bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase I Clinical Trial of Intrahepatic Artery Delivery of TG6002 in Combination with Oral 5-Fluorocytosine in Patients with Liver-Dominant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: West Emma J. , Sadoun Alain , Bendjama Kaidre , Erbs Philippe , Smolenschi Cristina , Cassier Philippe A. , de Baere Thierry , Sainte-Croix Sophie , Brandely Maud , Melcher Alan A. , Ismail Fay , Scott Karen J. , Bennett Angela , Banks Emma , Gasior Ewa , Kent Sarah , Kurzawa Marta , Hammond Christopher , Patel Jai V. , Collinson Fiona J. , Twelves Chris , Anthoney D. Alan , Swinson Dan , Samson Adel
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Effective treatment for patients with metastatic cancer is limited, particularly for those with colorectal cancer with metastatic liver lesions, in which accessibility to numerous tumors is essential for favorable clinical outcomes. Oncolytic viruses (OV) selectively replicate in cancer cells; however, direct targeting of inaccessible lesions is limited when using conventional intravenous or intratumoral administration routes.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a multicenter, dose-escalation, phase I study of vaccinia virus, TG6002, via intrahepatic artery (IHA) delivery in combination with the oral prodrug 5-fluorocytosine to 15 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Results:

Successful IHA delivery of replication-competent TG6002 was achieved, as demonstrated by the virus within tumor biopsies. Functional transcription of the FCU1 transgene indicates viral replication within the tumor, with higher plasma 5-fluorouracil associated with patients receiving the highest dose of TG6002. IHA delivery of TG6002 correlated with a robust systemic peripheral immune response to the virus with activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, associated with a proinflammatory cytokine response and release of calreticulin, potentially indicating immunogenic cell death. Gene Ontology analyses of differentially expressed genes reveal a significant immune response at the transcriptional level in response to treatment. Moreover, an increase in the number and frequency of T-cell receptor clones against both cancer antigens and neoantigens, with elevated functional activity, may be associated with improved anticancer activity. Despite these findings, no clinical efficacy was observed.

Conclusions:

In summary, these data demonstrate the delivery of OV to tumor via IHA administration, associated with viral replication and significant peripheral immune activation. Collectively, the data support the need for future studies using IHA administration of OVs.
Inhibition of DKK-1 by WAY262611 Inhibits Osteosarcoma Metastasis
Authors: Tal Adit , Gunawardana-Zeigler Shimara , Peng Da , Tan Yuqi , Munoz Perez Natalia , Offenbacher Rachel , Kastner Laurel , Ciero Paul , Randolph Matthew E. , Gong Yun , Deng Hong-Wen , Cahan Patrick , Loeb David M.
Published: January 2025

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in childhood. Patients who present with metastatic disease at diagnosis or relapse have a very poor prognosis, and this has not changed over the past four decades. The Wnt signaling pathway plays a role in regulating osteogenesis and is implicated in osteosarcoma pathogenesis. DKK-1 inhibits the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, causing inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and disordered bone repair. Our lab previously demonstrated that an mAb against DKK-1 prevented metastatic disease in a mouse model. This study expands upon those findings by demonstrating similar results with a small-molecule inhibitor of DKK-1, WAY262611, both in vitro and in vivo. WAY262611 was evaluated in vitro on osteosarcoma cell lines, including proliferation, caspase activation, cell-cycle analysis, and signaling pathway activation. We utilized our orthotopic implantation/amputation model of osteosarcoma metastasis in vivo to determine the impact of WAY262611 on primary tumor progression and metastatic outgrowth of disseminated tumor cells. Differentiation status was determined using single-cell RNA sequencing. We show here that WAY262611 activates canonical Wnt signaling, enhances nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of β-catenin, and slows proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines. We also show that WAY262611 induces osteoblastic differentiation of a patient-derived xenograft of osteosarcoma in vivo, as well as inhibiting metastasis. This work credentials DKK-1 as a therapeutic target in osteosarcoma, allowing for manipulation of the Wnt signaling pathway and providing preclinical justification for the development of new biologics for the prevention of osteosarcoma metastasis.
Figure S14 from Transient EZH2 Suppression by Tazemetostat during In Vitro Expansion Maintains T-Cell Stemness and Improves Adoptive T-Cell Therapy
Authors: Hou Yingqin , Zak Jaroslav , Shi Yujie , Pratumchai Isaraphorn , Dinner Brandon , Wang Wenjian , Qin Ke , Weber Evan W. , Teijaro John R. , Wu Peng
Published: January 2025

Figure S14 Phenotype and cytokine expression analysis of HA-28z CAR-T cells treated with vehicle or tazemeostat before (A-B) or after (C-D) a re-stimulation for 3 days. 3 repeats for each group (n=3), nsP > 0.05; *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001; ****P < 0.0001; analyzed by Student’s t-test.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Complement Factor H Is an ICOS Ligand Modulating Tregs in the Glioma Microenvironment
Authors: Smolag Karolina I. , Olszowka Jakub , Rosberg Rebecca , Johansson Elinn , Marinko Elisabet , Leandersson Karin , O’Connell David J. , Governa Valeria , Tuysuz Emre Can , Belting Mattias , Pietras Alexander , Martin Myriam , Blom Anna M.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary figure 1. FH binds to T-cells via ICOS
Supplemental Figure 6. from Alternate MHC I Antigen Presentation Pathways Allow CD8+ T-cell Recognition and Killing of Cancer Cells in the Absence of β2M or TAP
Authors: Cruz Freidrich M. , Orellano Laura A. A. , Chan Amanda , Rock Kenneth L.
Published: January 2025

Supplemental Figure 6: Ova expression is enough to induce WT tumor rejection.
Supplemental Figure 5. from Alternate MHC I Antigen Presentation Pathways Allow CD8+ T-cell Recognition and Killing of Cancer Cells in the Absence of β2M or TAP
Authors: Cruz Freidrich M. , Orellano Laura A. A. , Chan Amanda , Rock Kenneth L.
Published: January 2025

Supplemental Figure 5: Sec62 is not required to present ER-resident peptides in Tap1 KO cells.
Supplementary Fig. S5 from Gefitinib Reverses PD-L1–Mediated Immunosuppression Induced by Long-term Glutamine Blockade in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ma Guofeng , Jia Huiqing , Li Zhiqiang , Zhang Xiangyan , Wang Liping , Zhang Zhilei , Xiao Yujing , Liang Zhijuan , Li Dan , Chen Yuanbin , Tian Xintao , Wang Yonghua , Liang Ye , Niu Haitao
Published: January 2025

Glutamine blockade up-regulates the expression of PD-L1 in bladder cancer cells by activating the EGFR/ERK/C-Jun pathway.
Supplementary Fig. S1 from Gefitinib Reverses PD-L1–Mediated Immunosuppression Induced by Long-term Glutamine Blockade in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ma Guofeng , Jia Huiqing , Li Zhiqiang , Zhang Xiangyan , Wang Liping , Zhang Zhilei , Xiao Yujing , Liang Zhijuan , Li Dan , Chen Yuanbin , Tian Xintao , Wang Yonghua , Liang Ye , Niu Haitao
Published: January 2025

Glutamine metabolism participates in the malignant progression of bladder cancer patients.
Table S2 from Deleting Trim33 in Myeloid Cells Improves the Efficiency of Radiotherapy through an IFNβ-Dependent Antitumor Immune Response
Authors: Assouvie Anaïs , Gerbé-de-Thoré Marine , Torres Claire , Ménard Véronique , Alfaro Alexia , Deutsch Eric , Mondini Michele , Rousselet Germain
Published: January 2025

antibodies used in classical and spectral cytometry
Figure S5 from Deleting Trim33 in Myeloid Cells Improves the Efficiency of Radiotherapy through an IFNβ-Dependent Antitumor Immune Response
Authors: Assouvie Anaïs , Gerbé-de-Thoré Marine , Torres Claire , Ménard Véronique , Alfaro Alexia , Deutsch Eric , Mondini Michele , Rousselet Germain
Published: January 2025

cytometry analysis of myeloid cells
Figure S2 from Deleting Trim33 in Myeloid Cells Improves the Efficiency of Radiotherapy through an IFNβ-Dependent Antitumor Immune Response
Authors: Assouvie Anaïs , Gerbé-de-Thoré Marine , Torres Claire , Ménard Véronique , Alfaro Alexia , Deutsch Eric , Mondini Michele , Rousselet Germain
Published: January 2025

Radiotherapy in the sub-cutaneous TC1/Luc model in LysMcre or Trim33mKO mice
Supplementary Figure 8 from Preclinical Development of T Cells Engineered to Express a T-Cell Antigen Coupler Targeting Claudin 18.2–Positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Xu Stacey X. , Wang Ling , Ip Philbert , Randhawa Ritu R. , Benatar Tania , Prosser Suzanna L. , Lal Prabha , Khan Alima Naim , Nitya-Nootan Thanyashanthi , Thakor Gargi , MacGregor Heather , Hayes Danielle L , Vucicevic Andrea , Mathew Princy , Sengupta Sadhak , Helsen Christopher W. , Bader Andreas G.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 8: Relative body weights of tumor-bearing NSG mice treated with TAC01-CLDN18.2.
Supplementary Figure 4 from Preclinical Development of T Cells Engineered to Express a T-Cell Antigen Coupler Targeting Claudin 18.2–Positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Xu Stacey X. , Wang Ling , Ip Philbert , Randhawa Ritu R. , Benatar Tania , Prosser Suzanna L. , Lal Prabha , Khan Alima Naim , Nitya-Nootan Thanyashanthi , Thakor Gargi , MacGregor Heather , Hayes Danielle L , Vucicevic Andrea , Mathew Princy , Sengupta Sadhak , Helsen Christopher W. , Bader Andreas G.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 4: In vivo efficacy of TAC01-CLDN18.2 across different donors in the OE19 tumor model.
Supplemental Table 2 from Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential and its Association with Treatment Outcomes and Adverse Events in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Krishnan Tharani , Solar Vasconcelos Joao Paulo , Titmuss Emma , Vanner Robert J. , Schaeffer David F. , Karsan Aly , Lim Howard , Ho Cheryl , Gill Sharlene , Yip Stephen , Chia Stephen K. , Kennecke Hagen F. , Jonker Derek J. , Chen Eric X. , Renouf Daniel J. , O’Callaghan Chris J. , Loree Jonathan M.
Published: January 2025

All CHIP variants identified in the study
Supplemental Figure 1 from Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential and its Association with Treatment Outcomes and Adverse Events in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Krishnan Tharani , Solar Vasconcelos Joao Paulo , Titmuss Emma , Vanner Robert J. , Schaeffer David F. , Karsan Aly , Lim Howard , Ho Cheryl , Gill Sharlene , Yip Stephen , Chia Stephen K. , Kennecke Hagen F. , Jonker Derek J. , Chen Eric X. , Renouf Daniel J. , O’Callaghan Chris J. , Loree Jonathan M.
Published: January 2025

VAF of all CHIP variants split by cohort
Figure 3 from Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential and its Association with Treatment Outcomes and Adverse Events in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Krishnan Tharani , Solar Vasconcelos Joao Paulo , Titmuss Emma , Vanner Robert J. , Schaeffer David F. , Karsan Aly , Lim Howard , Ho Cheryl , Gill Sharlene , Yip Stephen , Chia Stephen K. , Kennecke Hagen F. , Jonker Derek J. , Chen Eric X. , Renouf Daniel J. , O’Callaghan Chris J. , Loree Jonathan M.
Published: January 2025

CHIP and treatment outcomes. Kaplan–Meier curves showing the difference in outcome between patients with (CHIP+) and without CHIP (CHIP−) and outcomes on different therapies. PFS is shown on the left two columns for all three cohorts, and OS is on the right two columns for CO.26 (top row) and PA.7 (middle row). Hazard ratios displayed are derived from univariable Cox proportional hazards models, and interaction P values are from multivariable models (see “Materials and Methods”).
Toward a Free-Response Paradigm of Decision Making in Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Zhu Zhichao , Qi Yang , Lu Wenlian , Wang Zhigang , Cao Lu , Feng Jianfeng
Published: January 2025

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have attracted significant interest in the development of brain-inspired computing systems due to their energy efficiency and similarities to biological information processing. In contrast to continuous-valued artificial neural networks, which produce results in a single step, SNNs require multiple steps during inference to achieve a desired accuracy level, resulting in a burden in real-time response and energy efficiency. Inspired by the tradeoff between speed and accuracy in human and animal decision-making processes, which exhibit correlations among reaction times, task complexity, and decision confidence, an inquiry emerges regarding how an SNN model can benefit by implementing these attributes. Here, we introduce a theory of decision making in SNNs by untangling the interplay between signal and noise. Under this theory, we introduce a new learning objective that trains an SNN not only to make the correct decisions but also to shape its confidence. Numerical experiments demonstrate that SNNs trained in this way exhibit improved confidence expression, reduced trial-to-trial variability, and shorter latency to reach the desired accuracy. We then introduce a stopping policy that can stop inference in a way that further enhances the time efficiency of SNNs. The stopping time can serve as an indicator to whether a decision is correct, akin to the reaction time in animal behavior experiments. By integrating stochasticity into decision making, this study opens up new possibilities to explore the capabilities of SNNs and advance SNNs and their applications in complex decision-making scenarios where model performance is limited.
Replay as a Basis for Backpropagation Through Time in the Brain
Authors: Cheng Huzi , Brown Joshua W.
Published: January 2025

How episodic memories are formed in the brain is a continuing puzzle for the neuroscience community. The brain areas that are critical for episodic learning (e.g., the hippocampus) are characterized by recurrent connectivity and generate frequent offline replay events. The function of the replay events is a subject of active debate. Recurrent connectivity, computational simulations show, enables sequence learning when combined with a suitable learning algorithm such as backpropagation through time (BPTT). BPTT, however, is not biologically plausible. We describe here, for the first time, a biologically plausible variant of BPTT in a reversible recurrent neural network, R2N2, that critically leverages offline replay to support episodic learning. The model uses forward and backward offline replay to transfer information between two recurrent neural networks, a cache and a consolidator, that perform rapid one-shot learning and statistical learning, respectively. Unlike replay in standard BPTT, this architecture requires no artificial external memory store. This approach outperforms existing solutions like random feedback local online learning and reservoir network. It also accounts for the functional significance of hippocampal replay events. We demonstrate the R2N2 network properties using benchmark tests from computer science and simulate the rodent delayed alternation T-maze task.
Uncovering Dynamical Equations of Stochastic Decision Models Using Data-Driven SINDy Algorithm
Authors: Lenfesty Brendan , Bhattacharyya Saugat , Wong-Lin KongFatt
Published: January 2025

Decision formation in perceptual decision making involves sensory evidence accumulation instantiated by the temporal integration of an internal decision variable toward some decision criterion or threshold, as described by sequential sampling theoretical models. The decision variable can be represented in the form of experimentally observable neural activities. Hence, elucidating the appropriate theoretical model becomes crucial to understanding the mechanisms underlying perceptual decision formation. Existing computational methods are limited to either fitting of choice behavioral data or linear model estimation from neural activity data. In this work, we made use of sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy), a data-driven approach, to elucidate the deterministic linear and nonlinear components of often-used stochastic decision models within reaction time task paradigms. Based on the simulated decision variable activities of the models and assuming the noise coefficient term is known beforehand, SINDy, enhanced with approaches using multiple trials, could readily estimate the deterministic terms in the dynamical equations, choice accuracy, and decision time of the models across a range of signal-to-noise ratio values. In particular, SINDy performed the best using the more memory-intensive multi-trial approach while trial-averaging of parameters performed more moderately. The single-trial approach, although expectedly not performing as well, may be useful for real-time modeling. Taken together, our work offers alternative approaches for SINDy to uncover the dynamics in perceptual decision making and, more generally, for first-passage time problems.
What Kinds of Computations Can Young Children Perform Over Non-Symbolic Representations of Small Quantities?
Authors: Cheng Chen , Kibbe Melissa M.
Published: January 2025

Children can manipulate non-symbolic representations of both small quantities of objects (about four or fewer, represented by the parallel individuation system) and large quantities of objects (represented by the analog magnitude system, or AMS). Previous work has shown that children can perform a variety of non-symbolic operations over AMS representations (like summing and solving for an unknown addend), but are not able to perform further operations on the derived solutions of such non-symbolic operations. However, while the computational capacity of AMS has been studied extensively in early childhood, less is known about the computational capacity of the parallel individuation system. In two experiments, we examined children’s ability to perform two types of arithmetic-like operations over representations of small, exact quantities, and whether they could subsequently perform novel operations on derived quantity representations. Four-6-year-old US children (n = 99) solved two types of non-symbolic arithmetic-like problems with small quantities: summation and unknown addend problems. We then tested whether children could use the solutions to these problems as inputs to new operations. Results showed that children more readily solved non-symbolic small, exact addition problems compared to unknown addend problems. However, when children did successfully solve either kind of problem, they were able to use those derived solutions to solve a novel non-symbolic small, exact problem. These results suggest that the parallel individuation system is computationally flexible, contrasting with previous work showing that the AMS is more computationally limited, and shed light on the computational capacities and limitations of representing and operating over representations of small quantities of individual objects.
Preschoolers Represent Abstract Relations Predicated on Kind Membership
Authors: Zhu Rebecca
Published: January 2025

Recent work demonstrates that U.S. preschoolers can represent the abstract relational concepts same and different when these abstract relational concepts are predicated upon perceptual dimensions (e.g., size, shape, color). The current research investigates whether preschoolers (n = 192; predominantly White, upper middle class, U.S. convenience sample) can also represent the abstract relational concepts same and different when these abstract relational concepts are predicated upon abstract dimensions (e.g., kind membership). Experiment 1 shows that, at baseline, 4-year-olds fail at a relational match-to-sample (rMTS) task with familiar kinds. However, Experiment 2 shows that 4- and 5-year-olds, but not 3-year-olds, succeed at a rMTS task with familiar kinds when provided with training involving noun labels. Experiment 3 shows that 4- and 5-year-olds also succeed at a rMTS task with novel kinds when provided with training involving noun labels but not adjective labels, suggesting that noun labels but not adjective labels cue children’s attention towards kind membership. Moreover, participants frequently provided explanations appealing to sameness and difference when justifying their responses. Taken together, these results suggest that, with training, preschoolers are capable of representing abstract relations predicated on abstract, as well as perceptual, dimensions.
Issues with using police data to investigate offending: A research perspective
Authors: Spence R , Crivatu IM
Published: January 2025

Police data is an important source of information for researchers about investigations, suspects, and victims. However, crime records can be problematic to work with. Here we outline three key issues along with our approach. We discuss data quality, which reflects missing and misclassified values; inconsistency, which refers to the vague and at times different definitions provided; and granularity, which reflects the lack of detailed information included in the datasets. We recommend developing a robust strategy for working with missing data, triangulating across different sources, creating higher-order categories where necessary, and creating a detailed data governance plan before analysis begins.
Character Matters? Christian Nationalism and Insistence on Ethical Political Leaders
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , Whitehead Andrew L.
Published: January 2025

This study sheds light on the paradox of the American Christian Right historically emphasizing “character” in political leadership while reporting greater relative support for leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. We do this by re-conceptualizing views on the relationship between Christianity and state (Christian nationalism) as reflecting strength of religio-political in-group identification. Research suggests strong in-group identification both heightens demands for ethical purity while blinding individuals to their in-group’s ethical inconsistencies. Examining both sides of this equation, we predict (1) Americans most polarized on Christian nationalism will report the strongest insistence on ethical political leadership and (2) that this applies to Trump voters as well. Analyses of original, representative survey data reveal holding extreme views on Christian nationalism (for or against) is the strongest predictor Americans insist on ethical political leaders. This pattern holds for Americans who voted for Trump or Biden in 2020, or did not vote, though practically speaking, the strongest Christian nationalists are most often Trump voters. Findings suggest strong views for or against Christian nationalism reflect stronger religio-political in-group identification that may cause Americans to demand ethical purity from political leaders, even as strong Christian nationalists show greater relative support for leaders like Donald Trump.
Noninvasive prediction of coronary artery disease severity: Comparative analysis of electrocardiographic findings and risk factors with SYNTAX and Gensini score
Authors: Mirjalili Farzaneh-Sadat , Baghiani Tahere , Badkoubeh Faezeh , Andishmand Abbas , Sarebanhassanabadi Mohammadtaghi , Mohammadi Hamidreza , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Motallaei Maryam , Seyedhosseini Seyed Mostafa
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant global health burden, characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries. Treatment decisions are often guided by angiography-based scoring systems, such as the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) and Gensini scores, although these require invasive procedures. This study explores the potential of electrocardiography (ECG) as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for predicting CAD severity, alongside traditional risk factors.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 CAD patients who underwent coronary angiography. Demographic data, ECG findings, SYNTAX, and Gensini scores were collected. The association between ECG findings and demographic information with the severity of coronary artery stenosis, as assessed by SYNTAX and Gensini scores, was investigated using SPSS software, version 23.

Results:

Significant associations were observed between CAD severity and risk factors such as male gender, diabetes mellitus (DM), and smoking. Additionally, certain ECG indicators, including Q waves and ST depression (STD), showed significant correlations with CAD severity, particularly according to the Gensini score.

Conclusion:

This study underscores the utility of ECG and clinical factors in identifying severe CAD, offering cost-effective diagnostic alternatives to angiography. Integrating various parameters into a single score is crucial in clinical practice, providing a stronger diagnostic and prognostic tool without increasing costs. Further comprehensive studies are warranted to refine risk prediction models and improve CAD management strategies.
Mobile urbanism from below: Afro-Christian churches as place-makers and scale-makers in European midsized cities
Authors: Beeckmans Luce
Published: January 2025

This article conceptualises Afro-Christian churches as vectors for the circulation of spatial knowledge. Scholarship on the ‘reverse mission’ of Afro-Christian churches to Europe emphasises their emplacement in global cities. Yet, during the last decades, new religious geographies have been produced, resulting in a dense, trans-urban network of Afro-Christian churches in Europe, covering not only global cities but also – and more dominantly – midsized cities. This article argues that along this emerging polycentric, trans-urban network of Afro-Christian churches place-making practices are exchanged that impact on and interconnect urban landscapes globally. Referring to recent advances in policy transfer literature, this phenomenon is conceptualised as a ‘mobile urbanism from below’. Apart from discussing the Afro-Christian place-making practices that are circulated by mundane transfer agents and the emergence of a ‘transnational vernacular’ that (invisibly) regenerates ‘the surrounds’ of cities worldwide from below, the article demonstrates how this ‘mobile urbanism from below’ has significant implications for the (subjective) scalar repositioning of cities. By developing the notion ‘mobile urbanism from below’, this article illustrates how (the spatialities and materialities of) European cities are made in relation to cities elsewhere and questions Eurocentric views within urban studies from within Europe itself.
Self-reported shyness and social and school adjustment in children and adolescents
Authors: Bian Qinglin , Chen Xinyin , Li Dan , Liu Junsheng , Fu Rui , Cui Liying , Liu Shihong
Published: January 2025

Shyness in childhood and adolescence is associated with problems in social, academic, and psychological adjustment in today’s China. However, the functional meaning of shyness needs to be examined in the developmental context. This 1 year longitudinal study explored the relations between self-reported shyness and indexes of adjustment in Chinese children and adolescents. The participants included 2,308 students in China, with 1,062 initially in the fifth grade ( Mage = 11.50 years, 539 boys) in elementary schools and 1,246 initially in the eighth grade ( Mage = 14.27 years, 641 boys) in middle schools. Shyness was assessed using a self-report measure, and data on social and school adjustment were obtained from multiple sources. Among the results, shyness was negatively associated with later academic performance and positively associated with later behavioral problems and peer victimization in childhood. For adolescents, whereas shyness was not significantly associated with academic performance or behavioral problems, it contributed to decreased peer victimization. The results indicate the importance of understanding shyness from a developmental perspective.
Digital Nomads in Conversation: Reddit-based Analysis and the Future of Nomadic versus Migrant Career Journeys
Authors: Zikic Jelena , Zupic Ivan , Černe Matej
Published: January 2025

We examine digital nomadism through the lens of the Intelligent Careers framework and compare this emerging career form with more traditional migrant careers. We show how digital nomads navigate their career paths by leveraging online platforms for casual storytelling and knowledge sharing. Our analysis uses probabilistic topic modeling to analyze 66,601 Reddit posts from the DigitalNomad subreddit to uncover insights into digital nomads’ career management strategies. We categorize discussions under the three competencies of the Intelligent Careers framework: knowing-why (motivations and aspirations), knowing-how (skills and adaptability), and knowing-whom (networks and social capital). Most of the conversations concerned practical aspects of nomadic life (knowing-how), differentiating their narrative from the more permanent and often structural hurdles that migrants typically face. Discussions on the knowing-why on the other hand highlight the integration of work and leisure as a significant motivator, while at the same time debating the loss of “home.” The knowing-whom conversations reveal digital nomads’ reliance on online and offline networks for support and work opportunities, showcasing the role of digital platforms in fostering community and collaboration among nomads and revealing strategies for maintaining personal relationships and friendships across boundaries. Digital nomads in some ways resemble migrant actors (e.g., through cost-benefit calculations), but are also significantly different because of temporary nature of their movement and completely portable work lives. We contribute to the broader discourse on contemporary careers and the future of work in the digital era, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, network building, and aligning personal values with career aspirations.
A fork in the road: Probation unification in England and Wales two years on
Authors: Millings Matthew , Burke Lol , Annison Harry , Carr Nicola , Robinson Gwen , Surridge Eleanor
Published: January 2025

This article presents findings from a major longitudinal research project of probation in England and Wales, arguing that the process of its ‘unification’ (re-nationalisation) continues to be a painful process whose end state remains elusive. Having previously articulated how practitioners experienced unification as ‘painful but necessary’, here, using the imagery of a journey, we argue that the speed and direction of travel have encountered a more perilous trajectory than expected as high workloads and staffing challenges have persisted. Second, we argue that enduring challenges in bedding in new working practices – and building the confidence of new and existing colleagues to deliver them – have acted as ‘hazards’ that have needed careful navigation. Third, we argue that staff experience a sense of individual and collective operational vulnerability, in the face of the relentless demands placed upon them. In conclusion, we identify a series of forks in the road that prompt profound questions about the delivery of probation services now and in the future.
The impact of physical activity on quality of life in youth with visual impairments
Authors: Zehr Kelsey , Beach Pamela , Lieberman Lauren , Perreault Melanie
Published: January 2025

Youth with visual impairments (YVI) do not participate in adequate daily physical activity, which can adversely impact their health indices, fitness, and overall quality of life (QoL). However, little is known about the impact of physical activity on QoL in YVI. This study examined the effect of a sports camp on QoL in YVI. Participants included 49 YVI 9 to 18 years. Thirty-three participants attended a week-long sports camp and 16 participants served as controls. Participants completed pre- and post-tests using the VISION-QL and Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory (PedsQL™) surveys. To provide further context, two focus groups were conducted from the sports camp participants. There were no significant differences between the post-test groups, although the pre-test scores did exhibit significance in 7 of 10 domains significantly different between groups. In addition, significantly higher scores were found in the intervention group for the education and social subscales. Considering many YVI attending the sports camp had previous experiences at sports camps, the benefits of physical activity were likely illustrated more in the comparison of the pre-tests rather than across the intervention period. These findings indicate the importance of regular physical activity upon QoL in YVI.
Exploring the Role of Sex and Gender in the Adoption of Assistive Technology in Dementia Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Salzwedel Maren , Zuidema Sytse , Kort Helianthe , Janus Sarah
Published: January 2025

Given that women are disproportionately affected by dementia on several levels and assistive technology (AT) is increasingly used to manage the care of the growing number of people with dementia (PwD), there is an urgent need to understand the role of sex and gender regarding adoption of AT in dementia care. We conducted a scoping review following the framework of Arksey and O’Malley. All identified topics of sex and gender analysis (compatibility, attitude, usage, acceptance, access, usefulness, and well-being) were related to AT adoption, where the majority revealed sex and gender differences. Relevance of topics is discussed in relation to generation, culture, and mental health, including a switch of perspective to the gender of the technology. Even though we demonstrated sex and gender differences in AT adoption, their practical implications need to be further elaborated on in future research.
Validation of Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) Scores to Predict Critical Events in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Badke Colleen M. , Wang Austin , Daniels Latasha A. , Sanchez-Pinto L. Nelson
Published: January 2025

Objective

To determine the prognostic value of the Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) to discriminate critical events, including code events and intubations, in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods

We performed an observational cohort study of all critical events in a quaternary care PICU between 5/2020 and 4/2023. Critical events were extracted from our hospital communications platform and from the electronic health record (EHR). The pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) scores were prospectively calculated in real-time in our EHR every 15 min during the study period for data-driven situational awareness and were retrospectively analyzed for this study. Each encounter was divided into 6-h time blocks and we assessed the performance of the highest pSOFA score in each block at discriminating the occurrence of a critical event in the subsequent block.

Results

There were 5687 unique patient encounters included in the analysis. Critical events were identified in 578 out of 169 486 time blocks (prevalence 0.3%), which included 103 code events and 498 intubation events, in 392 unique PICU encounters. The total pSOFA score in a 6-h time block was significantly associated with a subsequent code event (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.13-1.24) or intubation (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10-1.15). Several organ-specific pSOFA subscores were also significantly associated with the outcomes. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the total pSOFA score was 0.67 for a code event and 0.65 for intubation. Using a pSOFA score cutoff of ≥8, the positive predictive value was 0.8% and the negative predictive value was 99.7% for any critical event.

Conclusions

The pSOFA score is significantly associated with critical events in the PICU, however, it does not have adequate performance to be used for situational awareness by itself.
Fluid streaming and microparticles manipulating based on piezoelectric arrays excitation with various switching frequencies and duty cycles
Authors: Zhang Fan , Ma Cong , Zhang Jianhua , Wei Bin , Zhang Bing
Published: January 2025

Acoustic vortices can transfer angular momentum and trap particles. Here, we establish an annular arrays consisting of 64 piezoelectric ceramics to produce planar acoustic vortices and control the angular velocity and direction of streaming in fluid by excitation of piezoelectric. The particles in fluid chamber are trapped and move along lower pressure area. The angular velocities of them are theoretical analyzed by Bessel Function and experimentally observed by microscope. Also the PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) method is adopted to evaluate the movement of particles in experiments and stable angular velocity of streaming by tools of MATLAB. The results show that vortices exist in fluid chamber with the excitation of piezoelectric arrays and the angular velocity is influenced by parameters of switching frequency and duty cycle of excitation. This research is helpful to realize the angular velocity and direction manipulation of particles which are trapped in fluid streaming and helpful to guide the design of acoustic tweezers.
Sociodemographic Disparities in the Use of Hospice by U.S. Nursing Home Residents: A Systematic Review
Authors: DeForge Christine E. , Ma Hsin S. , Dick Andrew W. , Stone Patricia W. , Orewa Gregory N. , Dhingra Lara , Portenoy Russell , Quigley Denise D.
Published: January 2025

Hospice can improve end-of-life (EOL) outcomes in U.S. nursing homes (NHs). However, only one-third of eligible residents enroll, and substantial variation exists within and across NHs related to resident-, NH-, or community-level factors. We conducted a review of English-language, peer-reviewed articles 2008 to 2023 describing this variation in NH hospice use to characterize disparities and inform educational and quality initiatives to improve EOL care in NHs. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We screened 1595 records, reviewed 82 articles and included 13 articles. Eleven used pre-2009 data. Six evaluated national data and 7 used regional (n = 1), state (n = 4), or local (n = 2) data. One assessed hospice referral, 10 hospice use, and 3 length-of-stay. Twelve conducted regression analyses; 1 stratified by race, another evaluated interaction terms, and a third compared racial differences within-and between-facilities. Unadjusted and adjusted differences were evaluated by resident race-and-ethnicity (n = 6 unadjusted, n = 10 adjusted, respectively), sex (n = 5, n = 9), or payor (n = 1, n = 4), or by NH race-mix (n = 1, n = 2), ownership (n = 1, n = 7), payor-mix (n = 1, n = 5), or urban/rural location (n = 1 adjusted). Unadjusted differences showed lower hospice use by Non-White residents and varied results by sex. Studies adjusting for resident-, NH-, and community-level factors found lower hospice use among male residents, Black/Non-White residents, and residents of rural NHs, with mixed results by payor and ownership. Results were mixed for hospice referral and length-of-stay. These findings suggest complex influences on NH hospice use. Further study is warranted to identify targets for improving hospice access.
Integrating D-Dimer Thresholds into the Revised Caprini Risk Stratification to Predict Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk in Preoperative Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Guo Yi-Feng , Zhang Dingding , Chen Yaping , Liu Weinan , Gao Na , Weng Xisheng , Lin Jin , Jin Jin , Qian Wenwei , Yang Xu , Zhang Yin-Ping , Huo Xiaopeng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Preoperative patients with knee osteoarthritis have a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). While the Caprini risk assessment model offers some clinical guidance in predicting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it has a relatively low predictive accuracy. Enhancing the model by integrating biomarkers, such as D-dimers, can potentially improve its accuracy. In this study, we explored the effectiveness of combining the Caprini risk model with D-dimer levels for individualized DVT risk assessment in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1605 knee osteoarthritis patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, screened between January 2015 and December 2018. A revised Caprini risk stratification model was developed, and a predictive DVT model was developed based on this revised system. The sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine predictive effectiveness of the model.

Results

In the revised Caprini risk stratification, the incidence of DVT increased with higher risk levels: 2.52% in the low-risk group (scores 0-2), 2.88% in the moderate-risk group (score 3), 6.47% in the high-risk group (score 4), and 9.09% in the highest-risk group (score ≥ 5). The incidence of DVT was 3.869-fold higher in the highest-risk group and 2.676-fold higher in the high-risk group compared to the low-risk group (p = 0.013 and p = 0.014, respectively). Combining the revised Caprini risk stratification with D-dimer level demonstrated an improved AUC of 0.792, compared to D-dimer level alone (AUC 0.774) and the revised Caprini model alone (AUC 0.598). Furthermore, applying specific D-dimer thresholds across the four Caprini risk stratifications outperformed the combination of the revised Caprini model and D-dimer level in terms of AUC, specificity, and reduction in unnecessary ultrasonography. Using the Youden index, the AUC for the threshold-based method was slightly higher (0.775 vs 0.754, p = 0.310), with significantly better specificity (76.8% vs 63.6%, p < 0.001) and a greater reduction in ultrasound use (74.1% vs 61.4%). At a sensitivity of 85.5%, the differences were modest but still favored the threshold-based approach. At a sensitivity of 100%, the specificity (36.0% vs 24.7%, p < 0.001) and ultrasound reduction (34.8% vs 23.9%) were significantly better.

Conclusion

The revised Caprini risk stratification improves preoperative DVT prediction in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Incorporating specific D-dimer thresholds into the four-level Caprini risk model enhances specificity and reduces unnecessary ultrasonography, outperforming both the use of individual indicators and the combination of the revised Caprini model with D-dimer level.
‘Get off your high horse and vote for us’: The anti-populist construction of the elite and the people
Authors: Yates Alex , Mondon Aurelien
Published: January 2025

Recent research on populism has shown how anti-populist politics have served to discredit alternatives to the status quo by constructing them as threats to democracy, creating false equivalences between vastly different political projects. Yet, while the people of populism are often represented as a threat, it would be a mistake to conclude that anti-populist discourse is equivalent to faith in the elite. We explore how elites and peoples are constructed in anti-populist discourses. Left-wing voters are constructed as active agents in their political choices, even though these choices are often blamed on their youth and/or minority status and radical naivety. Supporters of the far right are instead presented as having legitimate concerns around migration and nationhood, but manipulated by a crass ‘populist’ elite. In contrast, a ‘good’ people is constructed to justify the presence and leadership of the ‘good’ elite who rules for them (if not by and of them).
The effectiveness of inhaled methoxyflurane compared to procedural sedation for the reduction of acute traumatic limb injuries – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dowsing Joe , Price James , Hibberd Owen , Thomas Stephen H. , Barnard Edward B.G.
Published: January 2025

Background

Manipulation and reduction (M&R) of an injured limb is often required to reduce pain, bleeding and restore anatomical alignment, typically using procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA). Inhaled methoxyflurane (IMF) may be a suitable alternative that is simple to administer, does not require intravenous access, and has a favourable side effect profile. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of IMF compared to PSA for M&R in acute traumatic limb injury. The primary outcome measure was procedural success rate. The secondary outcomes were to compare the length of stay, adverse events, patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness.

Methods

This systematic review was planned, conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and is registered on PROSPERO CRD42024561087. A literature search was conducted and included studies from database inception to the search date (22 February 2024), using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL and PubMed platforms. All studies involving the use of IMF for M&R of acute traumatic limb injuries were included. Animal studies, case-reports, non-English language publications and opinion articles were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Meta-analysis was undertaken for the primary outcome of procedural success. Narrative synthesis was undertaken for the themes of length of stay, adverse events, patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness.

Results

Fifty one abstracts were screened through a database search, reference review, and search of the grey literature. Following full-text review and exclusions, a total of six studies were included, with two suitable for meta-analysis. No significant differences in performance were observed between IMF and PSA (RR 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.77–1.04, p = 0.16). Patients receiving IMF had a shorter emergency department length of stay, a low incidence of adverse events, and overall positive patient satisfaction. There may be cost-savings associated with the use of IMF.

Conclusion

Inhaled methoxyflurane was observed to perform no differently to procedural sedation for the successful manipulation and reduction of acute traumatic limb injuries in the emergency department. The overall quality of the evidence is poor, and further higher-level evidence is required.
Practices and challenges of cultural handicraft producers and sellers in the tourism industry in Africa
Authors: Katongole Celestine
Published: January 2025

Tourism has been identified by many African countries as a viable pathway to socio-economic development. The sector is rapidly growing, presenting opportunities to a number of sectors that are linked to it. The cultural handicraft sector is slated to find market from the tourism sector as tourists tend to purchase locally made handicrafts as souvenirs. Despite this opportunity, majority of cultural handicraft producers are unable to produce products that meet the expectations of international tourists. Handicraft sellers often resort to importing handicrafts, denying the local craftsmen an opportunity to earn income. This study focuses on the business practices and challenges of the cultural handicraft producers and sellers in Uganda, looking at record keeping, marketing, raw material sourcing and storage, production technology, standards and quality assurance, training and financing. Several implications and policy recommendations are provided to develop cultural handcrafts as an important part of the tourism industry.