bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing Epiphyseal Mass Lesions in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Authors: Tung Eric L. , Ecklund Kirsten , Shailam Randheer , Rosenthal Daniel I. , Vicentini Joao Rafael T.
Published: February 2025

This slide presentation reviews the differential diagnosis of epiphyseal mass lesions in children, adolescents, and young adults, identifies imaging features of epiphyseal mass lesions that suggest specific diagnoses, and provides a framework for evaluating these lesions at MRI with the goal of narrowing the differential diagnosis.
Supplementary Table S2 from Timeliness of Lung Cancer Care and Area-Level Determinants in Victoria: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis
Authors: Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Heritier Stephane , Stirling Rob G. , Earnest Arul
Published: February 2025

Model comparison with and without non-linear terms for treatment delay
Data from Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer in Japan: The Japan Public Health Center–Based Prospective Study
Authors: Tanitame Marina , Inoue Manami , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackground:
Although cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are established causes of cancer, most cohort studies and meta-analyses have reported inverse associations with thyroid cancer risk. However, epidemiologic evidence for this possibility is limited in Asia, where thyroid cancer histologic type differs from the West. In this study, we examined the association between cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption and the risk of thyroid cancer in Japanese.
Methods:
We analyzed data of 101,849 Japanese included in the Japan Public Health Center–Based Prospective Study. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were assessed at baseline using a self-administered questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results:
During a mean 18.7 years of follow-up, we identified 232 incident cases of thyroid cancer. The multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for current cigarette smoking with ≥20 pack-years compared with never-smoking were 0.65 (0.39–1.06) and 0.45 (0.23–0.88), respectively, combined for both sexes. After detailed adjustment for cigarette smoking, compared with no current alcohol consumption, HRs (95% CIs) were 0.90 (0.61–1.33) for any current consumption and 0.81 (0.33–1.97) for ≥300 g ethanol/week consumption combined for both sexes.
Conclusions:
We observed an inverse association between cigarette smoking and thyroid cancer in Japan. Although an inverse association between alcohol consumption and thyroid cancer is suggested, the CI was wide and included 1.
Impact:
Cigarette smoking was shown to be potentially inversely associated with thyroid cancer in Japanese, providing insights into risk factors in Asians. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to verify these findings.
Associations between parity, history of breastfeeding, and T cell profile of ovarian tumors
Authors: Mongiovi Jennifer M. , Townsend Mary K. , Vitonis Allison F. , Harris Holly R. , Doherty Jennifer A. , Babic Ana , Hecht Jonathan L. , Soong T  Rinda , Titus Linda , Conejo-Garcia Jose R. , Fridley Brooke L. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Terry Kathryn L. , Sasamoto Naoko
Published: February 2025

Background: Parity and breastfeeding are associated with systemic changes in maternal inflammation and reduced risk of ovarian cancer, but little is known about their impact on the ovarian tumor immune microenvironment. Methods: We evaluated the associations of self-reported parity and history of breastfeeding with tumor-infiltrating T cells among 1,706 ovarian carcinoma cases with tumor tissue collected across four studies. The abundance of tumor-infiltrating T cells was measured by multiplex immunofluorescence in tumor tissue microarrays. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the positivity of tumor immune cells were calculated using beta-binomial models and stratified by histotype. Results: Compared to ovarian tumors in nulliparous women, there was no association between parity and ovarian tumor T cell abundance among all histotypes combined, but suggestion of increased cytotoxic T cells and T cell exhaustion among parous women with clear cell tumors. When restricted to parous women, history of breastfeeding was associated with increased odds for all T cell types (i.e., total, cytotoxic, helper, regulatory, and exhausted T cells), with ORs ranging from 1.11-1.42. For every 6 months of breastfeeding, we observed increased odds of activated helper T cell infiltration (CD3+CD4+CD69+, OR:1.13, 95% CI: 0.99-1.29), with a similar association for high-grade serous tumors, but lower odds in clear cell tumors (OR:0.43, 95% CI:0.21-0.87). Conclusions: History of breastfeeding may alter the ovarian tumor immune microenvironment by modulating the abundance of tumor-infiltrating T cells. Impact: While replication is required, history of breastfeeding may play a role in activation of the ovarian tumor immune response.
Temperature and Maltreatment of Young Children
Authors: Evans Mary F. , Gazze Ludovica , Schaller Jessamyn
Published: February 2025

We estimate the impacts of temperature on alleged and substantiated child maltreatment among young children using administrative data from state child protective services agencies. Leveraging short-term weather variation, we find increases in the number of young children involved in cases of alleged and substantiated maltreatment during hot periods. Additional analysis identifies neglect as the temperature-sensitive maltreatment type, and we find some evidence that adaptation via air conditioning mitigates this relationship. Given that climate change will increase exposure to extreme temperatures, our findings speak to additional costs of climate change among the most vulnerable.
Cholera, the Ulama, and Public Health in Russia and the Kazakh Steppe, 1830–1908
Authors: Frank Allen J.
Published: February 2025

The recurring cholera epidemics in 19th- and early 20th-century Russia and the Kazakh Steppe required the Russian government to mobilize the religious authority of the ulama to disseminate and implement public health measures among the region’s Muslim population. Muftis and legal scholars issued a series of fatwas and treatises calling on Muslims to adhere to public health directives, and to educate Muslims more broadly about the etiology and characteristics of cholera. To do so, they invoked legal and scholarly texts as the foundation for their authority, and for the authority of the directives. At the same time, they encouraged Muslim engagement with medical knowledge derived from non-Muslims by distinguishing medical science from Islamic religious science and describing it as a humanistic universal type of knowledge. The widespread acceptance of this stance brings into question stereotypes of Muslim resistance to “European” medicine.
Effects of a Shared Teacher-Child Play Intervention on the Play Skills of Three Young Children Who Are Blind
Authors: Skellenger A.C. , Hill E.W.
Published: February 2025

This article describes a study of the effects of a shared teacher-child play intervention to increase the amount and type of targeted play behavior of three young children who are blind. The investigator used nondirective strategies, such as following the child’s lead to make indirect suggestions of ideas for play, modeling of appropriate play activities, and participation as a play partner. The play behavior of all three children improved with implementation of the intervention.
Self-image of Elderly Persons before and after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Fagerström R.
Published: February 2025

To examine the effect of poor vision on self-image, the research reported here studied 100 elderly persons’ self-images before and after cataract surgery. Before the surgery, the subjects’ vision was poor, and the subjects felt tense, anxious, and lacking in energy, although their self-images were mainly positive. After surgery restored their vision, the subjects’ self-images were more positive, and these elderly people were now more relaxed and energetic and less anxious.
In the eye of the sufferer: The impact of perceived motivation and expectations for compassion on sufferer’s emotional engagement
Authors: Wei Hongguo , Kanov Jason
Published: February 2025

Compassion—an empathically motivated behavioral response to suffering that has been linked to numerous organizational benefits—is understood to be a relational process, but our understanding of the sufferer’s role in how that process plays out and to what effect is lacking due to limited attention to this role in the extant compassion literature. This hinders our knowledge of compassion as well as our understanding of how to promote workplace compassion. To address this, we conducted two studies examining how sufferers’ perceptions of compassion givers’ motives (other-oriented and self-oriented, which may co-occur) and their own expectations for compassion affect how they experience compassion. Results show that while the impact of compassion on sufferers’ emotional engagement was enhanced when they viewed compassion givers as more other-oriented and weakened when they viewed them as more self-oriented, these relationships were nuanced and also moderated by sufferers’ expectations. In particular, when sufferers saw compassion givers as more self-oriented, this only lessened the positive impact of compassion for sufferers when they concurrently perceived low other-oriented motives; this effect went away when they perceived other-oriented motives as concurrently high. A three-way interaction was also identified such that sufferers benefited from compassion more when they had high expectations for compassion and saw compassion givers as highly other-oriented regardless of how self-oriented compassion givers concurrently seemed to be. We discuss the results, implications, and limitations.

JEL Classification: M14
EXPRESS: From Bytes to Biases. Investigating the Cultural Self-Perception of Large Language Models
Authors: Messner Wolfgang , Greene Tatum , Matalone Josephine
Published: February 2025

Large language models (LLMs) are able to engage in natural-sounding conversations with humans, showcasing unprecedented capabilities for information retrieval and automated decision support. They have disrupted human-technology interaction and the way businesses operate. However, technologies based on generative artificial intelligence (genAI) are known to hallucinate, misinform, and display biases introduced by the massive datasets on which they are trained. Existing research indicates that humans may unconsciously internalize these biases, which can persist even after they stop using the programs. This study explores the cultural self-perception of LLMs by prompting ChatGPT (OpenAI) and Bard (Google) with value questions derived from the GLOBE project. The findings reveal that their cultural self-perception is most closely aligned with the values of English-speaking countries and countries characterized by economic competitiveness. It is crucial for all members of society to understand how LLMs function and to recognize their potential biases. If left unchecked, the "black-box" nature of AI could reinforce human biases, leading to the inadvertent creation and training of even more biased models.
Enhanced microstructural properties of copper composites through Fe-W reinforcement via microwave heating
Authors: Bashir Khalid , Gupta Dheeraj , Jain Vivek
Published: February 2025

In this study, composite castings of Cu-based materials were prepared by using electromagnetic energy of frequency 2.45 GHz. Four separate sets of castings were produced inside the domestic microwave applicator cavity with reinforced compositions of up to 15% in steps of 5% for each composite cast (Cu+10%Fe, Cu+10%Fe+5%W, Cu +10%Fe+10%W, and Cu +10%Fe+15%W). A microwave radiation exposure time of 7 min was required to completely melt the pure copper powder. However, the addition of Fe-W reinforcement reduced the exposure time to 5 min (min) for the Cu +10%Fe+15%W composite cast. The formation of different phases was revealed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the cast samples. The composite cast samples exhibited peaks corresponding to Cu64O, Fe3O4, and Cu0.4W0.6. The microstructural analysis demonstrated that the grains grew equiaxed with a uniform dispersion of the reinforcements. The maximum microhardness was achieved 215 ± 10.07 for Cu+10%Fe+15%W which is 3.39 times better than microwave cast copper sample.
Adaptive fuzzy robust H∞ control for motion and vibration suppression of fully flexible-link space robots
Authors: Zhang Lijiao , Wu Jianzhen , Yu Xiaoyan , Yu Jie
Published: February 2025

This study addresses a fully flexible-link space robot with uncertain parameters, focusing on dynamic modeling, trajectory tracking and vibration suppression. The system’s dynamic model was derived by employing the linear momentum, Lagrange’s equations, and the assumed mode method. An adaptive fuzzy H∞ robust control scheme was then designed to achieve precise tracking of the desired position. Subsequently, a hybrid trajectory was introduced, combining joint stiffness motion and flexible link vibration through the concept of virtual control and expected trajectory. The trajectory was specifically formulated to address both the motion and vibration characteristics of the space robot. An adaptive fuzzy H∞ robust control scheme was applied to track this hybrid trajectory, ensuring both accurate position tracking and effective vibration suppression. Numerical simulations confirmed the efficacy of the proposed control strategy, demonstrating its ability to simultaneously track the position of a two-flexible-link space robot while suppressing vibrations in the flexible links, thereby achieving integrated control of motion and vibration.
Examining a Short Form of the Positive Family Support Strengths and Needs Assessment
Authors: Garbacz S. Andrew , Flack Caleb , Huang Qi , Bowen Anne , Stormshak Elizabeth A. , McIntyre Laura Lee
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the parent-report Short Form Positive Family Support Strengths and Needs Assessment (PFS-SaNA). The PFS-SaNA is designed to reduce the time and burden of collaborative mental health screening. Parents of 245 students in the Northwest completed the screener at third, fourth, fifth, and seventh grade. The screener includes four items rated on a 4-point Likert-type scale. The screener demonstrated internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.677 to 0.740 across waves. Furthermore, the screener demonstrated adequate concurrent and predictive validity with standard parent- and teacher-report mental health measurements. Lastly, receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to find optimal cut-off points for the screener at each grade. The screener shows adequate diagnostic accuracy against the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The use of the PFS-SaNA Short Form may help improve family-school collaboration in assessment and intervention planning in schools.
Aspects of Intimacy with God in the Book of Job
Authors: Fiorello Michael D.
Published: February 2025

The book of Job demonstrates that an intimate relationship with God is not wrought by the mechanical performance of perceived obligations. The book of Job is often utilized as an anodyne to alleviate pain or provide understanding about suffering rather than being seen as a book concerning integrity and authenticity in one’s relationship with God. It is likely that the book of Job was intended as a thesis addressing a neglected component of intimacy with God and, therefore, stands as a polemic against the belief that intimacy with God is earned. Job’s experience demonstrates what genuine intimacy looks like when subjected to the crucible of suffering. Such is the nature of authenticity demonstrated in a mutually satisfying and intimate relationship. Authenticity begins with a God-centered understanding of reality. It includes a willingness to recognize error and change, and a willingness to stand boldly on integrity. Intimacy with God means being concerned with reality more than one’s image or of other’s perceptions and being consistent rather than pursuing immediate gratification. Hence, Job was genuine. He was not willing to compromise his integrity for the sake of his image or to save face; not acting for self-preservation or for man’s esteem.
Routines of re-encounter: Sound Practice in the Art of the Social
Authors: Brown Ruth Nicole , Petchauer Emery
Published: February 2025

In this article we explore how two artistic practices related to sound and sound making worked as a routine of re-encounter across a yearlong qualitative research project exploring how Black and Indigenous creative collective evolve to sustain themselves over time. We situate our artistic practices—writing ritual performance scripts and composing audio tune-ins—in the art of the social: the presence and relations among ourselves, research collaborators, and those we bring with us in body and spirit. We share the processes of this artful inquiry and how they inspire imaginative possibilities with sound, sound design, performance, and ritual.
Comparing apples to oranges: Consumer ambivalence regarding an eco-innovation – laser marking of organic fruits
Authors: Pfiffelmann Jean , Untilov Olga , Thøgersen John , Gengenbach Aline , Mionetto Chiara
Published: February 2025

Laser marking is an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to plastic sticker labeling of organic fruits, with no known negative side effects. Still, based on Ram and Sheth’s innovation resistance theory, we predict that this food eco-innovation applied to the produce may lead to ambivalent responses, with consumers valuing its eco-friendliness but fearing health risks. Drawing on Festinger’s cognitive dissonance theory, we predict that consumers actively attempt to resolve the ambivalence by adapting their beliefs about laser marking to situation-specific realities. Finally, based on Nemeroff and Rozin’s contagion theory, we predict that an important situation-specific reality for this eco-innovation is fruit peel edibility, which moderates the found relationships. These hypotheses are tested in three between-subjects experiments (Study 1 – 396 participants; Study 2 – 390 participants; Study 3 – 346 participants). Participants were exposed to scenarios presenting an organic fruit with a laser-marked or plastic sticker label, on an edible or non-edible peel. As predicted, we find that laser marking decreases perceived eco-friendliness, because of anticipation of food waste, and reduces perceived healthfulness, because of fear of contamination, both depending on whether the fruit’s peel is edible or not. Implications for managers include the need to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of this technology. For a start, laser marking should probably be limited to fruits with non-edible peels.
Complete genome sequencing and probiotic characterization of promising lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from dairy products in Egyptian markets
Authors: El-Hosseny Mostafa F. , Seadawy Mohamed G , Abdel-Monem Mohammed O , Hassan Mervat G
Published: February 2025

Background

Probiotics refer to live bacteria that, when administered in a sufficiently, exert a beneficial influence on human health. Due to the probiotics' beneficial health advantages, dietary supplements are expanding rapidly as a self-care interest worldwide. It may be beneficial to administer probiotic strains resistant to antibiotics concurrently with an antibiotic treatment. Our study investigates nineteen dairy products collected from Egyptian markets, isolated, identified and underwent a characterization for probiotic features under demanding circumstances as NaCl, acid and bile salt environments. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed later to the antimicrobial assessment against widespread both negative and positive gram-stained bacteria infecting humans, along with the antiviral evaluation against (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that has disturbed the world recently.

Results

Out of nineteen investigated isolates, five potential probiotic isolates were examined for probiotic characteristics. Our tested samples were of dairy origin (yogurt, cottage-cheese and sour milk) in Egypt, were identified as Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Pediococcus acidilactici. These promising isolates had withstood stressful factors, such as NaCl, acid, bile salts, and the antimicrobial advance. The genomes were characterized for the physiology, safety, and efficacy of these isolates for probiotic qualities plus the presence of mobile genetic components and prophages that influence the genome's flexibility. They lack virulence factors and pathogenicity, rather than the lack of antibiotic resistance genes.

Conclusion

Three promising isolates underwent complete genome sequencing with high-throughput second generation technology followed by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. The results showed that our isolates possess traits enabling resilience to antimicrobial effects and stress factors that might cause problems in the human gut. Several trustworthy genomic analysis methods were used to confirm and provide detailed illustrations of all traits. Genomic analyses confirmed the presence of stable genomes due to including mobile genetic components such as phages and CRISPR clusters, which validate their quality and safe usage for human health.
Dietary supplementation of Astragalus polysaccharide or its nanoparticles enhances testicular hemodynamics, echotexture, scrotal circumference, concentration of testosterone, estradiol, nitric oxide, and total antioxidant capacity, and semen quality in mature Ossimi rams
Authors: Fayez Eman , Salama Ali , Ismail Mohamed Ahmed , Youssef Fady Sayed , Rawash Zaher Mohamed , Oshba MR , Samir Haney
Published: February 2025

This study investigated, for the first time, the potential role of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and APS nanoparticles on testicular blood flow (TBF) and semen quality in Ossimi rams. Fifteen sexually mature Ossimi rams were allocated randomly into two treated groups that orally administered either nano APS (2 g/ram/day; n = 5) or APS (20 g/ram/day; n = 5) for four weeks and a control group (n = 5). The nano-emulsion was prepared by adding corn oil to the APS solution, sonicated, centrifuged at 20,000 rpm, then washed 3–4 times, and vacuum dried overnight at 40 °C. The antioxidant activity of APS and APS nano-emulsion was evaluated in vitro. Blood collection and ultrasonographic assessment of the testes and supratesticular arteries (STAs) were conducted immediately before treatment (W0) and once weekly for 6 successive weeks after APS and nano APS administration (W1-W6). Serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) concentrations were determined by ELISA kits, while nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured spectrophotometrically. Moreover, semen collection and evaluation of some sperm parameters were performed once a week. Results revealed decreases (P < 0.05) in the Doppler indices (resistive index; RI, pulsatility index; PI, and systolic/diastolic; S/D) of the testicular arteries at most time points of the study in the nano APS and APS groups. Pixel intensity (PIX) and integrated density (IND) of testicular parenchyma were significantly reduced (P ˂ 0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control one. T, E2, NO, and TAC concentrations increased (P < 0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control one. Increases (P < 0.05) were noticed in the mass motility, progressive motility %, live sperm %, and membrane integrity % in nano APS and APS groups, compared to the control. Rams in the nano APS group had significantly higher (P < 0.05) sperm cell concentration than the control one. In conclusion, this study extrapolated that the dietary administration of APS and its nanoparticles can improve TBF, testicular echotexture, sperm characteristics, and the concentration of serum T, E2, NO, and TAC with a more significant effect in the APS nanoparticles compared with APS. So, it could be recommended as a dietary supplementation (2 g/ram/day) for enhancing the reproductive performance of rams.
Associations of carbohydrate quality and cardiovascular risk factors vary among diabetes subtypes
Authors: Weber Katharina S. , Schlesinger Sabrina , Goletzke Janina , Straßburger Klaus , Zaharia Oana-Patricia , Trenkamp Sandra , Wagner Robert , Lieb Wolfgang , Buyken Anette E. , Roden Michael , Herder Christian ,   for the GDS group, Roden M. , Al-Hasani H. , Belgardt B. , Bönhof G. , Geerling G. , Guthoff R. , Herder C. , Icks A. , Jandeleit-Dahm K. , Kotzka J. , Kuß O. , Lammert E. , Rathmann W. , Schlesinger S. , Schrauwen-Hinderling V. , Szendroedi J. , Trenkamp S. , Wagner R.
Published: February 2025

Background

Assess the intake of carbohydrate quality and their association with cardiovascular risk factors among diabetes subtypes.

Methods

Participants of the German Diabetes Study (GDS) (recent-onset diabetes (n = 487) and 5-years thereafter (n = 209)) were allocated into severe autoimmune diabetes (SAID, 35%), severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD, 3%), severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD, 5%), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD, 28%), and mild age-related diabetes (MARD, 29%). Dietary glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and intake of higher- (≥ 55) and low-GI (< 55) foods, dietary fiber, and total sugar were derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire and cross-sectionally associated with cardiovascular risk factors (blood lipids, subclinical inflammation, blood pressure, fatty liver index) using multivariable linear regression analysis for subtypes with prevalences ≥ 10%.

Results

Intake of carbohydrate quality parameters was broadly comparable between the subtypes. Among SAID higher total sugar intake was associated with lower HDL-cholesterol (ß (95% CI) relative change per 1 SD increment: − 3.4% (− 6.7; − 0.1)). No clear associations were seen among MOD. Among MARD, a higher dietary GL and higher-GI carbohydrate intake were associated with higher serum triglycerides (10.9% (2.4; 20.1), 12.4% (3.9; 21.5)) and fatty liver index (absolute change: 0.18 (0.06; 0.31), 0.17 (0.05; 0.28)) and lower HDL-cholesterol (− 4.1% (− 7.6; − 0.4), − 4.4% (− 7.8; − 0.8)), whilst higher intake of low-GI carbohydrates and dietary fiber were associated with lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (− 16.0% (− 25.7; − 5.1), − 13.9% (− 24.2; − 2.2)).

Conclusions

Associations of carbohydrate quality parameters with blood lipids, subclinical inflammation, and fatty liver index differed between diabetes subtypes. However, evidence is too preliminary to derive subtype-specific recommendations.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01055093.
The association of triglyceride-glucose and triglyceride-glucose related indices with the risk of heart disease in a national
Authors: Tang Xiaodi , Zhang Kexin , He Rong
Published: February 2025

Background

The association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG), triglyceride-glucose related indices and heart disease remains a topic of debate in the current literature. Existing evidence in Chinese people and in diabetes or non-diabetes patients regarding this association is limited, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted involving 7945 participants enrolled in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The incidence of heart disease was collected by following up 9 years. TyG, TyG with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were collected at baseline. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, restricted cubic spline (RCS), Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to analyze the associations between TyG, TyG related indices and the risk of heart disease in national participants and in type 2 diabetes (T2D) or non-T2D patients respectively.

Results

During a 9-year follow-up, 1477 participants (18.6%) developed heart disease. Our analysis found a significant positive association between TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR with heart disease risk in all participants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for the highest quartile compared to the lowest were: TyG-BMI 1.73 (95% CI: 1.47–2.03), TyG-WC 1.46 (95% CI: 1.24–1.71), and TyG-WHtR 1.31 (95% CI: 1.11–1.54). However, TyG alone was not significantly associated with heart disease in all participants. In non-diabetic patients, the associations were consistent: TyG-BMI 1.75 (95% CI: 1.47–2.08), TyG-WC 1.47 (95% CI: 1.24–1.75), and TyG-WHtR 1.34 (95% CI: 1.13–1.60). However, in diabetes patients, no significant associations were found between TyG, TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR and heart disease risk except for the highest quartile of TyG-BMI (HR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.02–3.40).

Conclusions

In the national population study, higher TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR indices were significantly associated with an increased risk of heart disease, with TyG-BMI and TyG-WC showing stronger correlations. While this association was evident in non-T2D patients, only TyG-BMI was associated with heart disease incidence in T2D patients, underscoring the necessity for further investigation.
Balloon occlusion of the aorta during cardiac arrest -a death blow to the intestines?
Authors: Farbu Bjørn Hoftun , Brede Jostein
Published: February 2025

Background

The use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in non-traumatic cardiac arrest may result in worsened intestinal ischaemia. What are the consequences?

Main text

Human data on REBOA in non-traumatic cardiac arrest is limited. In general, cardiac output is reduced during resuscitation, and mesenteric blood flow may be further reduced by intravenous adrenaline (epinephrine). Balloon occlusion of the thoracic aorta will potentially lead to a complete cessation of intestinal blood flow. Experimental studies demonstrate that intestinal damage increases with REBOA inflation time, and that 45–60 min of ischaemia may result in irreversible damage. However, it is unclear when intestinal ischaemia starts to affect patient-oriented outcomes. A barrier for assessing the consequences of intestinal ischemia is that it is a challenge to diagnose. A biomarker for intestinal injury, Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (IFABP), was elevated in all cardiac arrest patients and had a striking association with mortality in one study. In another study, all patients with intestinal ischemia diagnosed on CT died. However, intestinal ischemia could be a marker of whole-body ischemia and not an independent contributor to poor outcome. The clinical importance of worsened intestinal ischemia by REBOA during cardiac arrest is not established.

Conclusion

The impact of intestinal ischaemia following cardiac arrest is uncertain, but ischaemia is likely to be exacerbated by REBOA. However, inflation of the balloon will occur when the patient is still in cardiac arrest and is a means to achieve ROSC. Hence, we argue that the added intestinal ischaemia caused by REBOA may be of limited clinical importance, but this is still to be answered.
Can a physical activity program improve functional capacity and fatigue in people with cancer? A retrospective analysis
Authors: Reinmann Aline , Laré Edouard , Bruyneel Anne-Violette , Gligorov Joseph , Bodmer Alexandre , Koessler Thibaud
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The primary aim was to determine the effect of a physical activity (PA) program with education sessions on walking capacity and fatigue in people with cancer. The secondary objective was to assess the factors that moderated the program’s effect on walking capacity and fatigue among sociodemographic, physical capacity and symptom-related factors. Satisfaction with the program was also evaluated.

Method

A retrospective, observational study of data from a 12-week program of twice-weekly group PA sessions combined with education sessions was conducted. The 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and program satisfaction were assessed. Paired t-tests were applied to assess changes in 6MWT and MFI-20. Multiple linear regressions were applied to determine the influence of age, gender, initial walking capacity and fatigue on the effects of the program.

Results

Among the 264 participants (age 57.36 ± 12.43 years; 189 women; 134 with breast cancer), 125 (47%) completed the program. Walking capacity (+ 41.63 ± 91.00 m) and fatigue (-2.01 ± 3.77) were improved after the program (p < 0.001). Age and gender did not influence the program’s effect; however, lower initial walking capacity and higher fatigue scores were associated with larger improvements after the program. Satisfaction with the program was high among participants who completed it.

Conclusions

Walking capacity and fatigue improved significantly after the PA program, but the drop-out rate was high. The program could be individualized based on an individual's initial walking capacity or fatigue score to enhance its effectiveness.
Genetics and biological characteristics of duck reoviruses isolated from ducks and geese in China
Authors: Sun Xiaohong , Guo Jing , Shen Jinyan , Guan Mengdi , Liu Lili , Xie Yujiao , Xu Hongke , Wang Mengjing , Ren Anran , Li Wenxi , Cong Feng , Li Xuyong
Published: February 2025

The emergence and circulation of duck reovirus have caused severe threats to domestic waterfowl production because of the lethal infections they cause in ducks and geese. However, the evolution of circulating duck reoviruses and their replication and pathogenicity in domestic birds have not been fully investigated. In this study, we identified and isolated six duck reoviruses from clinical samples of sick or deceased farmed ducks and geese and sequenced their full genomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary landscape of duck reoviruses and the complex reassortment of these circulating viruses with avian orthoreovirus and Muscovy duck reovirus. Animal infection studies revealed differences in the replication and pathogenicity of the reoviruses identified in this study in ducks, geese and chickens. Lethal infection with highly pathogenic viruses causes severe focal necrosis and hemorrhage in the liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus, resulting in high mortality in inoculated birds. Importantly, chickens are susceptible to circulating duck reovirus, highlighting the potential risk of duck reovirus infection in chickens. Our study revealed the evolution, pathogenicity and potential cross-species transmission risk of duck reoviruses, further emphasizing the importance of continued and systemic surveillance at the interface of domestic waterfowl and chickens.
Ulnar variance detection from radiographic images using deep learning
Authors: Nooh Sahar , Koura Abdelrahim , Kayed Mohammed
Published: February 2025

Ulnar variance is a relative length difference in the wrist between the ulna and radius bones. It is a critical factor in helping to diagnose wrist disorders. The typical standard classification of length difference (ulnar variance) is divided into three major types: positive ulnar variance, negative ulnar variance, and neutral ulnar variance. Conventional or manual methods of measuring ulnar variance are long and time-consuming. With the urgent need for high efficiency and high speed, achieving more accurate diagnoses has become essential. In this paper, a deep learning-based methodology is used to automatically detect ulnar variance from radiographic images. Advanced Convolutional Neural Networks are exploited instead of traditional manual methods. Specifically, U-Net is used in the segmentation of ulna and radius bones, while DenseNets are applied to classify the type of ulnar variance. The essential contribution of this work is collecting a dataset of fully annotated wrist radiographs that are specific to this topic, which can be used as a resource to train and validate our models. Another contribution of this paper is optimizing the DenseNets model's hyperparameters to enhance its performance. Our model achieved a segmentation accuracy of 97.7% and an ulna variance classification accuracy of 92.1%. It outperformed previous deep learning-based methods in automatically segmenting the ulna and radius. This advancement not only reduces diagnosis time but also improves result reliability.
Determinants in adopting cashless payments in Europe: a multilevel analysis
Authors: García-Merino Jose Domingo , San-Jose Leire , San-Martin Nerea
Published: February 2025

The use of electronic currency for transactions, denoting a cashless paradigm, has become increasingly common. However, this financial innovation is not prevalent in all countries. This study aims to explain the discrepancies across countries, including individual and country factors. It may be superficially posited that this lag in development stems from individual or microlevel usage challenges. However, the application of the Technology Acceptance Model highlights the presence of overarching characteristics conducive to extensive adoption. Thus, an additional stratum, the multilevel perspective, needs to be examined. This analytical framework incorporates not only individual attributes but also the sociotechnical framework or meso-level factors in which they operate. A multilevel econometric model is used. The results of these analyses show that the impact on the adoption of cashless payments extends beyond individual factors (attitude to technology use, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use). Our primary contribution, conceptually and empirically, is to broaden the analysis vision. A comprehensive multilevel analysis revealed that broader contextual elements, such as infrastructure and national skills, exert a significant influence on the adoption of cashless transactions. Consequently, the widespread acceptance of cashless payment methods is not only contingent on individual choices but is also a collective phenomenon in which the surrounding environment plays a crucial role as a catalyst for the end users in the cashless economy.
Advanced surgical techniques and considerations in carotid body tumor management: insights from a cohort study
Authors: Ganie Farooq Ahmad , Gani Masarat-ul , Ashraf Hakeem Zubair , Bashir Shahbaz , Naqash Iqra Nazir , Bhat Mudasir Hamid , Maqsood Shadab , Mir Altaf Hussain , Dar Mohd Iqbal
Published: February 2025

Background

Carotid body tumors (also known as glomus tumors) represent the most prevalent paragangliomas found in the head and neck region. These neoplasms originate from the aggregation of chemoreceptor cells in the cervical area, stemming from the neural crest during embryonic development.

Aims and objectives

This study aims to delineate our singular institutional experience concerning the clinical characteristics, surgical strategies, and outcomes associated with carotid body tumors (CBTs).

Materials and methods

Surgical intervention was administered to a cohort of 40 patients. Among them, 7 individuals were classified as Shamblin Type 1, 20 as Type 2, and 13 as Type 3. Only one patient necessitated a saphenous vein interposition graft for the right internal carotid artery. For Shamblin Type 3 lesions, we employed the RF (Rija-farooq) technique, a retrograde dissection method wherein we first delineated the tumor from the internal carotid artery, followed by the external carotid artery, and finally, at the carotid bifurcation.

Results

Notably, none of the patients exhibited any postoperative neurological or vascular complications. Furthermore, during the subsequent follow-up period, no instances of tumor recurrence or mortality were recorded.

Conclusion

Surgical resection stands as the optimal therapeutic approach for managing CBTs. Once the diagnosis of CBT is confirmed, prompt surgical intervention should be pursued. Essential considerations in treatment planning include meticulous assessment of imaging characteristics and cerebral collateral circulation, which guide the selection of appropriate surgical methods.
T2*-weighted imaging for detection of intracranial silicone oil in MRI obtained with motion correction sequences
Authors: Yasuda Ryuta , Maeda Masayuki , Takada Kenichi , Inoue Katsuhiro , Sugao Masataka , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: February 2025

Background

For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of intracranial silicone oil migration, little has been described about images obtained with motion correction sequences such as MultiVane XD (Philips Healthcare) that provides high resolution diagnostic images even with severe patient motion. We report a case with intracranial silicone oil migration in which MRI was obtained with MultiVane XD and T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) was found the most useful in detecting intracranial silicone oil.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old female with a history of eye surgery using silicone oil referred to our hospital due to conscious disturbance. Head computed tomography demonstrated multiple intracranial masses whose signal density was similar to that in the operated eyeball and the tentative diagnosis of intracranial silicone oil migration was made. MRI was performed with MultiVane XD due to the significant patient’s restlessness, and among all sequences including T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T2*WI, only T2*WI detected intracranial silicone oil. In contrast, another MRI obtained previously with conventional turbo spin-echo detected intracranial silicone oil not only in T2*WI but also in T1WI, T2WI and FLAIR. Phantom experiment revealed that chemical shift artifact played an important role in discriminating silicone oil from artificial cerebrospinal fluid, which attenuated in MultiVane XD. However, T2*WI still showed good discrimination of silicone oil even using MultiVane XD because of susceptibility artifacts.

Conclusion

T2*WI was the best sequence to detect intracranial silicone oil in MRI obtained with motion correction sequences because of its ability to depict the susceptibility artifacts.
Safety profiles of IDH inhibitors: a pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database
Authors: Sun Ximu , Zhou Han , Li Yanming , Luo Yanhui , Guo Qixiang , Sun Yixin , Jia Chenguang , Wang Bin , Qin Maoquan , Guo Peng
Published: February 2025

Background

With the increased use of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cholangiocarcinoma, the toxicity of these drugs is a growing concern. This study aimed to evaluate the adverse events (AEs) of IDH inhibitors based on the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Methods

AE reports for IDH inhibitors (enasidenib, ivosidenib, and olutasidenib) were collected and analyzed from the time of launch through the first quarter of 2024. Only IDH inhibitors reported as the target drug and coded as the primary suspect (PS) were included in the analysis. AEs were standardized and classified according to the preferred term (PT) and system organ classification (SOC) in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) version 26.0. Disproportionality analyses including the reporting odds ratio and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network were performed in data mining to assess IDH inhibitor-relatedAEs. Differentiation syndrome was the AE of special interest.

Results

The reports number of enasidenib, ivosidenib, and olutasidenib was 11 616 357, 10 067 250, and 2 563 464, respectively. A total of 80 enasidenib-related signals involving 15 SOCs, 78 ivosidenib-related signals involving 17 SOCs, and 7 olutasidenib-related signals involving 4 SOCs were obtained. The most signals reported were “blood and lymphatic system disorders,” “infections and infestations,” and “nervous system disorders” in enasidenib. For signals of ivosidenib, the most frequently reported were “gastrointestinal disorders,” “general disorders and administration site conditions,” and “injury, poisoning and procedural complications.” Ivosidenib was the only IDH inhibitor with signals in “cardiac disorders.” Differentiation syndrome events were reported in 89, 40, and 2 cases for enasidenib, ivosidenib, and olutasidenib, respectively. The median time to onset was 26–31 days for ivosidenib and enasidenib. AML was the most common indication in the differentiation syndrome reports.

Conclusions

Our study identifies potential AE signals associated with IDH inhibitors and provides a broader understanding of the safety. The safety profiles highlight the need for long-term safety monitoring of IDH inhibitor recipients. Promptly monitoring and intervention in specific organ systems depending on the type of IDH inhibitor may improve the overall survival or enhance the quality of life. In the future, it will be necessary to validate our findings in prospective large-scale studies and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Comparison between cortical and subcortical diaphragmatic motor stimulation by transcranial magnetic stimulation on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Elshoura Hanan Mohamed Ibrahim , Nofal Ahmed Adel Ahmed Ghareeb , Labib Hossam Salaheldin
Published: February 2025

Background

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive method of electrically stimulating neurons in the cerebral cortex, can change neuronal and cortical activity locally and remotely by applying localized magnetic fields. TMS can be used to treat a variety of disorders and improve functional impairments by stimulating the motor cortex. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an invalidating disease that primarily compromises both respiratory and motor functions either during the acute or the chronic phase. In COPD, the diaphragm may contribute to respiratory decompensation This study aims to use TMS as a therapeutic tool in addition to conventional rehabilitative programs in COPD patients and assess this application using diaphragmatic ultrasonography (US) and 6-min walking test (6MWT).

Result

A case–control study with 60 COPD patients divided into three equal groups. The control group (group A) received the conventional rehabilitation program, group B received additional subcortical magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve roots in the neck, and group C received TMS of the diaphragmatic motor cortex area in addition. Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the groups in diaphragmatic US assessment (diaphragmatic thickness (DT) and diaphragmatic mobility (DM) or 6MWT (P > 0.05). After treatment, there was a significant improvement in groups A and B, while a highly significant improvement in group C.

Conclusion

The application of cortical or subcortical TMS to COPD patients improves diaphragmatic function and daily activities significantly. These advancements allowed TMS to be considered as a therapeutic tool in the COPD rehabilitation program.
Des abysses aux astres—Lecture du Voyage au centre de la terre
Authors: Vendeuvre Isabelle de
Published: February 2025

Au carrefour des « Blue Humanities » et de la lecture de près, cet article propose une lecture thalassopoétique du Voyage au centre de la terre de Jules Verne. La mer y est « centrale », invitant paradoxalement à un décentrement radical, non seulement sur le plan narratif mais éthique. Le centre du monde n’est plus l’occident des savants et des explorateurs ; la pauvreté d’une île du Sud de la Méditerranée et le caractère fruste d’une île du Nord de l’Europe indiquent d’autres centres possibles à travers une éthique commune de l’hospitalité, qui paraît plus universelle que la science et la technologie, en apparence triomphantes en cette seconde moitié du XIXe siècle. En faisant pivoter les axes Nord-Sud et Est-Ouest en faveur d’une ligne qui va des abysses aux astres, le roman nous désoriente et interroge nos valeurs contemporaines.