bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Gasdermin D‐Mediated Myocardial Pyroptosis in Ischaemic Heart Disease: Expanding the Paradigm From Bench to Clinical Insights
Authors: Piamsiri Chanon , Maneechote Chayodom , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: February 2025

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. One significant contributor to the pathology of IHD is the excessive release of inflammatory mediators during the disease progression. Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death (PCD) triggered by the activation of inflammasomes and caspase 1. The activation of inflammatory caspase 1 proteolytically cleaves gasdermin D (GSDMD) to the activated form amino acid terminus (GSDMD‐NT), leading to disruption of the plasma membrane. This cascade of events is considered the canonical pathway of pyroptosis. IHD also caused oxidative stress, thereby triggering noncanonical pyroptosis via the activation of caspases 4/5/11. Previous studies have provided compelling evidence of the close relationship between pyroptosis and the aetiology of IHD (e.g., acute myocardial infarction, myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury and chronic myocardial infarction), as well as the association of pyroptosis with unfavourable clinical outcomes. Several interventions aimed at targeting pyroptosis have demonstrated promising therapeutic benefits against IHD‐related pathologies. This review provides mechanistic insights into the roles of pyroptosis in IHD from in vitro, in vivo and clinical perspectives. In‐depth understanding into this area could also pave the way for the future development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting pyroptosis in IHD.
Single Cell RNA‐Seq Identifies Cell Subpopulations Contributing to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Humans
Authors: Zhang Tangjuan , Hou Zhichao , Ding Zheng , Wang Peng , Pan Xue , Li Xiangnan
Published: February 2025

The cell populations, particularly subpopulations, involved in the onset and progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain incompletely understood. This study employed single‐cell RNA‐seq to identify cell populations and subpopulations with significantly altered proportions in the lungs of patients with IPF. In IPF lungs, endothelial cell proportions were significantly increased, while alveolar epithelial cell proportions were markedly decreased. Among the three identified fibroblast subpopulations, the proportion of myofibroblasts was significantly increased, while the proportions of the other two fibroblast subtypes were reduced. Similarly, within the three macrophage subpopulations, the macrophage_SPP1 subpopulation, localised to fibroblastic foci, showed a significant increase in proportion, while the alveolar macrophage subpopulation was significantly reduced. Trajectory analysis revealed that fibroblasts in IPF lungs could differentiate into myofibroblasts, and alveolar macrophages could transition into the macrophage_SPP1 subpopulation. Among T‐cell subpopulations, only the CD4 T_FOXP3 subpopulation exhibited a significant change, whereas all four B‐cell subpopulations showed significant proportional shifts. These findings provide a comprehensive view of the cellular alterations contributing to IPF pathogenesis. Extensive interactions among various cell populations and subpopulations were identified. The proportions of various cell populations and subpopulations in IPF lungs, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages and B cells, were significantly altered. Further in‐depth investigation into the roles of cell subpopulations with significantly altered proportions in the onset and progression of IPF will provide valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying the disease. This understanding could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies and medications for IPF treatment.
Barriers and Facilitators of Implementing Arabic‐Validated Standardised Outcome Measures for Chronic Stroke Rehabilitation Among Physical Therapists
Authors: Almarwani Maha , Alhamyani Reham
Published: February 2025

Background

Implementing standardised outcome measures (SOMs) in stroke rehabilitation practices enhances patient care, communication, and overall clinical effectiveness. However, the implementation of Arabic‐validated SOMs in stroke rehabilitation practices among Arabic‐speaking patients has not been fully explored.

Aims

To examine the use, facilitators, and barriers of implementing Arabic‐validated SOMs for chronic stroke rehabilitation among physical therapists.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 262 physical therapists managing patients with chronic stroke. The survey evaluated the use, facilitators, and barriers to implementing Arabic‐validated SOMs. Descriptive statistics summarised demographic and professional characteristics, while multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of SOM use, with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated.

Results

The use of Arabic‐validated SOMs in chronic stroke rehabilitation was reported by 54% of therapists within the first week of physical therapy services and 64% at discharge. The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test were the two most commonly employed scales. Facilitators for implementing SOMs included facilitating adherence to clinical practice guidelines, providing valuable patient insights, and supporting balanced assessments. Barriers included time constraints, financial limitations, and time demands on both patients and therapists. Familiarity with clinical practice guidelines was significantly associated with increased use of Arabic‐validated SOMs.

Conclusions

Implementing Arabic‐validated SOMs is essential to ensure culturally appropriate and linguistically accurate evaluations that support evidence‐based decision‐making and enhance patient management in stroke rehabilitation among Arabic‐speaking patients. Enhancing familiarity with clinical practice guidelines and addressing barriers such as time constraints and financial challenges can further promote the implementation of Arabic‐validated SOMs into routine practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Dentists' Awareness of Antibiotic Stewardship and Their Willingness to Support Its Implementation: A Cross‐Sectional Survey in a Dental School
Authors: Banjar Arwa A.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Antibiotic overuse is highly reported among dentists worldwide. An antibiotic stewardship programme has been shown to be effective for decreasing the number of unappropriated antibiotic prescriptions. The goal of this survey was to assess dentists' awareness of antibiotic stewardship and their willingness to implement changes accordingly.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to dentists at a university hospital with different levels of experience. It included questions regarding antibiotic prescription habits, antibiotic stewardship knowledge and willingness to implement changes in such a programme.

Results

Overall, 256 dentists participated in the survey. Among them, 16.4% (95% confidence interval: 12.1%–21.5%) reported awareness regarding antibiotic stewardship. Awareness levels were higher among specialists (28.3%) and increased with experience. Most dentists in this study reported willingness to improve their antibiotic prescribing practices. The mean willingness score was 8.78 (standard deviation: 1.81).

Conclusions

Awareness of antibiotic stewardship was low among dentists with different levels of experience. However, dentists were willing to change their antibiotic prescription habits if policies were implemented as part of a stewardship programme at the school.
Effect of a Contamination Prevention Activity Against Contamination of Blood Culture
Authors: Ohnishi Jun , Ishimaru Naoto , Shimokawa Toshio , Kinami Saori , Nakajima Takahiro , Kanzawa Yohei , Mizuki Shimpei
Published: February 2025

Background

Blood culture is important in the diagnosis of blood infections and the identification of treatment strategies. Increased contamination in blood culture is a reduction in quality of care. This retrospective observational study, set in an emergency department in Japan, aims to elucidate the contamination rate before and after the introduction of contamination prevention activities.

Methods

We compared the contamination rates before and one year after contamination prevention activities. Specifically, these activities included a novel and specific use of a blood culture cart and adherence to a checklist. The checklist included noting the actual site of collection, the method of disinfection, and whether gloves were worn.

Results

There were 1184 and 1129 blood culture samples before and after the preventive activities, respectively. The rates of contamination were 2.03% (95% Cl = 1.30% to 3.00%) and 1.24% (95% Cl = 0.68% to 2.07%), respectively.

Conclusion

Prevention activities including specific use of a blood culture cart and careful adherence to a checklist were not associated with a significant decrease in contamination rate in our hospital. Further studies based in hospitals with greater rates of contamination may see higher rates of reduction.
Regional sensitivity analysis to assess critical parameters in circular economy interventions: An application to the dynamic MFA model
Authors: Fujii Yusuke , Matsuoka Ken , Koide Ryu , Shinojima Nobuaki , Murakami Shinsuke
Published: February 2025

In evaluating a circular economy (CE), one needs to address the complexity arising from indicators with multiple objectives, multiple means of implementation with combinations of CE strategies, and the uncertainty inherent in resource cycle systems. Regional sensitivity analysis (RSA) is a version of global sensitivity analysis that can be used to determine whether the output variables of a mathematical model lie within a certain range. Although RSA has found application in a wide range of fields, no prior studies sought to apply the method to industrial ecology. In this study, RSA is applied to a dynamic material flow analysis (MFA) model to identify the essential factors and analyze the conditions under which two indicators, greenhouse gas emissions and total material requirement, are influenced, in the case studies for digital cameras and smartphones. To this end, RSA with 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations were performed. Two factors were found to be especially important: (1) controlling the collection channels of end‐of‐life products, and (2) encouraging consumers to use products over a longer period. It was also suggested that, for ambitious reductions in environmental impacts, the achievement of targets should be given priority over the speed of implementation of strategies. To avoid catastrophic environmental impacts, the first step should be to ensure higher recycling rates using well‐developed collection routes. This study represents a major step forward from simply forecasting future cycles with the dynamic MFA model to the application of RSA to systematically consider parameter uncertainties with various possibilities of combined circular economy strategies.
PPARβ/δ Activation Improves Corticosterone‐Induced Oxidative Stress Damage in Astrocytes by Targeting UBR5/ATM Signaling
Authors: Ji Juan , Chen Ye‐Fan , Hong Chen , Ren Xue‐Wei , Xu Hang , Cai Zhen‐Yu , Dong Yin‐Feng , Sun Xiu‐Lan
Published: February 2025

Oxidative stress‐mediated astrocytic damage contributes to nerve injury and the development of depression, especially under stress conditions. Peroxisomes and pexophagy are essential for balancing oxidative stress and protein degradation products. Our previous findings suggest that peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) activation significantly alleviates depressive behaviors by preventing astrocytic injury. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we established oxidative injury by treating astrocytes with corticosterone. Subsequently, PPARβ/δ agonists and antagonists were applied to determine the effects of PPARβ/δ on balancing peroxisomes and pexophagy in astrocytes. The PPARβ/δ agonist (GW0742) significantly improved cell viability and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by corticosterone, while pretreatment with the PPARβ/δ, antagonist GSK3787 reversed the effects of GW0742. Moreover, activating PPARβ/δ promoted peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 (PEX5)‐mediated pexophagy by enhancing the phosphorylation of ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase. Conversely, blocking PPARβ/δ with GSK3787 partially abolished the effects of GW0742. Further investigations demonstrated that activation of PPARβ/δ not only induced transcription of the ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component n‐recognin 5 (UBR5) but also enhanced the interaction between PPARβ/δ and UBR5, contributing to ATM interactor (ATMIN) degradation, and increased phosphorylated ATM kinase levels. Therefore, this study revealed that activating PPARβ/δ improves corticosterone‐induced oxidative damage in astrocytes by enhancing pexophagy. PPARβ/δ directly interacts with UBR5 to facilitate ATMIN degradation and promotes ATM phosphorylation, thereby maintaining the balance between peroxisomes and pexophagy. These findings suggest that PPARβ/δ is a potential target for promoting pexophagy in astrocytes upon stress.

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Higher suicide risk in type 1 diabetes compared to cancer and the general population in Korea
Authors: Kim Seohyun , Cho So Hyun , Oh Rosa , Kim Ji Yoon , Lee You‐Bin , Jin Sang‐Man , Hur Kyu Yeon , Kim Jae Hyeon , Kim Gyuri
Published: February 2025

Background

People with diabetes have increased suicide risk. However, it is unclear whether those with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a higher risk than those with cancer, a disease associated with significant psychological stress and suicide risk.

Objectives

To evaluate suicide risk among adults with T1D compared to matched cohorts of patients with cancer and the general population.

Methods

This population‐based matched‐cohort study examined adults aged ≥19 years (45,944 with T1D and 45,944 with cancer matched for age, sex, and index year) using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database for January 2009–December 2015 and including 229,720 matched controls without diabetes or cancer (1:5). Composite suicide outcomes were death by suicide or hospitalization for a suicide attempt (intentional self‐harm, fatal toxic substance, toxic effect of carbon monoxide, psychotropic medication, wrist laceration, fall, and asphyxia).

Results

Participants had a median age of 62 years and a median follow‐up duration of 10.3 years. T1D was significantly associated with an increased risk of composite suicide outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.87–2.19) compared to controls. Individuals with T1D had significantly higher composite suicide outcome risk than patients with cancer (1:1) (aHR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.55–1.97). Younger (Age < 50) and lower‐income patients with T1D had a higher suicide risk than those without diabetes or cancer.

Conclusion

This nationwide study demonstrated a significant association between T1D and increased suicide risk compared to the general population and patients with cancer. This underscores the importance of mental health screening and targeted interventions for this population.
Impact of Medicaid expansion on stage of diagnosis of lung cancer for rural and urban patients in New Hampshire
Authors: Carter Benjamin , Denny Jasmine , Lohrer Andrew
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines the impact of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act on the stage of lung cancer diagnosis among rural and urban patients in New Hampshire.

Methods

Data from the New Hampshire State Cancer Registry spanning 2010‐2019 were analyzed to compare lung cancer diagnosis stages before and after the July 2014 Medicaid expansion. Rural‐urban categorization utilized Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes, and logistic regression with difference‐in‐difference analysis assessed the differential effects of Medicaid expansion on late‐stage diagnoses between rural and urban patients.

Findings

Post‐expansion, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of late‐stage lung cancer diagnoses statewide. Rural patients initially had higher rates of late‐stage diagnoses compared to urban patients, but post‐expansion, this disparity diminished significantly. Logistic regression indicated reduced odds of late‐stage diagnosis among rural patients after expansion (OR = 0.719, P =  .035), demonstrating a greater benefit in rural areas.

Conclusions

Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire was associated with a substantial reduction in late‐stage lung cancer diagnoses, particularly benefiting rural patients who historically faced higher barriers to health care access. These findings underscore the potential of Medicaid expansion to mitigate rural‐urban disparities in cancer care outcomes.
Sleep well and live well: Impact of sleep hygiene intervention on sleep duration in a rural community: A randomized controlled trial (THE SWELL STUDY)
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Stansbury Robert , Ramadan Jad , Rojas Edward , Finomore Victor , Pham Chris , Quan Stuart F. , Wen Sijin
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Sleep is a key component of a healthy lifestyle and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention recommends that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Within the United States, West Virginia is among the most sleep‐deprived states with 42% of the population reporting insufficient sleep per the CDC. Sleep insufficiency in rural populations is linked to disparities in health and accessibility to health care services. The study evaluated the impact of sleep hygiene (SH) education on sleep duration and quality.

Methods

A 12‐week randomized controlled trial of participants residing in Harrison County, WV. Baseline data included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and sleep duration as recorded by a sleep wearable. The intervention included an SH video on weeks 3 and 5. The control arm did not receive intervention but were allowed to cross over and receive intervention at week 8.

Results

A total of 100 participants (61 females) were recruited from the community. No changes in sleep duration were observed in intention to treat analysis between Arm 1 and Arm 2 at 7 weeks. In the treatment analysis, the compliant cohort demonstrated a significant increase of 31 minutes mean sleep duration (P = .01) as well as an improvement in the PSQI (6.30 to 5.68 by week 12, P = .05).

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that the introduction of a modest SH intervention may have a beneficial effect on the duration and quality of sleep in a rural community. ClinicalTrials. gov Identifier: NCT04849572
Diagnosis and fluoroscopic balloon dilation of nasopharyngeal stenosis concurrent to chronic displacement of the epiglottis in a pet rabbit
Authors: Khelik I. , Di Girolamo N.
Published: February 2025

A 4‐year‐old, male neutered rabbit presented for chronic, antibiotics non‐responsive upper respiratory disease. Computed tomography revealed sinusitis and nasopharyngeal stenosis resulting in upper airway obstruction. Deep nasal culture grew Pasteurella multocida. Airway fluoroscopy, performed with the rabbit conscious in a standing position, confirmed the location of the obstruction and subtle open mouth breathing. Pharyngoscopy further confirmed epiglottic displacement. In addition to antimicrobial therapy, three fluoroscopic balloon dilation procedures were performed to address the nasopharyngeal stenosis. Clinical signs improved during treatment course, and epiglottic displacement was resolved at the time of the third procedure. The rabbit was healthy 18 months after the last procedure. Nasopharyngeal stenosis should be considered a differential diagnosis for upper respiratory signs in rabbits. This rabbit was likely able to breathe through the oral cavity due to chronic epiglottic displacement secondary to the upper airway obstruction. Fluoroscopic‐assisted balloon dilation was successful to treat this condition.
The cathartic dream: Using a large language model to study a new type of functional dream in healthy and clinical populations
Authors: Perogamvros Lampros , Rochas Vincent , Beau Jean‐Baptiste , Sterpenich Virginie , Bayer Laurence
Published: February 2025

According to some theories of emotion regulation, dreams could modify negative emotions and ultimately reduce their intensity. We introduce here the idea of cathartic dream, a specific and separate type of emotional dream, which is characterized by a dynamic plot with emotional twists, and where negative emotions are expressed and ultimately decreased. This process would reflect psychological relief (catharsis according to the Aristotelian definition) and fulfil an emotion regulation function. We developed and validated a tool using a large language model to emotionally categorize the different dreams from dream diaries. Based on this tool, we were able to detect the prevalence of cathartic dreams in datasets of both healthy participants and patients with nightmares. Additionally, we observed the increase of cathartic dreams during 2 weeks of imagery rehearsal therapy and targeted memory reactivation during rapid eye movement sleep. We also demonstrate how the increase of cathartic dreams correlates significantly with the decrease of depression scores in patients with nightmares under therapy, thus supporting their likely functional role in well‐being and their distinct nature among other emotional dreams.
The endothelin‐1 system among high‐risk pregnant women with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Shirk Samantha , Kozakiewicz Melissa L. , Sheehan Kristin N. , Xiang Kang Rui , Saha Amit K. , Stamilio David , Zhang Jie , Koch Abigail L. , Namen Andrew M.
Published: February 2025

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with gestational hypertension. Elevated endothelin‐1 is a proposed factor in the pathogenesis of gestational hypertension. However, the association between endothelin‐1 and obstructive sleep apnea complicating pregnancy is unknown. In a prospective cohort of 60 pregnant patients with obesity but without confounding comorbid conditions (i.e. cardiac/pulmonary disease), plasma and placental samples were collected at delivery in 30 women with obstructive sleep apnea and 30 without. Endothelin‐1 concentrations were evaluated using Western blot, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariable analyses were conducted comparing endothelin‐1 levels between obstructive sleep apnea and non‐obstructive sleep apnea groups. There was no significant difference in band intensity or quantitative densitometric evaluation when comparing obstructive sleep apnea‐positive and ‐negative groups (p = 0.42). mRNA expression of endothelin‐1 did not differ in placental tissues between groups (p = 0.73). There was no significant difference in endothelin‐1 median plasma concentrations between groups (p = 0.95). However, there was a significant sixfold increase in the rate of endothelin‐1 elevation > 90th percentile (adjusted odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval 1.05–32.7) after adjusting for confounding by body mass index. Additionally, lower pre‐pregnancy body mass index (< 32 kg m−2) was associated with plasma endothelin‐1 > 11 at delivery (p < 0.01), and class 3 obesity appeared protective for having elevated plasma endothelin‐1 > 90th percentile (p = 0.03). Overall, in this prospective cohort of high‐risk pregnant patients, obstructive sleep apnea was associated with an increased rate of markedly elevated (> 90th percentile) endothelin‐1 plasma levels. Lower pre‐pregnancy body mass index among patients with obesity was associated with elevated endothelin‐1 plasma levels. Obstructive sleep apnea screening questionnaires focused on high body mass index may result in underestimated risk.
Hepatitis E Infection in Immunocompromised Patients Previously Treated With Rituximab
Authors: Kogias Dionysios , Gavriilidis Efstratios , Antoniadou Christina , Skeva Aikaterini , Kafalis Nikolaos , Tsilingiris Dimitrios , Kanellis George , Panopoulou Maria , Mitroulis Ioannis , Ritis Konstantinos , Skendros Panagiotis , Kouklakis Georgios
Published: February 2025

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a frequent cause of acute viral hepatitis. Immunocompromised patients, especially those under anti‐CD20 regimens, are prone to chronic or treatment‐resistant courses of hepatitis E. We report a case of chronic HEV infection in a 36‐year‐old man with a history of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with rituximab 6 months ago, who presented with new‐onset painless jaundice and malaise. Laboratory tests and imaging revealed signs of inflammation and hepatic dysfunction. Due to initial suspicion of autoimmune hepatitis, corticosteroid therapy was started. However, liver biopsy and positive HEV RNA value redefined the diagnosis. Serology tests revealed initially acute infection, which later progressed to chronic hepatitis E infection. Treatment with ribavirin, along with supportive care, achieved significant clinical and laboratory improvement, resolving jaundice, restoring normal transaminase and suppressing HEV RNA values. Further review of the literature highlights the impact of immunosuppression caused by anti‐CD20 therapies on HEV infection, as well as the challenges in both treatment and achieving sustained virus clearance in such patients. Moreover, this report underlines the importance of HEV screening in patients with hepatitis who have undergone anti‐CD20 therapies, shedding light on a situation that is not well described in the literature and should not be overlooked, even in developed countries.
Effects of Teaching Practices on Life Satisfaction and Test Scores: Evidence From the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA)
Authors: O'Connor Kelsey J. , Bartolini Stefano
Published: February 2025

Schools present an ideal setting for intervention. We demonstrate that a greater prevalence of group discussion used in schools positively affects students' life satisfaction and noncognitive skills, and has no negative impact on test scores, based on a sample from the 2015 PISA, which includes more than 35 thousand students from approximately 1500 schools in 14 countries. We perform regressions of student life satisfaction on school‐level group discussion and lecturing, including a battery of controls and random intercepts by school. For robustness, we use instrumental variables and methods to account for school‐selection. The impact of group discussion is meaningful—a one‐standard‐deviation increase leads to an increase in life satisfaction that is about one‐half of the negative‐association with grade repetition. In contrast, lecturing does not have any effects. We are the first to show group discussion improves student life satisfaction and noncognitive skills, and thereby likely positively affects later‐life outcomes.
How Do Different Forms of Note‐Taking Affect Second Language Vocabulary Learning?
Authors: Jin Zhouhan , Webb Stuart
Published: February 2025

The present study compared learning gains at both form recall and meaning recall levels across three learning conditions: viewing without note‐taking, viewing with conventional note‐taking, and viewing with guided note‐taking. A total of 134 Chinese learners of English were assigned to three experimental groups and a no‐treatment control group. Results showed that (a) guided note‐taking contributed to greater vocabulary learning than conventional note‐taking on the form recall test, (b) both guided and conventional note‐taking contributed to significant vocabulary gains on the meaning recall test, and (c) viewing without note‐taking did not contribute to significant learning gains. The analyses also revealed that writing unknown words in notes, the inclusion of target words in the lecture slides, and learners’ prior vocabulary knowledge affected learning, but frequency of occurrence, word length, and learners’ level of viewing comprehension did not.
Who gets to speak for the party? How parliamentary party groups select spokespersons
Authors: Mickler Tim , Otjes Simon , Willumsen David M.
Published: February 2025

Members of parliament (MPs), and by extension, parliamentary party groups (PPGs), have to make decisions about all aspects of public policy. In many parliamentary systems, PPGs subdivide the workload and assign one of their members as the spokesperson for a specific policy portfolio. These speak almost exclusively on that issue and are primarily responsible for formulating and articulating their party's position on that issue in parliament. We explore what drives the assignment of MPs as spokespersons for their PPG. Building on the literature on committee assignments, issue competition, and floor access in legislatures, we argue that the assignment of spokespersons should be understood as a process in which party leaders seek to balance the interests of their parties with the demands of individual MPs. We analyze a database covering the parliamentary and preparliamentary careers of Danish MPs (2011–2019), their electoral results, as well as the full text of floor speeches on legislation in this period. Our analysis sheds important light on how PPGs function. The results show that while the PPG leadership can sanction MPs who do not support the party line, the advantages for a PPG from having high‐quality spokespersons means that the leaderships' hands are, to a large extent, tied.
Supporting Breastmilk Feeding for Infants in Foster Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mitchell Vicky , White Marianne , Shinwell Shona , Biazus‐Dalcin Camila
Published: February 2025

Worldwide, around 2.7 million children are not in the care of their parents, and access to breastmilk is often absent from foster care policies. We aimed to explore the evidence available on how foster families, health and social workers and mothers with infants in care can be supported in providing breastfeeding and expressed breastmilk (EBM), and to identify barriers and facilitators for breastfeeding and EMB in foster care. The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was used. Three academic databases and grey literature were searched in March 2023, and data extraction charts were used. The findings were synthesised using thematic analysis. In total, 11 papers were included, 5 peer‐reviewed papers and 6 from the grey literature. Five themes were identified in the analysis: ‘Is this safe?’, ‘Substance use: Protecting the breastfeeding rights of mothers and infants’, ‘Making milk accessible through breastfeeding and EBM’, ‘Where are the policies’? and ‘Attitudes around breastfeeding’. The findings showed concern from foster parents around the safety of breastmilk and the challenges of supporting breastmilk provision when infants are in foster care. Training, positive attitudes and multi‐disciplinary team involvement can support breastfeeding and the breastfeeding rights for infants in foster care. Health and social care professionals who support mothers and foster families with breastfeeding and EBM feeding lack knowledge and guidance in how to do this safely and with a rights‐based approach. We found that facilitating breastfeeding is not prioritised when an infant is placed into foster care and that the breastfeeding rights of mothers and infants require urgent attention in policies and guidelines to facilitate safe and person‐centred infant feeding.
Citizen scientists mapping the United Kingdom's and Republic of Ireland's flat flies (louse flies) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) reveal a vector's range shift
Authors: Wawman Denise C.
Published: February 2025

Changes in climate may cause changes in the ranges, phenology and interactions of insects with other species and lead parasites to switch host species. A study of louse (flat) flies in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man, in which licensed bird ringers acting as citizen scientists collected ectoparasites that left birds during ringing, showed recent range shifts of several species. The Common or Bird Louse Fly Ornithomya avicularia (Linnaeus, 1758), a vector of Haemoproteus sp. and trypanosomes, has undergone a major northwards range expansion of over 300 km in the United Kingdom (UK) since the 1960s. The Finch Louse Fly Ornithomya fringillina (Curtis, 1836) has also expanded its range over 300 km northwards and 400 km westwards into the Island of Ireland, and the Swallow Louse Fly Ornithomya biloba (Dufour, 1827) is now established in Wales and Southern England. The Grouse Louse Fly Ornithomya chloropus (Bergroth, 1901) has undergone a range contraction at lower altitudes and on the southern edge of its range. Other species of louse fly were detected: Crataerina pallida (Latreille, 1812), Stenepteryx hirundinis (Linnaeus, 1758), Pseudolynchia garzettae (Rondani, 1879) and Icosta minor (Bigot, 1858). Some generalist species have shifted their phenology, whereas the more specialist nest parasites of migrant birds have not, as the arrival and breeding dates of their hosts have not changed. The range changes of the generalist species of these ectoparasites may have implications for bird health, especially if they switch to new host species as their ranges shift.
Candida Infective Endocarditis in Patients With Candida spp. Bloodstream Infection: Risk Factors and 1‐ Year Mortality
Authors: Vieceli Tarsila , Giordani Betina Maria , de Magalhães Gabriel Azeredo , Serena Guilherme Carvalho , Aquino Valério Rodrigues , Borges Vicente Stolnik , Zavascki Alexandre Prehn , Pivatto Júnior Fernando
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Although there are some studies evaluating CIE incidence and associated risk factors, none assessed mortality several months after the Candida spp. BSI episode. We aimed to assess risk factors for CIE and outcomes, including 1‐year mortality, in patients with Candida spp. BSI in a public tertiary‐care teaching hospital in Brazil.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective case–control, followed by a cohort study, with adult patients who presented a Candida spp. BSI. Participants were eligible if they had at least one echocardiogram performed no longer than 3 days before Candida spp. BSI diagnosis and thereafter during the respective hospital admission. CIE diagnosis was defined by the presence of two major Duke criteria.

Results

We studied 164 patients (median age: 57.6 years) with a median Charlson comorbidity index of 3 points. Most patients were female (54.9%), were on haemodialysis (54.9%), and 4.6% had a preexisting moderate/severe heart valve disease. C. albicans (36.2%) and C. parapsilosis complex (34.4%) were the most frequent Candida species identified. CIE was detected in 10 patients (6.1%; 95% CI: 2.4%–9.8%). In the multivariable analysis, age and C. parapsilosis complex remained as independent predictors of CIE. There was no significant difference between CIE and no CIE groups in 1‐year mortality after Candida spp. BSI diagnosis and hospital discharge.

Discussion

Considering the low costs and hazards associated with an echocardiogram, performing it systematically in all patients with Candida spp. BSI might improve CIE diagnosis and ultimately survival rates.
Exploring Family Caregiver Burden Using the Ecological Model: Insights From Thailand's Older Population
Authors: Juntasopeepun Phanida , Bliss Donna Z. , Deeluea Jirawan , Rhiantong Jittawadee
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to assess the burden of caregiving and identify factors predicting caregiver burden among family caregivers of community‐dwelling older adults. Family caregivers of older adults face significant challenges in their caregiving responsibilities. Although some studies have examined factors related to caregiver burden among these caregivers, they are often limited in scope and frequently lack comprehensive theoretical frameworks and large population‐based samples. This study conducted a secondary data analysis using the 7th Thailand National Survey of Older Persons from 2021. The analysis focused on 3192 dyads of older adults and their primary family caregivers. Primary family caregivers in this study generally experienced a mild burden. Higher caregiver burden was associated with leaving the workforce, being in an extended family, the older adult having poorer health, higher ADL dependency, age under 90 years, and poor hearing ability, and lack of community health worker visits. Addressing these findings can enhance nursing practices and health policies, providing more effective support to family caregivers and improving the well‐being of both caregivers and older adults.
Intraspecific variation in the landscape of fear: personality‐driven tradeoffs in habitat use
Authors: Merz Margaret R. , Mortelliti Alessio
Published: February 2025

The landscape of fear framework posits that prey animals trade off between resource gain and safety when selecting habitat. Strategies for balancing this tradeoff vary among individuals, however, with personality acting as a potentially important factor driving differences. Animals are faced with real predation risk, perceived predation risk, and competition when selecting habitat in landscapes of fear, but few studies have simultaneously measured the effects of these three factors on habitat use, and none have done so while accounting for individual variability. Here, we contribute to the landscape of fear framework by assessing personality‐driven tradeoffs in second‐order (home range level) and third‐order (within home range level) habitat use. We conducted a large‐scale field study testing the personality of free‐ranging deer mice Peromyscus maniculatus, white‐footed mice Peromyscus leucopus, and southern red‐backed voles Myodes gapperi in Maine (USA). We mapped individual space use and determined small mammal population numbers using capture–mark–recapture data, measured microhabitat features, and monitored terrestrial and avian predators to quantify competition, perceived risk (i.e. habitat cover), and real risk across individual areas of use (second‐order) as well as across used trap sites (third‐order). We included 133 deer mice, 69 white‐footed mice, and 316 voles to assess relationships between habitat and personality and found evidence of personality–habitat relationships at both orders. Specifically, boldness, activity, and stress coping ability covary with predator presence; boldness, activity, and aggressiveness covary with competition levels; and activity and boldness covary with levels of microhabitat cover. Overall, we found relationships between personality and levels of competition, perceived risk, and real risk within habitats used by small mammals, providing empirical evidence of intraspecific variation in the landscape of fear. These findings highlight the role of personality in mediating habitat use at multiple scales, offering a potential mechanism driving personality‐mediated survival rates.
Precision and Variability: Exploring Osteotomy Cuts in Sagittal Ramus Osteotomy—A Review
Authors: Dubey Prajesh , Mowar Apoorva , Jain Vipul , Singh Snigdha
Published: February 2025

Background

Dr. Hugo Obwegeser first performed sagittal ramus osteotomy (SRO), a crucial orthognathic surgery technique, in the 1950s. Anatomical variations, surgeon skill, and procedural adjustments all contribute to the persistence of result variability despite improvements in imaging, instrumentation, and procedures.

Objective

This review explores the precision and variability of osteotomy cuts in SRO, emphasizing the role of technological advancements, anatomical considerations, and surgical expertise.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing historical modifications, osteotomy techniques, and emerging technologies such as CAD, CBCT, and intraoperative navigation. Various osteotomy designs were compared for their effectiveness in optimizing surgical outcomes.

Results

Modifications by Schuchardt, Obwegeser, Dal Pont, Hunsuck, and Epker have improved SRO stability and predictability. Innovations like piezoelectric bone surgery and CAD/CAM guides enhance precision. Studies highlight that anatomical variations influence split patterns, and technologies like VR training and intraoperative navigation help standardize osteotomy cuts.

Conclusion

Although SRO precision has increased because of technological developments but variability still exists. Better results require a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates cutting edge technologies, surgical expertise, and meticulous preoperative preparation. Future research should refine osteotomy techniques and enhance technological integration for improved predictability.
Reduction of rejection‐related emotions by transcranial direct current stimulation over right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex in borderline personality disorder: A double‐blind randomized pilot study
Authors: Lisco Alessandro , Gallucci Alessia , Fabietti Chiara , Fornaroli Annalisa , Marchesi Carlo , Preti Emanuele , Riva Paolo , De Panfilis Chiara , Romero Lauro Leonor Josefina
Published: February 2025

Aims

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients show negative emotional reactions to both excluding and including social scenarios, with levels normalizing only during extreme inclusion. Prior research among healthy individuals highlights the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (rVLPFC) role in regulating emotional responses to social exclusion, since transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of rVLPFC decreases rejection‐related emotions following social exclusion. This pilot study investigated whether, in BPD patients, tDCS over the rVLPFC reduces rejection‐related emotions not only after social exclusion but also after fair social inclusion.

Methods

Forty BPD patients randomly received either real or sham tDCS on rVLPFC before participating in the Cyberball paradigm, which involved phases of inclusion, exclusion, and over‐inclusion. Participants self‐reported their level of rejection‐related emotions following each phase.

Results

Transcranial direct current stimulation reduced rejection‐related emotions during both social exclusion and fair inclusion, but not during over‐inclusion. Specifically, those in the Real tDCS group exhibited comparable emotional responses to fair and over‐including scenarios, unlike those in the Sham group who experienced heightened rejection‐related emotions during fair inclusion compared to over‐inclusion.

Conclusions

Transcranial direct current stimulation over the rVLPFC reduces BPD patients' tendency to feel rejected both in fairly including and excluding scenarios. These findings confirm the rVLPFC involvement in emotional regulation and highlight a therapeutic potential for tDCS in moderating BPD's typical heightened rejection‐related emotional responses to fairly including scenarios. This study supports the application of tDCS in BPD treatment, providing new insights into neuromodulatory interventions that can aid BPD patients to better regulate their emotions during varying social scenarios.
“No to the Fake Reform!” Strategies and Outcomes of Student Protests on Chile's Higher Education Reform
Authors: Ríos‐Jara Héctor
Published: February 2025

This article examines the strategies and outcomes of the Chilean student movement during the higher education reform of 2018. Following the waves of protest in 2011 and 2013, students successfully pressured the enactment of free education policy in 2016 and a new higher education law in 2018. However, why did activists persist in opposing the reform, in what ways did they oppose it, and what outcomes did they achieve? The study shows that students opposed the reform due to significant policy disagreements and omissions between government proposals and activist demands. It further details how students employed insider strategies to enhance their access and representation within policy‐making processes. Nonetheless, these strategies did not yield improved outcomes; activists encountered political and institutional constraints that limited their impact on the reform. The article concludes by reflecting on how the movement's constrained impacts illustrate the resilience of neoliberal policies and the ongoing challenges in democratizing educational policy.
From Laggard to Leader: Central and Eastern Europe's (CEE) Women Presidents and Prime Ministers
Authors: Jalalzai Farida , Rincker Meg
Published: February 2025

This article analyzes women executives (presidents and prime ministers) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Specific questions posed include: How successful have CEE countries been in promoting women to executive positions? What conditions facilitate women's executive presence in the region? We offer some preliminary assessments regarding implications of patterns identified. Juxtaposing patterns identified in CEE against global trends reveals encouraging developments but also persistent barriers to women's full inclusion.

Related Articles

Martin, J. R. 2018. “Consensus Builders? The Influence of Female Cabinet Ministers on the Duration of Parliamentary Governments.” Politics & Policy 46, no. 4: 630–652. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12266.

Stegmaier, M. A., and G. Erb. 2008. “Gender and Generation Gaps in Russian Economic Values During the Yeltsin Years.” Politics & Policy 33, no. 3: 416–443. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2005.tb00802.x.

Tyner, K., and F. Jalalzai. 2022. “Women Prime Ministers and COVID‐19: Within‐Case Examinations of New Zealand and Iceland.” Politics & Policy 50, no. 6: 1076–1095. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12511.
Social Influences on Maternal Health: A Norwegian Register‐Based Study
Authors: Johnson Darci N. , Harris Jennifer R. , Flatø Martin
Published: February 2025

Background

Maternal health is an important health indicator globally, and a major women's health issue. Efforts to improve maternal health can help ensure that women, their offspring, and their families reach their full potential for health and well‐being.

Objectives

We analysed how social factors influence adverse maternal health outcomes and non‐spontaneous delivery.

Methods

We leveraged data from the population‐based Norwegian register, including use of the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN), the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR), Statistics Norway (SSB) and the Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursements Database (KUHR), to analyse the relationships between education, income and immigrant status, and 11 adverse health and non‐spontaneous delivery. The study included data from 596,306 pregnancies registered in Norway between 2009 and 2018.

Results

We found that the frequency of adverse health outcomes and of non‐spontaneous delivery decreased with each increase in educational attainment and income. Compared to completion of lower secondary education or less, achieving a graduate‐level education was associated with a 36% lower risk of an adverse maternal health outcome after adjusting for age, parity and county. The risk was 18% lower for the highest compared to the lowest income quintile. The highest educated group had 35% lower risk of non‐spontaneous delivery than the lowest educated, with the same adjustments. The highest income group had a 16% lower risk of such deliveries than the lowest. Descendants of immigrants face higher risk of adverse health outcomes than immigrants. Higher maternal age partly mitigates the higher health risk among women with low income and education.

Conclusions

Even though access to care is more equitable in Norway than in many other countries, we still found a pattern of risk associated with social determinants of health.