens estudantes de ensino médio de Porto Alegre, de escolas públicas e privada, entre 13 a 24 anos. No primeiro momento, análises longitudinais descrevendo os valores políticos dos jovens a partir das ondas aplicadas em 2015, 2019 e 2023, depois análises inferências entre o posicionamento ideológico e os valores políticos dos jovens, com os dados da onde de 2023.
Lipoprotein(a) as a Pharmacological Target: Premises, Promises, and Prospects
Authors: Greco Antonio , Finocchiaro Simone , Spagnolo Marco , Faro Denise Cristiana , Mauro Maria Sara , Raffo Carmelo , Sangiorgio Giuseppe , Imbesi Antonino , Laudani Claudio , Mazzone Placido Maria , Ammirabile Nicola , Giacoppo Daniele , Landolina Davide , Capodanno Davide
Published: February 2025

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major health concern worldwide and requires effective preventive measures. Lp(a) (lipoprotein [a]) has recently garnered attention as an independent risk factor for astherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with proinflammatory and prothrombotic mechanisms contributing to its atherogenicity. On an equimolar basis, Lp(a) is ~5 to 6 times more atherogenic than particles that have been widely associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Lp(a) can enter the vessel wall, leading to the accumulation of oxidized phospholipids in the arterial intima, which are crucial for initiating plaque inflammation and triggering vascular disease progression. In addition, Lp(a) may cause atherothrombosis through interactions between apoA (apolipoprotein A) and the platelet PAR-1 (protease-activated receptor 1) receptor, as well as competitive inhibition of plasminogen. Because Lp(a) is mostly determined on genetic bases, a 1-time assessment in a lifetime can suffice to identify patients with elevated levels. Mendelian randomization studies and post hoc analyses of randomized trials of LDL cholesterol–lowering drugs showed a causal link between Lp(a) concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes, with therapeutic reduction of Lp(a) expected to contribute to estimated cardiovascular risk mitigation. Many Lp(a)-lowering drugs, including monoclonal antibodies, small interfering ribonucleic acids, antisense oligonucleotides, small molecules, and gene editing compounds, are at different stages of clinical investigation and show promise for clinical use. In particular, increased Lp(a) testing and treatment are expected to have a substantial impact at the population level, enabling the identification of high-risk individuals and the subsequent prevention of a large number of cardiovascular events. Ongoing phase 3 trials will further elucidate the cardiovascular benefits of Lp(a) reduction over the long term, offering potential avenues for targeted interventions and improved cardiovascular outcomes.
Examining the ‘Third View’ of Πίστις Χριστοῦ
Authors: Jensen Aaron Michael
Published: February 2025

A recent JSNT article by Kevin Grasso (2020) has argued that the syntax of the debated phrase πίστις Χριστοῦ disallows the objective genitive interpretation and should instead be understood according to the ‘third view’ as referring to the Christian religious system. This article examines and responds to Grasso’s article. First, it takes up the argument against the objective genitive interpretation, finding that there is linguistic substantiation for the grammatical viability of this historical view. Second, it takes up the third view interpretation itself, identifying several issues with this view and obstacles that such an interpretation would need to be able to overcome.
Cardiopulmonary exercise tests in people with chronic stroke: Interpretation and clinical application
Authors: McCartney Kiersten M , Edwards David , Pohlig Ryan , Boyne Pierce , Wright Tamara , Wright Henry , Overstreet Matthew , Reisman Darcy S
Published: February 2025

Objective

To understand in people with stroke: (1) reasons for cardiopulmonary treadmill exercise test termination, (2) how frequently secondary criteria indicating a maximal test are met, and (3) how test termination is related to volume of oxygen consumption and participant characteristics.

Design

A secondary analysis from the Promoting Recovery Optimization of Walking Activity in Stroke (NCT02835313) clinical trial.

Setting

Four outpatient rehabilitation clinics.

Participants

People with chronic stroke able to walk without assistance of another person.

Intervention

Participants ( n = 250) randomized in a larger clinical trial completed symptom limited graded exercise treadmill tests pre- ( n = 247) and post-intervention ( n = 185). Treadmill exercise tests were conducted at constant speed with incremental incline increases.

Main Measures

The primary measure was reason for cardiopulmonary exercise test termination. Secondary measures included: oxygen consumption, ventilatory threshold, peak heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, six-minute walk test, and fastest walking speed.

Results

There were six categories of test termination, electrocardiogram (11%), blood pressure/heart rate (13%), biomechanical (25%), self-selected (41%), equipment malfunction (8%), and other (2%). Only 1.9% of tests achieved the threshold to confirm a maximal aerobic effort. There were no differences in peak volume of oxygen consumption or participant characteristics between test termination categories.

Conclusions

Analyses indicate few with chronic stroke exhibit a maximal aerobic effort on a cardiopulmonary exercise test. If the cardiorespiratory system is not thoroughly taxed during treadmill exercise tests in people with chronic stroke, interpreting results as their cardiorespiratory fitness should be done cautiously.
Development and validation of machine learning algorithms for early detection of ankylosing spondylitis using magnetic resonance images
Authors: Canayaz Emre , Altikardes Zehra Aysun , Unsal Alparslan , Korkmaz Hayriye , Gok Mustafa
Published: February 2025

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the sacroiliac joints and spine, often leading to disability if not diagnosed and treated early.

Objective

In this study, we present the development and validation of machine learning (ML) algorithms for AS detection only using Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) sequenced magnetic resonance (MR) images.

Methods

The detection process is based on creating Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrices (GLCM) from MR images, followed by the computation of Haralick features and the training of ML-based models. A total of 696 MR images (AS+: 348, AS−: 348) were utilized for AS detection. Models were trained and tested on 70% of the dataset using a 10-fold cross-validation method to prevent overfitting, while the remaining 30% of the data was used for validation. In addition, care was taken to ensure that different images from the same patient were not split between the training and validation sets during this separation process to prevent potential data leakage.

Results

The proposed ML-based model demonstrated superior performance during the validation phase (accuracy: 0.885, AUC: 0.941). The results of our study show promising outcomes when compared to previous works employing GLCM-based ML detection models.

Conclusions

This study introduces a new perspective on AS detection, focusing on the assignment of ML techniques to STIR-sequenced MR images with a notable absence of literature on interpreting ML models for AS detection. This typology also addresses a lack of knowledge, as most models do not provide practical interpretability or knowledge alongside accurate prediction. The system also offers an effective strategy for early and correct diagnosis of AS, which is important for timely intervention and treatment planning.
Xavier Landerer (1809–1885): A pioneer of the study of thermal waters in Greece
Authors: Karatsi Panagiota , Tzouveleki Maria Myronidou , Karpouzis Antonios , Papavramidou Niki
Published: February 2025

Xavier Landerer was a distinguished German Professor of Natural Sciences who studied the composition of thermal waters and promoted their medicinal use in Greece during the nineteenth century. His authorial work was really innovative on a worldwide scale and he is considered a pioneer in studying thermal waters and disseminating their beneficial properties.
Relevance of Constructivist Grounded Theory in Transgender Mental Health Research: A Methodological Review
Authors: Mangwegape David Sidney , Moagi Miriam Mmamphamo , Moloko-Phiri Seepaneng Salaminah , Matsipane Molekodi Jacob , Machailo Rorisang
Published: February 2025

Transgender individuals experience mental health challenges that prompt research in order to come up with evidence-based interventions to address them. Constructivist grounded theory (CGT) is a type of qualitative research method that is used in the development of a theory grounded in data. The purpose of this article was to discuss the relevance of using CGT in research with transgender individuals. The article also explored how CGT can be used to conduct research on transgender people. CGT is recommended as an ideal methodology for researching transgender people on issues of mental health. The use of CGT is compatible with transgender research investigations since it is sensitive to understanding their human experiences. The pursuit of social justice for the transgender population can be easily realized with the application of CGT.