bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative analysis of the impact of government schemes on chronic kidney disease patients in Uddanam, India
Authors: Meka James S. , Choppala Praveen B. , Kombathula Joseph Noel , Kuvala Raj K.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper presents an analytic report, with precise scientific rigor, the positive impact of the government’s welfare schemes and the areas that need urgent public policy intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

Uddanam, Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, a conglomeration of an apportioned group of villages, grapples with a severe and mysterious kidney disease epidemic since the 1980s, affecting agricultural communities. The region, which was once fondly called “Udyanam,” translated as “Garden,” for its richness in greenery and cashew and coconut trees, has now become “Uddanam,” the land of death and despair. The residents of the region suffer with high rates of kidney failure and associated health complications for factors including environmental toxins and poor water quality. Despite several efforts by governments, the impact of governmental policy on improving the conditions has been non-significant. The problem has been taken into sincere and serious consideration by the present Government of Andhra Pradesh which introduced ground-breaking welfare initiatives to impede the prevalence of the disease and the deaths among patients. This paper presents an analytic report, with precise scientific rigor, the positive impact of the government’s welfare schemes, and the areas that need urgent public policy intervention.

Findings

This paper is the first to identify that out of the total of 942 CKD patients interviewed uniformly at random from the Uddanam mandals, a majority of 86.06%, who belong to advanced stages, receive advanced governmental (free) medical care, and soon succumb to the disease, and a minority of 13.94%, who belong to early stages of the disease, do not benefit directly from government welfare schemes, and hence perpetually proceed to advanced stages.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative study conducted in this paper is not fully exhaustive; however, the samples are taken uniformly at random from the entire region of influence, which renders the results credible.

Practical implications

The key findings of this paper will provide a scientific basis for governmental and private health institutions to focus for providing sophisticated medical care for early state CKD patients to further mitigate the mortality rate due to the disease in Uddanam.

Social implications

This paper shall create a positive social impact of the CKD handling measures taken by governmental and private agencies, and will bring to light the most impending issues that need immediate address, which are of great concern to the international community and media.

Originality/value

This paper is original and the contributions and findings presented herein have not been presented by anyone elsewhere. This paper is also the first to cojoin the impact of medical treatment for CKD at Uddanam and the use of digital technology, e.g. online consultation, online reports, etc.
Introduction to the thematic issue: transformative relationships between tourism and technology
Authors: Liasidou Sotiroula , Pipyros Kosmas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The article offers a thorough and insightful examination of the transformative role technology plays in the tourism industry by introducing the articles of the thematic issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion approach involves reviewing relevant literature and providing a detailed description of each article in the thematic issue. In particular, the issue consists of a compilation that includes a series of research articles, case studies and theoretical discussions; quantitative and qualitative research enquiries that examine various aspects of tourism technology, such as cybersecurity, digital marketing, smart tourism initiatives, the role of social media and the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence through different perspectives of discussion.

Findings

Each article provides useful conclusions that shed light on the various ways that technologies can transform and revolutionize the tourism industry. Technology and tourism have a reciprocal relationship, where technology not only transforms tourism but also shapes it.

Originality/value

This thematic issue contributes and provides new insights into the evolving dynamics of tourism and technology, offering a multidisciplinary perspective that bridges theoretical frameworks and practical applications for industry stakeholders.
The Impact of Postoperative Prophylactic Medication on Long‐Term Surgical, Severe Endoscopic and Endoscopic or Radiologic Recurrence Following Primary Ileocecal Resection in Patients With Crohn's Disease
Authors: ten Bokkel Huinink Sebastiaan , Bak Michiel T. J. , Beelen Evelien M. J. , Erler Nicole S. , Silverberg Mark S. , Allez Matthieu , Hoentjen Frank , Bodelier Alexander G. L. , Dijkstra Gerard , Romberg‐Camps Marielle , de Boer Nanne K. H. , Stassen Laurents P. S. , van der Meulen – de Jong Andrea E. , West Rachel L. , van der Woude C. Janneke , van Ruler Oddeke , de Vries Annemarie C. ,   the Dutch Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC)
Published: January 2025

Background

The impact of prophylactic medication following ileocecal resection (ICR) for Crohn's disease (CD) merits further elucidation. Prophylactic medication following ileocecal resection (ICR) is recommended in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), particularly in patients at increased risk of recurrence, but the impact on long‐term outcomes needs to be further elucidated.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of postoperative prophylactic medication on long‐term prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with CD who underwent primary ICR between 2000‐2020 in the Netherlands. Patients were divided into two groups: postoperative prophylactic medication [< 12 weeks following ICR] versus no postoperative prophylactic medication. Outcomes were surgical recurrence [re‐resection for CD], severe endoscopic recurrence [modified Rutgeerts score (mRS) ≥ i3] and endoscopic or radiologic recurrence [mRS ≥ i2b or radiologic recurrence]. Inverse probability of treatment weighting [IPTW] method was used to adjust for confounding and selection bias. Survival and association between postoperative prophylactic medication and outcomes were assessed with Kaplan‐Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

807 patients underwent ICR (median follow‐up 5.0 years); 36% received postoperative prophylactic medication. Surgical, severe endoscopic and endoscopic or radiologic recurrence rates were significantly lower in those who received prophylactic medication (p = 0.01; p < 0.01; p < 0.01). IPTW analysis showed a lower risk of severe endoscopic and endoscopic or radiologic recurrence in patients treated with postoperative prophylactic medication (aOR 0.64; 95% CI 0.43–0.97; aOR 0.65; 95% CI 0.47–0.91), which also was identified as a protective factor for severe endoscopic (aHR 0.5; 95% CI 0.4–0.6) and endoscopic or radiologic recurrence (aHR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–0.7) in multivariable analysis after correction for confounding factors. A comparable protective effect of postoperative prophylactic medication was sustained in patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy <1 year postoperatively and who underwent surgery on or after 2010.

Conclusions

Prophylactic medication following primary ICR significantly reduces long‐term recurrence rates in CD and was identified as a protective factor for severe endoscopic and endoscopic or radiologic recurrence.
Responsive Corporate Social Responsibility: Insights Into Institutional and Agency Factors Influencing Japanese Multinational Enterprises
Authors: Ike Masayoshi , Donovan Jerome Denis , Topple Cheree , Masli Eryadi Kordi
Published: January 2025

This manuscript investigates the factors influencing the selection of responsive corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in the subsidiaries of Japanese manufacturing multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in Indonesia. With a significant and growing manufacturing sector funded by foreign direct investment—of which Japanese MNEs are a major participant—Indonesia offers a novel but significant focus given its low GDP per capita, ecological challenges and being one of the first nations in South‐East Asia to mandate CSR practices. Institutional and agency theories provide a multitheoretical lens for this responsive CSR study enabling a rich, robust framework for addressing both the external and internal drivers of CSR. This study uses a qualitative approach with a sample of four Japanese manufacturing MNEs. The data were collected by interviewing managing directors and CSR personnel of the subsidiary organisations and investigating the CSR practices in secondary data sources from websites and CSR reports from both the headquarter and subsidiary organisations. A proximity effect based on a combination of the size and location of the subsidiary operation was found to be important in determining responsive CSR activities. Personal preferences and connections with the community were also identified as key factors. Feedback loops were identified through MNE CSR reports and websites, which could influence other MNEs and community stakeholders seeking funding. This study's main contribution to the literature is the development of a conceptual framework that details both the internal and external factors influencing the decision‐making process of responsive CSR.
‘Press Start’ on Collaboration: Game‐Based Practices for Fostering Innovative Collaboration in Online Contexts
Authors: Bernal Christopher M. , Lempiälä Tea
Published: January 2025

This study explores the potential of game‐based practices in enhancing organizational innovation, particularly in the context of remote work. Specifically, we examine how collaborative practices within digital gaming environments can inform and enhance the creation of social capital in remote settings and further facilitate collaborative innovation processes. Existing research predominantly focuses on the use of game‐based formats aimed at enhancing idea generation, crowdsourcing, and design processes. However, our research extends this by investigating the sustained application of game‐based practices to foster deeper relationships and cultivate a culture of learning in remote work environments. We present insights from a qualitative study involving 28 interviews with technology professionals equipped with gaming backgrounds. Overall, our results reveal three sets of game‐based practices that hold promise in supporting innovative collaboration in online settings: (1) Rich use of platforms and expressions to achieve interactional sensitivity, (2) Using games as boundary objects to enable idea flows and candid encounters and (3) Routinizing reflective practices and aligning motivations to cultivate learning cultures. Our study highlights the role of game‐based practices in meeting the diverse interactional needs of online collaboration, reducing hierarchical barriers, enabling idea flows and cultivating a learning culture through collective accountability and feedback.
Revealing Molecular Diagnosis With Whole Exome Sequencing in Patients With Inherited Retinal Disorders
Authors: Yavas Cuneyd , Arvas Yunus Emre , Dogan Mustafa , Gezdirici Alper , Aslan Elif Sibel , Karapapak Murat , Barıs Savas , Eroz Recep
Published: January 2025

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of clinically and genetically diverse conditions, standing as a primary cause of visual impairment among individuals aged 15–45, with an estimated incidence of 1:2000. Our study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the genetic variants underlying IRDs in the Turkish population. This study included 50 unrelated Turkish IRD patients and their families. Genomic DNA was extracted from each participant, and candidate variants were identified via next‐generation sequencing to determine their pathogenicity. We detected variants in 58% of the patients, of which six novel variants were identified. Among these, 16 cases exhibited variants associated with retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease, while 13 presented variants linked to other retinal diseases. The spectrum of identified variants included 21 homozygous cases and five compound heterozygous variants, both indicative of autosomal recessive inheritance. Three cases revealed heterozygous variants suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance, and two cases featured hemizygous variants suggestive of X‐linked inheritance. Importantly, no matches with copy number variants were detected in our analysis. This study comprehensively portrays clinical and genetic profiles within the Turkish population affected by IRDs. Identifying novel variants and delineating inheritance patterns contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic diagnosis of IRDs, paving the way for more precise diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
THGS: Lifelike Talking Human Avatar Synthesis From Monocular Video Via 3D Gaussian Splatting
Authors: Chen Chuang , Yu Lingyun , Yang Quanwei , Zheng Aihua , Xie Hongtao
Published: January 2025

Despite the remarkable progress in 3D talking head generation, directly generating 3D talking human avatars still suffers from rigid facial expressions, distorted hand textures and out‐of‐sync lip movements. In this paper, we extend speaker‐specific talking head generation task to talking human avatar synthesis and propose a novel pipeline, THGS, that animates lifelike Talking Human avatars using 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS). Given speech audio, expression and body poses as input, THGS effectively overcomes the limitations of 3DGS human re‐construction methods in capturing expressive dynamics, such as mouth movements, facial expressions and hand gestures, from a short monocular video. Firstly, we introduce a simple yet effective Learnable Expression Blendshapes (LEB) for facial dynamics re‐construction, where subtle facial dynamics can be generated by linearly combining the static head model and expression blendshapes. Secondly, a Spatial Audio Attention Module (SAAM) is proposed for lip‐synced mouth movement animation, building connections between speech audio and mouth Gaussian movements. Thirdly, we employ a body pose, expression and skinning weights joint optimization strategy to optimize these parameters on the fly, which aligns hand movements and expressions better with video input. Experimental results demonstrate that THGS can achieve high‐fidelity 3D talking human avatar animation at 150+ fps on a web‐based rendering system, improving the requirements of real‐time applications. Our project page is at https://sora158.github.io/THGS.github.io/.
Evaluation of Chatbots in the Emergency Management of Avulsion Injuries
Authors: Mustuloğlu Şeyma , Deniz Büşra Pınar
Published: January 2025

Background

This study assessed the accuracy and consistency of responses provided by six Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, ChatGPT version 3.5 (OpenAI), ChatGPT version 4 (OpenAI), ChatGPT version 4.0 (OpenAI), Perplexity (Perplexity.AI), Gemini (Google), and Copilot (Bing), to questions related to emergency management of avulsed teeth.

Materials and Methods

Two pediatric dentists developed 18 true or false questions regarding dental avulsion and asked public chatbots for 3 days. The responses were recorded and compared with the correct answers. The SPSS program was used to calculate the obtained accuracies and their consistency.

Results

ChatGPT 4.0 achieved the highest accuracy rate of 95.6% over the entire time frame, while Perplexity (Perplexity.AI) had the lowest accuracy rate of 67.2%. ChatGPT version 4.0 (OpenAI) was the only AI that achieved perfect agreement with real answers, except at noon on day 1. ChatGPT version 3.5 (OpenAI) was the AI that showed the weakest agreement (6 times).

Conclusions

With the exception of ChatGPT's paid version, 4.0, AI chatbots do not seem ready for use as the main resource in managing avulsed teeth during emergencies. It might prove beneficial to incorporate the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines in chatbot databases, enhancing their accuracy and consistency.
Jean‐Luc Nancy's Conception of Listening
Authors: Haroutunian‐Gordon Sophie , Laverty Megan Jane
Published: January 2025

In this article Sophie Haroutunian‐Gordon and Megan Jane Laverty discuss Jean‐Luc Nancy's conception of listening as presented in his seminal work, À l'écoute. The authors argue that Nancy uses the term “listening” to refer to the experience of coming to an idea of sound(s) initially encountered as puzzling. They illustrate Nancy's conception with teaching/learning situations involving a pianist and teacher, Deborah Sobol, and two aspiring players, Sophie Haroutunian‐Gordon and Rosalie Romano. The article has four parts. In part 1, the authors ask: Do we see Deborah trying to make meaning of Sophie's performance on October 2, 1998? In part 2, they ask: Do we see Sophie trying to make meaning of Deborah's words and demonstrations on the same occasion? In parts 3 and 4, they explore Sophie's and Rosalie's listening when they are coached by Deborah on January 15, 1999. In so doing, Haroutunian‐Gordon and Laverty illustrate Nancy's conception of listening and demonstrate its usefulness for theorizing about and studying actual situations.
Kindergarten Principals' Ethical Leadership and Teachers' Work Engagement: The Chain‐Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support and Voice Behavior
Authors: Yan Zhonglian , Lin Wenqi , Wang Ziqing
Published: January 2025

Kindergarten principals' ethical leadership, preschool teachers' perceived organizational support, voice behavior, and work engagement are important components that promote high‐quality development in kindergartens. In order to understand the relationship between the four variables, this study conducted an online survey of 819 preschool teachers. The results indicated that (1) ethical leadership was positively correlated with teachers' work engagement; (2) teachers' perceived organizational support and voice behavior play a simple mediating role between ethical leadership and work engagement; and (3) teachers' perceived organizational support and voice behavior also play a chain‐mediating role between ethical leadership and work engagement.
Effect of c‐Myb overexpression on osteoblastic‐, odontoblastic‐, and cementoblastic differentiation of primary human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Lee Young‐Hee , Yi Ho‐Keun , Pradhan Paras Man , Kim Tae‐Kun , Jang Sungil
Published: January 2025

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a connective tissue, and PDL cells have a potential to differentiate into cementoblasts, osteoblasts, and gingival fibroblasts. This study investigated whether transcription factor c‐Myb could induce differentiation of PDL cells for periodontal regeneration. PDL cells were isolated from extracted teeth and cultured. c‐Myb was transfected to PDL cells using replication‐deficient adenoviral vector. Differentiation of the PDL cells was analyzed by immunoblot, alkaline phosphatase activity, Alizarin red stain, and immunofluorescence analysis. Cell viability on titanium surfaces was analyzed by crystal violet stain and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. PDL cells cultured in osteogenic medium showed increased production of osteogenic and cementogenic molecules. Moreover, c‐Myb‐transfected cells showed increased production of dentinogenic molecules, in addition to the osteogenic and cementogenic molecules, even in normal culture condition. c‐Myb‐transfected cells also exhibited increased autophagy and type I collagen production under nutrient deprivation. When grown on a titanium surface, c‐Myb‐transfected cells showed increased production of osteogenesis‐, dentinogenesis‐, and cementogenesis‐related molecules and cell viability. Thus, these results suggest that c‐Myb might play an essential role during periodontal regeneration by improving the differentiation of PDL cells, and c‐Myb can be utilized for enhancing the attachment of PDL cells to dental implant surfaces.
Assessing Site and Species Associations With Beta Diversity of Fish Assemblages in Amazonian Streams
Authors: de Lucena Maria Dayanne Lima , Ribeiro‐Martins André , Casatti Lilian , Vieira Thiago Bernardi , Brejão Gabriel Lourenço , Carvalho Fernando Rogério , Michelan Thaisa Sala , Juen Leandro , de Montag Luciano Fogaça de Assis
Published: January 2025

The increasing environmental changes threatening the fish fauna of streams are driving a growing interest in understanding how sites and species contribute to diversity, as this is important information for decision‐making related to the management and conservation of priority areas and species. The objective of this study was to understand how environmental factors, spatial distance between streams, land use, and land cover (landscape) may be associated with the uniqueness of fish assemblages in Amazonian streams.

We sampled fish assemblages and characterised environmental conditions in 29 streams within and around the Tapajós River basin, near the Amazon National Park in Brazil. Each stream was studied along a 150‐m stretch.

The variables associated with the local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) were vegetation cover and the presence of refuges. Streams inside and outside the park showed similar contributions to beta diversity. Species richness and abundance showed a negative relationship with LCBD, suggesting that unique sites tended to have few species and low abundance. The species that contributed most to beta diversity (SCBD) had intermediate occurrence, high abundance, and non‐marginal niches. We did not observe an effect of niche breadth on SCBD, as both generalist and specialist species contributed equally to beta diversity.

Our findings underscore the role of environmental variables in ecological uniqueness. Sites unique in species composition may also exhibit low species richness and abundance.

Our study demonstrates the importance of environmental variables in conserving biodiversity in Amazonian streams in the face of environmental changes. By examining the contributions of sites and species, we highlight the importance of considering habitat quality and uniqueness in protecting these ecosystems against the challenges of global change.
Effect of sintering temperature and Y2O3 content on the comprehensive performance of Sialon‒TiB2‒AlN‒cBN composites
Authors: Zhong Shenglin , Wu Yi , Hu Xixi
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on the design of Sialon‒TiB₂‒AlN composite ceramics with thermal expansion coefficients matched to that of cubic boron nitride (cBN), used as binders to synthesize PcBN composites in situ under conditions of ultra‐high pressure (5.5 GPa) and high temperature (1400°C‒1600°C). The effects of sintering temperature and Y₂O₃ content on the phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of PcBN composites were systematically investigated. The results show that the phase compositions of the composites with different sintering temperatures are the same. A moderate addition of Y₂O₃ enhances the formation of Sialon within the system and promotes an increase in its aspect ratio. When the Y₂O₃ content is 2%, both long columnar Sialon and needle‐like (or plate‐like) TiB₂ coexist, with the aspect ratio of Sialon ranging from 4:1 to 5:1. At this composition, the interface bonding is optimal. Under these conditions, the Polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PcBN) composite exhibits the best overall performance, achieving flexural strength of 990.72 MPa, hardness of 28.49 GPa, fracture toughness of 7.8 MPa·m¹/2, and a maximum wear ratio of 1602.
Modeling the response to interleukin‐21 to inform natural killer cell immunotherapy
Authors: Nayak Indrani , Biondo Rosalba , Stewart William C , Fulton Rebecca J , Möker Nina , Zhang Congcong , Khakoo Salim I , Das Jayajit
Published: January 2025

Natural killer (NK) cells are emerging agents for cancer therapy. Several different cytokines are used to generate NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy including interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐12, IL‐15 and IL‐18 in solution, and membrane‐bound IL‐21. These cytokines drive NK cell activation through the integration of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathways, which overlap and synergize, making it challenging to predict optimal cytokine combinations for both proliferation and cytotoxicity. We integrated functional assays for NK cells cultured in a variety of cytokine combinations with mathematical modeling using feature selection and mechanistic regression models. Our regression model successfully predicts NK cell proliferation for different cytokine combinations and indicates synergy of activated STATs and NF‐κB transcription factors between priming and post‐priming phases. The use of IL‐21 in solution in the priming of NK cell culture resulted in an improved NK cell proliferation, without compromising cytotoxicity potential or interferon gamma secretion against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Our work provides an integrative framework for interrogating NK cell proliferation and activation for cancer immunotherapy.
AdvantAGE: Implementation and Evaluation of an Interprofessional Transitional Care Model for Frail Older Adults—Protocol of an Effectiveness–Implementation Hybrid Study
Authors: Brunkert Thekla , Pfundstein Isabel , Nickel Christian H. , Lampert Markus L. , Trutschel Diana , Mauthner Oliver
Published: January 2025

Aim

To implement and evaluate an Advanced Practice Nurse‐led transitional care model (AdvantAGE) to reduce rehospitalisation rates in frail older adults discharged from a Swiss geriatric hospital.

Design

The study adopts an effectiveness–implementation hybrid design (Type 1) to simultaneously evaluate the effectiveness of the care model and explore the implementation process.

Methods

The primary outcome, the 90‐day rehospitalisation rate, will be evaluated using a matched‐cohort design with a prospective intervention group and a retrospective control group. Secondary outcomes include the number of emergency department visits, health‐related quality of life and intervention costs. The care model was developed through comprehensive contextual analysis and pilot testing in an iterative approach. It comprises five core elements: continuous support, care coordination, comprehensive health management at home, medication and self‐management and advance care planning. Data collection includes both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilising routine hospital data, structured and semi‐structured interviews and observations. Qualitative data will provide insights into implementation outcomes, potential barriers and facilitators. Additionally, a process evaluation will offer an in‐depth understanding of individual intervention effects and reasons for rehospitalisation.

Discussion

The AdvantAGE project, grounded in implementation science methodology, aims to significantly improve transitional care outcomes for frail older adults. The results are expected to provide essential recommendations for scaling up the model to other settings.

Impact

The study addresses the issue of frequent rehospitalisations in older adults, which carry risks of functional and cognitive decline. By implementing a comprehensive transitional care model, the study aims to improve continuity of care, reduce readmissions and enable frail older adults to remain in the community longer. The project highlights the importance of contextually adapted intervention and implementation strategies to bridge the gap between research and real‐world healthcare practice.

Patient or Public Involvement

The project employs a participatory approach, engaging representatives from the hospital and primary care settings, the cantonal health department and older people and their caregivers.

Trial Registration

This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov on 5 January 2024 (Identifier: NCT06190288)
The Experience of Adults' Family Caregivers Using Home Care Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Li Wei , Sun Juanjuan , Gao Shizheng , Song Dongpo , Zhi Shengze , Wu Yifan , Zhong Qiqing , Wang Rui , Sun Jiao
Published: January 2025

Aim

To review the experiences of family caregivers using home care services, the perception of home care services and the positive and negative effects on family caregivers.

Design

A scoping review of the literature was undertaken using JBI guidance.

Data Sources

Databases were searched in November 2023, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure).

Review Methods

Eligible articles included peer‐reviewed literature describing experience using home care services. Reviewers screened titles and abstracts of located sources, and to screen full‐text articles. A table was used to extract data and synthesise results.

Results

We found that 22 articles met the inclusion criteria, most of which were published since 2010 and this study found inconsistent findings across studies of the impact of home care services on care burden. In addition, family caregivers still have negative experiences in the process of use, such as the difficulty in obtaining service information, believing that the service duration and content cannot meet their needs, and the lack of continuity of care is the most involved negative experience.

Conclusion

Current home care services cannot fully meet the needs of family caregivers. Family caregivers have different expectations of policies, institutions and nursing staff. Future home care service practices should fully consider the unmet needs of caregivers and provide them with higher‐quality nursing services.

Impact

This study provides new evidence that there are still unmet needs for family caregivers in the use of home care services. Policymakers can prioritise funding for mixed research and longitudinal research, with the primary aim of understanding the dynamic changes in the needs of family caregivers in home care services to better provide more comprehensive information to health service providers.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Temperature and Moisture Interact to Shape Body Size of Appalachian Salamanders Across Elevation
Authors: Fleming J. Morgan , Sheldon Kimberly S.
Published: January 2025

Aim

To investigate the mechanisms underlying body size variation in Plethodontid salamanders along elevational gradients and to determine the effects of climate variables (elevation, temperature, precipitation, and humidity) on body size.

Location

Southern Appalachian Mountains, USA.

Taxon

Fourteen species of Plethodontid salamanders.

Methods

We used a historical dataset to analyse body size variation across elevation. We assessed the independent effects of elevation, temperature, precipitation, and humidity on body size. To test causal hypotheses regarding these climate variables and their interactions, we built a structural equation model (SEM).

Results

For 13 of 14 species, we found that body size generally had negative correlations with temperature and precipitation and positive correlations with elevation and humidity, though the strength of the relationships varied. The one remaining species showed different body size patterns in relation to elevation and the three climate variables compared to all other species. Our SEM revealed that precipitation and humidity are the strongest predictors of salamander body size. Body size was not directly impacted by temperature but indirectly through the effects of temperature on humidity levels.

Main Conclusions

Our study emphasises the importance of considering both temperature and moisture when examining body size patterns of ectotherms. We found that precipitation, often overlooked, plays a significant role in shaping body size in salamanders, challenging traditional views that focus solely on temperature. These findings highlight the need to integrate multiple, interacting climate variables to better understand organismal traits and to predict responses of organisms to climate change.
Identification the Cellular Senescence Associated lncRNA LINC01579 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: He Jiayong , Fu Ziyi , Zou Boya , Lei Xuetao , Lei Linhan , Yang Qingbin , Li Guoxin
Published: January 2025

Cellular senescence is a key promoter of tumorigenesis and malignant progression. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for assessing cellular senescence in gastric cancer (GC) outcomes. We identified senescence‐related genes and lncRNAs from 375 stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) patients and established a prognostic senescence score using multivariate Cox regression, validated in testing, TCGA‐STAD and the combined TCGA‐COAD and READ cohorts. The model's predictive efficacy was evaluated across clinical subgroups, tumour microenvironments and immune cell infiltration. A total of 116 senescence‐related lncRNAs were filtered, and patients were clustered into two senescent subtypes. The lncRNA signature identified LINC01579 as an independent prognostic factor for GC. Low‐risk groups showed prolonged overall survival, increased immune cell infiltration and reduced mutation load. Downregulation of LINC01579 using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) on normal human fibroblasts decreased cellular proliferation and migration in GC. Collectively, this study established and validated a promising prognostic model connecting senescence‐related lncRNAs and clinical outcome in GC and provided potential senescence‐related biomarkers for GC prognosis prediction.
Minimally Invasive Fixed Prosthodontics: A Narrative Review
Authors: Margvelashvili‐Malament Mariam , Thompson Van , Malament Kenneth A.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Minimally invasive dentistry is being widely practiced. The center stone is to be as conservative as possible to minimize unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure. In prosthodontics the patients have generalized and combined nature of diseases. This narrative literature review analyzed available evidence on minimally invasive treatment protocols in fixed prosthodontics and raised awareness on the importance of longevity of treatments and secondary prevention.

Overview

The long‐term clinical survival of ceramic and resin composite materials was reviewed. Loss of tooth vitality after prosthodontic treatment was also explored. And finally, treatment options for patients with severe wear were examined. The search of the literature resulted in evidence of superior survival of ceramic restorations over resin composites. The literature is also clear that ceramic partial coverage inlay and onlay restorations have excellent long‐term clinical performance in posterior dentition. Glass ceramic lithium disilicate showed to be an adequate material not only for anterior but also for posterior dentition, including the patients with severe wear.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive dentistry as applied in fixed prosthodontics needs updates in its concepts to account for secondary prevention and longevity of chosen treatment techniques.

Clinical Significance

This narrative review article critically reviews available evidence on long‐term clinical performance of minimally invasive and traditional treatment concepts and materials in fixed prosthodontics. Awareness is raised for secondary prevention and longevity of chosen treatments.
Efficacy of Orthognathic Surgery in OSAS Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ali Syed Akbar , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Shivakumar Ganiga Channaiah , Shivakumar Sahana , Hurkadle Jyothikiran , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition characterised by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and associated morbidities. Orthognathic surgery (OGS) has been proposed as a treatment option for OSAS, aimed at anatomically repositioning the maxillofacial structures to alleviate airway obstruction. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of OGS in reducing apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores among OSAS patients.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases for studies assessing the outcomes of OGS in OSAS patients, focusing on changes in AHI and ESS scores. The inclusion criteria encompassed observational studies, cohort studies, and randomised control trials. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was utilised to pool mean differences (MD) of AHI and ESS scores preoperatively and postoperatively, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated.

Results

A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria, where OGS was shown to be slightly more effective in correcting OSAS than the other modalities assessed, primarily CPAP. The pooled MD for AHI demonstrated a significant reduction in scores post‐OGS (MD = 29.84, 95% CI: 14.17–45.50, p < 0.0001) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 95%). For ESS, the pooled MD indicated a non‐significant reduction (MD = 1.91, 95% CI: −1.29 to 5.12, p = 0.24) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 81%).

Conclusion

Orthognathic surgery appears to be an effective intervention for reducing AHI in patients with OSAS, suggesting a potential to improve the objective measures of sleep apnea. However, the effect on subjective sleepiness scores, as evaluated by ESS, was not statistically significant. The high heterogeneity among studies warrants individualised patient assessment when considering OGS for OSAS. Further research is needed to identify factors contributing to the variability of outcomes and to assess the long‐term benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
Location of NWA 6148 and NWA 10153 in the nakhlite body and their aqueous alteration
Authors: Kukihara Kakeru , Miyahara Masaaki , Yamaguchi Akira , Takahashi Yoshio , Takeichi Yasuo , Tomioka Naotaka , Ohtani Eiji
Published: January 2025

The petrologic and mineralogical characteristics and alteration processes of the nakhlites NWA 6148 and NWA 10153 were studied. Both consist of augite, olivine, and mesostasis. Based on the characteristics of each volume fraction of the components and the chemical composition of olivine and pyroxene, NWA 6148 correspond to lava units crystallized at 1346–1391 Ma in the nakhlite body. The position of NWA 10153 in the nakhlite body is unclear. Iron oxides/hydroxides, barite, and calcite fill the fractures of NWA 6148, which are terrestrial weathering products. In NWA 10153, olivine grains are replaced by goethite, magnetite, saponite, amorphous silica, jarosite, and siderite. Although it is uncertain whether all of the alteration minerals were formed on the surface of Mars or on the surface of Earth, NWA 10153 records two different alteration environments: reducing, neutral to alkaline, and oxidizing and acidic. As in NWA 6148 and NWA 10153, the assemblage of alteration mineral species in other nakhlites is also heterogeneous even within the same lava unit. The nakhlite body was altered by the oxidizing acidic fluid after a ‐bearing reducing neutral to alkaline fluid. The drastic change of alteration environments may have been caused by an impact event.
The efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency ablation of the dorsal root ganglion in the setting of failed spinal neuromodulation: A case report
Authors: Rastogi Abhijeet , Dastan Kovosh , Sunkara Sujana , LaRosa Peyton
Published: January 2025

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an interventional procedure that has been used to treat chronic back pain for over 50 years; this unique case report demonstrates the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) on the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in the treatment of chronic radicular pain (Russo et al., 2021, J Pain Res, 14, 3897). The RFA provides pain relief by using thermal energy to disrupt peripheral nerves carrying nociceptive signals back to the central nervous system (Abd‐Elsayed et al. 2020, Pain Ther, 9, 709). However, there is a lack of literature about the safety and efficacy of PRFA of the DRG.
Lifetime Body Mass Index Trajectories and Contrasting Lung Function Abnormalities in Mid‐Adulthood: Data From the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study
Authors: Ali Gulshan B. , Lowe Adrian J. , Walters E. Haydn , Perret Jennifer L. , Erbas Bircan , Lodge Caroline J. , Bowatte Gayan , Thomas Paul S. , Hamilton Garun S. , Thompson Bruce R. , Johns David P. , Hopper John L. , Abramson Michael J. , Bui Dinh S. , Dharmage Shyamali C.
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective

The impact of lifetime body mass index (BMI) trajectories on adult lung function abnormalities has not been investigated previously. We investigated associations of BMI trajectories from childhood to mid‐adulthood with lung function deficits and COPD in mid‐adulthood.

Methods

Five BMI trajectories (n = 4194) from age 5 to 43 were identified in the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study. Lung function outcomes were defined using spirometry at 45 and 53 years. Associations between these BMI trajectories and lung function outcomes were investigated using multivariable regression.

Results

Compared to the average BMI trajectory, the child's average‐increasing BMI trajectory was associated with greater FVC decline from 45 to 53 years (β = −178 mL; 95% CI −300.6, −55.4), lower FRC, ERV and higher TLco at 45 years, lower FVC (−227 mL; −345.3, −109.1) and higher TLco at 53 years. The High BMI trajectory was also associated with lower FRC, ERV and higher TLco at 45 years, while spirometric restriction (OR = 6.9; 2.3, 21.1) and higher TLco at 53 years. The low BMI trajectory was associated with an obstructive picture: lower FEV1 (−124 mL; −196.4, −51.4) and FVC (−91 mL; −173.4, −7.7), and FEV1/FVC (−1.2%; −2.2, −0.1) and higher ERV and lower TLco at 45 and 53 years. A similar pattern was found at 53 years. No associations were observed with spirometrically defined COPD.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed contrasting lung function abnormalities were associated with high, subsequently increasing, and low BMI trajectories. These results emphasise the importance of tracking changes in BMI over time and the need to maintain an average BMI trajectory (BMI‐Z‐score 0 at each time point) throughout life.
The Novel HLA‐B*37:114 Allele Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing in a Chinese Individual
Authors: You Yajie , Ma Xiao , Pan Qinqin , Yu Yuejiao , Zhou Xiaoyu
Published: January 2025

HLA‐B*37:114 has a single non‐synonymous change from HLA‐B*37:01:01:01 changing residue 163 from Threonine to Lysine’.
Identification of Novel HLA‐DQA1 and ‐DQB1 Alleles: DQA1*05:118 and DQB1*03:01:01:73
Authors: Ocejo‐Vinyals J. Gonzalo , Mota‐Pérez Nerea , García Mónica Renuncio , Toriello María , Balas Antonio
Published: January 2025

Description of the novel HLA‐DQA1*05:118 and ‐DQB1*03:01:01:73 alleles.
The Novel HLA‐C*03:678 Allele Identified Using Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Centurião Newton de Freitas , Maciel Gabriella Camerini , Goldenstein Monica Focaccia Leal , Alonso Elena Outon , Torres Margareth Afonso
Published: January 2025

The novel HLA‐C*03:678 allele differs from HLA‐C*03:04:01:02 by single non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution.
EFFECT OF FLUX APPLICATION DURING IN-SITU CASTING AS A DIRECT RECYCLING OF ALSI7MG ALUMINIUM ALLOY MACHINING CHIPS
Authors: Samian Ain Zubaidah , Saleh Aslinda , Talib Norfazillah , Abdullah Haslina , Woon Kiow Lee
Published: January 2025

Recycling aluminium (Al) waste by secondary smelting production saves 95% energy had encourages a new alternative recycling technique known as the in-situ casting or melting to transform waste into product directly. Therefore, aluminium (AlSi7Mg) machining chips with flux addition were heated for 30 minutes in a laboratory furnace at 650°C and 700°C. The physical of Al chips turned from sparkling silvery grey to dusty grey after being heated indicating oxidation. The machining chips had partially melted and fused together however being interrupted by thin oxide layer. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) reveal the Al and oxygen (O), while x-ray diffaction (XRD) analysis confirmed aluminium oxide (Al2O3) present in the fused Al chips.
THE CT NUMBER UNIFORMITY AND HOMOGENEITY: WHICH IS BETTER FOR DETECTING THE BEAM HARDENING ARTEFACTS?
Authors: Anam Choirul , Amilia Riska , Naufal Ariij , Maya Annisa T. , Dwihapsari Yanurita
Published: January 2025

This study compares the CT number uniformity and homogeneity for detecting beam hardening artefact from images of the American College of Radiology (ACR) computed tomography (CT) phantom scanned with 20 CT scanners from four manufacturers, and images with and without beam hardening artefact. Software to automatically measure CT number uniformity and homogeneity was developed. For CT number uniformity, the coordinates of the peripheral positions of the region of interest (ROIs) at four different positions and one ROI at the middle of the phantom were automatically determined. For CT number homogeneity, the rectangular ROIs of 32 pixels across 85% of the area of the phantom were automatically arranged. CT number uniformity and homogeneity of images from 20 CT scanners were investigated using an ACR CT phantom. To find usefulness of the CT number homogeneity, images with and without beam hardening artefacts were evaluated. The developed software successfully measured CT number uniformity and homogeneity of the images. All scanners produced achievable range of CT number uniformity, i.e., within 5 HU. However, some scanners had CT number homogeneities less than 5 HU, while others had CT number homogeneities more than 5 HU. It is found that the CT number homogeneity is able to detect the beam hardening artefact, while CT number uniformity is not able to detect it. A system for automatically measure CT number uniformity and homogeneity has been developed.
THE ACCEPTABLE COMPACTION ZONE CRITERIA BASED ON HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY FOR A COMPACTED MIXTURE OF RESIDUAL SOIL WITH BENTONITE AS A SOIL LINER
Authors: Mukri Mazidah , Khalid Norazlan , Mohamed Jais Ismacahyadibagus
Published: January 2025

The significant criteria for compacted clay liner in landfill construction are the compaction characteristics and hydraulic conductivity value. The primary parameter for designing an efficient soil liner is ensuring a hydraulic conductivity value below 1x10-9 m/s to prevent contaminated seepage into the aquifer. Therefore, the compaction criteria are crucial in controlling the construction of hydraulic barriers for liners. In this study, laboratory testing such as permeability tests at varying compaction energies, were carried out on a blend of residual soil and bentonite. The aim was to establish an acceptable compaction zone based on the allowable hydraulic conductivity value and to outline suitable design considerations for compacted residual soil mixed with bentonite as a soil liner. The design parameters investigated included hydraulic conductivity at different compaction efforts. A comparison was made between traditional, common, and modern approaches to ensure construction quality assurance for compacted soil liners mixed with bentonite. The results indicated that all methods, traditional, common, and modern, successfully met the design objectives for hydraulic conductivity, creating acceptable compaction zones on the compaction plane curve. These acceptable zones for the mixture of residual soil with bentonite align with the lower bound limit of the compaction optimum line, with the shapes of the shaded zones influenced by the soil's moisture content and compaction characteristics.