bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scandalous romantic refraction: Reframing rape culture and coercive control on television
Authors: Bernabo Laurena
Published: February 2025

This article provides a critical analysis of the Olivia/Fitz relationship in Scandal, exploring their interactions and the program’s treatment of sexual and relational abuse in the context of the popular feminism in U.S. television. Scandal follows Olivia Pope, a political fixer who solves problems for D.C. elites while navigating a tumultuous personal life including an on-again/off-again affair with Fitzgerald Grant, the U.S. President. Olivia and Fitz join other TV couples that normalize abusive romantic relationships by failing to meaningfully problematize them despite Scandal’s feminist discourses. After reframing their relationship to demonstrate how this abusive relationship illustrates the continuum of sexual violence, I theorize a narrative strategy of “romantic refraction” which narratively privileges a romantic interpretation of this relationship through distinct representational patterns.
The United Kingdom Infected Blood Inquiry: Its findings and lessons for the future of transfusion
Authors: Murphy Michael F , Brailsford Susan R , Roberts David J
Published: February 2025

The UK Infected Blood Inquiry report was published in May 2024 after 6 years of taking oral and written evidence from patients, clinicians, blood services, government officials and politicians about the transmission of infection by blood transfusion to thousands of patients in the 1970s through to the 1990s. The same problems with transfusion-transmitted infection occurred in many other countries in the same period but their reviews, inquiries and decisions about compensation occurred many years earlier than in the UK. The publication of the report has been welcomed but begs two important questions. Why was the inquiry so delayed in the UK? And why did it take so long to report? Further, the report itself deserves scrutiny. What were its findings and lessons learned? How will the findings be implemented and what are the implications, if any, for other countries?
Outcomes Among Adult Recipients of CAR T-cell Therapy for Burkitt Lymphoma
Authors: Samples Laura , Sadrzadeh Hossein , Frigault Matthew J. , Jacobson Caron A. , Hamadani Mehdi , Gurumurthi Ashwath , Strati Paolo , Shouval Roni , Noy Ariela , Riedell Peter A , Dahiya Saurabh , Maloney David G , Till Brian G , Hirayama Alexandre V. , Gauthier Jordan , Gopal Ajay K , Smith Stephen D , Poh Christina , Lynch Ryan C , Ujjani Chaitra , Di Mengyang , Raghunathan Vikram , Shakib-Azar Mehrdad , Naresh Kikkeri N , Gooley Ted A , Yared Jean A. , Jain Michael D , Locke Frederick L , Leslie Lori A. , Epperla Narendranath , Ghosh Monalisa , Skarbnik Alan P , Hill Brian T. , Kamdar Manali , Ortiz-Maldonado Valentín , Martínez-Cibrian Nuria , Shune Leyla , Shadman Mazyar
Published: February 2025

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma associated with poor outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory disease. This multicenter, retrospective study evaluated real-world CD19 CAR T-cell therapy outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory BL using data abstracted from the medical records. In total, 31 patients received CAR T-cells after a median of 3 prior therapies (range 1-6). Patients received axi-cel (n = 19), liso-cel (n = 4), tisa-cel (n = 4) or other agents (n = 4). Grade 1-2 CRS occurred in 83.9% of patients (grade ≥3 6.5%), and grade 1-2 ICANS occurred in 29% of patients (grade ≥3 19.4%). Twenty-eight-day mortality was 16.1%, including one patient who died from grade 5 ICANS. The overall response rate at 1 month was 58.0% with a complete response (CR) rate of 41.9%, however the 6-month CR rate was only 25.8%. Median progression-free survival was 2.3 months (95% CI 1.0 - 9.0), and median overall survival was 6.0 months (95% CI 1.9 - 11.5). Three patients (9.7%) received consolidative allogeneic stem cell transplants, but all subsequently relapsed. In conclusion, CD19 CAR T-cell therapy infrequently delivers long term disease control in BL. Further investigation is needed to determine the most effective alternative management of these patients.
Three-year follow-up analysis of first-line axicabtagene ciloleucel in high-risk large B-cell lymphoma (ZUMA-12)
Authors: Chavez Julio C. , Dickinson Michael , Munoz Javier , Ulrickson Matthew L. , Thieblemont Catherine , Oluwole Olalekan O. , Herrera Alex F. , Ujjani Chaitra , Lin Yi , Riedell Peter A. , Kekre Natasha , de Vos Sven , Wullf Jacob , Williams Chad M. , Winters Joshua , Kloos Ioana Magdalena , Xu Hairong , Neelapu Sattva S.
Published: February 2025

ZUMA-12 is a multicenter phase 2 study that evaluated axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, as part of first-line treatment in patients with high-risk large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). In the primary efficacy analysis (n=37; 15.9 months median follow-up), axi-cel demonstrated a high rate of complete responses (CR; 78%) and a safety profile consistent with prior experience. Here, we assessed updated outcomes from ZUMA-12 in 40 treated patients after ≥3 years of follow-up. Eligible adults underwent leukapheresis, followed by lymphodepleting chemotherapy and a single axi-cel infusion of 2×106 CAR T cells/kg. Investigator-assessed CR, objective response, survival, safety, and CAR T-cell expansion were assessed. The CR rate among response-evaluable patients (n=37) increased after the primary analysis to 86% (95% CI, 71-95), with a 92% objective response rate. After a median follow-up of 47.0 months (range, 37.1-57.8), 36-month estimates (95% CI) of duration of response and event-free, progression-free, and overall survival in response-evaluable patients were 81.8% (63.9-91.4), 73.0% (55.6-84.4), 75.1% (57.5-86.2), and 81.1% (64.4-90.5), respectively. In total, 4 patients had new malignancies, 2 occurring after the data cutoff of the primary analysis, none were related to axi-cel. Eight patients died on study, 2 of whom died from non-relapse mortality causes. After ≥3 years of follow-up, axi-cel demonstrated a high cure rate in first-line high-risk LBCL, with no new safety signals after the primary analysis. Further assessments are needed to determine its benefit versus first-line standard-of-care. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, as #NCT03761056.
Design and simulation of a highly efficient eco-friendly, non-toxic perovskite solar cell
Authors: Ahathiyan G. S. , Du John H. Victor , Moni D. Jackuline , Sagayam K. Martin , Pandey Binay Kumar , Pandey Digvijay , Lelisho Mesfin Esayas
Published: February 2025

A highly efficient and nontoxic material methylammoniumtin(II) iodideperovskite solar cell is proposed. This proposed solar cell uses CH3NH3SnI3 as the absorber layer, TiO2 as an Electron transport layer (ETL), Indium tin oxide as a buffer layer, and Copper(I) oxide as the hole transport layer (HTL). The device is simulated using the SCAPS-1D simulation tool. This study details the optimization of a set of parameters, including the defect densities and the thickness of the absorber layer. The proposed structure is highly optimized result of 31.73% of enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE), a JSC of 24.526 mA/cm2 (short-circuit current), FF of 81.40% (fill factor), and a VOC of 1.56 V (open-circuit voltage) is obtained through simulation process. Compared to previously reported works, the performance of the device has improved significantly due to better optimization. Along with this electrical characteristic temperature analyses, conductance voltage, capacitance–voltage, and bandgap analyses have also been carried out to examine the device’s efficiency and performance.
Study in the iron uptake mechanism of Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Shen Xiangxiang , Guan Lijun , Zhang Junfeng , Xue Yun , Si Lifang , Zhao Zhanqin
Published: February 2025

Pasteurella multocida infects a wide range of animals, causing hemorrhagic septicemia or infectious pneumonia. Iron is an essential nutrient for growth, colonization, and proliferation of P. multocida during infection of the host, and competition for iron ions in the host is a critical link in the pathogenesis of this pathogen. In recent years, there has been significant progress in the study of the iron uptake system of P. multocida, including its occurrence and regulatory mechanisms. In order to provide a systematic theoretical basis for the study of the molecular pathogenesis of the P. multocida iron uptake system, and generate new ideas for the investigation and development of molecular-targeted drugs and subunit vaccines against P. multocida, the mechanisms of iron uptake by transferrin receptors, heme receptors, and siderophores, and the mechanism of expression and regulation of the P. multocida iron uptake system are all described.
Investigations on higher-order spherical harmonic input features for deep learning-based multiple speaker detection and localization
Authors: Poschadel Nils , Preihs Stephan , Peissig Jürgen
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a detailed investigation of deep learning-based speaker detection and localization (SDL) with higher-order Ambisonics signals is conducted. Different spherical harmonic (SH) input features such as the higher-order pseudointensity vector (HO-PIV), relative harmonic coefficients (RHCs), and the spatially-localized pseudointensity vector (SL-PIV), a feature proposed for the first time as an input feature for deep learning-based SDL, are examined using first- to fourth-order SH signals. The trained neural networks, optimized with a single loss function for the combined tasks of detection and localization, are then evaluated in detail for overall SDL performance as well as their performance in the sub-tasks of detection and, particularly, localization. The results are further analyzed in dependence on room reverberation, signal-to-interference ratio (SIR), as well as the number and distances between multiple simultaneously active speakers, utilizing both simulated and measured data. The findings indicate an overall improvement in SDL performance up to third-order Ambisonics for all investigated features, while using fourth-order signals does not yield any further improvement or sometimes even delivers worse results. Notably, the HO-PIV and the SL-PIV, both extensions of the first-order pseudointensity vector (FO-PIV), have proven to be suitable input features. In particular the newly proposed SL-PIV has been found to be the best of the investigated features on third- and fourth-order Ambisonics signals, especially in the most demanding scenarios on measured data, with multiple, closely located speakers and poor SIR.
Infection prevention and control without borders: comparison of guidelines on multidrug-resistant organisms in the northern Dutch-German cross-border region
Authors: Cimen Cansu , Berends Matthijs S. , Lokate Mariëtte , Glasner Corinna , Herrmann Jörg , Bathoorn Erik , Hamprecht Axel , Voss Andreas
Published: February 2025

Infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a health threat due to increasing patient morbidity and mortality and the burden on healthcare systems. Robust infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are needed to minimize their emergence in hospitals. Therefore, various international and national IPC guidelines exist, yet the lack of harmonized IPC guidelines complicates the management of patients seeking healthcare across European borders. This study explores the similarities and differences in IPC measures for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales both on local and national levels within the northern Dutch-German cross-border region. In Germany, IPC efforts are often led by hospital hygiene doctors, whereas in the Netherlands, they involve a collaboration between infection preventionists and clinical microbiologists, with local variations. The local guidelines in both countries, as expected, are based on national recommendations, yet introduce specific regulations in various aspects. The Dutch guidelines are more stringent for VRE management compared to the German guidelines, often imposing additional local measures beyond national requirements. The Dutch and German guidelines largely diverge in definitions of MDR Gram-negative bacteria. Unlike the Dutch guidelines, the German guidelines do not currently recommend screening or isolation for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales. For carbapenem-resistant and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, there is no notable distinction between the countries’ guidelines, with both sharing the objective of maintaining a low prevalence and actively working towards containment. Inconsistencies in guidelines can lead to inefficient information exchange and inconsistent hygienic measures during patient transfers. Despite common commitments, differences in focus may reflect evolving understanding of MDRO transmission and ongoing debates on their management. Our findings highlight the divergence of IPC guidelines for the management of MDROs across two countries and call for collaboration in cross-border regions to increase the effectiveness of MDRO management in these regions and improve patient care.
18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters are correlated with clinical features and valuable in clinical stratification management in patients of castleman disease
Authors: Wang Guolin , Xu Qianhe , Liu Yinuo , Wang Huatao , Yang Fei , Liu Zhenfeng , Su Xinhui
Published: February 2025

Background

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. This study is to evaluate the correlation between 18F-flurodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) and clinical features in CD patients, and exploring its value in distinguishing disease severity and assisting in risk stratification.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 93 patients with newly diagnosed CD. Traditional semi-quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters including the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total metabolic lesion volume (MLV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured, and the lymph node to liver ratio of SUVmax (LLR), lymph node to mediastinal blood pool of SUVmax (LMR), spleen to liver ratio of SUVmax (SLR) and No. of involved lymph node stations (LNS) were calculated. The correlation between these metabolic parameters and clinical features were studied using a univariate analysis. The influencing factors of CD severity were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. The optimal cut-off values for metabolic parameters were obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

A total of 20 unicentric CD (UCD) and 73 multicentric CD (MCD) cases were included, with the highest SUVmax of Lymph nodes ranged 1.40 ~ 28.18 (median, 4.86). The metabolic parameters (SUVmax, MLV, TLG, LLR, LMR, SLR) in MCD were significantly higher than those in UCD (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in MLV, TLG, LLR and SLR among different histological subtypes (p < 0.05). The No. of involved lymph node stations (LNS) and spleen-to-liver ratio (SLR) were significantly correlated with laboratory findings. In univariate and multivariate analyses, SLR (p = 0.011; OR value = 14.806) and HGB (p = 0.004; OR value = 0.044) exhibited an independent correlation with disease severity. The ROC curve revealed that SLR had a sensitivity of 77.4%, specificity of 69.4% and AUC of 0.761 (cut-off value = 1.04; p < 0.001) in discriminating severity of CD. SLR also showed significant statistical differences between severe and non-severe idiopathic MCD (iMCD) (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

SLR is closely related to clinical features of CD, and can relatively effectively differentiate the severity of CD and assist in the clinical risk stratification of iMCD.
Changes in wood-water relations in acetylated wood over the course of Rhodonia placenta brown rot decay
Authors: Belt Tiina , Altgen Michael
Published: February 2025

Acetylation greatly increases the decay resistance of wood, but even highly acetylated wood can be degraded by fungi if given sufficient time. This study investigated the degradation of acetylated wood by the brown rot fungus Rhodonia placenta, aiming to understand the fungal-induced changes in wood-water relations that are associated with decay. Acetylated samples as well as unacetylated references were exposed to R. placenta in a stacked-sample decay test to generate samples in different stages of decay. The decayed samples were used to investigate changes in acetyl content, water vapour sorption, and maximum cell wall moisture content as measured by solute exclusion. R. placenta caused high mass losses in acetylated wood, but preferential deacetylation was seen only in highly acetylated samples in the early stages of decay. Acetylated samples showed increased hygroscopicity in sorption measurements as a result of R. placenta degradation, particularly at high relative humidity in desorption from the undried decaying state. The increase was very strong in the highly acetylated samples and took place at low mass losses, indicating that it may be at least partially related to the deacetylation of the wood material. Degradation also increased maximum cell wall moisture content, but the increase was stronger in the references than the acetylated samples, suggesting that the acetyl groups remaining in the samples continue to provide a cell wall bulking effect.
Between uncertainty and destiny: the patient journey in axial spondyloarthritis care from the perspectives of patients and their relatives
Authors: May Susann , Nordmann Greta , Gabb Franziska , Boy Katharina , Wagner Magali , Ohm Niklas , Labinsky Hanna , Knitza Johannes , Kuhn Sebastian , Heinze Martin , Welcker Martin , Muehlensiepen Felix
Published: February 2025

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and spine, leading to chronic pain, fatigue, and reduced mobility. The diagnostic delay for axSpA is often long, causing significant physical, psychological, and social burdens for patients and their relatives. This study aims to explore the patient journey of individuals with axSpA and their relatives within the German healthcare system, identifying key challenges and unmet needs from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment. A qualitative approach was employed, involving structured interviews with axSpA patients and their relatives. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation. Data collection involved individual telephone interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed using Kuckartz’s structured qualitative content analysis framework. The patient journey was characterized by four distinct phases: Time before diagnosis, Diagnosis, After the diagnosis, and Current treatment. Participants reported significant psychological and emotional burdens, with many experiences attributed to chance encounters with knowledgeable healthcare professionals. Key issues included a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, diagnostic delays, and inadequate psychological support. The perspectives of patients and their relatives highlighted the significant psychological burden they both experience throughout the journey. This underscores the need for services that cater not only to patients but also to their relatives. The study highlights critical gaps in the current healthcare system regarding the diagnosis and care of axSpA patients. To improve care, systematic efforts are needed to enhance awareness, reduce diagnostic delays, integrate psychological support, and provide comprehensive information throughout the patient journey for both, patients and relatives. Effective care should not rely on chance; systematic improvements are necessary to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
Sofosbuvir’s hepatoprotective efficacy in rats is enhanced by encapsulating in taurocholate-stabilized galactose-anchored bilosomes
Authors: Mohsen Marwa Khaled , Diab Soheir Abo El azm , Shafik Amani N. , Osman Ahmed H. , Naguib Marianne J. , Kamel Amira M. , Mehesen Marwa Nagi
Published: February 2025

Background

In conjunction with other antiviral medicines, sofosbuvir (SOF) is an essential therapy for chronic hepatitis C. There is some debate over its influence on hepatic fibrosis. The use of nanotechnology in treatment has gained popularity, with the goal of delivering therapeutic substances to the liver to increase efficacy and decrease adverse effects. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the protective effect of sofosbuvir and the efficacy of incorporating nanoparticle galactosylated taurocholate bilosomal formula to SOF on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis.

Methods

Rats were divided into 7 groups: normal control, SOF, SOF encapsulated in galactosylated taurocholate bilosomal formula (nano-SOF), galactosylated taurocholate bilosomal formula (nanoparticle), thioacetamide (TAA), TAA-SOF and TAA-nano-SOF. Liver fibrosis was induced by TAA (200 mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection twice per week for 8 weeks. SOF, nanoparticle and nano-SOF were given (40 mg/Kg/day) orally from day one of the study. Serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tissue transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were assessed. Also, histopathological assessment of hepatic tissue was done.

Results

Administration of SOF and TAA to normal rats resulted in significant increase in serum AST, ALT, ALP and tissue TGF-β1 levels with variable degree of liver fibrosis. Additionally, rats in TAA group that received SOF therapy did not exhibit improved liver functions, TGF-β1 level and liver fibrosis score. However, administering nano-sofosbuvir prophylactically to TAA-treated rats resulted in a considerable improvement in liver function tests, TGF-1 levels, with liver fibrosis score regression.

Conclusion

In contrast to free sofosbuvir, SOF encapsulated in galactosylated taurocholate bilosomal formula (nano-SOF) displayed hepatoprotective effects in rat with thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis. These findings strongly support the concept that galactoylatedbilosomes are promising nanocarrier for the targeted delivery of sofosbuvir to the liver.
Leveraging Radiotherapy Data for Precision Oncology: Veterans Affairs Granular Radiotherapy Information Database
Authors: Katsoulakis Evangelia , Madison Cecelia J. , Kapoor Rishabh , Melson Ryan A. , Gao Anthony , Bian Jiantao , Hausler Ryan M. , Danilov Peter N. , Nickols Nicholas G. , Solanki Abhishek A. , Sleeman William C. , Palta Jatinder R. , DuVall Scott L. , Lynch Julie A. , Thompson Reid F. , Kelly Maria
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Despite the frequency with which patients with cancer receive radiotherapy, integrating radiation oncology data with other aspects of the clinical record remains challenging because of siloed and variable software systems, high data complexity, and inconsistent data encoding. Recognizing these challenges, the Veterans Affairs (VA) National Radiation Oncology Program (NROP) is developing Granular Radiotherapy Information Database (GRID), a platform and pipeline to combine radiotherapy data across the VA with the goal of both better understanding treatment patterns and outcomes and enhancing research and data analysis capabilities.

METHODS

This study represents a proof-of-principle retrospective cohort analysis and review of select radiation treatment data from the VA Radiation Oncology Quality Surveillance Program (VAROQS) initiative. Key radiation oncology data elements were extracted from Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine Radiotherapy extension (DICOM-RT) files and combined into a single database using custom scripts. These data were transferred to the VA's Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) for integration and comparison with the VA Cancer Registry System and tumor sequencing data.

RESULTS

The final cohort includes 1,568 patients, 766 of whom have corresponding DICOM-RT data. All cases were successfully linked to the CDW; 18.8% of VAROQS cases were not reported in the existing VA cancer registry. The VAROQS data contributed accurate radiation treatment details that were often erroneous or missing from the cancer registry record. Tumor sequencing data were available for approximately 5% of VAROQS cases. Finally, we describe a clinical dosimetric analysis leveraging GRID.

CONCLUSION

NROP's GRID initiative aims to integrate VA radiotherapy data with other clinical data sets. It is anticipated to generate the single largest collection of radiation oncology–centric data merged with detailed clinical and genomic data, primed for large-scale quality assurance, research reuse, and discovery science.
Minimal Residual Disease–Based End Point for Accelerated Assessment of Clinical Trials in Multiple Myeloma: A Pooled Analysis of Individual Patient Data From Multiple Randomized Trials
Authors: Shi Qian , Paiva Bruno , Pederson Levi D. , Dimier Natalie , Talpes Ela , Prior Thomas J. , Orfao Alberto , Moreau Philippe , Sonneveld Pieter , Kumar Shaji K. , Dixon Jesse G. , Patel Reshma , Bartlett Blake J. , Schecter Jordan , McCarthy Phillip , Hose Dirk , Seckinger Anja , Mattia D'Agostino , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Oliva Stefania , Owen Roger G. , Anderson Kenneth C. , San-Miguel Jesús , Durie Brian G.M. , Munshi Nikhil ,   on behalf of the International Independent Team for Endpoint Approval of Myeloma Minimal Residual Disease (i2TEAMM) Group
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Newly approved drugs and combinations treating multiple myeloma (MM) have resulted in substantial improvements in patients' survival. To deliver rapid access to newer therapies, an earlier end point to expedite clinical trials is needed. Our objective was to evaluate the minimal residual disease–negative complete response (MRD-CR) as an intermediate end point for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in newly diagnosed (ND) transplant-eligible (NDTE) patients, ND transplant-ineligible (NDTinE) patients, and patients with relapsed/refractory (RR) MM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Individual patient data from 20 randomized multicenter trials were collected. Eleven studies (4,773 patients) with sufficient data were analyzed to evaluate whether 9- or 12-month MRD-CR classified at a 10
–5
threshold could be reasonably likely to predict the clinical benefit of new agents regarding PFS and OS. Global odds ratio (OR) was estimated using the bivariate Plackett Copula model. Supportive evaluation included correlations of the treatment effects on MRD-CR end points and PFS/OS, evaluated by both linear regression (
R
2
weighted least squared
) and Copula (
R
2
Copula
) models.

RESULTS

The analysis demonstrated that both 9- and 12-month MRD-CR strongly correlated with PFS at patient level in NDTE patients, NDTinE patients, and patients with RRMM. Global ORs ranged from 3.06 to 16.24, all with 95% CIs excluding 1.0. Encouraging trial-level correlations (
R
2
, 0.61-0.70) were observed by pooling three populations and were stronger (
R
2
, 0.67-0.78) in the ND population. Similar results were observed for OS.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provided the support for use of MRD-CR classified at a 10
–5
threshold at either 9 or 12 months after starting of the treatment, as an intermediate end point to support accelerated approvals, in future trials in NDTE patients, NDTinE patients, and patients with RRMM.
Cancer Susceptibility Gene Testing in Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Implementation in a Cancer Center Oncology Clinic
Authors: Sinan Hassan , Cunningham Dea , Sleiman Emy Abou , Petry Dana , McPhaul Thomas , Visvanathan Kala , Armstrong Deborah K. , He Jin , Burkhart Richard , Pishvaian Michael J. , Zheng Lei , Zaidi Neeha , Azad Nilofer S. , Laheru Daniel , Goggins Michael
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Current guidelines recommend offering genetic susceptibility testing to individuals with pancreatic cancer regardless of family history, but previous studies have reported only moderate test uptake, highlighting the need for efficient and accessible clinical pathways for delivering pretest genetic education and testing. We evaluated gene testing uptake offered at the point-of-oncology care by a nongenetics provider in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with pancreatic cancer treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. During their initial clinic visit, patients were educated about germline testing by an oncology nurse and provided with educational and instructional handouts and video links, including how to arrange testing (with saliva) with a commercial testing provider. Patients with pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance were referred for genetic counseling.

RESULTS

Of the 992 patients seen in the oncology clinic (52.1% male, 75.4% White, 15.4% African American, 6% Asian; median age at diagnosis, 66.9 ± 10.6 years), 90% were offered testing, 77.6% of whom completed it. Factors significantly associated with not going forward with testing included being single, older age, African American, and having advanced-stage disease. Among the tested individuals, 78 (11.3%) had a pathogenic variant identified, including 55 (7.9%) with a pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene variant; of these, 72 (92.3%) were referred for genetic counseling and 50 (69.4%) completed their counseling visit. Testing led to a change in chemotherapy regimen in 28 patients.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of point-of-care encounters for cancer susceptibility gene testing by an oncology nurse in the outpatient setting yielded a high uptake of testing. Additional approaches are needed to increase testing rates and cancer genetics visits.
Early universe inverted harmonic oscillator model over ultrametric space
Authors: Radovancevic Darko , Nesic Ljubisa , Radenkovic Lazar
Published: February 2025

One of the interesting models we occasionally come across in physics is the inverted harmonic oscillator. This paper demonstrates that the dynamics of the flat Friedmann minisuperspace cosmological model, in both classical and quantum scenarios, can be reduced to analyzing the dynamics of the one-dimensional inverted harmonic oscillator with a time-dependent frequency. Early in the paper, following the standard approach, the Lagrangian for the flat Friedmann model is constructed, which takes the form of the Lagrangian for the inverted harmonic oscillator with a time-dependent frequency. The classical action and the Feynman propagator are determined in spaces with both non-ultrametric and ultrametric geometries. For the quantum mechanical form of the model over ultrametric space, vacuum p-adic states and the conditions of their existence have been determined. At the end of the paper, the adelization of the model pointed to the necessity of discretization of the minisuperspace in the early stages of dynamic evolution.
Stress-Free Voluntary Exercise Promotes Prophylactic Enhancement of Stress Resilience via the Nucleus Reuniens Affecting the Medial Prefrontal Cortex–Hippocampal Pathway
Authors: Hwang Dong-Joo , Cho Joon-Yong
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Stress is a risk factor for psychiatric illnesses. However, not all individuals exposed to stress will develop affective disorders. We examined whether pretreatment with stress-free voluntary wheel running (VWR) exercise prophylactically enhances stress resilience in rodents and how it can effectively prevent the development of depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors.

Methods

Eight-week-old C57BL6/J mice were housed in cages with VWR and subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRST) for 2 h daily for 14 days. The mice were assessed for depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, and a behavioral matrix (k-means clustering) was introduced to segregate the mice into susceptible and resilient subpopulations. Chemogenetic inhibition and retrograde tracing were used to map the neural circuits involved in VWR’s resilience-enhancing properties.

Results

After CRST exposure, 71.50% of CRST mice with VWR were stress resilient, with less stress-induced prolonged activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and corticosterone (CORT) response, representing a 57.20% increase compared with CRST-only mice. Staining for c-Fos showed that VWR activated predominantly hippocampal GABAergic neurons and suppressed the activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Chemogenetic inhibition of the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) dissipated the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of VWR pretreatment. In addition, the nucleus reuniens (NR) was implicated in VWR’s resilience-enhancing properties, relaying reciprocal interactions of the mPFC–vHPC pathway.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that stress-free voluntary exercise may be an effective modality for stress management and warrant further investigation into its resilience-enhancing mechanisms.
Δοκιμασίες αποτελεσματικότητας αισθητικών και κοσμητολογικών μεθόδων
Authors: Γαρδίκη Βασιλική
Published: February 2025

Οι τάσεις στην Κοσμητολογία για την βιώσιμη απομόνωση και εύρεση συστατικών καλλυντικών προϊόντων και προϊόντων προσωπικής φροντίδας περιλαμβάνουν μια σειρά από στρατηγικές ορισμένες από τις οποίες διαδραμάτισαν ρόλο για την επιλογή του θέματος και την υλοποίηση της διατριβής αυτής. Στο θεωρητικό μέρος της διατριβής αναπτύσσονται οι στρατηγικές αυτές, όπως η υπερκρίσιμη εκχύλιση (SFE), τα φυτικά βλαστοκύτταρα και η χρήση εκχυλισμάτων φυτικών βλαστοκυττάρων στην Κοσμητολογία. Στο πειραματικό μέρος:Αναπτύχθηκαν έξι (6) νέα καλλυντικά προϊόντα (κρέμες O/W), ένα εκ των οποίων ήταν το Placebo. Τα δραστικά καλλυντικά προϊόντα περιείχαν ως ενεργά συστατικά: α) εκχύλισμα βλατοκυττάρων Olea europaea var. sylvestris, β) μίγμα γαλλικών αλκυλεστέρων και γλυκοσιδών τους και γ) συνδυασμό των ενεργών συστατικών αυτών. Επίσης αναπτύχθηκαν και νέα καλλυντικά προϊόντα με αντικατάσταση των παραδοσιακών συντηρητικών (Πίνακας VI, Ε.Ε.) με «εναλλακτικά συντηρητικά» Αξιολογήθηκε η αποτελεσματικότητα των νέων καλλυντικών προϊόντων σε συνδυασμό με την αποτρίχωση με LASER και την ιοντοφόρηση σε εθελοντές με: A)Μεθόδους ποσοτικοποίησης των βιοφυσικών παραμέτρων του δέρματος για τη μέτρηση διαδερμικής απώλειας ύδατος (TEWL), του δείκτη μελανίνης, του δείκτη ερυθήματος, της ενυδάτωσης της κερατίνης, των δεικτών ελαστικότητας ιξωδοελασικότητας του δέρματος και της μικροτοπογραφίας του δέρματος. B) Εx-vivo μεθόδοι (βιοψίες) καιΓ) Αισθητήριες μεθόδους με διαζώσης διανομή και συμπλήρωση των ερωτηματολογίων σε εθελοντές κατά τη διάρκεια της θεραπείας. Αναπτύχθηκε μεθοδολογία για την in vitro αξιολόγηση της αντιοξειδωτικής δράσης των ενεργών συστατικών απ΄ ευθείας σε καλλυντικά γαλακτώματα. Η μεθοδολογία χρησιμοποιεί αξιόπιστη, φθηνή και φιλική προς το περιβάλλον χρωματομετρική μέθοδο με την κάμερα κινητού τηλεφώνου χρήση των δυο τεχνικών DPPH και FRAP για τον προσδιορισμό του μίγματος γαλλικών εστέρων (Unisοoth G28) απευθείας σε γαλάκτωμα, μέθοδος που μέχρι τώρα στη βιβλιογραφία δεν έχει προταθεί για τον προσδιορισμό του κοσμητικού αυτού συστατικού. Συμπερασματικά: Προτείνονται συνδυασμοί νέων σταθερών συνθέσων καλλυντικών προϊόντων με αισθητικές θεραπείες, όπως αποτρίχωση με LASER και Ιοντοφόρηση, οι οποίοι έχουν αξιολογηθεί με τις βιοφυσικές μεθόδους που συστήνονται από τον Οργανισμό Cosmetics Europe για την αξιολόγηση αποτελεσματικότητας και την υποστήριξη ισχυρισμών καλλυντικών προϊόντων καθώς και με την ιστολογική μελέτη βιοψιών εθελοντών. Οι μελέτες που πραγματοποιήθηκαν στην παρούσα διατριβή έγιναν σύμφωνα με της κανόνες της ορθής κλινικής πρακτικής και έχουν λάβει την έγκριση της Επιτροπής Ηθικής και Δεοντολογίας της Έρευνας Πα.Δ.Α.: 37942/11-05-2021 και την έγκριση του National Institute of Health (NIH), Protocol Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID.: NCT06755112.
Update of Red Sea (Lessepsian) fish species in the Mediterranean Sea since the 2nd CIESM Atlas of Exotic Fish
Authors: GOLANI DANIEL
Published: February 2025

The article presents data about Red Sea fishes in the Mediterranean (Lessepsian migrants) collected since the publication of the 2nd edition of the Atlas of Exotic Fishes in the Mediterranean, which included material until 2020. In the past five years, a total of 18 Lessepsian fish species were recorded, representing 12 families. Five of these have established populations in the Mediterranean and ten have significantly expanded their distribution (by at least 400 km) in the Mediterranean. Three of the species reported as Lessepsian migrants were based on misidentifications.
A new Pomacanthidae in the Mediterranean Sea: Pomacanthus semicirculatus (Cuvier, 1831) from Egyptian waters
Authors: CORSINI-FOKA MARIA , NOUR OLA MOHAMED , DEIDUN ALAN , ZAVA BRUNO
Published: February 2025

The first record of Pomacanthus semicirculatus (Cuvier, 1831) in the Mediterranean Sea is reported, based on a specimen caught off Alexandria, Egypt, in November 2024. Description of the specimen, morphometric measurements and meristic characters are given. The native range of the species is the Indo-west Pacific region and its hypothesized introduction to Mediterranean Egyptian waters as a result of Lessepsian migration is plausible, pending confirmation of its occurrence within the wider region through additional records.
Comparison of dietary and supplemental calcium - a systematic review
Authors: Siembab Karolina , Garbarczyk Wiktor , Napieralska Agnieszka , Kapla Albert , Černohorská Alicja , Bednarczyk Daria , Białeta Julia , Rowińska Katarzyna , Jurkiewicz Michalina , Pysiewicz Wiktoria
Published: February 2025

Calcium is an essential mineral crucial for several physiological processes. The public has generally perceived its supplementation as beneficial or, at the least, neutral. Additional supplementation has been gaining popularity in recent years, often without professional consultation. This is despite the fact that dietary calcium is mostly sufficient in healthy individuals to meet daily requirements. This review examines studies found on PubMed to contrast dietary calcium intake with supplemental calcium with regard to two specific issues – cardiovascular risk and kidney stone risk. 
Research suggests that while dietary calcium protects against cardiovascular disease and nephrolithiasis, supplemental calcium may increase the risk of myocardial infarction and arterial calcification in specific populations. 
Therefore, healthcare providers ought to prioritize dietary calcium sources and implement an individualized approach for patients who require such supplementation, such as those at risk of osteoporosis or CVD. The timing and dosage of calcium supplements also require careful consideration. Further research is needed to examine the mechanisms behind these risks and specify clinical guidelines for safe and effective calcium intake.
Disorders of Adipose Tissue and Lipodystrophies: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment Perspectives
Authors: Rosińska Kamila , Janicka Ewelina Justyna , Skibicka Julia Natalia , Niedźwiedzka Monika , Rosiński Mateusz
Published: February 2025

Lipodystrophies are rare metabolic disorders characterized by the loss of adipose tissue, which can manifest as generalized, partial, or localized. This condition is associated with metabolic complications such as insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and liver steatosis. The paper discusses the classification of lipodystrophies by etiology and fat loss extent, including generalized and partial forms, both congenital and acquired. Special focus is placed on HIV-associated lipodystrophy due to the prevalence of antiretroviral therapy. The pathophysiology involves disrupted adipogenesis, leading to abnormal fat distribution and metabolic dysfunction. Diagnosis includes medical history, physical exams, and body composition analysis. Treatment focuses on managing metabolic issues and may involve therapies like metreleptin.
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to analyze the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of lipodystrophies, particularly focusing on congenital, acquired, and HIV-associated forms. It explores the underlying metabolic mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and current and future therapeutic approaches, including metreleptin and other strategies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The study relies on scientific research, review articles, and reports on lipodystrophy syndromes, primarily sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. It examines data related to diagnostics, etiology, and treatment options.
CONCLUSIONS:
Lipodystrophies are rare and heterogeneous, making diagnosis challenging. Early detection is essential to prevent complications like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Modern technologies such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) help assess body composition more accurately. Although therapies like metreleptin show promise, they remain expensive and difficult to implement. Further research is needed to improve understanding and management of lipodystrophies, and patient education is crucial for better outcomes.
Sarcopenia in IBD patients and the role of nutritional and physical activity interventions in its management – a systematic review
Authors: Jurkiewicz Michalina , Siembab Karolina , Białeta Julia , Rowińska Katarzyna , Napieralska Agnieszka , Garbarczyk Wiktor , Kapla Albert , Černohorská Alicja , Bednarczyk Daria , Pysiewicz Wiktoria
Published: February 2025

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), namely Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, are chronic, relapsing, inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, with multifactorial pathophysiology. They are often complicated by sarcopenia, which is defined as a condition of skeletal muscle system characterized by a generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function. Sarcopenia and pre-sarcopenic conditions are important to be diagnosed and maintained in the course of IBD, as they exert detrimental impact on the therapy outcomes. There is increased probability of therapy failure such as change of pharmacotherapy, hospitalization or surgical intervention, in individuals with sarcopenia. There are multiple mechanisms underlying this complication in IBD: e.g. malnutrition, disrupted gut microbiota, pharmacotherapy, and elevated inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, there are some possible interventions that can be undertaken to counteract this complication. Fundamental interventions in IBD-related sarcopenia are: accurate nutrition, micronutrient supplementation and properly adjusted physical activity. IBD patients should do 3-5 moderate-intensity trainings per week. Exercise programs should combine aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises. Resistance training is the first-line therapy in management of sarcopenia. This kind of exercises was proven to improve muscle mass, strength and physical performance. Aerobic activity is also important as it enhances metabolic capacity of the muscles. However, further research is required to define specific recommendations for nutritional and exercise interventions validated for the group of patients with IBD-related sarcopenia.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists’ Impact on Fertility - A Review
Authors: Wojda Joanna , Lesiczka-Fedoryj Katarzyna , Walczak Anna , Kościuszko Zuzanna , Sobiński Adam , Czerwonka Matylda , Kurza Katarzyna , Podolec Julianna , Ciraolo Silvia , Agnieszka Kulczycka-Rowicka
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Research: The aim of the research is to summarize the impact of GLP-1 analogs on fertility according to clinical studies, particularly in obese or overweight women with PCOS. 
Research Materials and Methods: The study is built upon an analysis of current literature, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews as well as press reports from various sources. Data were collected from studies examining the effects of obesity on fertility, as well as the impact of GLP-1 analogs on both fertility and obesity.
Basic Results: GLP-1 analogs promote weight management among obese and overweight patients leading to improvement in their fertility. Furthermore, they improve pregnancy rates in women with PCOS, although further examination is needed.
Conclusions: We observe, GLP-1 analogs are often used in regulation of type 2 diabetes. They have proven their ability to impact a variety of hormonal as well as metabolic pathways. They manage glucose metabolism, appetite, as well as insulin secretion. Alongside their metabolic influence, research demonstrates that GLP-1 analogs may have an effect on the reproductive system, involving fertility via metabolic and hormonal pathways.
Long Lags and Large Returns: Experimental Evidence from Advertising to Businesses
Authors: Thomas Michael , Goic Marcel , Kalyanam Kirthi
Published: February 2025

Using a multiyear experiment, we show that advertising to businesses can generate very different responses than has been observed for consumers. First, we estimate larger advertising returns than typically found for consumers: a return on ad spend of 12.0 (95% CI: 4.8–24.5). Second, we estimate longer lags between ad delivery and purchase: 1–5 months for first-time purchases and 5–12 months or longer for repeat purchases. Third, we find that existing business customers are responsible for most of the revenue lift from advertising, though this appears to be driven by existing business customers purchasing new parts. Additionally, our results demonstrate that geography-based switchback experiments that randomize the time between treatments can provide an effective means of estimating lagged effects. For this study we randomized the delivery of digital display ads for electronic components offered by a semiconductor manufacturer; nearly all electronic products require such components.

This paper was accepted by Duncan Simester, marketing.

Funding: M. Goic acknowledges partial funding by ANID Chile [Grants PIA AFB230002 and Fondecyt No. 1221711] and the Institute for Research in Market Imperfections and Public Policy (IS130002 ANID); K. Kalyanam acknowledges financial support from the co-operating company; and M. Thomas acknowledges financial support from National University of Singapore [Startup Grant A-0003320-01-00].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.02661 .
Understanding Emotional State on Female Correctional Officers in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Prasetyo Anggun Resdasari , Ratnaningsih Ika Zenita , Prihatsanti Unika
Published: February 2025

AbstractÂ Â Correctional institution has employees who are tasked with guarding inmates. High-risk job tasks that have to be faced by correctional officer can potentially affect the emotional state, moreover, if the officer is female gender. Based on the background, the study was aimed to know about the emotional state on female correctional officers. The research method used was clinical exploration by conducting in-depth interviews on 30 female correctional officers in Bandung and Semarang. The results can be concluded that the emotions experienced by the subjects in the study are mostly negative emotions. Negative emotions of anger, sadness, guilty, and anxiety is felt almost entirely by the 26 subject and only 4 subjects have positive emotional state, namely happiness and pride. From the data, there were 23 subjects who did positive emotion regulation, consist of 4 subjects who indeed were subjects who had positive emotional state and 19 subjects who initially had negative emotional state but were able to regulate emotions well. 19 of the 26 subjects who experienced negative emotional conditions tried to regulate positive emotions so that they could do a good job. Positive emotional regulations have been done by 23 subjects are positive reappraisal, refocus on planning, positive refocusing, and acceptance. The emotional regulation strategy used by 7 subjects was negative strategies, such as blaming other, self-blaming, and rumination or focus on thought.Â Keywords: Emotions at work, Correctional officer, Female.