bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-world effectiveness and retention rate of upadacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a multicentre study
Authors: Baldi Caterina , Gentileschi Stefano , Li Gobbi Francesca , Cazzato Massimiliano , Delle Sedie Andrea , Gaggiano Carla , D’Ignazio Emilio , Lepri Gemma , De Lorenzo Chiara , Nannini Carlotta , Niccoli Laura , Panaccione Anna , Di Cato Luca , Di Matteo Andrea , Picchianti-Diamanti Andrea , Guiducci Serena , Frediani Bruno , Benucci Maurizio
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates upadacitinib (UPA) effectiveness and drug retention rate (DRR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Multicentre prospective observational study. Consecutive patients with RA receiving UPA were evaluated at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of treatment. Key outcomes included UPA DRR and changes in clinical and serological measures over time. The study included 215 patients (72.6% female sex, mean age 60.1 ± 11.7 years). The DRR of UPA was 91.6% (95% CI 88.0–95.4%) at 6 months, 84.6% (95% CI 79.8–89.7%) at 12 months, 80.3% (95% CI 75.0–86.0%) at 18 months and 80% (95% CI 75.0–86.0%) at 24 months. UPA DRR was similar between monotherapy and methotrexate combination (p = 0.47), and across different treatment lines (p = 0.58). A statistically significant improvement from baseline was observed over 24 months considering erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Disease Activity Score (DAS)28-CRP, Physician’s (Ph) and Patient’s (Pt) Global Assessment (GA), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Pain, Simplified and Clinical Disease Activity Index (SDAI and CDAI) (p < 0.00 for all of them). Patients discontinuing UPA were more likely to be male (p = 0.02), with a longer disease duration (p = 0.03), higher baseline values of VAS Pain (p < 0.00), PtGA (p < 0.00), PhGA (p < 0.00), CDAI (p < 0.00), SDAI (p < 0.00) and corticosteroid dosage (p = 0.04). This study confirms UPA effectiveness in managing RA in the real-world practice, demonstrating sustained drug retention and improvements in clinical and laboratory measures over time. Also, UPA could be a valuable option for patients with multi-refractory RA and when monotherapy is preferred.
Linking CEO Celebrity to the Ethical Behavior of Family Firms in a Digital Age: Evidence from China
Authors: Chin Tachia , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Wu Liang , Lamprinakos Grigorios
Published: February 2025

Given the widespread use of social media, growing interest has been paid to the nexus of corporate ethics and the celebrity status of chief executive officers (CEOs). This is of even more paramount importance in family-owned firms that are very sensitive to public image and its ethical relevance. However, no empirical evidence has been found. In response, the purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanisms through which family business ethics and CEO celebrity are associated, as well as the moderating influence of a leader's personal traits on these relationships. According to secondary data from listed Chinese family firms, from 2013 to 2020, the celebrity status of CEOs was strongly connected with the ethical behavior of organizations; however, this link was mitigated by the heterogeneity of CEOs. The firm's ethical behavior and the CEO's celebrity are positively correlated when the CEO is a family member; when the CEO is not a family member, the correlation is inversely U-shaped. Furthermore, the age, dualities (including the chairman role), and tenure of CEOs had a major impact on the mechanisms of CEO fame and family business ethics. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed in detail.
Is Confidence in Mathematics Pedagogy Enough? Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Mathematics Beliefs and Confidence
Authors: Papic Marina M. , Papic Christopher
Published: February 2025

A multicentre cross-sectional study of early childhood teachers (ECTs) from one large Australian not-for-profit early childhood organisation in preschool (3–5 years) classrooms, was conducted. This study was part of a quasi-experimental online Mathematics Professional Learning Program intervention aimed at developing ECTs’ mathematical pedagogical content knowledge; we report on ECTs’ (n = 325) pre-program survey scores, investigating their beliefs and confidence around mathematical pedagogy and their beliefs of preschoolers’ mathematical abilities. Scores were high, especially for confidence in pedagogical knowledge and pedagogical ability in helping children learn mathematics, and several survey constructs were significantly inter-related. However, more than half of the ECTs did not agree that most children enter preschool with some mathematics abilities, and confidence in their own mathematical abilities in areas of numeracy and spatial awareness varied. Mathematics focussed Environmental Rating Scale, Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale—Extension (ECERS-E) and Sustained Shared Thinking and Emotional Wellbeing (SSTEW) scale, item scores were evaluated for a representative subgroup of ECTs (n = 102) and overall showed minimal (3 out of 7) quality learning environments. Mathematical beliefs and confidence had a weak association with mathematics focused ECERS-E scores and no association with SSTEW scores. The results show that while beliefs and confidence were high, they did not predict the quality of the preschool learning environment. ECTs may be unaware of the specific mathematical content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge required to effectively teach mathematics to preschool children and develop children’s complex mathematical thinking. Implications for professional learning are discussed.
Large nitrous oxide emissions from arable soils after crop harvests prior to sowing
Authors: Maier Regine , Hörtnagl Lukas , Buchmann Nina
Published: February 2025

Global agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source for nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. During crop rotations, periods with arable soils without crops, thereafter called “bare soils” are often impossible to avoid after the crop is harvested, prior to sowing of the next crop. However, such periods are underrepresented in studies focussing on N2O emissions. Here, we present continuous, high-temporal-resolution N2O fluxes during bare soil periods after four major crops, using the eddy-covariance technique at two sites in Switzerland. Overall, periods with bare soil were net sources for N2O as well as for carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Daily average sums of N2O emissions varied between 10 ± 2 and 38 ± 5 g N2O-N ha−1 d−1 after the respective rapeseed, winter wheat, pea, and maize harvests. While CO2 emissions contributed 86–96% to the total GHG budgets, N2O fluxes accounted for 2% after pea, but for 10–12% after rapeseed, winter wheat, and maize. In contrast, CH4 fluxes were negligible (< 2%). N2O fluxes during bare soil periods increased for all cropland sites with increasing water-filled pore space, particularly at high soil temperatures. Thus, our study emphasizes the significance of avoiding bare soil periods to mitigate N2O emissions from croplands.
Examining Virtual Reality Interventions for Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Altın Yücel , Boşnak Özge , Turhan Ceyda
Published: February 2025

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by limitations in social communication and interaction, self-repetitive behaviors, and the presence of limited interests. The prevalence of ASD, which typically emerges in the first years of life, is increasing at an alarming rate due to multiple factors, including the broadening of diagnostic criteria, heightened public awareness, and more frequent diagnoses among women and adults. Over the years, experts have invested considerable time and effort in developing educational scenarios for children with ASD. However, they have faced challenges replicating certain scenarios—such as emergencies, crowded public transportation, or restaurant environments—because recreating these exact conditions in real-world settings is difficult or cost-prohibitive. This has consequently compelled experts to seek out supplementary intervention methods that are more suitable and accessible. Virtual reality (VR), which has the capacity to integrate the physical and virtual realms, represents one such alternative intervention method. In this study, a systematic review of studies employing VR technology in social skills interventions for individuals with ASD was conducted, and 31 studies were included. The findings indicate the potential benefits of VR applications focusing on the social skills of individuals with ASD. Additionally, this research elucidates the limitations of the studies and offers suggestions for future research.
Current state of natural and artificial radiation in the Eastern Black Sea Coast of Türkiye (Trabzon–Rize–Artvin) 38 years after Chernobyl
Authors: Uzun Duran Selcen
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to evaluate the artificial and natural radiation dose levels in the coastal areas of Trabzon–Rize–Artvin provinces 38 years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Radioactive 232Th, 238U, 40K and 137Cs concentrations were determined in 49 soil samples by HPGe gamma spectrometry. Average concentrations were 12 Bqkg−1 for 238U, 15 Bqkg−1 for 232Th, 162 Bqkg−1 for 40K and 37 Bqkg−1 for 137Cs. Annual effective dose equivalents and excess lifetime cancer risk values are below the world average. This study also presents the average 137Cs value measured in the same area from 1990–2004–2024.
Plasmodium yoelii as a model for malaria: insights into pathogenesis, drug resistance, and vaccine development
Authors: Otun Oluwatobi , Achilonu Ikechukwu
Published: February 2025

Malaria continues to pose a serious global health threat, with rising drug resistance making treatment more difficult. Consequently, Plasmodium yoelii, a rodent malaria parasite, has become an invaluable model for studying the malaria parasite’s complex biology, particularly host-parasite interactions and drug resistance mechanisms. Originating from African rodents, P. yoelii presents unique genetic diversity, mirroring critical aspects of human malaria and allowing for detailed research on the parasite’s pre-erythrocytic and erythrocytic stages. This review introduces a novel perspective by comprehensively examining P. yoelii from multiple angles, including its origin, genetic composition, and contributions to vaccine development and drug efficacy studies. It highlights the significance of P. yoelii, revealing new insights into immune evasion, pathogenesis, and disease severity, which are critical for developing future malaria interventions. Furthermore, this review addresses the challenges associated with P. yoelii as a model, such as differences in host immune responses between rodents and humans. Despite these hurdles, the research using P. yoelii offers promising directions for combating malaria. This novel synthesis of P. yoelii studies underscores its essential role in advancing malaria research, particularly in understanding drug resistance and uncovering potential therapeutic and vaccine targets.

Graphical Abstract
Enhanced utility estimation algorithm for discrete choice models in travel demand forecasting
Authors: Ghorbani Amir , Nassir Neema , Lavieri Patricia Sauri , Beeramoole Prithvi Bhat , Paz Alexander
Published: February 2025

Recent data-driven discrete choice models in travel demand forecasting have achieved improved predictability. However, such prediction improvements come at the cost of black-box models and lost transparency in travel demand forecasting, which makes scenario testing and transportation planning difficult (if not impossible). Furthermore, these predictability gains have often been modest compared to handcrafted parsimonious models, which benefit from enhanced behavioural interpretability and transparency. This paper introduces a novel bi-level model and estimation framework (DUET) to enhance predictability in traditional utility-based discrete choice models. The proposed model improves the specification process by identifying effective variable transformations and interactions in utility functions. Utilising a genetic algorithm, the upper level of our framework selects feasible functional forms from an extensive array, while the lower level applies iterative singular value decomposition and maximum likelihood estimation to optimise model parameters and prevent overfitting. This approach ensures superior predictability through a general utility functional form that considers extensive variable interactions. Case studies on both synthetic data and the Swissmetro dataset highlight the framework’s effectiveness in improving model performance and uncovering critical behavioural patterns and latent trends. Notably, incorporating interactions among variables in Swissmetro data, our model demonstrates a 6.5% improvement in the Brier score (probabilistic prediction accuracy) compared to the state-of-the-art deep neural network-based discrete choice model.Lastly, our results on transport mode choice data align with existing literature, indicating that younger individuals are less sensitive to travel costs. This confirms the need for targeted pricing policies to encourage public transit use among different age groups.
Mass Supply from Io to Jupiter’s Magnetosphere
Authors: Roth Lorenz , Blöcker Aljona , de Kleer Katherine , Goldstein David , Lellouch Emmanuel , Saur Joachim , Schmidt Carl , Strobel Darrell F. , Tao Chihiro , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Dols Vincent , Huybrighs Hans , Mura Alessandro , Szalay Jamey R. , Badman Sarah V. , de Pater Imke , Dott Anne-Cathrine , Kagitani Masato , Klaiber Lea , Koga Ryoichi , McEwen Alfred S. , Milby Zachariah , Retherford Kurt D. , Schlegel Stephan , Thomas Nicolas , Tseng Wei-Ling , Vorburger Audrey
Published: February 2025

Since the Voyager mission flybys in 1979, we have known the moon Io to be both volcanically active and the main source of plasma in the vast magnetosphere of Jupiter. Material lost from Io forms neutral clouds, the Io plasma torus and ultimately the extended plasma sheet. This material is supplied from Io’s upper atmosphere and atmospheric loss is likely driven by plasma-interaction effects with possible contributions from thermal escape and photochemistry-driven escape. Direct volcanic escape is negligible. The supply of material to maintain the plasma torus has been estimated from various methods at roughly one ton per second. Most of the time the magnetospheric plasma environment of Io is stable on timescales from days to months. Similarly, Io’s atmosphere was found to have a stable average density on the dayside, although it exhibits lateral (longitudinal and latitudinal) and temporal (both diurnal and seasonal) variations. There is a potential positive feedback in the Io torus supply: collisions of torus plasma with atmospheric neutrals are probably a significant loss process, which increases with torus density. The stability of the torus environment may be maintained by limiting mechanisms of either torus supply from Io or the loss from the torus by centrifugal interchange in the middle magnetosphere. Various observations suggest that occasionally (roughly 1 to 2 detections per decade) the plasma torus undergoes major transient changes over a period of several weeks, apparently overcoming possible stabilizing mechanisms. Such events (as well as more frequent minor changes) are commonly explained by some kind of change in volcanic activity that triggers a chain of reactions which modify the plasma torus state via a net change in supply of new mass. However, it remains unknown what kind of volcanic event (if any) can trigger events in torus and magnetosphere, whether Io’s atmosphere undergoes a general change before or during such events, and what processes could enable such a change in the otherwise stable torus. Alternative explanations, which are not invoking volcanic activity, have not been put forward. We review the current knowledge on Io’s volcanic activity, atmosphere, and the magnetospheric neutral and plasma environment and their roles in mass transfer from Io to the plasma torus and magnetosphere. We provide an overview of the recorded events of transient changes in the torus, address several contradictions and inconsistencies, and point out gaps in our current understanding. Lastly, we provide a list of relevant terms and their definitions.
Social overload and fear of negative evaluation mediate the effect of neuroticism on classroom disruptions that predicts occupational problems in teachers over two years
Authors: Jenni Gabriel , Wettstein Alexander , Schneider Ida , Kühne Fabienne , grosse Holtforth Martin , La Marca Roberto
Published: February 2025

Research on teacher stress has identified classroom disruptions as a major risk factor. However, teachers perceive classroom disruptions “through the lens” of their own personalities. This observational study involving 42 teachers (28 female, Mage = 39.66, SD = 11.99) aimed to compare teacher-perceived and observed classroom disruptions and examine how neuroticism, fear of negative evaluation, and social overload influence teachers’ perception of classroom disruptions. Moreover, longitudinal associations between perceived and observed classroom disruptions and occupational problems were investigated over two years. Results show that neuroticism, fear of negative evaluation, and social overload are positively associated with more perceived classroom disruptions. In this context, neuroticism does not directly lead to more perceived classroom disruptions, but the relationship is mediated by fear of negative evaluation and social overload. Moreover, perceived classroom disruptions were associated with an increase of occupational problems over two years. Examining self-reports in combination with behavioral observation is crucial for better understanding teachers’ perception of classroom disruptions and identifying the personality traits and social stressors influencing perception for preventing teachers’ health problems. Teacher education must support teachers in dealing with fear of negative evaluation and social overload and recognize the longitudinal cumulative effects of biased perception on teacher stress. This can prevent teachers from leaving the profession early and keep burnout rates and costs low.
Status and constitution in psychiatric classification
Authors: Roberts Tom , Wilkinson Sam
Published: February 2025

Debates surrounding the nature of mental disorder have tended to divide into an objectivist camp that takes psychiatric classification to be a value-free scientific matter, and a normativist camp that takes it to be irreducibly values-based. Here we present an overlooked distinction between status and constitution. Questions of the form “What is x?” are ambiguous between status questions (“What gives something the status of an x?”), and constitution questions (“Given that something has the status of an x, what is it made of?”). We elucidate this distinction in detail, and argue that normativism is uniquely well-placed to answer status questions while objectivism provides answers, where they are available, to constitution questions.
The indispensability of relational, adapted, and derived proper functions
Authors: Roloff Jakob
Published: February 2025

Since the early debates on teleosemantics, there have been people objecting that teleosemantics cannot account for evolutionarily novel contents such as “democracy” (e.g., Peacocke in A Study of Concepts, MIT Press, Cambridge, 1992). Most recently, this objection was brought up by Garson (What Biological Functions Are and Why They Matter, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108560764) and in a more moderate form by Garson and Papineau (Biol Philos 34(3):36, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10539-019-9689-8). The underlying criticism is that the traditional selected effects theory of functions on which teleosemantics is built is unable to ascribe new functions to the products of ontogenetic processes and thus unable to ascribe functions to new traits that appear during the lifetime of an individual organism. I will argue that this underlying thought rests on rather common misunderstandings of Millikan’s theory of proper functions, especially her notions of relational, adapted, and derived proper functions (Millikan in Language, Thought, and Other Biological Categories: New Foundations for Realism, MIT Press, Cambridge, 1984: Ch. 2). The notions of relational, adapted, and derived proper functions not only help us solve the problem of novel contents and can ascribe functions to the products of ontogenetic selection mechanisms but are indispensable parts of every selected effects theory.
An inferentialist account of lying
Authors: Lemanek Kamil
Published: February 2025

The inferentialism due to Robert Brandom presents a compelling normative-deontic picture of language and discursive practices, and as such it is well positioned to address phenomena like lying. This short work outlines a simple account of how lying can be conceptualized within that framework. To that end, the basic Brandomian position is extended to include a novel type of status– namely, pseudo-commitments, which are unique in their being non-binding. The traditional definition of lying is then given a status-oriented form, such that lying consists in presenting a pseudo-commitment with the intention for it to be attributed as a standard commitment. Importantly, this can be articulated in our scorekeeping practices, which is demonstrated with three example exchanges– one featuring an undetected lie, one featuring a detected lie, and one featuring a bald-faced lie. Though simple, the account works and invites extension to other similar phenomena, like sarcasm, acting, bullshit, etc. The notion of pseudo-commitment may also find application outside of the inferentialist context.
The structure of silence in depression
Authors: Sul Jae Ryeong
Published: February 2025

Silence has been a relatively neglected phenomenon despite its significance in psychiatric research. Acknowledging this oversight, there has been a recent move towards systematically describing the first-personal experience of silence in mental disorders within the field of philosophy of psychiatry. This paper contributes to this research effort by highlighting the underexplored interpersonal aspect of silence crucial for both psychopathological and therapeutic research. More specifically, I develop the interpersonal aspect of distressing silence associated with depression, recently coined as ‘empty silence’. Complementing its original analysis, I argue that this distressing silence not only involves the loss of linguistic agency but also the loss of social agency. Having established this claim, I situate it within the wider research context and open an ethical dimension to the current analysis. I explore this by identifying a therapeutic silence others can establish for an individual undergoing a severe depressive episode. I provisionally term it ‘undemanding silence’ and argue that this form of silence can help restore the loss of social agency by providing a distinct form of social affordance that depressed individuals can easily realise at their own pace.
Breeding objectives and trait preferences of Nguni goat farmers in Limpopo province, South Africa
Authors: Mathapo Madumetja Cyril , Tyasi Thobela Louis , Mugwabana Thinawanga Joseph
Published: February 2025

Understanding the farmers production objectives, breeding practices and trait preferences is important in designing and implementing Community-based breeding program (CBBP) for genetic improvement of livestock. Thus, this study assessed production objectives, breeding practices and trait preferences of Nguni goat farmers in four agroecological zones of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using a participatory approach, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 33 Nguni goat farmers. Frequencies, percentages, chi-square test, and Kruskal–Wallis were used to identify and compare categorical variables across agroecological zones. An index was used to assess the importance of each criterion. The majority of the farmers were males with secondary education, and socio-economic characteristics were non-significant (P > 0.05) across agroecological zones. Farmers bred their goats all year-round, with uncontrolled mating practices and used bucks born within the flock for breeding. The breeding season, purpose of keeping bucks and source of breeding bucks were statistically different (P < 0.05) across the agroecological zones. Most farmers culled goats based on age and practiced extensive system, with no significant difference in production systems across zones. Income generation was primary objective for keeping goats, and it varied significantly (P < 0.05) across the zones. Body size was the predominant selection criterion for both buck and does, with significant difference (P < 0.05) observed across the zones. These results are crucial for the designing of CBBP for Nguni goat farmers in Limpopo province, South Africa.
The potential of Paraburkholderia species to enhance crop growth
Authors: Rojas-Rojas Fernando Uriel , Gómez-Vázquez Ingrid Melissa , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina , Shimada-Beltrán Harumi , Vega-Arreguín Julio C.
Published: February 2025

Agrochemicals are the primary alternative for maintaining the high yields necessary to produce sufficient plant-based foods to supply the world population. In recent decades, one of the most extensively explored alternatives to replace agrochemicals and reduce their environmental impact has been the use of microorganism-based products to boost crop yields with less environmental impact. This review focuses on the results of studies that have demonstrated the potential of the genus Paraburkholderia to increase crop yields and be utilized in biofertilizers and biocontrol products. A literature search was performed electronically considering articles and books published until August 19, 2024. We identified 24 species of Paraburkholderia with the ability to improve crop yields after their inoculation by different methods on seeds, seedlings, plantlets, adult crops, or fruits. The effects of these bacteria have been tested under laboratory, greenhouse, or field conditions. These Paraburkholderia species mediate their positive impact on crop growth by direct and indirect plant growth-promoting mechanisms, which include improving nutrient uptake, stimulating growth by phytohormone production, regulation and stimulation of metabolic pathways, induction of abiotic stress tolerance, and disease control by direct pathogen inhibition or induction of systemic resistance in plants. The literature reviewed here supports the use of Paraburkholderia in bio-inputs under the actual panorama of climate change and the necessity to increase sustainable agriculture worldwide.
Influence of prior probability information on large language model performance in radiological diagnosis
Authors: Fukushima Takahiro , Kurokawa Ryo , Hagiwara Akifumi , Sonoda Yuki , Asari Yusuke , Kurokawa Mariko , Kanzawa Jun , Gonoi Wataru , Abe Osamu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Large language models (LLMs) show promise in radiological diagnosis, but their performance may be affected by the context of the cases presented. Our purpose is to investigate how providing information about prior probabilities influences the diagnostic performance of an LLM in radiological quiz cases.

Materials and methods

We analyzed 322 consecutive cases from Radiology’s “Diagnosis Please” quiz using Claude 3.5 Sonnet under three conditions: without context (Condition 1), informed as quiz cases (Condition 2), and presented as primary care cases (Condition 3). Diagnostic accuracy was compared using McNemar’s test.

Results

The overall accuracy rate significantly improved in Condition 2 compared to Condition 1 (70.2% vs. 64.9%, p = 0.029). Conversely, the accuracy rate significantly decreased in Condition 3 compared to Condition 1 (59.9% vs. 64.9%, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Providing information that may influence prior probabilities significantly affects the diagnostic performance of the LLM in radiological cases. This suggests that LLMs may incorporate Bayesian-like principles and adjust the weighting of their diagnostic responses based on prior information, highlighting the potential for optimizing LLM’s performance in clinical settings by providing relevant contextual information.
MRI features of Stewart-Treves syndrome: a case series and systematic review
Authors: Kashiwagi Nobuo , Kawata Atsushi , Sakai Mio , Takahashi Hiroto , Hyodo Tomoko , Kaida Hayato , Yoshida Ken-ichi , Nojima Satoshi , Takenaka Satoshi , Ishii Kazunari , Nakanishi Katsuyuki , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To comprehensively summarize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of angiosarcomas presenting as Stewart-Treves syndrome (STS) through a retrospective case series and systematic review of previous publications.

Materials and methods

We identified five patients with STS from our institutional database and 25 patients with STS from 15 publications through a systemic review. We reviewed the MR features of 30 patients with STS, including five males and 25 females with a mean age of 59.5 years.

Results

The tumors most commonly involved both the cutis and subcutis (17/25, 68.0%); the remaining tumors were limited to the cutis or subcutis. Multiple tumors were observed in more than half of the cases (16/27, 59.3%), and most of the tumors had poorly defined margins (26/28, 92.9%). The most common signal intensities of the tumors on T1-weighted images were intermediate (16/19, 84.2%), and the remainder were a mixture of intermediate and high, with a predominance of intermediate signal intensity. The signal intensities of the tumors on T2-weighted images were intermediate in seven cases (7/13, 53.8%), a mixture of intermediate and high in five cases (5/13, 38.5%), and a mixture of intermediate and low in one case (1/13, 7.7%). Available diffusion-weighted images from four institutional cases showed restricted diffusion of the tumors with mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values ranging from 0.77 × 10−3 mm2/s to 0.96 × 10−3 mm2/s.

Conclusion

Typical MRI features of angiosarcomas in STS were superficially located in multiple masses with ill-defined margins. Internal signal intensity was intermediate on T1-weighted images, and intermediate or a mixture of intermediate and high on T2-weighted images. ADC values obtained from the limited number of cases were low.
Pulmonary metastases from malignant melanoma showing ground-glass opacity nodules
Authors: Todoroki Keisuke , Kawakami Satoshi , Kiniwa Yukiko , Asaka Shiho , Endoh Hideki , Fujinaga Yasunari
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate the frequency and characteristics of pulmonary metastases from malignant melanoma presenting as ground-glass opacity nodules (GGNs) on chest computed tomography (CT).

Material and methods

A total of 354 patients with malignant melanoma who underwent chest CT for staging or follow-up were selected. We reviewed the CT images and enrolled 87 patients with lung metastases. Two radiologists evaluated the nodularity of the lung metastases (solid nodules or GGNs). Additionally, the tumor doubling time and disease type (mucosal, cutaneous, or acral melanomas) were analyzed.

Results

GGNs were observed in 13 of 87 (14.9%) patients. The tumor doubling time was 52.0 ± 33.5 days (range: 10.9–111 days) for GGNs and 43.8 ± 27.5 days (range: 9.4–115.3 days) for solid nodules. GGNs changed to solid nodules in 54.5% of patients with increased GGN metastasis. More patients in the GGN group (patients whose metastases included GGNs) had mucosal melanomas than acral melanomas (p = 0.0478); however, no significant difference was observed in the frequency of mucosal and cutaneous melanomas (p = 0.0670). Similarly, the proportion of patients in the GGN-dominant pattern group (patients with GGNs only or more GGNs than solid nodules) who had mucosal melanomas was more than that of patients with acral and cutaneous melanomas (mucosal melanoma vs. acral melanoma, p = 0.0342; mucosal melanoma vs. cutaneous melanoma, p = 0.0344).

Conclusions

Lung metastases from malignant melanoma sometimes appear as GGNs on CT, with a frequency of 14.9% in this study. If lung metastasis is observed as a GGN, the tumor doubling time may be useful for differentiating lung metastasis of malignant melanoma from lung adenocarcinoma.
Fertility in male patients with familial Mediterranean fever and paternal effect of FMF on pregnancy outcomes and complications
Authors: Parlar Kerem , Azman Feyza Nur , Sıcakyüz Sena Ladin , Rızaoğlu Melike , Azman Enes , Yüzbaşıoğlu Mebrure Burçak , Korkmaz Dilvin , Uğurlu Serdal
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study investigates the impact of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and its treatment on male infertility, and the paternal effect of FMF on pregnancy outcomes or complications.

Methods

We enrolled 282 adult male FMF patients and excluded 102 for never attempting pregnancy. Demographic and clinical data, including MEFV mutation status and treatment history, were collected. Fertility status and pregnancy outcomes were assessed through interviews and medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Among the 180 patients who attempted pregnancy, 177 (98.3%) achieved pregnancy. Only 3 (1.7%) were infertile. A total of 452 pregnancies were conceived, with 85.0% resulting in live births. Miscarriages occurred in 11.9%, stillbirths in 0.9%, and ectopic pregnancies in 0.9%. The most common complication was preterm birth (4.2%), followed by gestational diabetes (2.1%). Eleven patients with amyloidosis achieved 39 pregnancies, with no cases of infertility.

Conclusion

FMF does not lead to decreased male fertility or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Colchicine is safe for use during conception. Male FMF patients and their partners do not need additional precautions during pregnancy attempts and follow-up.
Ameloblastic Fibro-Odontoma with an FGFR1 Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Aouam Oumaima , Janssen Nard G. , de Leng Wendy W. J. , Breimer Gerben E.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) is a rare benign mixed odontogenic tumor that, after being classified for years as a distinct entity, was redefined as a “developing odontoma” in the 2017 World Health Organization classification. This article presents a unique case of an AFO with an FGFR1 mutation.

Methods

We present a case of an 8-year-old child with a slowly progressive swelling in the lower left mandible. Next-generation sequencing (TSO500 panel) was performed.

Results

Panoramic radiography revealed an odontogenic tumor; therefore, a transoral enucleation was performed. Pathological microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of AFO, and next-generation sequencing detected an FGFR1 mutation.

Conclusion

The presence of an FGFR1 mutation in an AFO may suggest a closer biological relationship between ameloblastic fibroma and AFO, potentially distinguishing it from odontomas. Further research, including genetic studies, is needed to enhance our understanding and refine the classification of these tumors.
Instant Futures: an experimental study of the imagination of alternative near futures thanks to science fiction
Authors: Kloetzer Laure , Kloetzer Laurent
Published: February 2025

Following Vygotsky's seminal work, sociocultural psychology has developed a powerful theory of imagination, considered as a process with mutual and transformative impacts with the social world. In this paper, we focus on the imagination of the future, which is an arena of special social and political contestation. We argue for integrating experimental methods into the scientific study of the re-composition, or synthesis process, in the imagination of the future. Provoking the imagination of the future in well-structured conditions allows for intra and interpersonal comparisons, as well as for comparisons through time. We introduce an experimental task, a "protokool", inspired by the work of a French group of science fiction writers, “le collectif Zanzibar”; we also suggest a way to analyse the data collected through this "telescope into the imagination of the future" looking at a specific process of imagining the future in dystopian and utopian ways. Finally, we present some main findings from the analysis of a corpus of 186 narratives collected in a 4-year study with Bachelor students in psychology and education. We show that the process of imagining the future is asymetrical for dystopian and utopian futures. We also point at some major patterns in these imaginations of the future, and evolutions over the four years. The research has theoretical and methodological implications for the study of the imagination of the future in sociocultural psychology.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Common Intraoperative Mistakes and Techniques for Error Recovery
Authors: Wang Kevin C. , Keeley Timothy , Lansdown Drew A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a commonly performed procedure among general orthopedists, and is a logged procedure required for graduation from accredited orthopaedic residency programs.

Recent Findings

ACL reconstruction surgery has a number of critical steps, and intraoperative errors can significantly impact the success rate and morbidity of this operation. Technical errors are frequently cited as some of the most common reasons for ACL reconstruction failure. This narrative review provides low-volume surgeons and trainees with an overview of the common errors that can be made during the critical steps of an ACL reconstruction procedure.

We suggest technical points for avoiding commonly-encountered errors and provide a description of evidence-supported error recovery techniques to address these errors if they occur intraoperatively. These key steps include femoral tunnel creation, tibial tunnel creation, graft harvest and preparation, and graft fixation within the tunnels. We discuss a number of primary and backup fixation strategies as well as all commonly used autografts (bone-patellar tendon-bone, hamstring, and quadriceps tendon). Additionally, we provide a brief overview on address intra-operative graft contamination citing currently available evidence.
CRISPR-dCas9 Activation of TSG-6 in MSCs Modulates the Cargo of MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Attenuates Inflammatory Responses in Human Intervertebral Disc Cells In Vitro
Authors: Martinez-Zalbidea Iker , Wagner Gabbie , Bergendahl Nea , Mesfin Addisu , Puvanesarajah Varun , Hitzl Wolfgang , Schulze Stefan , Wuertz-Kozak Karin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to boost the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) by overexpressing the gene TSG-6 through CRISPR activation, and assess the biological activity of EVs from these modified MSCs in vitro on human intervertebral disc (IVD) cells.

Methods

An immortalized human MSC line was transduced with a CRISPR activation lentivirus system targeting TSG-6. MSC-EVs were harvested by ultracentrifugation and particle number/size distribution was determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis. The efficiency of transduction activation was assessed by analyzing gene and protein expression. EV proteomic contents were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Human IVD cells from patients undergoing spinal surgery were isolated, expanded, exposed to IL-1β pre-stimulation and co-treated with MSC-EVs.

Results

MSC-EVs presented size distribution, morphology, and molecular markers consistent with common EV characteristics. The expression level of TSG-6 was significantly higher (> 800 fold) in transduced MSCs relative to controls. Protein analysis of MSCs and EVs showed higher protein expression of TSG-6 in CRISPR activated samples than controls. Proteomics of EVs identified 35 proteins (including TSG-6) that were differentially expressed in TSG-6 activated EVs vs control EVs. EV co-Treatment of IL-1β pre-Stimulated IVD cells resulted in a significant downregulation of IL-8 and COX-2.

Conclusions

We successfully generated an MSC line overexpressing TSG-6. Furthermore, we show that EVs isolated from these modified MSCs have the potential to attenuate the pro-inflammatory gene expression in IVD cells. This genomic engineering approach hence holds promise for boosting the therapeutic effects of EVs.
Profan, aber immer aktuell: Behandlung von Warzen
Authors: Kopera Daisy , Schmidhumer Lisa
Published: February 2025

Die klinische Studie vergleicht zwei topische Behandlungsmethoden – 35 % Trichloressigsäure (Gruppe A) und Kryotherapie mit Norfluran (Gruppe B) – bei Warzen im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Es wurden insgesamt 41 Warzen bei neun Studienteilnehmer:innen behandelt. Die statistische Auswertung ergab eine bessere Wirksamkeit der Kryotherapie mit Norfluran (Hydrozid®-Spray) im Vergleich zu TCA 35 %, allerdings mit einem größeren Schmerzprofil (4/10) als TCA (0/10).
Exploring the scope of generative AI in literature review development
Authors: Schryen Guido , Marrone Mauricio , Yang Jiaqi
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the way research is conducted, particularly through generative AI (GenAI) tools which can enhance written communication and foster innovation via knowledge development. This study focuses on the latter, examining the role of GenAI in specific knowledge development activities within literature reviews. Through an epistemological lens, we distinguish six key knowledge development activities: research synthesis, evidence aggregation, critique, theory building, research gap identification, and research agenda development. Our analysis demonstrates both the capabilities and limitations of GenAI in supporting these activities, highlighting how GenAI can assist in synthesizing previous work, discovering and integrating concepts, and advancing various knowledge domains. We emphasize a human-centered, synergistic approach where GenAI complements researchers’ efforts, rather than replacing them. Additionally, our activity-centric analysis provides insights into how different types of literature reviews can effectively benefit from GenAI support, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of AI integration in information systems research.
A re-description of the teleosauroid Macrospondylus bollensis (Jaeger, 1828) from the Posidonienschiefer Formation of Germany
Authors: Johnson Michela M. , Sachs Sven , Young Mark T. , Abel Pascal
Published: February 2025

Teleosauroid crocodylomorphs were a successful, diverse and abundant clade that expanded near-globally during the Jurassic Period. Teleosauroids are commonly found in Toarcian strata (Early Jurassic) within Europe, with multiple unique specimens pertaining to four taxa having been discovered in the Posidonienschiefer Formation (= Posidonia Shale) in southwestern Germany. The majority of these specimens have been referred to Macrospondylus bollensis (Jaeger, 1828), a basal machimosaurid species previously assigned to the genus Steneosaurus. Macrospondylus bollensis, as a species, is known to have a long and impressive history; unfortunately, the holotype of Ma. bollensis is poorly understood, rarely referenced in the current literature and is often incorrectly thought to be a teleosauroid specimen from Whitby. The actual holotype (housed at the Museum für Mineralogie und Geologie in Dresden), while badly burned, offers valuable information on basal teleosauroid postcranial material. We provide a detailed re-description of Macrospondylus bollensis, recognize it as a valid taxon and compare it with other Toarcian and machimosaurid teleosauroids. In addition, we evaluate the ecology and biogeographical distribution of Macrospondylus.
Il GHRH - Un neuropeptide non solo ipofisiotropo
Authors: Gesmundo Iacopo , Granata Riccarda
Published: February 2025

Sommario

L’ormone ipotalamico growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), oltre a promuovere il rilascio di GH da parte dell’adenoipofisi, esercita numerosi effetti a livello periferico. Diversi studi hanno infatti dimostrato importanti azioni extra-ipofisarie del GHRH e dei suoi analoghi agonisti sintetici, suggerendo il loro possibile sviluppo clinico nelle patologie cardiovascolari, neurodegenerative, nel diabete e nelle malattie metaboliche.
An Epidemiological Investigation of Inter-Developmental, Biopsychosocial Impairment among Children and Adolescents in Foster Care
Authors: Tarren-Sweeney Michael , Nunn Kenneth Patrick
Published: February 2025

Early exposure to chronic maltreatment and other biopsychosocial adversities accounts for high prevalence of developmental impairments among children residing in foster care and other types of statutory out-of-home care (OOHC), including: complex, trait-like mental health difficulties; intellectual disability (ID); and speech and language difficulties (SLD). However, little is known about the characteristics and prevalence of co-occurring mental health difficulties and developmental disabilities among this population – which we refer to as inter-developmental impairment. The present article reports findings from epidemiological surveys of pre-adolescent school-aged children (N = 347) and adolescents (N = 230) residing in foster and kinship care in New South Wales, Australia. Mental health was measured from caregiver-reported Child Behavior Checklist and Assessment Checklist for Children / Assessment Checklist for Adolescents scores; and ID and SLD were reported in a caregiver questionnaire. The proportions of children and adolescents with caregiver-reported ID were 22.5% (78/347) and 30.0% (69/230) respectively, while the proportions with SLD were 21.6% (75/347) and 15.7% (36/230) respectively. While mental health case rates were high among the aggregate child (67%) and adolescent (60%) samples, those with ID and/or SLD were considerably more likely to have clinical-level mental health difficulties compared to those without ID or SLD, with odds ratios ranging from 1.9 to 6.5. The prevalence of inter-developmental impairment (defined as having ID and/or SLD, as well as mental health caseness) among the child and adolescent samples was 23.9% and 28.7% respectively. Children and adolescents with inter-developmental impairment on average had with more complex symptomatology than did mental health cases without reported developmental difficulties. The article discusses mechanisms accounting for inter-developmental impairment among formerly maltreated children residing in foster care, and implications for clinical services.
Human Rights in Sociopsychological Perspective
Authors: Ardila‑Sánchez José G. , López‑López Wilson
Published: February 2025

From the standpoint of sociopsychology, we attempt to isolate those aspects of human rights that are distinctly sociopsychological in nature, to later identify them as interindividual segments of social system dynamics. In social perspective, human rights may be viewed as social events and, in a sociopsychological perspective, all social events are conceptualized as social formations of interacting contingencies. Such social formations are constituted of interindividual relations set in a complex of institutional practices. The interindividual relation is conceptualized as a set of contingencies directly affecting individual behavior and has three dimensions: exchange, power, and sanction. Institutions are conceptualized as sociohistorical circumstances having their origins as informal or formal practices. Human rights are addressed in terms of interindividual dimensions and institutional practices constituting specific social formations.