bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hearing loss and cognitive decline in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) during eight years of follow-up
Authors: Samelli Alessandra Giannella , Gonçalves Natalia Gomes , Padilha Fernanda Yasmin Odila Maestri Miguel , Guesser Vitor Martins , Matas Carla Gentile , Rabelo Camila Maia , Moreira Renata Rodrigues , Santos Itamar S , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Bensenõr Isabela J , Gilsanz Paola , Suemoto Claudia Kimie
Published: February 2025

Background

Hearing loss (HL) of moderate or higher grades is common in older adults with increasing prevalence as people age, rising from 12% at the age of 60 years to over 58% at 90 years. HL in midlife is one of the main potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia. It is estimated that 7% of dementia cases globally could be avoided if this risk factor was eliminated. However, much of the research conducted has been in high-income countries even though low- and middle-income countries have the highest prevalence of dementia.

Objective

To study the association between HL and cognitive decline during eight years of follow-up in a Brazilian sample.

Methods

Participants from the São Paulo center of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health were evaluated in three study waves (2008–10, 2012–14, and 2017–19). HL was defined as pure-tone audiometry above 25 dB in the better ear. Cognitive performance was evaluated with six tests related to memory, verbal fluency, and trail-making tests. A global cognitive z-score was derived from these tests. The association between HL and cognitive decline was evaluated with linear mixed-effects models adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors.

Results

Of 805 participants (mean age 51 ± 9 years, 52% women, 60% White), 62 had HL. During follow-up, HL was associated with faster global cognitive decline (β = −0.012, 95% CI = −0.023; 0.000, p = 0.039).

Conclusions

HL was significantly associated with a faster rate of global cognitive decline after a median follow-up of eight years in a sample of middle-income country.
Perceived risk of Alzheimer's disease: Insights into the Black and African American male perspective
Authors: Williams Lilcelia A , Terhorst Lauren , Williams Ishan C , Skidmore Elizabeth , Lingler Jennifer H
Published: February 2025

Background

Non-Hispanic Black and African American men are more likely to have Alzheimer's disease (AD) than non-Hispanic White peers. Despite this, little is known about how Black and African American men perceive dementia risk, which is foundational to prevention.

Objective

Acknowledging that personal vantage point influences behavior, our study examined Black and African American male perceptions about their anticipated risk for AD.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of Black and African American adult male responses to the Recruitment Innovations for Diversity Enhancement electronic survey study. We examined associations between perceived risk of AD and age, education, employment status, household income adequacy, marital status, living status, prior experience with AD, and subjective memory performance using generalized linear models.

Results

Respondents ( n = 112) were age 18 to 79 years ( M = 51.05, SD = 13.44), and 35% reported prior experience with AD through a friend or family member. Respondents’ perceived risk of developing AD ranged from 0 to 100% ( M = 33.46, SD = 28.29). Spearman rho correlations revealed modest but significant correlations between perceived risk and age (r = 21, p = 0.03) and marital status (r = -0.22 p = 0.02). The best fitting generalized linear model revealed low perceived risk for AD was associated with younger age, income adequacy and being married or living as married (χ 2 = 8.76, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Selected social determinants of health were associated with perceived risk. Future studies should examine additional social determinants of health (e.g., social and physical environment) and measures of cognitive and physical health to further explore relationships with perceived risk of AD in Black and African American males.
Interactive virtual reality environments for English language learning: Immersive technologies to enhance language acquisition and communication skills
Authors: Lu Shuting
Published: February 2025

Interactive virtual reality (VR) atmospheres are progressively being implemented in language learning to their immersive capacity, making language acquisition much more attractive and productive. Combining immersive knowledge with English language knowledge intends to improve acquisition and speaking abilities by presenting dynamic and interactive situations for learners. This investigation suggests a machine learning (ML) technique named Redefined Harries Hawks optimized Intelligent Support Vector Machine (RHH-ISVM), listening to improve English language learning in a VR atmosphere. A data collection comprising student connections with the VR learning surroundings was focused on communication patterns, language difficulty, and learning development. Noise filtering and the Min-Max normalization approach were applied to the dataset to make certain the quality of the data was preserved. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is being employed to extract meaningful features, such as communication fluency, vocabulary usage, and appropriate consideration, from the data collection. The suggested construction is by collecting user data during communications in VR surroundings. The RHH-ISVM technique researches these features to support an adaptive learning process. VR environments are leveraged to enhance immersive language acquisition and speaking abilities with personalized feedback and tailored content. RHH-ISVM uses an optimized RHH algorithm fused with ISVM to efficiently categorize and assess learner ability. The proposed technique had the greatest performance accuracy (98.56%), VR score (97.69%), training gain (98.49%), and detection scores (89.74%). The suggested approach dispatches promising consequences, with enhanced learner outcomes in language acquisition and English-speaking ability. This approach demonstrates how immersive VR technologies combined with an intelligent ML model can effectively support language learning by providing personalized and engaging experiences.
Perioperative hiccup mystery: A comprehensive case report
Authors: Batista Cheila , Brandão Joana Correia , Valente Sofia , Guedes Alexandra
Published: February 2025

Persistent hiccups in the perioperative setting, although uncommon, can substantially impact a patient’s wellbeing and recovery after surgery. We present a case of a 51-year-old male who developed persistent hiccups during total knee replacement surgery under neuraxial anaesthesia. The hiccups persisted postoperatively, leading to multidisciplinary interventions, including the introduction of central-acting muscle relaxant, baclofen. This case highlights the complexity of managing persistent hiccups in the perioperative period, where both aetiology and treatment are multifactorial, emphasising the need for further research in this field.
Long-term efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab in participants with highly active MS: TOPAZ clinical trial and interim analysis of TREAT-MS real-world study
Authors: Ziemssen Tjalf , Bass Ann D. , Van Wijmeersch Bart , Eichau Sara , Richter Stephan , Hoffmann Frank , Armstrong Nicole M. , Chirieac Magdalena , Cunha-Santos Janete , Singer Barry A.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Alemtuzumab is a disease-modifying therapy for highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Sustained efficacy up to 9 years was observed in the phase IIIb/IV open-label TOPAZ clinical trial and assessed in the real-world retrospective and prospective study, TREAT-MS.

Objectives:

To examine long-term efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab in participants with multiple sclerosis (MS) and highly active disease (HAD) by combining up to 13 years of TOPAZ data and TREAT-MS interim data.

Design:

TOPAZ: Randomized participants completing core CARE-MS I and II could receive additional alemtuzumab (12 mg/day, 3 consecutive days; ⩾12 months apart) for 11–13 years after initiating treatment. TREAT-MS: Participants from German MS clinics were observed for 4 years after last alemtuzumab treatment phase.

Methods:

Efficacy outcomes (annualized relapse rate (ARR), change in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 6-month confirmed disability worsening/improvement, magnetic resonance imaging), and adverse events (AEs) were examined. Primary HAD definition (⩾2 relapses in the year prior to baseline and ⩾1 gadolinium-enhancing lesion at baseline), and two alternative HAD definitions were assessed.

Results:

More participants from CARE-MS I (28%) and II (24%) met primary HAD criteria than TREAT-MS (~14%). Mean ARR for alemtuzumab-treated HAD participants was significantly reduced in CARE-MS I and II (0.14 and 0.15, respectively, Years 3–13) and in TREAT-MS (0.24, >2 years). Stable/improved EDSS scores were achieved by 74% of HAD participants in CARE-MS I, 67% in CARE-MS II (both Year 11), and 79% in TREAT-MS (Year 3.6), with 6-month CDI achieved by about half at Year 11 (CARE-MS I, II). Annual treatment-emergent AE incidences declined in TOPAZ and were lower in TREAT-MS.

Conclusion:

Sustained efficacy of alemtuzumab was observed for clinical and radiological outcomes in participants with HAD in the TOPAZ clinical trial and real-world TREAT-MS study with no new safety signals.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov (CARE-MS I, NCT00530348; CARE-MS II, NCT00548405; CARE-MS Extension Study, NCT00930553; TOPAZ, NCT02255656). Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (TREAT-MS, NIS 281).
A Design-Driven Approach Exploring Therapeutic Building-Nature Integration Strategies in Healthcare
Authors: Zhu Liheng , Hu Dan , Shah Sarah Javed , Hu Xiao
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This paper focuses on the three representative hospital projects conceived by Herzog & de Meuron, which transcend the conventional function of healing facilities by embracing a holistic conception of care. Through a thorough examination, complemented by illustrative drawings, it delves into the design strategies that set these projects apart from conventional practices observed in general hospital settings. Background: In response to the rising concerns about environmental sustainability and human well-being, architects, urban planners, and landscape designers are beginning to realize how crucial it is to use “natural” components in design. Particularly in healthcare institutions, carefully designed healing gardens like courtyards, with their appropriate spatial arrangement and material composition method, aim for high-quality spaces to promote health and well-being. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted through design-driven evaluation, with photographic documentation, drawings, and sketches to show how these designs achieve therapeutic integration. The strategies were thoroughly analyzed from three main perspectives: context and space, garden and building, and material and environment. Results: The investigation demonstrates that key design elements for improving the healing effect of hospitals include nature integration, spatial sequence, daylight exposure, and material composition. Specifically, it involves incorporating nature through courtyards, allowing daylight to enter indoor spaces, using clear architectural markers for easy wayfinding, and applying tactile timber finishes both inside and outside the building. Conclusions: The research highlights significant strategies and approaches that establish a framework for designers and decision-makers to assess hospital health promotion aspects to guide future design projects.
Rioting as legitimate abolitionist practice: Counterinsurgency versus radical place-making in the George Floyd rebellion
Authors: Kass Hannah , Dunlap Alexander
Published: February 2025

Nearly 5 years ago, nationwide uprisings erupted in response to the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The result was the country's largest uprisings since the 1970s and a revival of abolitionist discourse(s) in ways unseen previously. Federal and local government agencies continue efforts at co-optation and pacification to subdue riotous and political discontent. Relying on Joy James's trifold framework of ‘abolitionisms’, this article confronts the procedural abolitionism that dominates abolitionist writings, discourses, and practices during and after uprisings across the United States. Drawing on accounts from the 2020 George Floyd rebellion, we show how procedural abolitionism contributed to the state's counterinsurgent efforts to suppress and undermine the insurrectionary and autonomous positions. This psychological operation assists to pacify and funnel abolition into a procedural strategy of police defunding campaigns. From these same accounts, we demonstrate how the radical place-making of abolition geography occurred on the ground across the United States in 2020 through insurrectionary and autonomous tactics of struggle, forming what we call ungovernable abolition geographies.
Implementation of a nurse-driven protocol for indwelling urinary catheter removal and novel utilization dashboard: a pre/postintervention observational study
Authors: Kamel Michelle , Harris Nichole , Berry Andrew , Warsavage Theodore , Bessesen Mary T. , Kon Shelley E.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Nurse-driven protocols (NDPs) for urinary catheter removal are proven tools for decreasing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs); however, they are not used consistently in acute care settings.

Objective:

To determine the impact of a NDP for urinary catheter removal on CAUTI rates and device utilization ratio.

Design:

Pre/postintervention, observational study at a 160-bed, level 1a academically affiliated Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.

Methods:

CAUTI rates and device utilization ratios were examined before and after implementation of the NDP.

Results:

The CAUTI rate decreased from 0.99 per 1,000 urinary catheter days in the preintervention period to 0.27 per 1000 urinary catheter days in the postintervention period. The device utilization ratio (catheter days/patient days) decreased from 14% in the preintervention period to 12% in the postintervention period.

Conclusion:

The NDP reduced the CAUTI rate and the device utilization ratio. A multidisciplinary project team and use of a data visualization dashboard may be valuable implementation strategies to increase utilization of NDPs such as HOUDINI.
‘Strengthen Them Inside’: Supporting prison staff wellbeing in England through creative writing
Authors: Nichols Helen , Metcalf Josephine , Earle Fiona , Fréour Léa
Published: February 2025

Prison staff experience multiple stressors in the course of their working lives and existing literature consistently emphasises the negative wellbeing implications of prison work. There is a gap in existing research regarding the types of wellbeing support that are appropriate and positively impactful for this occupational group. This article presents original findings following the delivery of an innovative wellbeing activity across two prisons in England which involved groups of prison staff engaging in an 8-week creative writing course. The activity brought together prisoner-facing and support staff resulting in an important opportunity to collaborate, reflect and enhance role appreciation. The core benefits of the course were improvements in personal and professional wellbeing and an opportunity to ‘detox’ negative prison working cultures.
Retinitis linked to human herpesvirus type 6: a case study in a splenectomised patient
Authors: Santos-Oliveira Joana , Cunha Ana Maria , Moleiro Ana Filipa , Ribeiro Margarida , Torres-Costa Sónia , Oliveira-Ferreira Cláudia , Pedrosa Ana Catarina , Araújo Joana , Figueira Luís , Silva Marta
Published: February 2025

Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a member of the HHV family and is a rare cause of infectious uveitis. We report a case of a splenectomised patient, hospitalised due to invasive pneumococcal disease, who was diagnosed with retinitis in the right eye, with good visual acuity (0.1 LogMAR). Given the presence of HHV-6 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the cerebrospinal fluid and the serum and the coexistence of a severe central nervous system infection, the ophthalmological features were attributed to the HHV-6 infection. He was treated with topical corticosteroid eyedrops, cyclopentolate, and prednisolone acetate ointment and systemically with intravenous ganciclovir 5 mg/kg bid for 14 days and then oral valganciclovir 900 mg bid for 4 weeks. The diagnosis was promptly presumed, enabling the early initiation of appropriate treatment and contributing to the preservation of the good visual acuity initially observed.
Tumor secretome shapes the immune landscape during cancer progression
Authors: Yang Jianqiang , Tang Sijia , Saba Nabil F. , Shay Chloe , Teng Yong
Published: February 2025

The focus of cancer immunotherapy has traditionally been on immune cells and tumor cells themselves, often overlooking the tumor secretome. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between tumor cells and the immune response in cancer progression. It highlights the pivotal role of the tumor secretome - a diverse set of molecules secreted by tumor cells - in significantly influencing immune modulation, promoting immunosuppression, and facilitating tumor survival. In addition to elucidating these complex interactions, this review discusses current clinical trials targeting the tumor secretome and highlights their potential to advance personalized medicine strategies. These trials aim to overcome the challenges of the tumor microenvironment by designing therapies tailored to the secretome profiles of individual cancer patients. In addition, advances in proteomic techniques are highlighted as essential tools for unraveling the complexity of the tumor secretome, paving the way for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Multi-omics analysis in primary T cells elucidates mechanisms behind disease-associated genetic loci
Authors: Shi Chenfu , Zhao Danyun , Butler Jake , Frantzeskos Antonios , Rossi Stefano , Ding James , Ferrazzano Carlo , Wynn Charlotte , Hum Ryan Malcolm , Richards Ellie , Gupta Muskan , Patel Khadijah , Yap Chuan Fu , Plant Darren , Grencis Richard , Martin Paul , Adamson Antony , Eyre Stephen , Bowes John , Barton Anne , Ho Pauline , Rattray Magnus , Orozco Gisela
Published: February 2025

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered the genetic basis behind many diseases and conditions. However, most of these genetic loci affect regulatory regions, making the interpretation challenging. Chromatin conformation has a fundamental role in gene regulation and is frequently used to associate potential target genes to regulatory regions. However, previous studies mostly used small sample sizes and immortalized cell lines instead of primary cells.

Results

Here we present the most extensive dataset of chromatin conformation with matching gene expression and chromatin accessibility from primary CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to date, isolated from psoriatic arthritis patients and healthy controls. We generated 108 Hi-C libraries (49 billion reads), 128 RNA-seq libraries and 126 ATAC-seq libraries. These data enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which GWAS variants impact gene regulation, revealing how genetic variation alters chromatin accessibility and structure in primary cells at an unprecedented scale. We refine the mapping of GWAS loci to implicated regulatory elements, such as CTCF binding sites and other enhancer elements, aiding gene assignment. We uncover BCL2L11 as the probable causal gene within the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) locus rs13396472, despite the GWAS variants’ intronic positioning relative to ACOXL, and we identify mechanisms involving SESN3 dysregulation in the RA locus rs4409785.

Conclusions

Given these genes’ significant role in T cell development and maturation, our work deepens our comprehension of autoimmune disease pathogenesis, suggesting potential treatment targets. In addition, our dataset provides a valuable resource for the investigation of immune-mediated diseases and gene regulatory mechanisms.
BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination affects the gut microbiome composition of patients with follicular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chiarenza Annalisa , Aluisio Gaia Vertillo , Parrinello Nunziatina Laura , Marino Sara , Corsale Anna Maria , Privitera Grete Francesca , Azgomi MojtabaShekarkar , La Spina Enrico , Cambria Daniela , Curtopelle Angelo , Isola Gaetano , Botta Cirino , Di Raimondo Francesco , Romano Alessandra , Santagati Maria
Published: February 2025

Background

In both chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) immunotherapy determines B-depletion that leads to temporary suppression of humoral immunity, which is clinically relevant especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most patients in the first wave received the BNT162b2 vaccine during anti-neoplastic treatment.

Methods

To capture changes in the immunome and microbiome composition in CLL and FL patients upon mRNA-based vaccination, we designed a prospective, longitudinal study to profile both the humoral and the cellular response after exposure to the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine.

Results

In both CLL patients and FL patients, the second and third administrations of the BNT162b2 vaccine increased the titer of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. In FL patients, vaccination induced expansion of central memory CD8 + CD57dim CD279 + T cells and reduction of the neutrophil subset myeloid 1 (CD14−CD15+CD16dimCD64+CD33−CD38+PDL1+HLA-DR−); in both cohorts, CD45RA + CD27 + CD279 + NK cells were expanded after a full cycle of vaccination. After vaccination, the genera Collinsella, Gemmiger, Lachnospiraceae, Blautia, Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus increased in both CLL patients and FL patients, whereas Faecalibacterium, Enterobacteriacae, and Enterococcus decreased. Multivariate analysis failed to identify factors associated with changes in microbiome communities among the CLL and FL cohorts, considering age, sex, exposure to anti-CD20 therapy and disease activity. Only in FL patients, alpha diversity was negatively correlated with neutrophil subsets myeloid 1 e 5 at baseline and positively correlated with neutrophil subset 6 after vaccination. PICRUSt2 analysis showed how microbiome can also affect the host health promoting chronic inflammation. The L-lysine biosynthesis pathway was more represented in CLL patients, whereas the L-valine degradation pathway and the anaerobic degradation of purine nucleobases were overrepresented in the FL cohort.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings reveal the effect of the BNT162b2 vaccine in shaping the microbiome composition in CLL and FL patients, despite receiving treatment for their underlying active disease, and highlight the importance of a comprehensive analysis of the immunome and microbiome profiling to understand immune function in these cohorts of patients.
Citronellol inhibits the activity of AtSRT1 to increase IAA content and signal transduction, promoting the growth of A. thaliana
Authors: Wen Jin-Rui , Nie Hong-Yan , Liao Hong-Xin , Xu Fu-Rong , Liu Xiao-Yun , Dong Xian
Published: February 2025

Histone acetylation is a key epigenetic modification involved in plant development. Although histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are commonly studied in human diseases, their role in regulating histone deacetylation in plants remains unclear. This study explores the function of Citronellol, a volatile small molecule, as a plant-derived HDACi using Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh (A. thaliana) as a model. Citronellol at concentrations of 3 and 6 mM enhanced both root development and aboveground growth. Enzyme activity assays, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations showed that Citronellol binds to specific residues (PHE:64, ARG:65, MET:1, and ILE:214) of the histone deacetylase AtSRT1 in Arabidopsis, inhibiting its activity and elevating H3K9ac levels. Integrated RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses revealed that Citronellol increased the expression of genes linked to growth and development, including ATCTH, CPL3, IBR5, TCP4, and KUA1, through enhanced histone acetylation and activation of plant hormone signaling pathways. These findings provide new insights into the epigenetic regulation of plant growth by Citronellol, identifying it as a novel HDACi. Citronellol could serve as an effective plant growth regulator, offering valuable applications for agricultural development. 

Graphical Abstract
The dynamics of frequency connectedness between technology ETFs and uncertainty indices under extreme market conditions
Authors: Ozcelebi Oguzhan , McIver Ronald , Kang Sang Hoon
Published: February 2025

We examine technology ETF and uncertainty index (VIX, GVZ, and OVZ) spillover dynamics and quantile frequency interconnectedness across market states. This study is the first to use quantile-frequency spillover, quadruple wavelet coherence, and wavelet quantile correlation methodologies to facilitate these analyses. The total connectedness index value is 70%, which is much higher in both the upper and lower quantiles. Under normal market conditions, short-term connectedness significantly exceeds long-term connectedness. Levels of ETF-uncertainty indicator connectedness increase under extreme market conditions; most technology ETFs are net spillover transmitters and uncertainty indices net spillover receivers, indicating the contagion risk of ETF investments. We show that while greater ETF-uncertainty index connectedness may benefit portfolio diversification, large fluctuations in technology EFTs can result in financial instability due to high market volatility. In the long term, the joint effects of uncertainty indices on ETFs are significant, with negative correlations between ETFs and uncertainties at different frequencies, supporting the potential role of uncertainty indices in hedging technology ETF portfolio risks. Dynamic portfolio rebalancing, scenario analysis, and stress testing may help to manage the effects of high connectedness.
PROMIS-9 UE physical function demonstrates moderate responsiveness for patients following upper limb prosthesis intervention
Authors: Castleberry Todd J. , England Dwiesha L. , Fylstra Bretta L. , Stevens Phillip M. , Todd Amy E. , Mandacina Stephen A. , Wurdeman Shane R.
Published: February 2025

Background

Upper extremity physical function is an essential health domain in the rehabilitation care for patients with upper limb amputation or absence. The PROMIS-9 UE Physical Function short form is a recently established instrument designed for individuals with upper limb amputation or absence. The instrument’s responsiveness to changes after receiving a prosthesis has not been investigated. The current study aimed to evaluate the ability of the PROMIS-9 UE to detect changes in bimanual (two-handed) functional capacity after patients’ receipt of a prosthesis.

Methodology

A retrospective chart review was conducted on the longitudinal PROMIS-9 UE outcome measure scores completed between April 2016 and February 2024. Participants included individuals with an outcome collected before and after prosthesis receipt.

Results

The final sample size included 124 individuals (91 male, 33 female; 43.4 ± 15.0 years old, 34.4 ± 103.0 months since amputation, and 62.9% injury etiology). Analyses found significant improvement across all patients in the PROMIS-9 UE scores from baseline to post prosthesis intervention (baseline: 25.3 ± 8.6, post: 29.5 ± 9.6; p < 0.001). The PROMIS-9 UE demonstrated a moderate responsiveness (Standardized Response Mean = 0.6) to prosthetic intervention. This was a directional change consistent with subjective patient reports of increased functionality. Furthermore, findings from the linear mixed model demonstrated significant responsiveness for the PROMIS-9 UE instrument to detect post-intervention changes after controlling for potential confounding effects (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest the PROMIS-9 UE Physical Function instrument demonstrates moderate clinical utility in capturing patient progress following upper limb prosthesis intervention.
Insights into geminiviral pathogenesis: interaction between βC1 protein and GLABROUS1 enhancer binding protein (GeBP) in Solanaceae
Authors: Zhao Meisheng , Li Mingjun , Zhang Liping , Wu Nan , Tang Xinyue , Yang Xiaolong , Ghanem Hussein , Wu Menglin , Wu Gentu , Qing Ling
Published: February 2025

Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in plant development and pathogen defense. However, plant viruses can exploit TFs to facilitate their infection or transmission. In this study, we confirmed the βC1 proteins, encoded by tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV)- and tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV)-associated betasatellites, interacted with GLABROUS1 enhancer binding protein (GeBP) TFs from solanaceous plants including Nicotiana benthamiana, Solanum lycopersicum, S. tuberosum, and Capsicum annuum. Further analysis verified the nuclear localization, homodimerization, and DNA-binding ability of the GeBP TFs, along with its interaction with βC1 in the nucleus. PVX-mediated overexpression of NbGeBP showed no effect on the accumulation of viral and betasatellite DNAs in N. benthamiana plants after infection with TbCSV and its heterologous betasatellite, malvastrum yellow vein virus associated betasatellite (MaYVB), or its homologous betasatellite, TbCSB. However, both TbCSV and MaYVV caused a decrease in NbGeBP expression during the early stages of infection, regardless of the presence of homologous or heterologous betasatellites, implying that NbGeBP might play a role in virus infection. TbCSV/TbCSB and TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB infect many solanaceous plants, and solanaceous GeBP proteins interact with βC1 proteins from TbCSB and TYLCCNB. The yeast two-hybrid and bimoleccular fluorescence complementation assays showed that AtGeBP from Arabidopsis thaliana could not interact with TbCSB βC1, revealing that the GeBP-βC1 interactions might only exist in GeBP proteins from solanaceous plants. Importantly, the βC1 protein from MaYVB, which was almost not reported on natural infection in solanaceous plants, could not interact with GeBP, suggesting the potential roles of GeBP in monopartite begomovirus infection of solanaceous plants.
The use of an intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Qutub Mohammed A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS) is associated with high mortality despite advances in therapy. The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is used to support hemodynamics in these patients, but its efficacy remains debated. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of IABP use in patients with AMI complicated by CS.

Results

This retrospective cohort study included 95 patients with AMI-CS treated at a tertiary referral center from January 2020 to December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving IABP (n = 72) and those not receiving IABP (n = 23). Baseline characteristics revealed that patients who received IABP had more advanced shock [SCAI stage E 25% vs. 9%, P < 0.01], an increased prevalence of cardiac arrest at presentation [31% vs. 4%, P = 0.01], and required more aggressive hospital interventions, including vasopressor support [97% vs. 39%, P < 0.01], mechanical ventilation [90% vs. 30%, P < 0.01], and renal replacement therapy [42% vs. 9%, P < 0.01]. The IABP group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality [69% vs. 30%, P < 0.01]. IABP was associated with increased in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiac arrest [OR 27, P < 0.01], but in patients without cardiac arrest, IABP use reduced mortality [OR 0.15, P = 0.02]. There were no significant differences in cerebrovascular accident, bleeding, and length of stay between groups. No significant differences in long-term survival were observed between the groups [log-rank P = 0.44].

Conclusions

IABP use in AMI-CS patients was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, reflected by the more critical clinical status of these patients at baseline. IABP may offer in-hospital survival benefits in patients without cardiac arrest but does not improve long-term outcomes. Further research is needed to refine its role in clinical practice.
Testosterone Treatment and Sexual Function in Men: Secondary Analysis of the T4DM (Testosterone for Diabetes) Trial
Authors: Wittert Gary A , Robledo Kristy P , Handelsman David J , Inder Warrick J , Stuckey Bronwyn G A , Yeap Bu B , Bracken Karen , Allan Carolyn A , Jesudason David , Jenkins Alicia , Januszewski Andrzej S , Grossmann Mathis
Published: February 2025

Context

The combined effects of testosterone treatment and lifestyle intervention on sexual function in men at high risk of type 2 diabetes are unclear.

Objective

To assess the effect of testosterone treatment with a lifestyle intervention in men aged 50 to 74 years at high risk of, or newly diagnosed with, type 2 diabetes (via oral glucose tolerance test).

Design

A secondary analysis of the Testosterone for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted across 6 Australian centers.

Interventions

Intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (1000 mg) or placebo, 3 monthly for 2 years alongside a community-based lifestyle program.

Main outcomes

Sexual function measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 questionnaire.

Results

Of 1007 participants, 792 (79%) had complete International Index of Erectile Function-15 data. Baseline domain scores were inversely related to age and waist circumference, but unrelated to serum testosterone or estradiol levels. Testosterone treatment improved all 5 International Index of Erectile Function-15 domain scores, with stronger effects on sexual desire and orgasmic function in older men, and sexual desire in men with higher depression scores. Testosterone had no impact on depression. Independent of treatment, reductions in waist circumference were associated with improved erectile function, and reductions in depression scores correlated with better sexual function. Clinically significant improvement in erectile function and sexual desire occurred in 3% and 10% of men, respectively, and was inversely related to baseline function. Clinically significant improvement improvements in erectile function and sexual desire were greater in younger and older men respectively.

Conclusion

Testosterone treatment enhanced sexual desire and, to a lesser extent, erectile function, particularly in older men and those with higher waist circumference or depressive symptoms. Reduced waist circumference and depression independently improved sexual function.
Why I Am Not a Boltzmann Brain
Authors: Dogramaci Sinan , Schoenfield Miriam
Published: February 2025

This article gives a Bayesian argument showing that, even if your total empirical evidence confirms that you have zillions of duplicate Boltzmann Brains, that evidence does not confirm that you are a Boltzmann Brain. The article also attempts to explain what goes wrong with several of the sources of the temptation for thinking that such evidence does have skeptical implications.
“What Is a Witch?”
Authors: Snaza Nathan
Published: February 2025

Examining the paucity of historical knowledge of Tituba, the only Black woman in the Salem Witch Trial archives from 1692–1693, this chapter proposes a decolonial method of subjunctive reading by examining Maryse Condé's novel, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem. Focusing on moments of queer erotics and feminist speculation, and on moments of more-than-human worlding, the chapter argues that “witchcraft” is a concept that appears in colonial contact zones. “Recreating” Tituba to fit the needs of her decolonial and feminist imagination, Condé's novel repeatedly asks what a witch “is,” only to find Tituba shifting that indicative mood to the subjunctive, amplifying what could have been and what might yet be.
Whose Craft?
Authors: Joshi Apoorvaa , Brooks Ethel
Published: February 2025

Contested boundaries abound in contemporary witchcraft. One such boundary, and the focus of this chapter, is the discussion around “open” and “closed” practices. Closed practices refer to those that are rest+B1:B8ricted to in-group members and that fall under the umbrella of racialized lineages of witchcraft, whereas open practices can be done by anybody. Closed practices are often considered inappropriate, immoral, or even impossible for outsiders to perform. This chapter illustrates some key contentions in discourse on social media about closed practices and how they may or may not provide avenues for decolonizing practice. The mass commodification of witchcraft demonstrates the power of hegemonic global capitalism to capture the sacred and the marginal, and the authors discuss beliefs around closing practices to make witchcraft(s) spaces of resistance against white supremacy, global capitalism, and patriarchy.
“Some Decks May Be Stacked against Us but This Deck Is Ours”
Authors: Cleary Krystal
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines the upswell of independently produced tarot decks created by and for marginalized people. Through the lens of media studies and intersectional feminist studies, this chapter elucidates how contemporary justice-centered decks and their corresponding discourses (1) critique tarot tradition through the creation of culturally accessible decks, (2) frame tarot as self-care through a healing justice framework, and (3) engage tarot as an emergent strategy for activating political imaginaries in service of conjuring a just future. This analysis is situated in a genealogical account of justice-centered tarot's emergence, providing an overview of tarot's imbrication in the neoliberal self-help New Age industry and the politicization of tarot in decks born of 1980s American feminism.
A Feminist Theory of Witch Hunts
Authors: Kelkar Govind , Nathan Dev
Published: February 2025

This chapter explains the persecution of women as witches and why, in some societies and times, women are primarily branded and persecuted as witches. The authors use three variables to explain witch hunts: Patriarchy, cultural beliefs, and structural changes within society. First, witch hunts have been used to enforce women's exclusion from highly valued spiritual knowledge and establish patrilineal property regimes. Second, they have been used to enforce social beliefs in the existence of persons, mainly women, who use supernatural power to cause misfortune, (e.g., illness, deaths, bad crops) in their communities. Third, witch hunts have also been used to protect the old moral economy and, at the same time, to promote the new economy of accumulation. Importantly, the authors note some recent expressions of the rejection of such belief in the witches and demand for proof of witchcraft.
Witching Sound in the Anthropocene (and Occultcene)
Authors: Ferrett D
Published: February 2025

This chapter proposes that in an era described as the Anthropocene, which names the dominance of human impact on the planet, witching sound makes audible an Occultcene and manifests other forms of life, touch, agency, and potential impact. Drawing from feminist musicology and sound studies, the chapter offers deep listening and witching sound as the means by which one might engage with the tensions and agencies that oscillate between the Anthropocene narrative and the potentialities of the Occultcene. Divide and Dissolve's album Gas Lit is presented as a witching sound that produces affective musical intensity in response to violence against people and the earth: misogyny, racism, murder, and/or the theft of Indigenous lands. Indeed, the band's music demonstrates the interconnectedness of such violence and power while cultivating a countering witching sound that attempts to transform power relations and reimagine futures
A Queer Critical Analysis of Contemporary Representations of the Churail in Hindi Film
Authors: Chhibber Saira
Published: February 2025

Popular Hindi Cinema, or Bollywood, has relied on archetypal character tropes that place women in a “good” versus “bad” binary. The origins of this binary have been predicated upon the social construction of gender in order to position the most “authentic” Indian women as moral and virtuous, as per conservative Hindu dogma. Representations of the churail (witch) have been traditionally positioned as evil and placed firmly on the “bad” side of the gender binary. However, recent representations of the witch have repositioned the churail as a sympathetic fighter for gender justice. The chapter examines four churail films: Veerana (1988), Chudail No.1 (1999), Stree (2018) and Roohi (2021). Taking examples from these films, the chapter shows how this trope is deployed to represent contests between female bodily autonomy and patriarchal social structures. The chapter offers new ways of looking at contemporary witch films in Bollywood, through a critical queer and feminist lens.
Financial crisis and central banks
Authors: Γεωργακούλιας Αθανάσιος
Published: February 2025

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία είναι μια ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας, η οποία στοχεύει κυρίως στην παρουσίαση και ανάλυση των αντιδράσεων των Κεντρικών Τραπεζών στην Παγκόσμια Οικονομική Κρίση του 2007-2009, βασιζόμενη στη μελέτη περίπτωσης της ΕΚΤ και της FED. Στην πραγματικότητα, ο κύριος σκοπός της μελέτης αυτής είναι, αφού αποκαλυφθούν τα βασικά αίτια και οι συνέπειες της κρίσης, να επικεντρωθεί σε μια κριτική ανάλυση των παραδοσιακών και μη παραδοσιακών νομισματικών πολιτικών που υιοθετήθηκαν και εφαρμόστηκαν από την ΕΚΤ και τη FED. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, η χρησιμοποιούμενη μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση βασίζεται σε δύο πυλώνες: ο πρώτος στηρίζεται σε μια σε βάθος συγκριτική ανάλυση μεταξύ των πολιτικών που ακολουθήθηκαν, ανά περίπτωση και υπό την ομπρέλα μιας σειράς από τα πιο σημαντικά διλήμματα στη νομισματική οικονομία και τις νομισματικές πολιτικές, προκειμένου να εντοπιστούν οι σημαντικότερες ομοιότητες και διαφοροποιήσεις μεταξύ τους. Ο δεύτερος επικεντρώνεται σε μια λεπτομερή ανάλυση SWOT, επισημαίνοντας από τη μία πλευρά τα Δυνατά Σημεία και Αδυναμίες και από την άλλη τις Ευκαιρίες και Απειλές, που προκύπτουν από τα αποτελέσματα της εν λόγω συγκριτικής διερεύνησης. Η εις βάθος ερμηνεία αυτής της διπλής θεωρητικής ερευνητικής ανάλυσης επιτρέπει να κατανοήσουμε εάν οι πολιτικές που χρησιμοποίησαν η FED και η ΕΚΤ ήταν εξίσου οι κατάλληλες ή όχι και γιατί. Στη συνέχεια, με την περαιτέρω ανάλυση της λογικής που διέπει η κάθε μία από αυτές, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη και τα αποτελέσματα που προκύπτουν από την αντίστοιχη ανάλυση SWOT, μπορούμε να παρέχουμε, για κάθε Κεντρική Τράπεζα, τις αντίστοιχες λύσεις για τη συνολική βελτίωση και ανάπτυξη της αποδοτικότητας, αποτελεσματικότητας και ευελιξίας των πολιτικών/στρατηγικών που ελήφθησαν και από τις δύο πλευρές του Ατλαντικού. Έτσι, η παρούσα ποιοτική μελέτη θα εξυπηρετήσει σίγουρα τους υπεύθυνους χάραξης πολιτικής στις καθημερινές τους αποφάσεις, ως μια πλήρη πηγή για ακαδημαϊκούς, υπεύθυνους χάραξης πολιτικής και ερευνητές, που επιθυμούν να κατανοήσουν τις μοναδικές προκλήσεις και τις απαντήσεις πολιτικής από την πλευρά των Κεντρικών Τραπεζών κατά την διάρκεια κρίσιμων περιόδων, όπως η εξεταζόμενη Παγκόσμια Οικονομική Κρίση.
Efficacy of Treadmill Training on Balance and Fall Risks in the Elderly: A Systematic Review."
Authors: Zafer Ayman Mohammed Ismail , Shanb Alsayed Abdelhameed , Alzahrani Matar AbduAllah , Sharma Ankita , Rizvi Moattar Raza
Published: February 2025

Background & Purpose Falls and balance issues are significant concerns for the elderly. Treadmill training is increasingly recognized as a potential intervention to improve balance and reduce fall risk in this population. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of treadmill training on balance in the elderly. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and ERIC from January 1, 1980, to January 1, 2025. The search focused on treadmill training’s impact on balance in older adults. From 74 identified studies, primary outcome measure was “Balance Improvement, risk of fall” and secondary were “Cognitive Function and Quality of Life,” and others. Articles were excluded for reasons like irrelevance to treadmill training, language barriers, or duplication, resulting in 16 final studies. Results Treadmill training demonstrated positive effects on balance and fall risk reduction, particularly in elderly individuals with Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and age-related balance issues. Perturbation-based treadmill training significantly reduced fall rates, while underwater treadmill sessions improved mobility and cognitive function. Conclusion Treadmill training interventions are promising for improving balance and mobility in the elderly, including those with Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and age-related balance issues. While these interventions show potential, further research is needed to determine optimal protocols, durations, and combinations with other interventions. This could lead to a more comprehensive approach for addressing balance and mobility challenges in the elderly, promoting healthy aging and reducing fall risks.
Our experience in spinal surgery: a systematic review comparing the single and combined use of Tranexamic acid
Authors: zied mansi , tounsi abdelkader , chamakh mohsen , chermiti wajdi , haggui ali , zaidi bacem , mahmoudi ahmed
Published: February 2025

Objective Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a chemical compound that can control the amount of bleeding and is often used in spinal surgery. TXA can be used alone or in combination. The study compared the effects of the two administrations, single-use or combined-use, providing a basis for the optimal route of TXA application. Methods Intravenous injection of TXA or topical TXA was used in the experimental group, and combined TXA was used in the control group. A systematic literature search without language restrictions was conducted until November 10, 2023. Statistical analyses were performed using Revman 5.4. Results Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one retrospective cohort study (RCS) were included, involving 682 patients. There were no significant differences in postoperative blood loss (PBL), preoperative haemoglobin (Hb), postoperative Hb, postoperative D-dimer level, operative time, nor complications between the two groups. However, there were statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss (IBL), total blood loss (TBL), and preoperative D-dimer levels between the two groups. (IBL: MD=48.63, 95%CI (confidence interval) =[12.61, 84.65], P=0.008, I 2=88%; TBL: MD=140.95, 95%CI= [25.97, 255.93], P=0.02, I 2=75%； Preoperative D-dimmer: MD=-0.15, 95%CI=[-0.19, -0.11], P<0.00001, I 2=0%). Conclusion During spinal surgery, single use of TXA was no better than combined use of TXA in terms of IBL, TBL, and preoperative D-dimer levels. However, the meta-analysis suggests that more high-quality studies need to be included to further compare the results between the two groups to make recommendations for the optimal use of TXA.