bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalysts for Factionalism? When and Why Shared Leadership Impairs Team Performance
Authors: Feng Yan , Lyu Hongjiang
Published: February 2025

In the era of decentralization, shared leadership has garnered significant acclaim. However, when multiple leaders coexist within a team, the phenomenon akin to “too many cooks spoil the broth” will occur. Given the lack of research regarding the darker aspects of shared leadership, this study investigates the contingency mechanisms of shared leadership damaging team performance. Based on team power conflict theory, we predict that in high leadership distribution disparity or team external environment complexity, shared leadership will induce factionalism within the team member exchange network (TMX) and further impair team performance. In a sample of 90 knowledge-based teams in China, we find that the TMX network EI index partially mediates the relationship between shared leadership and team performance. The leadership distribution disparity and environment complexity moderate the mediating effect of the TMX network EI index. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of why and when shared leadership impairs team performance and offers insights into alleviating the adverse effects of shared leadership.
Journey into a Toxic Past: Pest Control in Museums at the End of the Nineteenth and the Early Twentieth Century in Germany and Beyond
Authors: Tello Helene
Published: February 2025

This contribution examines the use of pesticides in German museum collections at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century. This basic research is extracted from my doctoral thesis. The former Königliches Museum für Völkerkunde zu Berlin, today named Ethnologisches Museum der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin (EM), is suited as an example amongst others. Furthermore, German museums are in focus against the background of the formation of nation states, the situation around the German colonies at that time, the First World War, industrialization and the subsequent hygiene movement. These social and political circumstances played an important role for ethnological museums in Germany as well as in Europe. In this context former employees in ethnological museums are focused while they were fighting with various active ingredients and means against harmful insects in their collections based on organic materials. From this view museums appear as small self-contained institutions that relied heavily on outside support. Due to their persistence, the consequences of pest control with pesticides for objects as well as for humans are obvious and documented in many places. Material damage can be observed as well as serious health consequences for the human organism. The subject is also placed in the context of current debates about neo colonialism and colonialism, because it is clearly shown that there is a significant aspect that remains often unnoticed. To be more precise, there is a lack of responsible treatment and appreciation in German as well as in European museums for persons from source communities, who demand the repatriation of their objects, which are contaminated in this way. From this perspective it is a great matter of concern, to complement today’s conservator’s knowledge on the toxicity of museum objects and the human-toxic hazards that emanate from active ingredients and means introduced in the past.
“Conversing” With Qualitative Data: Enhancing Qualitative Research Through Large Language Models (LLMs)
Authors: Hayes Adam S.
Published: February 2025

Large Language Models (LLMs) are revolutionizing how qualitative researchers can work with textual data. Rather than relying only on codebooks or manual line-by-line analysis, scholars can “converse” with their materials by asking targeted questions, probing for contextual insights, and refining theoretical connections. This dialogue-like process speeds up traditional tasks—transcription, coding, theme identification—while sparking broader possibilities for exploration. Researchers prompt the LLM to surface recurring patterns, detect subtle shifts in tone, or suggest new interpretive angles. These capabilities neither diminish the centrality of human expertise nor replace the analytical depth that defines qualitative research. Instead, they expand the researcher’s toolkit, allowing more time for theoretical reflection and rich meaning-making. The LLM becomes an active partner: it quickly identifies connections that might take days or weeks of manual work, yet the scholar remains responsible for selecting which prompts to use, verifying the outputs, and situating them within appropriate conceptual frameworks. Ethical considerations—such as data security and bias—demand careful oversight and transparent reporting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining scholarly integrity. Taken together, LLM-facilitated analysis offer a promising avenue to enhance qualitative research, leveraging both computational efficiency and the nuanced, reflexive insights at the heart of interpretive inquiry.
EXPRESS: Large sounds and loud numbers? Investigating the bidirectionality and automaticity of cross-modal loudness-number interactions
Authors: Koch Sarah , Schubert Torsten , Blankenberger Sven
Published: February 2025

Magnitude dimensions influence the processing of each other resulting in shorter reaction times in classification tasks when the magnitude information in both dimensions matches. These effects are often explained by a shared magnitude representation as proposed by A Theory of Magnitude (ATOM). Interactions between numbers and loudness indicate that loudness may also be represented as a magnitude. Three experiments were conducted to investigate loudness-number interactions with regard to cross-modality, automaticity, bidirectionality, and the influence of processing speed. In Experiment 1, participants classified the numerical value of visually presented numbers relative to a preceding standard number. Tones at different loudness levels were presented simultaneously with the target number. In Experiment 2, participants switched between a numerical classification task and a loudness classification task randomly between trials. Experiment 3 was similar to Experiment 1 but with reduced saliency of the auditory dimension. Across all experiments, there was an interaction between loudness and number magnitude, with shorter reaction times for large (small) numbers when they were accompanied by loud (soft) tones compared to soft (loud) tones. In addition, Experiment 2 showed a bidirectional influence as the interaction occurred also in the loudness classification task. The effect of distance on the cross-modal loudness-number interaction only partially occurred, as only the loudness distance had an effect on the interaction, and this effect was mediated by task-relevance. This may reflect an asymmetry in the influence between numbers and loudness. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that loudness is represented as a magnitude according to ATOM.
Custodian of rule of law and national interest: Political journalism and the discourse of Philippines–China maritime tensions
Authors: Ragragio Jefferson Lyndon D
Published: February 2025

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines over China’s maritime claim in 2016. Hostile activities by the China Coast Guard were documented years before the ruling but it was in 2023 when sustained attacks against the Philippine forces were first mainstreamed in the media. This article examines the Philippines–China maritime tensions as a momentous discourse that characterizes political journalism in the Philippines. The argument is that, while the leading news media outlets predominantly use official sources such as senators, military spokespersons, and international governments in their reporting, they do so not as neutral dispatchers of officialdom but as equalizers of voices and events that seek to uphold the rule of law and national interest. The equalizing role of media matters to how discourse is negotiated in the news as it highlights the potential and limits of political journalism in recounting conflicts and geopolitics.
Outcomes for the shoulder and elbow following surgical reconstruction for traumatic brachial plexus injury in patients over 60 years
Authors: Hayashi Kota , Lu Johnny Chuieng-Yi , Chang Tommy Nai-Jen , Chuang David Chwei-Chin
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate surgical outcomes in elderly patients aged over 60 years old, with brachial plexus injury, undergoing nerve reconstruction using nerve grafts and/or nerve transfers for shoulder and elbow function. Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Postoperative median shoulder abduction was 35° in the single nerve transfer group ( n = 12) and less than 20° in the single nerve grafting group ( n = 2). Patients over 65 tended to have poorer outcomes. For elbow flexion strength, a higher proportion of patients in the nerve transfer group (11/12 cases) achieved M3 or greater elbow flexion compared with the nerve grafting group (3/7 cases). Elbow extension also improved in the reconstructive group (9/13 cases). Given these findings, elbow flexion reconstruction is the first priority, while shoulder abduction, showing poor results, should not consume excessive neurotizers. Elbow extension is the second priority, achievable through nerve reconstruction.

Level of evidence: IV
Sustained-release oral dalfampridine appears to have no impact on upper extremity function in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Menascu Shay , Frid Lior , Kalron Alon
Published: February 2025

Background:

Upper limb dysfunction is common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), significantly affecting daily activities and quality of life. While dalfampridine has shown efficacy in improving gait in pwMS, its impact on upper extremity function remains unclear.

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of sustained-release oral dalfampridine on upper extremity function in pwMS.

Design:

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Methods:

In all, 30 pwMS were randomized to receive either dalfampridine (10 mg twice daily) or a placebo for 2 weeks. Upper extremity function was assessed at baseline, after 1 week, after 2 weeks of treatment, and 2 weeks post-treatment using clinical tests (9-Hole Peg Test, Box, and Block Test, peak isometric grip force, 2-point discrimination) and self-reported questionnaires (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand, ability measure of the hand, Manual Ability Measurement 36). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance to evaluate group × time interactions.

Results:

No significant group × time interactions were observed across clinical or self-reported outcomes. Both groups exhibited similar trends over time, with no measurable improvements in upper extremity dexterity, strength, or perceived function attributable to dalfampridine.

Conclusion:

Sustained-release dalfampridine does not appear to improve upper extremity function in pwMS, highlighting its limitations beyond gait-related benefits. These findings underscore the need for further research to explore alternative treatments targeting upper limb dysfunction in this population.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02259361.
An integration of random forest regression model in tourism suitability evaluation index system
Authors: Hu Guo
Published: February 2025

Analyzing an IoT-enabled smart tourist environment backed by a real-time wireless sensor network is appropriate for the tourism industry. Wireless sensor network nodes are employed as relays, and mutual information accumulation is used in cooperative transmission. Rateless codes allow nodes to collect data in advance to extract the original code of the text. Mobile robot movement makes it possible for predetermined routing patterns to abruptly fail; as a result, a dynamic system for collaborative information gathering and transmission is proposed. Using the neighbor search and chance transmission, to dynamically acquire routing pathways covers both situations of data transfer from the robot to the cloud and from the cloud to the robot. Experimental findings demonstrate the decreased time complexity and latency of a collaborative, dynamic method for exchanging knowledge. Due to the broadcasting nature use, mutual information accumulates through the cooperative transmission strategy of wireless transmission, which enables all neighbor nodes to get a portion moment the transmitter first begins to transmit the data. It uses single-hop broadcasts using rateless codes to improve the possibility of successful transmissions. Using rateless codes is more efficient since waiting for the next neighbor to awaken during a transmission failure requires much time and energy in a low-duty cycle situation. The viability of underground space development is shown by the study area's extensive bearing capabilities and its significant subsurface resource base, which includes sensitive geological bodies, mineral resources, soil, and water environments.
Management of Anterior Epistaxis in the Emergency Department Using Rapid Rhino and Merocel: A Cost Analysis
Authors: Shukla Dhatri , Fowler James , Rocha Taciano , Sarma Sisira , Sowerby Leigh
Published: February 2025

Importance

Epistaxis affects approximately 60% of the population over their lifetime. When conservative attempts fail, nasal tampons are often required to stop anterior bleeding. Health economics is critical in our publicly funded system. Determination of cost-effective interventions is crucial.

Objective

To compare the total cost of Merocel and Rapid Rhino from the perspective of a provincial payer and an academic hospital for the management of anterior epistaxis.

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

London Health Sciences Centre emergency department (Victoria and University campus).

Participants

Patients ≥18 years of age presenting with anterior epistaxis. The participants were 67% men and 33% women. Approximately, 63% were on anticoagulant medication, and 35% used an ambulance to arrive at the hospital.

Intervention

Rapid Rhino or Merocele, which was dependent on the site of presentation.

Main Outcome Measures

Rebleed rate.

Results

The rate of rebleeds with Merocel was 42% (26/62), whereas it was 24% (4/17) with Rapid Rhino. The inverse probability weighted regression adjustment results show that patients receiving Rapid Rhino did not have a statistically significant difference in costs per patient ($62.40, 95% CI: −$25.75 to $150.55) from the hospital perspective or the provincial health care payer perspective ($78.25, 95% CI: −$18.38 to $174.89).

Conclusion and Relevance

There was no significant difference in cost between Rapid Rhino and Merocel for anterior epistaxis from a hospital or provincial payer perspective.
Plantar Thermogram Analysis Using Deep Learning for Diabetic Foot Risk Classification
Authors: Panamonta Vipawee , Jerawatana Ratanaporn , Ariyaprayoon Prapai , Looareesuwan Panu , Ongphiphadhanakul Benyapa , Sriphrapradang Chutintorn , Chailurkit Laor , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong
Published: February 2025

Aims:

Thermography is a noninvasive method to identify patients at risk of diabetic foot ulcers. In this study, we employed thermography and deep learning to stratify patients with diabetes at risk of developing foot ulcers.

Methods:

We prospectively recorded clinical data and plantar thermograms for adult patients with diabetes who underwent diabetic foot screening. A total of 153 thermal images were analyzed using a deep learning algorithm to determine the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. The neural network was trained using a balanced dataset consisting of 98 thermal images (49 normal and 49 abnormal), with 80% allocated for training and 20% for validation. The trained model was then validated on a separate testing dataset consisting of 55 thermal images (42 normal and 13 abnormal). The neural network was trained to prioritize higher sensitivity in identifying at-risk feet for screening purposes.

Results:

Participants had a mean age of 63.1 ± 12.6 years (52.3% female), and 62.1% had been diagnosed with diabetes for more than 10 years. The average body mass index was 27.5 ± 5.6 kg/m2. Of the thermal images, 91 were classified as category 0 and 62 as categories 1 to 3, according to the diabetic foot risk classification system of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. Using five-fold cross-validation, the neural network model achieved an overall accuracy of 71.8 ± 4.9%, a sensitivity of 81.2 ± 10.0%, and a specificity of 64.0 ± 7.4%. Additionally, the Matthews correlation coefficient was 0.46 ± 0.08%

Conclusions:

These results suggest that thermography combined with deep learning could be developed for screening purposes to stratify patients at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers.
Investigation of the Clinical Application of Aromatherapy in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Patients
Authors: Masubuchi Ryuichiro , Kurahashi Kiyoyasu , Satou Tadaaki
Published: February 2025

Objective/background: This study aimed to determine the effects of aromatherapy on the autonomic nervous system and stress reduction in patients with fibromyalgia. Currently, there is no established treatment for the mental anxiety and stress associated with fibromyalgia, and aromatherapy has not been used in clinical practice for this purpose. This clinical study utilized macadamia nut oil as a control to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on the autonomic nervous system and stress reduction. Methods: Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil (EOPG) was used in a crossover study for each treatment period of 3 months. Ten patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. In the CI group, aromatherapy using macadamia nut oil was performed first, and 1% EOPG was used later. In the IC group, we reversed the oil order used for aromatherapy. Patients were asked to answer the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at each return, and samples were taken for stress markers (cortisol and chromogranin A). Results and discussion: Patients’ blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after aromatherapy. Diastolic blood pressure increased significantly in the control group (P = .02), but the change was suppressed in the EOPG group ( P = .11). Heart rate significantly decreased after aromatherapy in both treatments ( P < .001). Among stress markers measured in saliva, a transient increase of cortisol in the control treatment was suppressed in the EOPG. There was no significant difference in CgA in both treatments. From these observations, we speculated that the vasodilating effects of the constituents contained in EOPG may have prevented the increase in diastolic blood pressure after aromatherapy partly due to stress-relieving effects of EOPG. Conclusion: We conclude that aromatherapy with EOPG reduced the increase in diastolic blood pressure, suggesting that the therapy reduces the stress of patients with fibromyalgia.
Literacy of human papillomavirus, uptake and acceptability for its vaccination among young adults: A cross-sectional study in an Asian urban community
Authors: Ng Ding Xuan , Leow Mabel Qi He , Tan Cheryl Xin Ying , Chee Amelie Rui Kit , Kon Zi Ting , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to assess the literacy of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccine between genders in young adults in an Asian urban community. The secondary aim was to identify factors associated with the acceptability of HPV vaccine among unvaccinated males. A self-administered e-survey was distributed via convenience sampling over 3 months in 2022 in Singapore. Demographic data and literacy on HPV and HPV vaccine were collected from young adults aged 15–24 years through a secured electronic platform. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to examine the association between acceptability of vaccine uptake and literacy of HPV and HPV vaccine. 591 youths comprising of 236 (40%) males and 355 (60%) females completed the survey. HPV vaccination uptake rate was low in males (11.4%) but high in females (80%). Both genders had low awareness on the ability of HPV to infect males (50%) and majority (80%) were unaware of the benefits of HPV vaccine to males. Among unvaccinated males, 82.5% accepted the recommendation of providing males with HPV vaccination, and 72.7% were acceptable towards taking up the vaccine. The main barriers to vaccination were cost (78.9%) and inconvenience (52.2%), while lifelong immunity (67.5%) and government health policies (67%) were identified as enablers. Young adults had low literacy on HPV’s ability to infect males and the benefits of HPV vaccine to both genders. Its uptake in males would depend on their acceptance of the HPV vaccine, cost, administration convenience and duration of its immunity post-vaccination.
Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Non-AL Amyloidosis MGRS: A Single-Center Experience Over 10 Years
Authors: Nie Chunpeng , Lee Holly , Cheema Kim , Duggan Peter , McCulloch Sylvia , Tay Jason , Neri Paola , Bahlis Nizar J. , Jimenez-Zepeda Victor H.
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is a heterogeneous and relatively recently defined disorder that encompasses many kidney and hematologic pathologies. MGRS remains a rare disease and there is a need for more literature regarding its treatment and outcomes. In this study, we share our center’s experience with MGRS including incidence of different kidney pathologies, clone type, kidney and hematologic response, and progression-free survival.

Methods:

Data from 35 patients diagnosed with MGRS excluding light-chain amyloidosis between 2013 and 2022 at a single Canadian tertiary care center were retrospectively analyzed. All cases required kidney biopsy. Initial treatment included regimens containing bortezomib, rituximab, or cyclosporine, or steroids only. Parameters studied included incidence of different kidney pathologies, clone type, depth of hematologic response, kidney survival (KS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

Out of 35 patients, there were 10 cases of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, 8 of proliferative glomerulonephritis with immune deposits, 5 of microtubular immune deposits including immunotactoid and types 1 and 2 cryoglobulinemic nephropathy, 3 of C3 glomerulonephritis, and 9 of other diagnoses. There were 21 cases with a plasma cell clone identified in bone marrow, 2 each of B cell and low-grade lymphoma, 1 atypical T cell clone, and 9 cases without an expanded clone on bone marrow biopsy. A total of 6 patients required kidney replacement therapy and 4 patients died; the median PFS was 59.3 months. Very good partial hematologic response or better was significantly associated with decreased proteinuria but not preserved eGFR. There was a non-significant trend toward better PFS with hematologic response.

Conclusion:

Our experience confirms that MGRS is a heterogeneous disease and adds to the literature concerning the diagnosis and treatment of MGRS. Successful treatment of the underlying hematologic disorder with targeted therapy is more likely to lead to an improvement in kidney function.
Practice and challenges of the ethical governance of artificial intelligence in China: A new perspective*
Authors: Zhu Yina , Lu Yangxu
Published: February 2025

The ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in China is in a special period of ‘the overlap of three historical periods’ (that is, the period of rapid technological development, the period of high-quality socioeconomic progress and the period of deep adjustment of the international order). The intertwining of technological uncertainty, the multi-objectives of socioeconomic development and global strategic games have brought new challenges to the ethical governance of AI in China, particularly in the areas of impact identification, ‘no man's land’ issues and the effectiveness of the ethical governance system. To address those challenges, this paper provides some recommendations from the aspects of regulatory system construction, ethical review, ethical education, development of a governance toolbox and international cooperation.
Predictors of Patient Stigma Perception Appraisal: Testing a Dynamic Stigma Model of Mental Illness
Authors: Gyamfi Sebastian , Forchuk Cheryl , Booth Richard , Luginaah Isaac
Published: February 2025

There is a lack of research on stigma as a socio-cultural, religious, and moral phenomenon. This study aimed to test a Dynamic Stigma Model of Mental Illness (DYSMO) among a cohort of outpatients. We used structural equation modeling techniques to examine hypothesized relationships within the DYSMO in a cohort of 330 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis produced a model with five latent variables and 17 indicators. All factor loadings were significant at p = .05). Mediation analysis on the full structural model produced standardized fit indices that include the following: (χ2/ df = 335.403 (105)), p = .000; RMSEA = 0.08 (90% CI: [0.072, 0.092]; CFI = 0.921; SRMSR = 0.059; TLI = 0.90). Overall, the study revealed that religiocultural, and structural violence perspectives can promote and damage perceptions about mental illness.
Project-based Flipped Classroom Method in a Cooking Practice Class: A Case Study
Authors: Saem Han , Kyun Na Tae
Published: February 2025

This study introduces the project-based flipped teaching-learning method into a cooking practice class and analyzes student satisfaction. In the pre-class stage, the professor created a video lecture explaining the practice dish’s ingredients and cooking methods, and uploaded it to the Learning Management System. After watching the video, during the in-class stage, learners practiced in teams, with the professor providing feedback on cooking processes. In the post-class stage, learners presented the cooking process of the completed dish, and received further feedback. A satisfaction survey involving 19 of 21 students indicated positive ratings for focus in class, online–offline course balance, professor–student interaction, and convenience of video lectures. However, learners indicated difficulty in understanding the cooking method and process owing to the lack of demonstration by the professor during the pre-class stage. Therefore, an efficient teaching and learning method for cooking practice education that can maximize these advantages should be designed.
Rural Residents’ Digital Payment: The Use and Its Impact on Credit Availability – Evidence Using Extended UTAUT2
Authors: Ding Shujuan , Ruan Ying , Dou Lei
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the essential roles of digital payment have gradually emerged. However, current research on digital payment adoption models rarely incorporates the outcomes of digital payment, and it also gives less consideration to rural residents. Considering these two issues as a research gap, this article establishes a unified digital payment use and credit availability model by extending the UTAUT2 framework in two aspects and applying it to China’s rural residents. The first extension is to add credit availability as an outcome variable of digital payment use. The second is to add two factors important to farmers, perceived riskiness and innovativeness, as constructs. Structural equation modeling is employed to analyze data collected from nearly 500 Chinese rural residents. The results show that almost 90% of rural residents have used digital payment. However, only a low proportion use it for many purposes or frequently. Rural residents’ digital payment use can increase credit availability. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, and innovativeness significantly and positively affect digital payment intention and behavior, thereby indirectly improving credit availability. However, the perceived risk does not influence digital payment adoption, possibly due to effective protective behaviors. In addition to the indirect effect, the results show that innovativeness also has a direct impact on credit availability.

JEL Classification: M15, G21.
Predicting Surgical and Non-surgical Curvature Correction by Radiographic Spinal Flexibility Assessments for Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Yu-Yan , Hung Tim-Mei , Zheng Qian , Wu Hui-Dong , Wong Man-Sang , Bai Zi-Qian , Ma Christina Zong-Hao
Published: February 2025

Study Design

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to: (1) synthesize the prevalent application ratios of 2 radiographic spinal flexibility assessment methods in AIS patients treated with PSF or bracing; and (2) quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of these methods in predicting post-intervention correction outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across 5 electronic databases: CINAHL, Embase, Ovid, PubMed, and Web of Science. Meta-analyses were performed to investigate the accuracy of the spinal flexibility rate in predicting the post-intervention correction rate in AIS patients treated with PSF surgery or bracing, using RevMan 5.4.1 software.

Results

The results of 31 studies, involving 1868 AIS patients, showed that the side-bending method was utilized more frequently than the fulcrum-bending method in both treatments. Meanwhile, the spinal flexibility evaluated by the fulcrum-bending method may provide a more accurate prediction of post-surgical correction compared to the side-bending approach, particularly for main curves. For the bracing treatment, only a few studies have preliminarily reported good capability of the side-bending method in predicting the initial in-brace correction.

Conclusions

This review quantitatively assessed the clinical application ratio and effectiveness of side-bending and fulcrum-bending radiographs in predicting post-intervention curve corrections in AIS patients undergoing surgical or bracing treatments. The results of the current review supported to adopt the fulcrum-bending approach for AIS patients undergoing PSF surgery with main thoracic curves, and the side-bending approach for those with thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. For patients receiving bracing treatment, further research is still needed to confirm the clinical value of the side-bending method.
Factors in the Determination of India’s Nominal Exchange Rate Behaviour
Authors: Das Suman , Roy Saikat Sinha
Published: February 2025

This article investigates into the factors that determine the rupee–US dollar spot exchange rate particularly after the global financial crisis in 2008. In particular, the role of market fundamentals is looked into. To achieve this, an eclectic empirical model is estimated not paying heed to any particular theoretical framework. As empirical strategy, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Error Correction (ECM) models are estimated using monthly data ranging from 2008:04 to 2023:03. The model suits the data well. Cointegration and error correction are found to exist. The empirical results suggest the presence of a long-run relationship between the exchange rate and the macroeconomic variables. The results further emphasize that in the event of any short-run disequilibrium, the errors correct to reach the long-run equilibrium exchange value. The empirical results, so obtained, have policy implications in an episode of misalignment in the exchange rate leading to sharp appreciation or depreciation.

JEL Classification: F31, F41, C32
Development and Validation of a Shorthand Knee MRI Atlas for Bone Age Estimation in the Korean Population
Authors: Lee Wonik , Yu Su Yeon , Cho Yoon Joo , Song Mi Hyun , Choi Young Hun , Cho Tae-Joon , Shin Chang Ho
Published: February 2025

Background:

Estimating skeletal maturity is crucial for treating pediatric knee conditions. Recently, a knee bone age atlas based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of pediatric and adolescent population in Southern California (the San Diego atlas) was published. However, its accuracy in other populations has not been verified.

Purpose:

To (1) validate the San Diego atlas in a South Korean pediatric and adolescent population and (2) create and validate a shorthand knee MRI atlas for bone age estimation tailored to South Korean pediatric and adolescent population (the Korean shorthand atlas).

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 695 participants aged ≤18 years with normal knee MRI findings between 2000 and 2019. To create the Korean shorthand atlas, age-specific features based on the San Diego atlas that appeared on the evaluated MRI scans (n = 417) were modified to reduce the standard deviation of age. In a separate data set (n = 278), the accuracy of both the San Diego and the Korean shorthand atlases was validated by comparing the knee bone age with the chronological age and determining the correlation between bone age and chronological age.

Results:

In the overall study population, the mean bone age based on the San Diego atlas did not differ from the mean chronological age, and a very strong correlation was observed between them ( rS = 0.95). However, the mean bone age based on the San Diego atlas significantly differed from the mean chronological age in female participants aged 7 to 12.9 years (0.6 years younger; P = .003) and in male participants aged 14.0 to 18.0 years (0.4 years older; P = .045). The mean bone age assessed based on the Korean shorthand atlas did not significantly differ from the mean chronological age in any age or sex subgroup and was also very strongly correlated with the mean chronological age ( rS = 0.94) in the overall population.

Conclusion:

The San Diego atlas was accurate in estimating bone age in Korean pediatric and adolescent population except for certain age ranges. The Korean shorthand atlas was an accurate tool for estimating bone age in the Korean pediatric and adolescent population at any age range.
Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis in bladder cancer: Current status and future perspectives
Authors: Yoshihara Kentaro , Ito Kagenori , Kimura Takahiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Urabe Fumihiko
Published: February 2025

Background

Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies, and the mechanisms underlying its progression and the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are unclear. Recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) enable detailed analysis of the cellular heterogeneity, gene expression, and cell–cell interactions in bladder diseases.

Methodology

We conducted a comprehensive search for recent articles that have investigated bladder diseases using scRNA-seq and ST.

Results

scRNA-seq and ST have led to significant discoveries in bladder disease research. These technologies have enabled the identification of multiple molecular subtypes within individual tumors and of the mechanisms of treatment resistance. Additionally, molecular differences based on gender have been explored, explaining the heterogeneity of the incidence and progression of bladder cancer. These findings deepen our understanding of the pathology of bladder diseases and highlight the transformative potential of scRNA-seq and ST in identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

Integrating scRNA-seq and ST has considerably enhanced our understanding of tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment within tissues. These insights may lead to the development of personalized therapies and the improvement of patient outcomes. Several challenges, such as technical limitations and access difficulties, need to be addressed for the future clinical application of these technologies.
The moral and ethical worlds of coercive confinement: A prologue
Authors: Ievins Alice , Williams Ryan
Published: February 2025

‘Morality’ and ‘ethics’ are terms which are peppered throughout political and academic discourse on coercive confinement, but which feature such diverse ways that their usage is bound to confuse or even disconcert. The introduction to this themed issue offers a more deliberately conceptualised account of morality and ethics, and outlines what studying them empirically could bring to prison studies and other studies of confinement. It starts by outlining some central claims to an empirical study of ethics, drawing heavily on work in anthropology, where this sub-discipline is very well-developed. It then describes the main contributions that the empirical study of ethics could make to studies of coercive confinement, all of which are demonstrated by the papers in this issue. The studies cover a range of geographical regions (India, Central America, the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom) and contexts of confinement (prisons, nursing homes and post-release community settings). It ends by looking back at the perspective for which it advocates, questioning its value and considering whether there is a role in this approach for critique.
‘Trouble in Oysteropolis’: The contested geographies of aquaculture at the North Kent coast
Authors: Hubbard Phil
Published: February 2025

The Kentish flats off the coast of Southeast England have long been associated with oyster cultivation, with the fishery companies at Faversham, Reculver and especially Whitstable enjoying national renown during the nineteenth and early twentieth century before overfishing, disease and changing culinary fashions put paid to the industry. Yet in the twenty first century, oyster cultivation has enjoyed an unlikely revival with the heritage of the industry enrolled in place marketing and tourism efforts including the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival: though this has been largely reliant on imported oysters, the establishment of trestle tables on the foreshore at Whitstable Beach since 2009/2010 has been a tangible indicator of the revival of aquaculture. Yet this has been controversial: some regard the trestles as unsightly, a hazard for local water sports, and an industrial imposition on a leisure-based coast. Moreover, some are concerned the oysters being cultivated are not Kentish Natives but imported triploid Pacific oysters. This paper explores these controversies, and their attempted resolution through planning processes, conceptualising the oyster as a ‘lively commodity’ whose presence at the coast appears strongly determined by human geographies of taste, class and (national) identity that regard the oyster as cultivated seafood rather than as an agential, living being.
Single- versus multi-fraction spine stereotactic radiosurgery (ALL-STAR) for patients with spinal metastases: a randomized phase III trial protocol
Authors: Pratapneni Aniket , Klebaner Daniella , Soltys Scott Gerard , Rahimy Elham , Gibbs Iris Catrice , Chang Steven Daniel , Li Gordon , Hayden Gephart Melanie , Veeravagu Anand , Szalkowski Gregory Arthur , Gu Xuejun , Wang Lei , Chuang Cynthia , Liu Lianli , Jackson Scott , Lu Rong , Skerchak Jillian Adele , Huang Kelly Zhe , Wong Samantha , Brown Eleanor , Pollom Erqi Liu
Published: February 2025

Background

For patients with spine metastases, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) provides excellent local control and pain response. Despite increasing use of this treatment modality, there is no consensus on the optimal dose and fractionation of spine SRS for efficacy and toxicity. We have initiated a single-center phase III randomized trial that compares two dose regimens with similar biological equivalent dose (BED) to determine the isolated effect of SRS fractionation on local control.

Methods

Patients with one to three cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine metastases spanning no more than two contiguous vertebral levels in need of radiation will be eligible for enrollment. Patients will be assigned 1:1 to receive either 22 Gy in 1 fraction or 28 Gy in 2 fractions. Biased coin randomization will be used to randomly assign patients while balancing the following stratifying variables between the two treatment arms at baseline: gastrointestinal histology (yes/no), paraspinal tissue extension (yes/no), epidural compression (low-/high-grade), and number of sites treated (one to three). The primary endpoint is one-year local control, defined per Spine Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (SPINO) criteria. The secondary endpoints include patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL), pain associated with the treated site, vertebral compression fracture (VCF), and two-year local control. Patients will be followed for these outcomes at one to two weeks, one month, three months, and six months after treatment, and every six months thereafter until 24 months after treatment. While on the study, patients will receive routine co-interventions as clinically indicated.

Discussion

The studies published thus far comparing the single- and multi-fraction SRS are lacking long-term local control outcomes and are limited by selection bias as well as single-fraction arms with higher BED, which is correlated with improved local control. Our study will isolate the effect of fractionation by comparing one-year local control in patients treated with single- and multi-fraction SRS with equivalent BED. We anticipate that the results of this, as well as secondary endpoints such as pain response, adverse effects, and quality of life will provide much-needed guidance regarding optimal dose and fractionation for both maximizing local control and minimizing toxicity.

Clinical trial information

NCT#06173401. Approved by Stanford Scientific Review Committee (study ID: BRN0060) on 9/12/2023 and Stanford Institutional Review Board (study ID: IRB-72248) on 11/14/2023
Persistent impact of antenatal maternal anaemia on child brain structure at 6–7 years of age: a South African child health study
Authors: Ringshaw Jessica E. , Hendrikse Chanelle J. , Wedderburn Catherine J. , Bradford Layla E. , Williams Simone R. , Nyakonda Charmaine N. , Subramoney Sivenesi , Lake Marilyn T. , Burd Tiffany , Hoffman Nadia , Roos Annerine , Narr Katherine L. , Joshi Shantanu H. , Williams Steven C. R. , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Donald Kirsten A.
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to determine whether associations of antenatal maternal anaemia with smaller corpus callosum, caudate nucleus, and putamen volumes previously described in children at age 2–3 years persisted to age 6–7 years in the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS).

Methods

This neuroimaging sub-study was nested within the DCHS, a South African population-based birth cohort. Pregnant women were enrolled (2012–2015) and mother–child dyads were followed prospectively. A sub-group of children had magnetic resonance imaging at 6–7 years of age (2018–2022). Mothers had haemoglobin measurements during pregnancy and a proportion of children were tested postnatally. Maternal anaemia (haemoglobin < 11 g/dL) and child anaemia were classified using WHO and local guidelines. Linear modeling was used to investigate associations between antenatal maternal anaemia status, maternal haemoglobin concentrations, and regional child brain volumes. Models included potential confounders and were conducted with and without child anaemia to assess the relative roles of antenatal versus postnatal anaemia.

Results

Overall, 157 children (Mean [SD] age of 75.54 [4.77] months; 84 [53.50%] male) were born to mothers with antenatal haemoglobin data. The prevalence of maternal anaemia during pregnancy was 31.85% (50/157). In adjusted models, maternal anaemia status was associated with smaller volumes of the total corpus callosum (adjusted percentage difference, − 6.77%; p = 0.003), left caudate nucleus (adjusted percentage difference, − 5.98%, p = 0.005), and right caudate nucleus (adjusted percentage difference, − 6.12%; p = 0.003). Continuous maternal haemoglobin was positively associated with total corpus callosum (β = 0.239 [CI 0.10 to 0.38]; p < 0.001) and caudate nucleus (β = 0.165 [CI 0.02 to 0.31]; p = 0.027) volumes. In a sub-group (n = 89) with child haemoglobin data (Mean [SD] age of 76.06 [4.84]), the prevalence of antenatal maternal anaemia and postnatal child anaemia was 38.20% (34/89) and 47.19% (42/89), respectively. There was no association between maternal and child anaemia (χ
2 = 0.799; p = 0.372), and child anaemia did not contribute to regional brain volume differences associated with maternal anaemia.

Conclusions

Associations between maternal anaemia and regional child brain volumes previously reported at 2–3 years of age were consistent and persisted to 6–7 years of age. Findings support the importance of optimising antenatal maternal health and reinforce these brain regions as a future research focus.
Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte burden in a Tanzanian heterogeneous transmission setting
Authors: Mulamba Charles , Odufuwa Olukayode G. , Kweyamba Prisca A. , Lazaro Linda O. , Chabo Muhamed S. , Kamage Janeth J. , Kreppel Katharina , Olotu Ally I. , Williams Chris L.
Published: February 2025

Background

Malaria transmission depends on the presence of gametocytes in the peripheral blood of infected human hosts. Understanding malaria infectious reservoirs enables transmission-blocking interventions to target the most important hosts for the disease. This study characterized the distribution of gametocyte carriage as a baseline for the clinical evaluation of a Pfs25-based transmission-blocking vaccine candidate in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

Methods

A malaria survey was conducted in five locations from May to August 2022. A total of 467 participants—192 children (5–12 years), 65 adolescents (13–17 years) and 210 adults (18–45 years)—were enrolled. Malaria was detected using three methods: rapid diagnostic tests, light microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The geometric mean of the gametocyte density, and weighted arithmetic mean of the gametocytes sex ratio were estimated.

Results

Overall, 23.5% (110/467) of the participants tested positive for malaria parasites, with the majority of positives (> 92%) being Plasmodium falciparum. The overall gametocytaemia was 5.6%, with a percent positivity of 6.8% (13/192), 6.2% (4/65) and 4.3% (9/210), in children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. The geometric mean gametocyte density (gametocytes/μL) was greater in adults (124.6) than in children (71.7) and adolescents (50.5). Regression analysis revealed that gametocytes were more likely to be present among male participants than among female participants [ORa: 2.79 (95% CI: 1.19 – 6.59) p = 0.019]. The gametocyte sex ratio in children and adult gametocyte carriers was similar but greater than that in adolescents.

Conclusion

The observed gametocyte densities and distribution across age groups suggest the need for malaria transmission-blocking interventions to target all populations in heterogeneous transmission settings. The implication of targeting only children may leave residual malaria transmission and reinfection from the left-out groups.

Graphical abstract