bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of health-related quality of life in patients undergoing medical expulsion therapy for acute renal colic
Authors: Ito Katsuhiro , Takahashi Toshifumi , Koterazawa Shigeki , Somiya Shinya , Haitani Takao , Kanno Toru , Higashi Yoshihito , Yamada Hitoshi
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

Patients with ureteral stones and acute renal colic significantly impaired their quality of life (QOL). However, the factors that affect quality of life during conservative management, particularly medical expulsive therapy (MET), are not well understood. This study aimed to assess the determinant of QOL.

Materials and methods:

We conducted a prospective study to longitudinally assess QOL using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) in patients undergoing medical expulsive therapy.

Results:

Ninety-three patients were enrolled between April 2020 and December 2022, and 187 questionnaires were completed at each visit before spontaneous passage or intervention. The study found that a higher pain intensity was significantly associated with worse QOL during the primary visit ( p = 0.03). At the second visit, younger age ( p < 0.01), increased frequency of renal colic attacks ( p < 0.01), maximum pain intensity since the last visit ( p < 0.01), and shorter time from disease onset ( p = 0.03) were associated with a worse QOL. Multivariate analysis showed that only the total number of renal colic attacks was associated with EQ-5D score ( p = 0.047). The stone location significantly affected the cumulative incidence of renal colic attacks ( p = 0.02). The mean total number of renal colic until stone passage was 3.58 in individuals with proximal stones versus 0.86 in with distal stones ( p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

This study identified pain intensity and colic frequency as key factors contributing to the decline in QOL in patients with ureteral stones. Patients with proximal stones may be good candidates for early intervention to reduce colic events.
Decoding the Vertiport: Planning for Urban Air Mobility
Authors: Rohrmeier Kerry , Wei Wenbin , Ison David
Published: February 2025

The potential of advanced air mobility (AAM) has recently been receiving a tremendous amount of attention in both the media and within the research literature. In particular, service in urban environments, referred to as urban air mobility (UAM), has received the overwhelming majority of focus. This nascent field, centered around electric vertical takeoff and landing flying vehicles (eVTOLs), is capturing imaginations and investments at an impressive pace. Yet, guidance on the siting and development of vertiports, the interface between ground transit and UAM, is trailing the pace of the forthcoming service. Vertiports are expected to operate like bus stops, transit stations, helipads, and airports. Still, this new public transportation infrastructure has the potential to dramatically alter the urban landscape due to their space requirements, safety requirements, and pace of low-altitude flight operations. Therefore, current and long-range plans must acknowledge this potential, and planning stakeholders must utilize participatory geographic information systems (GIS) to select safe, efficient, and accessible locations for vertiports to ensure future capital investment. Because of its unique attributes and requirements, the site selection process for UAM infrastructure demands a unique perspective that varies from the planning criteria for traditional transit hubs. This article summarizes the current UAM literature and offers stakeholders an informed yet simple workflow process for urban, suburban, and exurban site suitability selection that can be implemented during preliminary community engagement and early master planning processes. An example case in which this workflow was applied is provided using the San Francisco Bay Area as recent literature has shown this area to be a prime candidate for a UAM transportation network of vertiport locations being integrated into a regional multi-modal transit system.
Assessing water-energy-related use system towards the targets SDG 6 and SDG7: A dynamic parallel-series DEA model
Authors: Du Xinya , Zhang Lina , Hu Jinren , Chiu Yung-Ho , Pang Qinghua , Zhang Li , Zhang Chenjun
Published: February 2025

Water and energy are key elements to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of human society. The aim of this study is to acknowledge and enhance the efficiency of water-energy-related use (WERU) systems from a sustainable perspective. This paper proposes a dynamic parallel-series data envelopment analysis model to assess WERU efficiency towards the targets SDG 6 and SDG 7. The WERU system with parallel-series structure consists of water supply (WS), water use (WU), energy supply (ES), and energy use (EU) subsystems. To investigating the role of digital economy in enhancing WERU efficiency in 30 provinces of China from 2011 to 2020, the intermediary effect model and the spatial Durbin model are applied to explore the transmission mechanism and spatial spillover effect. The main findings are as follows: (1) The average overall efficiency of the WERU system is 0.60, primarily due to the suboptimal performance of the WU and EU subsystems. (2) The central region has lower efficiency scores in the WU and EU subsystems than the eastern and western regions. (3) The digital economy indirectly boosts WERU efficiency by stimulating provincial innovation and industrial structure upgrading. The digital economy is beneficial to enhancing WERU efficiency in local and neighboring provinces. This study advocates for the sustainable advancement of the WERU system by encouraging provincial innovation, upgrading industrial structures, and underscoring the growth of the digital economy.
Association between changes in intrinsic foot muscle swelling and improvements in navicular drop height after toe flexor exercises
Authors: Komiya Makoto , Maeda Noriaki , Ishihara Honoka , Ishida Ayano , Esaki Hinata , Arima Satoshi , Nishikawa Yuichi , Urabe Yukio
Published: February 2025

Background

Exercise efficacy can be determined by muscle swelling confirmed through ultrasound, but this method has not been investigated for the intrinsic foot muscles (IFM).

Objective

To investigate changes over time in muscle swelling and navicular drop (ND) values after IFM exercises and evaluated the relationship between changes in muscle swelling and ND values.

Methods

In total, 40 feet (10 men; 10 women) were included. The navicular height (NVH) in sitting and standing positions and four IFM cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured. Measurements were taken pre-exercise, immediately, and 10 and 20 min after the toe flexor exercise (TFE) at 80% or greater intensity for 40 times. Changes over time in muscle swelling and ND values in men and women and their relationship were evaluated.

Results

Significant increases were observed in CSAs of all IFMs and improved navicular bone height in sitting and standing positions post-exercise. There was a moderate correlation between changes in CSAs of abductor hallucis (AbH) in women from pre-exercise and changes in ND values from pre-exercise up to 20 min post-exercise.

Conclusion

A positive correlation between AbH muscle swelling and ND values was observed in women, suggesting the importance of the AbH muscle in arch support.
Demand for Health Insurance in India: Evidence from NSS 75th Round Data
Authors: Datta Shreyasee , Bagli Supravat
Published: February 2025

The demand for health insurance has two tiers: first, whether the individual participates in health insurance programme or not; if yes, second, how much coverage they purchases. The demand for health insurance has been studied either by estimating the probability of participation in health insurance programme or by estimating the amount spent for the health insurance. Simultaneous estimation of the two tiers of the demand for health insurance is uncommon in literature. Against this end, the probability of enrolment and the premium paid, a proxy for coverage, for health insurance have been estimated simultaneously using National Sample Survey data (2017–2018) from India. Empirical findings indicate that both the decision to participate and the premium paid per year vary across per capita household income quintile. There exist significant differences in the demand for health insurance across the genders, working classes, regions and different social and religious communities. Age and education level significantly affect the decision to participate and spending amount for purchasing health insurance. The individuals having chronic illness have a higher rate of enrolment, but they spend less on insurance premiums. Health condition of the individual is more important compared to income to determine the demand for health insurance in India.
Countering the Wave of Democratic Backsliding and the Crisis of Democracy in West Africa
Authors: Arthur Peter
Published: February 2025

While the early 1990s ushered in a period of democratic transition in African countries, the last decade has witnessed what many observers have called the process of democratic backsliding in many parts of West Africa. This article examines and analyses some of the main causes of democratic retrenchment in the West Africa sub-region and how to address them. The main argument in this article is that various constraints and challenges, such as the increasing return of the military in politics, electoral manipulations, constitutional reforms to benefit incumbents and the lack of economic dividends for citizens, are undermining the democratic progress initially made in the 1990s. Thus, addressing the challenges that lead to military intervention, including poor socioeconomic conditions, would go a long way in stemming the tide of democratic backsliding in West Africa. Additionally, ensuring increasing trust in institutions such as the judiciary, media, electoral management bodies and the electoral system, coupled with an increasing role for civil society organizations in the political environment, would help combat democratic backsliding in the sub-region.
Industrial pipeline vibration attenuation with magnetorheological tuned mass damper
Authors: Wu Lifan , Wu Hao , Ran Jinchao , Shan Huafeng , Luo Yuanyi , Zhang Xiaodong , Yang Rui , Dong Xiaomin
Published: February 2025

In order to solve the high-frequency vibration problem of industrial pipeline in petrochemical enterprises, a tuned mass damper (TMD) based on magnetorheological (MR) technology was proposed. The magnetorheological-tuned mass damper (MR-TMD) can reduce the vibration response of the structure by tuning resonance with the pipeline system, it can also have the semi-active control characteristics of MR devices. By analyzing the vibration signals collected on the pipeline site, the relevant design requirements and parameters of the damper were determined. The optimal frequency ratio, passive damping, and mass ratio of the damper were determined using the optimal design theory. Meanwhile, the high-performance MR composite was prepared for the working conditions of MR-TMD and a modified Herschle-Bulkley model was derived to characterize the behavior of the material. Furthermore, the mechanical performance of the proposed MR-TMD was tested, the output damping force is about 890.5 N when the applied current is 2 A, which can meet the working requirements of pipeline vibration attenuation. Then, according to the established vibration control model of pipeline system, the vibration system was simulated and analyzed combined with LQR algorithm, and the vibration attenuation performance in different conditions were predicted and compared. The research shows that the TMD combined with MR technology can effectively reduce the vibration of industrial pipeline system.
Cephalometric Parameters as Predictive Factors for Orthognathic Surgery in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sennimalai Karthik , Mohaideen Kaja , Selvaraj Madhanraj , Siddiqui Hamza Parvez , Kharbanda Om Prakash , Katyal Sakshi
Published: February 2025

To identify cephalometric parameters that could predict future need for orthognathic surgery (OGS) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Final search was conducted on July 7, 2024, across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, EBSCO, and LILACS, without any language and publication time restriction. Studies comparing surgical versus nonsurgical UCLP patients were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, and those included were evaluated using Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. Random-effects meta-analysis of various sagittal and vertical cephalometric parameters (SNA, SNB, ANB, mandibular plane angle [MPA], and lower anterior face height [%LFH]) was performed.

Ten studies were included in systematic review and 5 in meta-analysis. Quality in Prognostic Studies tool assessment indicated moderate risk in 6 studies, with 2 demonstrating high and low risks of bias. Meta-analysis revealed that in the 5- to 8-year age group, significant differences were observed in SNA and ANB angles between surgical and nonsurgical groups, with mean differences of 2.25° (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12, 3.39) and 3° (95% CI = 1.86, 4.15), respectively. In 9- to 14-year age group, significant differences were found in all 3 sagittal parameters: SNA angle difference of 2.65° (95% CI = 1.44, 3.86), SNB angle difference of 3.23° (95% CI = −4.69, −1.77), and ANB angle difference of 5.54° (95% CI = 3.66, 7.42). Vertical parameters (MPA and %LFH) were not statistically significant between groups in any age group.

Cephalometric parameters could be a valuable predictive factor for determining the future need for OGS in patients with UCLP. ANB angle has been shown to be a significant predictor for distinguishing between surgical and nonsurgical patients.
Microtia in Indonesia: Characteristics and Family History Analysis on the Presence of Other Congenital Anomalies in Patients With Microtia
Authors: Gunadiputri Desrainy Inhardini , Aisyah Imaniar Fitri , Zarasade Lobredia , Lestari Pudji , Putri Indri Lakhsmi
Published: February 2025

This study aims to explore the characteristics of microtia in Indonesia and examine whether family traits influence its severity, focusing on other congenital anomalies in patients categorized as either isolated or syndromic microtia.

This study is a descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design.

Questionnaires were distributed via the WhatsApp group “Indonesian Microtia Family,” established by the Airlangga University Hospital Microtia Team.

A total of 354 respondents completed the questionnaire, comprising patients with microtia and their family members and relatives.

There is no intervention in this study.

The data on the characteristics of patients with microtia are presented in a descriptive form. An analysis was conducted to determine the influence of family characteristics on the presence of other congenital anomalies in patients.

Familial microtia, defined as microtia occurring in patients with a family history of microtia or related anomalies such as preauricular tags and preauricular fistulas, significantly influences the presence of additional congenital malformations (syndromic microtia), as indicated by a P value of .018. An odds ratio of 3.191 was obtained, indicating that the risk of isolated microtia occurrence is 3 times higher in familial microtia compared to sporadic microtia.

In Indonesia, the majority of patients with microtia are male (78%), unilateral right (55.9%), third-degree Hunter (64.4%), solitary (72%), and sporadic (88.1%). Compared to sporadic microtia, familial microtia will increase the probability of isolated microtia occurrence by 3-fold.
Using Traditional Text Analysis and Large Language Models in Service Failure and Recovery
Authors: Villarroel Ordenes Francisco , Packard Grant , Hartmann Jochen , Proserpio Davide
Published: February 2025

Service failure and recovery (SFR) typically involves one or more people (or machines) talking or writing to each other in a goal-directed conversation. While SFR represents a prime context to understand how language reflects and shapes the service experience, this subfield has only begun to apply text analysis methods and language theories to this context. This tutorial offers a methodological guide for traditional text analysis methods and large language models and suggests some future research paths in SFR. We also provide user-friendly workflow repositories, in Python and KNIME Analytics, that researchers with (and without) coding experience can use. In doing so, we hope to encourage the next wave of text analysis in SFR research.
Cytokines and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents
Authors: Leung Cherry Y. , Weiss Sandra J.
Published: February 2025

Background: Inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of depression, but there is limited and conflicting research on the role of inflammatory markers in adolescent depression. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 and depression among a community-based sample of adolescents (13–19 years of age). Methods: Salivary samples were self-collected by adolescents for assay of cytokines. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to measure depressive symptoms and clinical depression, where a score ≥11 indicated the threshold for experiencing clinical depression. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships between cytokines and depression, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, income, and body mass index. Results: The mean age of the 83 participants was 15.86 years. Eight participants screened positive for depression; the mean depressive symptom score was 5.11. Higher levels of IL-6 (Coef = 1.33, p < .001) and IL-8 (Coef = 0.69, p = .025) were associated with more frequent depressive symptoms while higher levels of TNF-α (OR = 2.50, p = .002), IL-1β (OR = 1.98, p = .001), and IL-8 (OR = 2.44, p = .008) were associated with greater odds of meeting criteria for clinical depression. Conclusions: Future research should focus on factors that induce higher cytokine levels and the mechanisms underlying their effects on depression. Cytokines assessed in this study may ultimately have implications as methods for depression screening or targets for biologic interventions to prevent and treat adolescent depression.
Real-world evidence of anti-VEGF therapies in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Italy: The RADIANCE study
Authors: Parravano Mariacristina , Viola Francesco , Nicolò Massimo , Vujosevic Stela , Bianchino Laura , Sicari Emilia , Villa Giulia , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, particularly neovascular AMD (nAMD). This study aimed to investigate the real-world treatment patterns, effectiveness, and safety of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies for anti-VEGF naïve nAMD patients in Italy.

Methods

RADIANCE is a retrospective, observational, multicenter cohort study conducted at 13 clinical sites across Italy. The study enrolled all consecutive patients with nAMD, naïve to any intraocular anti-VEGF treatment and who initiated therapy with aflibercept, ranibizumab, or bevacizumab between January 2017 and November 2018. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate changes in visual acuity (VA) 52 weeks after initiating treatment with anti-VEGF.

Results

A total of 405 patients were enrolled; of these, 263 patients had at least two VA measurements and were included in the completer analysis (CA) set. At 52 weeks, the median VA change from baseline in the CA set was +1 letter, with 41.1% showing ≥ 5-letter improvement. Stratified by anti-VEGF agent, no statistically significant differences were observed. Overall, patients received a median of 5.0 (25th–75th percentile 3–6) injections of the initial anti-VEGF agent during the first year. Patients receiving ≥ 6 injections in the first year showed better VA outcomes. Undertreatment was evident at decreasing injection frequency over time.

Conclusion

The results of the RADIANCE study suggest an overall moderate effectiveness after 1 year of treatment with anti-VEGF in naïve patients with nAMD in Italy. Real-world outcomes demonstrated suboptimal treatment with no significant differences among anti-VEGF agents.
Molecular Docking Appraisal of Pleurotus ostreatus Phytochemicals as Potential Inhibitors of PI3K/Akt Pathway for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Effiong Magdalene Eno , Bella-Omunagbe Mercy , Afolabi Israel Sunmola , Chinedu Shalom Nwodo
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease involving a network of numerous extracellular signal transduction pathways. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for understanding the BC development. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), mTOR, Akt, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), FoxO1, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), H-Ras, and proapoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family protein (BAD) proteins are key drivers of this pathway and potential therapeutic targets. Pleurotus ostreatus is an edible mushroom that is rich in flavonoids and phenols that can serve as potential inhibitors of proteins in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Aim:

This study evaluated the anticancer properties of P ostreatus through a structure-based virtual screening of 22 biologically active compounds present in the mushroom.

Method:

Model optimization was carried out on PI3K, PTEN, mTOR, Akt, PDK1, FoxO1, GSK-3, MDM2, H-Ras, and BAD proteins in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and molecular docking of compounds/control inhibitors in the binding pocket were simulated AutoDock Vina in PyRx. The drug likeness, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic features of prospective docking leads were all anticipated.

Result:

Several potent inhibitors of the selected key driver proteins in PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were identified from P ostreatus. Ellagic acid with binding affinities of −8.0, −8.0, −8.1, −8.2, −6.2, and −7.1 kcal/mol on PI3K, Akt, PDK1, GSK-3, MDM2, and BAD, respectively, had better binding affinity compared with their reference drugs. Likewise, apigenin (−7.8 kcal/mol), chrysin (−7.8 kcal/mol), quercetin (−6.4 kcal/mol), and chlorogenic acid (−6.2 kcal/mol) had better binding affinities to PTEN, mTOR, FoxO1, and H-Ras proteins, respectively.

Conclusion:

Ellagic acid, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, chrysin, and naringenin phytochemicals are seen as the better lead molecules due to their ability to strongly bind to the proteins under study in this pathway. Analogs of these compounds can also be designed as potential drugs.
Determinants of visitors’ flow in Uruguay: A SARIMAX approach
Authors: Brida Juan Gabriel , Olivera Martín , Pulina Manuela
Published: February 2025

Understanding the factors that shape the data-generating process of visitor flows is crucial for evaluating the past, present, and future dynamics of this vital economic activity. This study employs the SARIMAX approach to analyse the determinants of inbound international tourism demand in Uruguay, using quarterly data from 1996 to 2019. The research identifies key factors such as national and relative prices, as well as economic performance, that influence visitors’ inflows. The results indicate that stochastic shocks accumulate over time, affecting future outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers in promoting international and domestic tourism.
“Open” reincarnation stories: The dialectic between doubt and certainty
Authors: Natoor Maha , Shoshana Avihu
Published: February 2025

This phenomenological study concerns the Druze cultural idiom Notq—the remembrance and talking about the previous incarnation. Specifically, it deals with stories that are open or referred to in the literature as unsolved. “Open” Notq stories are in contrast to solved ones in which the person's identity in the previous life is known and in many cases the person meets the previous life family. The study's core question is: What is the phenomenological experience of Druze who live with an “open” Notq? The study was based on interviews with 11 Israeli Druze women and men who have an open Notq story. The findings illustrate the open Notq scenario, the elements that validate it and the individual and collective implications of these stories. Through the open Notq cases we discuss the intersection between personal and master cultural narratives and the effects of this intersection on psychological well-being. We propose that the open Notq, despite its ambiguity and many unsolved questions, does not essentially harm the individual psychologically and may contain therapeutic value due to being consistent with the Druze reincarnation master narrative.
The use and readiness for eHealth and eWelfare among young adults
Authors: Vahteristo Anna , Jylhä Virpi , Kuusisto Hanna
Published: February 2025

Objective: Purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate young adults’ eHealth literacy levels, use, and readiness to use eHealth and eWelfare. Methods: An electronic survey based on Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) was aimed at young adults in the geographical are of one wellbeing services county in Southern Finland. Data were analyzed using non-parametrical statistical methods. Results: Young adults ( N = 110) actively used eHealth and eWelfare and assessed themselves as having good general digital skills. They were confident in their eHealth literacy and readiness for the use of eHealth and eWelfare. However, young adults not in education, employment, or training (NEETs, n = 21) were significantly less confident than non-NEETs ( n = 89) in three of the five domains describing eHealth literacy, and readiness for the use of health technology. Conclusions: The differences between NEETs and non-NEETs indicate that further research on NEETs’ and other subgroups’ abilities to use eHealth and eWelfare is needed to ensure that these services can be fully utilized.
Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Impact of Clear Margin Distance on Locoregional Control in Patients Undergoing Postoperative Radiotherapy
Authors: Topkan Erkan , Somay Efsun , Selek Ugur
Published: February 2025

We congratulate Lang and colleagues for their study investigating the impact of resection margin (RM) size on locoregional control (LC) outcomes, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and treatment-related toxicity in 162 patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) who received postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).1 In this study, 77 (47.5%), 22 (13.6%), and 63 (38.9%) patients had involved (5 mm) RM, respectively. A RM of ≤5 mm was found to be a significant predictor for worse LC (HR 2.6), but not for OS (HR 1.2) or PFS (HR 1.2). The findings of this study provide important insights into how the status of RM affects the local control and survival outcomes of OCSCC patients who undergo PORT. However, we have two concerns that we believe need to be addressed to interpret the results more comprehensively and guide future research on this critical topic.
Frontocentral Delta and Theta Oscillatory Responses are Sensitive to Sleep Deprivation During a Working Memory Task
Authors: Yırıkoğulları Harun , Dalmızrak Esra , Güntekin Bahar
Published: February 2025

Sleep deprivation has become a severe public health problem in modern societies. Negative consequences of prolonged wakefulness on cognitive abilities have been demonstrated and working memory is one of the main cognitive functions that can be affected by sleep deprivation. This study aims to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on working memory through EEG event-related oscillations. Thirty healthy young adult university students and graduates were included in this study (15 rested control – 15 sleep-deprived). A 2-back task was used to evaluate working memory, and both groups performed the task during EEG recording. The sleep-deprived (SD) group was required to stay awake for 24 h, and then the EEG session was conducted. The rested control (RC) subjects participated in the morning after a regular night's sleep. Event-related power and phase-locking analyses were applied, and delta (1–3.5 Hz), theta (4–6.5 Hz) and alpha (8–13 Hz) frequencies were investigated in the time-frequency domain. In the 2-back task, significantly prolonged reaction times were observed in the SD group. However, the decrease in accuracy rate was not significant. The EEG analyses revealed that the SD group had decreased frontocentral event-related delta and theta power responses after the presentation of stimuli. Moreover, task accuracy was positively correlated with the left frontocentral delta power in the SD group, and theta power in the RCs. Thus, we propose that the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on working memory can be observed through low-frequency oscillatory responses in the brain.
Resting-State Electroencephalogram Microstate and Correlations with Motor Function and Balance in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Lima Eloise de Oliveira , Silva Letícia Maria , Laurentino Rebeca Andrade , Calado Vitória Ferreira , Bezerra Eliene Letícia da Silva , de Souza Neto José Maurício Ramos , Ferreira José Jamacy de Almeida , Machado Daniel Gomes da Silva , Andrade Suellen Marinho
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study aimed to compare electroencephalogram microstates of patients with chronic stroke to healthy subjects and correlated microstates with clinical and functional characteristics in stroke. Methods: This cross-sectional, exploratory and correlational study was performed with chronic stroke patients (n = 27) and healthy subjects (n = 27) matched for age and gender. We recorded electroencephalography microstates using 32 channels during eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions and analyzed the four classic microstates maps (A, B, C, D). Post-stroke participants were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale and the Fugl-Meyer Scale. All participants were assessed for cognitive function, fear of falling, and static balance. Student's t-test was used to compare groups and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between microstates parameters and stroke-related clinical outcomes. Results: In the eyes-open condition, moderate correlations were observed between the duration of microstate C and functional disability. In the eyes-closed condition, moderate correlations were observed between the coverage of microstate C, the occurrence of microstate C and D, and the duration of microstate B with functional aspects (eg, lower limb motor function, balance, functional disability, and fear of falling). Conclusions: Changes in microstates and correlations between topographies and clinical and functional aspects suggest that electroencephalogram could be used as a biomarker in stroke patients.
The response of double press double sintered (DPDS) Al/CNT nanocomposites against wear, impact, and bending
Authors: Yarahmadi Akbar , Mohammadian Semnani Hamidreza , Abdoos Hassan
Published: February 2025

Aluminum/carbon nanotubes (Al/CNTs) nanocomposites are intriguing prospects for mechanical and tribology applications. In this study, the double-pressing double-sintering (DPDS) method was used to create Al-based nanocomposites reinforced with CNTs. Al/CNT nanocomposites’ wear behavior, as well as their impact and bending strengths, were examined in relation to CNT content (1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weight percent) and diameter (8, 20 and 40 nm). The wear behavior of Al/CNT nanocomposites was improved upon increasing the content from 0 to 8 wt.% and diameter sizes of CNTs compared with neat Al. This behavior is attributed to the self-lubricating behavior, clustering, and agglomeration of CNTs. The impact and bending strengths of the Al-8 wt.% CNTs with a diameter size of 40 nm increased by about 112%(17j) and 117%(265 MPa) compared with the neat Al sample, respectively. Impact resistance and bending strength were enhanced with increasing diameter of CNTs. The impact and bending strengths of these nanocomposites were impacted by CNT aggregation and the poor bonding strength of the Al/CNT interfaces (formation of Al4C3). SEM and TEM were used to analyze the worn and fractured surfaces of Al/CNT nanocomposites.
The effect of serotonin reuptake and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors on motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A PPMI-based matched-subject study
Authors: Matić Teodora , Hendriks Martijn , Vinke R Saman , Sadikov Aleksander , Georgiev Dejan
Published: February 2025

Background: Depression often co-occurs with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is effectively treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), but their effect on motor symptoms has not yet been conclusively demonstrated. Objective: To assess the impact of the SSRI/SNRI on the motor symptoms of PD. Methods: We used data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database, in a matched subject design with a target group (N = 47) which had been taking SSRI/SNRI medication and a control group (N = 90) which had not. Matching criteria included Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (MDS-UPDRS-III) total score and its subscales’ scores, and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) at the time of the first examination (initial LEDD). For the target group, we compared the MDS-UPDRS-III score before and after taking the SSRI/SNRI medication, while for the control group we compared two equally spaced examinations. Results: In the target group, we found a greater worsening of motor scores, which was associated with lower values of initial LEDD. In addition, apathy was an independent predictor of motor worsening. Conclusions: SSRI/SNRI-use seems to be characterized by a steeper worsening of motor symptoms, which can be predicted by a lower initial LEDD. Further research should continue to investigate the effect of SSRI/SNRI-use on motor symptoms in PD.
Pact for the Future and Future of the Planet: A Stocktaking
Authors: Desai Bharat H
Published: February 2025

The 2024 Summit of the Future was organized by the United Nations in quick succession to the two global conferences: in 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Summit and 2022 Stockholm + 50 Conference. It was a timely conclave to examine the state of the world in view of warning signs for a planetary level crisis. The Summit was expected to think aloud and ahead for the future of the planet Earth. Did it attain its objectives? The outcome document – Pact for the Future – provides a menu in usual UN jargon and gives calls to the UN member states to perform in several areas to secure future of our planet. Will the Pact help in making a course correction for the planetary future? Time will provide us answers to these questions. Still, the Summit yielded a great promise with an unwavering commitment to act in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and its purposes and principles. The drafters of the Pact left no doubt whatsoever by positioning prima facie non-legally binding instrument ( Pact for the Future) on the bedrock of International Law in general and the UN Charter in particular. The inclusion of two more instruments as annexes on Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, though work-in-progress, are also pregnant with futuristic possibilities. This paper seeks to provide a preliminary stocktaking of the Pact for the Future and its two annexes.
Absence of hippocampal pathology persists in the Q175DN mouse model of Huntington's disease despite elevated HTT aggregation
Authors: Solem Melissa A , G Pelzel Ross , Rozema Nicholas B , Brown Taylor G , Reid Emma , Mansky Rachel H , Gomez-Pastor Rocio
Published: February 2025

Background

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder causing motor, cognitive, and psychiatric impairments, with the striatum being the most affected brain region. However, the role of other regions, such as the hippocampus, in HD remains less understood.

Objective

Here, we study the comparative impact of enhanced mHTT aggregation and neuropathology in the striatum and hippocampus of two HD mouse models.

Methods

We utilized the zQ175 as a control HD mouse model and the Q175DN mice lacking the PGK-Neomycin cassette generated in house. We performed a comparative characterization of the neuropathology between zQ175 and Q175DN mice in the striatum and the hippocampus by assessing HTT aggregation, neuronal and glial pathology, chaperone expression, and synaptic density.

Results

We showed that Q175DN mice presented enhanced mHTT aggregation in both striatum and hippocampus compared to zQ175. Striatal neurons showed a greater susceptibility to enhanced accumulation of mHTT in Q175DN. On the contrary, no signs of hippocampal pathology were found in zQ175 and absence of hippocampal pathology persisted in Q175DN mice despite higher levels of mHTT. In addition, Q175DN hippocampus presented increased synaptic density, decreased Iba1+ microglia density and enhanced HSF1 levels in specific subregions of the hippocampus compared to zQ175.

Conclusions

Q175DN mice are a valuable tool to understand the fundamental susceptibility differences to mHTT toxicity between striatal neurons and other neuronal subtypes. Furthermore, our findings also suggest that cognitive deficits observed in HD animals might arise from either striatum dysfunction or other regions involved in cognitive processes but not from hippocampal degeneration.
Pharmacodynamic Elucidation of Pelargonium zonale (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton for its Folkloric Claims in Diarrhea and Asthma via in Vitro, in Vivo and in Silico Methods
Authors: Naz Rabia , Saqib Fatima , Latif Muhammad Farhaj , Sajer Bayan H. , Misarca Catalin , Toma Sebastian Ionut , Podasca Petru Cezario , Andreescu Oana
Published: February 2025

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pelargonium zonale (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton ( P.zonale) is used against various cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases involving smooth muscles relaxation. It is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, gastropathy, and toothache.

Aim of study

The current study was designed to validate its conventional applications, we conducted the investigational studies to evaluate the potential mode of operation in the management of disorders pertaining to the cardiovascular system, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract via in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico studies.

Material and methods

The bioactive compounds were identified via HPLC done by using a binary-gradient solvent system containing of C-18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm), flow rate of 0.8 ml/min, and run time of 36 min was used for the illumination of P.zonale crude extract chromatogram. These compounds were predicted spasmolytic and bronchodilation potential in molecular docking. Invitro methods confirmed the spasmolytic and bronchodilator effects. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal experiments were conducted in in-vivo studies.

Results

Experimental investigations have disclosed that it possesses antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic attributes. In vitro examinations of this botanical specimen demonstrated its spasmolytic, vasorelaxant, ionotropic, and bronchodilator activities, which involve adrenergic, muscarinic, and potassium ion channels by alleviating sustained contractions induced by phenylephrine (1 µM), carbamylcholine (1 µM), and KCl (25 mM L−1) respectively. The properties associated with the opening of potassium channels were validated by conducting repeat experiments in the presence of tetraethylammonium (TEA) and glibenclamide (GB), which confirmed the activation of voltage-activated and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Both in vitro and in vivo investigations reveal the existence of significant smooth muscle relaxant activity, further corroborated by in silico studies.

Conclusion

In vitro and in vivo studies reveal substantial capacities for smooth muscle relaxation, which encompass bronchodilation, spasmolytic activity, and vasodilation, with these observations being corroborated by molecular docking analyses. However, further studies are needed to deﬁne the clinical signiﬁcance and safety treatment with P.zonale.
Experience in the management of patients with HTLV-1 positive adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in a Latin American center
Authors: Floyd-Aristizábal Danielle , Barreiro García Cristian Alonso , Arias-Valderrama Oriana , Proaño Millán Catalina , Silva Perez Nhora María , Rosales Martinez Joaquín Donaldo , Arrieta López Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

Background:

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a neoplasm with a high prevalence in certain regions such as southwestern Japan, the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Australia. In Colombia, the seroprevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has been reported in specific populations, but there is limited information about the clinical course and management of ATL in the country.

Objectives:

To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with HTLV-1-positive ATL in a high-complexity healthcare institution in Colombia and compare these findings with reports from other geographic regions.

Design:

Observational retrospective cohort study conducted in a single high-complexity healthcare institution in Cali, Colombia, including patients diagnosed between 2011 and January 2022.

Methods:

This study presents an observational retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with HTLV-1-positive ATL and managed at a high-complexity institution in Cali, Colombia. Eligible patients were adults diagnosed with ATL and HTLV-1 seropositivity, receiving treatment between 2011 and January 2022. Demographic, clinical, and treatment-related variables were collected and analyzed using descriptive and survival analyses.

Results:

Thirty-three patients diagnosed with ATL between 2011, and January 2022 were identified and included in the study. Most patients were female (52%) with a median age of 54 years. Acute presentation was the most common (64%), and most patients were identified at Ann Arbor stage 4. Treatment mainly consisted of various chemotherapy protocols, with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine sulfate, and prednisone (CHOP)-like regimens being the most frequently used. However, the overall response rate to chemotherapy was low, and most patients experienced complications and toxicities associated with treatment.

Conclusion:

This study provides insights into the clinical course and management of ATL in a Colombian population. The findings highlight the predominance of acute presentations, advanced disease stages at diagnosis, and challenges in achieving a complete response with conventional chemotherapy. Further research is needed to improve treatment strategies, identify prognostic markers, and develop more effective therapies for ATL patients in Colombia.
Overcoming barriers and enabling artificial intelligence adoption in allied health clinical practice: A qualitative study
Authors: Hoffman Jane , Wenke Rachel , Angus Rebecca L , Shinners Lucy , Richards Brent , Hattingh Laetitia
Published: February 2025

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise healthcare. If the implementation is successful it has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes for patients and organisations. Little is known about the perceptions of allied health professionals (AHPs) towards AI in healthcare.

Objective

This study investigated barriers and enablers to AI implementation in the delivery of healthcare from the AHPs perspective.

Methods

Qualitative methodology informed by behaviour change theory using focus groups with AHPs at a health service in Queensland, Australia.

Results

Twenty-four barriers and 24 enablers were identified by 25 participants across four focus groups. Barriers included: lack of AI knowledge, explainability challenges, risk to professional practice, negative impact on professional practice, and role replacement. Enablers include AI training and education, regulation, reputation, understanding the healthcare benefits of AI and engaging clinical champions.

Conclusions

AHPs have concerns about the impact and trustworthiness of AI and the readiness of organisations to support its use. Organisations must take a proactive approach and adopt targeted and multifaceted strategies to address barriers. This may include workforce upskilling, clear communication of the benefits of AI use of local champions and ongoing research.
Enterprises’ Heterogeneous Preferences for Incentive Policies of Poverty Alleviation in China
Authors: Liu Wei , Han Xiyan , Zhou Guiqin
Published: February 2025

Enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can cause poverty alleviation. (1) Background: Evaluating the incentive policies favored by Chinese enterprises could aid policymakers in formulating more efficient and targeted policy measures. (2) Methods: This study uses Choice Experiments to examine policy preferences. The data was analyzed using the Conditional Logit and Mixed Logit models. (3) Results: The findings indicate a significant preference among enterprises for financial policies and production factor policies. Private enterprises exhibit a higher preference for the financing interest rate policy. Moreover, the longer a firm has been established, the stronger its preference for the financing interest rate policy becomes. Moreover, high-tech enterprises show a greater inclination towards the preferential land policy. (4) Conclusions and policy recommendations: Enterprises exhibit a policy preference effect, and policy preferences exhibit heterogeneity. To enhance policy efficiency, the government should formulate policies that cater to the diverse preferences of enterprises. Specifically, enterprises with longer establishment years and private enterprises could be offered preferential financing policies, such as favorable interest rates or financial subsidies, as incentives to encourage their active involvement in poverty alleviation efforts. Findings from this research will enable policy makers to make more informed decisions about future policy proposals taking into account enterprises preferences for the policies of participating in poverty alleviation.