bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seropositive Rubella and Toxoplasmosis Among Females Attending Saudi Hospital
Authors: Alhussainy Nabeel H. , Al Braikan Faten A.
Published: February 2025

Background: Toxoplasma gondii and rubella virus are significant health concerns among women. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the prevalence of their antibodies.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of rubella and toxoplasmosis immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among females who attended different clinics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Method: A retrospective observational study was conducted among nonpregnant women who attended various clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study included 540 female participants who visited various clinics, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 31.92 (6.175) years and a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 32 (8). These women were tested for rubella and toxoplasmosis IgG and immunoglobulin M (IgM) from January 2021 to June 2022. ELISA test for detecting antitoxoplasmosis and antirubella IgG and IgM antibodies was conducted using kits manufactured by Abbott, located at Max‐Planck‐Ring 2, 65,205 Wiesbaden, Germany.

Results: The majority of the participants were from Saudi Arabia (78.1%). Most females (73.3%) had positive results for rubella IgG, while only 5.6% tested positive for toxoplasmosis IgG. A significantly higher percentage of positive rubella‐G antibodies was seen between those with positive toxoplasmosis IgG and those with negative toxoplasmosis IgG (93.3% vs. 76.4%, p = 0.032). Non‐Saudi females had a significantly higher rate of positive toxoplasmosis IgG than Saudi women (15.4% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of rubella antibodies and a low prevalence of toxoplasmosis antibodies among females living in Saudi Arabia, with a higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis antibodies seen among non‐Saudi females. A significant association between the prevalence of rubella and toxoplasmosis antibodies was found. Therefore, raising awareness about the risks and prevention measures of toxoplasmosis is crucial, emphasizing hygiene practices.
Supplementary Data from Variant of Uncertain Significance Patterns among Patients with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Francis Rachel A. , Tavtigian Sean , Horton Carolyn , Holowatyj Andreana N.
Published: February 2025

Tables S1-S8
Storying the self and self-belonging: (Re)fleshing relational selves beyond limiting individualisms via a feminist fable
Authors: Mozeley Fee , Long Debbi , Kian-Judge Sara , McGregor Jodie , Wild Naomi
Published: February 2025

Storying – processes of (re)making meaning with and through stories – helps to make sense of experiences of self-belonging. We draw on our experiences as five Indigenous and non-Indigenous self-identifying women who took part in a story-based meaning making project about longing and belonging. The heart of the project is a four-day residential storytelling research retreat that took place on Darkinjung Country (Umina, NSW, Australia) in January 2020. This article centres our storied engagement with Suniti Namjoshi’s ‘Mute Swan’ to animate relationally embodied and ontologically situated experiences of self-belonging and to underscore the necessity for self-referential frames that are multiple, dynamic and contextual rather than singular, stable and fixed. Activating our sociological imagination, we explore how ‘Mute Swan’ tells of the productive power of silence, marking a keen distinction from other forms of silencing that are customarily oppressive. We argue that stories, in this case, a feminist fable, forge novel ways of theorising, representing and experiencing self-belonging as radically intersubjective and, importantly, that storied engagement expands self-belonging beyond the limits of individualist frames to allow for self-positionings that are dynamically embodied, relationally co-constituted and thoroughly contextual.
In-School Marketing: The Nature, Extent, and Ethics of Children's Commercial Exposure
Authors: Watkins Leah , Aitken Robert , Gage Ryan , Signal Louise
Published: February 2025

In-school marketing (ISM) is a widespread global practice that is the focus of much debate and increasing concern. The tension between commercial imperatives, children's well-being, and educational priorities has been recognized by the United Nations who have called for its regulation. However, before policy and regulation can be developed, it is necessary to understand the nature and extent of ISM. Results from the present study detail the extensive range and incidence of marketing and draws attention to the saturation of the school environment and the promotion of unhealthy products. It also identifies incidental brand exposure and prosocial messaging as separate categories of ISM and provides the first objective comparison of children's in-school and out-of-school exposure to marketing. The paper considers the deontological harms to children from exposure to ISM in one of our most important social systems and provides the basis for the development of policy and regulation.
Applications, modifications, and manufacturing of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in dental implantology: A comprehensive critical review
Authors: Alqutaibi Ahmed Yaseen , Alghauli Mohammed Ahmed , Algabri Radhwan Saleh , Hamadallah Hatem Hazzaa , Aboalrejal Afaf Noman , Zafar Muhammad Sohail , Fareed Muhammad Amber
Published: February 2025

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a thermoplastic polymer from the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family, is increasingly used in dental biomedical applications because of its bioinert properties. This comprehensive review examines PEEK's suitability as a dental implant fixture and other related prostheses, focusing on its mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and compatibility with human bone. PEEK's ability to distribute and transmit occlusal forces to surrounding bone, along with its aesthetic advantages, make it a promising implant material that outperforms titanium and zirconia. PEEK has been successfully employed in various dental implantology applications, including implant fixtures, abutments, scan bodies, abutment screws, and implant-supported superstructures such as frameworks, crowns, and bridges, as well as overdenture attachment components. As a dental implant fixture, PEEK has undergone several modifications to enhance its surface, mechanical, and biological properties. PEEK exhibits comparable mechanical strength to other materials but offers advantages such as reduced production times and costs, improved toughness, and recyclability. Its non-interference with MRI and CBCT enhances diagnostic capabilities, while bioactive substances like hydroxyapatite further enhance its dental applications. Several manufacturing methods are available, each with specific advantages and limitations. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling is commonly used in dental labs but leads to material waste and tool wear challenges. Advances in micro-milling and cutting tool technology enable finer detail in PEEK parts. Additionally, 3-D printing is emerging as a promising technology for more precise and efficient dental part production. This review aims to update the current knowledge about PEEK applications, modifications, and manufacturing in the field of dental implantology. Moreover, it explores the challenges and suggests future research directions for optimising PEEK's bioactivity and stress distribution.
Green silver nanoparticle-embedded chitosan-alginate hydrogel: A novel antibacterial approach for potential wound healing
Authors: Aldakheel Fahad M , Wickramasinghe Ranil , Thamaraiselvan Chidambaram , Sayed Marwa M El , Fagir Mohammed H , Dein Dalia K El , Mohsen Dalia
Published: February 2025

Wound dressings used in medical applications serve as a protective barrier for wounds, creating an environment that promotes wound healing. The typical traditional wound dressings often present challenges, including weak barrier function and tendency to adhere to wounds. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop advanced wound dressing with strong antibacterial properties that can prevent the spread of infection and accelerate the healing process. To develop hydrogels with antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from 1 mM AgNO3 using a green catalyst matcha green tea extract ( camellia sinensis) were incorporated into chitosan and alginate This was accomplished by mixing silver nitrate and green tea extract to produce the nanoparticles, which were then added to the hydrogel using crosslinkers. The synthesized nanomaterials and hydrogels were characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, FTIR, and SEM techniques. Their antimicrobial efficiency has been evaluated through inhibition zone assays, antibiofilm evaluation against P.aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, C.albicans, and A.niger, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). It was found that, novel hydrogel, infused with AgNPs, exhibited superior water absorption and retention, ensuring a moist wound environment while effectively absorbing a substantial wound exudate. Additionally, the antimicrobial hydrogel demonstrated robust mechanical properties and potent antimicrobial activity. This study highlights the exceptional antibacterial properties of a newly developed natural polymer hydrogel incorporated with Ag nanoparticles with anti-inflammatory action. Hence, the silver-loaded hydrogel proves to be an ideal wound dressing material.
Examining the socioemotional outcomes of social justice efforts on social media users: Evidence from the NFL's Inspire Change initiatives
Authors: Mamo Yoseph Z , Haegele Justin , Anagnostopoulos Christos , Agyemang Kwame
Published: February 2025

Despite the growing interest in social justice activities, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding their impact on various stakeholders, particularly social media users. We gathered longitudinal data from the NFL's @inspirechange X (former Twitter) account, a designated social justice communication handle, between August 2019 and March 2023. During this timeframe, the account garnered 20,967 comments (including original tweets and retweets) from 11,481 distinct users, but our analysis focused on 5851 comments deemed usable from 3632 unique users. Drawing on the social exchange theory, sentiment analysis, and thematic analysis, this study examines social media users’ sentiments toward the NFL's social justice efforts and the types of social justice influence that lead to positive and negative responses. Our findings show increased positive sentiment towards equitable social justice efforts, but racial issues, law enforcement, and transparency concerns led to notable negative sentiments, sparking polarized responses. Understanding specific social justice actions that evoke positive and negative emotions helps sport organizations effectively monitor and improve their social justice programs, enabling data-driven decisions. This study employs social media to comprehend diffuse stakeholder voices and extends the application of positive and negative reciprocity to the context of social media users and their perception of social justice.
Cardiovascular Symposium on Perspectives in Long COVID
Authors: Dieter Robert S. , Kempaiah Prakasha , Dieter Elizabeth G. , Alcazar Andrew , Tafur Alfonso , Gerotziafas Grigoris , Gonzalez Ochoa Alejandro , Abdesselem Salem , Biller Jose , Kipshidze Nicholas , Vandreden Patrick , Guerrini Marco , Dieter Raymond A. , Durvasula Ravi , Singh Meharvan , Fareed Jawed
Published: February 2025

Significant progress has been made in treating Coronavirus disease (COVID) – an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). An ominous turn in the pandemic is the evolving public health crisis emanating from persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated long-term impact. Long COVID or post–COVID syndrome describes protean symptoms that persist at least 3 months after the onset of acute illness and last for at least 2 months in individuals with a history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Long COVID has become a public health concern. Millions of infected individuals are now facing chronic multi-organ failures, including neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and kidney complications. In general, the cause of long COVID syndrome is unclear but factors such as prolonged activation of immune responses, and viral persistence triggering transcription dysregulation of genes associated with normal thrombotic disease may play a role in cardiovascular complications. Although inflammatory biomarkers are reported in other disorders, it remains unclear whether similar biomarkers are associated with cardiovascular manifestations following COVID. Medications such as sulodexide directed at glycocalyx and coagulation have demonstrated benefits for long COVID in smaller studies. Here, we describe the outcomes of the symposium on the underlying cardiovascular mechanisms of the long COVID.
D-dimer Levels in Acute, Medically Ill, Hospitalized Patients: A Large, Prospective, Multicenter Study in the United States
Authors: Richardson Jordan S. , Clark Carol L. , Bastani Aveh , Shams Ali H. , Fermann Gregory J. , Hiestand Brian C. , Kea Bory , Mace Sharon E. , Peacock W. Frank , Yang Alex , Welker James A.
Published: February 2025

Background

The study's main aim was to determine the prevalence of elevated D-dimer levels in adult patients hospitalized for acute medical illnesses not suspected to have venous thromboembolism (VTE). The secondary aims were to determine VTE prophylaxis rates and VTE events.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective, observational study included patients who were admitted across nine US hospitals. Patients who were ≥60 years of age, admitted for an acute medical illness (nonsurgical/nontraumatic), and not suspected to have VTE (deep vein thrombosis [DVT]/pulmonary embolism [PE]) were enrolled. Current use of anticoagulation and recent major surgery were exclusion criteria. D-dimers were measured at hospital admission, and the analysis was performed at a central laboratory using the STA-Liatest D-Di test kit (Diagnostica Stago, Asnières sur Seine, France). The upper limit of normal (ULN) for D-dimer was defined as ≥500 ng/mL. Age-adjusted thresholds were calculated as age × 10 ng/mL. VTE events included symptomatic DVT (distal or proximal) or PE occurring during admission.

Results

Among 995 patients (50.7% female; mean age, 70 ± 8 years), 74.4% (n = 740) had a D-dimer ≥ ULN, 62.2% (n = 619) had elevated age-adjusted levels, and 48.8% (n = 486) had D-dimers at least two times the ULN. The rate of VTE prophylaxis was 66.5% (n = 662); in this cohort, 1.8% (n = 18) developed a VTE.

Conclusion

Most hospitalized acute medically ill patients ≥60 years of age had elevated D-dimer levels on admission. Although an elevated D-dimer may be associated with VTE risk, its poor specificity indicates that it should not guide prophylaxis management without a multifactor risk assessment.
Psychometric properties of the Vietnamese version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI-V) and its associated factors among community pharmacists in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thao T P , Ngo Thi Kim Cuc , Le Tran Tuan Anh , Vo Thi Tan Tien , Le Chuyen
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Vietnamese version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI-V) and examines factors associated with burnout among community pharmacists in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam. A cross-sectional, interview-based study was conducted in Hue City from January to June 2023, involving 362 pharmacists. The following measurement properties of CBI-V were tested: distributional characteristics, structural validity (principal component and confirmatory factor analyses), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega), known-groups validity (Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis H test). The CBI-V demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s Omega coefficients ranging from 0.867 to 0.904. The 19-item, three-factor model showed a good fit, supported by Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measures. CPs working in hospital retail settings, experiencing higher job satisfaction, and having a better grasp of accurate drug information sources were associated with higher burnout scores ( p<0.05). This psychometric assessment study in community pharmacists concludes that the CBI-V is a reliable tool for assessing burnout, providing insights for public health interventions in healthcare digital transformation.
Naturalism and the self-effacement of the non-representational subject
Authors: Olsson Carl Christian
Published: February 2025

Non-representational and materialist theories have enabled geographers to understand subjectivity as something that is interwoven with intimate and dynamic spaces. While previous work has questioned the political efficacy of integrating subjectivity into the environment, this paper traces a ‘new’ problem to the philosophical naturalism of early non-representational work where the subject was construed as an immanent part of the natural environment. The ambiguity of what this immanence means risks obscuring the functional and grammatical distinction between self and environment that is used in producing and communicating geographical knowledge. From this perspective, the paper argues that the enlivening of cultural geography can also be interpreted as achieving an opposed, morbid effect. The problem is contextualized with examples from early extensions of psychoanalytic theory concerning the alienating consequences of objective self-representations. It is argued that non-representational and materialist geographies may benefit from further clarifications of what theories of integrating subjectivity into the natural world mean in practice.
Soft Tissue Inflammation of the Arm and Hand Caused by Human Bites
Authors: Duc Nguyen Dang , Sinh Nguyen Phuong , Hong Anh Lam Nguyen
Published: February 2025

Wounds caused by human bites have a high infection rate. A 59-year-old male patient came to our poison control center because of soft tissue injuries in the left arm and left hand, pain, swelling, and necrosis. Before entering the hospital, he had a high fever. Physical examination found that the patient’s lips were dry, his tongue was dirty, his skin and mucous membranes were less pink, his pulse was 80 beats/min, and his temperature was 36.5°C. Information on May 9, 2024, the patient was bitten on the left arm by a child. The patient had a negative blood culture, a negative burn fluid culture, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein of blood chemistry is 458.1 mg/L, total blood cell analysis with white blood cell is 19.9 G/L, percent of neutrophil is 92.4, soft magnetic resonance imaging of the arm and hand areas with images is cellulitis under the skin of the left arm.The patient was injected with antitetanus toxin serum, antibiotics (Dalacin C, Linezonide, meropenem), and was infused paracetamol. After 1 day of treatment, the patient’s condition did not improve and worsened, so the patient was transferred to the National Burn Hospital for further treatment. This article aims to talk about soft tissue injuries due to soft tissue inflammation or necrosis that can occur in patients who are bitten by human. This is the first patient with soft tissue damage with cellulitis under the skin of the left arm known at our poison center.
Surrealist Femicide: Exploring the Nature of Gendered Killing Through Representations of Women in Art
Authors: Beatrice Megan
Published: February 2025

There is a certain nexus between art and crime; while crime has long served as inspiration for artistic expression, this paper argues that visual representations of women and discourses of sex and violence within specific art movements also serve as inspiration for violent crime. Bridging the gap between art and crime, this paper first sets out the theoretical grounding of the arguments presented within, with a focus on the connections between power, control and femicide, drawing from the Foucauldian tradition. The paper then turns to consider representations of gender, violence and killing in film and fine art, before examining the various syntheses between the Surrealist movement and femicide. This paper aims to interrogate how cultural, political and social discourses, including as they are produced/reproduced in art, are implicated in the commission of gendered violence, specifically here femicide, and what this tells us about the relationship between these discourses and power, control and violence.
Costs and Effects of Ineffective Wayfinding in US Hospitals: A Survey of Hospital Staff
Authors: Jamshidi Saman , Hashemi Seyedehnastaran , Tran Dieu-My T.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This article assesses the magnitude and impact of wayfinding problems in US hospitals as perceived by staff. Background: Problematic wayfinding in healthcare facilities is a persistent issue, leading to frustration, stress, fatigue, physical aggression, wasted time, and a negative organizational image. Despite anecdotal evidence, few studies have quantified the impacts of wayfinding problems. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire to gather data from hospital staff in the United States. The questionnaire targeted (1) wayfinding for hospital staff, (2) wayfinding for hospital visitors, (3) the impact of wayfinding problems on staff, and (4) the importance of addressing wayfinding problems. Data from 301 questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Results: Staff found it easy to navigate their own departments but more difficult to navigate other departments. Staff's responses indicated that wayfinding was relatively difficult for visitors. Each staff member spent about 30 min per week on helping others with wayfinding. The five locations in which users needed the most assistance were the cafeteria, restrooms, elevators, exits, and main lobby. Staff commonly escorted people to a point from which they could independently reach their destination. Wayfinding difficulties could distract staff from their main duties and cause frustration. Nearly 44% of the participants experienced incivility from users who had become frustrated by wayfinding problems. Participants rated addressing wayfinding problems as very important. Conclusions: Despite the extensive literature on the environmental factors that influence wayfinding, this study finds that hospital visitors in the United States still struggle with wayfinding, which indicates a potential gap between design research and practice.
Development and implementation of a home-based prehabilitation app for older patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery. A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Timmers Thomas GC , Groen Lennaert CB , Schreurs Hermien , Bruns Emma RJ
Published: February 2025

Background

Prehabilitation optimizes colorectal cancer patients’ health during the preoperative waiting period, by increasing functional capacity, reducing postoperative complications, and speeding recovery. However, challenges in implementation include patients’ willingness to attend multiple hospital visits, and hospitals needing trained personnel, facilities, and financial resources. An app-based prehabilitation program could address these issues by allowing patients to participate from home with remote support from healthcare professionals.

Objective

To develop and evaluate the feasibility of a digital application to offer multimodal home-based prehabilitation for older patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer

Materials and Methods

This single-center prospective cohort study at Northwest Clinics (Alkmaar and Den Helder, The Netherlands) included patients scheduled for elective surgery for the curative treatment of colorectal cancer. The Patient Journey App was used to deliver prehabilitation. The primary outcome was the number of patients who downloaded and activated the app. Secondary outcomes included usage information, videos viewed, questionnaires answered, and signals triggered.

Results

Ninety-seven patients were included in the study (age 72.1 [SD 0.8], 62.9% male). All patients used the app daily for a median of 29 days (IQR 23–28). Exercise videos were viewed most. Ninety-five patients activated daily exercise and protein shake reminders. Patients provided 1367 answers, triggering 79 signals related to smoking cessation, nutrition, and exercise. Response rates to in-app questionnaires were high, up to 90.5%.

Conclusions

Home-based prehabilitation via an app for older colorectal cancer surgery patients is feasible. Given the effectiveness of prehabilitation programs, the scarcity of healthcare professionals, and patients’ reluctance for frequent in-person visits, home-based prehabilitation programs via an app could become a valuable added modality for offering these programs.

Trial Registration

2020.0600 (VU University Medical Center).
Resveratrol modulates phosphorylation of ERK and AKT in murine cementoblasts during in vitro orthodontic compression
Authors: Negm Shams , Wolf Michael , Craveiro Rogerio B. , Schurgers Leon , Jankowski Joachim , Schneider Rebekka K. , Rizk Marta , Coenen Franziska , Knaup Isabel , Brenji Sihem , Niederau Christian
Published: February 2025

Objective

Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative properties. These could be beneficial in controlling potential side effects of orthodontic treatment, such as apical root resorption. Orthodontic tooth movement occurs as part of a sterile inflammatory response. However, dysregulation of this process can result in pathologically increased osteoclast activity in the radicular vicinity, leading to unwanted root resorption. Previous studies have shown that root cementum cells can modulate recruitment of osteoclast precursors and cementum repair.

Material and methods

We investigated the effect of resveratrol on mechanically stimulated murine cementoblasts (OCCM-30) with regards to cell viability, and mRNA expression and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the modulation of central related kinases was investigated.

Results

Resveratrol increased viability of OCCM-30 in a time- and dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced upregulation of pERK and pAKT, upstream regulators of key cellular metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we describe for the first time that cementoblasts respond to compression with accelerated activation of STAT3 and increased translocation of NF-κB p65 into the nucleus.

Conclusion

This study shows a regulation of pAKT and pERK by resveratrol in OCCM-30 cells without a negative effect on cell viability. Therefore, resveratrol may have the potential to modulate the periodontal response to mechanical stimulation.
Factors contributing to chronic ankle instability in parcel delivery workers based on machine learning techniques
Authors: Hwang Ui-jae , Kwon Oh-yun , Kim Jun-hee , Gwak Gyeong-tae
Published: February 2025

Background

Ankle injuries in parcel delivery workers (PDWs) are most often caused by trips. Ankle sprains have high recurrence rates and are associated with chronic ankle instability (CAI). This study aimed to develop, determine, and compare the predictive performance of statistical machine learning models to classify PDWs with and without CAI using postural control, ankle range of motion, ankle joint muscle strength, and anatomical deformity variables.

Methods

244 PDWs who had worked in parcel delivery for more than 6 months were screened for eligibility. Thirteen predictors were included in the study: 12 numeric (age, body mass index, work duration, the number of balance retrials eyes-closed single-limb stance, Y-balance test, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, lunge angle, strength ratio of the evertor in plantar flexion and neutral position to the invertor, ankle dorsiflexor strength, navicular drop, and resting calcaneal stance position) and one categorical (success of the eyes-closed single-limb stance). Five machine learning algorithms, including LASSO logistic regression, Extreme Gradient boosting machine, support vector machine, Naïve Bayes machine, and random forest–were trained.

Results

The support vector machine and random forest models confirmed good predictive performance in the training and test datasets, respectively, for PDWs. For the Shapley Additive Explanations, among the five machine learning models, the variables entered into three or more models were low ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, low lunge angle, high body mass index, old age, a high number of balance retrials of the eyes-closed single-limb stance, and low strength ratio of the evertor in the neutral position to the invertor.

Conclusion

Our approach produced machine learning models to classify PDWs with and without CAI and confirmed good predictive performance in PDWs.
Limit-setting in online gambling: a comparative policy review of European approaches
Authors: Marionneau Virve , Luoma Elli , Turowski Tobias , Hayer Tobias
Published: February 2025

Background

Online gambling products involve a heightened risk of harm, but there are some possibilities to prevent and reduce these harms. Notably, mandatory identification in online gambling environments allows for a range of pre-commitment tools such as limit-setting. Previous research has found that limit-setting tools can be helpful, but effectiveness depends on how policies are outlined and implemented. Limits can be financial or temporal, voluntary or mandatory, and system-level or operator-based. The current paper presents a policy review of European approaches to limit-setting in online environments.

Methods

We first compared legal provisions on pre-commitment and limit-setting in N = 30 European countries (27 European Union Member States, Great Britain, Norway, and Switzerland). Data were retrieved from Vixio Gambling Compliance country reports and verified against original legal texts. The analysis focused on financial, temporal, maximum wager limits, and any other limits pertaining to online gambling. Second, based on the policy review, we produced a more in-depth analysis of limit-setting provisions in countries with system-level pre-commitment (Finland, Norway, Germany).

Results

Results show important divergence in terms of limit-setting across Europe. While almost all countries (n = 27) have some form of limit-setting, implementation details vary. Financial limits can include loss limits (n = 15 countries), deposit limits (n = 18), and wagering limits (n = 14), with the majority of countries providing several types of financial limits. Temporal limits were available in ten countries. Eleven countries had some mandatory limits, in other countries operators were expected to provide the option to set limits. Statutory maximum limits and lower limits for young adults were not common, but available in some countries. Germany was the only country with a system-level limit-setting scheme that covered multiple licensed operators.

Conclusions

Contextual variations in pre-commitment and limit-setting policies are likely to impact effectiveness in terms of preventing and reducing harm. Our review shows some promising practices, including system-level regimes, mandatory policies, reasonable maximum caps on limits and wagers, the possibility to set limits for various time periods, lower limits for young adults, and coupling limit-setting with other duty-of-care obligations. Learning from other jurisdictions can constitute good practice for future policies on pre-commitment.
A COSMIN systematic review of instruments for evaluating health-related quality of life in people with Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Baroni Irene , Paglione Giulia , De Angeli Giada , Angolani Miriam , Callus Edward , Magon Arianna , Conte Gianluca , Terzoni Stefano , Lusignani Maura , Caruso Rosario , Zanichelli Andrea
Published: February 2025

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) adversely affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HAE often compromises the HRQoL due to the impact on functional capacity caused by edema, pain, other symptoms, and psychosocial factors. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) focus on HRQoL and are crucial tools for evaluating the burden of the disease and choosing the most appropriate interventions for this population. However, no comprehensive evaluations of the characteristics of the available measurements to assess HRQoL have been conducted for this population.

Aim

To identify, analyze, and summarize the PROMs assessing HRQoL in individuals with HAE-C1-INH, addressing the gap in standardized assessment tools.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted up to December 2023 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases, following PRISMA guidelines without language or time restrictions. Psychometric properties of the identified PROMs were appraised using COSMIN standards, and evidence was synthesized using a modified GRADE approach.

Results

From seven studies, five HRQoL PROMs were identified: two generic (SF-36 and SF-36v2) and three disease-specific (HAE-QoL, HAEA-QoL, and AE-QoL). These PROMs generally lacked comprehensive content, structural and cross-cultural validation, with none meeting the criteria for measurement invariance. This limitation affects their applicability across different demographics and cultures. However, the HAE-QoL and AE-QoL instruments were recognized for having moderate quality evidence, suggesting their potential reliability and validity.

Conclusions

This systematic review provides a moderate recommendation for the use of HAE-QoL and AE-QoL in assessing HRQoL in adults with HAE. Despite identified gaps, the moderate evidence quality for these tools supports their use, pending further validation, involving younger age groups and disease-specific contents in the assessments. Developing culturally and demographically adaptable PROMs is, therefore, a priority to improve the accuracy of PROMs in this field.

Review registration number

PROSPERO registration number is CRD42023440137.
Approach to the Pediatric Patient with Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Lai Sin-ting Tiffany , Bauer Andrew J
Published: February 2025

Thyroid nodules in pediatrics carry a higher risk for thyroid carcinoma, and the risk of malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules is higher when compared to adults. Despite a substantial increase in the incidence of pediatric thyroid carcinoma since the 1990s, the 30-year disease survival remains >98% in pediatrics. The goal of thyroid nodule management focuses on reducing comorbidity of care while maintaining remission from disease as well as low disease-specific mortality. In 2014, the Cancer Genome Atlas introduced the concept that molecular subtypes better predict the invasive behavior of papillary thyroid carcinoma compared to pathological classification alone. Recent advancements in the understanding of the genetic landscape of pediatric thyroid carcinoma support the potential utility of incorporating somatic oncogene analysis to evaluate and manage thyroid nodules and thyroid carcinoma. In this “Approach to the Pediatric Patient”, we review the risk factors of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and present an integrative approach to evaluating and managing thyroid nodules in pediatric patients, incorporating sonographic and cytopathologic findings with somatic oncogene analysis. We illustrate the potential clinical application of knowledge on somatic oncogenic drivers to improve the pre-operative accuracy in diagnosing differentiated thyroid carcinoma and present an integrative analysis paradigm designed to individualize the surgical approach of pediatric patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
Trauma „dobrej krwi” na podstawie tekstów faktograficznych na temat organizacji Lebensborn e.V. (Gisela Heidenreich i Ingrid von Oelhafen)
Authors: Bednarska-Rydzewska Joanna
Published: February 2025

GOOD BLOOD TRAUMA ON THE BASIS OF FACTUAL TEXTS ON THE ORGANISATION LEBENSBORN E.V. (GISELA HEIDENREICH AND INGRID VON OELHAFEN)
This article presents the memoir books of Ingrid von Oelhafen and Gisela Heidenreich. The authors are children of Lebensborn. Lebensborn was an institution functioning within the structures of the SS, officially operating as a welfare and charitable association. In reality, it was concerned with acquiring “good blood” for the Reich, mainly by fighting abortion and robbing children of non-German nationalities. There is a false myth in the culture about it, according to which the organisation’s houses were elite SS brothels and breeding houses. Von Oelhafen was kidnapped from her biological family as a child and subjected to a process of Germanisation. Heidenreich was born in a Lebensborn home as a child of declared Nazis. Both speak as mature women about the search for their own identity. A feeling that accompanied them throughout their lives was the shame of their own origins. Von Oelhafen and Heidenreich described their experiences of the Lebensborn organisation in autobiographical books, but emphasised that they represented not only themselves, but a whole group of people with similar life experiences. Therefore, the books will be interpreted using anautosociobiographical approach, i.e. they will be treated as the voices of a groupof people recognised by the National Socialists as representatives of the so-called”good (Nordic) blood”, and thus as racially superior people.
Separation of Powers Dismantled? Over-Rationalisation of Parliamentarism During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Czech Republic, Poland and France
Authors: Bujwid-Kurek Ewa , Jakubiak Łukasz , Górnisiewicz Arkadiusz
Published: February 2025

This article is intended as a contribution to the research into the increasing role of the executive in modern government systems, including the use of emergency measures. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, we deal with an ongoing crisis of global significance. It is the prevalence of the coronavirus threat that provides a unique opportunity to make comparisons and formulate conclusions as to the newly diagnosed phenomenon of over-rationalized parliamentarism interpreted as an element of the ongoing strengthening of the executive power, and, at the same time, a potential serious threat to the already weakened separation of powers. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the relative balance between powers – such balance being a structural element of the principle of separation of powers in a democratic state ruled by law – becomes (to a greater or lesser extent) disintegrated. The paper claims that irrespective of the formal response to COVID-19 (such as introducing a state of emergency in the Czech Republic, creating a new state of emergency in France and applying emergency measures without declaring a state of emergency in Poland), it appears that the extraordinary measures introduced are rather similar.
Ballistic Range Experimental Results of Radiating Wakes of Spheres at Mach 10
Authors: Macdermott Robert , Mueschke Nicholas , Jiang Naibo , Hsu Paul , Roy Sukesh
Published: February 2025

Hypersonic flow field can experience significant thermochemical nonequilibrium effects. However, very little ground test data exists for nonequilibrium hypersonic wake flows. Simulating air chemistry in nonequilibrium is highly challenging due to the lack of validation data. To address a lack of validation data, ballistic free flight tests were conducted examining nonequilibrium chemistry effects in the wake of 25 mm spheres at Mach 10. A laser-based diagnostic system was used to measure naturally-produced nitric oxide concentrations. Measurements were made up to 53 body diameters behind the sphere. NO concentrations in the wake peaked between 4.1 +/- 0.8% and 6.8 +/- 1.3%.
Modelling Axion Generation and Detection in Optical Microfibers
Authors: Rozite Robert , Saglam Utku , Yavuz Deniz
Published: February 2025

We present a novel experimental setup to generate and detect axions in the lab with a sensitivity over a broad axion mass range. Taking inspiration from nonlinear optical processes, this scheme utilizes laser-based four-wave mixing mediated by the hypothetical axion field. Two optical microfibers, each confining two lasers, run parallel to each other. Two lasers in the "generation fiber" interact to produce an axion field that "leaks" into the "detection fiber", where it interacts with light and causes a detectable change in intensity. In this paper, we model the experimental setup using the axion-modified electromagnetic Lagrangian and the full equations for hybrid and transverse modes in cylindrical microfibers. Our analysis is centered around air-clad silica fibers with a diameter on the order of 1 μm, and confining lasers with a wavelength near 1.55 μm. We predict sensitivity for the axion-photon coupling constant, \(g_{\alpha \gamma \gamma}\), on the order of \(10^{-6} \ \text{GeV}^{-1}\) for an axion mass between \(10^{-6}\) eV and \(10^{-2}\) eV using experimental parameters realizable in the near future.
How regional innovation and entrepreneurship vitality affects residents’ leisure consumption potential—utility differences between educational investment and scientific and technological investment
Authors: Cai Yunying , Lin Wenhe , Zhong Jinfa , Hu Qiqi , You Yaqing
Published: February 2025

Innovation and entrepreneurship vitality, as a key factors in the development of the digital economy, significantly affects both regional economic development and residents’ consumption capacity. On the basis of the panel data of 31 provinces and cities in China from 2010 to 2022, this paper explores the impact of regional innovation and entrepreneurship vitality on residents’ leisure consumption potential and its internal mechanism. Research has shown that innovation and entrepreneurship vitality drives leisure consumption potential. Furthermore, regional innovation and entrepreneurship vitality can effectively increase educational investment, which in turn increases residents’ leisure consumption potential. Although scientific and technological investment can significantly increase innovation and entrepreneurship vitality, it curtails the development of residents’ leisure consumption potential. In addition, there are significant differences in the effect of regional innovation and entrepreneurial vitality on residents’ leisure consumption potential in different policy environments and demographic structure. Diverse policies help to better stimulate regional innovation and entrepreneurship influence on residents’ leisure consumption. The development of innovation and entrepreneurship vitality can effectively stimulate the leisure consumption potential of residents in areas with low population mobility, which compensate for the decrease of leisure consumption due to the lack of external population. On the basis of the inconsistency between economic development and residents’ spiritual needs in China’s major contradictions, this study further explores the coordination between scientific and technological development and individuals’ needs for a better life, and further complements and justifies the literature in the field of innovation and consumption.
Distance learning in higher education during coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak
Authors: Khalil M. , Afifi M. , El-Nahal W.
Published: February 2025

When E-Learning is not a choice but the salvation for proceeding in education across the globe. In this paper, we spotlight on the challenges facing the higher education systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on students and higher education institutes are discussed to clarify the available technological opportunities that can be used to address studentsâ€™ needs. A Case Study is presented in this work to discuss the role of the E-learning in the international pandemic outbreak.Â Â Â
Veřejné podniky v Evropě a v České republice z hlediska soutěžního práva
Authors: Tichý Luboš
Published: February 2025

Public enterprises are business entities controlled by the public sector. This is primarily the state itself, which is able to use such enterprises to significantly influence the economy, the market situation and especially to reduce competition. For this reason public enterprises are considered primarily in terms of competition and its regulation. Public enterprises are not equally popular in all parts of Europe and the rest of the world, regardless of their form. They may be commercial companies but can also be entities with limited legal capacity that are to various extents tied to the public budget. This is the case in the Czech Republic as well, which took on the Austrian and German traditions, with public enterprises taking the form of what are known as budgetary or contributory enterprises. The state is, however, also strongly involved in joint-stock companies, particularly through coupon privatization. In Europe, particularly the E.U., public enterprises are the subject of special attention. To a certain extent they are considered in connection with the existence of monopolies which arose mainly due to the existence of natural monopolies. Aimed against monopolies are not only competition policy provisions (arts. 81, 82 & 86 Treaty of Rome) but also provisions regarding the free movement of goods (art. 31 Treaty of Rome). In this way is restricted and prohibited the growth of monopolies in trade and in services. European law tolerates certain exceptions permitting the existence of certain types of public enterprises, exempting them from certain competition rules under certain conditions. Such enterprises must be deemed public by reason of some public interest, such as the state-imposed provisions of strategic services within the economy. The Commission supervises both the enterprise and the state. It has decision-making power over both. The association agreement entered into between the Czech
Communities and their member states of the European Communities does not specifically address regulation of public enterprises. Nor does Czech law. This is a shortcoming, since particularly certain accounting regulations that have been adopted in the E. U. are needed here. The Act on Budget Rules does fulfil this role.
Das Bibliothekspraktikum „Studierende beraten Studierende“
Authors: Sobel Ariella
Published: February 2025

An der Fachbereichsbibliothek Bildungswissenschaft, Sprachwissenschaft und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft wird seit 2011 das Bibliothekspraktikum Studierende beraten Studierende angeboten. Dieses Praktikum ist curricular verankert und für Studierende mehrerer Studienrichtungen anrechenbar. Es besteht aus einer einführenden geblockten Lehrveranstaltung, gefolgt von einem 80-stündigen Praktikum an der Fachbereichsbibliothek. Im Anschluss an das Praktikum führen die Praktikant*innen selbst Bibliotheksführungen für Studienanfänger*innen durch.

In diesem Aufsatz werden Entstehung, Entwicklung, Konzept und Aufbau dieses besonderen bibliothekarischen Bildungsangebots und dessen Einbindung ins Curriculum erläutert.
Local Birkhoff decompositions for loop groups and a finiteness result
Authors: Patnaik Manish M.
Published: February 2025

Let

𝐆

{\mathbf{G}}

denote an affine Kac–Moody group, and G its points over the local field

𝔽
q

⁢

(

(
s
)

)

{\mathbb{F}_{q}((s))}

. We establish a local Birkhoff decomposition for a subset of G in terms of a pair of subgroups roughly of the form

𝐆
⁢

(

𝔽
q

⁢

[

[
s
]

]

)

{\mathbf{G}(\mathbb{F}_{q}[[s]])}

and

𝐆
⁢

(

𝔽
q

⁢

[

s

-
1

]

)

{\mathbf{G}(\mathbb{F}_{q}[s^{-1}])}

. Our techniques are global-to-local and use the reduction theory for loop groups due to H. Garland. Building on these ideas, we establish the finiteness of a set whose cardinality is related to spherical R-polynomials in D. Muthiah’s conjectural double-affine Kazhdan–Lusztig theory.