bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of small vessel disease progression with longitudinal cognitive decline across mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Jingru , Debora Asta , Chen Lixuan , Chen Haisong , Zhao Xuemiao , Yu Mengying , Yang Yunjun ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2025

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is the leading cause of vascular dementia. However, it is unclear whether the individual SVD or global SVD progression correlates with cognitive decline across mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects.

Objective

To investigate the association of small vessel disease progression with longitudinal cognitive decline across MCI.

Methods

We included 432 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, with 151 participants in the cognitively normal (CN) group and 281 participants in the MCI group. We evaluated magnetic resonance imaging–based SVD markers in both CN and MCI groups and explored their associations with 12-and 24-month cognitive decline using linear mixing effect (LME) models.

Results

In the CN group, cerebral microbleed (CMB) progression was associated with the decline in language function (p < 0.05), and deep white matter hyperintensity (WMH) progression was associated with a decline in memory function (p < 0.05). In the MCI group, CMB progression was associated with a decline in memory function (p < 0.05) and lacunes progression was associated with executive function (p < 0.05), whereas the progression of global SVD score was not related to longitudinal cognitive function.

Conclusions

The progression of CMB and WMH had an impact on cognitive decline in both CN and MCI groups, and lacunes progression only had an association with cognitive decline in the MCI group. Our study suggested that individual SVD markers may have a higher predictive value in longitudinal cognition compared with global SVD burden.
Urinary formic acid is associated with cerebral amyloid deposition and glucose metabolism in memory clinic patients
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhu Liangying , He Kun , Cui Liang , Pan Fengfeng , Guan Yihui , He Rongqiao , Xie Fang , Guo Qihao
Published: January 2025

Background

Urinary formic acid (FA) has been reported to be a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the association between FA and pathological changes in memory clinic patients is currently unclear.

Objective

This study aims to investigate associations between FA and pathological changes across different cognitive statuses in memory clinic patients.

Methods

A cohort of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI-Aβ- n = 37, MCI-Aβ+ n = 33), AD dementia (n = 39), and cognitively normal subjects (CN-Aβ- n = 98, CN-Aβ+ n = 50) were included. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, urinary FA, AD-related plasma biomarkers, MRI scans, [18F]-flurbetapir and [18F]-FDG PET scan data were collected from all participants.

Results

Urinary FA levels were higher in patients with MCI and AD than in CN subjects and higher in Aβ+ (CN- Aβ+, MCI-Aβ+, AD dementia) subjects than in Aβ-subjects (CN- Aβ-, MCI-Aβ-). Urinary FA was positively associated with cerebral Aβ deposition and negatively associated with glucose metabolism, both at the global level and in multiple regions of interest cortical regions in participants with different cognitive statuses. Additionally, urinary FA levels were positively correlated with the severity of white matter hyperintensities and hippocampal atrophy. Urinary FA combined with age, Mini-Mental State Examination, plasma p-tau181, and neuroﬁlament light chain could be used to predict Aβ deposition in the brain.

Conclusions

Urinary FA is associated with brain pathological changes in memory clinic patients, including cerebral Aβ deposition, glucose metabolism, white matter hyperintensities, and hippocampal atrophy. It could be used as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD and predicting Aβ deposition.
Collaborative journalism and cross-border collaborations for newsafety: Navigating security and solidarity mechanisms in cooperative practices in Latin American news media
Authors: Mesquita Lucia , de-Lima-Santos Mathias-Felipe , Nicoletti Janara
Published: January 2025

In an era of globalisation, journalism transcends national and cultural boundaries, with international events commanding significant media attention. This evolution necessitates researching the complex networks that produce news in our interconnected world. This study examines the transformative impact of collaborative journalism in Latin America, focusing on cross-border alliances and their dual role in enhancing journalistic safety and solidarity. Notable efforts such as Tierra de Resistentes, Lava Jato, and regional teams behind the Panama and Pandora Papers demonstrate the power of collective journalistic efforts in the region. This research investigates how journalists and news outlets implement cross-border coverage through quantitative and qualitative analysis, including a survey of 75 respondents across 15 Latin American countries and 19 in-depth interviews with media practitioners in 10 countries. Our findings reveal that the success of collaborative journalism depends on contextual factors and organisational frameworks that prioritise material support, effectively functioning as solidarity and security networks. These collaborations have significantly shaped public discourse despite challenging contexts, including underdeveloped economies and authoritarian regimes. Particular attention is paid to approaches to journalist security through partnerships, training initiatives, and consultancy. This study advances scholarly literature and practical understanding by demonstrating that collaborative journalism’s empowering potential in Latin America is realised primarily through its crucial role in fostering solidarity and implementing comprehensive safety measures for journalists.
Sensemaking and engagement in ethical decision-making (SEED): A United States decision-making framework for educational administration and school leadership
Authors: Stansberry Beard Karen
Published: January 2025

Most studies of educator sensemaking focus on teachers. This article addresses the lack of focus on school administrators’ sensemaking in the United States context. Principals’ sensemaking guides problem-solving, policy implementation, planning, management, and resource allocation. Proposed is a framework to assist administrators to appropriately respond to the over 300 decisions they must daily make. The Sensemaking and Engagement in Ethical Decision-Making (SEED) Framework was grounded in and conceived from leadership, ethics, and engagement scholarship. It is comprised of five decision-making phases aligned with professional standards in a strategic inquiry-driven process. Sensemaking requires a sound understanding of leadership theory as well as the psychosocial impact administrator decisions have on school climate, teacher practices, and student learning. School leader's influence on learning conditions, and student and staff well-being demand centering sensemaking and ethical decision-making. Increasing this demand are educational policies born out of ideological and political polarization that risk widening gaps in educational opportunities and life trajectories among a critical mass, students of color. The urgency in preparing leaders to engage ethical values in decision-making while addressing contemporary challenges is apparent. The SEED Framework provides a decision-making tool useful for leadership preparation programs, hiring, and leadership development, globally.
Arousal: Reports of Its Demise May Be Premature
Authors: Thayer Julian F. , Friedman Bruce H.
Published: January 2025

The concept of general arousal has a long history in emotion research. However, the concept is more complex and nuanced than is generally appreciated. In this comment, we note some of the early conceptualizations of arousal and how they might comport with more modern representations of the construct. Importantly, we show how modern conceptualizations which incorporate the physiological complexity of arousal measurement and peripheral-central nervous system interactions might help to provide a more solid framework for the construct moving forward. The authors of the target article are to be commended for addressing this important issue.
Enhancing rare cancer care in developing countries through patient advocacy: insights from the Desmoid Tumor Brazilian Association
Authors: Costa Philippos Apolinario , Menezes Carolina , Bianca Lopes David Bruna , Garofalo Georgia , Prudente Barbieri Livia , Campos Fernando
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Desmoid tumors are soft-tissue neoplasms that can have profound impacts on the lives of people living with such diseases. As they are rare tumors, patients often have difficulty finding teams specialized in sarcomas and support networks. In low- and middle-income countries, the challenges are exacerbated due to a need for established networks and medication access.

Discussion:

In this setting, patient advocacy groups are important in supporting affected people. To this end, the Desmoid Tumor Brazilian Association (DTBA) was established to help mitigate those challenges. This paper highlights the perspectives of patients with desmoid tumors living in Brazil, obtained in a nationwide survey, and discusses aspects related to access to specialists, medications, education, and awareness in Brazil.

Conclusions:

The most commonly reported challenges in Brazil are access to educational material and specialists. The DTA continues to strive to improve support for people living in Brazil through initiatives such as Scientific and Educational Meetings, improving awareness, fostering science, and working on methods to facilitate access to medication and specialists.
Assessing intention to use mobile phone–based self-management support among adults with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: AlOsaimi Hind M , Kanan Mohammed , AlOtaibi Mohammed , Alhejaili Saba , Alshammari Bayader , Khalaf Aleya , Hajea Amal , Saleh Ryoof , Jamal Futoon , AbuShahin Amnah , Alanazi Bandar , Alshanbari Raghad , Alsubaie Ashwag , Alasmari Ghadi , Alshahrani Rana S
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The use of mobile phone technology for chronic illness self-management is growing, and it may help people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Innovative methods are needed to improve patient involvement and disease management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to the high incidence of T2DM.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore how the T2DM patients in KSA utilizes their mobile phones for self-management.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2025 among T2DM patients who were attending endocrinologists for their diabetes management in the Northern Border region (Rafha and Arar) and the Central region (Riyadh) in KSA using a validated questionnaire.

Results

This study included a total of 267 participants with T2DM. Nearly all participants (99.3%) possess a cellphone, with 94.8% having daily internet access. The majority of the patients reported to have an intention to use mobile phones and the internet for managing diabetes, with 78.3% for dietary planning, 79.4% for physical activity planning, and 78.7% for text messages as reminders. Factors such as female (p = 0.008), younger age (p = 0.001), and duration of diabetes (p = <0.001) were significantly associated with the intention to use mobile apps for managing their diabetes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a significantly higher inclination of participants toward mobile phone technology for diabetes self-management vs. face-to-face consultations. These findings highlight the promising role of mobile phone technology for enhancing diabetes self-management among T2DM patients, thus highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A Social Network Lens to Community Health Worker Influence and Impact
Authors: Yousefi Nooraie Reza , Naghibi Deniz , Hernández-Torres Ruthmarie , Cupertino Paula
Published: January 2025

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are members of healthcare teams that are integrated in, and often share language, beliefs, and lived experiences with their communities. They use their formal and informal social networks to promote healthy behavior, to connect community members to resources, and to build more resilient community networks. We propose a framework to conceptualize CHW interventions aiming to operationalize and optimize CHW social relations and networks. CHW-mediated network interventions can focus on the dissemination and diffusion of health messages, using the channels of trust and formal and informal relations, as well as, engaging communities to enhance the cascade of spreading/diffusion. Network interventions can also focus on network-building and community dialog, relying on the role of CHWs in bringing the community members together in facilitating conversation, promoting social justice and inclusion, and mobilizing the community in collective action. In addition, the network interventions can aim for boundary-spanning and bridging activities, to facilitate the community’s access to health services and external resources, as well as bringing the community voice to health systems to influence priorities and policies. Similar to any other complex interventions, CHW network interventions should be fine-tuned and adapted to local and community needs, capacities, and network structures, and actively involve community members in the conceptualization, delivery, and evaluation.
Relationship Between Leader-member  Exchange and Organisational  Innovation: Role of  Intrinsic Work Motivation and Technological Turbulence
Authors: Mollah Md Alamgir , Chowdhury Md Sohel , Shin Jinkyo
Published: January 2025

In the era of technology, along with friendly leader-member exchange (LMX), employees’ intrinsic work motivation (IWM) and technological turbulence (TT) as external factors are also associated with organisational innovation (OI). This study looks at the mediation effect of IWM and the moderation impact of TT between LMX and OI. The hypotheses were tested with data (N = 217) collected from the employees of various service and manufacturing firms using convenient and snowball sampling approaches. The result shows that IWM has full mediation and TT has no moderation influence on the association between LMX and OI. However, TT has a significant negative, moderated influence on the relationship between IWM and OI. While, TT has a significant negative, moderated influence on the relationship between IWM and OI. This study builds on social exchange theory and the resource-based view (RBV), demonstrating how LMX, reciprocity, and trust motivate employees to participate in OI. In practice, managers should be aware of TT in the presence of relevant internal constructs that substantially affect OI. This study concludes by highlighting its key limitations and pinpointing directions for future research.
Speaking Up, Pushing Back, Closing the Door: Agency of Open and Covert Teacher Resistance in Dual-Language Bilingual Education
Authors: Sherman Brandon , Morita-Mullaney Trish , Renn Jennifer
Published: January 2025

The increasing prominence of dual-language bilingual education (DLBE) in the United States necessitates deeper understanding of institutional roles and professional identities of DLBE teachers, particularly when incongruent. We qualitatively analyzed teacher resistance in discordant situations as discussed in conferences between DLBE teachers and a bilingual instructional coach in two districts over 2 years. In these conversations, we found a distinction between nonconfrontational and open, direct resistance. We applied an agentive triad model of teacher identity, agency, and power to understand how DLBE teachers navigated discordant situations in their schools. Teachers acted from different identity positions, including agentive compliance, anagentive compliance (without agency), and nonconfrontational resistance. Findings and theorization demonstrate that DLBE programs present special considerations for teacher identity, role, and resistance. Moreover, context-specific characteristics, including program age, model, and administration, may impact teachers’ approach to resistance. Findings and theorization are relevant to successful DLBE program implementation and equity focused instructional coaching.
Anti-famine tropics: Botanical Gardens as micro-climatic infrastructure
Authors: Bathala Deepthi
Published: January 2025

The resettlement of plants during the famine period significantly shaped the conditions of early colonialism in India. These botanical efforts were grounded in the perception of the tropics and its agriculture as poor, leading to projects of colonial “improvement.” This paper examines how colonial famine interventions led to a project of transforming the tropics through Botanical Gardens. The study uses imperial and local archives to analyze the early material and cultural spaces produced and circulated by the British Botanical Gardens to argue that the Botanical Gardens emerged as two types of infrastructures. As physical infrastructures, the Botanical Gardens transformed the environment through plant resettlements, violently forcing new relationships into the environment at the micro-climatic level. As micro-climatic knowledge infrastructures, the gardens revealed gaps in micro-climatic knowledge and later filled the early knowledge gap through failed plantation trials. The spatial mobilities of plants these gardens set in motion constructed “micro-climatic” infrastructure for altering the landscape of subsistence with cash crops exacerbating famines in the long term.
The Non-linear Effects of Selected Macroeconomic Variables on Outward Foreign Direct Investment from India
Authors: Singhal Nidhi , Kumar Naresh
Published: January 2025

Foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows from India have a big leap and irregular growth from 1990 to 2023. It becomes necessary to explore the reasons behind such a leap in the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) trend in India. This study has applied the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model to analyse the asymmetric effects of selected macroeconomic variables such as GDP per capita, private consumption expenditure, exchange rate, globalisation index (GI), government spending, and inflation rate in directing investment to foreign nations from India during the period from 1990 to 2023. This study has found that an increase in all these variables has long-run and short-run asymmetric causality with OFDI, except for the inflation rate. The inflation rate has no significant long-run relationship with OFDI. The study suggests that India should manage the downswing of GDP per capita and government spending as it may discourage OFDI and also influence the mindset of potential investors.

JEL codes: F2, F3, F6
Clinical Value of Echocardiography in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lv Zhen , Hu Guobing
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To investigate the clinical value of echocardiography in the preoperative assessment, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative follow-up of patients with aortic valve disease (AVD) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included clinical data of 158 patients with AVD who underwent TAVR. Patients were divided into three groups based on the type of AVD. The perivalvular structure of the patient was evaluated preoperatively using echocardiography and compared with multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) measurements. Echocardiography was used to dynamically monitor the entire surgical process. Each patient was followed up for 1 month.

Results:

The success rate of TAVR was 94.9%. Preoperative measurements of the paravalvular (PVL) structure indicated good agreement between transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and MSCT. Real-time TEE was used to adjust the location of the artificial valve to reduce leakage before completing TAVR, and the final incidence of moderate and above PVL was 1.3%. Data obtained 1 month after TAVR revealed that both the structure and function of the patient’s heart underwent benign reverse remodeling compared with those before surgery.

Conclusion:

Echocardiography played an important role in the entire procedure and may provide a basis for evaluating the efficacy and prognosis of TAVR.
Effect of SNORD113-3/ADAR2 on glycolipid metabolism in glioblastoma via A-to-I editing of PHKA2
Authors: Cui Zheng , Liu Xiaobai , E Tiange , Lin Hongda , Wang Di , Liu Yunhui , Ruan Xuelei , Wang Ping , Liu Libo , Xue Yixue
Published: January 2025

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor, characterized by its poor prognosis. Glycolipid metabolism is strongly associated with GBM development and malignant behavior. However, the precise functions of snoRNAs and ADARs in glycolipid metabolism within GBM cells remain elusive. The objective of the present study is to delve into the underlying mechanisms through which snoRNAs and ADARs exert regulatory effects on glycolipid metabolism in GBM cells.

Methods

RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down experiments were conducted to verify the homodimerization of ADAR2 by SNORD113-3, and Sanger sequencing and Western blot experiments were used to detect the A-to-I RNA editing of PHKA2 mRNA by ADAR2. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of EBF1 was measured by in vitro kinase assay. Finally, in vivo studies using nude mice confirmed that SNORD113-3 and ADAR2 overexpression, along with PHKA2 knockdown, could suppress the formation of subcutaneous xenograft tumors and improve the outcome of tumor-bearing nude mice.

Results

We found that PHKA2 in GBM significantly promoted glycolipid metabolism, while SNORD113-3, ADAR2, and EBF1 significantly inhibited glycolipid metabolism. SNORD113-3 promotes ADAR2 protein expression by promoting ADAR2 homodimer formation. ADAR2 mediates the A-to-I RNA editing of PHKA2 mRNA. Mass spectrometry analysis and in vitro kinase testing revealed that PHKA2 phosphorylates EBF1 on Y256, reducing the stability and expression of EBF1. Furthermore, direct binding of EBF1 to PKM2 and ACLY promoters was observed, suggesting the inhibition of their expression by EBF1. These findings suggest the existence of a SNORD113-3/ADAR2/PHKA2/EBF1 pathway that collectively regulates the metabolism of glycolipid and the growth of GBM cells. Finally, in vivo studies using nude mice confirmed that knockdown of PHKA2, along with overexpression of SNORD113-3 and ADAR2, could obviously suppress GBM subcutaneous xenograft tumor formation and improve the outcome of those tumor-bearing nude mice.

Conclusions

Herein, we clarified the underlying mechanism involving the SNORD113-3/ADAR2/PHKA2/EBF1 pathway in the regulation of GBM cell growth and glycolipid metabolism. Our results provide a framework for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions to improve the prognosis of patients with GBM.
Airway MMP-12 and DNA methylation in COPD: an integrative approach
Authors: Eriksson Ström Jonas , Kebede Merid Simon , Linder Robert , Pourazar Jamshid , Lindberg Anne , Melén Erik , Behndig Annelie F.
Published: January 2025

Background

In COPD, the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors [tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)] is shifted towards excessive degradation, reflected in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as increased MMP concentrations. Because of their critical role in lung homeostasis, MMP activity is tightly regulated, but to what extent this regulation occurs through epigenetic mechanisms remains unknown.

Methods

To explore the interplay between MMPs, TIMPs, and DNA methylation (DNAm) we (1) analysed MMP-9, -12, and TIMP-1 concentrations in BAL fluid, and profiled DNAm in BAL cells from 18 COPD and 30 control subjects, (2) estimated protein–COPD relationships using multivariable regression, (3) identified protein quantitative trait methylation loci (pQTMs) with COPD as a potential modifier in a separate interaction model, and (4) integrated significant interactions with a previous COPD GWAS meta-analysis.

Results

COPD was associated with higher levels of BAL MMP-12 (p = 0.016) but not with MMP-9 or TIMP-1. Further examination of MMP-12 identified association with DNAm at 34 loci (pQTMs), with TGFBR2 (p = 2.25 × 10–10) and THBS4 (p = 1.11 × 10–9) among the top ten pQTM genes. The interaction model identified 66 sites where the DNAm–MMP-12 association was significantly different in COPD compared to controls. Of these, one was colocalized with SNPs previously associated with COPD.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that airway MMP-12 may partially be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and that this regulation is disrupted in COPD. Furthermore, integration with COPD GWAS data suggests that this dysregulation is influenced by a combination of environmental factors, disease processes, and genetics, with the latter potentially playing a lesser role.
The adolescent experience of hereditary angioedema: a qualitative study of disease burden and treatment experience
Authors: Broderick Lynne , Foster April , Waldman Laura Tesler , Bordone Laura , Yarlas Aaron
Published: January 2025

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder causing swelling attacks in various parts of the body, resulting in impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The symptoms of HAE and its impacts on HRQoL have been well-documented in adults; however, relatively little is known about the experiences of adolescents with HAE. The objective of this study was to use qualitative interviews to investigate how adolescents experience HAE symptoms and how HAE impacts their HRQoL.

Methods

This was a non-interventional, qualitative study of adolescents with HAE. Participants were recruited via a patient advocacy organization and were eligible to take part in this study if they had a confirmed diagnosis of type I or type II HAE and were currently on prophylactic treatment to prevent HAE attacks. All participants completed a one-to-one, 60-minute, remote interview designed to elicit their experiences of HAE. Interview data were coded and analyzed using NVivo qualitative software.

Results

Twelve adolescents took part in this study. HAE attacks were described as painful and uncomfortable. Attacks varied by trigger, frequency, severity, location, and duration. Participants described ways in which HAE impacted their daily lives, including impacts on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning, in addition to sleep disturbance, school-related impacts, and a need to avoid attack triggers. Impacts on emotional and social functioning were particularly noteworthy, as participants reported having to miss or skip social events, and sometimes withdrawing socially. Since initiating prophylaxis, participants reported the frequency, severity, and duration of attacks had been reduced and their HAE-related impacts had been minimized. Participants were satisfied with their current prophylactic and acute treatments, and expressed a preference for treatments that were effective, convenient, self-administered, and had minimal side effects.

Conclusion

Adolescents with HAE reported experiencing a range of symptoms that, when untreated, impacted their HRQoL in ways that are unique from adults. Further, participants reported that effective treatments (prophylactic and acute) inhibited symptoms and HRQoL impacts with minimal treatment burden. Findings from this study suggest that health care providers and clinical investigators should consider the unique HRQoL impacts experienced by adolescents when evaluating treatment benefit.
Loading of anionic surfactant on eco-friendly biochar and its applications in Cr(VI) removal: adsorption, kinetics, and reusability studies
Authors: Shaker Azza M. , Khedawy Mohamed , Moneer Abeer A. , El-Mallah Nabila M. , Ramadan Mohamed S.
Published: January 2025

Surfactant-modified biochar is a viable adsorbent for eliminating Cr(VI) from synthetic wastewater. The biochar obtained from the zea mays plant (BC) was tailored with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an anionic surfactant forming SDS-BC adsorbent. Different controlling conditions have been evaluated including pH of the solution, biomass concentration, primary Cr(VI) concentration, time of adsorption, and temperature. Under the best controlling circumstances, the percentage of removal has attained 99%. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the removal process, according to the kinetic data, while the Temkin model, one of the applicable adsorption isotherm models, well expressed the adsorption process. The thermodynamic parameters were computed, which disclosed the spontaneity and exothermic character of the Cr(VI) elimination. According to the regeneration cycles, SDS-BC was cost-effective and had a good removal capability.

Graphical Abstract
Healthcare professionals’ understanding of children’s rights: a systematic review of the empirical evidence-base
Authors: Alshammari Sahar Mazied , Linden Mark A. , Kerr Helen , Noble Helen
Published: January 2025

Background

The concept of children’s rights emerged during the 1980s and emphasised the role of children as active participants in matters which concern them.

Aim

This review aims to identify and synthesise the empirical evidence base on healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) understanding of children’s rights.

Methods

Five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Web of Science) were systematically searched in May 2023. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to quality appraise full-text papers included in the review. A descriptive narrative synthesis of the studies’ findings was performed.

Results

A total of 15 relevant studies from 10 countries were identified and included in the review. The number of participants included ranged from 6 to 1048 for HCPs with a broad range of sampling methods. Based on the narrative synthesis of the included studies, three main themes were identified: (1) Barriers to implementing children’s rights in healthcare, (2) Factors that contribute to children’s rights implementation, and (3) Study instruments used to measure outcomes.

Conclusions

HCPs require a better understanding of children’s rights to implement these rights into practice. Listening to children, building trusting relationships with children, and continuing professional development of HCPs could help to address barriers to understanding children’s rights. There is a pressing need for the development of a tool that is capable of tracking changes in the understanding of children’s rights in healthcare environments as efforts to increase awareness become more widely recognised.
Designing inclusive tech playful educative solutions for visually impaired learners in STEM education
Authors: Castaneda Jennifer A. Cardenas , Lin Pei-Chun , Hung Patrick C. K. , Zhong Hua-Xu , Tseng Hao-An , Huang Yung-Fa , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: January 2025

Education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is essential to achieving continued technological advancement. The most critical years for instilling knowledge are during childhood, and a strategic way to accomplish this is through playful materials. Therefore, there is a need to develop more inclusive solutions to achieve the good inclusion of visually impaired (VI) learners in this learning area. Despite their importance, specific design guidelines are scarce for developing playful, educational solutions for VI learners in STEM. Qualitative research was conducted through interviews and observations of the interactions between VI Learners playing an audio game and tactile 3D printed blocks, which covered an age range of young participants aged 8–18 years and adults aged 30–40 years in Taiwan. Surprisingly, the results showed that the combination of tangible and audio elements for playful purposes opens the way for students to show interest during educational interactions and, at the same time, allows them to understand the concept, especially when presented in different game missions but repeating the same principle/concept. In conclusion, there is a need for more inclusive strategies and approaches for playful STEM tools for VI learners, and one important aspect of achieving this is design guidelines. This study aims to understand the educational context of VI learners and their interactions when playing with educational materials to learn STEM concepts and develop design guidelines for the future development of playful STEM educational games.
Review on mushroom mycelium-based products and their production process: from upstream to downstream
Authors: Shin Hyun-Jae , Ro Hyeon-Su , Kawauchi Moriyuki , Honda Yoichi
Published: January 2025

The global trend toward carbon neutrality and sustainability calls for collaborative efforts in both the basic and applied research sectors to utilize mushroom mycelia as environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. Fungi, along with animals and plants, are one of the major eukaryotic life forms. They have long been utilized in traditional biotechnology sectors, such as food fermentation, antibiotic production, and industrial enzyme production. Some fungi have also been consumed as major food crops, such as the fruiting bodies of various mushrooms. Recently, new trends have emerged, shifting from traditional applications towards the innovative use of mushroom mycelium as eco-friendly bioresources. This approach has gained attention in the development of alternative meats, mycofabrication of biocomposites, and production of mycelial leather and fabrics. These applications aim to replace animal husbandry and recycle agricultural waste for use in construction and electrical materials. This paper reviews current research trends on industrial applications of mushroom mycelia, covering strain improvements and molecular breeding as well as mycelial products and the production processes. Key findings, practical considerations, and valorization are also discussed.

Graphical Abstract
The JAGUAR-DAS whole neutral atmosphere reanalysis: JAWARA
Authors: Koshin Dai , Sato Kaoru , Watanabe Shingo , Miyazaki Kazuyuki
Published: January 2025

Using the Japanese Atmospheric General circulation model for the Upper Atmosphere Research-Data Assimilation System (JAGUAR-DAS), a whole neutral atmosphere reanalysis dataset (JAWARA) over about 19 years from September 2004 to December 2023 is produced. JAWARA is the first long-period reanalysis covering the height region from the surface to the lower thermosphere (~ 110 km). This wide height coverage is a notable advantage over other operational reanalysis datasets, which cover up to the middle mesosphere. Key dynamical characteristics are compared between JAWARA and two satellite observations and three other operational reanalysis datasets in their covered height regions. The seasonal variations of zonal mean temperature and zonal wind are similar between JAWARA and the datasets used for comparison. The climatologies of zonal mean temperature, zonal wind, residual-mean circulation, and E-P flux in the meridional cross section are also broadly consistent with other reanalysis datasets. The analyzed residual-mean vertical flow in the northern high latitudes in the middle atmosphere exhibits the well-known patterns of upwelling in summer and downwelling in winter. JAWARA also shows a prominent feature of strong downward propagating anomalies from the lower thermosphere to the upper stratosphere after sudden stratospheric warmings. This analysis takes full advantage of the JAWARA data, which cannot be made using satellite observations and other reanalysis datasets. This reanalysis product is expected to contribute broadly to future research on the characteristics of observed mesospheric phenomena, thermosphere–ionosphere coupling, space weather, and improvement of middle atmospheric meteorological systems, including their interannual and decadal scale variability.
Optical properties of unoxidized and oxidized titanium nitride thin films
Authors: Odusanya Abiodun A. , Schall J. David , Pfeifer Mark A. , Wright John , Martin Catalin , Craciun Valentin , Kumar Dhananjay
Published: January 2025

This study reports a pulsed laser deposition-assisted synthesis of highly metallic titanium nitride (TiN) and a series of semiconducting titanium oxynitride (TiNxOy) compounds in thin film form with tunable plasmonic properties by carefully altering the nitrogen (N)-oxygen (O) ratio. The N/O ratio was controlled from 0.3 (highest oxygen doping of TiN) to ~ 1.0 (no oxygen doping of TiN) by growing the TiN films under nitrogen pressures of 50, 35, and 10 mTorr and high vacuum conditions of 2 × 10−6 Torr with no external gas introduced. The presence of nitrogen in the deposition chamber during the film growth affects the gas phase oxidation of TiN to TiNxOy by increasing the mean free path-dependent N and O inter-collisions per second by two to three orders of magnitudes. The evidence of increased oxidation of TiN to TiNxOy with an increase in nitrogen deposition pressure was obtained using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. While the TiN samples deposited in high vacuum conditions had the highest reflectance, TiNxOy thin films were also found to possess high reflectance at low frequency with a well-defined edge around 20,000 cm−1. Furthermore, the vacuum-deposited TiN samples showed a large negative dielectric constant of -330 and the largest frequency of zero-crossing at 25,000 cm−1; the TiNxOy samples deposited in the presence of nitrogen ambient also showed promising plasmonic applications at the near-mid infrared range. A comparison of the dielectric constant and loss function data of this research with the literature values for noble metals seems to indicate that TiN and TiNxOy have the potential to replace gold and silver in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions.
Theoretical exploration of structural, electronic, elastic, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of MgCu4Sn intermetallic compound for engineering applications: first-principle calculations
Authors: Boucetta S. , Benbahouche Ly.
Published: January 2025

The structural, electronic, elastic, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of the ternary MgCu4Sn intermetallic compound are investigated by means of first-principle calculations within density functional theory (DFT), in combination with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. Local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) are made for electronic exchange–correlation potential energy. The lattice constant is in good agreement with experimental data. We determine the elastic constant tensor of the compound from the calculated stress–strain relation in both approximations. Once the elastic constants are obtained, the bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young’s modulus E, Poisson’s ratio ν, anisotropy factor A, and the ratio B/G for MgCu4Sn compound were deduced using Voigt-Reuss-Hill (VRH) approximation. The ground-state structure of MgCu4Sn is predicted to be thermodynamically and mechanically stable. The obtained band structure and density of states reveal metallic character of MgCu4Sn. The calculation results show also that this intermetallic crystal is a stiff, elastically anisotropic and ductile material. The Debye temperature is also determined from elastic constants. The temperature dependence of the constant volume heat capacity Cv, the entropy S, and the volumetric thermal expansion coefficient α in a quasi-harmonic approximation have been obtained from calculated energy E as a function of the volume V of a MgCu4Sn crystal and discussed for the first report.
Electrocardiographic markers predict hemodynamic parameters in adults with uncorrected secundum atrial septal defect
Authors: Umamy Kunti N. , Martiana Astri K. , Myrtha Risalina , Irnizarifka Irnizarifka , Nursidiq Alfa A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) as complication in atrial septal defect (ASD) is closely related to right heart hemodynamics, such as right atrial pressure (RAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Right heart catheterization (RHC) as the gold standard for their measurement is invasive and not widely available in Indonesia. Electrocardiography (ECG) was proposed to be alternative in this matter.

Method

This is a retrospective observational study with cross-sectional design. We collected data and measured ECG parameters of secundum ASD patients who underwent elective RHC from May 2019 until November 2023. We compared several ECG parameters based on RAP (< 8 and ≥ 8 mmHg) and PVR (< 5 and ≥ 5 WU).

Result

Eighty-three patients were included. The RV1 was the only ECG marker that showed significant difference based on RAP (AUC 0.639, sensitivity 61.7%, specificity 61.1%, p = 0.030) and PVR (AUC 0.801, sensitivity 73.2%, specificity 81%, p < 0.001). Several ECG parameters were found significantly different based on PVR value only, namely SV5 (AUC 0.773, sensitivity 80.5%, specificity 71.4%, p < 0.001), SV6 (AUC 0.823, sensitivity 80.5%, specificity 81%, p < 0.001), right ventricular Sokolow–Lyon index (RVSLI) (AUC 0.841, sensitivity 82.9%, specificity 83.3%, p < 0.001), R/SV1 (sensitivity 97.6%, specificity 16.7%, p = 0.031) as well as right ventricular strain (sensitivity 87.8%, specificity 69%, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed RVSLI (OR 15.66 (4.46–55.02), CI 95%) and right ventricular strain pattern (OR 9.23 (2.43–35.14), CI 95%) had the best predictive value for PVR ≥ 5 WU.

Conclusion

In adults with secundum ASD, several ECG markers have potential role in predicting PVR ≥ 5 WU with satisfying sensitivity and specificity, but not in predicting RAP.
Cancer vaccines: platforms and current progress
Authors: Lei Wanting , Zhou Kexun , Lei Ye , Li Qiu , Zhu Hong
Published: January 2025

Cancer vaccines, crucial in the immunotherapeutic landscape, are bifurcated into preventive and therapeutic types, both integral to combating oncogenesis. Preventive cancer vaccines, like those against HPV and HBV, reduce the incidence of virus-associated cancers, while therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to activate dendritic cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes for durable anti-tumor immunity. Recent advancements in vaccine platforms, such as synthetic peptides, mRNA, DNA, cellular, and nano-vaccines, have enhanced antigen presentation and immune activation. Despite the US Food and Drug Administration approval for several vaccines, the full therapeutic potential remains unrealized due to challenges such as antigen selection, tumor-mediated immunosuppression, and optimization of delivery systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the aims and implications of preventive and therapeutic cancer vaccine, the innovative discovery of neoantigens enhancing vaccine specificity, and the latest strides in vaccine delivery platforms. It also critically evaluates the role of adjuvants in enhancing immunogenicity and mitigating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The review further examines the synergistic potential of combining cancer vaccines with other therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, to improve therapeutic outcomes. Overcoming barriers such as effective antigen identification, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and adverse effects is critical for advancing vaccine development. By addressing these challenges, cancer vaccines can offer significant improvements in patient outcomes and broaden the scope of personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Symptomatic networks in suicide attempt and reattempt: Relevance of psychiatric comorbidity
Authors: Pemau Andres , de la Torre-Luque Alejandro , Marin-Martin Carolina , Diaz-Marsa Marina , Andreo-Jover Jorge , Ayad-Ahmed Wala , Bravo Ortiz Maria Fe , Bobes-Bascarán Maria Teresa , Canal-Rivero Manuel , Canosa García Irene , Cebrià Ana Isabel , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto , Boti María Ángeles , Elices Matilde , González-Pinto Ana , Grande Iria , Jiménez-Treviño Luis , Palao Diego J. , Palao-Tarrero Angela , Pérez-Guerra Carla , Roberto Natalia , Ruiz Veguilla Miguel , Sáiz Pilar A. ,   The SURVIVE Consortium, Pérez Víctor
Published: January 2025

Background

One of the most relevant risk factors for suicide is the presence of previous attempts. The symptomatic profile of people who reattempt suicide deserves attention. Network analysis is a promising tool to study this field.

Objective

To analyze the symptomatic network of patients who have attempted suicide recently and compare networks of people with several attempts and people with just one at baseline.

Methods

1043 adult participants from the Spanish cohort “SURVIVE” were part of this study. Participants were classified into two groups: single attempt group (n = 390) and reattempt group (n = 653). Different network analyses were carried out to study the relationships between suicidal ideation, behavior, psychiatric symptoms, diagnoses, childhood trauma, and impulsivity. A general network and one for each subgroup were estimated.

Results

People with several suicide attempts at baseline scored significantly higher across all clinical scales. The symptomatic networks were equivalent in both groups of patients (p > .05). Although there were no overall differences between the networks, some nodes were more relevant according to group belonging.

Conclusions

People with a history of previous attempts have greater psychiatric symptom severity but the relationships between risk factors show the same structure when compared with the single attempt group. All risk factors deserve attention regardless of the number of attempts, but assessments can be adjusted to better monitor the occurrence of reattempts.
Interventions to Address Cancer-Related Financial Hardship: A Scoping Review and Call to Action
Authors: Wheeler Stephanie B. , Thom Bridgette , Waters Austin R. , Shankaran Veena
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

As oncology practices implement routine screening for financial hardship (FH) and health-related social needs, interventions that address these needs must be implemented. A growing body of literature has reported on FH interventions.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review of the literature using PubMed, EMBASE, PsychInfo, and CINAHL to identify key studies (2000-2024) reporting on interventions to address cancer-related FH. Full-length manuscripts were included in the review if they detailed a research, quality improvement, or community-based intervention to address at least one element of FH and drew association with an outcome of interest. Studies were categorized by intervention type and qualitatively analyzed to identify critical components, outcomes, and limitations.

RESULTS

Forty-four publications reporting on 43 interventions were included in the final analysis and were categorized as research interventions (n = 20) and real-world programs (n = 20). Studies reporting on financial navigation programs (n = 17) and specialty pharmacy assistance programs (n = 11) were most common; enrolled patients received concrete assistance with direct medical costs and cost-of-living expenses (eg, transportation and food). In addition, several of these programs improved overall patient-reported financial toxicity, decreased appointment no-shows, and improved enrollment in clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

Interventions to address FH are feasible and can address all domains of FH—material, behavioral, and psychosocial. Future research should address the uptake and implementation of these interventions across diverse cancer care delivery settings. Such programs will be an essential part of cancer care delivery until broad social and policy changes can address the underlying factors that contribute to FH in Americans with cancer.