bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on the study of the characteristics of quantum resources in three-flavor neutrino oscillations
Authors: WANG Guangjie  , SONG Xueke  , YE Liu  , WANG Dong  ,   School of Physics and optoelectronics engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
Published: February 2025

Investigating the quantum resources of neutrino oscillations is a worthy topic to be explored. This review mainly introduces the use of quantum resource theory to characterize the quantum resource characteristics of three-flavor neutrino oscillations. It is found that the specific evolutionary patterns of different entanglement measures in three-flavor neutrino oscillations. In addition, by comparing the cases of different entanglement evolutions, the optimal method for quantifying entanglement in three-flavor neutrino oscillations can be obtained. Morever, it also focuses on the quantifying the quantumness of experimentally observed neutrino oscillation using the 11-norm of coherence. It is found that the maximal coherence was observed in the neutrino source from the KamLAND reactor.Furthermore, we examine the violation of the Mermin inequality and Svetlichny inequality to study the nonlocality in three-flavor neutrino oscillations. It is shown that even though the genuine tripartite nonlocal correlation is usually present, there are specific time regions when it vanishes. In addition, this article also presents the trade-off relations in the quantum resource theory of three-flavor neutrino oscillations, mainly based on monogamy relations, complete complementarity relations. It is hoped that this review can bring inspiration to the development of this field.
A statistical framework for quantifying the nuclear export rate of influenza viral mRNAs
Authors: Miura Michi , Kiuchi Naho , Lau Siu-Ying , Mok Bobo Wing-Yee , Ushirogawa Hiroshi , Naito Tadasuke , Chen Honglin , Saito Mineki
Published: February 2025

Influenza A virus transcribes viral mRNAs from the eight segmented viral genome when it infects. The kinetics of viral transcription, nuclear export of viral transcripts, and their potential variation between the eight segments are poorly characterised. Here, we introduce a statistical framework for estimating the nuclear export rate of each segment from a snapshot of in situ mRNA localisation. This exploits the cell-to-cell variation at a single time point observed by an imaging-based in situ transcriptome assay. Using our model, we revealed the variation in the mRNA nuclear export rate of the eight viral segments. Notably, the two influenza viral antigens hemagglutinin and neuraminidase were the slowest segments in the nuclear export, suggesting the possibility that influenza A virus uses the nuclear retention of viral transcripts to delay the expression of antigenic molecules. Our framework presented in this study can be widely used for investigating the nuclear retention of nascent transcripts produced in a transcription burst.
Effects of sex and season (breeding and non-breeding) on microhabitat selection in Stejneger’s bamboo pitviper (Viridovipera stejnegeri)
Authors: Tan Songwen , Wu Yayong , Wang Jiajun , Lyu Bing , Yu Min , Zhang He , Guo Peng , Shi Lei
Published: February 2025

Habitat quality and availability are crucial for the survival and reproduction of animal species. Intraspecific and seasonal differences in habitat selection reflect adaptations to changing biological requirements and environmental factors. To investigate the effects of season (breeding and non-breeding) and sex on microhabitat selection in snakes, here we employed field surveys to analyze microhabitat selection data for Stejneger’s bamboo pitviper (Viridovipera stejnegeri) across different sexes and seasons. Results indicated that although no significant difference was observed between groups, marked differences in certain microhabitat factors were noted. Specifically: (1) Non-breeding season females (NBF) displayed distinct differences in altitude, slope position, distance from roads compared to other groups. (2) Temperature exerted a lesser effect on non-breeding season individuals compared to breeding season individuals. Additionally, distance from roads only significantly impacted breeding season males, not females. (3) Regarding sexual differences, males and females differed in slope position and distance from residential sites, reflecting their distinct ecological requirements. Regarding seasons, differences in habitat selection between breeding and non-breeding seasons were primarily related to temperature, indicating behavioral changes linked to seasons. (4) Non-breeding season females exhibited the narrowest microhabitat niche width and the least microhabitat niche overlap with other groups, potentially due to their pronounced foraging requirements, which compel them to explore limited habitats with higher human disturbance but richer food sources. This study contributes novel insights into the habitat selection behaviors of snakes.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Cueing Strategies versus Walking Aids in Parkinson’s Disease: An Interventional Study
Authors: Rawat Sharki , Balyan Jyoti , . Sonia
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects both motor and non motor brain pathways. It is the world’s second most common neurodegenerative illness, with an increasing incidence. The PD results in slow movement, tremors, involuntary movements, difficulty walking, and imbalance. The focus of physical therapy treatment is to improve balance, postural stability, and walking. The use of walking aids promotes stability, and cues help individuals with PD improve their stride. External cues provide temporal or spatial inputs related to the initiation and cessation of motor activities.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of cueing strategies and walking aids in patients with PD and their impact on gait and balance.

Materials and Methods: The interventional study was carried out at Adarsh Chander Medicare Centre, Rohtak, Haryana, India for six weeks, from March 2023 to May 2023. The participants were divided into two groups, A and B, with 30 participants in each group. Participants in Group A were trained with walking aids, while those in Group B were trained with cueing strategies. Preand post-training assessments were conducted using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and a measuring tape to evaluate step length, stride length, balance, and gait. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Mean values were compared using a t-test (for two groups). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of Group A was 67.60±4.80 years, while the mean age of Group B was 69.40±5.63 years. The pretraining UPDRS reading for Group A was 152.43±12.55, while for Group B, it was 153.00±15.14 (p=0.87). The post-training reading for Group A was 144.27±12.43, and for Group B, it was 140.43±15.07 (p=0.28). The pre-training BBS reading for Group A was 28.20±5.68, and for Group B, it was 28.17±4.72 (p=0.98). Posttraining, Group A had a reading of 32.63±5.76, and Group B had 38.80±4.35 (p=0.01). There was also a significant improvement in step and stride lengths in Group B compared to Group A.

Conclusion: There was a notable enhancement in balance and gait among individuals who engaged in an exercise program across both groups. However, the group that underwent exercise training with cueing strategies exhibited more favorable outcomes compared to the group that solely used walking aids. Therefore, exercise training incorporating cueing strategies may present a promising treatment approach for individuals with PD.
Effect of Sensory Integration Therapy on Attention Span and Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Baberwal Manshi , Choudhry Dimple , . Anjali , Kumari Anshu , Jhandai Mallika , Bhardwaj Pankaj , . Ekta
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Down Syndrome (DS) is the most widely recognised intrinsic chromosomal problem that is related with mental retardation. Attention and motor abilities are negatively impacted by intellectual disability. One approach to dealing with the intellectual disability is Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT).

Aim: To find out the effect of SIT on attention span and gross motor skills in children with DS.

Materials and Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted in various special schools in Rohtak, Haryana, India and at College of Physiotherapy, Pt. BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India, between November 2022 and August 2023. A total of 40 patients were equally divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=20), comprising children with DS and control group (n=20), comprising normal children. Only DS children were provided with 10 sessions (over 5 week) of SIT. Evaluations were done at pretreatment, post-treatment and one month after the post-treatment evaluation in experimental group, while only pretreatment evaluations were conducted in control group. Attention span was measured using Stroop colour and Word Test and gross motor skills were measures with the help of {Gross Motor Function Measure 88 (GMFM88)}. The data was analysed with the help of independent t-test (for between-group analysis) and repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (for within-group analysis).

Results: The mean age of the experimental and control group was 10.30±1.976 years and 10.40±1.273 years, respectively. Both groups had 13 males and seven females. The independent t-test showed a significant difference (p<0.001 and p<0.001) between the attention span and gross motor skills) between the experimental group (71.90±5.22) and control group (118.25±0.786). Repeated measures ANOVA also indicated significant difference (p<0.001 and p<0.001) of attention span between the pretreatment, post-treatment and follow-up values of experimental group (71.90±5.22, 77.40±4.871, 74.45±4.839).

Conclusion: The SIT helps in improving the attention span and gross motor skills of children with DS.
Association between Obesity and Psychiatric Co-morbidities: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Manivel Sathyaseelan , Priyadharshini BS Suganya , Eugene Frederick
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic associated with significant physical, economic and psychological costs. It has a bidirectional relationship with various psychiatric disorders. However, the evidence regarding the strength, direction and moderating factors of this relationship remains inconsistent and inconclusive.

Aim: To examine the association between different grades of obesity and psychiatric disorders, as well as, to evaluate their impact on quality of life.

Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Departments of Medicine and Endocrinology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (a tertiary care centre), Peelamedu, Coimbatore, South India, between January 2019 and June 2020, among stable inpatients. A total of 195 participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 , aged between 18 years and 65 years, of all genders, were included. The participants were initially categorised into two groups: overweight and obese. The obese group was further subdivided into three classes: obese-I, obese-II and obese-III. Participants were required to have the ability to read and write in Tamil or English. The prevalence of various psychiatric disorders and quality of life was assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) 5.0 and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQoL-BREF) tools. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0.

Results: Of the total participants, majority, 114 (58.5%) were aged from 31-45 years. Males comprised 116 (59.5%) and females were 79 (40.5%) of the study participants. Among the 195 participants, depressive episodes were present in 1 (1%) of the overweight group and 7 (8.8%) of the obese-I group. The prevalence of dysthymia was 3 (3%) in the overweight group, 15 (18.8%) in the obese-I group, and 2 (15.4%) in the obese-II group. Panic disorder was observed in 1 (1%) of the overweight group, 3 (3.8%) of the obese-I group, 2 (15.4%) of the obese-II group, and 1 (33.3%) of the obese-III group. Lifetime limited symptoms of panic attacks were reported by 5 (5.1%) participants in the overweight group and 14 (17.5%) in the obese-I group. Pairwise group analysis revealed a significant association with the diagnosis of dysthymia. Quality of life was found to be poor across all four domains: physical health, psychological wellbeing, environmental factors and social relationships.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a significant association between obesity and psychiatric disorders, particularly dysthymia, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Obesity negatively impacts quality of life across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the causal relationships and underlying mechanisms between obesity and psychiatric co-morbidities.
Virtual Reality for Hemiplegic Patients in Transforming Gait Recovery: An Experimental Study
Authors: Khisty Abha , Azeem Zafar , Palekar Tushar
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Stroke-induced gait disability is the most common neurological condition that leads to long-term disability. Therefore, it is essential to address the factors contributing to this disability factors to improve overall quality of life of stroke survivors. Despite extensive literature, hemiplegic gait rehabilitation remains a significant challenge for practicing physiotherapists. A comprehensive treatment plan customised for various deviations in temporal and spatial variables is crucial.

Aim: To examine the add-on effect of Virtual Reality Training (VRT) combined with weight-bearing exercises on spatial parameters of gait, such as step width and step length, and temporal variables, including Center of Gravity (COG) sway velocity, reaction time, movement velocity and Limits of Stability (LOS).

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India. A six-week, pre-post experimental study was carried out on 30 ambulatory hemiplegic patients aged 25 to 60 years, with an episodes of a stroke at least 12 weeks, with spasticity of Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) <2, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) score less than 30, and normal cognition were included in the study. Patients with any contractures, peripheral artery diseases, history of cardiac failures or epilepsy, or any neurological surgeries were excluded. The study duration was from June 2024 to August 2024. Spatial and temporal variables of gait assessed by the Neurocom Balance Master, were primary outcome measures. Statistical analysis was done using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27.0, with paired and unpaired t-tests used to test the statistically significant difference.

Results: After a six-week intervention, a reduction in movement velocity during a heel strike from 1.2°/sec to 0.9°/second (p-value=0.02) was found, suggesting improved reciprocal control of agonist-antagonist muscle coordination. Other parameters for COG sway velocity, step width, and step length improved from 0.15 sec to 0.8 sec (p-value=0.04), from 25.8 cm to 15.2 cm (p-value=0.04), and from 29.7 cm to 32.5 cm (p-value=0.03), respectively. Measures of LOS in anteroposterior sway were reduced from 5° /second to 3.3° /second (p-value=0.02).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that VRT combined with weight-bearing exercises can effectively adjunct traditional rehabilitation methods, aiding spatial and temporal variable gait issues in hemiplegic patients. Authors recommend adding VRT combined with weight-bearing exercises to manage post-stroke circumduction gait problems first-line.
Genetic Variability for Morpho-physiological Characters in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
Authors: Moon Sneha D. , Shivpanor P. H. , Rathod T. H. , Gite B. D. , Shinde S. M. , Patil P. V.
Published: February 2025

In an experiment, fifteen soybean genotypes were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications, to access the genetic variability for yield and its contributing traits during kharif 2021 at the research field of Department of Agricultural Botany, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (MH). The results revealed that, KDS-753 (81.42 cm) recorded highest plant height; leaf area (34.01 dm2) was observed highest in KDS-228. The Chlorophyll stability index (39.12) and RGR (0.0135 g/g/day) were recorded highest in KDS-344 (39.12); while 50% flowering (49.00 DAS) and dry matter production (37.67g) was recorded highest in MAUS-162(49.00 DAS). Days to maturity was recorded highest in AMS-2014-1 (105.33 DAS). Net assimilation rate was recorded highest in MACS-1281 (0.0135g/dm2/day). Least range of GCV and PCV observed for days to maturity (3.443% and 3.962% respectively); while high range of GCV and PCV observed for RGR (37.579% and 45.571% respectively). High range for heritability observed in total dry matter (79.545%). Genetic advance as a percent mean observed higher in total dry matter production (74.481). In the present study the traits, total dry matter and plant height showed high heritability with high genetic advance indicating direct selection for such traits is rewarding in crop improvement.
Exploring Long-memory Dynamics in Nigerian Commercial Banks' Lending Rates: A Comparative Analysis of ARIMA, ARFIMA, and FIGARCH Models
Authors: Tuaneh Godwin Lebari , Deebom Zorle Dum , Akah Vincent Mark
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the dynamics of commercial banks’ maximum lending rates in Nigeria using short-memory ARIMA and long-memory models such as ARFIMA and the FIGARCH models. The data for the study spanned from January 1997 to May 2024. The results indicate that while ARIMA models adequately capture short-run autocorrelation, they struggle to address non-stationarity and long-run dependence. In contrast, ARFIMA models reveal a large, long-run dependence, with fractional difference (d) values ranging from −0.021 to 0.431, indicating both continuous and discontinuous persistent volatility behavior in commercial banks’ maximum lending rates in Nigeria. Similarly, the ranges of values of d in the FIGARCH models are less than zero (0.580, 0.564, 0.484), except in the estimation of the FIGARCH model using the maximum lending rate of banks in Nigeria, where the coefficient of the fractionally integrated root d (d -FIGARCH) is 1.450. The d-FIGARCH coefficient is greater than zero whereas others are less than zero. This is evidence of asymmetric reaction to shocks. This means that the series tends to reverse. The ARFIMA (1, 0.021, 2) model emerged as the best model based on model selection criteria, confirming the superiority of long-memory models in capturing the slow deterioration of commercial banks’ maximum lending rates to shocks. The superiority of the ARFIMA (1, 0.021, 2) model highlights the importance of long-memory models in capturing the continuous and dynamic behavior of commercial banks’ maximum lending rates in Nigeria. This is crucial for the commercial banking sector in Nigeria. This is because accurate forecasting enables informed decisions by investors, borrowers, and financial institutions. Understanding commercial banks’ maximum lending rates dynamics also helps policymakers develop effective monetary policies. Long-memory models such as ARFIMA consider historical patterns and anomalies, thereby reducing forecast errors. By using ARFIMA (1, 0.021, 2), stakeholders can better navigate Nigeria’s complex commercial banks’ lending rates system. Therefore, long-memory models are essential for understanding the persistence and mean-reversion dynamics of commercial banks’ maximum lending rates in Nigeria, providing valuable insights for forecasting and policy decisions.
Impact of Compost Levels on Soil Properties and Growth Performance of Okra
Authors: A.O. Nengi-Benwari, , B. M. Abah,
Published: February 2025

The organic matter content of soil plays a pivotal role in determining its health, influencing its physical, chemical, and biological properties, in addition to the promotion of plant growth, highlighting the need for this study which investigated the effects of different levels of compost on soil physical and chemical properties, and on plant height and number of leaves of okra. An experimental layout covering an area of 4m x 2m was prepared, and okra seedlings were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) consisting of six (6) treatments (0g, 200g, 400g, 600g, 800g, and 1000g) of compost. Soil samples were collected before planting (initial soil) and at maturity of crops, and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. Plant data were taken on plant height and number of leaves at 4 Weeks after Planting (WAP), 6WAP, and 8WAP, they were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P≤0.05, and means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Results of the study showed that before the addition of compost to soil samples, soil texture was sandy loam, soil pH was moderately acidic (5.37), moisture content (18.00%) and porosity (40.67%) were moderate. After the addition of different levels of compost, soil texture was loamy, soil pH was neutral (7.29), and soil had a higher moisture content (27.5%) and porosity (60.65%). Also, Organic carbon (4.25%), organic matter (7.37%), and available phosphorus (94.75 mg/kg) were significantly higher in soil mixed with compost compared to the levels of 1.40%, 2.43%, and 28.23 mg/kg, respectively recorded in soil samples before the addition of compost. The study concluded that increasing compost levels significantly improved soil physiochemical properties and okra growth, with 1000g treatment yielding the tallest plants and highest leaf count. These findings underscore the importance of compost application in sustainable agriculture, promoting soil fertility and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Sustainable Indoor Farming: Integrating IoT and Data-driven Strategies to Optimize Hydroponic Crop Production
Authors: Olasehinde Adeoluwa Abraham
Published: February 2025

Aim: To discuss the integration of IoT and data-driven strategies into hydroponic crop production with the aim of optimizing the crop growth and yield as a sustainable indoor farming.
Problem Statement: Globally, reduction in the per capita land is becoming prevailing and persistent resulting from the quick rise in population, urbanization and industrialization. This is adversely affecting the quantity of food supply and also hindering the revenue generation from this route. Additionally, unforeseen change in weather and climate conditions, inadequate water management system and temperature rise is causing serious problems to food production.
Significance of Study: There is need to look critically into productive ways of handling the problems attached to food scarcity, part of which is the adoption of hydroponic farming in agricultural systems via which the essential nutrients are given to the plants from the water which is carefully supplied and balanced to the plant roots.
Methodology: This review article was put together using published articles, research write-ups and relevant books in the area of hydroponic farming incorporated with IoT and data-driven techniques for sustainable indoor farming systems.
Discussion: Current researchers have revealed the potential of adopting hydroponics incorporated with IoT and data-driven system as innovative approaches to achieve sustainable agriculture and also address the problems emanating from food security. This article discusses the fundamental principles of hydroponic farming and its historical background. The ways through which the methodology can be achieved are discussed with emphasis on optimizing the farming methods in order to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the process. This article identifies the challenges of the approach and called for the need for future research studies in this regard. This article examines the involvement of smart farming in hydroponics and states how it assists with crop monitoring, decision-making and predictive analytics. The benefits of IoT technologies for automated system of managing hydroponics and how data gathering in real-time controlled environment agriculture can be attained are highlighted.
Conclusion: In conclusion, it is imperative for both local and international farmers to adopt the IoT and data-driven hydroponic system to ensure ease of operation and also ascertain sustainable indoor farming is achievable. The integration of IoT and data-driven strategies to optimize hydroponic crop production has proven to be instrumental to sustainable indoor farming.
Effectiveness of Empagliflozin vs Dapagliflozin for Kidney Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bonnesen Kasper , Heide-Jørgensen Uffe , Christensen Diana H. , Christiansen Christian F. , Lash Timothy L. , Hennessy Sean , Matthews Anthony A. , Pedersen Lars , Thomsen Reimar W. , Schmidt Morten
Published: January 2025

Importance

No large randomized clinical trial has directly compared empagliflozin with dapagliflozin, leaving their comparative effectiveness regarding kidney outcomes unknown.

Objective

To compare kidney outcomes between initiation of empagliflozin vs dapagliflozin in adults with type 2 diabetes who were receiving antihyperglycemic treatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This target trial emulation used nationwide, population-based routinely collected Danish health care data to compare initiation of empagliflozin vs dapagliflozin in adults with type 2 diabetes who received antihyperglycemic treatment between June 1, 2014, and October 31, 2020. Data were analyzed from October 2023 to August 2024. Persons were followed up until an outcome, emigration, death, 6 years, or December 31, 2021, whichever occurred first.

Exposure

Initiation of empagliflozin vs dapagliflozin.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes included acute kidney injury, incident chronic kidney disease (stages G3 to G5 or stage A2 or A3), and progression of chronic kidney disease (≥40% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline). Risks of kidney outcomes were estimated in intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses using an Aalen-Johansen estimator that adjusted for 56 potential confounders and considered death as a competing event.

Results

A total of 32 819 individuals who initiated treatment with empagliflozin and 17 464 with dapagliflozin were included (median [IQR] age, 63 [54-71] years; 18 872 female individuals [37.5%]; median [IQR] estimated glomerular filtration rate, 88 [73-104] mL/min/1.73 m2). After weighting, all measured covariates were well balanced between the groups. In intention-to-treat analyses, people who initiated treatment with empagliflozin and dapagliflozin exhibited comparable 6-year risks of acute kidney injury (18.2% vs 18.5%; risk ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.91-1.06), chronic kidney disease stages G3 to G5 (11.8% vs 12.1%; risk ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.89-1.05), chronic kidney disease stage A2 or A3 (14.8% vs 14.3%; risk ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.93-1.15), and progression of chronic kidney disease (5.3% vs 5.7%; risk ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.56-1.58). The primary analyses were supported by corresponding per-protocol analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study suggest that people with type 2 diabetes who initiated treatment with empagliflozin and dapagliflozin had comparable long-term kidney outcomes.
Factors Associated With Semaglutide Initiation Among Adults With Obesity
Authors: Podolsky Meghan I. , Raquib Rafeya , Shafer Paul R. , Hempstead Katherine , Ellis Randall P. , Stokes Andrew C.
Published: January 2025

Importance

Semaglutide, a novel glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medication, was approved for weight management in individuals with obesity in June 2021. There is limited evidence on factors associated with uptake among individuals in this subgroup without diabetes.

Objective

To explore factors associated with semaglutide initiation among a population of commercially insured individuals with obesity but no diagnosed diabetes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective observational cohort study used data from the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database and included adults in the US aged 18 years or older with a first diagnosis of obesity in an outpatient or inpatient setting between June 5, 2021, and July 1, 2022. Inclusion criteria were no prior antiobesity medication, GLP-1, bariatric surgery, or diabetes-related claim in the 12 months prior to obesity diagnosis, and continuous enrollment in the 12 months preceding and 6 months following obesity diagnosis. Analysis was conducted from February to November 2024.

Exposures

Medication classes prescribed, clinical diagnoses, and sociodemographic factors. Exposures were identified within the 12 months prior to obesity diagnosis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Factors associated with incident semaglutide prescription within 6 months after obesity diagnoses were identified using a 10-fold cross-classified random forest model. The top 20 features of the model feature importance list were ranked in a Shapley Additive Explanations plot and used in a multivariable logistic regression model to quantify associations with semaglutide initiation.

Results

In this study of 97 456 individuals, 58 124 (59.6%) were female, 26 582 (27.3%) were aged 45 to 54 years, 50 705 (52.0%) resided in the South region, and 49 390 (50.7%) were covered by preferred provider organization plans. Of all participants, 1963 (2.0%) initiated semaglutide within 6 months of their initial obesity diagnosis. The random forest model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74). The most important exposures identified via Shapley Additive Explanations were sex, use of antidepressants, and employer industry. The top 20 factors were used in the logistic regression model, and significant associations were found with semaglutide initiation, including being female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.30; 95% CI, 2.05-2.58), use of certain medication classes including antidepressants (aOR,1.62; 95% CI, 1.46-1.78), and being covered by a point-of-service plan (aOR, 1.78; 95% C, 1.42-2.22).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that key sociodemographic, health care, and clinical factors are associated with receipt of semaglutide in those without diabetes. These findings suggest that insurance plan type and structure may be a crucial intervention point for improving equity in obesity treatment access.
Trends in Prenatal Substance Use Across Ontario, Canada
Authors: Pratt Tremblay Gabrielle , Dimanlig-Cruz Sheryll , Dion Anna , Corsi Daniel J.
Published: January 2025

This cross-sectional study investigates trends in use of cannabis, tobacco, and alcohol among pregnant individuals in Ontario, Canada, from 2012 to 2022.
Age at Menopause and Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Korea
Authors: Ko Byung-Joon , Jung Jin-Hyung , Han Kyungdo , Nam Ga Eun
Published: January 2025

Importance

There is limited evidence regarding the association between age at menopause and incident type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Objective

To investigate whether age at menopause and premature menopause are associated with T2D incidence in postmenopausal Korean women.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study was conducted among a nationally representative sample from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database of 1 125 378 postmenopausal women without T2D who enrolled in 2009. The median (IQR) follow-up was 8.4 (8.1-8.7) years. Data were analyzed in March 2024.

Exposures

Age at menopause and premature menopause (menopause onset at age <40 years).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was incident T2D. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for incident T2D by age at menopause, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Of 1 125 378 participants (mean [SD] age at enrollment, 61.2 [8.4] years), 113 864 individuals (10.1%) were diagnosed with T2D at least 1 year after enrollment. Women with menopause onset at ages younger than 40 years (premature menopause; HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.18) and ages 40 to 44 years (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06) had increased risk of T2D compared with those with onset at age 50 years or older, with adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle, cardiometabolic, psychiatric, and reproductive factors; a younger age at menopause was associated with increased risk of developing T2D (P for trend <.001). Body mass index, depressive disorder, and prediabetes modified the association in subgroup analyses; for example, for individuals with premature menopause vs those with menopause at ages 50 years or older, HRs were 1.54 (95% CI, 1.14-2.06) for a BMI less than 18.5 and 1.14 (95% CI, 1.00-1.30) for a BMI of 30 or greater (P < .001), 1.28 (95% CI, 1.12-1.45) for individuals with depression and 1.11 (95% CI, 1.07-1.16) for those without depression (P = .01), and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.18-1.33) for individuals who were not prediabetic and 1.04 (95% CI, 0.99-1.11) those who were prediabetic (P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, premature and early menopause were associated with a higher risk of T2D, highlighting the need for targeted public health strategies aimed at preventing or delaying T2D among postmenopausal women.
Reimagining Care and Research for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Babu Suma , Sharfstein Joshua M. , Feldman Eva L.
Published: January 2025

This Viewpoint advocates for the expansion of clinical research in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through the development of a well-organized network of centers and community-based clinics.
Effect of Pediatric Obesity Treatment on Long-Term Health
Authors: Putri Resthie R. , Danielsson Pernilla , Ekström Nils , Ericsson Åsa , Lindberg Louise , Marcus Claude , Hagman Emilia
Published: January 2025

IMPORTANCE

Data regarding the long-term impact of treating childhood obesity on the risk of obesity-related events, including premature mortality, are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term effect of different responses to pediatric obesity treatment on critical health outcomes in young adulthood.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The study included a dynamic prospective cohort of children and adolescents with obesity within The Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register (BORIS) and general population comparators, linked with national registers. Baseline data were collected between 1996 and 2019. Formal analyses for this study was conducted in 2023. Outcomes were assessed from individuals aged 18 to 30 years (2005 to 2020). Participants included children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years receiving at least 1 year of obesity treatment. General population comparators were matched on a ratio of 1:5 on sex, year of birth, and geographical area.

EXPOSURE

Pediatric obesity treatment response was based on changes in body mass index standard deviation score and categorized as poor, intermediate, and good response and obesity remission.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Obesity-related events included type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, hypertension, depression or anxiety, and weight-loss bariatric surgery. Additionally, mortality was assessed.

RESULTS

Of 6713 individuals (3777 male [56%] and 2936 female [44%]), the median age at obesity treatment initiation was 12.1 (quartile 1; quartile 3: 10.1; 14.3) years and treatment duration was 3.0 (1.8; 4.9) years. For T2D, hypertension, dyslipidemia, weight-loss bariatric surgery, and depression or anxiety outcomes, unadjusted incidence rates tended to decrease with better treatment response and the lowest estimate was observed among general population comparators. Compared with poor response, obesity remission or a good response in obesity treatment was associated with reduced risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03-0.46). Good response was also associated with lower risk of TD2 (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23-0.77), dyslipidemia (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.75), and bariatric surgery (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30-0.58). Obesity remission showed similar reduced risk, but also a reduced risk of hypertension (HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.24-0.65). Treatment response was not associated with depression or anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, beneficial pediatric obesity treatment response yielded enduring health benefits, markedly lowering future morbidity and mortality risks in young adulthood.
Outcomes of a Population-Based Congenital Cytomegalovirus Screening Program
Authors: Dunn Jessica K. E. , Chakraborty Pranesh , Reuvers Emily , Gallagher Lauren , Kernohan Kristin D. , Lacaria Melanie , Barton Michelle , Leifso Kirk , Pernica Jeffrey M. , Santander Emeril , Pigeon Marie , Cushing Sharon L. , MacCormick Johnna , Gantt Soren , Weber Stacey , Bitnun Ari , Brophy Jason
Published: January 2025

Importance

Detection of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection has previously relied on targeted screening programs or clinical recognition; however, these approaches miss most cCMV-infected newborns and fail to identify those infants who are asymptomatic at birth but at risk for late-onset sensorineural hearing loss.

Objective

To determine the feasibility of using routinely collected newborn dried blood spots (DBS) in a population-based cCMV screen to identify infants at risk for hearing loss and describe outcomes of infants screened.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This diagnostic study of a population-based screening program in Ontario, Canada, took place from July 29, 2019, to July 31, 2023. All newborns with a DBS sample collected as part of routine care were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for cCMV as a risk factor for hearing loss. Infants with positive DBS PCR results for cCMV were referred for confirmation of infection by urine PCR (the gold standard), as well as complete medical and audiologic assessments for sequelae of cCMV infection. Infants with possible or confirmed symptomatic cCMV were referred to pediatric infectious disease specialists for evaluation for potential treatment with valganciclovir.

Exposure

Detection of cCMV by polymerase chain reaction assay on a newborn DBS.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Number of infants with positive screening results successfully retrieved and confirmed to have cCMV and the timeliness of retrieval and symptomatic evaluation.

Results

Of 565 987 infants born in the screening period, 551 034 (97.4%) received cCMV screening on the DBS (45.7% female, 54.3% male). Of these infants, 689 (0.13%) screened positive for cCMV; 601 (87.2%) had cCMV infection confirmed and a complete assessment of sequelae of their congenital infection. Ninety-six infants with completed assessments (16.0%) were deemed to have cCMV symptoms, and 63 of these (65.6%) began valganciclovir treatment. Sensorineural hearing loss was confirmed in 34 of 96 infants (35.4%).

Conclusions and Relevance

This program found acceptable and feasible implementation of a population-based screening program using routinely collected DBS samples, suggesting that it may serve as a template for jurisdictions considering universal cCMV screening. The program had a much lower than expected prevalence of cCMV-positive screens but still identified many children who would otherwise not have been diagnosed and who would benefit from ongoing audiologic surveillance.
AXL promotes malignant phenotypes in tumor cells and might be a potential antitumor target of natural products
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Wang Shan , Fu Jia‐Lei , Deng Xin‐Xin , Guo Yang , Guo Zheng‐Wang , Han Shu‐Yan
Published: January 2025

AXL belongs to the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family. Relying on binding its high‐affinity ligand—growth arrest‐specific protein 6 (Gas6)—AXL plays an important role in tumor initiation and progression. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been clinically used in tumor treatment for a long time, and remarkable therapeutic efficacy has been achieved. Recent studies pointed out that some natural products derived from TCM could inhibit tumor growth by targeting AXL. The potential antitumor mechanisms of natural products targeting AXL still need to be understood. In this review, we discussed the relationship between the AXL axis and tumor malignant phenotype, including migration, invasion, drug resistance, and immunosuppression. The effects and mechanisms of natural products on targeting AXL in tumors also have been systematically summarized.
Partitioning and Coarsening Dynamics of Precipitate‐Strengthened Cr‐Si Alloys: The Role of Ge, Pt, and Mo
Authors: Ulrich Anke Silvia , Pfizenmaier Petra , Kerbstadt Michael , Pelchen Lucas , Solimani Ali , Glatzel Uwe , Galetz Mathias Christian
Published: January 2025

Cr solid solution (Crss) alloys strengthened by A15‐phase precipitates (e.g., Cr3Si) are promising candidates for high‐temperature structural materials. A series of Cr‐base alloys (Cr ≥ 89 at%) with strengthening A15‐phase precipitates consisting of up to five alloying elements is investigated. Scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis with wavelength‐dispersive X‐Ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, image analysis, and nano‐ and microindentation are used to characterize the interplay of alloying elements on hardness, microstructural partitioning, and coarsening behavior when annealed for 400 h at 1050 °C, 100 h at 1200 °C, and 100 h at 1350 °C. The impact of the alloying elements on microstructure is found to be combinatory in the investigated composition space, independent of the compositional complexity of the alloy. Ge and especially Pt enhance microstructural coarsening, while Mo additions can counteract this. Ge and Pt mainly partition in the A15 phase, while Mo equally partitions in both phases. Partitioning of Pt depends on the overall alloy composition, which is the reason for enhanced precipitate coarsening. Considering the different partitioning behaviors of individual elements, a collective parameter (Si equivalent (Sieq)) is introduced in this work to formulate the impact of additional alloying elements on the microstructural evolution of such Cr‐base alloys.
Transgenerational Plasticity of Maternal Hemolymph Trehalose in Aphids
Authors: Soma Naomi , Kikuta Shingo
Published: January 2025

Aphids exhibit a unique reproductive strategy known as pseudoplacental viviparity, in which embryos develop internally and are thought to receive nutrients such as sugars and amino acids directly from the maternal hemolymph through an ovariole sheath, bypassing the need for traditional yolk storage. This system enables viviparous aphids to adapt to diverse and potentially stressful environments by transmitting maternal environmental cues that influence transgenerational plasticity. However, the mechanisms underlying this nutrient‐mediated plasticity are poorly understood. This study focused on the role of trehalose, a primary sugar in the maternal hemolymph, in facilitating adaptive plasticity. Trehalose serves as an energy source and may act as a carrier of environmental information from the mother to offspring, potentially influencing resilience and adaptability. The results showed that winged adult aphids have higher levels of trehalose than wingless morphs, and that these elevated trehalose levels are inherited by their first‐instar nymphs. This transfer may help the offspring of winged aphids survive in resource‐poor environments after migration. Gene expression analysis showed the upregulation of trehalose metabolism genes in winged adults, possibly to meet the increased energy demands of flight and reproduction. However, trehalose metabolism in embryos appears to be regulated independently of postnatal nutrient uptake. In vitro studies further suggested that trehalose can directly penetrate the oocyte sheath and embryo membrane, supporting a direct pathway for trehalose transfer. These findings highlight the adaptive role of trehalose in aphid development and suggest a potential mechanism for nutrient‐based transgenerational plasticity in aphids.
‘Let's talk about the weather’: The activist curriculum and global climate change education
Authors: Pountney Richard
Published: January 2025

Activist movements have garnered significant global attention on a range of sustainability issues, often involving collectives of citizens coming together. Invoked is the idea of citizens informed to act, emerging not from a common‐sense understanding of everyday life, but rather from a deep political understanding of the world—one that is underpinned by a level of civics knowledge that provides the intellectual basis for engaging in public discussions and planning citizen action. Here, the possibility of transformative activist curricular movements for climate education arises and whether to change the curriculum, or to see curriculum as change in itself. This paper examines what schools and teachers can do to develop children's understanding of and engagement with the issues, and to address their concerns, informed by John Dewey's notion of social action and his ideas on democracy and thinking. The discussion draws on a global movement in climate education, and the case of a group of schools in England. The two cases, chosen as illustrative, are theorised by means of Maton's semantic variation theory to identify how the systems of meaning in these, and similar, contexts can be made accessible. How the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of quality education (SDG4) and climate action (SDG13) can be achieved, including the design of the curriculum by teachers, is examined. The need for an activist curriculum is discussed, one that is integrated and embedded rather than inserted, in which young people can engage with and respond to the issues that they face. Such a curriculum posits the school as both democratic and open, in the sense of having boundaries that are fluid and permeable to the concerns of society, while also giving access to disciplinary knowledge that is the basis of conceptual understanding of the problems of, as well as the solutions to, climate change.
Assessing Human Ribosomal DNA Variation and Its Association With Phenotypic Outcomes
Authors: Rodriguez‐Algarra Francisco , Whittaker Elliott , del Castillo del Rio Sandra , Rakyan Vardhman K.
Published: January 2025

Although genome‐scale analyses have provided insights into the connection between genetic variability and complex human phenotypes, much trait variation is still not fully understood. Genetic variation within repetitive elements, such as the multi‐copy, multi‐locus ribosomal DNA (rDNA), has emerged as a potential contributor to trait variation. Whereas rDNA was long believed to be largely uniform within a species, recent studies have revealed substantial variability in the locus, both within and across individuals. This variation, which takes the form of copy number, structural arrangement, and sequence differences, has been found to be associated with human phenotypes. This review summarizes what is currently known about human rDNA variation, its causes, and its association with phenotypic outcomes, highlighting the technical challenges the field faces and the solutions proposed to address them. Finally, we suggest experimental approaches that can help clarify the elusive mechanisms underlying the phenotypic consequences of rDNA variation.