bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nature-based welfare in older adulthood: An Eco-Appreciation perspective
Authors: Nevo Mali , Levin Lia
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study examined the reciprocal relationship between older adults’ well-being and their accounts of human-nature relations (HNR). Guided by the tenets of the Eco-Appreciation Perspective, the question addressed was: What can be learned from older adults’ relations with nature about reciprocal nature-based welfare in older adulthood?

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 60 participants over the age of 65 in Israel, followed by a sequential deductive-inductive analysis of the data.

Results

Four major themes were yielded: HNR as presence and being; HNR as connection; HNR as past, present, and future; and HNR as benevolence. Participants’ experiences revealed an interaction between gratitude and awareness toward HNR and an enhanced sense of well-being, purpose, meaning, and belonging. The analysis also exposed novel insights into how HNR in older adulthood can prompt mutual nature-based welfare and provide an ongoing source of comfort and resilience, both through current activities and by accessing childhood memories.

Discussion

The findings are discussed in the context of eco-centric viewpoints on contemporary aging, and highlight the active role that older adults can play in deepening their connection with nature while calling on professionals in health, gerontology, social work, and community care to recognize and harness the mutual benefits of this bond.
Clinical characteristics, therapy and outcome of bloodstream infections caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci: a multicentre clinical experience
Authors: Serapide Francesca , Serraino Riccardo , Spadafora Luigi , Bernardi Marco , Brucci Giorgia , Cattardico Greta , Corcione Silvia , De Benedetto Ilaria , Del Monte Martina , Limongelli Alessandro , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Graziano Elena , Meschiari Marianna , Pinna Simone Mornese , Peghin Maddalena , Tiseo Giusy , Vena Antonio , Romeo Francesco , Sarto Gianmarco , Bassetti Matteo , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe , Falcone Marco , Grossi Paolo Antonio , Mussini Cristina , Russo Alessandro
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE) are considered a predictor of mortality among frail patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with 30 day mortality and relapse of infection in enterococcal BSI caused by VRE and to evaluate the impact of antibiotic regimens in targeted therapy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive hospitalized patients in six teaching hospitals from August 2016 to August 2022 in Italy. All adult patients with a documented VRE BSI were included.

Results

We enrolled 517 consecutive hospitalized patients with VRE BSI; of these BSIs 496 (96.5%) were caused by Enterococcus faecium and 26 (5.1%) by Enterococcus faecalis. The most frequently used antibiotics as backbone were linezolid (48.1%) and daptomycin (43.7%). Overall, the 30 day mortality was 32.1%. Upon Cox regression analysis, the risk factor independently associated with 30 day mortality was Charlson comorbidity index >3 points (P < 0.001), whereas a Pitt score <4 points (P = 0.031), surgery for source control of infection (P = 0.016) and time to targeted therapy <24 h (P = 0.006) were associated with survival. After propensity score adjustment, a daptomycin-based regimen (P = 0.003) was associated with 30 day survival.

Conclusions

VRE BSI is an important cause of mortality in frail/critically ill patients. Our data highlighted the role of daptomycin as backbone agent for the treatment of enterococcal BSI caused by vancomycin-resistant strains.
Reparations before the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic
Authors: Moffett Luke
Published: February 2025

Reparations for international crimes remain complex and pose a challenge for international criminal justice bodies. These challenges stem from the large victim population, set against the limited convictions that are usually entered (both in terms of the number of perpetrators and the charges) and the lack of resources dedicated to redress for victims. In its first case, the Central African Republic’s Special Criminal Court (SCC) stepped into this beleaguered area by ordering reparations for two massacres. Cognisant of its limitations and the needs of victims, the SCC built on the established jurisprudence of the International Criminal Court and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, seeking to expound a more feasible vision of reparations for international crimes. This case note reflects on the SCC’s initial determinations around eligibility and the appropriate forms of reparations. These speak to the broader vision of the SCC in light of its capacity and jurisdiction. At the same time, they place an increased burden on victims to sufficiently justify the requested measures. Ultimately, despite efforts to make reparations for international crimes work, the SCC cannot escape the vortex of the criminal trial and the priority on funding lawyers rather than remedying victims’ harm.
Finding radio transients with anomaly detection and active learning based on volunteer classifications
Authors: Andersson Alex , Lintott Chris , Fender Rob , Lochner Michelle , Woudt Patrick , van den Eijnden Jakob , van der Horst Alexander , Horesh Assaf , Saikia Payaswini , Sivakoff Gregory R , Tremou Lilia , Vaccari Mattia
Published: February 2025

In this work we explore the applicability of unsupervised machine learning algorithms to finding radio transients. Facilities such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will provide huge volumes of data in which to detect rare transients; the challenge for astronomers is how to find them. We demonstrate the effectiveness of anomaly detection algorithms using 1.3 GHz light curves from the SKA precursor MeerKAT. We make use of three sets of descriptive parameters (‘feature sets’) as applied to two anomaly detection techniques in the Astronomaly package and analyse our performance by comparison with citizen science labels on the same dataset. Using transients found by volunteers as our ground truth, we demonstrate that anomaly detection techniques can recall over half of the radio transients in the 10percnt of the data with the highest anomaly scores. We find that the choice of anomaly detection algorithm makes a minor difference, but that feature set choice is crucial, especially when considering available resources for human inspection and/or follow-up. Active learning, where human labels are given for just 2 per cent of the data, improves recall by up to 20 percentage points, depending on the combination of features and model used. The best performing results produce a factor of 5 times fewer sources requiring vetting by experts. This is the first effort to apply anomaly detection techniques to finding radio transients and shows great promise for application to other datasets, and as a real-time transient detection system for upcoming large surveys.
The lncRNA DUBR is regulated by CTCF and coordinates chromatin landscape and gene expression in hematopoietic cells
Authors: Núñez-Martínez Hober Nelson , Tapia-Urzúa Gustavo , Cerecedo-Castillo Ángel Josué , Peralta-Alvarez Carlos Alberto , Guerrero Georgina , Huarte Maite , Recillas-Targa Félix
Published: February 2025

Master hematopoietic transcription factors (TFs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) coordinate shaping lineage-specific gene expression programs during hematopoietic differentiation. The architectural protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) has emerged as a pivotal regulator of gene expression in cell differentiation. However, the relationship and its regulatory effect of CTCF on lncRNA genes in hematopoiesis remain elusive. We demonstrated that CTCF constrains the lncRNA DUBRtranscription throughout erythroid differentiation. DUBR is highly expressed in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) but depleted in erythroblasts. DUBR perturbation dysregulates hematopoietic-erythroid cell differentiation genes and facilitates genome-wide activation of regulatory elements. A genomic map of RNA occupancy revealed that DUBR associates with a set of genes involved in regulating hematopoietic differentiation, including the erythroid repressor HES1, which targets a subset of regulatory elements of DUBR-dysregulated genes. Our results support the role of DUBR as a regulator of a hematopoietic differentiation gene program by coordinating the expression of genes and influencing their chromatin regulatory landscape.
Sequence-dependent and -independent effects of intron-mediated enhancement learned from thousands of random introns
Authors: Kowal Emma J K , Sakai Yuta , McGurk Michael P , Pasetsky Zoe J , Burge Christopher B
Published: February 2025

Spliceosomal introns are a ubiquitous feature of eukaryotic genes, whose presence often boosts the expression of their host gene, a phenomenon known as intron-mediated enhancement (IME). IME has been noted across diverse genes and organisms but remains mysterious in many respects. For example, how does intron sequence affect the magnitude of IME? In this study, we performed a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) to assess the effect of varying intron sequence on gene expression in a high-throughput manner, in human cells, using tens of thousands of synthetic introns with natural splice sites and randomized internal sequence. We observe that most random introns splice efficiently and enhance gene expression as well as or better than fully natural introns. Nearly all introns stimulate gene expression ∼eight-fold above an intronless control, at both mRNA and protein levels, suggesting that the primary mechanism acts to increase mRNA levels. IME strength is positively associated with splicing efficiency and with the intronic content of poly-uridine stretches, which we confirm using reporter experiments. In sum, this work assesses the IME of a diverse library of introns and uncovers sequence-dependent aspects, but suggests that enhancement of gene expression is a general property of splicing, largely independent of intron sequence.
The transcription factor CitPH4 regulates plant defense-related metabolite biosynthesis in citrus
Authors: Lu Zhihao , Hu Bin , He Jiaxian , Yuan Tao , Wu Qinchun , Yang Kun , Zheng Weikang , Huang Yue , Xu Yuantao , Wang Xia , Xu Qiang
Published: February 2025

Wild citrus (Citrus L.) exhibits high disease resistance accompanied by high-acidity fruit, whereas cultivated citrus produces tastier fruit but is more susceptible to disease. This is a common phenomenon, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Citrus PH4 (CitPH4) is a key transcription factor promoting citric acid accumulation in fruits. Accordingly, CitPH4 expression decreased during citrus domestication, along with a reduction in citric acid levels. Here, we demonstrate that a CitPH4-knockout mutant exhibits an acidless phenotype and displays substantially lower resistance to citrus diseases. Metabolome and transcriptome analyses of CitPH4-overexpressing citrus callus, Arabidopsis, and CitPH4-knockout citrus fruits revealed that quercetin, pipecolic acid (Pip), and N-hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP) are pivotal defense-related metabolites. Application of quercetin and Pip inhibited the growth of Xcc and Penicillium italicum, while NHP inhibited the growth of P. italicum and Huanglongbing. Biochemical experiments demonstrated that CitPH4 enhances the expression of quercetin and NHP biosynthesis genes by binding to their promoters. Moreover, Pip and quercetin contents were positively associated with citric acid content in the pulp of fruits from natural citrus populations. Finally, the heterologous expression of CitPH4 in Arabidopsis promoted the expression of stress response genes and enhanced its resistance to the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. The overexpression of CitPH4 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) enhanced disease resistance. This study reveals the mechanism by which CitPH4 regulates disease resistance and fruit acidity, providing a conceptual strategy to control fruit acidity and resistance to devastating diseases.
Assessment of environmental impact from radioactive effluents discharged by the Hanbit nuclear power plants in Korea: analyzing annual reports from nuclear power plants and radioactivity data from environmental monitoring organizations
Authors: Lee Na Young , Kong Tae Young
Published: February 2025

The aim of this comprehensive study was to analyze the annual effective doses to the public due to radioactive effluents discharged from the Hanbit nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Korea and identify potential improvements for the current environmental radiation monitoring system. We meticulously analyzed the amount of radioactive effluents discharged from the Hanbit NPPs and their resulting doses to the public for a decade (2014–23). Carbon-14, which accounted for only 1.90% of the total activity in radioactive effluents, contributed 88.53% of the annual effective doses to the public. This impact was significantly larger than that of tritium, which constituted most of the radioactive effluents. We propose potential improvements for the environmental monitoring system, including an increase in monitoring points and cycles of the seawater and seabed sediments to consider the characteristics of oceanic dispersion and the implementation of a radioactivity analysis of carbon-14 in ingestion and respiration-related environmental samples.
Exogenous BR Enhances Host Resistance to Rhizoctonia solani Through Reactive Oxygen Species Homeostasis and Photosynthesis Improvement in Oryza sativa
Authors: Chu Kejin , Dong Jiejing , Li Hongyu , Zhao Changjiang
Published: February 2025

Brassinosteroid (BR) is essential in regulating plant growth and development and response to stress. However, there are few reports on the mechanism of BR regulating rice resistance to necrotrophic fungus. In this study, rice seedlings were pretreated with BR hormone and its synthetic inhibitor Brassinazole (BRZ) and inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani to analyze the reactive oxygen species (ROS), photosynthetic indices, and expression of phytohormones signal components and defense-related genes in rice leaves during pathogen infection. BR treatment significantly decreased the lesion area, significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of antioxidant substances, and significantly decreased the contents of O2-, H2O2, and MDA. At the same time, BR treatment enhanced photosynthetic pigment content and Fv/Fm value of rice seedlings. In addition, BR treatment can cause high expression of endogenous BR synthesis and decomposition genes and signal transduction genes, cooperate with SA, and antagonize JA signal gene expression. The structural equation analysis of tested indices uncovered firstly that high BR level stimulated the BR signal transduction pathway to regulate photosynthesis and ROS homeostasis through ROS signal, thereby enhancing the resistance of rice seedlings to R. solani. This study provides theoretical guidance for the application of BR analogues chemical regulators.
From organoids to organoids-on-a-chip: Current applications and challenges in biomedical research
Authors: Liu Kailun , Chen Xiaowei , Fan Zhen , Ren Fei , Liu Jing , Hu Baoyang
Published: February 2025

The high failure rates in clinical drug development based on animal models highlight the urgent need for more representative human models in biomedical research. In response to this demand, organoids and organ chips were integrated for greater physiological relevance and dynamic, controlled experimental conditions. This innovative platform—the organoids-on-a-chip technology—shows great promise in disease modeling, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, attracting interest from researchers, clinicians, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders. This review traces the evolution from organoids to organoids-on-a-chip, driven by the necessity for advanced biological models. We summarize the applications of organoids-on-a-chip in simulating physiological and pathological phenotypes and therapeutic evaluation of this technology. This section highlights how integrating technologies from organ chips, such as microfluidic systems, mechanical stimulation, and sensor integration, optimizes organoid cell types, spatial structure, and physiological functions, thereby expanding their biomedical applications. We conclude by addressing the current challenges in the development of organoids-on-a-chip and offering insights into the prospects. The advancement of organoids-on-a-chip is poised to enhance fidelity, standardization, and scalability. Furthermore, the integration of cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations will be crucial for the progression of organoids-on-a-chip technology.
Recent advances in epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: Insights from the past two years
Authors: Wan Jian , Zhou Jiaming , Wang Zhuo , Liu Dan , Zhang Hao , Xie Shengmao , Wu Kaichun
Published: February 2025

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract with unknown etiology. The cause of IBD is widely considered multifactorial, with prevailing hypotheses suggesting that the microbiome and various environmental factors contribute to inappropriate activation of the mucosal immune system in genetically susceptible individuals. Although the incidence of IBD has stabilized in Western countries, it is rapidly increasing in newly industrialized countries, particularly China, making IBD a global disease. Significant changes in multiple biomarkers before IBD diagnosis during the preclinical phase provide opportunities for earlier diagnosis and intervention. Advances in technology have driven the development of telemonitoring tools, such as home-testing kits for fecal calprotectin, serum cytokines, and therapeutic drug concentrations, as well as wearable devices for testing sweat cytokines and heart rate variability. These tools enable real-time disease activity assessment and timely treatment strategy adjustments. A wide range of novel drugs for IBD, including interleukin-23 inhibitors (mirikizumab, risankizumab, and guselkumab) and small-molecule drugs (etrasimod and upadacitinib), have been introduced in the past few years. Despite these advancements, approximately one-third of patients remain primary non-responders to the initial treatment, and half eventually lose response over time. Precision medicine integrating multi-omics data, advanced combination therapy, and complementary approaches, including stem cell transplantation, psychological therapies, neuromodulation, and gut microbiome modulation therapy, may offer solutions to break through the therapeutic ceiling.
RNA Sequencing Confirms the Pathogenicity of a Novel FHL1 Deletion in a Kinship With Emery–Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Nagaraj Chinmayee B. , Tian Cuixia , Kushlaf Hani
Published: February 2025

Pathogenic variants in FHL1 are associated with X-linked reducing body myopathy, scapuloperoneal myopathy, myopathy with postural muscle atrophy or Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy type 6. Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is characterized by joint contractures in childhood, progressive muscle weakness that starts in a humeroperoneal distribution and later extends to scapular and pelvic girdle muscles, and cardiac involvement that include conduction defects or cardiomyopathy. In this study, we report diagnosis of a patient with Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy type 6 after identification of a novel deletion in FHL1, whose pathogenicity was clarified by RNA sequencing.
What is in the Myopathy Literature?
Authors: Lacomis David , Isfort Michael
Published: February 2025

This update begins with the incidence and features of statin-associated muscle symptoms, which may often be misattributed. Articles on potential muscle mitochondria dysfunction from statins follow, along with recommendations for possibly avoiding statins in some patients with genetic myopathies. Next, autoimmune myopathies, including immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, myositis with antimitochondrial antibodies, and overlap myositis with lupus, as well as the role of myxovirus protein A identification in muscle specimens, are addressed. The next section includes reports on the significance of elevated serum aldolase with normal creatine kinase and recommended approaches to evaluate a patient with rhabdomyolysis. A cluster of reports on muscle imaging, particularly using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, are covered. They include studies of inherited and inflammatory myopathies and neck extensor myopathy on topics such as imaging features, patterns of involvement, diagnostic utility, and correlation with histopathology. Last, there are discussions on mexiletine versus lamotrigine for nondystrophic myotonias and the treatment of fatty acid oxidation disorders in adults.
The Effect of Prior Use of Statins on the Severity of COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Hasani Hadi , Hamidi Farzaneh , Ahmadi-Forg Fatemeh , Panahi Pardis , Tofighi Khelejan Fatemeh
Published: February 2025

It has been suggested that the use of statin pills beforehand could potentially influence the outcomes when individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19. In this study, we investigated how the prior use of statin medication could influence the COVID-19 severity parameters. In this retrospective cohort study, we categorized COVID-19 patients into 2 groups: statin users and non-users. Then, various data including age, gender, the patient’s need for ventilation support, the lowest oxygen blood saturation level, the length of hospitalization, receiving remdesivir treatment, and their COVID-19 vaccination status were collected. Out of 168 patients, 62 had taken statin medication before being admitted. Using statins decreased the patient’s need for ventilation support, length of hospitalization, ventilation duration, and oxygen saturation level (P < .001). Interaction effect analysis showed that receiving remdesivir statically affected the length of hospitalization, ventilation duration, and oxygen saturation level but did not significantly affect the association between statins and needing to ventilator. The use of statin pills before COVID-19 admission reduced the requirement for ventilator support.
Exploring Alternate Targets for Respiratory Resuscitation in Patients With Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Richardson Lindsay , Bagunu Krystofer , Doughty Kanyada , Concilio Lisa , Jaime Stephen , Westcott Anova , Graham Julie-Kathryn
Published: February 2025

Despite limited evidence to support it, resuscitation in sepsis has primarily targeted aggressive fluid administration and liberal administration of oxygen. In 2024, new thought paradigms emerged to suggest that dysregulation of aerobic metabolism are essential underpinnings of sepsis, and that in fact, aggressive resuscitation with fluids liberal oxygen could potentially aggravate oxidative stress and organ failure in sepsis. As sepsis continues to be shaped and molded by the latest research; therapies targeting sepsis and septic shock management warrant similar scrutiny. Methods: We searched literature pertaining to what is known about metabolic dysregulation in sepsis, to consider approaches to identifying new targets for resuscitation and management in sepsis. Results: Therapeutic hypoxemic targets of 88-92% have been shown to have some benefit in sepsis resuscitation in a limited number of studies. The benefit is believed to result from protection from excessive accumulation of harmful reactive oxygen species. Conclusion: Limited supporting evidence exists in the literature to recommend targeted hypoxemia or hypercapnia in patients with sepsis. Mixed results have been observed in the literature, including minimal benefit to mortality. New research designs with consideration to the dysregulated metabolic sequelae in sepsis could improve the meaningfulness of these therapies in sepsis.
Developing and Validating a Flipped Classroom Intervention to Improve CPR Competency
Authors: Azami Golnaz , Ebrahimy Boshra
Published: February 2025

The onset of cardiac arrest is unpredictable, and it is crucial to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The flipped classroom has generated considerable interest in medical education in the last decade. To optimize the effectiveness of a flipped classroom intervention, there is a need to understand which component, if any, of the intervention may be successful in improving CPR competency. This study aimed to use mixed-method intervention development techniques to develop and validate a flipped classroom intervention to improve CPR competency. The theoretical framework underpinning the intervention is Competency Outcomes and Performance Assessment (COPA). The content validity index (CVI) and the content validity ratio (CVR) were calculated and found to be satisfactory. The results provided a clear specification of the intervention protocol for researchers in the next phase of the study – a pilot RCT to preliminarily explore the effect of the developed intervention.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Infections in Women
Authors: Pyle Adrienne , Garner Lindsay , Wallace Huff Cristina
Published: February 2025

This chapter provides an in-depth overview of gonorrhea and chlamydia, 2 common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, respectively. It covers their epidemiology, transmission, and risk factors, highlighting the global burden of these infections. It also describes the clinical manifestations of each disease, which range from asymptomatic to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Diagnostic techniques are discussed alongside recommended treatment regimens and antibiotic resistance concerns. In addition, it explores prevention strategies and the importance of sexual health education and screening programs.
Comparison of visual interpretation of [I-123] FP-CIT SPECT scans versus reference-based quantitative analysis utilizing a Japanese normal database
Authors: Yamakuni Ryo , Ishii Shiro , Fukushima Kenji , Kakamu Takeyasu , Yusa Masanori , Kikori Katsuyuki , Yamao Tensho , Takahashi Noriyuki , Sekino Hirofumi , Itagaki Shuntaro , Miura Itaru , Ito Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

Objective

Dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography (DAT-SPECT) plays an important role in diagnosing parkinsonism. Recently, a reference-based quantitative analysis utilizing a Japanese normal database for DAT-SPECT was developed. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and trends of cases wherein the analysis- and physician-based diagnoses diverged.

Methods

Two physicians performed an interpretation task twice on 195 DAT-SPECT scans. After assessing intra- and intertester agreements, disagreements were resolved by consensus. For the reference-based quantitative analysis, the calibrated specific binding ratio (cSBR), calibrated asymmetry index (cAI), and Z-scores were measured. Images were grouped according to physician consensus and the negative–positive difference from thresholds (Z-score of less than −2.0 and/or cAI of more than 12.22) as follows: group 1 (physician, normal; quantitative analysis, normal; n = 70), group 2 (abnormal; normal; n = 4), group 3 (normal; abnormal; n = 31), and group 4 (abnormal; abnormal; n = 90).

Results

Median cSBRs and Z-scores decreased in order from group 1 to group 4. Median cAI values increased in the order of groups 1, 3, 2, and 4. Significant differences were observed between groups 1 and 2 for cSBRs and cAIs; groups 2 and 3 for Z-scores; groups 2 and 4 for cSBRs and Z-scores; and groups 1 and 3, 1 and 4, and 3 and 4 for all parameters (Kruskal–Wallis and Steel–Dwass tests).

Conclusion

In approximately 18% of cases, the visual interpretation of physicians diverged from the reference-based quantitative analysis based on a Japanese normal database. It is crucial to appropriately utilize DAT-SPECT reference-based quantitative analysis as a diagnostic aid.
Contribution of tubarial salivary gland function detected through 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/computed tomography to total salivary gland function
Authors: Kaplan İhsan , Yeprem Ömer , Kömek Halil , Kepenek Ferat , Güzel Yunus , Karaoğlan Hüseyin , Yildirim Mehmet Serdar , Şenses Veysi , Kiliç Ridvan , Kaya İpek Fulya , Budak Emine , Yanarateş Ahmet , Can Canan
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to determine the contribution of tubarial salivary glands to total salivary gland function using quantitative parameters obtained from 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/computed tomography (PET/CT), including salivary gland volume (SV) and salivary gland function (SF).

Method

This retrospectively designed study included 102 patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who had undergone 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT for staging purposes between January 2022 and December 2023. Patients with missing data, those with tumors in the head and neck region, those who received radiotherapy to the head and neck region, those who underwent surgery in the head and neck region, those with any salivary gland-related disease, those previously treated with radioactive iodine, and those who received lutetium-177 (177Lu) therapy were excluded from the study.

Results

All 102 patients included in the study were male and diagnosed with PCa. The mean age of the patients was calculated as 72.53 ± 7.58 years. Patients’ tubarial SV% and tubarial SF% values were calculated as 7.76 ± 4.01 and 2.58 ± 1.34, respectively. The percentage volume of tubarial glands was found to be statistically significantly higher than that of sublingual glands (P < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). No statistical difference, however, was observed in their contributions to total function (P = 0.506).

Conclusion

When examining the volume ratios of salivary glands showing PSMA expression, it was found that the tubarial salivary glands had a higher volumetric ratio but a lower contribution to total function. We recommend considering these ratios when administering treatments that affect salivary gland functions.
Cytoreductive nephrectomy for oligometastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma in the era of immuno-oncology
Authors: Marandino Laura , Mollica Veronica , Campi Riccardo ,   the European Association of Urology (EAU) Young Academic Urologists (YAU) Renal Cancer working group
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Advancements in immune-oncology treatments and metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) techniques have significantly transformed treatment paradigms for patients with oligometastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Within this evolving therapeutic landscape, the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy remains a topic of debate. This review aims to synthesize recent literature regarding the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy for patients with oligometastatic ccRCC in the contemporary immune-oncology era.

Recent findings

While no prospective data are available regarding the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy for patients with oligometastatic ccRCC in the new immune-oncology (IO) era, results from recent retrospective studies suggest that careful patient selection remains critical. Apart from patients with symptomatic primary tumors, cytoreductive nephrectomy may still play a role in the treatment of oligometastatic patients with favorable clinical features, such as no immediate need for systemic therapy, absence of adverse metastatic sites, or oligometastatic lesions amenable to MDT. Deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy may have a rationale in patients with a deep response to IO at oligometastatic sites. Prognostic biomarkers to assess the biological behavior of oligometastatic disease and identify patients most suitable for cytoreductive nephrectomy are currently lacking. Novel imaging remains under investigation, with its treatment implications in oligometastatic RCC yet to be established.

Notwithstanding the lack of prospective evidence, cytoreductive nephrectomy may still play a role for selected patients with oligometastatic ccRCC. Future research efforts should aim to identify prognostic tools aiding tailored decision-making in this setting.
Quality Improvement Interventions for Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Nursing Practices
Authors: Cho Sumi , Kim Eun Man
Published: February 2025

Background:

The use of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) is a crucial nursing practice for ensuring patient safety.

Purpose:

This systematic review assessed quality improvement (QI) articles focused on nursing insertion and management practices related to PIVCs.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was performed. The Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS) was used to appraise the quality of QI studies by 2 independent reviewers.

Results:

A total of 27 studies were included. More than half of the studies did not meet the sustainability and spread QI-MQCS criteria. QI interventions focused on ultrasound-guided PIVC placement, PIVC dressing products or other catheter devices, and bundles for PIVC practices. The improvements in PIVC-related patient outcomes and nurses’ capabilities were reported.

Conclusion:

Further research is needed to identify detailed QI protocols for ensuring the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of interventions and to facilitate the application of QI in diverse types of hospitals.
Career Trends of University of Minnesota School of Public Health Alumni: Baseline Survey Results for a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Weiss Nicole M. , Leider Jonathon P. , Kaltved Darren , Thao Kablia , Pettigrew Melinda
Published: February 2025

Objective:

This work describes baseline results of the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Public Health (SPH) Career Trends Survey (CTS), allowing for comparison to future CTS data.

Design and Setting:

The UMN SPH CTS was fielded using multiple methods, including paper and online, from January to March 2021.

Participants:

All US-based (at time of survey) UMN SPH alumni for whom the school maintained contact information were eligible to complete the survey. In total, 8817 alumni received the survey and 1966 responded (22% response rate).

Main Outcome Measure:

We examined the proportion of graduates’ first jobs by job sector over time, the proportion of graduates who switched job sectors over time, and how closely graduates’ first jobs related to public health over time.

Results:

Graduates overwhelmingly reported that their first jobs were either “somewhat related” or “strongly related” to public health, but a smaller proportion of graduates in the 2010s reported their first jobs being “strongly related” to public health compared to graduates from the first decades for which we have data.

Conclusions:

Data suggest a noteworthy trend: proportionally fewer of our recent public health graduates are going into governmental public health. Though a more nationally representative dataset is still needed, our results are a crucial step forward in determining how to mitigate the staffing up difficulties faced by many public health agencies.
Shifting Connections: Assessing Changes in a Rural Social Network Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences Over Time
Authors: Lawlor Jennifer A. , Puma Jini , Powers Jamie N. , Martinez Marlayna , Varda Danielle , Leiferman Jenn A.
Published: February 2025

Context:

The present study was designed in the context of a movement towards using community-scale network-based approaches to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Though these types of networks have become more common, assessments over time following typical network-building activities have been limited.

Objective:

This study focused on the question: To what extent does a rural ACEs network improve exchanges among network members following an intervention focused on improving interactions and networking among members?

Design:

We employed a pre-post design, assessing partnerships among organizations addressing ACEs within a single rural community with a baseline assessment and a follow-up assessment three years later.

Setting:

The study was conducted in the rural San Luis Valley in Colorado. It was part of a larger federally-funded, community-engaged study, entitled Supporting Trauma Awareness and Nurturing Children’s Environments (STANCE).

Participants:

Participants for this study were representatives of organizations in the network (n = 59 in T1 and n = 58 in T2, n = 56 overlapping organizations across time points). Each participant was asked to report about their organization’s partnerships in the network at two time points.

Intervention:

Between the baseline and follow-up assessments, an intervention to further develop the network was implemented. It included hosting a networking event among organizations working on ACEs and the development of a subcommittee of the local interagency oversight group that focused on promoting information-sharing about early childhood and ACEs among local organizations.

Main Outcome Measures:

Outcome measures included: clustering, path length, centrality and centralization, and density over time.

Results:

We identified changes across key network metrics, indicating that the network had increased centrality and centralization over time, decreased average path length, and increased clustering and density across three sub-networks.

Conclusions:

Changes identified in this network provide evidence that ACEs networks can change in response to focused network development activities.
Doravirine associated with greater LDL cholesterol reduction in people with HIV switching antiretroviral regimens
Authors: Bellomo Michele , Gianotti Nicola , Hasson Hamid , Canetti Diana , Nozza Silvia , Guffanti Monica , Messina Emanuela , Spagnuolo Vincenzo , Lolatto Riccardo , Diotallevi Sara , Castagna Antonella , Galli Laura , Muccini Camilla
Published: February 2025

In this observational cohort study, the objective was to compare low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol dynamics in people with HIV (PWH) who switched to a regimen containing doravirine (DOR), rilpivirine, dolutegravir, or bictegravir and were naïve to the studied drugs.

Generalized additive mixed models were used to examine LDL cholesterol dynamics.

LDL cholesterol was measured in 2381 PWH: during the first two years, DOR had the greatest lowering effect and showed the most favorable lipid outcome.
Interventions to improve medication adherence in persons with mental disorders
Authors: Kedare Jahnavi , Faye Abhijeet
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Nonadherence to medication is prevalent in patients with mental illness. Various factors responsible for it. As a result, there are more hospitalizations, increased risk of suicide and increased cost of care. Thus, there is a need for effective interventions to improve adherence in mentally ill patients.

Recent findings

Adherence to medication includes participation of patient in decision making. Interventions in the recent years help patients through techniques like psychoeducation, motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy. Interventions involve both patients and caregivers. There is a growing body of research about use of technology -based interventions using smart phones, various applications, digital platforms and artificial intelligence. Recent findings of research indicate that a combination of methods of intervention may be more useful in improving adherence. Some conventional interventions yield good results. Robust research is needed in the field of technology- based interventions.

Non adherence to medication leads to poorer health outcomes and hampers integration of the patient in the society. A collaborative effort of the team of healthcare providers, the patient and caregivers is the way ahead for better adherence and good quality of life.
Global prevalence of internet addiction among university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xin , Gui Zhen , Chen Zi-Mu , Feng Yuan , Wu Xiao-dan , Su Zhaohui , Cheung Teris , Ungvari Gabor S. , Liu Xuan-Chen , Yan Yi-Ran , Ng Chee H. , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

The prevalence of internet addiction among university students has been extensively studied worldwide, however, the findings have been mixed. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the global prevalence of internet addiction in university students and identify its potential moderators.

Recent findings

A total of 101 eligible studies, comprising 128,020 participants across 38 countries and territories, were included. The pooled global prevalence of internet addiction among university students was 41.84% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 35.89–48.02]. Significant differences in the prevalence were observed across different income levels, regions, periods of COVID-19 pandemic, and cut-off values of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Sample size was negatively associated with internet addiction prevalence, while depression prevalence was positively associated with internet addiction prevalence. Male students had a significantly higher risk of internet addiction compared to female students [pooled odd ratio (OR): 1.32, 95% CI: 1.19–1.46].

This meta-analysis found that the prevalence of internet addiction was high among university students, which had increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Screening and intervention measures to address internet addiction should prioritize students with an increased risk including male students, those from lowerincome regions and those with depression.
Drug addiction and impact of urbanization: a systematic review
Authors: Lin Kelly , Jia Jie , Zhu Xiaoyu , Zhang Bei , Zhu Zhaohua , Li Li , Sun Jing
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Using the ecological public health framework, this study aims to systematically review the risk of illicit drug use and its associated negative health outcomes relating to urbanization.

Recent findings

Previous studies have indicated that urbanization associated with increased population density drives segregation of vulnerable communities of low socioeconomic status (SES). Marginalized individuals in segregated communities have increased risk of poor mental health and illicit drug use.

The results indicated that urban-specific environmental risk factors, individual characteristics and level of social support all influenced risk of drug use, substance use disorder (SUD), overdose, and drug-use associated death. Urban environmental risk factors of economic disparity, marginalization and barriers in accessing healthcare and negative individual characteristics of low education, low income and comorbid diagnosis of mental illness significantly increased risk of drug use. In contrast, better social support reduced the risk of drug use.
Both optical and rheological properties contribute to viscosity judgements when comparing real liquids using vision and touch
Authors: Martin Jeffrey , Jogan Matjaž
Published: February 2025

Does the opacity of a liquid, or the way it reflects light, affect how viscous it appears? Would the perceived viscosity change if we touch the liquid? Viscosity of a material, or how it flows, produces a rich stimulus that reflects the material’s rheological properties, which can be independently inferred by touch or vision, or by combining modalities. In addition, the material’s optical properties convey other cues not dependent on rheology, such as colour or transparency. How these multisensory cues form stable percepts of viscosity that drive behaviour remains unknown. To shed light on this mapping, we conducted a series of psychophysical experiments in which observers compared the thickness of real liquids. First, we show that perceptual discrimination tends to scale in proportion to stimulus viscosity. Next, we show that optical properties such as transparency and opacity, although not related to viscosity, influence visual judgments of thickness. This bias, driven by appearance, is reduced when observers combine visual and haptic information. Combining information across visual and haptic senses improves discrimination only over a limited viscosity range.
Hen-durance training—effects of an exercise regimen on laying hen muscle architecture and fracture prevalence
Authors: Hong Grace A. T. , Tobalske Bret W. , van Staaveren Nienke , Leishman Emily M. , Widowski Tina M. , Powers Donald R. , Harlander Alexandra
Published: February 2025

Domestic chickens kept for egg laying navigate inclines such as ramps in some commercial housing systems to aid in transitions between housing tiers. Laying hens use their wings and hindlimbs in a locomotion called wing-assisted incline running (WAIR) to ascend steep inclines. There is a potential relationship between the strength of the main flight muscles and the health of the keel bone from which they originate. We sought to test the effects of a controlled, WAIR-based exercise regimen during rearing on keel bone health and muscle properties of white- and brown-feathered laying hens. The WAIR exercise regimen, which consisted of exercise twice weekly for 16 weeks did not promote increases in muscle mass or physiological cross-sectional area at 21 weeks of age (WOA) and did not provide long-term benefits on keel fracture prevalence at 40 WOA. However, the brown-feathered birds were found to have lower amounts of keel fractures at 40 WOA in comparison with the white-feathered birds. Future studies should test for training that begins before chicks become fully feathered, exercises that emphasize full excursion of the wing during downstroke and different levels of intensity, frequency and duration to optimize flight muscle architecture and promote keel bone health.
Push–pull fluorophores based on NHS esters of bithiophene for labelling of biomolecules containing primary amines
Authors: Barros Mariana , Arroyo Pau , Sáez Jose A. , Gil Salvador , Parra Margarita , Costa Susana P. G. , Raposo M. Manuela M. , Gaviña Pablo
Published: February 2025

Fluorescent labelling is a versatile tool to visualize biomolecules containing primary amines in their cellular environment, allowing the study of their function or interactions. Here, three organic fluorophores that can irreversibly bind to the primary amine group on the target biomolecule are reported. They consist of push–pull heterocyclic dyes based on bithiophene and incorporating a terminal
N
-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester as a reactive group for labelling primary amine groups from biomolecules as (poly)amines, peptides or proteins. Their potential as chemosensors for primary amines, using N
α
-Boc protected amino acid
l
-lysine as a model, was assessed through UV–Visible, fluorescence and
1
H NMR titrations.
Strategic use of male alternative reproductive tactics in cooperatively breeding banded mongoose groups
Authors: Birch Graham , Nichols Hazel J. , Mwanguhya Francis , Blount Jonathan D. , Cant Michael A.
Published: February 2025

Alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) allow less competitive individuals to reproduce by avoiding direct fights through sneaky strategies. Within cooperatively breeding groups ARTs are rarely reported, potentially owing to observational difficulties or reproductive suppression by group members. In societies where mating opportunities cannot be monopolized by one male, young males could use sneaky tactics as an intermediate ‘stepping-stone’ tactic to gain limited reproductive success while growing in resource-holding potential (RHP). Using decades of pedigree, weight, group demography and behavioural data, we investigated the use of sneaky ‘sneaker’ ARTs in wild male banded mongooses. In this species, groups typically contain more adult males than breeding females, leading to intense male–male competition. Instead of as a stepping-stone, sneaking tactics were typically used by males who had been displaced from mate-guarding status by stronger rivals. Additionally, sneakers had lower siring success compared with mate guards, despite similar weight loss costs, which may explain why males typically avoided reproductive activity entirely rather than sneaking. However, young sneakers gain access to older, higher fecundity females in the group and sneaking may even facilitate inbreeding avoidance. Overall, ARTs in stable social groups can predictively emerge from changes in relative RHP and social status over the lifetime.