bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Using Venn Diagrams and Fishbone Technique in Enhancing the Performance Level of Grade VI Students in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao for the School Year 2023-2024"
Authors: Tiburcio Cesar A.
Published: February 2025

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using Venn Diagrams and the Fishbone Technique in enhancing the performance level of Grade VI students in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP) during the school year 2023-2024. Conducted at Sto. Tomas Elementary School, Subic, Zambales, the research involved 25 Grade VI students (12 males and 13 females) as respondents. The study aimed to determine the students' performance levels before and after the implementation of these tools and to identify observable changes in their performance. Data were gathered through pre-tests, post-tests, and group activities, which were analyzed using frequency distribution, scoring rubrics, and a comparison of means and standard deviations. Results revealed that the students' performance was average before using the tools but significantly improved to an excellent level after their implementation. The Venn Diagram and Fishbone Technique facilitated deeper understanding and meaningful learning among students, confirming their effectiveness in ESP lessons. The findings highlighted the importance of systematic presentation and alignment of teaching tools with learning competencies. Further research is recommended to explore the broader applicability of these techniques in other subject areas.
Comparison of Noncontrast Computed Tomography, Multiphase Computed Tomography Angiography, and Computed Tomography Perfusion to Assess Infarct Growth Rate in Acute Stroke
Authors: Pensato Umberto , Bosshart Salome L. , Stebner Alexander , Dowlatshahi Dar , Bang Oh Young , Sahlas Demetrios J. , Field Thalia S. , Puetz Volker , Buck Brian H. , Hill Michael D. , Goyal Mayank , Demchuk Andrew M. , Ospel Johanna M.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Infarct growth rate is remarkably heterogeneous in acute ischemic stroke, reflecting diverse clinical-physiological phenotypes. We compared different methods of estimating infarct growth rate in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing thrombectomy using multimodal computed tomography (CT) stroke imaging.

METHODS:

Secondary analysis of the international ESCAPE-NA1 trial (Efficacy and Safety of Nerinetide for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke) which evaluated the effect of nerinetide in patients with large vessel occlusion undergoing thrombectomy. Infarct growth rate was estimated leveraging each component of multimodal stroke CT imaging: (1) 10 minus baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) divided by hours elapsed from symptom onset on noncontrast CT (ASPECTS decay per hour); (2) collateral status on multiphase CT angiography (mCTA), and (3) hypoperfusion intensity ratio on CT perfusion. Patients were dichotomized into intermediate and slow progressors (since fast progressors were likely to be excluded from ESCAPE-NA1 based on trial enrollment criteria) according to median ASPECTS decay, presence of good versus moderate/poor mCTA collaterals, and median hypoperfusion intensity ratio, respectively. Associations between progressor phenotypes and 90-day modified Rankin Scale score were assessed across neuroimaging modalities using adjusted logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS:

Among 1105 patients enrolled in ESCAPE-NA1 between 2017 and 2019, 619 (56.0%) were assessed for progressor phenotypes using noncontrast CT, 1084 (98.1%) with mCTA, and 415 (37.6%) with CT perfusion. Median ASPECTS decay per hour was 1.05 (interquartile range, 0.05–1.85), 188/1084 (17%) patients had good collateral status on mCTA, and the median hypoperfusion intensity ratio was 0.44 (interquartile range, 0.28–0.59). Intermediate progressors showed worse functional outcomes compared with slow progressors only in CT perfusion strata: adjusted common odds ratio for modified Rankin Scale ordinal shift analysis of 1.69 (95% CI, 1.14–2.49). No significant association between progressor phenotypes and 90-day modified Rankin Scale was seen when the noncontrast CT and the mCTA approaches were used.

CONCLUSIONS:

Stroke progressor phenotypes based on CT perfusion criteria (using the hypoperfusion intensity ratio approach) were associated with clinical outcomes, while stroke progressor phenotypes based on noncontrast CT (ASPECTS decay) and mCTA (collateral status) criteria were not.
Three-Dimensional Curvature of the Cervical Carotid Artery Predicts Long-Term Neurovascular Risk in Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Authors: Lee Jin Vivian , Huguenard Anna L. , Braverman Alan C. , Dacey Ralph G. , Osbun Joshua W.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Although the relationship between cervical carotid tortuosity and cardiovascular risk in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome has been studied, it is unclear whether cervical carotid tortuosity influences the risk of neurovascular events.

METHODS:

This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study. Cervical carotid tortuosity and morphology were assessed in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome who underwent baseline computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical and cerebral arteries from 2010 to 2022. The primary end point was a composite of adverse neurovascular events (multiple vessel cervical artery dissection, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and any neurovascular intervention) at 5- and 10-year follow-ups. Independent risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Single-variable predictors of 5- and 10-year outcomes were analyzed via receiver operating curve analyses. Cutoff values were determined per the Youden J index. Stratification analyses were performed for ages <60 and ≥60 years.

RESULTS:

Of 105 eligible participants, 63 were included (mean age, 40±17 years; 52% female). During a mean follow-up of 8.7±4.1 years, 23 (37%) developed an adverse neurovascular event. Five-year follow-up was achieved in 86% and 10-year follow-up in 48%. Carotid total absolute curvature (TAC;
P
=0.008), coiling morphology (
P
=0.012), and
TGFBR1/2
genetic variant (
P
=0.037) were independently associated with 5-year events. Stratification analyses revealed that the age group <60 years was more vulnerable to high TAC (unadjusted odds ratio, 7.2 [95% CI, 2.0–25.4];
P
=0.002). Baseline TAC was the only independent predictor of adverse events at 5 years (area under the curve, 0.84;
P
<0.001) and 10 years (area under the curve, 0.75;
P
=0.007) in this age group. An optimal threshold for predicting neurovascular events was TAC ≥16.5. None were predictive in the age group ≥60 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cervical carotid tortuosity is associated with a long-term increased risk of neurovascular events in Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Angiographic findings of high-risk features such as increased TAC and coiling morphology may help to identify neurovascular vulnerability noninvasively at an early stage.
A taxonomic review of the newly recorded genus Cyanotiphia Cameron, 1907 (Hymenoptera, Tiphiidae, Tiphiinae) from China, with a key to all known species
Authors: FENG ZIYAN , CHEN BIN , LI TINGJING
Published: February 2025

In this study, the genus Cyanotiphia Cameron, 1907 of the subfamily Tiphiinae is newly recorded from China and reviewed. One new species named C. breviclypeola Feng, Chen & Li, sp. nov. from Chongqing (China) is described and illustrated in detail, and C. fenchihuensis (Tsuneki, 1986), comb. nov. (China: Taiwan and Guangdong) is transferred from Tiphia (Punctotiphia). An original key to all the known species of the genus is given.
Hidden goby diversity of the Western Indian Ocean region: Glossogobius laticeps (De Vis, 1884) (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
Authors: ZAREI FATAH , ESMAEILI HAMID REZA , SAYYADZADEH GOLNAZ , MASOUMI AMIR HASSAN , HASHEMI SEYED HASSAN
Published: February 2025

The genus Glossogobius encompasses 42 recognized species, predominantly found in fresh- and estuarine waters of the tropical West Pacific, while the Indian Ocean region hosts nine species. This study presents the first detailed morphological and genetic documentation of Glossogobius laticeps (Gobiidae) in the western Indian Ocean region, based on specimens collected from the Gabrik River in the Makran basin of the Gulf of Oman, southern Iran. This marks the third recorded locality for this species in the Indian Ocean region, following two prior records from Bangladesh. It also signifies a new addition to the freshwater ichthyofauna of Iran. We provide a morphological assessment of genotyped voucher specimens, accompanied by comprehensive descriptive information.
1. Introduction to phenomenography and the aims of this book
Authors: S. Åkerlind Gerlese
Published: February 2025

In this first chapter, in addition to introducing phenomenography and describing my purposes and perspectives in writing this book, I attempt to position myself within the methodological tradition and explain what attracts me to phenomenography at a personal level. I also highlight the extent to which phenomenography has changed over time, and how phenomenography of the 21st century is not the same as phenomenography of the 1970s–1990s.
3. Variation in understandings of phenomenography
Authors: S. Åkerlind Gerlese
Published: February 2025

In Chapter 3, I turn phenomenography on itself as a learning tool. Phenomenographic research initially developed with the aim of delineating qualitative variation in ways of understanding a phenomenon, with the intention of using that variation to identify what it is that learners need to become aware of about the phenomenon to develop a sophisticated understanding of it. So, conducting a phenomenographic study of variation in understandings of phenomenography, which can then be used to improve ways of learning about the methodology and the sophistication of our collective understanding of phenomenography, seems a logical thing to do. In this chapter, I describe five qualitatively different ways of understanding phenomenography, and the relationships between them, based on a survey of researchers that I conducted in 2018–2019.
Foreword
Authors: Ashwin Paul
Published: February 2025

This foreword highlights the significance of Gerlese Åkerlind’s book as a definitive text on phenomenography, offering invaluable insights for both novice and experienced researchers. The author reflects on their personal journey with phenomenography, emphasizing its power to explore variations in human experience. The book is praised for its clarity, precision, and inclusive tone, making complex concepts accessible while maintaining analytical depth. It underscores phenomenography’s relevance in addressing global challenges by fostering diverse perspectives in decision-making. Ultimately, the book is seen as a catalyst for expanding the field’s impact and inspiring future research.
A review of the applications of natural FRCM composites
Authors: Agossou Oladikpo Gatien , Homoro Omayma , Amziane Sofiane
Published: February 2025

The vulnerability of structures remains a major concern for various stakeholders, from engineers to users. High strength composite materials have been developed to improve the mechanical performance of existing and new structures. Initially, Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP), generally based on carbon fibres, were used. However, due to their many limitations, fabric reinforced mineral matrix composites, also known as Textile Reinforced Mortars (TRM), were developed. These materials, also known as Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) or Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM), have been investigated as a promising alternative to FRP for the reinforcement of substrates such as concrete and masonry. Mineral matrix composites offer improved substrate compatibility, enhanced mechanical performance at elevated temperatures and reduced construction material costs compared to FRP. In addition, the use of natural fibres (flax, hemp, jute, sisal) in mineral matrices has grown rapidly due to their mechanical properties and lower environmental impact. This paper reviews the use of natural FRCM in the strengthening of structures and in new construction projects, focusing on their mechanical response, bonding to substrates and different strengthening techniques (flexural, shear, confinement). Key parameters influencing the effectiveness of these systems are described in order to optimise future work. The article also compares the advantages of synthetic and natural FRCM and highlights their limitations. While the scientific literature contains studies on the development of natural FRCM, further research is needed to better understand the impact of various parameters on their effectiveness, the durability of the strengthening system and the influence of high temperatures.
Cain finds his voice
Authors: Walker Graham B.
Published: February 2025

Anger is one of humanity’s most vexing problems. The ancient Greek and Roman philosophers struggled with how to constrain and control outbreaks of violence in their communities that bubbled up from feelings of anger, payback, and revenge. The Jewish tradition names the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 as ground zero, the scene of the crime, for its investigation of the violence within. This article returns to the Ancient Hebrew crime scene to reinterrogate the participants, Cain, Abel, and God, with the helpful guidance of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. Drawing on insights from the Talmud and the Ancient Greek rhetorical tradition, one finds God and Cain entangled in character development as a result of Abel’s murder. Neither the Greek nor Jewish tradition concocts an elixir that extinguishes the fires of anger; in collaboration, however, the two traditions establish a potential fire line of control against a community-destroying rage. If, as a prayer, humanity finds the voice to argue with God, a momentary space between personal injury and a more measured response may emerge.
Why Public Scholarship Needs Research on Religion for Religious Leaders: H. Paul Douglass Lecture, Religious Research Association
Authors: Ecklund Elaine Howard
Published: February 2025

This H. Paul Douglass lecture discusses the critical importance of translating academic research on religion for religious leaders and communities. Over two decades of experience engaging with religious leaders has demonstrated their significant influence on social life, with nearly half of U.S. adults attending religious services monthly. Religious leaders shape their communities’ responses to crucial issues including environmental concerns, racial justice, mental health, and social crises. The lecture argues that public scholarship for religious leaders serves multiple purposes: it democratizes knowledge, enhances academic research quality, and bridges gaps between academic and religious communities. Key strategies for effective engagement include being reflective about one’s positionality, creating “neutral third spaces” for dialogue, managing power dynamics thoughtfully, and building authentic relationships. The benefits of such engagement include broader research dissemination, clearer communication of findings, and more relevant research questions. However, challenges exist, such as potential gatekeeping by religious leaders and the need to maintain academic integrity while building trust. The lecture concludes that despite these challenges, engaging religious leaders with academic research enriches both scholarly work and religious communities, while promoting more informed dialogue on pressing societal issues.
Spatial comparison of disappearance and scintillation phenomena using a single-unit scintillating grid illusion
Authors: Mori Masaki , Sushida Takamichi , Kondo Shintaro
Published: February 2025

The scintillating grid illusion induces the phenomena of disappearance and scintillation. However, it is unclear in which peripheral region these phenomena occur. This study aimed to investigate the spatial properties of disappearance and scintillation phenomena in the scintillating grid illusion. In Experiment 1, participants binocularly observed a single-unit scintillating grid illusion and responded whether a white disk and illusory blackness were perceived. As a result, the perceptual region of the white disk was larger in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, as well as the perceptual region of the illusory blackness. This result indicates that both perceptual regions have spatial anisotropy. In Experiment 2, the same task as in Experiment 1 was performed with monocular viewing. The results did not exactly reject spatial anisotropy in monocular vision, regardless of the perceptual regions. This study may contribute to understanding how disappearance and scintillation phenomena coexist in the scintillating grid illusion.
Natural Disasters, Principled Humanitarianism, and the Prospects for a New Solidarism in International Solidarity
Authors: Ruacan Ipek Zeynep
Published: February 2025

This is an inquiry into natural disasters with insights from disaster diplomacy and the English School theory, departing from a debate sparked by France’s call to invoke the R2P in 2008 when Myanmar (Burma) refused to accept international aid following Cyclone Nargis. This call was perceived as turning disasters into a tool of Western interventionism and a new doctrine, the Responsibility to PROVIDE emerged which re-affirmed the consensual nature of disaster assistance. But the debate on coercive humanitarian assistance continues and my contribution links consensual versus coercive disaster response to pluralist and solidarist conceptions of international society, and then points to a new disaster solidarism emerging through (i) Resolution 2165 which authorized coercive aid delivery into Syria and constituted a significant step in the rejection of “apolitical humanitarianism”; (ii) draft articles of the International Law Commission that mention a “duty” to accept disaster aid; (iii) a new transboundary approach to disasters in the UN Sendai Framework; and (iv) robust new climate-disaster projections by climate scientists enabled by artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Black Marxism and the English working class
Authors: Cardwell Emma
Published: February 2025

This article engages with the theoretical contributions of Cedric Robinson’s book Black Marxism by arguing that racialised differentiation played an important role in capitalism’s emergence in England. Drawing on the methodologies of critical historiography used by Robinson in Black Marxism, the author discusses how the medieval social order in England was marked by both colonialism and racialism, and the dynamics of these fundamentally influenced the development of agrarian capitalism. She argues that in the context of developments in English historical knowledge since Black Marxism was published, fresh applications of Robinson’s theoretical and methodological approach to English historiography give important new insights into the emergence of capitalist social relations. For, as Robinson points out, the destruction of the past and the rewriting of history is a fundamental part of the creation of the other, and the endeavour of racial capitalism. Rescuing history from national myth is an important political and emancipatory act, which Robinson’s approach empowers us to undertake.
Performance and challenges of planetary roller screw mechanism in complex conditions: A comprehensive review of recent progress
Authors: Miao Jiacheng , Tang Rui , Du Xing , Shan Xinping
Published: February 2025

The Planetary Roller Screw Mechanisms (PRSMs), alongside Ball Screw Mechanisms (BSMs) and Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs), occupies a pivotal role in advancing the precision and efficiency of various industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, and high-precision machining tools. Despite their critical advantages such as high load capacity, superior precision, and extended lifespan, the deployment of PRSMs in complex operational conditions reveals a landscape rife with challenges and opportunities for further research. This comprehensive review endeavors to dissect the multifaceted aspects of PRSMs, focusing on their mechanics and dynamics, tribology and thermal behavior, and the paramount importance of reliability and condition monitoring. By synthesizing current research findings, this paper highlights the significant advancements in understanding the static and dynamic characteristics of PRSMs, the intricate interplay between lubrication conditions and wear mechanisms, and the critical role of thermal effects on operational performance. Moreover, it delves into the dynamic models that address the impact of manufacturing imperfections, such as waviness and defects, on the reliability of these mechanisms. Despite the strides made, the review identifies critical gaps in the existing literature, particularly under conditions of extreme temperatures, large deformations, and multifaceted loads, advocating for a holistic approach to research. By proposing integrated thermo-mechanical models and emphasizing the need for empirical validations, this paper outlines a roadmap for future studies aimed at facilitating the development of more robust and reliable PRSMs, capable of meeting the demands of complex operational scenarios and advancing the field of high-precision applications in aerospace, robotics, and beyond.
The impact of white matter brain lesions on processing speed deficits in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Wójcicka-Frankiewicz Anna , Pawlak Mikołaj A , Piernik Maciej , Forycka Maria , Wiłkość-Dębczyńska Monika , Więsik-Szewczyk Ewa , Pawlak-Buś Katarzyna , Leszczyński Piotr , Michalak Sławomir , Wypych Aleksandra , Serafin Zbigniew , Kozubski Wojciech , Kalinowska-Łyszczarz Alicja
Published: February 2025

Background

The mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still not fully understood. Even though many SLE patients present some neurological dysfunction, including various cognitive deficits, neither a specific pattern of cognitive dysfunction nor specific structural changes associated with cognitive impairment in SLE patients have been established. Moreover, although prevalent and bothersome, cognitive deficits have not been included in the most recent SLE diagnostic criteria.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the presence of white matter lesions (WMLs) and cognitive dysfunction in patients diagnosed with SLE.

Research Design

33 SLE patients underwent 3 T brain magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) and an extensive battery of psychological tests, including Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) and the standard pen and paper neuropsychological tests. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence ( N = 15) or absence ( N = 18) of WMLs. Psychometric scores were compared between the two groups.

Results and conclusions

Significant deficits in cognitive functions were observed. Patients with WMLs showed deficits in attention and executive functions, as well as memory deficits in comparison to the group without WMLs. As measured with: STROOP Test (executive function), Color Trail Test (CTT) (attention), Californian Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) (memory), and from ANAM tests with: Procedural Reaction Time (PRT) (attention), Code Substitution Delayed (CS_D) (memory), Spatial Processing (SP) (visuospatial functions), Tower Puzzle (TP) (executive functions), 2 Choice Reaction Time (2CHRT) (attention), Running Memory CPT (RM CPT) (memory), Matching Grids (Mat GR) (visuospatial functions), Go/No _Go inhibition (Go/No_Go Go) (executive functions). Additionally, we analyzed structural volumetric measures derived from a comprehensive segmentation pipeline recon-all using Freesurfer 5.3. Significant differences were identified for the following structures’ volumes: right choroid plexus, left choroid plexus, right lateral ventricle. All these structures had a greater volume in patients with WMLs.
Karl Jarmer (1898–1983): Dentist and first professor of dentistry in Dresden
Authors: Marschner Felix
Published: February 2025

Karl Jarmer was the first professor of dentistry at the Medical Academy in Dresden (Germany). This article chronicles his life, his professional challenges, and the impact of his work, illustrated by theses, articles, books, and original sources from the archives of the Dresden University of Technology's Medical Faculty. His career encompassed a range of experiences, from running a private practice in Stettin to specializing in oral surgery. After serving in the First World War, his academic journey began with the completion of his dental license and doctorate in 1921. Later, he worked at the universities of Greifswald and Kiel before being appointed to the Chair of Dentistry in Dresden in 1954. His appointment triggered a professional rivalry with Johann Alexander Vogelsang, a key figure in Dresden's maxillofacial care, due to conflicting views on academic leadership. Jarmer made significant contributions to the development of dental education in Dresden and played an important role in shaping Dentistry at the young Medical Academy Dresden. Jarmer remained active in academic circles until his retirement in 1963. He died in 1983.
Low-Cost Telerehabilitation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): Overcoming Barriers to Access and Improving Healthcare Delivery
Authors: Surya Nirmal , Someshwar Hitav Pankaj
Published: February 2025

Background

Telerehabilitation (TR) holds promise for addressing healthcare disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to rehabilitation services is often limited due to economic, geographical, and infrastructure barriers. Despite its potential, TR faces unique challenges in LMICs, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited access to affordable devices, and variable internet connectivity.

Objective

This study investigates the feasibility, barriers, and outcomes of implementing low-cost TR interventions in LMICs.

Method

A narrative review was conducted where studies were analyzed for outcomes including cost-effectiveness, patient adherence, and clinical efficacy.

Results

Findings indicate that low-cost TR can significantly improve accessibility to rehabilitation in LMICs, with positive clinical outcomes for patients with stroke, musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic pain. TR led to a 40–60% reduction in travel-related costs for patients, with adherence rates comparable to in-person sessions. However, limited access to reliable internet and devices were major barriers, particularly in rural areas, highlighting a digital divide within LMIC populations. Innovative solutions, such as asynchronous video-based therapy, were found effective in overcoming connectivity challenges.

Conclusion

Low-cost TR is a viable approach to enhancing rehabilitation accessibility in LMICs, offering substantial reductions in cost and travel barriers. Addressing infrastructure challenges through scalable, offline-enabled platforms could enhance TR’s reach and efficacy. Further research is necessary to develop sustainable TR models tailored to the specific needs of LMICs.
Development of an Examiner–Examinee Rapport Scale for Neuropsychological Testing: The Barnett Rapport Questionnaire – 2
Authors: Barnett Michael D. , Moore Jenna M. , Griffin Rebekah A.
Published: February 2025

Rapport in the context of neuropsychological assessment refers to the interpersonal interaction between the examinee and examiner. The purpose of this study was to improve upon the original Barnett Rapport Questionnaire. Participants consisted of college students ( n = 55), middle-aged adults ( n = 30), and older adults ( n = 99) at a university-affiliated neuropsychology clinic, who were administered a brief test battery. After testing, both examinees ( n = 184) and examiners ( n = 12) completed items regarding the nature of the interpersonal interaction. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated a two-factor model consisting of nine items found on both the examinee and examiner versions. No age cohort differences were found on the total Barnett Rapport Questionnaire – 2 (BRQ-2) scores for the examiner or examinee version; however, older adults endorsed the positively worded items more than young adults, and examiners endorsed the negatively worded items more for young adult examinees than for older adult examinees. No differences were found by gender or by race/ethnicity. The BRQ-2 promises better usability and improved psychometric qualities for the measurement of rapport in the context of neuropsychological assessment.
Can the Use of Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content Bridge the Cancer Knowledge Gap? A Longitudinal Study With Health Self-Efficacy as a Mediator and Educational Level as a Moderator
Authors: Xie Zehang , Chen Ru , Ding Wenjuan
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The cancer knowledge gap represents a significant disparity in awareness and understanding of cancer-related information across different demographic groups. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) offers a promising approach to personalize health education and potentially bridge this gap. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of AIGC to bridge the cancer knowledge gap, assessing the roles of health self-efficacy as a mediator and educational level as a moderator in this relationship.

Methods

A 6-month longitudinal study was conducted using online surveys distributed to undergraduate students in non-medical disciplines at one university and graduate students in medical specialties at another university in China. The study assessed the frequency of AIGC use, health self-efficacy, and cancer knowledge at two time points.

Results

The results indicated that AIGC use significantly enhanced cancer knowledge levels and health self-efficacy over time. Educational level notably moderated the effects of AIGC use, with non-medical undergraduate students showing greater gains in knowledge and self-efficacy. Additionally, health self-efficacy mediated the relationship between AIGC use and cancer knowledge, underscoring the importance of health self-efficacy. The study confirms the efficacy of AIGC in narrowing the cancer knowledge gap and enhancing health self-efficacy, particularly among students with lower initial medical knowledge.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential of integrating AIGC tools in cancer education and public health interventions, particularly for individuals at different educational levels. By tailoring digital health resources to varying educational needs, these interventions could enhance cancer knowledge acquisition, improve health self-efficacy, and contribute to better cancer prevention and control outcomes.
Effect of lairage time on stress in dromedary camels “Camelus dromedarius” from the El-Oued region (Algeria) and its impact on meat quality
Authors: Sayah Taha Mansour , Smili Hanane , Hafid Kahina , Miloudi Abdellatif , Maamra Youcef , Sentandreu Miguel Angel , Becila Samira
Published: February 2025

The effect of lairage time on animal stress and its impact on meat quality were evaluated on 14 male dromedaries of the Sahraoui population, raised in the El-Oued region, aged from 12 to 18 months. The animals were divided into two groups according to the lairage time: from 1 to 8 h (G01) and for 48 to 96 h (G02). At the end of the holding period, physiological stress parameters were measured (heart rate, rectal temperature, cortisol, creatine phosphokinase, and glucose levels). Longissimus Lumborum muscle taken at 24 h postmortem was used to assess meat quality parameters (pH, moisture, dry matter and mineral content, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, myoglobin content, myofibrillar fragmentation index and the electrophoretic profiles of myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins). Only cortisol level and pH showed a significant difference between the two groups. Negative correlations were observed between cortisol and both pH and cooking loss. Principal component analysis showed that animals subjected to short-time lairage were characterized by high cortisol and plasma glucose levels and meat with low pH, mineral content, and moisture. The data suggest that controlling the lairage period in terms of duration and conditions is essential for ensuring consistent and high-quality dromedary meat.
Risk Factors for Adverse Cardiac Events in Individuals Prescribed Stimulants Across the Lifespan
Authors: Groff Destin , Tuan Wen-Jan , Holt Kraig , Latronica James R. , Bone Curtis
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Prescription stimulants are an effective FDA approved treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) however their safety has come under scrutiny. Multiple studies demonstrate safe use in pediatric populations, but prescriptions are increasing to adults and it is not evident which comorbidities might place people at risk of adverse outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors of adverse cardiovascular events for individuals exposed to stimulants across the lifespan.

Methods:

We conducted a case control study utilizing the TriNetX research network database. Individuals were included for study if they were younger than 90 years old and prescribed stimulants between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020. We utilized summary statistics, chi2, and multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for cardiovascular events.

Results:

Of the 987,762 individuals prescribed stimulants, 49,902 experienced an adverse cardiovascular event. Individuals with atherosclerotic heart disease had the highest odds of adverse events (aOR = 36.7, p < .001). Hypertension (aOR = 2.78 p < .001), cocaine use (aOR = 1.64 p < .001), and anxiety (aOR = 1.46 p < .001) were also strongly predictive of adverse outcomes, but risk varied by age.

Conclusions:

Atherosclerotic heart disease and its antecedents pose the greatest risk for cardiovascular events for people prescribed stimulants. Mental health diagnoses are also independent predictors and age may be an effect modifier of these relationships. ADHD was not an independent risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events when controlling for other biopsychosocial variables in adult populations. Additional research focused on predictive models and prospective studies may be warranted to better inform clinical decisions regarding stimulant prescriptions for the broad demographic of patients that may benefit from these medications.
The material world of textiles and its nostalgic renderings in Romanian contemporary art
Authors: Asavei Maria Alina
Published: February 2025

Taking its theoretical cues from current memory studies’ engagement with materiality and material culture, this article addresses the nostalgic material world of contemporary textile art in postcommunist Romania. It argues that certain textile art pieces are conducive to various nostalgic renderings of longing for both historical, and mythical (or personal) times and spaces. Two types of art production organize the focus of this article: the first one consists of artistic mnemonic materializations in which the artists employ textiles as the main medium. The second one consists of the artists’ works where the “memory of cloth”—that occasions nostalgia—is enacted in other artistic media. Rendering nostalgia through and about textiles are not approached as separate cultural practices. The two types of artistic production are analyzed in tandem to suggest that there is an interconnectedness between the material and “immaterial” mnemonic threads conducive to nostalgia.
Enlarged perivascular spaces correlate with blood-brain barrier leakage and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wen Chen , Gan Jing-Huan , Liu Shuai , Lu Hao , Wang Li-Chen , Wu Hao , Shi Zhi-Hong , Ji Yong
Published: February 2025

Background

The clinical significance of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) in Alzheimer’ s disease (AD) was ambiguous.

Objective

To investigate whether EPVS contribute to blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage and cognition in AD.

Methods

The study included a total of 64 participants (26 healthy controls and 38 patients with AD). The evaluation of EPVS and BBB permeability was performed in specific anatomical locations: the centrum semiovale (CSO), basal ganglia, and hippocampus. The EPVS ratings were performed according to Potter's instructions. BBB permeability was evaluated using dynamic contrast-enhanced-MRI. The relationship between EPVS and global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment), cognitive subdomains, and BBB permeability were examined in both groups. Finally, the relationship between CSO BBB permeability and cognition in AD patients was investigated.

Results

High-grade CSO EPVS was found associated with AD (OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.11–11.90, p = 0.04). In the AD group, a significant correlation was observed between high-grade CSO EPVS and lower MMSE score (r = −0.36, p = 0.03) and verbal fluency (r = −0.44, p = 0.01). High-grade CSO EPVS positively correlated with BBB leakage (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). The BBB permeability of CSO negatively correlated with verbal fluency (r = −0.52, p < 0.001) and attention (r = −0.40, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

High-grade CSO EPVS is related to BBB leakage, which contributes to cognitive impairment in AD patients, especially verbal frequency. CSO EPVS can function as a convenient AD marker for intervention and therapy.
Real-world disease burden, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization associated with bronchiectasis
Authors: Shoaib Sofia , Feliciano Joseph , Dasenbrook Elliott C , Maynard Jason , Batchu Lakshmi , Mohanty Maitreyee , Lauterio Melanie , Feld Alexandra J
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To assess real-world survival and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in US patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE).

Methods

This retrospective analysis, using data from the STATinMED RWD Insights database from Jan 2015–Oct 2022, included adults with NCFBE (from Jan 2015–Oct 2021) and non-NCFBE comparators (from Jan 2015–Aug 2020); baseline characteristics were balanced by inverse probability treatment weighting. Outcomes included survival through end of study. HCRU was assessed over 12 months.

Results

117,718 patients with NCFBE and 306,678 comparators were included. Patients with NCFBE had a 77% higher risk of death than comparators (hazard ratio [HR] 1.77 [95% CI 1.74-1.80]). Risk of death was higher among patients aged ≥65 years (vs 18–34 years; HR 11.03 [95% CI 10.36-11.74]), among Black patients (vs White; HR 1.53 [95% CI 1.50-1.55]), and among patients with comorbid COPD (HR 1.42 [95% CI 1.40-1.44]). Patients with NCFBE incurred higher all-cause and respiratory-related HCRU than comparators for outpatient office, outpatient hospital, emergency department (ED), inpatient and respiratory-related pulmonologist visits (all p < .0001); HCRU increased with exacerbations.

Conclusions

Patients with NCFBE have high mortality burden and incur high HCRU, both of which are further increased with exacerbations. Prevention and delay of exacerbations are key areas for improvement of disease management.
A Novel Surgical Technique for Transsphincteric Anal Fistulas: A Comparison Between the Modified Submucosal Ligation of Fistula Tract (MSLOFT) and the Hybrid Seton Techiniques - A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Gündoğdu Ramazan , Gojayev Afig , Erkent Murathan , Avcı Tevfik , Kuş Murat , Erkan Serkan , Aydın Hüseyin Onur , Ezer Ali
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of a modified submucosal ligation of the fistula tract (MSLOFT) technique with the hybrid seton technique for treating transsphincteric anal fistulas.

Material and Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted with ethical approval from Baskent University. Patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of transsphincteric fistula and complete data were included in the study. Patients with fistulas of non-cryptoglandular origin, incontinence, multiple fistula tracts, inflammatory bowel disease, or malignancy were excluded. The study involved 255 patients, divided into: MSLOFT (n = 31) and hybrid seton (n = 224) groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance age, gender, and body mass index between the groups, resulting in 30 patients per group.

Results

There was no significant difference between the MSLOFT and hybrid seton groups regarding Wexner scores, incontinence rates, recurrence, or reoperation rates, in the overall cohort and after PSM. However, in the overall cohort and after PSM analysis, the operation time ( P = 0.047) and follow-up time ( P < 0.001) of the MSLOFT group were significantly longer. Recurrence was noted in 3 MSLOFT patients and 2 hybrid seton patients after PSM.

Conclusion

MSLOFT is a feasible and effective sphincter-preserving technique for transsphincteric anal fistulas, providing low recurrence and incontinence rates similar to the hybrid seton technique.
Classification of lower body strength qualities: A data-driven approach
Authors: Geneau Mary C. , Gastin Paul B. , Robertson Sam , James Lachlan P.
Published: February 2025

Maximal strength of the lower body is important for many athletic tasks and demands. Lower body extensor strength, defined as maximal expressions of force in the vertical plane, can be measured in several different ways, using a wide range of tests and metrics. Although there have been investigations into the interrelationships between lower body strength and force measures, there is no known analysis or synthesis of these data that focuses on classifying variables into groups based on statistical similarity and/or distinction. This information is important to consider in an environment where many measurement options exist for diagnosing lower body characteristics. Understanding the overlap and distinction of these analysis methods and metrics will inform parsimonious, yet comprehensive, assessment of the lower body. It was therefore the purpose of this review to explore and summarize the commonality (i.e., r, R2, component loading) between metrics from weightbearing, multi-joint lower body strength tests that are presented in the current literature, with the aim to group metrics into distinct domains of strength expression. The results of this review suggest that five unique domains of lower body extensor strength are present in athletes and trained populations: 1) reactive dynamic, 2) unloaded dynamic, 3) loaded dynamic, 4) early isometric, and 5) maximal isometric. Despite these findings, there are considerable limitations and gaps in the literature, and it is suggested that additional empirical investigations be conducted to better understand this concept of lower body strength domains.
Revisiting Redfearn: The European Convention on Human Rights and the protection of political opinion in the workplace in Great Britain
Authors: Jones Edward
Published: February 2025

In Redfearn v the United Kingdom, the European Court of Human Rights held that it was incumbent on the United Kingdom to introduce measures to provide for protection from dismissal for employees on the grounds of political opinion or affiliation, regardless of their length of service. This resulted in a small but significant reform in employment law in Great Britain, namely the disapplication of the continuous service requirement for bringing an unfair dismissal claim where an employee is dismissed because of their political opinion or affiliation. In this article I argue that there is a positive obligation upon the UK to go further than what was required under Redfearn, namely, to provide judicial safeguards where non-employee workers are dismissed or applicants refused employment on (in either case) political grounds. The article provides an overview of the scope of workplace protection against detrimental treatment on political grounds in the UK. It considers this framework against the UK's obligations as a Member State of the International Labour Organization and the Council of Europe and notes that the issue is becoming more pressing with the development of social media. The article concludes by arguing that the UK should legislate to create gateway claims (or extend existing jurisdictions) for dismissed workers and disappointed applicants who consider that they have been subjected to such detrimental treatment on political grounds. Whilst the article focuses on the UK, its arguments can be extended to other Council of Europe member states which do not already provide such protection.
Jalaiah Effect: A Story of a Stolen Dance on TikTok and Trans-Platformization of Ignorance
Authors: Betlemidze Mariam
Published: February 2025

This article explores how ignorance becomes a cultural affordance of trans-platformization, focusing on the Renegade dance’s evolution into a viral sensation that fueled TikTok’s rise and launched new teenage influencers. Employing new materialist feminist theory, Actor-Network Theory, and Critical Technocultural Discourse Analysis, this article operationalizes the concept of trans-platformization. It examines race-technology entanglements as they manifest during trans-platformization, highlighting the illusory progress in recognizing Black creators and the resistance against a predominantly White, techno-capitalist patriarchy. The tensions arising from these complexities intensify the demand for a more nuanced understanding of ignorance as the affordance of trans-platformization and the potential pivot point for speculative hope.
Ankle Arthrodesis: Epidemiology, Etiology, and Complications in Diabetic vs Nondiabetic Patients Using US Nationwide Inpatient Sample Data
Authors: Mahamid Assil , Maman David , Sofer Summer , Pavlenko Mykhail , Mansour Amr , Hodruj Marah , Berkovich Yaron , Behrbalk Eyal
Published: February 2025

Background:

Ankle arthrodesis (AA), or ankle fusion, is a surgical procedure used to treat severe ankle pathologies, particularly in patients with chronic pain and reduced mobility due to conditions like osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, and Charcot arthropathy. Diabetic patients undergoing AA often face higher risks of complications due to comorbidities such as dyslipidemia and hypertension. This study aims to compare the outcomes of AA in diabetic vs nondiabetic patients, using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2016 to 2019.

Methods:

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, 12 325 patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis were identified from 2016 to 2019 based on ICD-10 procedure codes. χ2 tests and t tests were used for univariate analysis, followed by multivariate logistic regression to assess complications between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Temporal trends in surgical volume were analyzed using linear regression models, and risk ratios were calculated for perioperative complications during the index hospital stay.

Results:

Primary osteoarthritis was the most common cause, accounting for 55.4% of AA procedures. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that diabetes mellitus (DM) was significantly associated with increased risks of blood loss (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% CI 1.23-2.05, P = .004), infection (OR 3.12, 95% CI 2.55-3.82, P < .001), heart failure (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.73, P = .01), and acute kidney injury (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.57-3.75, P = .001). No significant association was observed between DM and pneumonia (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.645-4.605, P = .20).

Conclusion:

Diabetic patients undergoing AA have higher rates of comorbidities and postoperative complications, leading to longer hospital stays. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive preoperative and postoperative care to improve outcomes in this population.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective study.