bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Food Safety Knowledge and Practices Among Food Handlers in Restaurants and Street Food Markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Rahman Md. Shamsur , Hossain Md. Shameem , Pulok Md. Fuad Hasan
Published: January 2025

This study is aimed at analyzing food safety knowledge and practices among food handlers in restaurants and street food markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Inadequate food handling practices remain a major worldwide health problem and are one of the main causes of food‐related diseases. In Bangladesh, where the restaurant business is expanding quickly, food safety must be upheld to stop foodborne illness outbreaks. A cross‐sectional study involving 300 street food vendors and restaurant workers was conducted through in‐person interviews using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to analyze the data. The study revealed that while most workers understood basic hygiene practices, critical knowledge gaps persisted. Male workers demonstrated lower food safety knowledge than females (p ≤ 0.01), and higher knowledge scores were associated with both greater education (p ≤ 0.001) and experience (p ≤ 0.05). Workers in fast food establishments showed higher knowledge levels (p ≤ 0.001), and knowledge was more strongly linked to job responsibilities than to training (p ≤ 0.001). In terms of practices, women adhered more closely to food safety guidelines than men (p ≤ 0.05). Age, education, and experience had no significant effects on practice adherence, though fast‐food workers exhibited higher compliance (p ≤ 0.05). Training and job responsibilities showed no significant effects on food safety practices. The results demonstrate that there are disparities in food handlers’ understanding of food safety, with gaps primarily in the areas of cross‐contamination avoidance, personal hygiene, and temperature control. Furthermore, observed practices suggest suboptimal adherence to advised food safety protocols.
Morphoagronomic and Phenological Characteristics of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Grown in Sudano‐Sahelian Zone of Cameroon
Authors: Baudoin Wouokoue Taffo Junior , Fouelefack Francois Romain , Leticia Liejip Nguenjou Carole , Biakdjolbo Wanchebe Eleonore , Mafouo Tchinda Elodie
Published: January 2025

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) is a plant that has been used traditionally as a food in the preparation of herbal drinks, hot and cold beverages. Identifying and characterising HS accessions are important for its better exploitation. This study aimed to describe the morphoagronomic and phenological characteristics of Roselle accessions grown in the Sudano‐Sahelian zone of Cameroon. Six accessions of HS were sown in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. They were evaluated to find out their similarities and differences in qualitative and quantitative traits. Phenological data were monitored weekly for 5 months. Significant differences were observed within and between accessions for both morphological and agronomic characters. Five accessions have leaves shape with 2–5 lobs and produced reddish calyces with different degrees of redness, whereas accession HS‐2 has white calyces colour and leaves shape of 3 lobs. Accession HS‐1 was the tallest (103.33 ± 15.38 cm) and had the highest number of fruits/plants (64.83 ± 33.26). The highest dry calyces weight/plant was found in HS‐5 (11.61 ± 5.27 g) accessions, while that of dried seeds weight were recorded in HS‐5 (13.88 ± 4.87 g/plant). Accessions HS‐1, HS‐2, HS‐3 and HS‐5 flowered in about 2 months and harvested in less than 4 months, whereas HS‐4 and HS‐6 were late about three to 4 months to flower and took almost 5 months to harvest. HS‐5, HS‐3 and HS‐2 accessions have showed the precocity of maturity time and present the highest calyces and seeds yields. This work highlights the high‐yielding accessions, HS‐3 and HS‐5 which are less common, and can be also exploited for their agronomic potential. The variation between accessions of HS shows the potential of this germplasm for use in qualitative and quantitative genetic improvement of Roselle.
Exploring Students’ Perceptions of Cutting‐Edge Nursing Simulation: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Pasay-An Eddieson , Alqarni Aida Sanad , Sacgaca Lailani , Alsulami Amal , Pangket Petelyne , Gonzales Ferdinand , Gonzales Analita , Benjamin Lizy Sonia , Estadilla Lorraine , Alreshidi Maha Sanat , Mostoles Romeo , Alshammari Salman Amish
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Gap remains in understanding how students perceive the impact of simulations on their development of critical thinking skills and how their emotional well‐being is affected during high‐fidelity simulations. This gap occurs because little attention is paid to what students think about such specifics in learning activities.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the strengths and weaknesses of simulation as perceived by students, with a focus on understanding the associated scenario design, emotional impact, and skills development.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted at a government university in central Saudi Arabia. Twenty nursing students participated in one‐to‐one interviews between November 2023 and January 2024.

Results: Five themes and six subthemes emerged from the students’ verbatim accounts: (1) conceptual understanding (subtheme: preparation for real‐world practice), (2) development and refinement of clinical skills (subtheme: identifying weaknesses), (3) trepidation to triumph (subthemes: stepping outside the comfort zone and reframing difficulty), (4) technical and scenario limitations of advanced simulation (subtheme: gap between simulation and reality), and (5) yearning for the cutting edge (subtheme: interest in immersive learning technologies).

Conclusion: Participants reported positive experiences, including increased confidence, skill development, and an improved understanding of complex clinical concepts. However, limitations such as unrealistic scenarios and technical difficulties were identified. This study emphasizes the potential of advanced technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to overcome these challenges and create more immersive and engaging learning experiences.
Human Umbilical Cord–Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Low Dosage Nintedanib Rather Than Using Alone Mitigates Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Qiu Huijun , Zhang Rong , Si Daozhu , Shu Yi , Liu Jiang , Xia Yunqiu , Zhou Ou , Tan Wen , Yang Ke , Tian Daiyin , Luo Zhengxiu , Liu Enmei , Zou Lin , Fu Zhou , Peng Danyi
Published: January 2025

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lethal pathological change of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with abundant fibroblasts proliferation after severely or continually alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) injury. Barely therapies are helpful for PF. Here we use bleomycin intratracheally injection to model PF with or without human umbilical cord–mesenchymal stem cells (hUC–MSCs) and/or nintedanib intervention. RNA‐Seq followed with real‐time PCR and western blot were used to find out the specific possible mechanisms of the effects of hUC–MSC and nintedanib on PF. Immunostaining, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), and 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay were used to detect the cell proliferation in vivo or in vitro separately. We found that hUC–MSCs alone had prophylactic, but not therapeutic effects on bleomycin induced mouse PF. Nevertheless, the combination therapy of hUC–MSCs and low‐dose nintedanib significantly improved survival and reversed lung fibrosis in PF model mice. The factors secreted by hUC–MSCs have promotional effects on the proliferation both of fibroblasts and AECs. Nintedanib could hamper the facilitation of fibroblasts caused by hUC–MSCs without influence on AECs proliferation, which might be related with the inhibition on FGFR, PDGFR, and VEGFR activities. Our study indicated that the combination therapy of hUC–MSCs and nintedanib should be a promising strategy for PF.
Data from Long-term Follow-up of Patients Having False-Positive Multitarget Stool DNA Tests after Negative Screening Colonoscopy: The LONG-HAUL Cohort Study
Authors: Cotter Thomas G. , Burger Kelli N. , Devens Mary E. , Simonson Julie A. , Lowrie Kari L. , Heigh Russell I. , Mahoney Douglas W. , Johnson David H. , Ahlquist David A. , Kisiel John B.
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background: Studies of colorectal cancer screening by multitarget stool DNA (MT-sDNA) show false-positive (FP) rates of 7% to 13%. It is unclear whether FP patients are at increased long-term risk of adverse outcomes.

Methods: We compared subsequent clinical events among patients with apparent FP MT-sDNA with those in patients reported as true negative (TN). This was a retrospective cohort study of participants in pre-FDA approval MT-sDNA studies having nonadvanced or negative baseline colonoscopy findings from a single referral center. Per-protocol and calibrated cutoffs defined FP and TN groups. From the time of stool collection, we measured differences between FP and TN groups in time to death, subsequent cancer diagnosis, and onset of alarm symptoms.

Results: Of 1,050 eligible patients, only 6 were lost to follow-up. Median age was 65.6 years [interquartile range (IQR), 56.8–72.3]; 54% were female. Median follow-up time was 4 years (IQR, 3.5–5.3). Eight aerodigestive (lung and gastrointestinal tract) cancers occurred. FP status by calibrated, but not per-protocol, cutoffs was associated with subsequent aerodigestive cancer; however, cumulative incidence did not exceed SEER expectations from the general population. By any cutoff method, FP status was not associated with mortality or alarm symptoms.

Conclusions: Although FP status was associated with long-term aerodigestive cancers, new cases were not temporally related and did not exceed incidence estimates from general population.

Impact: These observations do not justify aggressive follow-up evaluation for patients with FP MT-sDNA at this time. Larger studies are needed to confirm these early findings. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 614–21. ©2016 AACR.
Supplementary Figure 7 from Claudin-4 Stabilizes the Genome via Nuclear and Cell-Cycle Remodeling to Support Ovarian Cancer Cell Survival
Authors: Villagomez Fabian R. , Lang Julie , Nunez-Avellaneda Daniel , Behbakht Kian , Dimmick Hannah L. , Webb Patricia G. , Nephew Kenneth P. , Neville Margaret , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: January 2025

Lamin B1 expression and nuclei morphology after tripartite treatment.
Supplementary Figure 4 from Claudin-4 Stabilizes the Genome via Nuclear and Cell-Cycle Remodeling to Support Ovarian Cancer Cell Survival
Authors: Villagomez Fabian R. , Lang Julie , Nunez-Avellaneda Daniel , Behbakht Kian , Dimmick Hannah L. , Webb Patricia G. , Nephew Kenneth P. , Neville Margaret , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: January 2025

Nuclei morphology following claudin-4 inhibition.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Claudin-4 Stabilizes the Genome via Nuclear and Cell-Cycle Remodeling to Support Ovarian Cancer Cell Survival
Authors: Villagomez Fabian R. , Lang Julie , Nunez-Avellaneda Daniel , Behbakht Kian , Dimmick Hannah L. , Webb Patricia G. , Nephew Kenneth P. , Neville Margaret , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: January 2025

Confirmation of claudin-4 modulation via genetic and pharmacologic approaches.
Data from Claudin-4 Stabilizes the Genome via Nuclear and Cell-Cycle Remodeling to Support Ovarian Cancer Cell Survival
Authors: Villagomez Fabian R. , Lang Julie , Nunez-Avellaneda Daniel , Behbakht Kian , Dimmick Hannah L. , Webb Patricia G. , Nephew Kenneth P. , Neville Margaret , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alterations in the interplay between the nucleus and the cell cycle during cancer development lead to a state of genomic instability, often accompanied by observable morphologic aberrations. Tumor cells can regulate these aberrations to evade cell death, either by preventing or eliminating genomic instability. In epithelial ovarian cancer, overexpression of claudin-4 significantly contributes to therapy resistance through mechanisms associated with genomic instability regulation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying claudin-4 overexpression in epithelial ovarian cancer remain poorly understood. In this study, we modified claudin-4 expression and employed a unique claudin mimic peptide to investigate claudin-4’s function. Our findings show that claudin-4 supports ovarian cancer cell survival by stabilizing the genome through nuclear and cell-cycle remodeling. Specifically, claudin-4 induced nuclear constriction by excluding lamin B1 and promoting perinuclear F-actin accumulation, thereby altering nuclear structure and dynamics. Similarly, cell-cycle modifications due to claudin-4 overexpression resulted in fewer cells entering the S-phase and reduced genomic instability in tumors. Importantly, disrupting claudin-4’s biological effects using claudin mimic peptide and forskolin increased the efficacy of PARP inhibitor treatment, correlating with alterations in the oxidative stress response. Our data indicate that claudin-4 protects tumor genome integrity by modulating the crosstalk between the nucleus and the cell cycle, leading to resistance to genomic instability formation and the effects of genomic instability–inducing agents.
Significance:
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is marked by chromosomal instability, which can serve to promote disease progression and allow cancer to evade therapeutic insults. The report highlights the role of claudin-4 in regulating genomic instability and proposes a novel therapeutic approach to exploit claudin-4–mediated regulation.
Impact of Patient Characteristics and Surgery-Related Risk Factors on Endophthalmitis after Cataract surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Xu Jian
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, with a notably high incidence rate. Endophthalmitis is the most severe complication following cataract surgery, often resulting in profound vision loss. This study evaluates the impact of risk factors such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, posterior capsule rupture (PCR), type of surgery, and use of intraocular lens (IOL) material on the risk of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Methods: English and Chinese public databases were searched from inception to March 1, 2024. We included studies reporting the number of occurrences of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery on potential risk factors, including age, sex, DM status, hypertension status, intraoperative PCR, type of surgery and use of IOL material. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: A total of 57 studies were included and critically evaluated in the meta-analysis. The results showed that female sex was associated with a lower risk of endophthalmitis (odds ratio [OR]: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.75–0.87; p < 0.001). Individuals with diabetes who underwent cataract surgery were found to have a greater risk of endophthalmitis (I2 = 95%; OR: 4.90; 95% CI: 2.41, 9.95; p < 0.001), but the result may be influenced by publication bias. Individuals with hypertension (OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.53, 5.45; p = 0.001) and intraoperative PCR (OR: 9.18; 95% CI: 3.31, 25.43; p < 0.001) were found to have a greater risk of endophthalmitis. Phacoemulsification significantly reduced the risk of endophthalmitis compared with extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.85) based on network meta-analysis. Conclusion: Male sex, hypertension, intraoperative PCR, and the use of the ECCE surgical approach are associated with a greater risk of postoperative endophthalmitis. Although an age-related trend in elevated risk was observed, this finding should be interpreted cautiously.
Functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy of prolonged motor activation using conventional and spectral GLM analyses
Authors: Morelli Maria , Dudzikowska Katarzyna , Deelchand Dinesh K. , Quinn Andrew J. , Mullins Paul G. , Apps Matthew A. J. , Wilson Martin
Published: January 2025

Functional MRS (fMRS) is a technique used to measure metabolic changes in response to increased neuronal activity, providing unique insights into neurotransmitter dynamics and neuroenergetics. In this study, we investigate the response of lactate and glutamate levels in the motor cortex during a sustained motor task using conventional spectral fitting and explore the use of a novel analysis approach based on the application of linear modelling directly to the spectro-temporal fMRS data. fMRS data were acquired at a field strength of 3 Tesla from 23 healthy participants using a short echo-time (28 ms) semi-LASER sequence. The functional task involved rhythmic hand clenching over a duration of 8 min and standard MRS preprocessing steps, including frequency and phase alignment, were employed. Both conventional spectral fitting and direct linear modelling were applied, and results from participant-averaged spectra and metabolite-averaged individual analyses were compared. We observed a 20% increase in lactate in response to the motor task, from participant-averaged spectral fitting, consistent with findings at higher magnetic field strengths. However, statistical testing showed some variability between the two averaging schemes and fitting algorithms. While lactate changes were supported by the direct spectral modelling approach, smaller increases in glutamate (2%) were inconsistent. Exploratory spectral modelling identified a 4% decrease in aspartate, aligning with conventional fitting and observations from prolonged visual stimulation. We demonstrate that lactate dynamics in response to a prolonged motor task are observed using short-echo time semi-LASER at 3 Tesla, and that direct linear modelling of fMRS data is a useful complement to conventional analysis. Future work includes mitigating spectral confounds, such as scalp lipid contamination and lineshape drift, and further validation of our novel direct linear modelling approach through experimental and simulated datasets.
Petalidium hoarusibense (Acanthaceae), a new species from Namibia
Authors: SWANEPOEL WESSEL , WYK ABRAHAM E. VAN
Published: January 2025

Petalidium hoarusibense, hitherto misidentified as P. rossmannianum and P. ohopohense, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the area to the south and southeast of Okandjombo in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows on arid hillsides and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. hoarusibense include the pale grey appearance of the plants, single or multi-stemmed from a thick rootstock, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of short dendritic, simple and bifurcate trichomes appearing matted, flowers borne in short, few-flowered dichasia, and bracteoles narrowly ovate or elliptic, deeply concave, appearing cobwebbed due to a mixture of loosely entangled long simple and dendritic trichomes. The flowers of P. hoarusibense are distinctive in having the lobes magenta with the anterior lobe sometimes slightly lighter shaded than the others and with two separate narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. hoarusibense from P. kaokoense, its closest relative in appearance, as well as from P. ohopohense, P. rossmannianum, P. sesfonteinense, and P. welwitschii, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU) is recommended for the new species.
Machine Learning for Explanation of Subgrid Convective Precipitation: A Case Study over CONUS Using a Convection-Allowing Model and SHAP Analysis
Authors: Kang Hyoungseok , Ebtehaj Ardeshir
Published: January 2025

Understanding the role of dynamic, thermodynamic, and cloud microphysical parameters governing the occurrence and magnitude of convective precipitation at subgrid scales is crucial for reducing uncertainties in extreme precipitation properties projected by global climate models. This study evaluates the efficacy of extreme gradient boosting decision trees in detecting subgrid convective precipitation features (CPFs) and estimating their extent using convection-allowing simulations based on observations across the contiguous United States (CONUS). Our annual analysis reveals that despite the imbalanced nature of detecting subgrid CPFs, the model achieves an 85% F1 score using key CPF predictors at 100-km grids. Performance metrics for CPF detection and extent estimation show significant seasonal variations corresponding to mesoscale environmental conditions influencing their space–time dynamics. Shapley values from the model indicate that cloud liquid and ice water content are primary predictors in CPF detection, while midlevel vorticity induced by convective heating profiles predominantly influences CPF extent estimation.

Significance Statement

Understanding future changes in precipitation extremes requires a grasp of small-scale convective processes, which global circulation models currently cannot explain. This study aims to enhance our understanding of where, when, and to what extent machine learning can characterize the occurrence and extent of convective precipitation features. Learning from convective-enabled simulations and ground-based radar data over the contiguous United States, the findings demonstrate that extreme gradient-boosted decision trees can effectively capture these features and explain the relative importance of cloud microphysics, thermodynamics, and dynamic environmental forces that drive the space–time variability of convective precipitation.
The Biennial ENSO in the ACCESS-CM2 Due to a Weakened Atmospheric Bjerknes Feedback in May–June
Authors: Sullivan Arnold , McGregor Shayne , Planton Yann , Zhong Wenxiu , Marsland Simon , Rashid Harun A. , Li Ziguang , Geng Tao
Published: January 2025

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a significant interannual phenomenon that occurs every 2–7 years in the tropical Pacific and has global climate impacts linked to natural disasters. Understanding and accurately modeling ENSO dynamics are crucial for predicting its climate impacts and for understanding the characteristics of ENSO itself, such as amplitude, periodicity, and spatial pattern. However, in the latest version of the Australian global climate model ACCESS-CM2 (CM2), the simulated ENSO mainly displays quasi-biennial oscillations (around 2–2.5 years) instead of the observed more irregular 2–7-yr cycles. Our analysis shows that the observed moderate coupling between anomalous western Pacific winds and eastern Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) in May–June is absent in this model. Furthermore, introducing this absence of May–June atmospheric Bjerknes (BJ) feedback in a simple conceptual model of ENSO shifts the ENSO cycle from about 4 years to approximately 2 years, consistent with that simulated in CM2. Subsequently, we conducted a series of idealized atmospheric general circulation model experiments to understand this weakening phenomenon in CM2. The findings demonstrate that the weakening of the May–June air–sea interaction is mainly associated with the representation of SST anomalies in CM2 rather than the simulated mean state bias of the model. This also suggests that biases in CM2’s representation of the mean state did not directly impact this weakening of BJ feedback. However, they may play a role in developing SST anomaly biases.

Significance Statement

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a critical climate pattern affecting global weather. The ACCESS-CM2 model shows ENSO happening more regularly than observed, missing some important features. Specifically, the model fails to replicate the link between Pacific winds and sea temperatures during May and June. To understand this, we ran experiments focusing on these discrepancies. Our results indicate that the model’s issue during May–June is mainly due to anomalous sea temperature structure rather than other climate factors. This highlights the importance of accurately modeling sea temperature changes to predict ENSO and its global impacts.
The Impact of Missing Data on Parameter Estimation: Three Examples in Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Loken Eric
Published: January 2025

In computerized adaptive testing (CAT), examinees see items targeted to their ability level. Postoperational data have a high degree of missing information relative to designs where everyone answers all questions. Item responses are observed over a restricted range of abilities, reducing item-total score correlations. However, if the adaptive item selection depends only on observed responses, the data are missing at random (MAR). We simulated data from three different testing designs (common items, randomly selected items, and CAT) and found that it was possible to re-estimate both person and item parameters from postoperational CAT data. In a multidimensional CAT, we show that it is necessary to include all responses from the testing phase to avoid violating missing data assumptions. We also observed that some CAT designs produced “reversals” where item discriminations became negative causing dramatic under and over-estimation of abilities. Our results apply to situations where researchers work with data drawn from adaptive testing or from instructional tools with adaptive delivery. To avoid bias, researchers must make sure they use all the data necessary to meet the MAR assumptions.
Evaluating LSTM and NARX neural networks for wind speed forecasting and energy optimization in Tetouan, Northern Morocco
Authors: Masmoudi Wissal , Djebli Abdelouahed , Moussaoui Faouzi
Published: January 2025

Generating electricity from renewable sources is crucial for advancing toward a low-carbon economy, with wind power playing a significant role. Effective wind energy management is essential for meeting societal needs and protecting the environment. This study aims to optimize wind power production by improving the accuracy of wind speed predictions. Building on previous research comparing MLP, NARX, and Elman models for Tetouan City, we introduce a novel comparison between the nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous inputs (NARX) model and the long short-term memory (LSTM) network. Utilizing MATLAB, we analyzed 12 years of meteorological data from Tetouan City to determine which model provides the most accurate predictions. Our results reveal that the LSTM model significantly outperforms the NARX model, achieving lower values for mean absolute error (MAE = 0.18855), mean squared error (MSE = 0.0666), and root mean squared error (RMSE = 0.25808). This demonstrates the LSTM network's superior capability to handle complex, long-term wind speed data. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing wind energy management in Tetouan City and similar regions, highlighting the LSTM model's potential for improving energy optimization and efficiency.
Global Burden of Otitis Media Attributable to Secondhand Smoke in 204 Countries and Territories from 1990 to 2019: The Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Liu Shuhan , Wang Sirui , Fan Xiaofeng , Tang Wei , Cheng Yongran , Sun Yu , Shi Wendi , Dai Lili
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a major public health concern. In this study, we evaluated the global burden of otitis media (OM) due to SHS exposure during 1990-2019 and explored the impact of socioeconomic factors on it.

Methods:

With reference to the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data, we assessed the OM burden linked to SHS during 1990-2019, stratified by gender, GBD region, and country. Join-point regression models analyzed trends in OM burden by calculating the average annual percent change (AAPC). Spearman’s correlation examined the relationship between the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) index, and SHS-related OM burden.

Results:

During 1990-2019, age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (ASDRs) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) for OM due to SHS declined globally, with AAPCs of −1.45 for ASDR and −7.97 for ASMR. Significant declines in ASMR were noted in low-to-middle SDI regions. Regionally, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest OM-related deaths, while South Asia had the highest disability-adjusted life years. OM burden decreased with higher SDI and HAQ.

Conclusion:

Despite global declines, significant regional and national disparities remained, which emphasizes the need for targeted interventions.
Comparison of the effects of low temperature austempering (LTA), quenching & partitioning (Q&P) and quenching & tempering (Q&T) processes on wear performance in high silicon cast steel
Authors: Nalcaci Burak , Yilmaz Tolga , Okur Onur , Gural Ahmet , Erdogan Mehmet
Published: January 2025

The present study was undertaken to investigate the wear performance of Low Temperature Austempering (LTA), Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) and Quenching and Tempering (Q&T) processes in high silicon cast steel. With this object, the high silicon cast steel samples were produced by casting sand mold in a Y block shape and subsequently normalized at 910 °C. Within the scope of heat treatment studies, the samples were austenitized at 900 °C for 30 min, and the first batch of samples was austempered in a salt bath at 280 °C for 120 min for low temperature austempering process. After austenitizing at the same conditions, the second batch of samples was exposed to oil quenching at 180 °C for 10 min followed by partitioning at 280 °C in a salt bath for 110 min to keep applied heat treatment time the same. As Quenching and Tempering process is frequently used when the wear properties comes, as a benchmark group third batch samples were quenched in oil at room temperature for a few minutes and tempered at 280 °C for 120 min. In the characterization studies, ball on disc tribometer, hardness test, XRD analysis, optical microscope, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and optical profilometer were utilized. The findings of this study indicated that while austempered samples consisted of carbide free bainitic structure (CFB), the samples went through a Q&P process included tempered martensite as well as CFB structure. The third group samples quenched and tempered contained tempered martensite. The lowest amount of austenite was determined in the Q&T process with about 11%, while approximately 17% volume austenite was determined in both Q&P and LTA processes. In general, both LTA and Q&P processes considerably increased the wear performance compared to the normalized condition and Q&P process is superior to LTA process and is a very competitive option in terms of wear resistance against Q&T process.
Influence of aging heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of CuAl9Ni3Fe3 bronze
Authors: Marković Ivana , Banković Marko , Manasijević Dragan , Balanović Ljubiša , Petrović Jasmina
Published: January 2025

The influence of solution and aging treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a low nickel/iron CuAl9Ni3Fe3 alloy were studied using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and measuring hardness, tensile strength, elongation, and microhardness of the main phases. The alloy exhibits a complex microstructure, consisting of a mixture of the different κ precipitates distributed in α or β/β’ phases, which was significantly dependent on conducted heat treatments. After optimal heat treatment (quenching from 900°C/1 h; aging at 400°C/1 h), the hardness and tensile strength significantly increased compared to an as-cast alloy of approximately 60% and 110%, respectively. The excellent mechanical properties are attributed to the precipitation of the nano κ phase from β’ martensite matrix during aging.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for non-motor symptoms among patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Zhaoquan , Tan Weiqiang , Ran Xiaoke , Yan Mingyue , Xie Fengxi
Published: January 2025

Objective

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Data sources

A systematic search was performed across several databases, including the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Web of Science, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Wanfang databases up to 1 December 2025. Studies considered for inclusion comprised randomised controlled trials and pre–post control studies.

Review methods

The authors conducted the data extraction and literature screening procedures independently. The selected studies’ quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias technique. Review Manager 5.3 was used to conduct meta-analyses, while Stata 15.0 was utilised for sensitivity analysis and to assess publication bias.

Results

Sixteen studies with a total of 1324 individuals satisfied the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta-analysis showed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly improved scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale compared with baseline (both p < 0.05). Additionally, improvements were observed in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination, Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Kubota's Drinking Water Test and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III. Improvements in sleep efficiency and extension of total sleep time were also noted compared with controls (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively alleviates non-motor symptoms such as anxiety, depression, cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, and swallowing dysfunction, as well as improving motor function in Parkinson's disease patients. Since the hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol had significant differences between studies, further prospective randomised controlled trials with rigorous methodology are needed.
Associations between paraoxonase-1 activity and therapeutic drug monitoring indicators in schizophrenia patients treated with olanzapine: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Tzu-Hua , Hu Shu-Chin , Sylfa Nailis , Liao Jiahn-Haur , Raza Ahmad , Chen Bi-Li , Chen Chun-Hsin , Lu Mong-Liang
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) indicators have been suggested to predict overall outcome responses to olanzapine (OLZ) treatments in terms of efficacy and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate whether paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity can be used to predict schizophrenia patient outcomes.

Methods:

Schizophrenic patients ( N = 50) aged between 20 and 65 years who received OLZ treatment were recruited, and their Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores, PON-1 activity, and olanzapine drug levels normalized by dose (OLZ/D) and its metabolite N-desmethyl-olanzapine (DMO), together with biochemical parameters, were determined.

Results:

PON-1 activity and OLZ/D were significantly correlated in 50 patients (correlation coefficient, r = 0.355; p = 0.0115). There was also a statistically significant correlation between the ratio of PON-1 activity normalized by homocysteine (Hcy) and OLZ/D (correlation coefficient r = 0.361; p = 0.01) and a significant negative correlation between the ratio of PON-1 activity normalized by Hcy and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL; correlation coefficient r = −0.328; p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

PON-1 activity can be used as an alternative tool for monitoring TDM through the measurement of OLZ together with its metabolite, DMO, to identify patients who have higher activity. Those who show an optimal response or who have lower activity might have greater cardiometabolic risk under long-term olanzapine treatment. Longitudinal monitoring is warranted to confirm such observations.
Intra-articular Injections of CXCR4-Overexpressing Human Cartilage–Derived Progenitor Cells Improve Meniscus Healing and Protect Against Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis in Immunocompetent Rabbits
Authors: Trivedi Jay , Desai Salomi , Molino Janine , Owens Brett D. , Jayasuriya Chathuraka T.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Meniscal injuries that fail to heal instigate catabolic changes in the knee's microenvironment, posing a high risk for developing posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Previous research has suggested that human cartilage–derived progenitor cells (hCPCs) can stimulate meniscal repair in a manner that depends on stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1) pathway activity.

Hypothesis:

Overexpressing the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4 in hCPCs will increase cell trafficking and further improve the repair efficacy of meniscal injuries.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

hCPCs were genetically modified to overexpress CXCR4 (CXCR4-overexpressing [OE] hCPCs) using lentivirus. In vitro characterization was performed using cell viability assay, cell migration assay, and immunoblotting. These cells were then used to treat a meniscal injury in rabbits. A medial meniscal tear was surgically created in the right knees of New Zealand White rabbits, followed by 2 intra-articular injections (5.0 × 106 cells each) of either CXCR4-OE hCPCs, wild-type hCPCs, or saline alone. A histological assessment of menisci and cartilage was performed using safranin O/fast green staining. Joints were assessed for PTOA changes using the modified Osteoarthritis Research Society International scoring system. Fluorescence imaging and DNA analysis were performed to examine tissue for human cells.

Results:

SDF-1 inhibited NF-κB and ERK pathways in both wild-type and CXCR4-OE hCPCs. CXCR4 overexpression increased hCPC trafficking toward sources of SDF-1, including injured meniscal fibrocartilage and an SDF-1–presoaked collagen scaffold. Intra-articular injections of CXCR4-OE hCPCs significantly improved meniscus healing, as evidenced by the complete absence of tears in 5 of 6 (83%) animals that received CXCR4-OE hCPCs compared with only 3 of 6 (50%) wild-type hCPC–treated animals and 2 of 6 (33%) animals in the saline control group. CXCR4-OE hCPC–treated animals also showed significantly less erosion in their knee cartilage compared with control animals.

Conclusion:

Overall, CXCR4 overexpression inhibited catabolic pathway signaling in hCPCs and increased cell migration. Evidence suggests that intra-articular injections of these cells into the injured knee allow them to home in on sites of fibrocartilage injuries and ultimately result in meniscal tear healing and PTOA inhibition in immunocompetent animals.

Clinical Relevance:

This study demonstrated that cartilage progenitors with elevated CXCR4 expression have the potential to be a potent therapeutic tool for stimulating meniscal tear healing.
Nexuses of performativity: Systemic generalities, infrastructures and practical ontologies
Authors: Gahrn-Andersen Rasmus
Published: January 2025

Proponents of the performative idiom in science and technology studies (STS) take performances to be constitutive of human-technology relations. They challenge realist and humanist positions by emphasizing practical ontologies that also recognize the agency of non-human actors. This paper advances the performative agenda by introducing a novel analytical distinction between ‘systemic generalities’ and ‘systemic particularities’ in practical assemblages. Systemic generalities denote consistent patterns or characteristics, while systemic particularities refer to unique or contingent aspects. Through an exploration of a case study on infrastructure systems, the paper highlights the significance of systemic generalities to performativist STS and how infrastructures can be seen as nexuses of performativity rather than as contingent conjunctions.
Transforming Arts Education in Digital Environments: Quasi-Experimental Study of the Impact of Game-Based Learning on Art Knowledge and Interest
Authors: Mohd Bakhir Norfarizah , Zhou SiBo , Chen Shu , Tianlong Zhou
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effectiveness of digital games in arts education for learning art knowledge and enhancing art interest. Art knowledge includes the topics of art history, production, esthetics, and art criticism. A quasi-experimental approach was used in this study. A 1-month course on arts education digital games was conducted with 40 participants using digital games for the experimental group and traditional instruction for the control group. The pretest and posttest scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics, significance testing, and variance analyses. It was found that arts education digital games were effective for enhancing art knowledge and interest. In addition, study fills a gap in digital game base learning, namely, empirical research on the learning effectiveness of visual arts education in digital games. This study highlights the learning interest and efficiency of learning in digital game-based art learning.
Synergy of environmental information disclosure in China: Effects on carbon reduction and quality improvement
Authors: Feng Yanchao , Shi Ke , Liang Zhou , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: January 2025

This research takes the pollution information transparency index as a quasi-natural experiment, and empirically tests the impacts of the environmental information disclosure（EID） policy on carbon intensity and carbon productivity at the city level by using the difference-in-differences(DID) model and its derivative models, using the pilot policy of urban pollution source regulatory information disclosure. The findings are as follows: Firstly, EID has a prominent inhibition effect on carbon intensity and a significant improvement effect on carbon productivity, which is still robust under multiple scenarios. Secondly, considering the possible differential effects of EID on carbon intensity and carbon productivity between the pilot and non-pilot cities, the spatial double-difference approach is constructed to further analyze the local effect and spillover effect. The result indicates that EID has a direct inhibition effect on carbon intensity in local pilot cities and a spatial negative spillover effect on it in non-pilot cities. Thirdly, heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the effect of EID is more significant in the eastern and central cities, large and medium cities, and non-resource cities. Thus, this paper puts forward the policy recommendations including gradually increasing the number and improving the content of pilot cities to enhance the spatial spillover effect, building a cross-level environmental collaborative governance mechanism to achieve diverse participation, leadership and demonstration, encouraging positive interaction of urban environmental governance at different levels, and making further classification guidance and policies to promote carbon reduction and quality enhancement.
Eugene Hertoghe (1860–1928): Pioneer in endocrinology and the treatment of hypothyroidism
Authors: Tekiner Halil , Yale Eileen S. , Yale Steven H.
Published: January 2025

Eugène Hertoghe (1860–1928), a Belgian internist and former vice-president of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Belgium, made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of chronic hypothyroidism. He provided a detailed clinical description of the condition, emphasizing its multisystemic manifestations and hereditary aspects. Hertoghe also documented the therapeutic use of thyroid extract, reporting its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of hypothyroidism. Among his contributions, he described the “Hertoghe sign,” a rare clinical feature characterized by the loss of the outer third of the eyebrows, commonly associated with myxoedema, as well as with cases of toxic poisoning, infections, and atopic dermatitis.
Child Maltreatment Profiles of Finnish Parents and Their Association With Parental Burnout During COVID-19-Lockdown
Authors: Kytölä Jenna , Kosonen Riikka , Aunola Kaisa , Muotka Joona , Sorkkila Matilda
Published: January 2025

Although it has been proposed that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of parental burnout and child maltreatment in families, parent-reported empirical evidence is scarce. Furthermore, it is unknown whether different profiles of maltreatment can be identified among parents based on physical violence, emotional violence, and neglect, and how these profiles differ based on family-related background variables. We adopted a person-oriented approach and examined maltreatment profiles of Finnish parents and their association with parental burnout and different background variables. The participants were 967 Finnish parents (88% mothers) who filled in a questionnaire during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Spring of 2020. The data were analyzed using k-means cluster analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and multinominal regression. We found four different profiles: no maltreatment (67.4%), emotional maltreatment (21.3%), neglectful maltreatment (7.3%), and diverse maltreatment (3.9%). Parental burnout was associated with all maltreatment profiles. Furthermore, parents’ low education level as well as children's young age and the high number of boys in the family were associated with maltreatment profiles. More than one third of the parents used some form of maltreatment during the COVID lockdown, emotional maltreatment being the most common profile. From a prevention point of view, it is important to identify those parents who are at risk for burnout and offer early educational and practical support particularly for families with young children.
Assessment of Mitigation of Human–Elephant Conflict in the Highlands of Northwest Namibia
Authors: Wenborn Michael J. , Katjimbari Rakotoka , Tjiseua Jacob , Muheue Kuzakondua , Tjimuine Uaakojaa , Muundjua Sam Tjituhaa , Svensson Magdalena S. , Nijman Vincent
Published: January 2025

In the remote, semi-desert landscape of the highlands, west of Etosha National Park, competition between humans and elephants for natural resources is likely to increase because of climate change. The aim of this study was to assess priorities and measures to reduce human–elephant conflict in the highlands, and identify lessons learnt. The approach included interviews with community game guards, site visits to water points and analysis of data recorded by game guards on incidents of elephant damage. We conclude that upgrades to water points, including protection walls, concrete dams and solar pumps to ensure water is permanently available for people and elephants, are having a positive impact. Local feedback is that there has been a decrease in serious damage to water points over the last 5–10 years. There has been an increase in small-scale vegetable gardens and we recommend a programme of pilot projects to test protection measures at gardens.