bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs in the Dominican Republic (DR-DAWN2)
Authors: Soto Manuel , García Nadja , Ortiz Jessica , Calderón Berniza
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial status of people with diabetes and their perceived quality of received health care services in a local outpatient center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Methods

Cross-sectional study that included 385 Dominican adults with diabetes. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Key psychometric indicators were collected by using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, EuroQol-5D Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities, and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care.

Results

The mean EQ-VAS score was 77.6 (SD 18). Of all the participants, 18.7% exhibited symptoms of depression, with higher rates among women and younger age groups. Diabetes-related distress was present in 22.6% of participants, particularly among younger individuals and those employed. Physical activity was the self-care activity with the lowest reported adherence. Perceptions of received health care services aligned moderately with the chronic care model (CCM), with a higher perceived alignment in patients that were enrolled in a chronic disease management program.

Conclusions

Patients with diabetes report having a reduced quality of life and significant psychological burdens, with a high rate of depressive symptoms and diabetes-related distress and a low adherence to self-care behaviors. The enrollment in chronic disease management programs improved patients’ perception of received health care services, reporting a more coordinated care and experiencing more patient activation, which could improve health outcomes. These findings underline the need for psychological screening, patient-centered care, and broader implementation of the CCM to improve health outcomes in this population.
Validation of the Food Safe Zone questionnaire for families of individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Dykens Elisabeth M. , Roof Elizabeth , Hunt-Hawkins Hailee , Strong Theresa V.
Published: February 2025

Background

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by hyperphagia and significant behavioral problems. Hyperphagic individuals with PWS are chronically hungry yet rarely feel sated, and often engage in food-seeking behaviors. To avoid life-threatening obesity in their children, families implement food security strategies (e.g., locking food sources, constant supervision around food, alerting others). Although widely used, these strategies have yet to be systematically examined. We thus developed and analyzed the psychometric properties of a new measure of these diverse strategies, the Food Safe Zone, and evaluated them in relation to hyperphagic symptoms and demographic variables. In doing so, we also shine a light on the extraordinary efforts of families in managing their children’s hyperphagia.

Methods

Our team developed 20 FSZ items that were revised for clarity and completeness in an iterative feedback process with stakeholders, including parents, PWS specialists, and individuals with PWS. The FSZ was pilot tested, descriptive findings were reviewed by additional stakeholders, and then administered to 624 parents in a large-scale study. Based on an open-ended question, “Is there anything else you do to ensure food safety?” two additional items were added and evaluated in a follow-up study.

Results

Principal component analyses revealed that 21 FSZ items loaded onto 5 factors that were readily interpretable, accounting for 67% of test variance: Alerting Others and Food Supervision in the Community; Locking or Restricting Food Sources; Checking for Food; At Home Supervision and Meals; and Avoiding Food Settings. Internal consistency and test-rest reliability were robust. Convergent validity analyses revealed that parents implemented FSZ strategies in response to the severity of their child’s hyperphagia, and not their child’s age, gender or PWS genetic subtype.

Conclusions

The psychometrically sound FSZ holds promise for future research, especially on the effects of food safety tactics on family members. In future clinical trials, the FSZ could also be used to help parents think critically about their food safety tactics in relation to their child’s hyperphagia, or as an exploratory endpoint; if hyperphagia is lessened, so too may food safety tactics, thereby enhancing familial quality of life.
TockyPrep: data preprocessing methods for flow cytometric fluorescent timer analysis
Authors: Ono Masahiro
Published: February 2025

Background:

Fluorescent Timer proteins, which display time-dependent changes in their emission spectra, are invaluable for analyzing the temporal dynamics of cellular events at the single-cell level. We previously developed the Timer-of-cell-kinetics-and-activity (Tocky) tools, utilizing a specific Timer protein, Fast-FT, to monitor temporal changes in cellular activities. Despite their potential, the analysis of Timer fluorescence in flow cytometry is frequently compromised by variability in instrument settings and the absence of standardized preprocessing methods. The development and implementation of effective data preprocessing methods remain to be achieved.

Results:

In this study, we introduce the R package that automates the data preprocessing of Timer fluorescence data from flow cytometry experiments for quantitative analysis at single-cell level. Our aim is to standardize Timer data analysis to enhance reproducibility and accuracy across different experimental setups. The package includes a trigonometric transformation method to elucidate the dynamics of Fluorescent Timer proteins. We have identified the normalization of immature and mature Timer fluorescence data as essential for robust analysis, clarifying how this normalization affects the analysis of Timer maturation. These preprocessing methods are all encapsulated within the package.

Conclusions:

is available for distribution via GitHub at https://github.com/MonoTockyLab/TockyPrep, providing tools for data preprocessing and basic visualization of Timer fluorescence data. This toolkit is expected to enhance the utility of experimental systems utilizing Fluorescent Timer proteins, including the Tocky tools.
Adverse childhood experiences screening in pediatric primary care and changes in the rate of visits to social work and behavioral health
Authors: Negriff Sonya , Sidell Margo , Barton Lee , DiGangi Mercie J.
Published: February 2025

Background

There is increasing interest in screening for adverse childhood experiences in pediatric primary care, but no evidence of the actual consequences on behavioral/mental health services. This study tested the association between initiation of ACEs screening in pediatric primary care and changes in the rate of referrals to social work and visits to social work and behavioral health.

Methods

Data came from the electronic health records of children and adolescents between 2 and 18 years old who were members of a large integrated healthcare system serving Southern California (N = 513,812). Poisson regression was used to compare the rate of referrals and visits to social work and behavioral health visits for clinics doing standardized ACEs screening (i.e., intervention clinics; n = 28) versus clinics not screening (i.e., control clinics; n = 64) during June 1-December 31 2022 as well as for these same months in 2020 and 2021.

Results

Intervention clinics had an average screening rate of 57% (range 26.8 to 91.9%) and an average positive screen rate of 11% (range 1.6–25.1%). The difference in the adjusted rate from 2021 to 2022 was significantly different between intervention and control clinics for referrals to social work (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.25, 1.74), but was not statistically different for visits to social work or behavioral health.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that ACEs screening does not significantly increase the rates of social work and behavioral health visits, although it did increase referrals to social work. We acknowledge that this may vary based on geographic areas and populations served by different healthcare systems.
A novel therapeutic approach targeting PD-L1 in HNSCC and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells hampers pro-metastatic features in vitro: perspectives for blocking tumor-stroma communication and signaling
Authors: Ferrara Ylenia , Latino Debora , Costagliola di Polidoro Angela , Oliver Angela , Sarnella Annachiara , Caprio Maria Grazia , Cerchia Laura , Ruvo Menotti , Sandomenico Annamaria , Zannetti Antonella
Published: February 2025

Background

Current conventional treatment regimens for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), are poorly effective because of the emergence of resistance mechanisms. Many studies have reported how the tumor microenvironment influences tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1. It has been reported that overexpression of PD-L1 correlates with and is involved in cancer progression by promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) program, stemness and tumor cell invasiveness through AKT and MAPK pathways. In this study, we investigated how bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) recruited and educated by HNSCC cells are able to promote tumor cell invasion and EMT program. In addition, we analyzed how the crosstalk between stromal cells and tumor cells can affect PD-L1 expression levels. In this context, we developed and characterized a novel anti-PD-L1 recombinant Fab (rFab’) and tested its ability to potentiate the effect of cisplatin.

Methods

BM-MSCs and HNSCC cells co-cultures, cell migration and invasion were performed using Boyden chambers. The effect of treatments on cell viability and growth were analyzed by MTT and clonogenic assay, respectively. The anti-PD-L1 rFab’ was prepared in E. Coli and tested for its binding on HNSCC cells and BM-MSCs by FACS analysis and fluorescence microscopy. PD-L1, p-AKT, p-ERK, N-cadherin and β-catenin expression levels were analyzed by western blotting.

Results

BM-MSCs were induced by tumor cells to migrate, invade and to trans-differentiate in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as demonstrated by increased expression levels of α-SMA and FAP-α. BM-MSCs contributed to HNSCC invasiveness by increasing p-AKT, p-ERK, N-cadherin and β-catenin expression levels. When BM-MSCs and HNSCC cells were co-cultured the level of PD-L1 expression was enhanced in both cells indicating a reciprocal support in favoring tumor aggressiveness. Tumor cell treatment with rFab’ anti-PD-L1 reduced their viability, growth, migration and invasion and blunted the underlying signaling pathways. In addition, rFab’ anti-PD-L1 was able to potentiate the antitumor effect of cisplatin on HNSCC cells.

Conclusions

BM-MSCs recruited and educated by HNSCC cells support tumor cell aggressiveness via PD-L1. A novel rFab’ anti-PD-L1 reduces HNSCC proliferation, migration and invasion and potentiates the cisplatin effect suggesting its potential to be conjugated with drugs for immuno-cytotoxic therapy.
Promoting the transition from pyroptosis to apoptosis in endothelial cells: a novel approach to alleviate methylglyoxal-induced vascular damage
Authors: Yuan Ruqiang , Xu Hu , Wang Mingqi , Guo Lina , Yao Yang , Zhang Xiaoru , Wang Xiuli
Published: February 2025

Background

Methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced cell death in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) plays a critical role in the progression of diabetic vascular complications (DVCs). Previous studies have shown that MGO can induce inflammatory pyroptosis, leading to VEC damage. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear, and effective interventions are yet to be developed.

Methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for in vitro experiments. Cell death modes were assessed through morphological observations. Mechanistic investigations were performed using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and ELISA. Inhibitors and adenoviruses were employed to validate the mechanisms. Vascular organoids in conjunction with AngioTool plug-in assays were used to evaluate VEC damage and angiogenic capacity. Mouse blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method, and vascular morphology was examined through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining as well as immunofluorescence staining. Data were analyzed using the GraphPad Prism software.

Results

Our study revealed that MGO induces pyroptosis in VECs via the Caspase3/gasdermin E (GSDME) pathway. Furthermore, the saponin monomer 13 of dwarf lilyturf tuber (DT-13), inhibited MGO-induced pyroptosis and promoted the generation of apoptotic bodies, facilitating the transition from pyroptosis to apoptosis. Mechanistically, DT-13 suppressed the Caspase3-mediated cleavage of GSDME and non-muscle myosin heavy chain IIA (NMMHC IIA), while increasing the phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2 (MLC2), which facilitated apoptotic body formation. Additionally, DT-13 was shown to mitigate VEC damage, inhibit angiogenesis, reduce vascular remodeling, and alleviate MGO-induced hypertension.

Conclusions

This study uncovers a novel mechanism through which MGO induces VEC damage, highlighting the therapeutic significance of the transition from pyroptosis to apoptosis in this process. These findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for managing diabetic angiopathy. Furthermore, DT-13 emerges as a promising compound for therapeutic intervention, offering new possibilities for clinical applications.
Cardiac manifestations in adult MELAS syndrome (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes syndrome)– a cross-sectional study
Authors: Stoevesandt Dietrich , Schlitt Axel , Röntgen Philipp , Kraya Torsten
Published: February 2025

Backround

Cardiac involvement has been reported in different mitochondrial geno- and phenotypes, including mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like (MELAS) syndrome. However, cardiac manifestations are diverse and not well described.

Methods

We prospectively examined cardiac manifestations in 11 adult patients with MELAS syndrome harboring the MTTL1 m.3243A < G-mutation using patient records, cardiac MRI (1.5 Tesla), echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), laboratory tests of cardiac markers (CK, CK-MB, Trop I, BNP), and clinical severity (NMDAS = Newcastle Mitochondrial Disease Scale).

Results

Among 11 consecutive patients with MELAS syndrome (73% male, mean age 37.5 ± 10.6 years) cardiac manifestations were found in nine (82%). Pathology was mainly detected using MRI (9 of 11, 82%). Six patients showed diffuse late enhancement in the left ventricle, one a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below 30%, two with a LVEF in the range of 40–50% in the cardiac MRI, and another five patients presenting diastolic dysfunction as defined by echocardiography. Only one patient with late enhancement on MRI also showed a conduction block in the ECG. There was no correlation between the cardiac manifestations and the NMDAS score or heteroplasmy grade.

Conclusions

Cardiac involvement in MELAS syndrome harboring the MTTL1 m.3243A > G mutation mostly entails cardiomyopathy, which was particularly evident in the cardiac MRI. Only one patient (1/11, 9.1%) had conduction defects. Thus, cardiac testing including cardiac MRI, echocardiography and ECG seems to be important for prognosis of MELAS patients.
Ecofriendly colorimetric set-up coupled with mathematical filtration strategy for simultaneous determination of ipratropium and fenoterol in their novel anti-asthmatic metered dose inhaler
Authors: Ali Salma N. , Marzouk Hoda M. , Fayed Ahmed S. , Saad Samah S.
Published: February 2025

Ipratropium bromide (IPR) and fenoterol hydrobromide (FEN) are well-known medications for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A simple, feasible, efficient, and cost-effective colorimetric assay has been established for determination of the newly introduced co-formulated metered dose inhaler (Atrovent® comp HFA). The developed method is based on the properly optimized reaction of drugs under study with the charge transfer reagent 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), resulting in orange-colored complexes measured at 464.3 and 514.0 nm for IPR and FEN, respectively. Smoothly applicable and easily manipulated resolution method, Vierordt’s method, based on straightforward mathematical equations that do not need complicated software was implemented for the simultaneous determination of IPR and FEN. The proposed methodology can be applied in routine analysis enabling fast and economical determination of the combined dosage form without the need for previous separation steps. The validity of the proposed colorimetric method was thoroughly assured as per ICH guidelines with acceptable accuracy and precision. The linearity ranges for IPR and FEN were 5.0–55.0 µg/mL and 10.0–40.0 µg/mL, respectively. Using cutting-edge software metric tools, namely the analytical greenness (AGREE), and complementary green analytical procedure index (ComplexGAPI), the greenness profile of the suggested method was clearly evaluated. The method also conformed well to the recently published blueness (BAGI tool) and whiteness (RGB12 tool) concepts.
Biphasic anaphylaxis in a Canadian tertiary care centre: an evaluation of incidence and risk factors from electronic health records and telephone interviews
Authors: Ellis Anne K. , Hossenbaccus Lubnaa , Linton Sophia , Botting Hannah , Badawod Eman , Burrows Alyssa , Garvey Sarah
Published: February 2025

Background

Our previous 2007 study reported a 19.4% rate of biphasic anaphylaxis in Kingston, Ontario. Since then, few updates have been published regarding the etiology and risk factors of biphasic anaphylaxis. This study aimed to describe the incidence of and predictors of biphasic anaphylaxis in a single centre through a retrospective evaluation of patients with diagnosed anaphylaxis.

Methods

From November 2015 to August 2017, all patients who presented to the emergency department at two hospital sites in Kingston given a diagnosis of “allergic reaction,” “anaphylaxis,” “drug allergy,” or “insect sting allergy,” were evaluated. Patients were contacted sometime after ED discharge to obtain consent and confirm symptoms and timing of the reaction. A trained allergist determined if criteria for anaphylaxis were met and categorized the reactions as being uniphasic, biphasic, or non-anaphylactic biphasic. A full medical review of the event ensued, and each type of anaphylactic event was statistically compared.

Results

Of 138 anaphylactic events identified, 15.94% were biphasic reactions, 79.0% were uniphasic, and 5.07% were classified alternatively as a non-anaphylactic biphasic reaction. The average time of a second reaction was 19.0 h in patients experiencing biphasic reactivity. For biphasic anaphylaxis, the symptom profiles of second reactions were significantly less severe (p = 0.0002) compared with the initial reaction but significantly more severe than non-anaphylactic biphasic events (p < 0.0001).No differences of management were identified between events.

Conclusion

The incidence of biphasic reactions in this cohort was 15.94% and the average second-phase onset was 19.0 h. In biphasic reactivity, it appears that the symptom profile second reaction is less severe compared to the first reaction.
Genome-wide association study of the fatty liver index in the Taiwanese population reveals shared and population-specific genetic risk factors across ethnicities
Authors: Lau Pei Pei , Wei Chun-Yu , Lin Min-Rou , Chou Wan-Hsuan , Wan Yu-Jui Yvonne , Chang Wei-Chiao
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives

Although the incidence of fatty liver disease (FLD) is increasing worldwide, the genetic basis of this disease is not fully understood. This study uses the fatty liver index (FLI) to identify and compare genetic variants associated with FLD in Taiwanese and European populations.

Results

In this study, a total of 145,356 Taiwan Biobank participants were included in the discovery analysis. Subjects with elevated FLI were found to have a significantly greater risk of developing FLD, as confirmed by imaging data (OR: 4.43; 95% CI: 3.88–5.06). Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we identified 6 variants previously associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and validated 50 shared risk variants located in ZPR1 and FTO between the Taiwanese and European populations. Conditional analysis of 423 significant variants from FLI-defined FLD further revealed 16 independent variants within 14 genes. Pathway analysis of GWAS significant genes revealed that lipid metabolism and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway are causes of hepatic fat accumulation.

Conclusion

This study identified six independent NAFLD-associated variants in GCKR, LPL, TRIB1AL, and FTO and emphasized ZPR1 and FTO as shared risk genes for FLI-defined FLD in both Taiwanese and European populations. These findings support the utility of the FLI for FLD prediction, provide new genetic insights, and reveal the common genetic pathways of FLD across two ethnic groups. This research offers a valuable framework for advancing personalized medicine and therapeutic strategies for FLD.
Key sector identification of Nepal: an integrated approach with linkage and hypothetical extraction method
Authors: Bhusal Lila Ballav
Published: February 2025

This study presents the first comprehensive key sector analysis for Nepal, using an integrated approach of linkage analysis and hypothetical extraction method with the 2022 input–output table. The empirical analysis identifies three strategically crucial sectors. Agriculture emerges as the economy’s foundation, demonstrating the highest impact on both output and value-added generation, reflecting its fundamental role in employment and GDP contribution. Wholesale Trade exhibits balanced demand–supply effects through market integration, while Financial Intermediation shows strong supply-side influence through credit intermediation services. Moreover, Construction and the Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply sectors play vital supporting roles, enhancing infrastructure development and leveraging extensive hydropower resources to boost growth potential. The analysis reveals interesting disparities between output and income generation across sectors, particularly in the Food, Beverages, and Tobacco sector. These empirical findings align with and provide evidence-based support for recent government initiatives. While acknowledging methodological limitations regarding employment and environmental data, this research establishes an evidence-based framework for strategic sector prioritization and offers policy recommendations for sustainable economic development.
Genetic determinants of skin ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies and candidate genes
Authors: Wong Chloe , Ng Jun Yan , Sio Yang Yie , Chew Fook Tim
Published: February 2025

Background

Skin ageing is influenced by complex genetic factors. Various phenotypes such as wrinkling, pigmentation changes, and skin cancers have been linked to specific genetic loci. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms and pathways remain poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise the genetic loci found to be associated with skin ageing phenotypes by published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene studies. We also evaluated the overall association of loci via meta-analysis and identified the association patterns to explore potential biological pathways contributing to skin ageing. The Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched on January 2024 using specific exclusion criteria (e.g., study of non-human subjects, focus on skin diseases, or treatments) to identify relevant articles. There did not appear to be any significant publication bias observed across the all phenotypes.

Main body

A total of 48 studies were included, revealing 30 loci that were confirmed to be associated with skin ageing by multiple studies (e.g., AFG3L1P: odds ratio 1.133 95% confidence interval [1.044, 1.222]; BPIFA3: 1.859 [1.567, 2.151]; CLPTML1: 1.164 [1.0.99, 1.229]; CPNE7: 0.905 [0.852–0.958]; DEF8: 1.186 [1.042, 1.331]; IRF4: 1.260 [1.025, 1.495]; MYO16: 2.303 [1.697, 2.908]; PRDM16: 1.105 [1.084, 1.127]; RORA: 1.391 [1.206, 1.577]; SPG7: 0.922 [0.897, 0.947]; SPON1: 2.214 [1.204, 3.225]; SPTLC1: 1.464 [1.432, 1.495]; TYR: 1.175 [1.007, 1.343]). The lack of significance for many loci may be due to studies analysing different SNPs within the same locus, weakening the overall associations. Several loci were associated with specific phenotypic categories (e.g., skin colour related, skin cancer related, wrinkling and sagging related), suggesting shared biological pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of different skin ageing phenotypes. This pattern was also observed in several of the loci that do not have a significant overall association with skin ageing.

Conclusion

Despite significant heterogeneity among the included studies and the use of subjective visual methods for phenotype assessment, our review highlights the critical role of fundamental biological processes, such as development and cellular organisation, in skin ageing. Future research that targets the same SNP across multiple populations could strengthen the association of additional loci with skin ageing. Further investigation into these underlying biological processes would significantly advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of skin ageing phenotypes.
Global progress, challenges and strategies in eliminating public threat of viral hepatitis
Authors: Zhang Sihui , Cui Fuqiang
Published: February 2025

Background

The problem caused by viral hepatitis is a major public health challenge faced in the past decade, and the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 is still far away. With the use of hepatitis B vaccine and the launch of new drugs, there are more means to control viral hepatitis and more technologies to prevent, diagnose and treat it. While improving the coverage of vaccine use, drugs for treating hepatitis B are not only becoming more effective, but also decreasing in price. The objective of this article was to explore the urgent issues that need to be addressed in global viral hepatitis with the increasing availability of vaccines and antiviral drugs.

Main text

The updated World Health Organization guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment for people with chronic hepatitis B infection (2024 edition) and Chinese guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (version 2022) simplify clinical algorithms for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of hepatitis B, expand treatment eligibility criteria, and provide alternative treatment options, which will cover a higher proportion of all hepatitis B surface antigen positive populations. These actions promote the global goal of eliminating the public health hazards of viral hepatitis by 2030. Among the countries that have made remarkable progress in eliminating viral hepatitis policies, the key strategy is to simplify the diagnosis and treatment plan. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has identified 38 priority countries for viral hepatitis. Expand access to viral hepatitis services in these countries.

Conclusions

Regions and countries with the high burden of viral hepatitis still need to take urgent action regarding the new measures proposed by the WHO to achieve the 2030 targets. First, countries must establish a complete public health system aligned with the World Health Organization’s strategy. Second, provide effective, people-oriented services and public prevention strategies. Third, prioritize the implementation of health strategies in the 38 identified priority countries. Finally, use complete and measurable data to monitor progress.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring shape diversity and sexual dimorphism in two populations of Nigma conducens through geometric morphometrics
Authors: El-masry Safa M. , Ismail Tarek G. , Mustafa Asmaa N.
Published: February 2025

Background

Spiders are highly adaptable hunters found in nearly all terrestrial ecosystems and play an important role in biological control by preying on pest insects. Spiders’ body size and shape are vital for their survival, particularly in prey capture, and these morphological features are often utilized in cladistic analyses. This study employed geometric morphometrics to investigate prosoma shape and size variations between two populations of Nigma conducens spiders and between sexes within each population. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explored shape variation, while Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) compared shape differences between populations and sexes. Multivariate regression analysis was used to check for allometry.

Results

MANOVA results revealed significant shape variations in spider prosoma between the two populations and between sexes, though the degree of these differences was small. The considerable overlap in individual shapes between populations may indicate a response to microhabitat similarity. Additionally, sexual dimorphism was observed in the prosoma shape of N. conducens, likely due to sexual selection or adaptive divergence related to different microhabitats. Size differences between sexes were insignificant in either population, particularly in the first, suggesting that prosoma size does not contribute to reproductive success. Moreover, the non-allometric relationship indicated that shape variations between the populations were independent of size.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings highlight the complexity of morphological adaptations in N. conducens in response to ecological pressures and sexual selection.
Multitasking: does task-switching add to the effect of dual-tasking on everyday-like driving behavior?
Authors: Asuako Piesie A. G. , Stojan Robert , Bock Otmar , Mack Melanie , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: February 2025

It is well established that performing multiple tasks simultaneously (dual-tasking) or sequentially (task-switching) degrades performance on one or both tasks. However, it is unknown whether task-switching adds to the effects of dual-tasking in a single setup. We investigated this in a simulated everyday-like car driving scenario. We expected an additive effect of task-switching on dual-tasking, leading to a stronger deterioration of driving performance due to the increased cognitive load required to handle multiple task-sets. Forty-five young adults aged 18 to 30 years (age: 23.62 ± 2.51, 28 females) were instructed to follow a lead car driving at a constant speed of 70 km/h through a rural landscape while concurrently performing additional tasks. The additional tasks were typing and arguing, in response to stimuli presented visually or auditorily. The tasks were presented either in separate blocks or in intermixed order (conditions: repetitive vs. switching). Driving performance was assessed by use of the average velocity and the standard deviation of lateral position, and performance in the additional tasks was assessed by reaction time. Linear-mixed effect models revealed better performance in the repetitive, compared to the switch condition only for the standard deviation of the lateral lane position while performing the additional typing task. This provides limited evidence for the view that task-switching adds to the challenges of dual-tasking. We therefore posit that already dual-tasking alone involves processing demands that are not substantially increased by adding switching demands.
Instruments for assessing patient-reported experience measures among patients with diabetes mellitus: a scoping review
Authors: Tint Soe Sandi , Oo Myo Zin , Buawangpong Nida , Jiraporncharoen Wichuda , Wiwatkunupakarn Nutchar , Rerkasem Kittipan , Kulprachakarn Kanokwan , Chuljerm Hataichanok , O’Brien Timothy E. , Mathur Rohini , Angkurawaranon Chaisiri
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) management is increasingly focusing on patient-centered care, making patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) critical for understanding the subjective aspects of diabetes treatment and self-management. These measures differ based on cultural contexts and individual perspectives, leading different countries to the development of country-specific tools to assess care quality from the patient’s viewpoint. This review aimed to identify available instruments for assessing patient-reported experiences in individuals with diabetes and examine the different domains, items, and the validity and reliability of these instruments.

Methods

Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched for English-language articles without year limitations. This scoping review focused on PREMs that evaluate the quality of diabetes care among adolescent and adult patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. Studies that used patient expectation questionnaires, involved individuals not receiving care, or focused on patient-reported outcomes rather than experiences were excluded.

Results

Eight articles from six countries representing different healthcare settings were included, mostly from developed countries. A variety of methodologies were used to develop these PREM instruments, with unique domains and items. Content analysis revealed five commonly measured domains: (1) care planning, (2) patient education, (3) professionalism, (4) quality of care, and (5) hospital care and transition, reflecting diverse patient experiences across healthcare services.

Conclusions

This scoping review identifies a limited number of tools for evaluating PREMs in diabetes care, highlighting variability in their development and domain coverage. Five core domains are proposed across different settings, with an emphasis on culturally adapted measures to enhance the accuracy of patient experience capture in diverse populations.
Role of stem cells on motor function recovery in stroke patients: systematic review
Authors: Raghuwanshi Babita , Thanneeru Suresh K. , Chanchalani Roshan , Raj Sumit , Chouksey Pradeep , Yunus Md , Agrawal Amit
Published: February 2025

Background

The effectiveness of stem cell (SC) therapy for motor recovery in stroke patients remains debated within the scientific community.

Aim/Objective

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the therapeutic potential of SC administration for motor recovery in stroke.

Methods

A thorough search was performed on major electronic databases—PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane—until August 15, 2023. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure methodological rigor and relevance.

Results

The initial search identified a substantial number of studies. After applying the selection criteria, a final set of eligible studies was reviewed. The extracted data covered various outcome measures related to motor recovery in stroke patients.

Conclusions

Although some studies suggest the potential efficacy of stem cell therapy for motor recovery in stroke patients, the evidence lacks consistency. Future well-designed, robust randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and ethical implications of stem cell therapy for motor recovery in stroke patients.
Bone within bone as a calcified chronic extra-dural hematoma mimicking ossified chronic subdural hematomas: a rare case report in pediatric patients
Authors: Karki Mohan , Roka Yam Bahadur , Jha Abhinash
Published: February 2025

Background

Calcified chronic extra-dural hematoma is a rare presentation which often can be observed in traumatic or ventriculoperitoneal shunt cases; it can result in mass effect and raised intracranial pressure. It is common in young adults presumably due to relatively lax adhesion of dura to calvarium.

Case Presentation

We report a case of 10-year-old female who presented in emergency department with complaints of headache, repeated attacks of seizure, disorientation and sudden loss of consciousness for 2 days. She had a history of fall injury two months ago. On physical examination, she was unconscious (GCS-E3V1M4) with 4 mm dilatation of right pupil. Computed tomography scan of head was done that revealed large extra-axial hypodense mass with thick hyperdense calcified layer between brain parenchyma and hypodense mass in right fronto-temporo-parietal convexity causing mass effect with midline shift: s/o calcified chronic subdural hematoma. Emergency operation-right fronto-temporo-parietal craniotomy was performed. It was chronic extradural hematoma which was evacuated along with removal of calcified innermost layer. Postoperative status went uneventful. She was discharged on 15th day of surgery and doing well on follow-up visit.

Conclusion

We conclude that surgical evacuation of hematoma along with removal of calcified innermost layer is safe and effective for calcified CEDH.
Lack of PTEN in Osteocytes Increases Lipocalin-2 Level and Confers Resistance to High-Fat Diet–Induced Obesity in Mice
Authors: Kinoshita Saori , Onuma Shinsuke , Yamazaki Natsuko , Shibukawa Yukinao , Ozono Keiichi , Michigami Toshimi , Kawai Masanobu
Published: February 2025

Osteocytes have been shown to play critical roles in the regulation of a wide range of metabolic processes. However, their role in the regulation of glucose metabolism remains to be determined despite accumulating evidence of the integral role of osteoblasts in this regulation, in which osteoblast-derived lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism. Additionally, Lcn2 expression is induced by AKT activation. These results led us to hypothesize that AKT activation in osteocytes regulates glucose metabolism by modulating Lcn2 expression. Therefore, in this study, the Pten gene was deleted in osteocytes to activate AKT signaling by crossing Pten-flox mice with Dmp1-Cre mice (PtenOcy−/− mice). Deleting Pten expression in osteocytes resulted in osteocytic AKT activation, which was associated with decreased adipose tissue mass and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Expression of Pparg2 and lipogenesis-associated genes were decreased in the adipose tissue of PtenOcy−/− mice. Mechanistically, the lack of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted from Chromosome 10 (PTEN) in osteocytes increased Lcn2 expression in the femur, which was associated with increased serum and urine LCN2 levels. The urinary LCN2 level was negatively associated with white adipose tissue mass. Additionally, the treatment of primary white adipocytes with recombinant LCN2 reduced the expression of Pparg2 and lipogenesis-related genes. These results suggest that the absence of PTEN in osteocytes increases the expression of Lcn2, which acts in the adipose tissue to suppress lipogenesis, resulting in enhanced insulin sensitivity in these mice. This study provides novel insights into the critical role of AKT activation in osteocytes in regulating glucose metabolism by increasing Lcn2 expression.
Κοινωνικοϊστορική προσέγγιση του ζητήματος των γκέτο
Authors: Παναγιώτου Καλλιόπη
Published: February 2025

Το φαινόμενο της γκετοποίησης βρίσκει τις ρίζες του στον Μεσαίωνα, αν και άτυπα εντοπίζεται ήδη από την αρχαιότητα, φτάνει μέχρι το παρόν και ολοένα παίρνει μεγαλύτερες διαστάσεις. Το ζήτημα των γκέτο, είτε πρόκειται για τις εβραϊκές συνοικίες του Μεσαίωνα είτε για τις σύγχρονες υποβαθμισμένες περιοχές των μεγαλουπόλεων, αποτελεί ένα πολυσύνθετο φαινόμενο που έχει μελετηθεί ευρέως από κοινωνιολόγους, ιστορικούς και άλλους επιστήμονες. Η έκταση του φαινομένου και ο αντίκτυπος που φέρει στην εκάστοτε κοινωνία επιτάσσει την περαιτέρω προσέγγιση και ανάλυσή του. Ο σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι να διερευνήσει τη δημιουργία και συντήρηση των γκέτο από κοινωνιολογικής πλευράς, εντός του ιστορικού πλαισίου κάθε εποχής και να προσεγγίσει στα κοινά και διαφορετικά γνωρίσματά τους σε σχέση με τους κοινωνικούς και ιστορικούς παράγοντες κάθε τόπου και ιστορικής περιόδου. Η ύπαρξη περιοχών που χαρακτηρίζονται από υψηλή συγκέντρωση πληθυσμών συγκεκριμένων κοινωνικών ή εθνοτικών ομάδων, οι οποίοι βιώνουν συνθήκες απομόνωσης και περιθωριοποίησης, εγείρει ερωτήματα σχετικά με τους κοινωνικούς, οικονομικούς και πολιτικούς παράγοντες που οδηγούν στη δημιουργία και συντήρηση αυτών των περιοχών. Η μελέτη βασίζεται σε αρχειακή έρευνα και στοχεύει στην ανάλυση των παραγόντων που αναπτύσσουν και συντηρούν τα γκέτο, τα χαρακτηριστικά τους σε σχέση με τις κοινωνικές συνθήκες και τους ιστορικούς παράγοντες, καθώς και την αλληλεξάρτηση των γκέτο με την ευρύτερη κοινωνία. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται στην παρουσία των γκέτο στον σύγχρονο ελλαδικό χώρο και στη σχέση τους με το μεταναστευτικό και προσφυγικό ζήτημα.
Ανθρωπολογικές συνιστώσες της αρετής στη φιλοσοφία του Πλάτωνος
Authors: Λιολίτσα Σοφία
Published: February 2025

Η παρούσα διατριβή εστιάζει στην ανασυγκρότηση του όρου αρετή στην πλατωνική φιλοσοφία, αξιοποιώντας και τον ερμηνευτικό σχολιασμό του Νεοπλατωνικού Πρόκλου. Όπως είναι γνωστό, με τον Σωκράτη πραγματοποιείται η μεταστροφή του φιλοσοφικού ενδιαφέροντος από τη φύση στον άνθρωπο και διερευνάται η ουσία της ψυχής και οι δυνατότητές της, καθώς και η ανωτερότητά της έναντι του σώματος. Οι αρετές που πρέπει να διέπουν τον άνθρωπο είναι για τον Πλάτωνα τέσσερις, η σοφία, η ανδρεία, η σωφροσύνη και η δικαιοσύνη και η απόκτησή τους έρχεται ύστερα από διαρκή προσπάθεια και δεν κληρονομείται. Η αρετή μπορεί να διδαχθεί μόνο στην περίπτωση που συνιστά και γνώση, σε διαφορετική περίπτωση είναι δύσκολο να μεταδοθεί. Οι ηδονές απομακρύνουν τον άνθρωπο από την αρετή, αποπροσανατολίζοντάς τον από κάθε τι που έχει αξία και δίνεται μεγαλύτερη προσοχή στο σώμα παρά στην ψυχή. Η αρετή εκτός από την ψυχή ενυπάρχει και στην πόλη και γι’ αυτό στη Διατριβή εξετάζεται κατά πόσο μετέχουν της αρετής τα πολιτεύματα της τιμοκρατίας, της ολιγαρχίας, της δημοκρατίας και της τυραννίας. Τέλος, η εν λόγω Διατριβή εστιάζει στις τέχνες της ποίησης, της μουσικής και του χορού και στη συμβολή του στην καλλιέργεια της αρετής του ατόμου.
Różnice w funkcjonowaniu archiwów i bibliotek
Authors: Cołbecka Monika
Published: February 2025

Pierwsza wizyta użytkownika w archiwum (o ile w ogóle nastąpi) odbywa się po zdobyciu doświadczeń bibliotecznych, np. w okresie edukacji szkolnej. Zatem funkcjonowanie archiwów może być porównywane do funkcjonowania bibliotek, w końcu w świadomości społecznej jedna, jak i druga instytucja zajmują się gromadzeniem nośników informacji… Badaniu przeprowadzonemu w latach 2022 i 2023 poddano zasoby wirtualne w języku polskim i angielskim. Wykorzystano metody jakościowe (teoria ugruntowana, action research, analiza danych zastanych i analiza porównawcza) oraz ilościowe (metoda statystyczna), a jego etapy przedstawiają się następująco: wyszukiwanie informacji relewantnych do wprowadzonych instrukcji wyszukiwawczych w wyszukiwarce ogólnej Google; analiza statystyczna i porównawcza danych zastanych; analiza odnalezionych danych zastanych dotycząca różnic w funkcjonowaniu archiwów i bibliotek. Skupiono się na wskazaniu, które instytucje i w jaki sposób charakteryzują różnice dotyczące misji, pracowników, charakterystyki zbiorów, ich struktury, wyszukiwania i dostępności. Przeprowadzono analizę dla każdej kategorii osobno, następnie całościową. Cel badania ma charakter praktyczny. Zebrane dane mogą stanowić punkt wyjścia do opracowania polskich samouczków użytkowników archiwów.
A Mixed Method Inquiry into Student Academic Optimism: Validation of the Construct and Its Use to Give Voice to Latinx Student Experiences
Authors:   , Viamontes Quintero Jesika
Published: February 2025

This study examined student academic optimism in four diverse North Texas school districts. This study used a convergent parallel mixed methods design to analyze results of an online administration of the survey, and Latinx student responses to a focus group protocol derived from the survey. Quantitative results indicate the individual scales making up the construct align with previous research results. The three scales were found to be strongly and significantly correlated, indicating the potential for validation. Qualitative results indicate Latinx students' perceptions of their academic careers align with four themes. Latinx students are keenly aware of their teachers as a person, their school as a community, the intrusion of the outside world, and students as agents. Qualitative results support the importance of the three components of the construct, student trust in teachers, student academic press, and student identification with school. As a new source of data, combined with existing metrics of instructional effectiveness, student academic optimism could increase the ability of decision makers to improve the overall efficacy of school systems especially when addressing the persistent opportunity gaps for Latinx and other students of color.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Brand Equity: Insights to Global, Luxury, and Co-Creation Brand Building Strategies
Authors:   , Muniz Fernanda
Published: February 2025

Given the growing number of socially conscious and ethical consumers, brands have been taking a strategic approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by integrating socially responsible activities into the brand's core value proposition in order to remain relevant in the marketplace and drive brand equity. Extant research on CSR has investigated its effect on various consumer behavior outcomes. However, from a brand-building perspective, there is still a lack of understanding on how to effectively leverage CSR, and not enough directions on how to overcome its challenges in order to build brand equity. Therefore, through three essays, the objective of this dissertation is to provide a deep understanding of the effect that CSR has on brand equity while revealing brand-building strategies that can be implemented to effectively leverage CSR, specifically within the (1) global, (2) luxury, and (3) co-creation contexts.
Discourse Indicative of Computational Thinking within a Virtual Community
Authors:   , Woods Charles
Published: February 2025

This study explores the phenomenon of computational thinking indicated by the use of Bloom's taxonomy's cognitive domain verbs in the Scratch community, the online, collaborative environment for the Scratch Visual Programming Language (VPL). A corpus of 660,984 words from three Scratch community sub-forums provide the data for this study. By semantically aligning cognitive domain verbs of Bloom's revised taxonomy to computational thinking (CT) dimensions, the occurrences of the verbs in Scratch community sub-forums are used to indicate instances of computational thinking. The methodology utilizes qualitative coding and analysis with R® and RStudio®. The findings show language attributes such as expressions of imagination, sharing of creative details, collaborative development ideas, teaching, modeling, innovating, solutions focused, and technical support to be indicative of computational thinking and CT dimensions. The computational thinking dimension referred to as computational perspectives occurs most frequently within Scratch community participant discourse. The environmental factors found to contribute to computational thinking and the CT dimensions are supporting tools, personalized learning, supportive organizational culture, social learning, and organizational support. Common among the three computational dimensions is the contributing environmental factor described as supportive organizational culture, with the computational perspectives dimension prevailing among the corpora. The characteristics of computational perspectives and supportive organizational culture suggest a desire for human connection in the attainment of technological skills and knowledge.