bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of bolus injections of landiolol hydrochloride as premedication in coronary artery CT angiography
Authors: Barwig Mark , Janisch Michael , Gessl Johannes , Kübler Wolfgang , König Christopher , Schwantzer Gerold , Schöllnast Helmut
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of bolus injections of landiolol hydrochloride as premedication in coronary artery CT angiography (CCTA).

Methods

The study population consisted of 37 patients (17 female; median age, 56 years; IQR, 19 years; range, 19–88 years) who underwent CCTA after intravenous injection of landiolol hydrochloride due to a heart rate > 60 bpm. Landiolol hydrochloride was administered in a stepwise manner until a heart rate of ≤ 60 bpm was achieved or a maximum dose of 60 mg was reached after six injections. Heart rates routinely displayed continuously on the CT scanner before the start of the landiolol hydrochloride injection (HRPRE), after each partial dose (HR1–6), during the CT scan (HRCT), and after the examination before moving from the CT table (HRPOST) were recorded. Furthermore, the blood pressure routinely measured before (BPPRE) and after the examination before moving from the CT table (BPPOST) was recorded.

Results

A HRCT of ≤ 60 bpm was achieved in 13 patients (35%) and a HRCT ≤ 65 bpm was achieved in 25 patients (68%). The mean difference (± SD) between HRPRE and HRCT was −11 ± 9 bpm in total, −14 ± 10 bpm in patients without oral beta-blocker premedication and −6 ± 5 bpm in patients with oral Beta-blocker premedication.

Conclusions

Landiolol hydrochloride enables a reduction of the heart rate in patients with and without oral beta-blocker premedication, whereby the use of serial partial doses is a simple and effective approach in clinical routine.

Critical relevance statement

In cardiac CT, weight-independent, stepwise landiolol hydrochloride injection up to 40 mg reduces heart rate by −14 bpm without and −5 bpm with oral beta-blocker premedication, and achieves heart rates of ≤ 65 bpm in a significant proportion of patients.

Key Points

The ideal heart rate for cardiac CT is ≤ 60–65 bpm, which improves image quality and reduces radiation dose.

In cardiac CT, landiolol hydrochloride intravenously reduces heart rate by −14 bpm.

Heart rate of ≤ 65 bpm can be achieved in a significant proportion of patients.

Graphical Abstract
Painful vision loss during air travel after vitrectomy with air tamponade: a case report
Authors: Emrich Jessica , Charbel Issa Peter , Baumann Carmen
Published: January 2025

Background

While the potentially hazardous effects of intraocular perfluorocarbon gases during air travel have been recognized, the equivalent risk of intraocular air tamponade is less known and has, to the best of our knowledge, not been reported yet.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old white female experienced a complete loss of vision and pain in her left eye during air travel following pars plana vitrectomy with air tamponade. Clinical and multimodal imaging findings only a few hours after emergency landing indicated a transient central retinal artery occlusion due to a significant increase in intraocular pressure during the flight.

Conclusion

Air travel, even with a relatively small volume of residual air tamponade, can lead to potentially serious complications.
Long-term effects of linear versus macrocyclic GBCAs on gene expression in the central nervous system of mice
Authors: Wang Chuanbing , Tang Yuxia , Tang Jiajia , Zhang Jie , Wang Siqi , Wu Feiyun , Wang Shouju
Published: January 2025

Background

We examined chronic gadolinium retention impact on gene expression in the mouse central nervous system (CNS) after injection of linear or macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).

Methods

From 05/2022 to 07/2023, 36 female mice underwent weekly intraperitoneal injections of gadodiamide (2.5 mmol/kg, linear), gadobutrol (2.5 mmol/kg, macrocyclic), or saline. Mice were sacrificed on day 29 or 391 after a 1-year washout. Assessments included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mechanical hyperalgesia tests, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure gadolinium levels. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing and bioinformatic analyses identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with validation by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB).

Results

Post-gadodiamide, MRI showed increased signal intensity in the deep cerebellar nuclei (pre, 0.997 ± 0.006 versus post, 1.086 ± 0.013, p < 0.001). Mechanical hyperalgesia tests indicated transient sensory changes. After 1-year, gadolinium retention was noted in the brain (5.92 ± 0.32 nmol/kg) and spinal cord (1.23 ± 0.66 nmol/kg) with gadodiamide, compared to saline controls (0.06 ± 0.02 nmol/kg in brains and 0.28 ± 0.06 nmol/kg in spinal cords). RNA sequencing identified 17 shared DEGs between brain and spinal cord in the gadodiamide group on day 391, with altered Hmgb2 and Sgk1 expression confirmed by qRT-PCR and WB. Reactome pathway analysis showed enrichment in neuroinflammation pathways. No DEGs were detected in brains on day 29.

Conclusion

Chronic gadolinium deposition from repeated linear GBCA but not macrocyclic administration causes significant gene expression alterations in the mouse CNS, particularly affecting neuroinflammation pathways.

Relevance statement

This study examined the long-term impact of chronic gadolinium retention on gene expression in the mouse CNS, uncovering significant changes associated with neuroinflammation pathways after repeated administration of linear GBCA, but not with macrocyclic GBCA. These findings highlight the importance of further research on the long-term safety of linear GBCA in medical imaging.

Key Points

Chronic gadolinium retention alters gene expression in the mouse central nervous system.

Significant neuroinflammatory pathway changes were observed after linear gadodiamide exposure.

MRI showed increased signal intensity in deep cerebellar nuclei after gadodiamide injection.

Graphical Abstract
Performance enhancement of gas cyclone with streamlined ports using CFD simulations
Authors: Soliman Moustafa M. , El-shaer Yasser , Elsayed Khairy , Ibrahim Mohamed A.
Published: January 2025

Cyclones are extensively utilized as gas-solid separators in many industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and powder handling often use mini cyclones for efficient dust collection, air filtration, and contaminant separation in compact systems. The impact of the cyclone vortex finder (VF) diameter, the VF inlet bell mouth shape, and the VF inlet curvature on both flow field distribution and performance has been analyzed through computational analysis employing the Reynolds stress turbulence model (RSM) for twelve cyclone separators. The results demonstrate that decreasing the diameter of the VF by 33% elevates the ultimate tangential velocity by 66%. The ultimate tangential velocity nearly reaches four times the inlet velocity. A reduction of 14% in the VF inlet curvature results in a 6% enlarging in the pressure loss.

Enhancing the bell mouth configuration of the inlet VF by 25% decreases the maximum pressure by 3.7%. Increasing the diameter of the VF, the VF inlet curvature, and the VF inlet bell mouth shape will also lead to reduced $${x}_{50}$$

x
50

. The cyclone with no curvature exhibits lower pressure and tangential velocity compared to the cyclones with curvature and radius of bell mouth shape of (DX/D) ratio equal 0.5. However, all the three cyclones have the same ratio. Cyclones A0 and C1 have the highest collection efficiency of all cyclone models.
Place of death and healthcare utilisation at the end of life among individuals with mental and behavioural disorders as underlying cause of death: population-level multiple-register study
Authors: Olsson Maja Magdalena , Holmberg Christopher , Larsdotter Cecilia , Nyblom Stina , Öhlén Joakim
Published: January 2025

Background

Understanding the place of death for individuals with mental and behavioural disorders (MBDs) is essential for identifying disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, as well as addressing broader health inequities within this population.

Aims

To examine the place of death among individuals in Sweden with the underlying cause of death reported as a MBD and compare variations between diagnostic groups, as well as explore associations between place of death and individual, sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Method

This population-level analysis used death certificate data (gender, age, underlying cause of death and place of death) recorded between 2013 and 2019 and other national register data. MBD group differences were compared using chi-square tests (χ2) and multinominal logistic regressions explored variations in place of death.

Results

The final sample consisted of 2875 individuals. Our regression model revealed that individuals with MBDs other than intellectual disabilities were less likely to die in hospitals (odds ratio 0.60–0.134 [95% CI = 0.014–0.651]) or care homes (odds ratio 0.11–0.97 [95% CI = 0.003–0.355]) than at home. Substance use disorders were the most common underlying cause of death (61.3%). This group consisted predominantly of men (78.8%, χ2, P < 0.001), and tended to be younger (χ2, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more likely to die in hospitals or care homes than at home. Those with MBDs, particularly substance use disorders, face a high risk of premature death, highlighting gaps in healthcare and palliative care provision for these populations.
Spinal Anesthesia in Elderly Patients With Femoral Neck Fractures on Apixaban Therapy: A Case Series
Authors: Glebov Maxim , Portnoy Yotam , Patapanyan Estela , Drori Elad , Katsin Maksim , Berkenstadt Haim , Orkin Dina
Published: January 2025

This case series reviews surgeries involving elderly patients with femoral neck fractures on apixaban who underwent spinal anesthesia (SA) within 72 hours of their last dose. Despite patients being on anticoagulation, no neurological complications occurred, suggesting SA may be practical in cases where the benefits of timely surgery outweigh the potential risks, including apixaban discontinuation for a period of less than the recommended 72 hours with detectable levels of the drug remaining in the plasma. Quantitative apixaban measurements offered useful anticoagulation status insights, though safe thresholds remain undefined.
“Consider-the-Opposite” Debiasing to Improve Self-Assessment Accuracy in Anesthesiology Trainees: A Prospective Pretest-Posttest Study
Authors: Matern Lukas H. , Baker Keith , Saddawi-Konefka Daniel
Published: January 2025

Accurate self-assessments enhance learning and patient care, yet resident physicians self-assess poorly. We therefore tested the effects of a consider-the-opposite (CTO) cognitive debiasing technique on self-assessment accuracy among anesthesiology residents. Trainees self-assessed their technical skills and communication/leadership abilities, then completed a CTO intervention before repeating self-assessments. Postintervention, technical skills self-assessment accuracy remained unchanged (1.00%, 95% confidence interval [CI], −7.46% to 10.0%). Communication/leadership self-assessment accuracy improved by 5.63% (95% CI 0.001%–16.9%), but this did not meet our prespecified threshold for a meaningful effect. These findings do not suggest a compelling effect of this CTO intervention on self-assessment accuracy among trainees.
Δομικές μελέτες του μεταβολισμού του γλυκογόνου σε διαφορετικούς ιστούς
Authors: Καρακούση Πανδώρα
Published: January 2025

Η μελέτη του γλυκογόνου ως μακρομορίου και η αλληλεπίδραση αυτού με τα ένζυμα που συμμετέχουν απευθείας στον μεταβολισμό του σε διαφορετικούς ιστούς αποτελεί πρόκληση για την επιστημονική κοινότητα, ιδιαιτέρως διότι ο μεταβολισμός του γλυκογόνου έχει βρεθεί ότι διαδραματίζει σπουδαίο ρόλο σε σοβαρές νόσους όπως ο σακχαρώδης διαβήτης τύπου 2, ο καρκίνος, οι καρδιαγγειακές και νευροεκφυλιστικές νόσοι. Η ανάπτυξη νέων ερευνητικών εργαλείων για ολοκληρωμένες προσεγγίσεις επιτρέπει πλέον τη συστηματική μελέτη των ενζύμων (μοριακών στόχων) πουσυμμετέχουν στη μεταβολική οδό της βιοσύνθεσης και αποικοδόμησης του γλυκογόνου σε διαφορετικούς ιστούς. Το γλυκογόνο είναι ένας πολυσακχαρίτης ο οποίος αποτελείται από δεκάδες χιλιάδες μόρια γλυκόζης που σχηματίζουν διακλαδισμένες αλυσίδες. Αποτελεί μονάδα αποθήκευσης ενέργειας καθώς η φωσφορυλίωσή του απελευθερώνει γλυκόζη, που αποτελεί πηγή ενέργειας των βασικών οργάνων συμπεριλαμβανομένου, του εγκεφάλου. Στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας διατριβής διερευνήθηκε η εμπλοκή του γλυκογόνου σε νόσους όπως αυτές που αναφέρθηκαν με στόχο την αποσαφήνιση του ρόλου του στην πρόληψη ή την αντιμετώπιση ασθενειών με μελέτες βιβλιογραφικής και βιοπληροφορικής αναζήτησης και προτάθηκε μεθοδολογία για το πώς αυτό μπορεί να καταστεί δυνατό. Δόθηκε έμφαση στη φωσφορυλάση του γλυκογόνου, ένζυμο κλειδί για τη μεταβολική πορεία της αποικοδόμησης του γλυκογόνου η οποία μελετάται ως σύμπλοκο με φθορίζουσες ενώσεις –με βιοχημικές και κρυσταλλογραφικές μεθόδους με απώτερο στόχο την ανάπτυξη βιοδραστικών ενώσεων που δύνανται να μελετηθούν σε κυτταρικό επίπεδο. Παράλληλα, πραγματοποιήθηκαν βιοφυσικές μελέτες του γλυκογόνου από οστρακοειδή ως φυσικό πολυμερές παρουσία και απουσία του ενζύμου.
Η εικόνα των Μακεδόνων στους Έλληνες συγγραφείς των αυτοκρατορικών χρόνων (1ος αι. π.Χ. - 3ος αι. μ.Χ.)
Authors: Πεπούδης Αντώνιος
Published: January 2025

Όπως δηλώνει ο τίτλος της διατριβής «Η εικόνα των Μακεδόνων στους Έλληνες συγγραφείς των αυτοκρατορικών χρόνων (1ος αι. π.Χ. - 3ος αι. μ.Χ.)», αντικείμενό της είναι οι αναφορές στο φύλο των Μακεδόνων και στη Μακεδονία που απαντούν στην ελληνόγλωσση γραμματεία κατά τη ρωμαϊκή Αυτοκρατορική Περίοδο. Μελετώνται τα έργα δεκατεσσάρων συγγραφέων (Διονύσιος Αλικαρνασσέας, Στράβων, Πλούταρχος, Δίων Χρυσόστομος, Αρριανός, Αππιανός, Κάσσιος Δίων, Αίλιος Αριστείδης, Λουκιανός, Παυσανίας, Πολύαινος, Ηρωδιανός, Δέξιππος και Φιλόστρατος), οι οποίοι εντάσσονται στο πνευματικό κίνημα της Δεύτερης σοφιστικής. Το θέμα μακεδ- (Μακεδονία, Μακεδών, Μακεδόνες και Μακεδονικός) εμφανίζεται συνολικά 1.540 φορές στα έργα των συγγραφέων και παραπέμπουν σχεδόν πάντοτε στους Μακεδόνες του κλασικού παρελθόντος. Οι αναφορές είναι μάλλον περιστασιακές και τα θέματα με τα οποία ασχολούνται ποικίλλουν. Οι συγγραφείς δεν έδειξαν ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον συνολικά τόσο για το έθνος των Μακεδόνων όσο και για την ίδια την ιστορία της Μακεδονίας. Παρατηρείται εν γένει αρνητική και αντιφατική εικόνα σχετικά με την πρόσληψη των Μακεδόνων ακόμα και στην ανάδειξη της ταυτότητάς τους, καθώς αλλού διαπιστώνεται ότι διακρίνονται και αλλού ταυτίζονται οι Μακεδόνες και η Μακεδονία από/με τους Έλληνες και την Ελλάδα αντιστοίχως. Αυτή η συγκεχυμένη για τους Μακεδόνες εικόνα μπορεί να αποδοθεί εν μέρει στην κλασικιστική θεώρηση, δηλαδή στην αρνητική εν πολλοίς αποτύπωση των Μακεδόνων στα έργα των συγγραφέων της κλασικής περιόδου (βλ. ρήτορας Δημοσθένης). Παράδειγμα αποτελεί η οριοθέτηση του τέλους της αρχαίας ελληνικής ιστορίας στη μάχη της Χαιρώνειας (338 π.Χ.), καθώς οι Μακεδόνες θεωρήθηκαν ως οι εχθροί που υποδούλωσαν τους νότιους Έλληνες. Σε αυτό συνέτεινε το γεγονός ότι τα ρητορικά έργα του 5ου και του 4ου αι. π.Χ. αποτέλεσαν πρότυπα για τους συγγραφείς της Δεύτερης σοφιστικής και ενδεχομένως να ταυτίστηκαν με τις θέσεις των συγγραφικών τους προτύπων για τους Μακεδόνες. Τέλος, ένας άλλος λόγος αποτελεί η πολιτική ενσωμάτωση των συγγραφέων στη Ρωμαϊκή αυτοκρατορία και επομένως δεν μπορούσαν παρά να αναδείξουν τους Μακεδόνες κατώτερους απέναντι στην ασύγκριτη στρατιωτική δύναμη της Ρώμης με την οποία ήλθαν αντιμέτωποι σε τρεις πολέμους.
The Role of Imagination in Provoking Critical Reflection and Transformative Learning through Art. An Example Taken from a Group of Teachers Training in Surrealist Poetry
Authors: Καλογρίδη Σοφία Σάββα
Published: January 2025

This paper presents the views of 12 primary education teachers who participated in an educational workshop entitled: ‘The difficulty in approaching surrealist poetry within the classroom and the transformation of the teachers’ views through art. The role of imagination.’ The aim of the workshop was to harness the power of imagination in order to stimulate critical thinking and transform the teachers’ dysfunctional views over teaching surrealist poetry at school. The method applied was the following: ‘Transformative learning through an aesthetical experience’ by A. Kokkos (2010, 2011, et al., 2021). During the workshop poems by Miltos Sahtouris from his collection ‘Το σκεύος’ (The Utensil) were used. By applying this method, it was observed that the teachers – trainees via processing poetry and in particular interpreting words, symbolisms, surprises, reviewed their initial views regarding the difficulty of understanding and teaching surrealist poetry. Releasing their imagination, a skill significantly important to develop at least for specific purposes in transformative learning, enabled them to discover ‘hidden’ meanings within the words of the poem and in particular ‘reading’ the images that play a dominant role in surrealist poetry.
Ambient Air Pollution and Chronic kidney disease risk in Deltan communities: A Policy Brief, 2023
Authors: Okoye Ogochukwu , Carnegie Elaine , Mora Luca
Published: January 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent, devastating, yet neglected, non-communicable disease, particularly in developing and emerging countries. The traditional risk factors for CKD, such as hypertension and diabetes have received relatively ample attention but do not sufficiently explain the high burden of CKD. Ambient air pollution is an emerging environmental risk factor for CKD; however, epidemiological data and evidence are lacking for susceptible populations in developing countries. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a petrochemical hub known for environmental degradation, including air pollution, and thus, serves as a good case study for investigating the association between air pollution and CKD. This brief is based on an exploratory mixed-methods study conducted in four communities situated near an oil and gas refinery in Warri, Nigeria, to explore perceived and actual air pollution risks and determine whether long-term exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with CKD. Air pollutant concentrations measured in partnership with citizen scientists using portable air sensors, showed that all except one air pollutant (ozone) exceeded the WHO acceptable limits in all four communities. PM2.5 ranged from 22.8 to 28.0 μg/m3, PM10, 40.6 to 55.5 μg/m3, and CO2, 584-652 ppm. The overall prevalence of CKD was 12.3% but even higher (18%) in a socially deprived semi-urban community closest to the oil refinery. Hypertension, diabetes, other behavioral risk factors, and exposures associated with CKD were prevalent in the four communities and environmental health information was lacking. A multifaceted approach is required to mitigate air pollution and the associated NCD risks in the region. The government needs to invest in air monitoring services, cleaner technologies, and environmental risk communication through various media channels. We strongly recommend public inclusion in planning, designing, and implementing educational interventions. Lastly, environmental risk factors such as air pollution should feature prominently in strategic plans for NCD prevention.
Comprehensive analysis of Saudi Arabia's research output: a bibliometric study (2013--2022)
Authors: Chogthu Bharti , V Ritheesh , Naik Ashwath , Venkata Santhosh
Published: January 2025

Background Bibliometric studies that employ quantitative methods are pivotal for evaluating and analysing the dissemination of scientific knowledge across various disciplines. These studies assess the impact and reach of scholarly works by examining citation patterns, authorship trends, and publication metrics. Methods This study examines Saudi Arabia’s research paper output indexed in the Scopus database, utilizing bibliographic data from the SciVal database. SciVal provides comprehensive cross-searching capabilities across various citation indices and databases, offering multidisciplinary information from high-impact journals. The data aggregation from SciVal includes filtering options such as years, subject areas, publication sources, citation counts, and productivity metrics for researchers, institutions, and countries. Results This research focuses on Saudi Arabia’s research productivity and the performance of its top universities from 2013–2022. Additionally, information on average per capita GDP and total GDP for the past nine years was sourced from World Bank data. The analysis encompasses all nations that published research productivity articles annually within the specified period. The present study revealed that the research output from Saudi Arabia increased 320%, with an average annual growth rate of 16%. Conclusion The present study provides insights into the research productivity of Saudi Arabia and its leading universities, contributing to a broader understanding of global scientific output and its economic context. This study provides an idea to other nations to balance their research output vis-a-vis their economic growth.
Ways of measuring peripheral neuropathy severity and its association with retinopathy in patients with diabetes: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Kossioris Aristomenis , Kandarakis Stylianos , Doumazos Spyridon , Petrou Petros
Published: January 2025

Introduction Recent advances in elucidating the pathogenetic mechanisms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and improvements in clinical trial design have reinvigorated the potential for agents developed in preclinical studies to be translated into new therapeutic agents, as well as highlighting the need for improved and effective means of measuring neuropathy in preclinical and clinical research. A systematic review of the literature on the methods of measuring the severity of DPN and the association of the results of each method with diabetic retinopathy would contribute positively to the above developments. Methods The intended scoping review will be aligned, in combination, with the frameworks proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), and the framework proposed by Peters et al. in 2015. The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases will be searched, as well as the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. The search strategy will include the following sequence of Boolean terms and operators: (“retinopathy” OR “eye disease” OR “eye disease” OR “maculopathy” OR “retinal” OR “macular”) AND “neuropathy” and for the title/abstract or abstract only “severity” AND (“diabetes” OR “diabetic”). The yielded publications will be screened according to criteria. This will be followed by data extraction, synthesis and presentation of results, discussion and conclusions. Discussion The different ways of measuring the severity of peripheral neuropathy identified in the previous literature will be discussed, as well as the association of neuropathy and/or its severity with retinopathy in patients with diabetes. The main aim of the discussion will be to elucidate the role of different methods of measuring the severity of DPN and its association with retinopathy. Registration The protocol has been registered on the international platform of registered systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (INPLASY). Inplasy protocol 2024100017. doi: 10.37766/inplasy2024.10.0017.
Protocol of a Scoping Review on the Use of Transactional Data for Early Diagnosis (TRADED-ScR)
Authors: Araz Kurdo , Jacob Benjamin M , Flanagan James , Redmond Patrick
Published: January 2025

Background The early detection of many diseases is crucial for effective treatment, as it increases the likelihood of successful management and helps prevent or delay complications. However, early detection is often hampered by the asymptomatic nature of initial disease stages and delays in patients seeking care. In cancers such as ovarian, gastrointestinal, and haematological types, delays may result from self-management of non-specific symptoms with over-the-counter medications. Recent studies, such as the Cancer Loyalty Card Study (CLOCS), suggest that transactional data can reveal early self-medicating behaviours indicative of cancer. Despite this potential, a comprehensive understanding of the use of transactional data for early diagnosis across diseases is lacking. Aim This scoping review aims to systematically collate and analyse the literature on the use of transactional data for early detection of any disease, assessing its viability as a predictive tool. Methods The review will follow the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework, with enhancements by Levac et al., and will be reported according to PRISMA-P and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search will be conducted across databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The review will include studies that utilise transactional data to identify early signs of disease, focusing on both peer-reviewed articles and conference abstracts. The data will be thematically charted and synthesised to compare methodologies, disease types, types of transactional data used, key findings, and limitations. Implications By mapping the use of transactional data as a non-invasive tool for early detection, this review aims to inform and potentially transform approaches to screening and diagnosis. The findings will provide insights for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, supporting the development of targeted interventions that leverage transactional data for disease surveillance and early detection.
Coordinates of Modern Urbanism: discursive Transformations
Authors: Savchyenko Irina , Kozlova Yuliya
Published: January 2025

Modern urban studies has a chance to offer the scientific community a research model (coordinate system) that significantly expands the possibilities of urban research, giving them a comprehensive and systematic character. The monograph combines the materials of the best reports presented at the international scientific conference "Coordinates of Modern Urbanism: a turn towards humanism".
For a wide range of readers.
Aristotle’s Theory of Regime Change: A Reexamination of Politics 5.1-5.3
Authors: Bates, Jr Clifford Angell
Published: January 2025

This paper offers a re-examination of Aristotle’s theory of metabole found in the first three chapters of Politics 5. I argue that Aristotle offers a general theory of political change, which highlights the logic and mechanism that will explain not only why regimes will change but also what are the causes and triggers for such change. This paper offers a re-reading of these three chapters showing that what is being addressed here is much more dynamic and useful to contemporary scholars of political science than most presentations of these chapters present.
Kryzys demokracji jako proces
Authors: Lewandowski Arkadiusz
Published: January 2025

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Colin Bird on Libertarianism
Authors: Nowakowski Paweł
Published: January 2025

In this article, I delve into Colin Bird’s critical evaluation of libertarianism. Bird positions this strand within his broader framework of “liberal individualism,” and he contends that libertarianism, as a prime exemplar of liberal individualism, is inherently self-contradictory because of the perceived tension between self-ownership and individual inviolability. Employing logical and comparative analyses, this research rigorously examines the accuracy of Bird’s reconstruction and interpretation of libertarianism, while also assessing the validity of his assertion that libertarianism harbours internal contradictions. The findings suggest that Bird’s argument does not hold primarily due to misinterpreting the core tenets of libertarianism.
Political Rivalry in the Light of Leigh van Halen’s Red Queen Hypothesis
Authors: Nocoń Jarosław
Published: January 2025

The Red Queen hypothesis is a popular model for analysing the phenomenon of competition in nature. It establishes mutual dependencies between competing species that stimulate their changes and adaptation processes to new conditions. The result of such competition is a self-propelling race, which allows for the evaluation of its effects, including the benefits for the participants. This dependency structure is often used to analyse interactions in social behaviour, especially the optimisation of economic competition strategies in a free market. The Red Queen model appears to be a useful tool for interpreting political competition phenomena and analysing interactions between political entities. However, there are relatively few references to its analytical applications in political science literature. The article discusses three fundamental issues related to the possibilities of political exploration of the Red Queen hypothesis. Firstly, it presents arguments justifying the use of an evolutionary interpretation for political research. Secondly, it identifies key implications arising from the perception of political competition through the prism of the discussed Leigh Van Halen model. The concepts of competition and cooperation were taken into account, with cooperation being considered a form of coopetition in the political sphere of social life. The final section identifies the key dimensions of analysis for competition among politicians, political parties, and states on the international stage.
Suwerenność technologiczna - teoretyczna i analityczna konceptualizacja pojęcia w obszarze badań społecznych
Authors: Lewandowski Piotr
Published: January 2025

TECHNOLOGICAL SOVEREIGNTY – THEORETICAL AND ANALYTICAL CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE CONCEPT IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL RESEARCH
The purpose of the article is to adapt the concept of technological sovereignty to the Polish scientific discourse with the postulate of expanding research in this area. This article is an effort to implement the concept and improve the perception of the policy of technological sovereignty into the properties of the cognitive category of security science and political science. Under this premise, the theoretical and analytical designators extracted in the course of analysis allow the construction of a research operative. The article attempts to provide a theoretical and cognitive account of technological sovereignty in the context of the geo-economic paradigm and the concept of technological warfare.
Ruski mir
Authors: Romanowski Dymitr
Published: January 2025

RUSSKI MIR: IDEA, IDEOLOGY, MYTHThe article analyses the phenomenon of the “Russian World”. It discusses key concepts of this new ideology, such as a new church-state synthesis, defense of traditional values, and a new ecumenism. Additionally, it explores the synthesis of nation and religion in the new Eurasian concept, the relationship between political revival and the recovery of lost territories, and attempts to rebuild national unity and restore a holistic approach to tradition and history.
Model kultury politycznej Marka Sobolewskiego
Authors: Kułakowska Małgorzata , Borowiec Piotr
Published: January 2025

MAREK SOBOLEWSKI’S MODEL OF POLITICAL CULTURE AS AN EXAMPLE OF ADAPTATION OF GABRIEL ALMOND’S THEORETICAL CONCEPT TO THE CONDITIONS OF THE SOCIALIST SOCIETY
The article presents Marek Sobolewski’s attempt to adapt Gabriel A. Almond’s concept of political culture to the conditions of socialist regime and society. It focuses on the theoretical methods of accommodating the capitalist theoretical concept to the socio-political conditions of Poland in the 1970s. It emphasises the mechanisms and tools of constructing theoretical models used by Sobolewski, the strategy of moving away from speculation to the use of analogy, and highlights the usefulness of research intuition. It also displays Sobolewski’s endeavour to reflect within the theoretical concept the guiding principles of the socio-political order of the time. The article focuses on the theoretical rules of constructing and adapting models in the social sciences. Its purpose is not to assess the adequacy, usefulness or accuracy of the concept created, but to showcase the role of the scientific and political conditions of its creation and its theoretical and methodological dimensions.
Claims of Contemporary Political Representation Theory
Authors: Zieliński Mateusz
Published: January 2025

In this work, I will attempt to address the question of what lies ahead for the theory of political representation after the “constructivist turn” that has dominated this theoretical field in recent years. In doing so, I draw upon the influential theory of Michel Saward, whose contributions have ignited inter-paradigmatic debates involving, among others, feminist authors and theorists advocating for radical democratic theory. In the article, I explore both Saward’s own arguments and the key propositions presented by his opponents. I emphasise that his assumptions not only necessitate a reformulation of the technical aspects of representation (its sources of legitimacy and principles of accountability) but also reveal the need for a theoretical reflection on the effects of new forms of “representative claims”. As I will endeavour to demonstrate, these claims lead us to a debate on the nature of “political relationships”, which I define as situations in which two or more political subjectivities mutually condition each other.
Unearthing Zombies
Authors: Kulkarni Nirupama , Ritadhi S. K. , Vij Siddharth , Waldock Katherine
Published: January 2025

Bankruptcy reforms that improve lenders’ ability to recover claims from financially distressed borrowers can mitigate zombie lending. However, we show that after a 2016 bankruptcy reform in India, lenders are reluctant to recognize zombie credit as nonperforming, impeding reform efficacy. A subsequent complementary regulation targeting lender discretion in recognizing nonperforming assets improves zombie recognition fivefold. The lender disincentive to recognize zombies arises from undercapitalized banks’ reluctance to realize loan losses and political economy frictions at state-owned banks. Resolving zombie credit allows lenders to redirect credit to healthy borrowers, but effects are muted at banks more exposed to zombie borrowers.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Funding: The authors are grateful for financial support provided by the NSE-NYU Stern Initiative on the Study of Indian Capital Markets.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01356 .
On Interim Envy-Free Allocation Lotteries
Authors: Caragiannis Ioannis , Kanellopoulos Panagiotis , Kyropoulou Maria
Published: January 2025

With very few exceptions, recent research in fair division has mostly focused on deterministic allocations. Deviating from this trend, we study the fairness notion of interim envy-freeness (iEF) for lotteries over allocations, which serves as a sweet spot between the too-stringent notion of ex post envy-freeness and the very weak notion of ex ante envy-freeness. Our analysis relates iEF to other fairness notions as well and reveals trade-offs between iEF and efficiency. Even though several of our results apply to general fair division problems, we are particularly interested in instances with equal numbers of agents and items where allocations are perfect matchings of the items to the agents. We show how to compute iEF allocations in matching allocation instances in polynomial time while also maximizing several efficiency objectives, even though this proves to be considerably more challenging than computing envy-free allocations. Our algorithms use efficient solutions to a novel variant of the bipartite matching problem. We also study the extension of iEF when payments to or from the agents are allowed. We present a series of results on two optimization problems, including a generalization of the classical rent division problem to random allocations.

Funding: I. Caragiannis was partially supported by Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond [Grant 032-00185B].
Experiences and evaluation of the new standards for student supervision and assessment
Authors: Addis Gulen , Loughrey Natasha
Published: January 2025

The Nursing and Midwifery Council's Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (SSSA), introduced in 2018, shifted from a mentorship model to a coaching model, creating new roles for practice supervisors, assessors, and academic assessors. This study explores the experiences of nursing students, practice assessors, and supervisors working with the SSSA. Using a qualitative approach, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with nursing students and staff. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: SSSA-related training, organisational support, and expectations from students and staff. Findings suggest time constraints, inconsistent training, and use of the electronic practice assessment documentation (e-PAD) platform require attention to improve the learning experience.
Embracing change
Authors: Blackmore Francesca
Published: January 2025

A recent incident in her practice inspires Francesca Blackmore to consider the importance of continuous adaptation
The importance of engaging colleagues
Authors: Mercier Grace Le
Published: January 2025

Grace Le Mercier shares why engaging colleagues on sustainability is integral to the success of activity, and how they do it at Specsavers
Look into the future
Authors: Bennett Chris
Published: January 2025

Chris Bennett catches up with Craig McArthur winner of the Myopia Management Award sponsored by CooperVision
Message to corridors of power
Authors: Morris Paul
Published: January 2025

Paul Morris makes the case for getting involved in the new government's plans for the NHS
Using big data to understand interest in myopia
Authors: Nagra Manbir , Wolffsohn James S , Mojarrad Neema Ghorbani
Published: January 2025

As part of our research spotlight series, which aims to highlight interesting pieces of optometry-related research, Dr Manbir Nagra, Professor James Wolffsohn and Dr Neema Ghorbani Mojarrad, describe findings from their recently published study which evaluated global interest in myopia
Mental Health Becomes Key to Welfare
Authors: Fanning Paul
Published: January 2025

Research shows that an increased focus on mental health and wellbeing is changing the health and safety landscape.
The Changing 3D Printing Sales Landscape
Authors: Painter Adrian
Published: January 2025

How 3D printing is now widely accepted, and customers are now focussed on the application benefits
Developing Gross and Fine Motor Skills Using Sensory Integration in Children With Moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Gaber Sherif Adel , Alzahrani Abdulwahab Saeed , Dawsari Ibrahim Ali , Hamad Awatif Mahmoud , Alhajri Ahlam Saleh
Published: January 2025

Sensory integration (SI)-based intervention programs aim to improve the motor performance of children with moderate autism spectrum disorder (MASD), which may contribute to the development of their gross and fine motor skills. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a SI-based training program in developing gross and fine motor skills in 70 children with MASD aged 6–9 years (M = 7.11, SD ± 1.19) and selected intentionally from a daycare center in Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia. The study used the quasi-experimental approach and followed the experimental design with two groups, which were randomly distributed and examined for equivalence. The study also used the Gross Motor Skills Scale (GMSS), the Fine Motor Skills Scale (FMSS), and the training program based on SI. The study found that the experimental group had significantly higher post-test scores in the GMSS and the FMSS than the control group, with these differences being statistically significant. However, no significant difference was observed between the post-test scores and the follow-up test scores within the experimental group, indicating stability in their performance over time. This indicates the effectiveness of the training program used in developing the targeted skills and the continuation of the training effect after the program’s application period. The study suggests that children should use SI-based training programs to enhance their motor skills.
Bioprospecting of non-timber forest products of selected flora in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia for phytochemicals, anti-diabetic, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidants
Authors: RAMADHAN RICO , NI’MATUZAHROH NI’MATUZAHROH , LESTARI DINDA AYU , HARIYANTO NOVA ALFIAN , SUWANDARI SUHARTINI , KURNIA IRMAYANTI TRI , PHUWAPRAISIRISAN PREECHA , HASAN MUHAMMAD IQBAL , PHONTREE KIETTIPUM , SETIAWAN JOHAN , SALAMUN SALAMUN , WAHONO NANANG DWI , SUPRIYANTO AGUS , AFFANDI MOCH.
Published: January 2025

Abstract. Ramadhan R, Ni’matuzahroh, Lestari DA, Hariyanto NA, Suwandari S, Kurnia IT, Phuwapraisirisan PP, Hasan MI, Phontree K, Setiawan J, Salamun, Wahono ND, Supriyanto A, Affandi M. 2024. Bioprospecting of non-timber forest products of selected flora in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia for phytochemicals, anti-diabetic, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidants. Biodiversitas 25: 3803-3815. The ecosystem within Baluran National Park comprises elements that exhibit varying degrees of sensitivity to environmental influences, encompassing both biotic and abiotic factors. It has been observed that identical plant species may display significant variations in their secondary metabolite content across different habitats. The primary objective of this investigation is to analyze the phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties, anti-tyrosinase effects, and anti-diabetic potential of specific flora species found in Baluran National Park. Furthermore, the research aims to identify novel natural resources with anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties among the selected flora from Baluran National Park, East Java, using chemotaxonomic and ethnopharmacological data. The study involved the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals, along with assessing their in vitro anti-diabetic, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant activities through various assays such as ?-glucosidase inhibition, tyrosinase inhibition, and free radical scavenging tests (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP). The findings reveal that ethanol extracts of Euphorbia atoto demonstrated potent ?-glucosidase inhibitory activity with a percent inhibition (PI) value of 92.07±1.43%, surpassing the inhibitory effects of acarbose (25.92±1.61%) and quercetin (84.79±1.18%). Additionally, the antioxidant assessments indicated that the selected flora from Baluran National Park exhibited substantial antioxidant properties, as evidenced by their percent inhibition (PI) values. These results provide a scientific basis for considering the flora of Baluran National Park as a potential source of natural medicinal compounds.
The metabolomic fingerprinting of four duku (Lansium domesticum) cultivars from Central Java, Indonesia based on unique metabolites and prospects for future breeding
Authors: MURRINIE ENDANG DEWI , FAIRUZIA FAZAT , ARINI NINDYA , ALPANDARI HENY , MAHARANI INGGIT
Published: January 2025

Abstract. Murrinie ED, Fairuzia F, Arni N, Alpandari H, Maharini I. 2024. The metabolomic fingerprinting of four duku (Lansium domesticum) cultivars from Central Java, Indonesia based on unique metabolites and prospects for future breeding. Biodiversitas 25: 3816-3839. This research aims to map the genetic identity of Central Java (Indonesia) duku cultivars, Sumber, Woro, Matesih, and Kalikajar, through a metabolomic analysis approach using the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) method from duku fruit peel and flesh. Heatmap and principal component analysis (PCA) of volatile organic compound (VOC) metabolites identified from duku fruit peel grouped Sumber, Woro, and Matesih as one group, with Sumber and Woro being more similar, while Kalikajar was in a different group. The identified metabolites of duku fruit flesh show that Woro and Matesih cultivars are in the same cluster, followed by Kalikajar, which is closer to the Woro and Matesih metabolites. Sumber mostly has different metabolites. VOC metabolites successfully identified primary and secondary metabolites defined as common metabolites in four cultivars, which have a myriad of functions for plant growth and development, nutritional value, plant defense against biotic stress and environmental stress tolerance, and physiological plant phenotypes. The successful identification of these metabolites not only enhances our understanding of the duku cultivars but also reassures the accuracy and reliability of future breeding for superior duku plants that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stress based on the VOC metabolites in the Sumber, Woro, Matesih, and Kalikajar cultivars, particularly the unique metabolites that distinguish these cultivars.
Primer design of the CO1 gene (Cytochrome Oxidase-1) for Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) for rapid detection using real-time PCR method
Authors: SARI MAQQITA TUNJUNG , SUSILOWATI ARI , ARITONANG SETIA BETARIA , ASTIRIN OKID PARAMA , ETIKAWATI NITA , SAAMIA VIRA
Published: January 2025

Abstract. Sari MT, Susilowati A, Aritonang SB, Astirin OP, Etikawati N, Saamia V. 2024. Primer design of the CO1 gene (Cytochrome Oxidase-1) for Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) for rapid detection using real-time PCR method. Biodiversitas 25: 3840-3849. The population of Sumatran elephants is classified as endangered according to the IUCN due to conflicts between humans and elephants, resulting in many elephants being killed by humans to obtain ivory to be sold. The traded ivory is often processed into other ornaments. A rapid forensic examination with real-time PCR using the molecular approach of the CO1 gene (Cytochrome Oxidase-1) is necessary to determine the original species of the processed elephant ivory. This research aims to design and optimize a primer for identifying Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus). The CO1 gene primer for Sumatran elephants was designed using the Primer3Plus and IDT websites. The primers were used to amplify and identify the species of Sumatran elephants from blood, feces, and urine samples. Blood and feces samples were collected from Sumatran elephants at Taru Jurug Zoo Surakarta, while feces and urine samples were taken from Sumatran elephants at Ragunan Zoo Jakarta. DNA from blood and urine samples was extracted using the TIANamp Genomic DNA Kit, and DNA from feces samples was extracted using the TIANamp Stool DNA Kit. The purity and concentration of the obtained DNA extracts were measured. The designed primers were synthesized by Macrogen (Korea), and primer optimization was performed with a PCR gradient. The identification process of Sumatran elephant DNA extract samples was conducted by amplification using real-time PCR quantification with the standard curve method. The results of this research include the COI-270 primer with the sequences 3'-TTAGGTCAACCAGGCTCTCTTC-5' and 5'-AGGATATACGGTCCAACCAGTG-3', capable of amplifying the target 270 bp and having a single peak at the melt curve temperature of 79°C. The identification protocol with specific COI-270 primer can be used in forensic examinations to identify samples originating from Sumatran elephants.