bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number of physiotherapy sessions in work-related absenteeism due to musculoskeletal disorders, by gender, age and occupation. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rodríguez-Bagó Mònica , Ronda-Pérez Elena , Molina-Vega Emili , Sampere-Valero Maite , Martínez-Martínez José-Miguel
Published: February 2025

Background

The number of physiotherapy sessions needed to treat musculoskeletal conditions varies in the literature; age and gender may partly explain the discordant reports. However, no research has analysed whether occupation may influence this outcome in the working population.

Objectives

To assess the number of physiotherapy sessions performed for low back pain (LBP), cervicalgia (CG), and whiplash syndrome (WS) in workers on sickness absence, according to gender, age, and occupation.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the outcome variable was the number of physiotherapy sessions needed to recover from LBP, CG, and WS. Explanatory variables were sex, age, occupation, year when physiotherapy ended, and treatment centre. The adjusted median differences in the number of sessions (MDa) were calculated.

Results

Older workers (55–65 years) needed a median of 2.6 additional sessions for LBP, 3.0 more sessions for CG, and 3.6 for WS. Men underwent fewer sessions than women (LBP and CG: MDa −0.9 sessions; WS: MDa −1.7 sessions). Compared to crafts and related trades workers, plant and machine operators and assemblers required more sessions to recover from LBP (MDa 0.7), as did service and sales workers (MDa 0.7). In CG and WS, differences were observed for technicians and associate professionals (MDa 1.3 and MDa 1.7, respectively), and for professionals (MDa 2.4 and MDa 1.6). Clerical support workers also needed significantly more sessions for CG.

Conclusions

The number of sessions required to recover from LBP, CG, and WS in workers on work-related sickness absence is different according to gender, age, and occupation.
Finite element analysis of materially uniform dielectric elastomers
Authors: Alhasadi Mawafag F , Bayram Ahmed , Sun Qiao , Federico Salvatore
Published: February 2025

In the definition of Noll, a body is uniform if all points are made of the same material. As shown by Noll himself and by Epstein and Maugin, uniformity makes the Helmholtz free energy depend on the material point exclusively through a tensor field, called uniformity tensor or implant tensor or material isomorphism. Uniformity is therefore a particular case of inhomogeneity. In turn, uniformity includes homogeneity as a particular case: indeed, homogeneity is attained when the uniformity tensor happens to be integrable. This work focuses on the non-linear large-deformation behaviour of uniform dielectric elastomers. Building on the foundational works of Toupin, Eringen and others, this work integrates continuum mechanics with electrostatics to develop a finite element framework for analysing uniform dielectric elastomers. This framework allows for considering the inherent inhomogeneity in materials exhibiting non-linear electromechanical coupling such as electro-active polymers. The inhomogeneity is assumed to be self-driven, i.e., not implied by the second law of thermodynamics: rather, it depends on the torsion of the connection (covariant derivative) induced by the uniformity tensor. A MATLAB®-based finite element solver is developed and applied to the simulation of an electromechanical beam-type actuator. The solver is robust and capable of addressing various simulation scenarios. Numerical simulations demonstrate the significant impact of material uniformity on actuator performance. This research provides a tool for future applications in dielectric elastomers, particularly in sensors, actuators and bio-inspired robotics.
Mechanical testing and engineering application of steel-wood composite beams string structures
Authors: Zhou Jinjiang , He Minjuan , Luo Jing
Published: February 2025

Increasing the span of large wooden structures raises the risk of brittle failure in the glulam beams’ tensile zone, while the compressive zone materials remain underutilized, resulting in suboptimal structural efficiency and material wastage when constructing large-span wooden roof systems solely with wooden components. The steel-wood composite beam-string structure is a suitable solution for such needs. However, there is still a gap in research regarding the overall mechanical performance of steel-wood composite beam-string structures on a larger scale, with limited attention given to studying their mechanical properties and force mechanisms comprehensively. This paper introduces a steel-wood composite beam-string structure based on a practical engineering project of the Capital Museum East Branch. It includes a detailed analysis of forces and structural calculations, along with static loading tests on a glulam curved beam roof system using beam-string structures. Structural analysis shows that, under frequently occurred earthquake, the maximum inter-story drift of the overall structure is 1/370, with the stress ratio of most components below 0.8. Experimental results indicate that when the load increases to twice the design load, there is a tendency for separation at the connection, but significant damage is not observed. The cross-section generally satisfies the assumption of a plane section. The pre-stressed strands set at the bottom of the wooden beams strengthen the tension zone of the beams, causing the neutral axis of the beams to generally shift towards the tension zone. The experimental findings will inform the museum project and provide useful design insights for similar steel-wood composite beam-string structures.
Application of CycleGAN-based image style transfer algorithm in visual communication design
Authors: Zhao Ying
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the challenges in traditional image style transfer research, including high design costs, reliance on paired data, limited transfer effects, and a lack of optimization for practical applications. To overcome these limitations, we introduce the CycleGAN algorithm for efficient image style transfer without paired data, aiming to enhance the efficiency, personalization, and diversity required in visual communication design. Using a pre-trained CycleGAN model, we conduct experiments with datasets obtained from DesignNet and Google Open Images, following a comprehensive preprocessing workflow. The effectiveness of the CycleGAN-based style transfer is quantified using the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM). Experimental results demonstrate that the CycleGAN model performs excellently in style transfer, achieving SSIM values of 0.85, 0.84, and 0.87 for classical painting, modern art, and retro poster styles, respectively. Further validation through user surveys and expert evaluations confirms the high quality of the generated images in terms of aesthetics, clarity, and recognizability, with a creativity score of 4.5 and a satisfaction rate of 90%. This study not only enriches the technical toolkit for visual communication design but also provides valuable insights into the application potential of CycleGAN, particularly in style transfer tasks that do not require paired samples, showcasing the algorithm’s unique advantages and practical applicability.
“Attacked, Silenced, and Disrespected”: Navigating White Fragility in a Conversation About Race Within a Principal Preparation Program Classroom
Authors: Richard Meagan S. , Cameron Amura
Published: February 2025

This case study examines an incident in which white fragility disrupted a discussion on race in a Zoom-based Social Justice Leadership course within a southeastern EdD program. After a White student expresses feeling “unsafe” when confronted with Black students’ honest thoughts about racism, the course instructor responds with an email that unintentionally heightens racial tensions within the class. This incident highlights common challenges in fostering meaningful race-based dialogues within principal preparation program classrooms. This case provides teaching notes, areas of discussion, learning activities, and additional resources meant to support aspiring school leaders’ capacity to manage racial discomfort and take on anti-racist mindsets and actions within their schools and lives more broadly.
Using Triadic Interview to Explore Complex Interactional-Based Phenomena
Authors: Suen Margaret Hay Ping , Chow Amy Yin Man , Ng Yong Hao
Published: February 2025

Many qualitative studies are carried out by interviewing one participant. When understanding the dynamic interactions and consented conclusion of two or more participants is the research focus, single-participant interviews are not adequate as they can only provide a one-sided picture of the phenomenon. Dyadic interviews capture interactions between two participants. However, no reports of triadic interviews in research have been used by researchers with three participants and an interviewer. This article introduces this advanced triadic interview method. It explains and uncovers the process of applications from pre-planning to implementation. Examples of interviewing three participants including a patient, a family caregiver, and a healthcare professional are included to illustrate the dynamic interactions unfolded in the triadic interviews. The role of the interviewer, facilitation skills and analysis of the triadic interviewing method are also explained. The triadic interview is a viable data collection method for studying a phenomenon involving three participants. It has the advantage of accessing both individual and interactional level influences between three participants on individuals’ behaviours simultaneously.
Voyeur and Adjacent Literacies: Textual Bodies and Reading Relationships
Authors: McManimon Shannon K. , Sheridan Robyn Stout
Published: February 2025

This article emerged from curiosity about how we, as white women, might responsibly engage the knowledges of Black women theorists in our reading practices. We briefly consider how whiteness in a white supremacist society has produced (our) reading practices. This positioning can lead to what we call voyeur literacies, reading in which we derive pleasure from others’ words, but do so without a responsible relationship. Drawing on Tina Campt’s concept of adjacency, we theorize the affective, embodied encounter of a different stance: adjacent literacies. Adjacent literacies remind us of our unknowing and implication in systems of white supremacy and anti-Blackness. While filled with tensions, risks, and questions, the affective practice of adjacent literacy—reading alongside, outside, or beside—orients us to a racialized perspective not our own and asks us to engage the world differently and accountably in relationships both on and off the page.
“It’s always happy to see me”: Exploring LOVOT robots as companions for older adults
Authors: Hung Lillian , Wong Joey , Wong Karen Lok Yi , Tan Kelvin Cheng-Kian , Lou Vivian Wei-Qun
Published: February 2025

Background

AI-enabled social robots present the potential to resolve the loneliness and social isolation of older adults in long-term care (LTC). There is limited research on how older adults perceive and make sense of these robots and how human-robot companionship is formed. This study investigated older adults’ experiences using LOVOT, a social robot.

Methods

Using an ethnographic study design, we introduced LOVOT robots to a Canadian LTC home for four weekly interaction sessions. Thirty-six residents, seven family members and two healthcare staff participated. Data collection involved observational field notes and conversational interviews. The analysis was guided by ikigai, a Japanese well-being concept.

Findings

Reflexive thematic analysis identified four key themes. 1) Joy: The robot offers joy and excitement through interactions. 2) Acceptance: For older adults with mobility or cognitive impairments, LOVOT gives consistent positive responses, offering a sense of unconditional acceptance. 3) Creativity: The robot’s non-verbal communication allows older adults to grow creative imagination, encouraging personal expression and expanding interaction possibilities. 4) “Not for me”: Not all participants like the LOVOT robot.

Conclusion

AI-enabled social robots show potential in supporting the psychosocial needs of older adults, which have broader implications for LTC practices and future research directions. Future research should further explore the creative utility of social robots among LTC residents.
Use of Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Councils: A Scoping Study
Authors: Lewis Barbara , Cochran Chris , Marquez Erika , Bhandari Neeraj , Pharr Jennifer , Upadhyay Soumya , Shoemaker Stowe
Published: February 2025

With the aim of fostering patient-centered care, Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) have emerged as a way for hospitals to garner input for initiatives and programs from patients and patients’ families who have used the hospitals’ services. Despite their inception in the early 1980s, only 54% of United States hospitals field a PFAC. This scoping study entailed searching 6 databases in July 2024 and reviewing 143 articles about hospital PFACs from around the world to understand how hospitals use PFACs, measure the results, and acknowledge the success factors. Patient and Family Advisory Council engagement ranged from stamping approval for a project to providing feedback or codesigning the project from the inception, with feedback as the most popular. Of the articles about specific PFACs, 70% either dealt with a condition, such as cancer, the type of person, such as youth, or both. The literature review revealed that few articles cited PFAC project metrics and outcomes, although some articles mentioned PFAC success factors, the most prevalent of which was the training of patients and staff, as well as leadership.
Impact of intermediate home-based care on functional health of older adults with stroke in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Farombi Temitope Hannah , Khan Hafiz TA , Lawal Muili , Akinyemi Rufus
Published: February 2025

Background: Intermediate care services are designed to facilitate transition from medical dependence to functional independence, ultimately improving the overall quality of life. Despite the recognized benefits of intermediate care in rehabilitation, data on its impact on functional outcomes for older adults with stroke in low- and middle-income countries are limited. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of an intermediate care model among older adults with stroke. Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and reference lists of manually selected articles were searched. Only studies published in English from 2012 to 2023 were included. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies focusing on functional improvement in motor function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and quality of life in older adults with stroke receiving home-based or community intermediate care were considered. Data extraction utilized the PICO framework. Three reviewers independently conducted a critical appraisal and risk of bias assessments, with two additional reviewers resolving any discrepancies. Results: Eleven studies from low- and middle-income countries were included. The interventions varied, encompassing exercise programs, therapy sessions, video-based programs, reminiscence therapy, and caregiver-assisted therapy, targeting various aspects of stroke recovery and rehabilitation. The interventions demonstrated positive effects on functional outcomes, significantly improving ADLs and overall quality of life. Conclusions: Despite variability in functional outcomes, the study highlights that implementing home-based intermediate care can be crucial for stroke patients in low-resource settings.
Cellular and biochemical heterogeneity contributes to the phenotypic diversity of transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia
Authors: Theocharaki Konstantina , Anastasiadi Alkmini T , Delicou Sophia , Tzounakas Vassilis L , Barla Ioanna , Rouvela Stella , Kazolia Evgenia , Tzafa Georgia , Mpekoulis George , Gousdovas Theodore , Pavlou Efthymia , Kostopoulos Ioannis V , Velentzas Athanassios D , Simantiris Nikolaos , Xydaki Aikaterini , Vassilaki Niki , Voskaridou Ersi , Aggeli Ioanna-Katerina , Nomikou Efrosyni , Tsitsilonis Ourania , Papageorgiou Efstathia G. , Thomaidis Nikolaos , Gikas Evagelos , Politou Marianna , Komninaka Veroniki , Antonelou Marianna H
Published: February 2025

Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) is a type of protein aggregation disease. Its clinical heterogeneity imposes challenges in effective management. Red blood cell (RBC) variables may be clinically relevant as mechanistic parts or tellers of TDT pathophysiology. This is a cross-sectional study of RBC and plasma physiology in adult TDT subjects versus healthy control. TDT plasma was characterized by increased protein carbonylation, antioxidants, and larger than normal extracellular vesicles. RBCs were osmotically resistant but prone to oxidative hemolysis. They overexposed phosphatidylserine and exhibited pathologically low proteasome proteolytic activity (PPA), that correlated with metabolic markers of the disease. RBC ultrastructure was distorted, with splenectomy-related membrane pits of 300-800 nm. Plasma metabolomics revealed differences in heme metabolism, redox potential, short-chain fatty acids, and NO bioavailability, but also in catecholamine pathways. According to coefficient of variation assessment, hemolysis, iron homeostasis, PPA and phosphatidylserine exposure were highly variable among patients, as opposed to RBC fragility, and plasma antioxidants, amino acids, and catecholamines. Sex-based differences were detected in hemolysis, redox and energy variables, while splenectomy-related differences referred to thrombotic risk, RBC morphology, and plasma metabolites with neuroendocrine activity. Hepcidin varied according to oxidative hemolysis and metabolic markers of bacterial activity. Subjects with higher (>10 g/dL) pretransfusion Hb levels presented mildly distorted profiles and lower membrane-associated PPA, while classification by severity of mutations revealed different levels of hemostasis, inflammation, plasma epinephrine, hexosamines, and methyltransferase activity markers. The currently reported heterogeneity of cellular and biochemical features probably contributes to the wide phenotypic diversity of TDT at clinical level.
Identification and validation of genomic regions for pod shatter resistance in Brassica rapa using QTL-seq and traditional QTL mapping
Authors: Raman Rosy , Qiu Yu , Coombes N. , Raman Harsh
Published: February 2025

Background

Pod shatter resistance is an important trait in Brassica species, significantly impacting the yield and profitability of growers. Identifying genomic regions and understanding genes underlying shatter resistance is a major objective of breeding programs. Brassica rapa, commonly known as rape or field mustard, is an ancestral species of Brassica napus and Brassica juncea – the most widely oilseed crops grown worldwide. In this study, we performed diversity analysis of B. rapa accessions, bulked segregant analysis based quantitative trait locus-sequencing (QTL-seq), and traditional quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in an F2 population to identify genomic regions associated with pod shatter resistance in B. rapa.

Results

A considerable genetic variation for pod shatter resistance, measured as rupture energy (RE), varied from 0.63 to 3.49 mJ(½) was revealed among 90 accessions of B. rapa. Cluster analysis based on 10,324 DArTseq markers showed that pod shatter-resistant accessions originated from diverse sources. We further investigated the genetic and anatomical bases of variation in pod shatter resistance from two contrasting parental lines, ATC90153 (maternal parent with high RE) and ATC91215 (paternal parent with low RE). Bulked segregant resequencing analysis of parental lines and two pooled samples, prepared from 10 resistant and 10 sensitive lines to pod shatter, identified three genomic regions for shatter resistance on chromosomes A06 and A09. Traditional QTL analysis validated marker-pod shatter resistance associations on chromosomes A06 and A09 in the same F2 population using a linkage map based on 23,274 DArTseq markers. Physical positions of significantly associated markers and the priori pod dehiscence genes on the B. rapa reference genome sequence suggested BEE1/PEROXIDASE/TCP8 on A06 and ADPG1/SHP1/MYB116 genes on A09 as potential candidates for pod shatter resistance. Sequence comparison of parental lines identified sequence variants (194 SNPs and 74 InDELs on A06, and two SNPs and two InDELs on A09) in the promoter and downstream regions of B. rapa genes within the QTL.

Conclusions

We identified QTLs and priori candidate genes associated with variation in pod shatter resistance on chromosomes A06 and A09 in B. rapa. This study provides potential gene targets to understand molecular mechanisms and improve pod shatter resistance in Brassica crops.
Utilizing fundus images captured by two ultra-wide field imaging systems to measure diagnostic indicators and assess the grade of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Sun Yaoyao , Chen Xiuju , Song Zongming , Liu Tingting , Tao Ye , Lai Tinglan , Chen Yanru , Li Minghan , Qu Jinfeng , Li Xiaoxin
Published: February 2025

Background

This study compared the effectiveness of different ultrawide field fundus imaging systems (Clarus™ 500 and Optos®) in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

This was a prospective, multicentre study. Retinal photographs were captured at four eye centres utilizing both the Clarus™ 500 and Optos® imaging systems. The image quality and the effective retinal area were compared. Then the consistency in diagnosing the severity of DR by two distinct imaging systems was compared according to three separate grading criteria (the International Council of Ophthalmology, the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] grading diagnostic criteria, and the Chinese Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy [2014]) were analysed.

Results

A total of 113 patients, 201 eyes and 402 images were included in this study. 39 images were excluded due to the poor image quality and 363 images were finally analyzed. The Clarus™ imaging system demonstrated better image quality than the Optos® imaging system (κ = 0.195). The mean effective retinal area was 490.03 ± 112.33 Disc area(DA) in the Clarus™ group and 410.41 ± 92.12 DA in the Optos® group (P = 0.000). The κ values were 0.812 for ETDRS DR severity, 0.787 for ICO DR severity, and 0.790 for the Chinese guidelines, indicating substantial agreement between the two imaging systems. However, Clarus™ indicated higher DR severity than the Optos® imaging system, with a higher detection rate of intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMAs) and neovascularization.

Conclusion

Clarus™ and Optos® exhibit strong concordance in the identification of DR. Clarus™ offers better image quality and IRMA recognition than Optos® and better identifies patients who need treatment.
Risk factors for wet macular degeneration: a systematic review, with novel insights from the Scottish Heart Health Extended Cohort
Authors: Fitton Catherine A. , Quigley Madeleine M. R. , Belch Jill J. F.
Published: February 2025

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss worldwide. This study aimed to assess risk factors for wet AMD by two methods: assessing risk factors measured in the Scottish Heart Health Extended Cohort (SHHEC), and to systematically review the literature.

Methods

Eighteen thousand one hundred seven volunteers were recruited to SHHEC between 1984–1995, with risk factor data collected on recruitment. Hospital records were linked to study data up to 2017 and survival analysis was used to analyse risk factors and wet AMD. Literature published between 2000–2023 was searched for studies assessing risk factors for wet AMD, resulting in 5,503 papers. Following review, 7 studies were included in the systematic review.

Results

Within the SHHEC data, 231 cases of wet AMD were reported. Increasing age (Hazard Ratio (HR) 10.51; 99% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.78–23.11) and smoking (HR 1.67; 99% CI 1.17–2.38) were significantly associated with an increased risk of wet AMD. Increased dietary intake of vitamin K (HR 0.56; 99% CI 0.34–0.94) was associated with a decreased risk of wet AMD.

According to a systematic review, smoking, high Body mass index, heavy alcohol intake, increased systolic blood pressure, increased pulse pressure, and high levels of C-reactive protein and serum triglycerides in the blood may be associated with an increased risk of wet AMD. However, the studies provide mixed evidence and no conclusive results.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that increasing age and smoking are high-risk factors for the development of wet AMD, while vitamin K is associated with a reduced risk of wet AMD.
Effect of intra-socket application of hyaluronic acid gel on soft and hard tissue healing following impacted mandibular third molars extraction (a randomized controlled clinical trial)
Authors: Elkady Omnia , Sweedan Osama , Amer Tasneem
Published: February 2025

Background

One of the most frequent dental operations is the surgical extraction of an impacted third molar. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the intra-socket application of 0.8% Hyaluronic Acid (HA) gel on hard & soft tissue healing after surgical removal of the impacted 3rd molar.

Objective

Materials and methods

This randomized controlled clinical study included thirty patients aged from 21–36 years who were scheduled for surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar. 0.8% hyaluronic acid gel (HA group) was applied immediately after surgery in the intra-socket of 15 patients, and nothing (No HA group) was applied to the socket of the other 15 patients. Soft tissue healing was assessed after extraction on the third, seventh, and fourteenth day. Bone healing was assessed 2 months post-extraction by measuring bone density and socket length from cone beam computerized tomography.

Results

The soft tissue healing index was significantly better (very good or excellent) in the HA group compared with no HA group after fourteen days postoperative (p < .001). Also, the percentage increase of bone density in the HA group was statistically significantly higher after two months than in the no HA group ((p < .001).

Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid 0.8% gel application improves soft tissue healing and bone density healing following surgical extraction of the mandibular third molar. It could be considered a valuable material for improving bone healing and soft tissue.

Trial registration

The trial is retrospectively registered at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry with the identification number for the registry PACTR202407576478340 on 30/07/2024.
Evaluation of CareStart™ malaria HRP2/pLDH (Pf/PAN) combo rapid diagnostic test for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infection in malaria co-endemic areas in association with parasite density
Authors: Christian Michael , Ekawati Lenny Lia , Pratama Aa Raka , Cahyaningati Syavira , Bere Hermina K. , Rustam Muhammad , Kalbuadi Ichsan , Andini Jeltsin , Yuliana Jeng , Fadilah Ihsan , Ley Benedikt , Thriemer Kamala , Price Ric N. , Sutanto Inge , Baird J. Kevin
Published: February 2025

Background

As a widely accepted field standard diagnostic tool for malaria, microscopic examination is often difficult to perform in resource-poor settings. The immunochromatographic HRP2/pLDH (Pf/Pan) Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) serve as alternatives to microscopic examination for falciparum and non-falciparum malaria in co-endemic areas by detecting the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) and pan-plasmodial lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) antigen. However, Pf/Pan RDTs do not directly quantify parasitaemia. In this study, the diagnostic performance of Pf/Pan RDT and its association with parasite density was examined.

Methods

Blood smears from patients who were screened for PRIMA Clinical Trial (Trial Registration Number: NCT03916003) conducted in East Sumba, Indonesia, and enrolled to its sub-study, ACROSS, were examined for microscopic examination and RDT using CareStart™ Malaria HRP2/pLDH (Pf/PAN) Combo (CareStart™ Pf/Pan RDT). Results were analysed for both diagnostic performance of RDT and its relationship with parasite density using a logistic regression model.

Results

317 participants were included in this study and 158 (49.8%) were malaria positive by microscopy. Among all malaria-positive participants, Plasmodium falciparum infections accounted for 149 (94.3%) cases. The sensitivity and specificity of HRP2 band were 97.3% (95% CI 93.3–99.2) and 97.6% (95% CI 94.0–99.4), respectively, while that of pLDH band were 87.3% (95% CI 81.1–92.0) and 100% (95% CI 97.7–100). For each ten-fold increase in parasite density, the RDT had 12 times the odds of returning Pf/Pan-positive results (n = 126) compared to Pf-positive (n = 19) (OR: 12.1; 95% CI 5.18 to 34.8; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

CareStart™ Pf/Pan RDT is reliable in diagnosing falciparum malaria and Pf/Pan-positive results indicate higher parasite density. Pf/Pan-positive results should alert the clinical staff of the increased risk of poor clinical outcome, and should be prioritized for microscopic examination compared to Pf-positive results.
Patient self-management of warfarin therapy – a long-term follow up study
Authors: Hall Erland Hegardt , Sølsnes Marit Holm , Sandberg Sverre , Sølvik Una Ørvim
Published: February 2025

Background

Patient self-management (PSM) of anticoagulant treatment with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) has emerged as an effective approach for maintaining the international normalized ratio (INR) within the therapeutic range. The objective of this quality assurance project, conducted in clinical practice, was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant treatment with warfarin during PSM compared to conventional treatment administered by general practitioners (GPs).

Methods

This cohort study, using a retrospective and prospective design, included 400 patients who underwent PSM training for a 21-week period between 2011 and 2020. Clinical data extracted from the patient journal systems included hospitalization due to severe clinical complications. The primary outcome was any difference in the yearly risk of hospitalization between the conventional and PSM periods. Secondary outcomes included variations in time within the therapeutic range (TTR), INR fluctuations, and incidence of extreme INR values.

Results

The median treatment duration was 2.45 years (25th—75th percentile 0.80, 7.35) for the conventional period and 4.99 years (25th—75th percentile 2.41, 7.43) for the PSM period. The annual risk for hospitalization due to severe bleeding was 1.25% during PSM compared to 1.69% during conventional treatment (p = 0.885). The yearly risk for hospitalization due to thrombosis was 0.67% during PSM versus 1.48% during conventional treatment (p = 0.256), and the annual risk for hospitalization due to spontaneous bleeding, thrombosis, or thromboemboli was 1.12% versus 2.76% (p = 0.112). Median TTR (25th—75th percentile) increased from 71.6% (60.0, 82.7) to 78.6% (67.9, 91.7) (p < 0.001), while INR variance decreased from 21.0% to 16.5% (p < 0.001). The proportion of extreme subtherapeutic INR values (≤ 2.0 (≤ 1.5 for patients with mechanical ON-X aortic valve prostheses)) decreased from 14.0% to 5.0% (p < 0.001) during PSM, whereas the proportion of high-level INR (≥ 5.0) remained unchanged (0.6%).

Conclusions

The long-term evaluation of PSM of warfarin treatment in clinical practice suggests that PSM for suitable patients selected by GPs is as safe as conventional GP treatment.
Outcomes of switching from protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in virologically suppressed adults with nucleos(t)ide analogue resistance– a phase IV randomised, open-label study (PIBIK study)
Authors: Iwuji Collins , Waters Laura , Milinkovic Ana , Orkin Chloe , Fox Julie , Post Frank , Perry Nicky , Bruce Chloe , Dailey Natalie , To Ye , Bremner Stephen , Churchill Duncan , Geretti Anna Maria
Published: February 2025

Background

There are limited data on how historical nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) other than M184V/I, affect the activity of B/F/TAF. We evaluated the outcomes of switching virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL) individuals harbouring major RAMs from boosted protease inhibitor (bPI)-based therapy to B/F/TAF.

Methods

Participants had various historical genotypic patterns including M184V/I, ≤2 thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs), and other NRTI RAMs (NAMs), and no integrase resistance. Baseline RAMs were explored by retrospective sequencing of cellular HIV-1 DNA. Participants were randomised (1:1) to switching to B/F/TAF either immediately or after 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants maintaining virological suppression (pure virologic response) at week-24; secondary outcomes were proportion of participants with virological suppression at week-48, pre-specified safety measures, and treatment-emergent resistance.

Results

Historically, 21/72 (29.2%) participants had M184V/I, 5 (6.9%) M184V/I + 1 NAM, 31 (43.1%) 1 TAM ± M184V/I ± 1 NAM, and 15 (20.8%) 2 TAMs ± M184V/I ± 1 NAM. At week-24, proportions maintaining virological suppression were 33/33 (100%) on B/F/TAF vs. 38/39 (97.4%) on bPI (difference 2.6%; 95% CI -2.4%, 7.5%). Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were reported in 10/33 (30.3%) vs. 1/39 (2.6%), respectively. The immediate switch arm had improved lipid parameters but increased HbA1c and weight. Virological suppression was maintained at week-48. There were six discontinuations; four on B/F/TAF were drug-related and the two on bPI were not drug-related.

Conclusions

Historical NRTI resistance did not compromise the effectiveness of B/F/TAF in virologically suppressed adults. 12% experienced treatment-limiting AEs after switching.

Registration

EudraCT no: 2018-004732-30
Incidence and risk factors for delayed intracranial hemorrhage after mild brain injury in anticoagulated patients: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Capsoni Nicolò , Carpani Giovanni , Tarantino Francesca , Gheda Silvia , Cugnod Jean Marc , Lanfranchi Sabrina , Lee Jhe , Lizza Simone , Marchesani Sara , Meloni Enrica , Rigamonti Annalisa , Serrai Irene , Vergani Silvia , Zuddio Elisa Ginevra , Zumbo Bruno Gherardo , Privitera Daniele , Salinaro Francesco , Bernasconi Davide , Secco Gianmarco , Galbiati Filippo , Perlini Stefano , Bombelli Michele
Published: February 2025

Background

Anticoagulated patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and a negative cerebral CT on admission, commonly undergo a repeated CT scan after observation in the emergency department (ED) to detect delayed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). However, the utility of this practice is controversial, with recent evidence suggesting that the risk of delayed ICH in these patients is low. This study aims to evaluate incidence, outcomes, and risk factors of delayed ICH in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) presenting to the ED with mTBI.

Methods

A multicenter, observational, retrospective cohort study was conducted in the EDs of three hospitals in Northern Italy, from January 2017 to December 2021. All consecutive adult patients on DOACs or VKAs therapy, admitted for a mTBI, who underwent a second CT scan after 12–24 h from a negative first one, were enrolled.

Results

A total of 1596 anticoagulated patients were enrolled, 869 (54%) on DOACs and 727 (46%) on VKAs therapy. The median age was 84 [79–88] and 56% of patients were females. The incidence of delayed ICH was 1.8% (95% CI: 1.1-3.0%; 14/869 patients) for DOACs, and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.6–4.1%; 19/727 patients) for VKAs patients, with no cases requiring neurosurgical intervention. Vomiting after head injury and the onset of new symptoms during observation were associated with a higher risk of delayed bleeding (OR 4.8; 95% CI: 1.4–16.5, and OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.2–23.7, respectively). At a 30-day follow-up, 2% of patients had a new ED admission related to their previous mTBI, with no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusions

Delayed ICH is uncommon among anticoagulated patients with mTBI and has minimal impact on their outcome. Routine performance of a second CT scan may be unnecessary and may be considered only in presence of high-risk clinical risk factors or signs of deterioration.
Studies on experimental animals immunized with different antigenic vaccine combinations of Neospora caninum of cattle origin
Authors: Tang Zeyu , Wang Zhenyu , Ma Zhen , Jin Weidong , Lin Sicheng , Wang Longsheng , Min Pengfei , Li Lu , Zhao Jianhao , Jia Lijun
Published: February 2025

Background

Neospora caninum is an intracellular parasitic protozoon that can infect pregnant animals and cause symptoms such as miscarriage, stillbirth and mummified fetuses. It is one of the main causes of miscarriage in bovines. Apical membrane antigen (AMA) and dense granule protein (GRA) are two major antigenic proteins of N. caninum.

Methods

In this study, NcGRA9 recombinant subunit vaccine and Ad5-NcAMA1 recombinant adenovirus vaccine were prepared and used to immunize C57BL/6 mice and Yanbian yellow cattle.

Results

IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgA and IgE antibodies and interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) cytokines were significantly higher in immunized mice than in the control group (P < 0.0001). The biochemical indexes showed that vaccination had no effect on hepatic and renal functions. The survival rate was 70% in mice immunized with NcGRA9 vaccine, 75% in mice immunized with Ad5-NcAMA1 vaccine, 85% in the combined immunization group and 10% in the control group. The parasite load in the brain and liver tissues of the immunized groups was significantly lower than in the control group, as detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR (P < 0.0001). In cattle, IgG, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgA, IgM and IgE antibodies and IFN-γ, IL-4 and TNF-α cytokines were significantly higher in the immunized groups than in the control group (P < 0.0001). Combined immunization with NcGRA9 + Ad5-NcAMA1 was significantly better than immunization with either vaccine alone.

Conclusions

The biochemical indexes showed that the vaccine had no effect on the liver and kidney functions of cattle. Our results indicate that combined immunization with NcGRA9 + Ad5-NcAMA1 may be a candidate for bovine neosporosis vaccination.

Graphical Abstract
Baidu News and the return volatility of Chinese commodity futures: evidence for the sequential information arrival hypothesis
Authors: Zhao Ruwei , Xiong Xiong , Ma Junjun , Zhang Yuzhao , Zhang Yongjie
Published: February 2025

This study uses Baidu News data and introduces a novel proxy for the rate of information flow to examine its relationship with return volatility in Chinese commodity futures and to test two competing hypotheses. We examine the contemporaneous relationships using correlation coefficient analysis, and find apparent differences between the information flow-return volatility relationship and the information flow-trading volume relationship. The empirical evidence contradicts the mixture of distribution hypothesis (MDH) and suggests that the rate of information flow distinctly affects trading volume and volatility. We conducted linear and nonlinear Granger causality tests to explore the sequential information arrival hypothesis (SIAH). The empirical results prove that a lead-lag linear and nonlinear causality exists between the information flow and return volatility of commodity futures, which is consistent with SIAH. In other words, a partial equilibrium exists before reaching the ultimate equilibrium when the new information arrives in the market. Finally, these findings are robust to alternative measurement of return volatility and subperiod analysis. Our findings reject the MDH and support the SIAH in the context of Chinese commodity futures.
Assessment of sleep disorders and their short-term impact on cognitive and psychiatric outcome following ischemic strokes
Authors: Fayed Reda E. , Amer Reham A. , Badr Marwa Y. , Rabie Mohamed O.
Published: February 2025

Background

Sleep disorders are prevalent problems after stroke that can impair optimal stroke rehabilitation and functional recovery and may contribute to recurrent stroke. Post-stroke sleep disorders are risk factors for cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. The purpose of this work is to assess the prevalence and common types of sleep disorders which occur with ischemic stroke, as well as the evaluation of the early effect of sleep disorders on cognitive and psychiatric outcomes of patients.

Patients and methods

This study was carried out on 50 patients suffering from first ever acute ischemic stroke, their age ranged from 45 to 60 years. Each patient was subjected to full medical history taking, neurological examination using National Institutes of Health Stoke Scale (NIHSS), overnight Polysomnography (PSG), and sleep scales including Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). A psychiatric evaluation was done using the Arabic version of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Cognitive functions were estimated by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). PSG and all these scales were applied on patients twice; first, within 1 week from the onset of ischemic stroke and second, 3 months after stroke.

Results

Post-stroke sleep disorders were prevalent and correlated with stroke severity using NIHSS. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was the most prevalent (78%) type of post-stroke sleep disorder, and it slightly improved after 3 months. The second type was breathing-related sleep disorders (BSD) presented in 74% of patients, and central sleep apnea was the most frequent type. Insomnia existed in 62% of patients due to poor sleep efficiency and decreased sleep quality, and it slightly improved in follow-up. Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) was observed in half of the patients and did not improve after 3 months. Sleep disorders affected cognition (low MoCA scale) and correlated with BSD, EDS, and insomnia. Sleep disorders influenced post-stroke depression and correlated with PLMD, EDS, and insomnia. Sleep disorders provoked post-stroke anxiety and correlated with insomnia and PLMD.

Conclusion

Sleep disorders (sleep–wake cycle disorders, BSD, and PLMD) were highly prevalent after stroke, and they increased the incidence of post-stroke cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety.
Hygrothermal analysis of ceramic coating durability under thermal fluctuations on building facades in Brasília
Authors: Gomes Gilberto , Silva Luis , Bauer Elton
Published: February 2025

Building facades are continuously subjected to various external agents, such as solar radiation and temperature fluctuations, which significantly contribute to the degradation of building materials. Understanding these effects is crucial for improving the durability and performance of facades in diverse climatic conditions. This study focuses on the hygrothermal analysis of ceramic coatings applied to vertical facades in Brasília, the capital of Brazil, over a one-year period. The analysis is performed on three distinct colors of ceramic finishes – white, red, and black – and aims to evaluate the impact of thermal variations and solar radiation on the durability of these coatings. Using advanced hygrothermal modeling with the WUFI software, the study quantifies the thermal fluctuations and their effects on the ceramic materials, considering their color-dependent thermal absorption properties. The findings highlight which facades are most susceptible to thermal damage and provide valuable insights for designing maintenance strategies and improving the longevity of ceramic coatings in regions with extreme temperature changes. This research contributes to the understanding of thermal stresses in building facades and offers guidelines for enhancing the durability of ceramic finishes exposed to varying climatic conditions.
Quantum imaging using spatially entangled photon pairs from a nonlinear metasurface
Authors: Ma Jinyong , Ren Jinliang , Zhang Jihua , Meng Jiajun , McManus-Barrett Caitlin , Crozier Kenneth B. , Sukhorukov Andrey A.
Published: February 2025

Nonlinear metasurfaces with subwavelength thickness were recently established as versatile platforms for the enhanced and tailorable generation of entangled photon pairs. The small dimensions and inherent stability of integrated metasurface sources are attractive for free-space applications in quantum communications, sensing, and imaging, yet this remarkable potential remained unexplored. Here, we formulate and experimentally demonstrate the unique benefits and practical potential of nonlinear metasurfaces for quantum imaging at infrared wavelengths, facilitating an efficient protocol combining ghost and all-optical scanning imaging. The metasurface incorporates a subwavelength-scale silica metagrating on a lithium niobate thin film. Its distinguishing feature is the capability to all-optically scan the photon emission angle in the direction across the grating simply by tuning the pump beam wavelength. Simultaneously, the photon emission is broad and anti-correlated along the grating direction, allowing for ghost imaging. Thereby, we reconstruct the images of 2D objects using just a 1D detector array in the idler path and a bucket detector in the signal path, by recording the dependencies of photon coincidences on the pump wavelength. Furthermore, we theoretically demonstrate the quantum imaging of objects with an ultra-large field of view and improved imaging resolution. Remarkably, the corresponding number of resolution cells can exceed the performance of quantum ghost imaging with conventional bulky crystals by over four orders of magnitude. The demonstrated concept can be extended to multi-wavelength operation and other applications such as quantum object tracking, paving the way for advancements in quantum technologies using ultra-compact nanostructured metasurfaces.
The Laplacian spectrum of language: Experiments with linguistic families from the Americas
Authors: Vera Javier
Published: February 2025

To what extent statistical mechanics approaches would help to represent languages from the Americas? It is possible to extract useful information about the relationships between these languages? This work studies a graph-based approach to extract information from text corpora of languages of the Americas. Each language is viewed as the set of eigenvalues obtained from the Laplacian matrix of co-occurrence graphs. The results suggest that our graph-based feature extraction technique is partly comparable to the knowledge contained in typological databases. We argue that our approach might propose a solution to the lack of textual resources for low-resource languages.