bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving prognostic evaluations in patients with stage IIIb light chain cardiac amyloidosis: role of haemodynamic parameters
Authors: Li Jingyi , Lu Yang , Xu Xiqi , Tian Zhuang , Li Jian , Zhang Shuyang
Published: January 2025

Background

There is no unified prognostic scoring system for light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA), particularly stage IIIb AL-CA. This study aimed to use invasive haemodynamic information to investigate markers that can more accurately evaluate the prognosis of patients with stage IIIb AL-CA.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we conducted invasive haemodynamic measurements concurrently with myocardial biopsies to diagnose AL-CA. We used Cox regression analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to study the associations between these measurements and overall mortality. Echocardiographic parameters were also recorded and analysed via logistic regression to explore their relationships with haemodynamic changes.

Results

Although traditional haemodynamic parameters, such as the cardiac index (CI), pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), pulmonary artery pressure, and vascular resistance, did not correlate with mortality, the PAWP/CI ratio emerged as a vital prognostic marker. Patients with a PAWP/CI ratio above 11 mmHg/L/min/m2 had markedly poorer survival. Kaplan‒Meier analysis highlighted the prognostic significance of the ratio, revealing distinct survival differences. Furthermore, logistic regression confirmed that echocardiographically measured pulmonary artery systolic pressure independently correlated with increases in the PAWP/CI ratio.

Conclusions

In stage IIIb AL-CA patients, the PAWP/CI ratio, which surpasses traditional haemodynamic indicators, significantly predicts all-cause mortality, emphasizing its prognostic value. Our findings suggest that echocardiography-derived PASP could alternatively reflect the PAWP/CI ratio.
Neurofilament light chain (Nf-L) in cerebrospinal fluid and serum as a potential biomarker in the differential diagnosis of neurological diseases in cattle
Authors: Di Muro Giorgia , Tessarolo Carlotta , Cagnotti Giulia , Favole Alessandra , Ferrini Sara , Ala Ugo , Bellino Claudio , Borriello Giuliano , Gallo Marina , Iamone Giulia , Iulini Barbara , Pezzolato Marzia , Casalone Cristina , Caramelli Maria , Capucci Lorenzo , Cavadini Patrizia , Corona Cristiano , D’Angelo Antonio
Published: January 2025

Neurofilament light chain (Nf-L) is a biomarker for axonal damage in human neurology but is understudied in cattle. With this study we wanted to determine Nf-L stability at two different storage temperatures and Nf-L levels in healthy cattle and the relationship with age, evaluate whether Nf-L holds diagnostic potential for neurological disorders, and whether an association exists between Nf-L in serum and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To do this, we measured Nf-L levels in CSF and serum samples from 49 healthy and 75 sick cattle. Storage at −80 °C or −20 °C had no impact on Nf-L concentration. Physiological median Nf-L levels were 6.3 pg/mL (serum) and 414 pg/mL (CSF) in calves and 5.5 pg/mL (serum) and 828 pg/mL (CSF) in adult cattle. There was no association between Nf-L levels in CSF and calf age (r2 0.07, p = 0.13), while a weak association was found for Nf-L in serum (r2 0.26, p = 0.01), and a significant association in adult cattle (CSF, r2 0.69, p = 0.0001; serum, r2 0.68, p = 0.0003). CSF Nf-L levels were higher in samples from animals with degenerative (median Nf-L 49971 pg/mL) and infectious central nervous system (CNS) disorders (median Nf-L, age < 2 months 8863 pg/mL; age 2–12 months 17474 pg/mL; age 1–6 years 3546 pg/mL), CNS anomalies and metabolic/toxic disorders. There was a significant association between CSF Nf-L and serum Nf-L in cattle with neurological disorders (r2 0.2, p = 0.009). Taken together, these findings suggest the potential of Nf-L as a diagnostic tool in cattle neurology.
Deciphering the nature and statistical optimization of antimicrobial metabolites of two endophytic bacilli
Authors: Isleem Raghda S. , Eid Ahmed M. , Hassan Saad El-Din , Aboshanab Khaled M. , El-Housseiny Ghadir S.
Published: January 2025

In this study, Allium sativum, garlic, was selected to isolate endophytic bacteria and to evaluate the antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of their produced metabolites followed by identification of the biosynthetic gene cluster of the antimicrobial metabolites using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). Two bacterial isolates, C6 and C11, were found to have a broad-spectrum antagonistic effect against four standard microbial strains and were molecularly identified using 16 S ribosomal RNA sequence analysis and deposited in a local culture collection as B. velezensis CCASU-C6, and B. subtilis CCASU-C11, respectively. Optimization for the maximum production of antimicrobial metabolites revealed that a four-day incubation period was optimal, with sucrose and tryptone serving as the best carbon and nitrogen sources for the fermentation media. Response surface methodology model using the central composite design was created resulting in a 1.2-fold and 1.8-fold improvement in antimicrobial metabolite(s) production of C6 and C11 isolates, respectively. The optimal production conditions were found to be a temperature of 33 °C, pH of 7, and an agitation rate of 200 rpm for C6 metabolite, and a temperature of 37 °C, pH of 7, and an agitation rate of 250 rpm for C11 metabolite. Both bacterial isolates displayed antioxidant and antiviral activity and mild cytotoxic action. Genomic sequence and antiSMASH analysis showed that the biosynthetic gene clusters of bacillomycin, mycosubtilin, fengycin, and macrolactin H in B. velezensis CCASU-C6 and bacillibactin and Macrolactin H in B. subtilis CCASU-C11 showed 100% conservation.
The effect of traditional agricultural practices on the food consumption of households facing extreme weather events in Tanzania
Authors: Wegenast Tim , Hänze Niklas , Haer Roos , Birulés Marcel
Published: January 2025

Background

An estimated 140 million people in Africa face acute malnutrition. By impacting agricultural production, climate change is likely to further decrease food consumption, particularly in sub-Saharan African states. Against this backdrop, various actors have called for more attention to alternative farming and food systems based on traditional agricultural knowledge capable of ensuring access to sufficient, nutritious, and safe food. So far, however, we have limited systematic evidence on which traditional agricultural practices may promote the food resilience of households exposed to extreme climatic conditions. Focusing on the most prevalent traditional diversification practices in Tanzania, this study assesses the extent to which crop diversification, annual crop intercropping, crop-tree intercropping, crop-livestock integration, and the cultivation of traditional crops increase the food availability and dietary diversity of smallholders facing extreme weather events in Tanzania.

Methods

We combine temperature and rain data with information on farming practices and food consumption information provided by the Living Standards Measurement Study–Integrated Surveys on Agriculture for more than 25,000 Tanzanian households nationwide. We rely on a matched differences-in-differences approach to account for selection bias and allow for causal inference.

Results

Our matching models consistently show that the planting of traditional crops (in particular sorghum) promotes dietary diversity and reduces the need for food rationing in households experiencing climate shocks. In contrast, households relying on maize cultivation show less dietary diversity and increased food rationing behavior. In addition, we find that—under extreme weather conditions—crop diversification furthers households’ dietary diversity, and crop-livestock integration, as well as crop-tree intercropping, seem to reduce households’ need to ration food.

Conclusion and policy recommendation

This study has important implications for policymakers. In light of climate change and weather variability, it underscores the need to better integrate indigenous knowledge into farming systems. Our results call for greater dissemination of traditional diversification strategies and more reliance on indigenous, drought-tolerant crops. Traditional farming practices can function as a safety net, protecting smallholders in Tanzania against the detrimental consequences of weather shocks.
Effect of intermittent infusion hemodiafiltration on cerebral and hepatic oxygenation
Authors: Ookawara Susumu , Ito Kiyonori , Fukuda Kazuma , Iida Tomoko , Yahagi Kazumi , Miyazawa Haruhisa , Hirai Keiji , Yoshizawa Mamoru , Morishita Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2025

Background

Hepatosplanchnic circulation plays a crucial role in maintaining hemodynamic stability during hemodialysis (HD). In patients undergoing HD, hepatic oxygenation decreases before the onset of intradialytic hypotension. However, clinical studies comparing systemic tissue oxygenation, particularly in the brain and liver, between HD and intermittent infusion hemodiafiltration (I-HDF) are limited. We aimed to compare changes in the cerebral and hepatic oxygenation during I-HDF and HD.

Methods

This single-center prospective observational study included 25 patients undergoing dialysis therapy. I-HDF involved a dialysate infusion volume of 200 mL, administered at a rate of 150 mL/min via back-filtration every 30 min. Cerebral and hepatic regional oxygenation saturation (rSO2) levels were monitored during HD and I-HDF using the INVOS 5100C oxygen saturation monitor. Changes in these parameters were compared between the two modalities.

Results

The relative blood volume change (%ΔBV) at the end of therapy was significantly smaller with I-HDF compared with HD (−8.0 ± 4.4% versus −10.0 ± 5.0%, p = 0.019). No significant differences in cerebral and hepatic rSO2 were observed at the initiation of HD and I-HDF (cerebral rSO2: 54.5 ± 6.3% versus 54.0 ± 6.0%, p = 0.444; hepatic rSO2: 63.4 ± 11.8% versus 63.4 ± 12.3%, p = 0.977). During I-HDF, cerebral and hepatic rSO2 levels significantly increased in response to dialysate infusion, compared with corresponding time points during HD. The percentage (%) change in hepatic rSO2 after the seventh dialysate infusion was significantly greater than those after the first, third, and fifth infusions. Additionally, percentage changes in hepatic rSO2 were negatively correlated with %ΔBV (ρ = −0.394, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the ratio of the dialysate infusion volume to circulating BV just before infusion (ρ = 0.387, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that BV reduction at the end of I-HDF was significantly smaller than that of HD, and that hepatic oxygenation increased rapidly after dialysate infusion during I-HDF. Further studies are required to elucidate the impact of increased hepatic oxygenation during I-HDF on intradialytic hemodynamic stability.
Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) implementations to control cholera outbreak in Oromia region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gobena Dabesa , Gudina Esayas Kebede , Fetensa Getahun , Degfie Tizta Tilahun , Debela Tessema , Tamiru Afework , Bayissa Zenebu Begna , Diriba Dereje , Sarbessa Tarekegn , Bekele Daniel , Teferi Natinel , Layesa Achalu , Zewdie Abate , Ayele Dawit Worku , Mersha Meron Debebe , Bafikadu Chala , Wake Senahara Korsa , Abebe Lemi , Kebebew Tesfaye , Goshu Tefera , Kenate Birhanu , Dessie Yadeta , Mekonnen Zeleke
Published: January 2025

Background

Oromia regional state experiencing cholera outbreaks in a protracted pattern despite various interventions at local and regional levels. This study aimed to examine the implementation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities for cholera outbreak control in the region.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative and qualitative mixed-method study. The study included 422 respondents for quantitative, 22 key informant interviews (KII), and 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for the qualitative methods. Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities were assessed using standard questionnaires adapted from national cholera guideline later categorized as poor, satisfactory and good. The findings have also been derived qualitatively from three distinct themes or pillars, specifically (coordination and logistics, RCCE, and the Oral Cholera Vaccine). The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata, version 14.0, and ATLAS.ti9 software was used for qualitative data analysis. An ordinal logistic regression model was applied to identify factors associated with the RCCE status, and a thematic content analysis was performed for the qualitative study. Odds Ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to present the findings from the quantitative analysis.

Results

Only 53% (223) of participants had received health information on cholera of whom 22.8% (96) had material for Social Behaviour Change (SBC) in the local language (Afan Oromo). The overall RCCE implementation status was rated as poor by 73% of the respondents, satisfactory by 23%, and only 4% rated it as good. Level of education and occupation of the house are among the factors affecting the implementation of RCCE. The qualitative findings revealed a lack of regular community dialogues, and community engagements were notably minimal during the early phase of the outbreak. Overall, the RCCE implementation activities were characterized by inconsistency, a lack of comprehensiveness, and uniformity across all levels.

Conclusion

The RCCE-related intervention activities were found to be minimal, inconsistent and less focused. The RCCE interventions and awareness creation need to begin with the small units of the community structures, including individuals and families and have to happen continuously with the community, and health workers' involvement at all level. Preliminary evaluation of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) materials before their distribution should be made, and adopting diverse communication modalities to control the outbreak.
In-silico study of E169G and F242K double mutations in leucine-rich repeats (LRR) polygalacturonase inhibiting protein (PGIP) of Gossypium barbadense and associated defense mechanism against plant pathogens
Authors: Murmu Sneha , Rashmi Mayank , Nagrale Dipak T. , Kour Tejasman , Singh Mahender Kumar , Chaurasia Anurag , Behera Santosh Kumar , Shankar Raja , Ranjan Rajiv , Jha Girish Kumar , Gawande Shailesh P. , Hiremani Neelakanth S. , Prasad Y. G. , Kumar Sunil
Published: January 2025

Background

Polygalacturonase inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) play a pivotal role in plant defense against plant pathogens by inhibiting polygalacturonase (PG), an enzyme produced by pathogens to degrade plant cell wall pectin. PGIPs, also known as leucine-rich repeat pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, activate the host’s defense response upon interaction with PG, thereby reinforcing the host defense against plant pathogens attacks. In Egyptian or extra-long staple cotton (Gossypium barbadense), the interaction between PGIP and PG is one of the crucial steps in the defense mechanism against major pathogens such as Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum and Alternaria macrospora, which are responsible for bacterial leaf blight and leaf spot diseases, respectively.

Results

To unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying these PR proteins, we conducted a comprehensive study involving molecular modeling, protein-protein docking, site-specific double mutation (E169G and F242K), and molecular dynamics simulations. Both wild-type and mutated cotton PGIPs were examined in the interaction with the PG enzyme of a bacterial and fungal pathogen. Our findings revealed that changes in conformations of double-mutated residues in the active site of PGIP lead to the inhibition of PG binding. The molecular dynamics simulation studies provide insights into the dynamic behaviour and stability of the PGIP-PG complexes, shedding light on the intricate details of the inhibitory and exhibitory mechanism against the major fungal and bacterial pathogens of G. barbadense, respectively.

Conclusions

The findings of this study not only enhance our understanding of the molecular interactions between PGs of Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum and Alternaria macrospora and PGIP of G. barbadense but also present a potential strategy for developing the disease-resistant cotton varieties. By variations in the binding affinities of PGs through specific mutations in PGIP, this research offers promising avenues for the development of enhanced resistance to cotton plants against bacterial leaf blight and leaf spot diseases.
Scaling up of parenting support to prevent violence against children in Tanzania: insights from policymakers and service providers
Authors: van Tuyll van Serooskereken Rakotom Sabine , Nyalali Kija , Wamoyi Joyce , Onduru Onduru Gervas , Mshana Gerry , Stok F. Marijn , Yerkes Mara A. , De Wit John B. F.
Published: January 2025

Background

Evidence shows that parenting behaviours, including the use of violent discipline, can be changed through programmatic interventions. This study seeks to examine how policymakers and service providers in Tanzania perceive the provision of parenting support as a strategy to prevent violence against children and what the enabling and hindering factors are for the scale-up of existing evidence-based parenting supports. It does this by applying Daly’s analytical framework for parenting support.

Methods

Qualitative research was undertaken, with interviews conducted with 20 key informants consisting of purposively sampled policymakers and service providers. The interview data were analysed using inductive and deductive coding and analysis.

Results

The most prominent enabling factors noted for the scale-up of parenting support interventions in Tanzania include the existing supportive political commitment, the interventions currently on offer at the programmatic level, and the perceived understanding of Tanzanian caregivers of the importance of parenting and, thereby, a willingness to change. Current factors hindering the scale-up include the lack of a common understanding of what evidence-based parenting programmes entail, inadequate provision of human and financial capital to implement the programmes using community resources and deeply engrained social norms around adultism and gender.

Conclusion

Daly’s analytical framework allowed us to examine barriers and facilitators to scale-up the provision of parenting support to prevent violence against children, based on the viewpoints of policymakers and service providers. Understanding these barriers and facilitators will allow Tanzanian policymakers and service providers to further close the gap between the policies and the actual implementation of evidence-based parenting support programmes aimed at preventing violence against children.
Phytochemical analysis and anti-aging efficacy of two Egyptian sweet potato cultivars in a d-galactose-induced skin aging model
Authors: Elgabry Rehab M. , Fawzy Ghada A. , Meselhy Khaled M. , Ramadan Nehal M. , Younes Nihal Farid , Al-Taweel Areej M. , Perveen Shagufta , Sedeek Mohamed S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a member of the family Convolvulaceae. Much research has highlighted its variable biological actions in the treatment of many disorders. Our study focused on the quantitative analysis of two Egyptian sweet potato cultivars (Abees and A195). First, we applied proximate analysis, measured total phenolic, and flavonoid contents, performing an HPLC standardization of their ethanolic extracts using chlorogenic acid standard. Furthermore, the two cultivars were formulated as topical creams (3% w/w and 5% w/w) and evaluated for their anti-skin aging activity in a d-galactose-induced skin aging mouse model. Results revealed that both cultivars have high nutritional importance.

Results

Abees exhibited higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than A195, while A195 contained a higher concentration of chlorogenic acid. Both cultivars showed a concentration-dependent anti-skin aging activity, with 5% Abees cream demonstrating the lowest visual skin-aging score, the highest activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the lowest concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). Restoration of skin thickness and collagen content was observed in the 5% Abees group, while both Abees and A195 caused a noticeable concentration-dependent decrease in the skin SMAD7 expression. Decreased SMAD7 has been correlated to upregulating the TGF-β/SMAD3-induced collagen production in aged skin.

Conclusion

This study elaborates the nutritional importance, phenolic and flavonoid content and anti-skin aging activity of Abees and A195 roots and we recommend further preclinical and clinical investigations of sweet potato.
Transcriptional regulation of miR528-PPO module by miR156 targeted SPLs orchestrates chilling response in banana
Authors: Kong Xiangjin , Peng Kuan , Shan Youxia , Yun Ze , Dalmay Tamas , Duan Xuewu , Jiang Yueming , Qu Hongxia , Zhu Hong
Published: January 2025

Banana is sensitive to cold stress and often suffers from chilling injury with browning peel and failure to normal ripening. We have previously reported that banana chilling injury is accompanied by a reduction of miR528 accumulation, alleviating the degradation of its target gene MaPPO and raising ROS levels that cause peel browning. Here, we further revealed that the miR528-MaPPO cold-responsive module was regulated by miR156-targeted SPL transcription factors, and the miR156c-MaSPL4 module was also responsive to cold stress in banana. Transient overexpression of miR156c resulted in a more severe chilling phenotype by decreasing the expression of MaSPL4 and miR528. Conversely, the browning was alleviated in STTM-miR156c silencing and OE-MaSPL4 samples. Furthermore, DNA affinity purification sequencing and MaSPL4-overexpressing transcriptome jointly revealed that MaSPL4 may mediate the transcription of genes related to lipid metabolism and antioxidation, in addition to the miR528-MaPPO module, demonstrating MaSPL4 as a master regulator in the fruit cold response network. In summary, our results suggest that the miR156c-MaSPL4 module can mediate the chilling response in banana by regulating the miR528-MaPPO module and multiple other pathways, which provides evidence for the crosstalk between TFs and miRNAs that can be used for the molecular breeding of fruit cold tolerance.
Psychiatric poetics: mental healthcare and Giovanni Stanghellini's ‘Logics of Discovery’
Authors: Ikkos George , Morgan Alastair
Published: January 2025

The importance of art and humanities in mental health is widely recognised, and consumption and creation of poetry, prose, drama and the plastic arts are now considered to be relevant knowledge-generating and therapeutic activities. However, literary and art criticism remain at the margins. By contrast, in his two ‘Logics of Discovery’ papers, psychiatrist, psychopathologist and psychotherapist Giovanni Stanghellini brings to bear on clinical discovery and the healing alliance cultural historian Aby Warburg's approach to images (specifically, his Atlas of Mnemosyne) and philosopher Giorgio Agamben's analysis of the linguistic phenomenon of parataxis in Friedrich Hölderlin's poetry. Both Warburg and Hölderlin experienced severe mental disorders, and Stanghellini's analysis is notable for its potential to contribute to co-creation in a wide range of clinical settings. We suggest that this work may help to address some key sources of dissatisfaction among mental health patients and thus improve patient experience and clinical outcomes. We also comment on issues regarding implementation of Stanghellini's proposals and conclude with discussion of an example of the severe loosening of associations originally reported by Eugen Bleuler.
Navigating perinatal mental health integration in maternal and child health services: progress and priorities for research and practices in Pakistan
Authors: Hameed Waqas , Rahman Atif
Published: January 2025

We synthesise perinatal mental health (PMH) evidence and provide recommendations for future research and practices in Pakistan. The burden is significantly higher relative to many other countries, with adverse effects on women and children. Few locally developed interventions involving non-specialists have shown promise, but integrating these into maternal and child health services (MCH) at scale remains a challenge. We recommend broadening the scope of PMH research in accordance with the World Health Organization's stepped care model, and advancing the use of implementation science, digital technology and exploring low-cost models. Programmes and policies should prioritise incorporating PMH into MCH services in health planning and budgeting.
Alcohol use among populations with autism spectrum disorder: narrative systematic review
Authors: Barber William , Aslan Betul , Meynen Tim , Marsden John , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Paleri Vigneshwar , Sinclair Julia M.A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Alcohol use in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is under-researched. Previous reviews have explored substance use as a whole, but this neglects individual characteristics unique to different substances. Alcohol use in non-clinical samples is associated with diverse responses. To advance practice and policy, an improved understanding of alcohol use among people with ASD is crucial to meet individual needs.

Aims

This was a narrative systematic review of the current literature on the association between alcohol use and ASD, focusing on aetiology (biological, psychological, social and environmental risk factors) and implications (consequences and protective factors) of alcohol use in autistic populations who utilise clinical services. We sought to identify priority research questions and offer policy and practice recommendations.

Method

PROSPERO Registration: CRD42023430291. The search was conducted across five databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Global Health. Included studies explored alcohol use and ASD within clinical samples.

Results

A total of 22 studies was included in the final review. The pooled prevalence of alcohol use disorder in ASD was 1.6% and 16.1% in large population registers and clinical settings, respectively. Four components were identified as possible aetiological risk factors: age, co-occurring conditions, gender and genetics. We identified ten implications for co-occurring alcohol use disorder in ASD, summarised as a concept map.

Conclusion

Emerging trends in the literature suggest direction and principles for research and practice. Future studies should use a standardised methodological approach, including psychometrically validated instruments and representative samples, to inform policy and improve the experience for autistic populations with co-occurring alcohol use.
Addressing Financial Toxicity From a Global Perspective: How to Advance Shared-Learning to Facilitate Change?
Authors: Chan Raymond Javan , Ke Yu , Carerra Pricivel , Chan Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Financial Toxicity is a global issue requiring international efforts, but importantly, where to next?
Financial Toxicity in Older Adults With Cancer and Their Caregivers
Authors: Kadambi Sindhuja , Wang Ying , Job Anna , Khankan Leen , Yu Tristan , Patel Arpan , Nipp Ryan , Loh Kah Poh
Published: January 2025

With advances in cancer treatment, long-term survival rates have improved in recent decades, resulting in extended life expectancies for many patients. This progress brings substantial challenges, however, particularly in terms of the costs associated with cancer care. The financial burden, often considerable, poses difficulties for older adults with cancer and their caregivers. Financial toxicity refers to the unintended financial consequences and distress that patients and families incur from cancer and its treatment. The prevalence of financial toxicity varies (some estimates with over half experiencing this challenge), and certain subgroups (eg, race other than White and those with lack of social support) are at greater risk. Although studies focusing on older adults are limited, existing research has shown that financial toxicity is associated with adverse outcomes, including delayed care, poorer physical, social, and psychological well-being, and lower overall quality of life. Moreover, financial toxicity may result in negative caregiver health outcomes, which can in turn affect patient outcomes. These negative caregiver effects may persist into the bereavement phase. Various methods are available to assess financial toxicity, and they consist of three domains: material, psychological, and behavioral. Available interventions focus on identifying those at risk and providing financial counseling, navigation, and literacy, as well as tangible assistance. Although the impact of financial toxicity is increasingly recognized, studies in older adults and their caregivers are lacking. A better understanding of their needs is important to develop interventions aimed at mitigating financial toxicity in older adults with cancer and their caregivers.
Ne me quitte pas
Authors: Smith Maya Angela
Published: January 2025

In 1959, Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel wrote and performed “Ne me quitte pas” (Don’t leave me), a visceral and haunting plea for his lover to come back. As a teenager, Maya Angela Smith was so captivated by Nina Simone’s powerful 1965 cover of the song that it inspired her to be a French professor. In Ne me quitte pas, Smith follows the classic song’s long and varied journey, from Brel’s iconic 1966 performance on French television to Simone’s cover to Shirley Bassey’s English-language version (“If You Go Away”) to its contemporary manifestations in popular culture. Throughout, Smith shows that as the song travels across languages, geographies, genres, and generations, it accumulates shifting artistic and cultural significance as each listener creates their own meaning.
Redefining Learning Outcomes in Higher Education through Centers for Teaching and Learning
Authors: Nouri Venetia
Published: January 2025

This paper critically examines the role of Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) in enhancing learning outcomes within higher education institutions. CTLs are pivotal in fostering effective teaching environments, enhancing faculty capabilities, and ultimately improving student learning outcomes. The paper delves into the theoretical underpinnings that inform CTL practices, highlighting the influence of adult learning theories, transformative learning, and critical pedagogy on faculty development initiatives. It assesses CTLs' strategies in course design and student assessment, discussing the practical challenges such as funding limitations and resistance to pedagogical shifts. Moreover, it explores the broader implications of CTLs on institutional policies and the integration of technology in teaching. The paper proposes strategic enhancements for CTLs, including increased funding, policy reform, and leveraging international collaborations to enrich teaching practices. Through a comprehensive analysis of CTLs' impact on learning outcomes, the paper underscores their indispensable role in the continuous evolution of higher education.
Prognostic significance of tumor budding in pancreatic carcinoma: Digitalized image approach evaluation using artificial intelligence.
Authors: Ben Rejeb Sarra , Yaacoubi Jasser
Published: January 2025

Introduction Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is a highly malignant and lethal tumor characterized by a dismal prognosis which raised the need to identify other prognostic factors for better patient risk stratification. This study investigated the prognostic significance of tumor budding (TB) in pancreatic carcinoma using artificial intelligence. Methods In this retrospective multicenter study, we collected all cases of PC diagnosed (2008-2022). TB was assed using 2methods: manuel on hematoxylin-eosin (HE) slides and semi-automated using QUPATH software. The selected slide for each case was digitalized using NIS software version 4.00 connected to the microscope NIKON (Eclipse Ni-U). The pathological images were then incorporated into QUPATH. The budds were counted using cell count functionality based on the nucleus size and pixel variability, and TB scores were categorized as BUDD1(0-4), BUDD2(5-9) and BUDD3(≥10). We analyzed the association between the TB score and prognostic clinicopathological factors and overall survival. Results 25patients were included (mean age:62.3years;male-to-female ratio:2.57). TB was found in 100%of cases and a high TB score (BUDD2-3) was observed in 56%of cases (using QUPATH versus 48% using HE slides); statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two methods(p=0.589). A high TB score was associated with older age(>72 years), ductal histological subtype and advanced stage (pT>2).53.8% of patients with lymph node metastasis or advanced stage had high TB score. Multivariate analysis revealed that TB score was strongly and independently associated with overall survival (OS), with a hazard ratio of 2.35. Conclusion TB is an additional prognostic factor in PC, and using artificial intelligence via QUPATH software offers a promising and accessible tool for pathologists to evaluate TB and to improve risk stratification in patients with PC.
The genome sequence of the Violet Copper, Lycaena helle (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Authors: Pladevall Clara , Caritg Roger , Cámara Francisco , Carbonell Silvia , Gómez-Garrido Jèssica , Cruz Fernando , Gut Marta , Arroyo Vanesa , Komac Benjamin , Vila Roger , Guigó Roderic , Alioto Tyler S. , Niell Manel
Published: January 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Lycaena helle (the Violet Copper; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lycaenidae). The genome sequence is 547.31 megabases in span. The entirety of the genome sequence was assembled into 25 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules with no gaps, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.5 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly identified 20,122 protein coding genes.
STRAIGHTMORPH: A Voice Morphing Tool for Research in Voice Communication Sciences
Authors: Belin P , Kawahara H
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this paper is to make easily available to the scientific community an efficient voice morphing tool called STRAIGHTMORPH and provide a short tutorial on its use with examples. STRAIGHTMORPH consists of a set of Matlab functions allowing the generation of high-quality, parametrically-controlled morphs of an arbitrary number of voice samples. A first step consists in extracting an ‘mObject’ for each voice sample, with accurate tracking of the fundamental frequency contour and manual definition of Time and Frequency anchors corresponding across samples to be morphed. The second step consists in parametrically combining the mObjects to generate novel synthetic stimuli, such as gender, identity or emotion continua, or random combinations. STRAIGHTMORPH constitutes a simple but efficient and versatile tool to generate high quality, parametrically controlled continua between voices – and beyond.
Late Gothic Bookbinding in Tallinn
Authors: Kolk Kaspar
Published: January 2025

The central issue of this study is establishing the corpus of lateGothic bookbindings produced in Tallinn by a few consecutive andinterrelated binders in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries.The survey of decorative tools and bookbinding designs allows theattribution of twenty-eight currently known surviving bindings tothese binders. The designs of the tools used in Tallinn’s workshopreveal the northern German, primarily Lübeck area, connectionsof the earlier generation of late Gothic binders in Tallinn. In thesecond phase, more diversified tooling appears that could hint at theimport of tools from different areas or production of the tools locally,imitating the stamps on imported bindings of various origins. Thestyle and techniques of both stages remain conservative, preservingthe medieval symbolic and decorative imagery. Since most of thesurviving bindings have been preserved in Tallinn, and manyoriginate from the Dominican friary, it is reasonable to conclude thatthe bindery was also closely connected to the friary. The Dominicanmanuscript waste reused in the bindings adds corroboration to thisassumption.
Cluster analysis and MANOVA in marketing and economic research
Authors: Zuenkova Yuliya , Stamenkovich Milan
Published: January 2025

The monograph introduces the reader to the basics of using multidimensional statistical methods — cluster analysis and MANOVA analysis — in marketing and economic research. Data is an indispensable product of any activity and the basis for making objective management decisions. Big data has had a significant impact on marketing and the development of its tools. The collection, accumulation and processing of information about customers and the market is the basis of information support for marketing activities. Multidimensional statistics methods, cluster analysis and MANOVA analysis in particular, open up new opportunities for marketers due to the great applied potential of their use. The areas of marketing application of cluster analysis and the MANOVA method are described in detail, a step-by-step plan for the implementation of statistical procedures and recommendations for the researcher on data preparation and evaluation of statistical analysis results are given. Multidimensional statistics methods allow marketers to identify complex behavioral patterns, predict consumer behavior, find new approaches to customer segmentation, and thus develop new marketing strategies and tactics in the market.
It is intended for practicing marketers and researchers, economists and statisticians, university students and teachers, as well as all those who are interested in expanding their capabilities in big data processing to open new strategic horizons.
Part 5: Mastering ocular challenges of the digital environment
Authors: Huntjens Byki , Farrant Sarah
Published: January 2025

Byki Huntjens and Sarah Farrant continue the TFOS summary series by looking at strategies to ameliorate the effects of digital environments
Characterization of Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) strain Peanut Stripe Virus (PStV) associated with patchouli mottle disease in Indonesia
Authors: HARTONO SEDYO , KANDITO ARGAWI
Published: January 2025

Abstract. Hartono S, Kandito A. 2024. Characterization of Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) strain Peanut Stripe Virus (PStV) associated with patchouli mottle disease in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 3860-3867. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) is an important commodity that is traded for its essential oil. Indonesia is the main producer of patchouli oil and provides 90% of the global oil trade. However, patchouli plantations face several constraints, especially plant diseases caused by viruses. Considering its economic importance, we conducted surveillance and detection of patchouli mottle disease (PMoD) in several patchouli plantations in Java. Leaves of infected plants exhibited symptoms of mosaic, mottling, and malformations. To confirm the presence of the virus, we collected the infected plants and mechanically inoculated it on healthy patchouli plants. This process involves applying the sap to healthy plants in a controlled manner to ensure that the symptoms observed in the field can be reproduced. Local lesions were produced on mechanically infected Chenopodium amaranticolor and Gomphrena globosa; systemic symptoms on Cucurbita maxima, Vigna unguiculata, Nicotiana tabacum, and Nicotiana glutinosa. Electron microscopic analysis of leaf-dip preparations from a symptomatic sample revealed flexuous viral particles sized approx. 750 nm long, identical to the Potyvirus virion. Molecular detection using RT-PCR and degenerate primers for Potyvirus produced 709 base pair amplicons, indicating positive results in our samples. Nucleotide sequencing data showed the sample was infected by Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) strain Peanut Stripe Virus (PStV), with high similarity to BCMV isolated from legume plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the natural occurrence of BCMV strain PStV on patchouli plants in Indonesia. Therefore, integrated pest management measures are needed to control the disease and reduce the economic impact of PMoD.
Screening of Lactobacillus from Noi chicken gut as potential probiotics against poultry pathogens
Authors: THUY NGUYEN PHUONG , TRAI NGUYEN NGOC
Published: January 2025

Abstract. Thuy NP, Trai NN. 2024. Screening of Lactobacillus from Noi chicken gut as potential probiotics against poultry pathogens. Biodiversitas 25: 3943-3952. This research investigated the potential of Lactobacillus strains isolated from Noi chickens as probiotics for poultry health. We focused on their ability to combat major poultry pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella sp. Thirty-two distinct Lactobacillus strains were successfully cultured from the digestive tracts of Noi chickens. Colony and cell morphology were diverse, confirming the presence of various Lactobacillus species. Biochemical tests further validated their identification. Antibacterial activity screening revealed two strains, LN11 and LN19, capable of inhibiting all three target pathogens. Thirteen isolates, LN5, LN7, LN8, LN9, LN10, LN11, LN12, LN13, LN14, LN16, LN17, LN18, LN19, LN21, LN26 displayed resistance to all four tested antibiotics: chloramphenicol, erythromycin, ampicillin, and ciprofloxacin. Key probiotic traits were assessed. Nine strains showed excellent acid tolerance, crucial for surviving the stomach's harsh environment. Ten strains demonstrated high tolerance to bile salts, essential for thriving in the intestine. LN19 exhibited particularly strong activity, highlighting its potential for probiotic development. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the promising isolate LN19 as Lactobacillus farciminis LN19. This study provides valuable insights into the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus strains from Noi chickens. The identification of L. farciminis LN19 with strong antibacterial activity and robust probiotic characteristics suggests its promise for enhancing poultry health and combating infectious diseases.
Phenotype variability of Pometia pinnata from Riau, Indonesia based on qualitative characters
Authors: ZULFAHMI ZULFAHMI , ROSMAINA ROSMAINA
Published: January 2025

Abstract. Zulfahmi, Rosmaina. 2024. Phenotype variability of Pometia pinnata from Riau, Indonesia based on qualitative characters. Biodiversitas 25: 3953-3964. Matoa (Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) is an important underutilized fruit tree in Riau Province, Indonesia. Information on the genetic diversity of P. pinnata is poorly reported. This study aimed to estimate the phenotype variability of P. pinnata in Riau Province, Indonesia based on qualitative characters. Twenty-seven qualitative characters were used to study the phenotype variability of 24 P. pinnata genotypes. The diversity for each character was calculated using the Shannon-Weaver Index and cluster analysis among genotypes was constructed by an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average (UPGMA). The results showed a high variability in almost all the characters observed. The estimated value of the Shannon-Weaver Index of P. pinnata ranged from 0.00-0.980. Eighteen characters exhibited a high diversity level (0.67-0.98), two characters demonstrated an intermediate level (0.41-0.66), and the remaining had low diversity (0.00-0.25). A dendrogram grouped 24 P. pinnata into four main clusters, i.e. black-skinned P. pinnata and green-skinned P. pinnata, yellow-skinned P. pinnata, red-skinned P. pinnata, and red-skinned P. pinnata. In general, P. pinnata was grouped based on the color of the ripe fruit skin, which indicated that fruit color characters play an important role in P. pinnata diversity. The ripe skin color can be used as the specific character to differentiate among P. pinnata genotypes easily. This information can be utilized for P. pinnata improvement and breeding in the future.
Performance evaluation of HMA using recycled brick powder as filler with Superpave aggregate gradation
Authors:   School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ambo Institute of Technology, Ambo, Ethiopia, Habte Tamiru , Kebede Getachew ,   Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma, Ethiopia, Elmer Agon ,   Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma, Ethiopia, Geremew Anteneh ,   Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma, Ethiopia
Published: January 2025

The performance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) typically hinges on the quality of the ingredients utilized in blending the asphalt concrete. In this study the Superpave mix design method is used to investigate the performance of HMA with recycled brick powder (RBP) added as a filler. A non-probability sampling technique was used to gather samples. The engineering characteristics of materials used in HMA components, such as bitumen (80/100 penetration grade), aggregates, RBP, and crushed stone dust (CSD), were verified against standard specifications. The impact of RBP as a filler substance on the Marshall properties, stripping tests, moisture susceptibility, and permanent deformation in asphalt mixtures were assessed. Chemical analysis of the RBP indicated that silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, and iron oxide collectively constituted 62,68; 14,74 and 9,16 %, respectively, of its composition satisfying the minimum requirements for natural pozzolan materials. The RBP specific gravity and plastic index, were 2,66 and non-plastic, respectively. HMA specimens were prepared with conventional filler CSD in three proportions (4, 5, and 6 %) and eight bitumen contents from (3,0-6,5 %) with 5,0 % of CSD selected as the control mix. The CSD filler in proportions of 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0 % was combined with RBP in proportions of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 %, respectively, to replace the 5 % CSD control mix. The optimum bitumen content was maintained at 5,45 %. The replacement rates of 3 % RBP + 2 % CSD meet ERA standard specifications for Marshall properties, offering a cost-effective solution with low permanent deformation (2,88 mm) and high tensile strength ratio (94,39 %). Incorporating RBP in HMA aligns with the criteria suggested in the Superpave aggregate gradation for up to 3 % RBP + 2 % CSD replacement of conventional filler in HMA production.
Material-dependent TMI and SBS threshold power simulations of Yb-doped fiber amplifiers
Authors: Mermelstein Marc D.
Published: January 2025

The influence of engineered glass compositions for the enhancement of
the TMI and SBS threshold powers in kW class Yb-doped fiber amplifiers
is explored with validated simulations. A reduction in the
thermo-optic coefficient and an increase in the thermal conductivity
raises the TMI threshold power while the SBS threshold power is
increased by a reduction in the Brillouin gain. A quasi-analytic model
is extended to include the local bend loss of thermally loaded coiled
gain fibers and is validated with well-documented experimental
results. The range of material coefficients is determined by recent
material investigations. It is found that a 55% reduction in the
thermo-optic coefficient results in a 75% increase in the TMI
threshold power and a 43% increase in the thermal conductivity results
in a 30% increase in the threshold power. A 75% reduction in the
Brillouin gain is found to increase the SBS threshold by 200%.
Simulated threshold powers are in qualitative agreement with recent
experimental results. These simulations provide a quantitative measure
of the threshold power improvements that can be achieved with
engineered glass compositions.