bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of serum 1,5-AG provides insights for diabetes management and the anti-viral immune response
Authors: Wei Marcus Tong Zhen , Gallo Linda A. , Hulme Katina D. , Alzaid Fawaz , Julla Jean-Baptiste , Dorey Emily S. , Morineau Gilles , Chew Keng Yih , Grant Emma J. , Gras Stephanie , Barett Helen L. , Riveline Jean-Pierre , Carney Meagan , Short Kirsty R.
Published: February 2025

Background

Achieving an in-range glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is essential for managing diabetes mellitus (DM). However, this parameter provides an estimate of long-term blood glucose control rather than daily glycaemic variations. Glycaemic variability can be more predictive than HbA1c in terms of identifying those at risk for diabetes complications, including risk of severe respiratory virus infections and is usually measured via a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). For individuals for whom a CGM is not available, serum 1,5 anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) level has shown potential as an alternative method for monitoring glycaemic variability. Despite this, at present 1,5-AG is not routinely used in the clinical assessment of DM. Here, we aim to determine whether assessing 1,5-AG, in addition to HbA1c, is of any potential clinical utility to the management of DM for patients.

Methods

Using machine learning and data derived from 78 patients with type I DM (for whom CGM data is available) we show that the combination of 1,5-AG and HbA1c improves the prediction of a patient’s glycemia risk index (GRI) compared to HbA1c alone.

Results

The GRI is an essential tool in the management of DM as it reflects both clinical priorities and patient centred outcomes. The inclusion of 1,5-AG in this prediction was particularly important for individuals who had very high or very low GRI. Furthermore, in the context of glycaemic variability and susceptibility to severe respiratory virus infections, we show that reduced 1,5-AG in the plasma is associated with reduced ex vivo CD4 + T cell cytokine responses to influenza virus in individuals with a matched HbA1c.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data argue for an increased monitoring of 1,5-AG in the clinic for individuals without a CGM to provide additional insights for diabetes management.
Geometric Langlands Duality for Periods
Authors: Feng Tony , Wang Jonathan
Published: February 2025

We study conjectures of Ben-Zvi–Sakellaridis–Venkatesh that categorify the relationship between automorphic periods and L-functions in the context of the Geometric Langlands equivalence. We provide evidence for these conjectures in some low-rank examples, by using derived Fourier analysis and the theory of chiral algebras to categorify the Rankin-Selberg unfolding method.
Air-based cold spray: An advanced additive manufacturing technique for functional and structural applications
Authors: Tregenza Owen , Hutasoit Novana , Palanisamy Suresh , Hulston Chris
Published: February 2025

Cold spray (CS) is a solid-state deposition process that accelerates particles in a gas to create parts or coatings. Deformation is central to the mechanical and metallurgical bonds that facilitate particle cohesion and deposit formation. Most research works focus on high-pressure inert gas CS (HPCS), neglecting the potential of air-based CS which is often overlooked because of its poorer deposit qualities. Despite this, air-based CS presents advantages in terms of cost and energy savings and has recently gained attention as a promising new CS additive manufacturing method. This review contrasts HPCS and air-based CS, identifying key differences and bonding modes. Then, state-of-the-art air-based CS research is captured and reviewed revealing a diverse range of application areas including functional coatings, medical, machine tool manufacture, and metal-to-ceramic interfacing. Additionally, research efforts to improve air-based CS quality and bonding, which mainly centre around feed-stock morphology optimisation, print pathing, and post-treatment techniques, are captured. Literature is grouped into three main research categories: metal feed-stocks, metal matrix composites and powder mixes, and novel applications. Accompanying tabulated summaries are presented, detailing CS system parameters, such as gas pressures and temperatures, feed-stock and substrate materials, and application area. Future research directions in air-based CS are also discussed in the context of technology promotion, key strengths and applications, and methods for enhancing CS systems and deposit qualities.
The efficacy and safety of low-dose triple combination for hypertension treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Elgendy Mohamed S. , Taha Hosam I. , Amin Ahmed Mazen , Khlidj Yehya , Ezz Mohamed R. , Elgamasy Mohamed A. , Almezaine Ahmed , Faheem Mohamed A. , Rajab Islam , Abuelazm Mohamed
Published: February 2025

Recently, Low-dose triple single-pill combinations (LDTC) have become a promising option for managing hypertension. This review evaluates LDTC’s effectiveness and safety versus standard care, monotherapy, and placebo for blood pressure (BP) control. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, WOS, Scopus, and Cochrane from inception to September 2024. The analysis presented risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). PROSPERO ID: CRD42024595331. We identified five eligible trials with a total of 1,709 patients. LDTC had a higher rate of achieving BP < 140/90 at 4 to 6 weeks (wk) (RR: 1.56; CI: 1.41, 1.72; p < 0.01) and at 8 to 12 wk (RR: 1.43; CI: 1.31, 1.57; P < 0.01). Additionally, LDTC significantly reduced the automated office systolic BP at 4 to 6 wk (MD: -8.80; CI: -10.16, -7.44; p < 0.01), 8 to 12 wk (MD: -8.30; CI: -11.18, -5.42; P < 0.01), and at 24 wk (MD: -6.94; CI: -10.56, -3.32; P < 0.01). However, LDTC indicated an increased rate of hypokalemia (RR: 2.25; CI: 1.50, 3.38; P < 0.01), with no difference between both groups in total adverse events (AEs) (P = 0.44), serious AEs (P = 0.79), treatment discontinuation due to AEs (P = 0.91), and the AEs of special interest (P = 0.54). LDTC therapy is effective and safe for hypertension management but poses potassium depletion. Further large-scale studies are essential to confirm its clinical benefits.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluating post-treatment residual intracranial arteriovenous shunting: a comparison of arterial spin labeling MRI and digital subtraction angiography
Authors: Noorbakhsh Abraham , Wong Mitchell T. , Bolar Divya S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI in detecting residual arteriovenous (AV) shunting in treated arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and fistulas (AVFs).

Methods

A retrospective institutional review identified 29 patients with DSA-confirmed AV shunt lesions treated via embolization (n = 17), stereotactic radiosurgery (n = 2), surgical resection (n = 8), or combined embolization and surgical resection (n = 4), with corresponding baseline and post-treatment ASL and DSA studies. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed ASL images for residual AV shunting, with inter-rater agreement calculated. Disagreements were jointly reviewed to reach consensus. Sensitivity and specificity for using ASL to detect residual AV shunting were then determined using DSA as the gold standard reference.

Results

Seventeen patients with Spetzler-Martin grades II-V AVMs were included: 76.5% with supratentorial nidus, and 52.9% with prior hemorrhage. Twelve AVF patients were included, including eight dural, one vein of Galen, two perimedullary, and one cavernous-carotid fistula. Inter-rater agreement for presence of residual AV shunting was strong (93.5%, κ = 0.87). Two disagreements involved AVM patients after surgical resection. Sensitivity and specificity of ASL for detecting residual was 94% and 93%, respectively. Within the AVM group, both metrics reached 100%, while for AVFs, they both decreased to 83%, with one false positive and one false negative.

Conclusion

ASL MRI is highly sensitive and specific for detection of residual AV shunting across a wide spectrum of AV shunt pathologies and treatment modalities. ASL can play an important role as a non-invasive adjunct to DSA, potentially reducing the frequency of DSA during the continuum of post-treatment care.
Expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells under consideration of bioengineering aspects: part 2
Authors: Teale Misha Alexander , Schneider Samuel Lukas , Seidel Stefan , Krasenbrink Jürgen , Poggel Martin , Eibl Dieter , Sousa Marcos F. Q. , Eibl Regine
Published: February 2025

The manufacturing of allogeneic cell therapeutics based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds considerable potential to revolutionize the accessibility and affordability of modern healthcare. However, achieving the cell yields necessary to ensure robust production hinges on identifying suitable and scalable single-use (SU) bioreactor systems. While specific stirred SU bioreactor types have demonstrated proficiency in supporting hiPSC expansion at L-scale, others, notably instrumented SU multiplate and fixed-bed bioreactors, remain relatively unexplored. By characterizing these bioreactors using both computational fluid dynamics and experimental bioengineering methods, operating ranges were identified for the Xpansion® 10 and Ascent™ 1 m2 bioreactors in which satisfactory hiPSC expansion under serum-free conditions was achieved. These operating ranges were shown not only to effectively limit cell exposure to wall shear stress but also facilitated sufficient oxygen transfer and mixing. Through their application, almost 5 × 109 viable cells could be produced within 5 days, achieving expansion factors of up to 35 without discernable impact on cell viability, identity, or differentiation potential.

Key Points•Bioengineering characterizations allowed the identification of operating ranges that supported satisfactory hiPSC expansion•Both the Xpansion
®
10 multiplate and Ascent™ 1 m
2
fixed-bed reactor accommodated the production of almost 5 × 10
9
viable cells within 5 days•Exposing the hiPSCs to a median wall shear stress of up to 8.2 × 10
−5
N cm
−2 did not impair quality
Modelling the response of an ice disc to radial water flow in the context of sea ice thickening
Authors: Pantling Jacob , Worster M. Grae , Fitzgerald Shaun D.
Published: February 2025

Arctic sea ice is melting rapidly, and the Arctic is likely to experience its first ice-free summer in the next few decades unless action is taken locally. One proposed method of reducing or perhaps reversing the melting of Arctic sea ice is pumping seawater onto the surface of the sea ice where it should freeze faster and thicken the ice. This may in turn enable it to last longer or even survive the summer melting period, reflecting more sunlight and becoming stronger multi-year ice with increased resistance to future melting. Despite appearing to be a relatively simple physical problem, the technique has not been researched in depth. Here, the response of ice to water being pumped over its surface is investigated theoretically and experimentally for radial axisymmetric water flow. The dominant heat transfer mechanisms during the period shortly after placement of water onto ice are conduction through the ice away from the water–ice interface and heat transfer from the water to the interface. During this initial period of evolution, advection and radiation to the atmosphere are much smaller in magnitude and hence not included. The heat transfer from the water flow to the interface is modelled for three flows: a well-mixed uniform film flow; a uniform flow with a developing thermal boundary layer; and a laminar, viscous flow with a developing thermal boundary layer. Predictions from these models are compared with data from laboratory experiments using various initial water temperatures. The predictions of the model with a fully developed, laminar viscous flow and a developing thermal boundary layer for the evolution of the ice profile were found to be closest to the data obtained from laboratory experiments with water supplied at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5

$$^\circ$$

∘

C.
Warming alters non-trophic interactions in soft bottom habitats
Authors: Laukaityte Simona , Bishop Melanie J. , Govers Laura L. , Eriksson Britas D. H. Klemens
Published: February 2025

Though there is mounting evidence that climate warming is altering trophic interactions between organisms, its effects on non-trophic interactions remain relatively undocumented. In seagrass systems, the bioturbating activity of infauna influences annual seagrass patch development by influencing seed burial depth and germination success as well as sediment properties. If bioturbation is altered by warming, consequences on seagrass may result. Here, we assessed how heatwaves alter seagrass seed burial depth and germination rates when no bioturbators (control), single bioturbators and mixtures of bioturbators of contrasting feeding activities are present. The three bioturbators manipulated were surface (top 1-2 cm of sediment) biodiffusor, the brown shrimp (Crangon crangon), the shallow (top 3–8 cm) diffusor, the common cockle, (Cerastoderma edule) and the upward (5–15 cm) conveyor, the polychaete, Cappitellidae spp. We applied two temperature treatments: (1) a present-day scenario set at the average summer temperature of seagrass habitat (17ºC); and (2) a heatwave scenario modelled on the maximum recorded temperature (26.6ºC). Under present-day conditions, seed burial was greater in the presence of bioturbators than the control where no infauna was added (42–74% vs. 33 ± 7%, respectively). Cockles had the greatest impact on seed burial amongst all the bioturbators. Under the heatwave scenario, seed burial in the mixed bioturbator treatment increased to match that of the cockle treatment. Cockles and polychaetes elevated the germination rates of buried seeds under present-day temperature, but not under the heatwave scenario. Overall, these results indicate that heatwaves have the potential both to amplify and disrupt non-trophic interactions, with implications for seagrass seed germination.
Dynamics of the 1873 CE “Breccia De Fiore” phreatic eruption at Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) through historical chronicles, physical volcanology, and numerical modelling
Authors: Giansante Silvia , Esposti Ongaro Tomaso , Cioni Raffaello , Pistolesi Marco , de’ Michieli Vitturi Mattia
Published: February 2025

Phreatic events may represent precursors of magmatic eruptions or occur independently as single or multiple episodes at volcanoes with hydrothermal systems. We examine the Breccia De Fiore deposit from the prolonged phreatic activity during September–October 1873 at the La Fossa cone of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy). By integrating data from historical chronicles, stratigraphy, sedimentology, physical analyses, and 3D numerical simulations, we investigate eruption dynamics. The sedimentological characteristics of the deposits, asymmetrically dispersed along the north-western flank of the cone, are interpreted as the simultaneous emplacement of pyroclastic density currents and ballistic projectiles. Numerical simulations model the eruptive mixture as an Eulerian gas-particle fluid coupled with Lagrangian ballistic particles. Results suggest the deposit originated from multiple, shallow, low-magnitude explosions (< 5 × 104 m3 cumulative volume). The deposit dispersal is well reproduced by simulating explosions from an inclined vent, driven by pressure build-up (up to 5 MPa) at shallow depths (< 150 m) within the hydrothermal system. This study helps constrain critical parameters of phreatic scenarios at La Fossa volcano, including erupted mass and specific energy, emphasising the hazards posed by such small events and the crucial need for improving hazard assessment, especially given the close presence of populated, touristic sites.
Transcriptomic Signature of Lipid Production in Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20
Authors: Lee Chang Kim Jye , Gorron Gomez Eduardo , Ebrahimie Esmaeil , Dehcheshmeh Manijeh Mohammadi , Frampton Dion M. F. , Zhou Xue-Rong
Published: February 2025

Aurantiochytrium not only excels in producing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid for humans, but it is also a source of essential fatty acids with minimal impacts on wild fisheries and is vital in the transfer of atmospheric carbon to oceanic carbon sinks and cycles. This study aims to unveil the systems biology of lipid production in the Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20 by comparing the transcriptomic profiles under optimal growth conditions with increased fatty acid production from the early (Day 1) to late exponential growth phase (Day 3). Particular attention was paid to 227 manually annotated genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as FAS (fatty acid synthetase) and subunits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) synthase. PCA analysis showed that differentially expressed genes, related to lipid metabolism, efficiently discriminated Day 3 samples from Day 1, highlighting the key robustness of the developed lipid-biosynthesis signature. Highly significant (pFDR < 0.01) upregulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase subunit B (PFAB) involved in fatty acid synthesis, lipid droplet protein (TLDP) involved in TAG-synthesis, and phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM-2) involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were observed. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted significant enrichment of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (pFDR < 0.01) and carbon metabolism pathways (pFDR < 0.01). This study provides a comprehensive overview of the transcriptional landscape of Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20 in the process of fatty acid production.
Importance of Considering Temporal Variations in Pulse Wave Velocity for Accurate Blood Pressure Prediction
Authors: Bantwal Aditya Satishkumar , Bhayadia Amit Kumar , Meng Hui
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Continuous, cuffless blood pressure (BP) monitoring devices based on measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) or pulse transit time (PTT) are emerging but are often plagued by large prediction errors. A key issue is that these techniques typically rely on a single PWV value, assuming a linear response and small arterial wall deformations. However, arterial response to BP is inherently nonlinear, with PWV varying over time [PWV(t)] by up to 50% during a cardiac cycle. This study evaluates the impact of assuming a single PWV on BP prediction accuracy.

Method

Using a Fluid-structure Interaction (FSI) testbed, we simulate the radial and common carotid arteries with the Holzapfel–Gasser–Ogden (HGO) constitutive model to capture nonlinear arterial behavior under a pulsatile physiological blood flow. Pressure data from FSI simulation are used as the ground truth, while inner area A(t) and two PWV values, at diastole and systole, serve as inputs to BP prediction models. Two models are tested: one using a single PWV value, emulating existing PWV-based BP prediction methods; another using the two PWV values to account for PWV(t).

Results

The single-PWV BP model produced prediction errors of 17.44 mmHg and 6.57 mmHg for the radial and carotid arteries, respectively. The model incorporating two PWV values reduced these errors by 90.6% and 96.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Relying on a single PWV in BP prediction models can lead to significant errors. To improve BP accuracy, future efforts should focus on incorporating PWV(t), or at least both diastolic and systolic PWV values, into these models.
Multi-neighborhood simulated annealing for the integrated patient-to-room and nurse-to-patient assignment problem
Authors: Zanazzo Eugenia , Ceschia Sara , Schaerf Andrea
Published: February 2025

We consider a recently proposed integrated healthcare problem that deals with the assignment of patients to suitable rooms in wards (Patient-to-Room) and the assignment of nurses to patients to balance their workload and reduce patient disturbance (Nurse-to-Patient), in one single stage. For this problem, we designed an integrated local search method that uses four distinct neighborhoods and is guided by a Simulated Annealing metaheuristic. We configured and tuned our search method, ran it on the available datasets with different running times, and validated it using the available solution checker. Finally, we compared the results with the ones available in the literature and with a sequential version of our method. The outcome is that our search method outperforms the previous ones, in particular for large and real-world instances. Finally, we observe that the integrated approach is particularly effective when the planning horizon is short.
Muscle path predictions using a discrete geodesic Euler–Lagrange model in constrained optimisation: comparison with OpenSim and experimental data
Authors: Lavaill Maxence , Chen Xiyu , Heinrich Simon , Pivonka Peter , Leyendecker Sigrid
Published: February 2025

Accurate and robust modelling of muscle paths is crucial for predicting human movement. Traditional methods often rely on simplified straight-line representations and manual specifications of via-points and wrapping surfaces, which may lead to inconsistent and unrealistic muscle paths The discrete geodesic Euler–Lagrange (DGEL) method identifies geodesics with minimal curvature trajectories that adhere closely to anatomical constraints. Embedding DGEL into an optimisation problem with a specific objective function has the potential to identify muscle paths with smooth changes in muscle length over the course of the motion, thereby avoiding abrupt muscle discontinuities. This study aims to investigate the performance of the DGEL method. We developed multibody models with increasing complexity (i.e. a static arm model, a kinematic elbow model and a kinematic shoulder model) and investigated different scenarios, such as muscle attachment modifications, simulation of diverse motions and extreme ranges of motion. We performed a comparative analysis between the geodesic model and the open-source OpenSim framework, with validation against experimental data to assess physiological plausibility. Our findings reveal that the DGEL method overcomes limitations inherent in traditional approaches, including discontinuities and incorrect wrapping surface interactions. For the static arm model, the DGEL-computed muscle length showed a closer match to ground truth compared to OpenSim. In the elbow model, the DGEL method eliminated unphysiological muscle path discontinuities. In the shoulder model, the DGEL method was validated across three different motions against experimental muscle moment arms, achieving great accuracy and superior robustness in handling complex muscle paths. This method effectively addressed common pitfalls in muscle path modelling, such as bone penetrations and erratic trajectories. Future work will further validate the DGEL method across diverse real-world applications and optimise its performance through advanced objective functions. The DGEL approach represents a significant improvement in the accuracy and robustness of muscle path modelling, advancing the field of biomechanics and musculoskeletal modelling.
Discrete choice in marketing through the lens of rational inattention
Authors: Turlo Sergey , Fina Matteo , Kasinger Johannes , Laghaie Arash , Otter Thomas
Published: February 2025

Models derived from random utility theory represent the workhorse methods to learn about consumer preferences from discrete choice data. However, a large body of literature documents various behavioral patterns that cannot be captured by basic random utility models and require different non-unified adjustments to accommodate these patterns. In this article, we discuss strategies how to apply rational inattention theory—which explains a large variety of such departures—to the analysis of discrete choice among multiple alternatives described along multiple attributes. We first review existing applications that make restrictive belief assumptions to obtain choice probabilities in closed multinomial logit form. We then propose a model that allows for general consumer beliefs and demonstrate its empirical identification. Further, we illustrate how this model naturally motivates stylized empirical results that are hard to reconcile from a random utility perspective.
The Provision of Relationship and Sex Education Programs for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder– Staff Perspective
Authors: Brown Mark J. , Murphy G. H.
Published: February 2025

Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) has been integrated into the National Curriculum within UK schools for the past two decades. RSE aims to teach about the emotional, social, and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. Such a curriculum tends to be mainstream oriented, taught in large classes, with limited exploration and clarification for those who need it. There is concern that the development of incomplete knowledge and skills places the pupil with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a difficult and potentially vulnerable position. This study was the first of three looking at development of a more appropriate RSE program for pupils with ASD. The study focused upon evaluating the RSE program being utilised at the time (2016) via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with teaching staff. Participants were either senior leadership members or school RSE coordinators and they came from 15 schools providing for pupils with ASD in London, Surrey, and Sussex.

The resulting qualitative data were analyzed for common themes. The resulting themes highlighted difficulties in implementing RSE programs with pupils with ASD, lack of resources and support, and being able to develop positive RSE. The results indicate that although those in charge of RSE implementation are committed, they are frequently faced with a range of barriers. The discussion section highlights the importance of this subject and the need to increase understanding in relation to such programs.
Applying debriefings in the context of higher education: How joint reflection fosters students’ collaborative problem solving
Authors: Schürmann Verena , Bodemer Daniel , Marquardt Nicki
Published: February 2025

During collaborative problem solving, higher education students experience various challenges like communication and coordination issues. Moreover, they often report feeling unprepared to work in collaborative environments. Hence, despite the benefits of learning and working together, some groups fail to function, resulting in poor performance, low learning gains and dissatisfaction among group members. The current study investigates the potential of group reflexivity interventions (i.e., debriefings) as a means to foster students’ collaboration, performance and learning gain. Using a pretest–posttest design, 38 higher education students worked together in 14 teams to solve a collaborative problem-solving task in a hackathon-like setting. At the midpoint of the teams’ collaboration, they conducted either a debriefing (experimental condition) or a filler task (control condition). Quantitative (e.g., questionnaires) and qualitative data (e.g., video recordings) were collected and evaluated. Statistical analyses revealed beneficial effects for collaboration, but not for performance and learning gain. Observing the teams during the debriefings provided further insights into students’ joint reflection processes. The findings emphasize the potential of self-led debriefings in fostering students’ collaboration. Our study helps in understanding the linkage between debriefing and collaboration more precisely. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Pointless epistemic norms
Authors: Lee Wooram
Published: February 2025

You ought to believe in accordance with available evidence. This evidential norm, as widely recognized, can be implausibly demanding by requiring you to hold pointless beliefs. In this paper, I first consider some seemingly promising versions of the positive evidential requirement to form beliefs in accordance with your evidence and argue that they either fail to avoid the problem of pointlessness or fail to bind you independently of practical requirements. I then show that even the negative requirement not to believe against your evidence falls prey to the same problem: either it enjoins pointlessness or its binding force depends essentially on practical norms. This is puzzling, as our epistemic practice seems to presuppose evidential standards that are independent of practical rationality. I suggest that the alleged evidential “norms” are evaluative ‘ought’-statements about what it would be epistemically ideal for you to do, which, on their own, do not issue any genuine prescriptions or demands.
“They Just Don’t Get That We Matter”: Black Boys’ Critical Consciousness Development During a Health Crisis and Racial Reckoning
Authors: Carey Roderick L. , Polanco Camila , Blackman Horatio , Daughtry Kendell A. , Abrams Holly R. , Miller Mark X. , Marianno Latrice , Vilceus Sophia Sunshine , Alobwede Epie , Woelki William
Published: February 2025

While the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened racial unrest throughout 2020–2021 brought forth unprecedented disruption and trauma to youth and their families globally, these societal occurrences also provided fodder for youth learning and development. We use a theory of critical consciousness development (e.g., critical reflection, critical motivation, and critical action) and a racialized lens on social-psychological “mattering” to explore the voiced perspectives of adolescent Black high school boys, who participated in our school-university research partnership called The Black Boy Mattering Project. Findings from focus group interviews, gathered over the course of two school years, revealed that as participants navigated the health crisis and widespread racial reckoning, they deepened their critical consciousness of their marginal mattering. Marginal mattering reflects a type of perceived insignificance driven by sensing hyper-awareness from others for the alleged negative traits of one’s minoritized (e.g., racial) group. It led to Black boys feeling unappreciated, undervalued, and even feared in society and school environments. Findings show that while maneuvering COVID-19, participants’ encounters with Black Lives Matter via social media and news outlets inspired their critical reflection on the racial realities that framed their social and school lives and fueled their marginal mattering. Participants also determined protestors’ capacity to impact social change for the Black community, which inspired them to evaluate their critical motivation for making school-level change. While participants did not join street-level protests, they engaged in critical action through social media and some school-based endeavors. Implications suggest ways forward for more humanizing school policies and practices.
In vivo medical imaging for assessing geroprotective interventions in humans
Authors: Svensson Jonas E. , Schain Martin , Plavén-Sigray Pontus
Published: February 2025

There is a growing interest in developing drugs with a general geroprotective effect, aimed at slowing down aging. Several compounds have been shown to increase the lifespan and reduce the incidence of age-related diseases in model organisms. Translating these results is challenging, due to the long lifespan of humans. To address this, we propose using a battery of medical imaging protocols that allow for assessments of age-related processes known to precede disease onset. These protocols, based on magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission-, computed-, and optical coherence tomography, are already in use in drug development and are available at most modern hospitals. Here, we outline how an informed use of these techniques allows for detecting changes in the accumulation of age-related pathologies in a diverse set of physiological systems. This in vivo imaging battery enables efficient screening of candidate geroprotective compounds in early phase clinical trials, within reasonable trial durations.
Employing Observability Rank Conditions for Taking into Account Experimental Information a priori
Authors: Villaverde Alejandro F.
Published: February 2025

The concept of identifiability describes the possibility of inferring the parameters of a dynamic model by observing its output. It is common and useful to distinguish between structural and practical identifiability. The former property is fully determined by the model equations, while the latter is also influenced by the characteristics of the available experimental data. Structural identifiability can be determined by means of symbolic computations, which may be performed before collecting experimental data, and are hence sometimes called a priori analyses. Practical identifiability is typically assessed numerically, with methods that require simulations—and often also optimization—and are applied a posteriori. An approach to study structural local identifiability is to consider it as a particular case of observability, which is the possibility of inferring the internal state of a system from its output. Thus, both properties can be analysed jointly, by building a generalized observability matrix and computing its rank. The aim of this paper is to investigate to which extent such observability-based methods can also inform about practical aspects related with the experimental setup, which are usually not approached in this way. To this end, we explore a number of possible extensions of the rank tests, and discuss the purposes for which they can be informative as well as others for which they cannot.
Diagnosis Documentation Done Right: Cross-Specialty Standard for the Diagnosis Section in German Discharge Summaries — A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Frings Julian , Rust Paul , Meister Sven , Prinz Christian , Fehring Leonard
Published: February 2025

Background

The diagnosis section in hospital discharge summaries is critical for continuity of care and patient safety, yet it varies widely in quality, format, and content due to a lack of standards.

Objective

This study aims to develop a cross-specialty standard for the structure and content of the diagnosis section, based on the preferences of German physicians. The study examines physicians﻿’ satisfaction with the diagnosis section, their rating of its importance, and their preferences for its specific elements, comparing perspectives between inpatient and outpatient physicians.

Design, Participants, Approach

This mixed-methods study integrated a scoping review, focus group discussion, and a nationwide survey of 602 physicians (317 outpatient primary care and 285 inpatient physicians; 4.1% response rate), most trained in internal medicine. Quantitative analyses evaluated physician satisfaction and preferences, while qualitative feedback provided deeper insights regarding preferred content and format.

Key Results

Although 95.7% of physicians considered the diagnosis section crucial for follow-up care, only 36.9% were satisfied with its current content and format. 91.2% supported standardizing the diagnosis section, identifying 18 content elements to be included for every current treatment diagnosis. Strong consensus (> 95.0% agreement) was reached for “name of the diagnosis,” “severity/stage/classification/TNM,” “localization/extent/pattern of involvement,” “course e.g., acute, chronic, recurrent,” “expression,” “complications,” “date of initial diagnosis,” and “etiology/cause.” 86.4% preferred separating current and chronic/prior diagnoses with headings. Outpatient physicians were more likely than inpatient physicians to rate “ICD-10 codes” as mandatory (46.2% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001) and to consider “recommendations for further procedures” (76.6% vs. 63.6%, p < 0.001) and “follow-up appointments” (77.3% vs. 63.5%, p < 0.001) as necessary. Additionally, a list of practical recommendations for clinicians to better document diagnoses was derived.

Conclusions

This study proposes a cross-specialty standard for the diagnosis section based on physician preferences for a clearly structured format and 18 key content elements.
Breast cancer statistics for Japan in 2022: annual report of the national clinical database-breast cancer registry—clinical implications including chemosensitivity of breast cancer with low estrogen receptor expression
Authors: Nagahashi Masayuki , Kumamaru Hiraku , Kinukawa Naoko , Iwamoto Takayuki , Kawashima Masahiro , Kinoshita Takayuki , Konishi Takaaki , Sagara Yasuaki , Sasada Shinsuke , Saji Shigehira , Sanuki Naoko , Tanakura Kenta , Niikura Naoki , Miyashita Minoru , Yoshida Masayuki , Ishida Takanori , Taira Naruto
Published: February 2025

This is an annual report by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society, which provides statistics on the clinical data on breast cancer in Japan, extracted from the National Clinical Database-Breast Cancer Registry (NCD-BCR). This report includes an update of 102,453 breast cancer cases at 1339 institutions registered in the NCD-BCR in 2022. Among the 101,793 female patients, the median age at cancer diagnosis was 62 years (interquartile range, 50–73 years), and 29.4% of the patients were premenopausal. Of these patients, 15,437 (15.2%) and 42,936 (42.2%) were diagnosed with stage 0 and I disease, respectively. Estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) were positive in 78.7%, 69.4%, and 12.8% of the patients, respectively. Of the 97,154 patients without distant metastasis, 40,521 (41.7%) underwent breast-conserving surgery, and 5780 (5.9%) patients underwent some form of breast reconstruction procedures at the time of mastectomy. A total of 66,894 (68.9%) patients were treated with sentinel lymph node biopsy and 7155 (7.4%) patients were treated with sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by axillary node dissection. In the group of patients treated with breast-conserving surgery (n = 40,521), 29,500 (72.8%) received whole-breast irradiation. In the group of patients who underwent mastectomy (n = 54,476), 6226 (11.4%) received radiation therapy to the chest wall. Of the 13,950 patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy with or without molecular targeted therapy, 4308 (30.9%) achieved a pathological complete response, with the highest rate of 60.5% in patients with the hormone receptor-negative/HER2-positive subtype.
A reusable public transport electronic ticket system with fast validation
Authors: Borges Ricard , Sebé Francesc
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an electronic ticket system for public transport which provides reusability in the sense that, after the validation of a ticket, a traveler is enabled to perform a journey which can include a limited number of transfers before an expiration time. The proposal has been designed following a privacy-by-design approach. Travelers are only required to identify themselves if requested to prove possession of a valid ticket by an officer. Otherwise, they can travel without being required to disclose their identity (anonymity). Also, the diverse interactions of a traveler with the system cannot be related to them (unlinkability). The security and privacy requirements are achieved by making use of advanced cryptographic techniques. The system has been simulated and proven to provide running times which make it appropriate for a real deployment. When compared to an existing proposal designed for an equivalent scenario, the reduction in the time required for ticket validation is especially remarkable. In effect, all the use cases with real-time constraints (“Ticket validation”, “Get-in”, and “Get-out”) can be run in less than one second.
A Scoping Review of Preclinical Environmental Enrichment Protocols in Models of Poststroke to Set the Foundations for Translating the Paradigm to Clinical Settings
Authors: Oppici Luca , Bērziņa Guna , Hestetun-Mandrup Ann Marie , Løvstad Marianne , Opheim Arve , Pacheco Matheus M. , Rafsten Lena , Sunnerhagen Katharina S. ,   PEER-HOMEcare consortium, Rudd James R.
Published: February 2025

The translation of the highly effective Environmental Enrichment (EE) paradigm from preclinical animal models to human clinical settings has been slow and showed inconsistent results. The primary translational challenge lies in defining what constitutes an EE for humans. To tackle this challenge, this study conducted a scoping review of preclinical EE protocols to explore what constitutes EE for animal models of stroke, laying the foundation for the translation of EE to human application. A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that conducted an EE intervention in the post-stroke animal model. A total of 116 studies were included in the review. A critical reflection of the characteristics of the included studies revealed that EE for post-stroke is a strategy that frequently modifies the animals’ daily environment to create a richness of spatial, structural, and/or social opportunities to engage in a variety of daily life-related motor, cognitive, and social exploratory activities. These activities are relevant to the inhabiting individual and involve the activation of the body function(s) affected by the stroke. This review also identified six principles that underpinned the EE protocols: complexity (spatial and social), variety, novelty, targeting needs, scaffolding, and integration of rehabilitation tasks. These findings can be used as steppingstones to define what constitutes EE in human clinical applications and to develop a set of principles that can inform the design of EE protocols for patients after a stroke.
Effects of 12-month physical and cognitive training on sarcopenia determinants in older adults: a subgroup analysis of a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Hämäläinen Onni Oskari , Savikangas Tiina Marketta , Tirkkonen Anna-Katriina , Alén Markku Juhani , Hautala Arto Jorma , Sipilä Sarianna
Published: February 2025

Background

Low physical activity is a major risk for sarcopenia. Whether training according to physical activity guidelines accompanied with cognitive training is effective on sarcopenia, remains unclear.

Aims

We investigated whether the effects of 12-month physical and cognitive training (PTCT) and physical training (PT) on grip and knee extension strength, muscle mass, and walking speed differed between older adults with and without sarcopenia.

Methods

Community-dwelling older adults (N = 314, mean age 74.5 ± 3.8 years, 60% women) who did not meet physical activity guidelines were randomized to PTCT and PT groups. PT for both groups included supervised and home-based multicomponent physical training. Cognitive training (CT) included computer-based exercises for executive functioning. Sarcopenia was determined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2019 criteria. Generalized estimation equation analysis were conducted.

Results

Compared to PT, PTCT had no additive effect on strength, muscle mass, or walking speed in participants with or without sarcopenia. In pooled data (PT + PTCT) change in the grip strength was greater in sarcopenia (n = 49) group compared to non-sarcopenia (n = 264) group (interaction, p =.014). Both groups improved knee extension strength, and walking speed, but no statistically significant difference between the groups were observed. Muscle mass did not change in either group.

Conclusion

Physical training according to physical activity recommendations improves muscle strength, walking speed, and maintains muscle mass in sarcopenia. Additional cognitive training had no benefits on these outcomes.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN52388040 and date of registration 20/1/2017.
ACQUIRED: An Innovative Asynchronous Modality to Increase Quality Teacher-Learner Dialogue and Overcome Classroom Barriers in Basic Science Medical Education
Authors: Lewis Brianne E. , Attardi Stefanie M. , Sawarynski Kara E.
Published: February 2025

Learners are faced with psychological and temporal classroom barriers that may preclude participation and learning. We present an asynchronous instructional design modality aiming to address learning barriers, retain active learning, and foster quality teacher-learner interactions. We designed and evaluated individualized online lessons constructed with flexible navigation, short instructional videos, integrated formative assessment, and reflection questions with bidirectional teacher-learner communication. Narrative student comments (n = 3075, from 33 basic science sessions over three cohorts of 125 students) were extracted from faculty evaluations, and descriptive coding identified strengths and constructive criticisms. Data are presented as mean ± SD. A majority of comments were positive (76.6% ± 2.12%) with 43.5% ± 8.7% of these focused on the ACQUIRED modality. Within these responses, students most benefited from formative practice questions (18.6% ± 2.3%), the modular format (17.3% ± 2.7%), engagement with material (11.1% ± 0.9%), ease of asking questions (9.2% ± 2.4%), overall organization (8.0 ± 2.8%), and fast responsiveness from the teacher (7% ± 2.0). Fewer comments were constructive (15.0 ± 2.1%), with 51.5% ± 30.9% of these focused on the ACQUIRED modality. More formative questions (30.5% ± 21.8%) were described for improvement. Our data informed the design of the ACQUIRED model for asynchronous instruction, emphasizing ACcessible QUality Interactions and REsponsive Design. The model addresses learning and participation barriers and fosters meaningful, bidirectional teacher-learner interactions.
Multifunctional Janus-Structured Polytetrafluoroethylene-Carbon Nanotube-Fe3O4/MXene Membranes for Enhanced EMI Shielding and Thermal Management
Authors: Shao Runze , Wang Guilong , Chai Jialong , Lin Jun , Zhao Guoqun , Zeng Zhihui , Wang Guizhen
Published: February 2025

Herein, a novel Janus-structured multifunctional membrane with integrated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and personalized thermal management is fabricated using shear-induced in situ fibrillation and vacuum-assisted filtration. Interestingly, within the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-carbon nanotube (CNT)-Fe3O4 layer (FCFe), CNT nanofibers interweave with PTFE fibers to form a stable “silk-like” structure that effectively captures Fe3O4 particles. By incorporating a highly conductive MXene layer, the FCFe/MXene (FCFe/M) membrane exhibits excellent electrical/thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and flame retardancy. Impressively, benefiting from the rational regulation of component proportions and the design of a Janus structure, the FCFe/M membrane with a thickness of only 84.9 µm delivers outstanding EMI shielding effectiveness of 44.56 dB in the X-band, with a normalized specific SE reaching 10,421.3 dB cm2 g−1, which is attributed to the “absorption-reflection-reabsorption” mechanism. Furthermore, the membrane demonstrates low-voltage-driven Joule heating and fast-response photothermal performance. Under the stimulation of a 3 V voltage and an optical power density of 320 mW cm−2, the surface temperatures of the FCFe/M membranes can reach up to 140.4 and 145.7 °C, respectively. In brief, the FCFe/M membrane with anti-electromagnetic radiation and temperature regulation is an attractive candidate for the next generation of wearable electronics, EMI compatibility, visual heating, thermotherapy, and military and aerospace applications.