bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPRESS: The Inter-Association Between Face Processing, Intelligence, and Autistic-like Nonverbal Communication
Authors: Walker Dana , Palermo Romina , Gignac Gilles G.
Published: February 2025

The degree to which face processing abilities inter-relate, and associate with general intelligence, remains a contentious issue. Furthermore, poorer face processing abilities may be a result of reduced social interest associated with higher levels of trait-autism, consistent with the social motivation theory of autism. However, the association between multiple dimensions of face processing (i.e., a general face factor) and trait-autism, specifically autistic-like nonverbal communication, has not been estimated. Consequently, we administered four face processing ability tests (assessing face detection, the perception and memory of face identity, and expression recognition), four cognitive ability tests, and the Autism Quotient to a sample of 253 general community adults. Based on latent variable modelling, we identified a general face processing ability factor (f), and it was positively associated with general intelligence (g; λ = .48). We conclude that face processing abilities may be a candidate ability within the Cattel-Horn-Carroll model of intelligence. Moreover, face memory was positively associated with g (β = .31). We discuss the possibility of developmental prosopagnosia, i.e., deficits in face memory, being diagnosed as a learning disability. Furthermore, autistic-like nonverbal communication was a significant, negative predictor (β = -.45) of f, and g was neither a mediator nor suppressor of the effect. Finally, the unique effect between autistic-like nonverbal communication difficulties and face processing abilities, independently of intelligence, was considered in line with the social motivation theory of autism.
Role of Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral treatment in achieving an undetectable HIV-1 viral load among women attending prevention of mother-to-child transmission clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Woldesemayat Belete , Getaneh Yimam , Adane Sisay , Yizengaw Ajanaw , Yilma Amelework , Araya Haile Shambel , Zealiyas Kidist
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of detectable HIV-1 viral load and associated factors among pregnant and lactating women on Dolutegravir-based and non-Dolutegravir-based regimens.

Methods:

HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women enrolled in a cross-sectional study design incorporating Dolutegravir versus non-Dolutegravir group for comparison purposes, and the study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023. In total, 684 women receiving antiretroviral treatment (456 on Dolutegravir-based and 228 on non-Dolutegravir-based regimens) were enrolled across 16 prevention of mother-to-child transmission clinics. An undetectable viral load was defined as <20 RNA copies/mL. Univariable and multivariable regression models were used to determine the associations of the detectable viral load with factors such as sociodemographic, clinical, obstetric, and laboratory parameters.

Results:

The prevalence of detectable viral load on a non-Dolutegravir-based regimen was 32.9% and on a Dolutegravir-based regimen group was 19.7%. The overall prevalence was 24.1% (95% CI: 20.9–27.6). Compared with non-Dolutegravir-based regimens, Dolutegravir-based regimens were associated with 69% (AOR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.16–0.61) lower risk of having a detectable viral load. The median viral load was significantly lower in women on a Dolutegravir-based regimen (1.66 log copies/mL) compared to those on a non-Dolutegravir-based regimen (2.11 log copies/mL; p < 0.001). A lower level of adherence was associated with 2.33 times (AOR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.06–5.12) higher odds of having a detectable viral load and women who had a WHO clinical stage II and above were 2.71 times (AOR: 2.71: 95% CI: 1.30–5.64) more vulnerable to developing a detectable viremia than their counterparts.

Conclusion:

Despite the scale-up of Dolutegravir-based regimens, the overall prevalence of detectable viremia was 24.1%, with a higher prevalence of 32.9% among women on non-Dolutegravir-based regimens indicating a programmatic challenge that could affect mother-to-child transmission outcomes. Strengthening adherence monitoring and maintaining World Health Organization clinical stage I is crucial for achieving undetectable viral load levels in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Linking Financial Information to Systematic Risk: The Chinese Internet Industry Outlook
Authors: Quao Kwami Hope
Published: February 2025

Extant literature delved deeply into the influence of financial variables on firm systematic risk across industries. China’s internet industry is pivotal in attracting huge investment inflow which is essential and enhancer for the country’s economic growth. The internet industry received several attention in research but the stock price variability of these firms, vis-à-vis the overall exchange, has not received the needed attention in previous studies. It is therefore timely to learn the applicability of the empirical financial variables to assessing the systematic risk of the internet industry to aid investment decisions. This study aims to ascertain the link between financial metrics and systematic risk of listed internet companies on China’s Shanghai stock market. The current study drew data on 185 Chinese listed internet companies on the Chinese A-share market from the Bloomberg database. The results, based on Pearson correlation analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression, growth rate, market value of equity, and return-on-assets, show a significant correlation with beta. The three variables collectively predicted 17.3% volatility in beta. This study adds on to previous studies on the relationship between financial information and systematic risk of various industries in the global investment environment. Also, the result provides constructive insight to prospective Chinese investors in the internet industry with fast growth in revenue, large firm size, and a high return-on-assets; and with the propensity of larger unpredictability on realized yield.
Sectoral Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment on the Country Economy in Myanmar
Authors: Xiaoling Huang , Win Ei Thinzar , Ejigu Meseret Ebabu
Published: February 2025

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is of vital importance for such developing countries as Myanmar. It brings such main important instruments as capital (foreign capital inflows), exports and trade, and new technology to the host countries. Thus, Myanmar is committed to encouraging FDI to strengthen its economy. This study’s goal is to determine the sectoral FDI that has an influence on Myanmar’s economy. The time frame for the study is from 1990 to 2020. The random effect model was employed to discover which and how FDI sectors influence on the economic growth in this study. Two-stage least squares estimator was employed to solve the endogeneity problem. There is no endogeneity problem in this study. According to the results, the explanatory variables statistically significantly and positively influence on the growth. Thus, all FDI sectors have the positive impacts on the economy. Among them, the coefficient value of the FDI secondary sector is the highest. Hence, manufacturing sector, power sector, and construction sector support economic development of Myanmar. Therefore, the government should attract more FDI into the manufacturing sector, as this can lead to the higher productivity and then to more exports, which can earn much more foreign currencies and strengthen the economy in Myanmar.
Unusual STEMI Mimicker: A Case Report
Authors: Masood Ishtiyaq
Published: February 2025

Chest pain from myocarditis may resemble typical angina and may be accompanied by ECG changes including ST segment elevation. Acute myocarditis is a known cause of ST elevation but there are no reported cases of acute myocarditis presenting as transient ST elevation in a specific coronary territory. We report the case of a young male who presented as STEMI but his coronary angiogram was normal and ST elevation settled down immediately after coronary angiography. Hence, a high index of suspicion in an appropriate clinical setting can avoid inadvertent coronary angiography or thrombolysis in these patients.
The aesthetics of the possible
Authors: Verger Nicolas B.
Published: February 2025

Amid growing concerns that our era may be defined as a ‘crisis of sensibility’, possibility studies have predominantly addressed the possible from a pragmatist stance. While this approach is valuable in explaining how people navigate possibilities, it is limited in its capacity to account for the affective component that precedes and shapes their engagement with the world. How are people affected by the signs emitted through their ongoing engagement with possibilities as events of life? Adopting a vitalist stance, this article introduces the Aesthetics of the Possible. It is defined the degree of bodily affect and emotional experience elicited by the signs one either recognises or encounters, as emitted by people and things, which influences one’s awareness, representations, and engagement with possibilities. Awe, wonder, serendipity, and insights are phenomena embedded within this framework. The article theorises how ongoing engagements with the practice–arrangement tandem of the social complex elicit experiences of what is introduced here as ‘authentic’ possibilities. These refer to an awareness of possibilities arising from the randomness of events, altering one’s worldview.
The association between adaptability and the symptoms of depression and anxiety in early adolescents: a network analysis in a longitudinal design
Authors: Lu Gangyuan , Zhu Linfei , Huang Rongqian , Lai Pengcheng , Wang Chao
Published: February 2025

Background

The co-occurrence of depression and anxiety is relatively more common among adolescents. Emerging evidence suggests that adaptability might affect this phenomenon. Network analysis can provide insight into the dynamics between symptoms of mental disorders. Therefore, we used network analysis 1) to explore symptom networks and 2) to investigate the association between adaptability and symptoms based on a longitudinal design.

Methods

833 Chinese adolescents (449 males and 384 female) were recruited, with adaptability, depressive and anxiety symptoms measured at T1, 426 of them were followed up one year later at T2. Symptom networks were constructed for all participants and for the two groups based on their adaptability scores at T1. Furthermore, mediation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between adaptability and bridge symptoms at both timepoints.

Results

Irritable and Guilty showed the highest expected value at T1 (p < 0.05). The high adaptability group’s symptom network (HGN) was less connected than the low adaptability group’s symptom network (LGN) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Irritable (T1) and adaptability (T2) were sequential mediators (p < 0.001) between adaptability (T1) and Irritable (T2).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that adaptability might affect the network dynamics, underscoring its importance to the occurrence of depression and anxiety among adolescents. Irritable and Guilty being the bridge symptoms may indicate the interventions to target in adolescents with comorbid depression and anxiety.
Pre-departure PCR testing of travellers for SARS-CoV-2 was an effective tool in limiting transmission in Greenland during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Møller Mie , Moestrup Kasper Sommerlund , Abelsen Trine , Vedsted Peter , Mølbak Kåre , Koch Anders
Published: February 2025

Background

During the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions were implemented in Greenland to contain SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Despite their widespread use, empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of travel restrictions is scarce. Greenland was in a unique position to maintain pre-departure testing among travellers, and we aimed to describe the effectiveness of pre-departure testing to inform the implementation of travel restrictions in future outbreaks.

Methods

Our analysis included SARS-Cov-2 PCR test results from travellers, including children, arriving in Greenland from Denmark between June 15, 2020, and January 26, 2022. Additionally, we identified positive tests performed within 14 days post-arrival to Greenland in this population. We estimated the sensitivity of pre-departure screening by dividing the number of positive cases identified pre-departure by the sum of cases identified pre-departure and within 14 days post-arrival in Greenland.

Results

Our analysis covered around 43% of all travellers who underwent pre-departure screening. Out of 26,406 SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests, the proportion of positive tests was 0.6%, which varied over time according to the incidence in Denmark. Overall sensitivity of pre-departure screening was 59% and decreased over time, reaching a minimum of 36% in January 2022. The overall proportion of positive PCR post-arrival tests among all travellers was 0.4%.

Conclusions

Implementing pre-departure PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 among travellers can be effective in the early stages of outbreaks, particularly in geographical regions like Greenland where community transmission had not yet occurred. Our findings suggest that pre-departure screening of travellers contributed to delaying community transmission in Greenland compared to most other countries, thereby reducing the COVID-19 disease burden.
Access to health services by women subjected to violence: findings from administrative healthcare data from the metropolitan area of northern Italy
Authors: Gabellini Eliana , Salvatori Andrea , Greco Maria Teresa , Cattaneo Cristina , Tambuzzi Stefano , Costantino Maria Antonella , Russo Antonio Giampiero
Published: February 2025

Background

In Italy, approximately 50% of women report experiencing episodes of psychological and/or physical violence. The Emergency Department (ED) is widely recognized as one of the health services to which victims of violence seek treatment for injuries and within which situations of domestic violence and abuse can be recognized. This work aims to estimate the phenomenon of violence in the population of the Health Protection Agency (ATS) of Milan using data from emergency room access and hospital admissions. A further goal of the survey is to provide evidence to launch audit processes in health units designed to foster improvement strategies for the management of the phenomenon and guarantee integration with anti-violence centers.

Methods

In the first phase of the project, an algorithm was designed to detect women subjected to violence intercepted in the five years 2019–2023 in the administrative healthcare data of emergency rooms and hospital admissions. To identify the cases, the specific diagnosis codes of the ICD-9 have been selected. Prevalence and time trends of the phenomenon were estimated, stratifying by different socioanagraphic characteristics and by types and attributes of access.

In addition, the degree of integration between social and health services was analyzed. The areas researched concern intake by specialized services; specifically, data on female residents of the cohort were cross-referenced with data on access to the network of social health services in the ATS territory.

Results

A clearly increasing phenomenon emerges: from 2019 to 2023, admissions to the ED have risen by 17%. A total of 35.6 percent of admissions involve women between the ages of 18 and 34. Foreigners account for approximately 40.9 percent of the cohort while constituting 15 percent of women residing in the territory. The yellow (Urgency) triage code is assigned for 3 out of the 4 admissions. A total of 11.5% of women had multiple accesses.

Conclusions

Administrative healthcare data offer consistent data for studying the phenomenon of violence. This project aims to provide useful tools to better guide policies for intervention and integration between services in the area. Further reflection will focus on the possibility of integrating health and social services to support an integrated approach.
Designing equitable telehealth solutions for outpatient surgical care in a safety-net population: a human-centered design approach
Authors: Chehab Lara Z. , Mettupalli Diyah , Cevallos Jenny R. , Rogine Camille , Sammann Amanda , Kumar Sandhya
Published: February 2025

Background

The SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic catalyzed a dramatic shift in healthcare delivery, with telemedicine emerging as a common mode of care provision. While pre-pandemic telemedicine services were more commonly used for preventive visits and had better adherence among younger and more affluent demographics, the landscape of telehealth in the post-pandemic period has shifted significantly to include surgical visits and publicly-insured patient populations. Without specific insights from patients and clinicians to guide this transition, telehealth delivery risks exacerbating disparities in access, experience and outcomes for medically underserved populations.

Methods

We utilized a human-centered design (HCD) approach to gain insights into patient and clinician perspectives on telehealth delivery at a surgical outpatient clinic in an urban safety-net hospital and level 1 trauma center. During the Inspiration phase of HCD, we conducted 19 in-depth interviews with patients and surgical clinicians, and applied a combined thematic analysis and design synthesis approach to identify key insight statements representing actionable tensions across cohorts. During the Ideation phase of HCD, we held a structured brainstorming session to identify solutions and facilitated a discussion with surgical faculty to co-design and refine a prototype.

Results

Interview analysis revealed 12 main themes, which were then reorganized into 5 core insights across both groups: “In-person appointments can be resource intensive for patients, making their attendance costly in more ways than one”; “When sacrificing connection for convenience, telehealth exacerbates discrimination felt by historically marginalized patients”; “Personal interactions are crucial for establishing new relationships and repairing mistrust between patients and clinicians”; “Visual cues and non-verbal communication are essential for personalized and effective surgical care”; “Patients and clinicians value the human infrastructure built into the in-person visit experience.” Brainstorming participants generated ideas from the first insight statement. Subsequent prototyping and co-design sessions led to the development of a screening prototype allowing both clinic staff and patients to book telehealth appropriate appointments.

Conclusions

This study offers a HCD approach to developing insights and tailoring health service interventions to the local contexts for safety-net providers. By understanding the unique needs and preferences of underserved populations, we can develop telehealth interventions that increase adoption and ensure equitable access to care.
Mitigating HIV risk associated with widow cleansing and wife inheritance using combined biomedical and structural interventions in western Kenya: a mathematical modeling study
Authors: Gathungu Duncan K. , Ojiambo Viona N. , Kimathi Mark E. , Kaftan David , Kim Hae-Young , Citron Daniel T. , Platais Ingrida , Briedenbecker Daniel , Kirkman Clark , Mwalili Samuel M. , Bershteyn Anna
Published: February 2025

Background

In parts of Africa, women who become widowed lose housing, bank accounts, and other property and must re-marry to avoid extreme poverty. To re-marry, some women are required to undergo widow “cleansing”—condomless sex with a man who removes “impurities” ascribed to her from her husband’s death—and are “inherited” as a wife of a brother-in-law. This study explores how HIV biomedical and structural interventions could reduce HIV-related harms associated with these practices.

Methods

We adapted EMOD-HIV, an HIV agent-based network transmission model previously calibrated and validated for the Nyanza region of western Kenya. Building on the model’s pre-existing configuration of marriages, mortality, and widowhood, we added widow cleansing and wife inheritance with assumptions based on literature. Modeled HIV prevalence among inherited widows was validated to match observed data. We modeled the effect of widowed women, cleansers, and inheritors receiving biomedical HIV interventions (testing, treatment for those tested positive, and 1 year of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiated at cleansing for those tested negative) with or without structural interventions (female empowerment). We modeled low (30%) and high (70%) intervention uptake and reported HIV outcomes including cumulative infections over 2025–2050.

Results

Modeled HIV prevalence among inherited widowed women was 59.8% (95% CI: 59.5–60.2%), comparable to observed prevalence of 64.1% (95% CI: 63.2–65.4%). Among all widowed women, biomedical interventions averted 2.0% (95% CI: 1.3–2.6%) of HIV infections with low uptake and 2.6% (95% CI: 2.0–3.2%) with high uptake. Combined biomedical and structural interventions averted 7.8% (95% CI: 7.2–8.4%) of HIV infections with low uptake and 16.1% (95% CI: 15.5–16.6%) with high uptake. Impacts were smaller for men, e.g., high-uptake structural and biomedical interventions averted 1.8% (95% CI: 1.5–2.2%) of infections among cleansers and 2.7% (95% CI: 2.4–3.0%) among inheritors.

Conclusions

Widowed women are a vulnerable population with extremely high HIV prevalence. Combined biomedical and structural interventions focused on the practice of widow cleansing and wife inheritance have the potential to avert up to one-quarter of HIV infections among widowed women, and a smaller proportion among men participating in these practices.
The preventive effect and mechanism of Tibetan medicine Aconitum tanguticum (Maxim.) Stapf on acute lung injury
Authors: Meng Xiang , Liu Yu-Peng , Dai Jia-Wei , Bai Yuan , Hu Xin , Azhar Muhammad , Huang Xian-Ju
Published: February 2025

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aconitum tanguticum (Maxim.) Stapf (ATS) is a rare Tibetan medicinal plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. This herb is mainly distributed in the high-altitude areas of Qinghai, Gansu provinces, and Tibetan Autonomous Region in China. In Tibetan medicine, ATS is mainly used to treat lung inflammation, hepatitis, gastrointestinal diseases, influenza, fever caused by infectious diseases, food poisoning, snake and scorpion bites, and yellow water disease. ATS has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and other pharmacological effects, according to recent research. It is welltolerated by individuals from diverse ethnic groups and has a long history of use in Tibetan medicine.

Aim of the study

This study investigated the preventive effects of ATS alcoholic extract on acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and aimed to elucidate its possible mechanism of action.

Materials and methods

Alveolar epithelial cells A549 and specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish ALI models both in vivo and in vitro and to explore the pharmacological effects and therapeutic mechanisms of ATS.

Results

ATS down-regulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8, inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species, inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition caused by sustained cell injury, promoted the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway, reduced the degree of oxidative stress in vivo, and inhibited the production of proteins associated with LPS-induced ferroptosis.

Conclusion

The Tibetan medicine ATS reduced pulmonary haemorrhage and oedema in ALI mice, alleviated the degree of lung tissue lesions, inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis, and plays a preventive role against acute lung injury in mice.

Graphical Abstract
A scoping review of factors influencing the implementation of liquid biopsy for cancer care
Authors: Sheriff Samran , Saba Maree , Patel Romika , Fisher Georgia , Schroeder Tanja , Arnolda Gaston , Luo Dan , Warburton Lydia , Gray Elin , Long Georgina , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Rizos Helen , Ellis Louise Ann
Published: February 2025

Background

Liquid biopsy (LB) offers a promising, minimally invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies in cancer care, enabling real-time monitoring and personalized treatment. Despite its potential, the routine implementation of LB in clinical practice faces significant challenges. This scoping review examines the barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of liquid biopsies into standard cancer care.

Methods

Four academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) were systematically searched without language restrictions. We included peer-reviewed articles that were published between January 2019 and March 2024 that focused on the implementation of LB in cancer care or described barriers and facilitators to its implementation. Data relevant to the review objective, including key article characteristics; barriers and facilitators of implementation; and recommendations for advancement or optimisation; were extracted and analysed using thematic and visual network analyses.

Results

The majority of the included articles were narrative review articles (84%), with most from China (24.2%) and the United States (20%). Thematic analysis identified four main categories and their associated barriers and facilitators to the implementation of LB in cancer care: (1) Laboratory and personnel requirements; (2) Disease specificity; (3) Biomarker-based liquid biopsy; and (4) Policy and regulation. The majority of barriers identified were concentrated in the pre-analytical phase, highlighting the lack of standardization in LB technologies and outcomes.

Conclusions

Through a thematic analysis of the barriers and facilitators to LB implementation, we present an integrated tool designed to encourage the standardization of testing methods for clinical practice guidelines in the field.
Anti-glycaemic effect of the Chinese modified DASH diet combined with 23% low-sodium salt in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes: a clinical trial
Authors: An Jiaxian , Liu Guowei , Luo Wenjun , Zhou Xiaomeng , Mei Ying , Zhang Ziyan , Zhao Li , Huang Yao , Mu Lihong
Published: February 2025

Background

Although many previous trials have formalized the blood glucose-lowering effect of the DASH diet, relevant reports in China remain limited. This study aimed to explore the anti-hyperglycaemic effect of the Chinese Modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet combined with 23% low-sodium salt and meal packs in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled single-blinded trial with a semi-open design; 100 participants were randomly assigned to Group A (control), Group B (23% low-sodium salt), and Group C (meal packs) for 8 weeks of dietary intervention. All participants were followed up weekly to collect glycaemia data (standardized meal tolerance test), salt use, and adverse events.

Results

Generalized estimating equation analysis indicated that fasting blood glucose decreased in all three groups following the intervention when compared to baseline. Group A decreased by 0.72 mmol/L (P = 0.008), while Groups B and C decreased by 2.02 mmol/L and 2.06 mmol/L, respectively (both P < 0.001). Although the latter two groups experienced greater reductions than Group A, the differences among the groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.450). For postprandial blood glucose, Group C showed the most pronounced decrease. The three groups recorded reductions of 2.43 mmol/L, 2.52 mmol/L, and 4.29 mmol/L, respectively (all P < 0.001), with again no significant difference observed between the groups (P = 0.088). The most notable enhancement in postprandial glucose was observed in Group C, which demonstrated a 51.5% improvement in its control rate. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. No serious adverse events occurred during the trial.

Conclusion

The CM-DASH diet combined with 23% low-sodium salt and meal packs demonstrates potentially beneficial effects on glycemic control in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. This intervention reduces salt intake and fosters the development of healthy eating habits, thereby contributing to the improvement of patients' blood glucose. However, larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Trial registration ChiCTR2000029017. Registered January 11, 2020-Prospective registration, http://www.chictr.org.cn/
Food supplied to Gaza during seven months of the Hamas-Israel war
Authors: Fliss-Isakov Naomi , Nitzan Dorit , Magnazi Moran Blaychfeld , Mendlovic Joseph , Preis Sharon Alroy , Twig Gilad , Troen Aron M. , Endevelt Ronit
Published: February 2025

Background

The ongoing Hamas-Israel war has put the civilian population in Gaza at risk of severe food and nutrition insecurity. Our goal was to provide objective, verifiable data to ascertain amounts and nutritional content of food supplied to Gaza through Israeli border crossings from January to July 2024. We aimed to assess their compliance with Sphere international humanitarian standards for food security and nutrition maintenance in crisis affected populations.

Methods

We obtained the registry of all food supplied to Gaza via air drops and land crossings from Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) from January to July 2024. This registry itemizes daily food shipments, their items and estimated weights. Food items in shipments were categorized, quantified, assessed and summed for energy (kcal), protein (g), fat (g), iron (mg) content, based on food labels and composition tables. We then calculated supply per capita per day supplied to the the Gaza Strip, according to the most recent population census of Gaza. Finally, we compared it to the Sphere standards for population food security.

Results

Adjusting for projected food losses, a net total of 478,229 metric tons of food was supplied to Gaza over the seven consecutively studied months. The average amount of energy available per person per day was 3,004 kcal, with 98 g of protein (13% of energy), 61 g of fat (18% of energy), and 23 mg of iron. Except for February, when entries dropped from January, there was a steady increase in the tonnage, energy, macronutrients and iron content of donated foods supplied to Gaza registered by COGAT. The amounts of energy, protein, and fat, but not dietary iron, in food crossing the border into Gaza consistently exceeded Sphere standards after making conservative adjustment for high food loss and the age distribution of the Gazan population.

Conclusions

This study assessed food deliveries by type, amount and nutrient composition, supplied to Gaza from January to July 2024. We found that, except in February, food crossing the borders into Gaza exceeded per capita minimal requirements for humanitarian aid. While reliable data do not exist for critical dimensions of food access and consumption across Gaza, these estimates suggest that adequate amounts of nutritious food were being transported into the Gaza Strip during most of the 1st half of 2024. We propose that with increased cooperation of all partners and shared efforts to overcome barriers, communication and data sharing, the UN Food Security Cluster, COGAT and humanitarian assistance agencies can develop a comprehensive, continually updated database to gauge food availability, access, nutritional value, and gaps to address, especially in the areas most disrupted by conflict in Gaza. This will also help ensure that food donations supplied to Gaza reach populations in greatest need.
Dual stable isotopes approach reveals the nitrogen sources, transformations, and effects on phytoplankton community structure in a large floodplain lake
Authors: Ha Xianrui , Lin Shunhe , Jia Junjie , Wang Jing , Wu Fan , Sun Kun , Lu Yao , Wang Shuoyue , Gao Yang
Published: February 2025

Background

Anthropogenic activities have led to increased N input and changes of N transformation processes in lake systems. However, changes in phytoplankton community structure caused by phytoplankton’s preference for N utilization under the increasing N input remain poorly understood. This study used nitrate isotopes (δ15N-NO3
− and δ18O-NO3
−) to investigate seasonal differences in N cycling as well as associated response of phytoplankton biomass and community composition.

Results

Results showed that the average δ15N-NO3
− values in spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 7.6 ± 0.7‰, 6.1 ± 0.7‰, 5.5 ± 1.8‰, and 7.4 ± 1.2‰, respectively. Accordingly, the average δ18O-NO3
− values showed the following order: winter (12.8 ± 1.0‰) > summer (11.5 ± 0.9‰) > spring (10.3 ± 0.9‰) > autumn (7.9 ± 1.7‰). The main nitrate sources in Lake Poyang were soil N, N fertilizer, and the manure and sewage in all seasons, contributing 93.8%, 3.3%, and 2.8%, respectively. Nitrification and algal-derived nitrate (NO3
−-N) assimilation were the main biochemical processes affecting N. In spring, the signal of nitrification was stronger, while in autumn, the signals of N assimilation by algae were more pronounced. The phytoplankton community composition varied with the seasonal changes of N concentrations and forms. The total biomass of phytoplankton in winter was the lowest of all four seasons and it was negatively correlated with NO3
−-N concentration (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the role of available forms of N in floodplain lake and provide essential support for prediction of phytoplankton growth and functions. Our work deciphers the role of phytoplankton in the lake N cycle, providing theoretical support to management of phytoplankton community to future environmental changes.
Exploring the roles of paradoxical tensions, paradoxical thinking, and team psychological capital on the creativity of engineering university students
Authors: Guo Huifen , Zhou Zhen , Ma Fengqi
Published: February 2025

Background

The multifaceted challenges encountered by engineering university students generate paradoxical tensions, which serve as catalysts for fostering creativity. Engaging in paradoxical thinking during academic pursuits enhances students’ ability to solve complex engineering problems. Despite this, the intricate interconnections among paradoxical tensions, paradoxical thinking, and the creativity of engineering university students remain ambiguous.

Methods

This study aimed to explore the gap by surveying 1,410 engineering students in China, examining how paradoxical thinking mediates the relationship between paradoxical tensions and creativity. Additionally, it investigated the moderating impact of team psychological capital on the associations between paradoxical tensions and both paradoxical thinking and creativity. SPSS 24.0 was initially used to convert the cleaned data into a “.csv” format, and Smart PLS (v.4.0.9.5) was then employed to assess the model.

Results

The findings reveal a positive influence of paradoxical tensions on creativity and thinking. Notably, paradoxical thinking emerges as a significant contributor to enhancing the creativity of engineering university students. Furthermore, the findings show that paradoxical tensions enhance creativity by influencing paradoxical thinking. While team psychological capital emerged as a significant factor in moderating the link between paradoxical tension and creativity, its role in moderating the association between paradoxical tension and paradoxical thinking was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

This study revealed how paradoxical tensions among engineering university students influence creativity through paradoxical thinking moderated by team psychological capital. The findings provide new insights for researchers to understand paradoxical tensions, paradoxical thinking, team psychological capital, and the underlying psychological mechanism for engineering university students’ creativity better, and they have practical implications for education administrators.
Impact of education on antibiotic literacy and awareness among pharmacy students at a Japanese university: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Maeda Masayuki , Yamaguchi Kozue
Published: February 2025

Background

Considering the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Japan implemented a national action plan in 2016 that emphasized antibiotic education for healthcare professionals. However, pharmacy education in Japan lacks comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) content, leading to insufficient antibiotic awareness and literacy among graduates. This study aimed to assess and improve antibiotic literacy and awareness among undergraduate pharmacy students at Showa University.

Methods

Students who were admitted in 2015 were given a 90-min lecture on AMS, covering acute upper respiratory infections, before their fifth-year clinical training in 2019. The lecture was delivered by a certified pharmacist in infection control. A paper-based, anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey on antibiotic knowledge and literacy was distributed to first- and fifth-year students in 2019 and fifth-year students in 2023. The questions in the survey were based on the Antibiotics Awareness Survey 2018.

Results

The survey results showed an 82–99% response rate among first- and fifth-year pharmacy students in 2019 and 2023. Although two-thirds of first-year pharmacy students lacked antibiotic knowledge, most fifth-year students had appropriate knowledge. Moreover, fifth-year students had a proper understanding of bacterial infections and antibiotic identification, which improved after clinical training and additional lectures. The percentage of students who would stop using antibiotics when they felt better dropped from 39% among first-year students to 21% among fifth-year students. Fifth-year students were more likely to dispose of leftover antibiotics and less likely to keep them than first-year students. Over 80% of students provided antibiotic counseling primarily for common cold treatments during clinical training.

Conclusions

The survey results highlighted gaps in antibiotic awareness among Japanese pharmacy students and demonstrated the positive impact of education. This study emphasizes the need for an antibiotic literacy curriculum, especially for viral respiratory infections, to support efforts in curbing AMR. Moreover, policymakers should develop policies for developing and securing faculty that are knowledgeable in clinical infectious diseases across Japanese pharmacy schools.
Causal roles of immune cells and metabolites in chronic pancreatitis: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yang Tao , Yu Yuan , Jia Qian , Xiao Wan-Meng , Liu Sha , Yu Ze-Hui , Wen Cheng-Li , Wei Yan , Li Hao , Lü Mu-Han
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous research has established a correlation between immune cells and an increased likelihood of Chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, studies investigating the causal relationship remain limited.

Methods

This study utilized publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases and conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the causal relationships (CRs) among 731 immune cells, 1,400 metabolites, and CP. Mediation MR analysis was also performed to assess whether metabolites serve as mediators in the relationship between immune cells and CP.

Results

Our study identified four immune cell types that act as risk factors for CP, with odds ratios (OR) ranging between 1.076 and 1.177. In contrast, three immune cell types were found to serve as protective factors, exhibiting OR values between 0.846 and 0.913. Additionally, four metabolites were implicated as risk factors for CP, with OR values ranging from 1.243 to 1.334. On the other hand, eight metabolites were discovered to have a protective effect, with OR values between 0.580 and 0.871. Mediation analysis revealed that cholesterol levels mediate the causal relationship between immune cell cells and CP, with a mediation effect of 0.00918, accounting for 9.18% of the total effect.

Conclusions

Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of CP, highlighting the role of immune cells and plasma metabolites in its pathogenesis. The mediation analysis further suggests that the presence of CD25 on IgD-CD38-B cells may facilitate CP development through the elevation of cholesterol levels. These results not only deepen our understanding of CP but also suggest potential biological targets for therapeutic intervention. Future clinical research should focus on these mediators to develop more effective treatment strategies for CP.
The pathology of native entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), on biological processes and ovarian structure of the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Fathy Zeinab , Muhammad Jihan , Ali Sahar S.
Published: February 2025

Background

The African migrating locust, known as Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Orthoptera: Acrididae), is a harmful pest that damages pastures and crops like millet, maize, beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, and vegetables. Two important fungi used for natural pest control are Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. These fungi infect and kill insects, providing a safer and more effective alternative to traditional pesticides. They are especially valuable in integrated pest management (IPM) programs because they have minimal impact on other species and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, which can cause pest resistance and harm the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of two native isolates of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae against the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides.

Results

The maximum pathogenicity occurred at a concentration of (109), resulting in 95% mortality for B. bassiana and 90% death for M. anisopliae for the treated nymphs, respectively. The study showed a good connection between the concentrations of the two fungi and the lethal activity of treated nymphs after seven days of treatment. Fertility and fecundity in the treated females significantly reduced ovarian development and yolk accumulation was both shown to be delayed in the treated female ovaries after histological examination.

Conclusion

The tested isolates demonstrated their pathogenicity against the African migrating locust, regardless of the concentrations used. These results were corroborated by histological anomalies in the female ovaries that received treatment.
Minimal Invasive Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Ricci Claudio , D’Ambra Vincenzo , Alberici Laura , Ingaldi Carlo , Minghetti Margherita , Bonini Giulia , Casadei Riccardo
Published: February 2025

Background

The role of a minimally invasive approach (MI) in patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) remained unclear.

Methods

A systematic search of randomized controlled trials was conducted. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, reporting risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD). The primary endpoints were the morbidity, mortality, and R1 rate. The secondary endpoints were clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), biliary fistula, reoperation, length of stay (LOS), time to functional recovery (TFR), and readmission.

Results

The meta-analysis includes seven studies and 1428 patients: 618 (46.5%) in the OPD arm and 711 (53.5%) in minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD). The mortality rate was 2.9% for MIPD and 2.6% for OPD (RR 1.11 [range 0.53–2.29]). The major morbidity rate was 29.4% for MIPD and 25.6% for OPD (RR 1.11 [range 0.53–2.29]). The R1 rate was 6.2% for MIPD and 7% for OPD (RR 0.80 [0.54–1.20]). The operative time, comprehensive complication index score, POPF, PPH, DGE, biliary fistula, reoperation, readmission, LOS, TFR, and harvested lymph nodes were similar. Greater than 25% of heterogeneity was observed for major morbidity, operative time, POPF, LOS, TFR, and harvested lymph nodes. No publication bias was registered.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy was not superior to OPD and provided marginal advantages in short-term results. Further efforts should be addressed to clarify the impact of learning curve in MIPD results and the economic sustainability of MIPD, particularly robotic approach.
Contemporary Theatre Has Left the Theatre… “Houses” Made of Bricks, Sticks and Straw
Authors: Hannah Dorita
Published: February 2025

Like Elvis, much contemporary theatre seems to have “left the building”; a statement suggesting the architectural show is over and signalling a death of sorts, that of well-made drama in a well-constructed edifice. As the stable ground of theatrical representation is increasingly ungrounded, live and mediated performance ‘takes place’ elsewhere, reconfiguring theatre as both art form and built form. This paper expands a book chapter on the place of architecture in Contemporary European Theatre and Performance (Remshardt/Mancewicz, 2023), which is affected by spectacular events of the 21st century that invade the global imaginary, primarily via screened imagery of political upheaval, conflict, contamination, climate change, pandemics and the plight of those seeking refuge from these threats. Theatre, like contemporary civilisation, can no longer rely on a home that is safe and sound. By drawing on a cautionary fairytale of The Three Little Pigs, the paper reverse-engineers the story that privileges the value of building one’s house out of bricks rather than sticks and straw. Instead, it maintains that the environment housing theatre has moved from enduring standalone monuments of the 19th century to more experimental sites of the 20th century, to ephemeral and transitory locations of the early 21st century, in which deliberate homelessness reinforces the community itself as house.
Performing Space 2023
Authors: Berzal Cruz Pablo , Stourna Athena , Zoniou Christina , Kondis Giorgos
Published: February 2025

Performing Space is an ambitious project that aims to explore the relationship between performance and the built environment from all disciplines that study human activity. Using Erving Goffman's (1956) definition in his influential essay The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life as “an action carried out by a participant on a given occasion which serves to influence in any way in any of the other participants” (p. 8), we could consider that any activity that people perform with the conscious or (usually) unconscious intention of “influencing” their social, but also spatial, environment is a “performance”. Our performances influence our environment, transform it, and the environment also influences and transforms us. So, we can deduce the daily activities or rituals of an ancient people from the remains of their environment, and we can also improve the performances of our society by optimising the environment in which they take place. Traditionally, the relationship between space and performance has been studied within the practices and studies of the performing arts. It is only in recent decades that other disciplines such as philosophy, anthropology, architecture, archaeology or cognitive science have become interested in this relationship, but in an isolated way, usually ignoring all the resources that the performing arts have to offer. The study of the relationship between performance and space can only be approached in a multidisciplinary way. The main objective of Performing Space is to create a meeting point where studies from different disciplines can be presented, experimented with and discussed. The Performing Space 2023 Conference and Workshop, held in Nafplio, Greece, from 7 to 14 July 2023, was the second edition of this project. It was organised by the University of the Peloponnese together with the Polytechnic University of Madrid and hosted by the University of the Peloponnese. This second edition had 36 papers and 12 workshop participants from more than 10 different countries.