bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing focused field as a probe for shape determination of subwavelength structures via coherent Fourier scatterometry
Authors: Paul Anubhav , Wever Robin , Soman Sarika , Pereira Silvania F.
Published: February 2025

Nanopillars are widely used for various applications and require accurate shape characterization to enhance their performance and optimize fabrication processes. In this paper, we employ coherent Fourier scatterometry (CFS) combined with rigorous three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations to accurately determine the shapes of nanopillars with various geometries, including cylindrical, triangular, square, and rectangular shapes. The nanopillars considered here have lateral dimensions (a) ranging from 100 to 1000 nm. Our methodology utilizes the preferential excitation of the nanostructures by a tightly focused beam and leverages their inherent symmetry to capture far-field signatures that vary periodically with rotation. This approach allows us to distinguish between different nanopillar shapes based on these rotational signatures. Our results demonstrate that the CFS method can reliably characterize nanopillars with lateral dimensions a≥300 nm, surpassing the conventional diffraction limit of 351 nm. However, the method reaches its fundamental limits for a≤200 nm, as also confirmed by simulations, where we approach the dipole approximation regime (a≪λ). This constraint is not observed for rectangular nanopillars, owing to their constant breadth (b=1000 nm), which prevents such a regime. Furthermore, our method successfully differentiates nanopillars transitioning from rectangular to square shapes. We also explored the method’s limitations concerning nanostructure height (

h

), finding that triangular and square nanopillars could be characterized accurately for h≥50 nm and h≥150 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the method remains robust against shape distortions such as edge roundness. The method is primarily effective in determining the lateral (top-down) shape of nanopillars, it does not resolve longitudinal features. The ability to accurately characterize nanostructure shapes has significant implications in fields such as photonics and biosensing, where geometry critically influences device performance.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Adiabatic transformations in dissipative and non-Hermitian phase transitions
Authors: Orlov Pavel , Shlyapnikov Georgy V. , Kurlov Denis V.
Published: February 2025

The quantum geometric tensor has established itself as a general framework for the analysis and detection of equilibrium phase transitions in isolated quantum systems. We propose a generalization of the quantum geometric tensor, which offers a universal approach to studying phase transitions in non-Hermitian quantum systems. Our generalization is based on the concept of the generator of adiabatic transformations and can be applied to systems described by either a Liouvillian superoperator or by an effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. We illustrate the proposed method by analyzing the non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model and a generic quasifree dissipative fermionic system with a quadratic Liouvillian. Our findings reveal that this method effectively identifies phase transitions across all examined models, providing a universal tool for investigating general non-Hermitian systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution to
1S−2S
transition in muonium
Authors: Korobov V. I. , Martynenko F. A. , Martynenko A. P. , Eskin A. V.
Published: February 2025

We study the hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution to the energy interval 1S−2S in muonium. Various amplitudes of interaction of a muon and an electron are constructed, in which the effect of hadronic scattering of light by light is determined using the transition form factor of two photons into a meson. Their contributions to the particle interaction operator in the case of S states are obtained in integral form, and their contributions to the energy spectrum are obtained in numerical form. The contributions of pseudoscalar, scalar, and axial vector mesons are taken into account.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Does it pay to be employee-owned? On the performance of knowledge-intensive firms
Authors: Ghimire Binam
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the stock market performance of knowledge-intensive employee-owned firms.

Design/methodology/approach

It constructs a portfolio comprising stocks of employee-owned wealth management companies listed in the UK Employee Ownership Index. A simple equal-weighted portfolio simulation strategy with annual rebalancing is employed and returns are analysed for the period 01.2002–12.2015.

Findings

The employee-owned firms consistently generate significantly higher returns, averaging 13% per annum. During favourable market conditions, the returns are even more significant at 16.40% higher than the market average annual returns. The outperformance persists in single-year and five-year investment periods, full and sub-sample periods, including bullish, stable and challenging economic times and even at high transaction costs and zero dividends. This superior performance is linked to a positive feedback loop created by homogeneous knowledge-workers who are incentivised to perform better in employee-owned business setting through participative decision-making and exhibiting risk aversion skills.

Practical implications

Adoption of the employee ownership model of running a business can be highly rewarding within knowledge-intensive firms. This study emphasises the need for a comprehensive database of employee-owned companies, which is currently lacking in the UK.

Originality/value

No prior study could be found to have studied the relationship between employee-owned knowledge-intensive firms and their stock market performance.
Students’ perceptions regarding the mental health education of college school – a qualitative study
Authors: Ye Minghui , Agarwal Nidhi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Schools play a crucial role in the psychological development of adolescents. However, the education is inadequate for many students. This study aims to understand students' views and suggestions on the implementation of mental health education in schools and to help schools find the target point of the implementation of mental health education from the perspective of students' needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative method of semi-structured individual interviews to explore college students' perceptions and suggestions about their schools in terms of mental health education.

Findings

Three themes and six sub-themes emerged from forty-three interviews. Most students express their hope that the school can conduct more professional mental health education courses and diverse practical activities. They also emphasize the need to standardize the qualifications of teachers conducting these courses and to introduce more professional mental health personnel. Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of student privacy during mental health care, enabling more students, teachers and parents to recognize psychological issues and actively address their mental challenges.

Originality/value

This study, from the perspective of students, provides valuable insights into recommendations for schools to improve mental health education. It can significantly contribute to continuous enhancement of mental health education in schools and better protection and promotion of students' psychological well-being.
Youth homelessness, support services and employment in England
Authors: Drydakis Nick
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate whether key factors related to homelessness and the utilisation of support services by homeless youth are associated with their employment outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 402 young people living in 21 housing accommodation buildings across three urban cities in England are used to evaluate the study’s research aims.

Findings

The results revealed that non-native and non-heterosexual homeless youth were overrepresented in housing accommodation and experienced lower employment rates than native and heterosexual homeless youth. The estimates indicated that employment levels among homeless youth were negatively associated with several factors related to homelessness, such as parental neglect, substance misuse and inadequate social care during childhood. Conversely, the estimates showed that both employment levels and the duration of employment among homeless youth were positively associated with the use of well-being, educational, mentoring and employment support services. A critical insight, however, indicated that discrimination in the labour market reduced their employment prospects.

Practical implications

A policy approach should recognise the multifaceted nature of the challenges identified and advocate for a comprehensive strategy that integrates preventative measures, support services and targeted interventions to address the root causes of homelessness while providing holistic support to vulnerable youth populations. If inadequate living conditions are a significant factor in homelessness and are also associated with reduced employment among young people, interventions can be tailored to achieve sustainable outcomes for at-risk youth, thereby breaking the cycle of homelessness and unemployment. Moreover, ensuring that homeless youth have easy access to housing accommodation is crucial in preventing their exclusion from available support services, as this study has shown such access yields positive outcomes.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by expanding the application of capability theory in the multidimensional study of youth homelessness. Furthermore, it develops and validates two new scales to capture both factors of youth homelessness and the utilisation of support services by homeless youth, facilitating evidence-based recommendations for policymakers.
Survey and analysis of providers’ demands in scientific data sharing
Authors: Zhi Fengwen , Peng Zhaoqi , Chen Jiaqi , Zhao MengFan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a demand scale from the perspective of scientific data providers and to analyze their demands, offering references for research and practice in scientific data sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial scale was designed based on a literature review. A total of 479 valid responses from data providers were collected via questionnaires. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using SPSS21.0 and AMOS23.0, followed by a discussion on practical implications.

Findings

Providers exhibit significant demands in all dimensions, with data security being the most urgent, followed by data management platforms and self-value realization. Additionally, the prioritization of providers’ demands varies according to their intentions to share.

Originality/value

The study developed a scale of providers’ demands in scientific data sharing that comprises 21 items across five dimensions: data security, data management platform, self-value realization, social and benefits return and analyzed the demand degree of providers for the above items. Finally, the paper proposes strategies from stakeholders’ perspectives to meet providers’ demands and facilitate scientific data sharing.
Conditional Silence: Organizational Status and Under‐Communication of Environmental Performance
Authors: Huang Yinglin , Francoeur Claude , Zhang Shafu , Brammer Stephen
Published: February 2025

Do corporate communications regarding firms’ environmental performance accurately reflect their environmental actions and impacts? While substantial research has focused on greenwashing, less attention has been given to companies’ under‐reporting of their environmental performance. Building on middle‐status conformity theory, this study examines the relationship between organizational status and environmental disclosure and performance. We find that only middle‐status firms fully disclose their environmental performance, while both high‐ and low‐status firms under‐report their achievements: high‐status firms to minimize risk to their reputation, and low‐status firms to avoid additional conformity costs. Firms in stakeholder‐sensitive industries, with higher institutional ownership, and those with corporate social responsibility committees are less likely to under‐report. Moreover, middle‐status firms are particularly vulnerable to penalties for concealing environmental information. Overall, our findings suggest that organizational status plays a significant role in shaping firms’ propensity to disclose environmental achievements.
Do business interests control agenda‐setting? Interest groups, policy agendas and media attention
Authors: STEVENS FREDERIK
Published: February 2025

This study examines interest groups’ agenda‐setting influence, a question extensively theorised but lacking empirical investigation. Specifically, it explores whether business groups are more effective than citizen groups in pushing their ‘dream’ issues on the policy agenda while keeping their ‘nightmare’ issues off. Empirically, I rely on a content analysis of 818 media articles, 37 interviews with public officials and 148 interviews with interest representatives, all involved in 56 EU policy issues. The findings demonstrate that citizen groups are more influential in the agenda‐setting stage when compared to their business counterparts, particularly when they garner media visibility. These results bear important implications for democratic governance, offering new insights into the political influence wielded by interest groups.
Enhancing geriatric trauma mortality prediction: Modifying and assessing the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score with net benefit and decision curve analysis
Authors: Acharya Pawan , Garwe Tabitha , Vesely Sara K. , Janitz Amanda , Peck Jennifer D. , Cross Alisa M.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Calibration and discrimination indicators alone are insufficient for evaluating the clinical usefulness of prediction models, as they do not account for the cost of misclassification errors. This study aimed to modify the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GTOS) and assess the clinical utility of the modified model using net benefit (NB) and decision curve analysis (DCA) for predicting in‐hospital mortality.

Methods

The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) 2017 was used to identify geriatric trauma patients (≥ 65 years) treated at Level I trauma centers. The outcome of interest was in‐hospital mortality. The GTOS was modified to include additional patient, injury, and treatment characteristics identified through machine learning methods, focusing on early risk stratification. Calibration and discrimination indicators, along with NB and DCA, were utilized for evaluation.

Results

Of the 67,222 admitted geriatric trauma patients, 5.6% died in the hospital. The modified GTOS score included the following variables with associated weights: initial airway intervention (5), Glasgow Coma Scale ≤13 (5), packed red blood cell transfusion within 24 h (3), penetrating injury (2), age ≥ 75 years (2), preexisting comorbidity (1), and torso injury (1), with a total range from 0 to 19. The modified GTOS demonstrated a significantly higher area under the curve (0.92 vs. 0.84, p < 0.0001), lower misclassification error (4.9% vs. 5.2%), and lower Brier score (0.036 vs. 0.042) compared to the original GTOS. DCA showed that using the modified GTOS for predicting in‐hospital mortality resulted in higher NB than treating all, treating none, and treating based on the original GTOS across a wide range of clinician preferences.

Conclusions

The modified GTOS model exhibited superior predictive ability and clinical utility compared to the original GTOS. NB and DCA offer valuable complementary methods to calibration and discrimination indicators, comprehensively evaluating the clinical usefulness of prediction models and decision strategies.
The world's first anabolic‐androgenic steroid testing trial: A two‐phase pilot combining chemical analysis, results dissemination and community feedback
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy , Coomber Ross , Francis Cameron , Kill Emma , Davey Geoff , Cresswell Sarah , White Alan , Harding Madeline , Blakey Karen , Reeve Steph , Walters Brooke , Puljevic Cheneal , Ferris Jason , Barratt Monica
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

The clandestine production and distribution of anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AAS) poses health risks due to the uncertainty of their contents. This study aimed to test the chemical content of AAS samples and provide aggregate results back to the community, exploring how these results influenced usage decisions and risk management.

Design

A mixed‐methods approach was used, combining chemical analysis of AAS samples with qualitative interviews. Participants submitted samples for testing, and the results were later shared with them. Semi‐structured interviews explored participants' perceptions of AAS risks and the impact of testing results on their behaviour.

Setting

The study was conducted at CheQpoint drug checking service in Brisbane, Australia.

Participants

Thirty‐two samples were submitted for testing between 19 April and 7 June 2024, with 23 samples analysed. A total of 25 active AAS users participated in interviews.

Measurements

Chemical analyses identified substances present and assessed active ingredient concentrations. Qualitative interviews gathered participants' perceptions, and these data were analysed through iterative categorisation, guided by the Health Belief Model.

Findings

Chemical analysis identified that 13% of samples contained substances different from what was expected. Concentrations of active ingredients were close to expected levels [e.g. testosterone propionate at 96.2 mg/mL (range = 91.39–101.01 mg/mL)]. Interviews identified four key theme categories. Participants sought testing primarily for substance verification, expressing concerns about contamination and dosage. Barriers to testing included limited access and fear of disclosure. While testing was seen as a valuable harm reduction tool, gaps in health guidance and follow‐up support were identified as areas for improvement.

Conclusions

Thirteen percent of 23 anabolic‐androgenic steroid (AAS) samples analysed contained substances different from what was expected. Interviews with active AAS users highlighted the need for reliable information, accessible testing services and tailored health approaches for AAS use.
Validation of the alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST) for identifying methamphetamine use among people on methadone maintenance treatment in Vietnam
Authors: Thai Truc Thanh , Nguyen Diep Bich , Nguyen Trang Thu , Hoang Hai‐Van Thi , Li Michael , Li Li , Vu Tuong‐Vi Thi , Tran Lan‐Phuong Thi , Van Do Dung , Shoptaw Steve , Le Giang Minh
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Identifying those who use methamphetamine or are at high risk of using methamphetamine is essential so that early, appropriate intervention can be made. This study evaluated the use of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) for identifying methamphetamine use among people on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Vietnam.

Methods

From June 2021 to May 2023, all people on MMT at 15 methadone clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were invited to participate in this study. Participants underwent a face‐to‐face interview to complete the 8‐item ASSIST. Participants also had a urine drug test (UDT) for methamphetamine use. Discriminant properties of the ASSIST were evaluated using UDT as the reference.

Results

Among 6709 participants, 10.7% (n = 717) tested positive for methamphetamine use via UDT. The ASSIST demonstrated robust discriminant abilities to identify those who used methamphetamine [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.872; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.856–0.887]. At the commonly used cutoff of 4, the ASSIST had a sensitivity of 83.8% and a specificity of 82.0%. At this cutoff, 82.2% of the ASSIST results aligned with UDT outcomes (kappa coefficient = 0.41, P < 0.001) and the ASSIST identified a prevalence of 25.0%. At higher cutoffs, the sensitivity of the ASSIST decreased but both the specificity and the agreement with the UDT results increased.

Conclusions

The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) appears to be reliable and valid in identifying methamphetamine use among people on methadone treatment in Vietnam. Cutoff adjustments may help to reduce false positive rates.
The association of hypertension and antihypertensive medications on semen parameters among men presenting for fertility evaluation
Authors: Greenberg Daniel R. , Gago Luis C. , Kumar Sai Kaushik S. R. , Panken Evan J. , Asanad Kian , Sun Zequn , Brannigan Robert E. , Halpern Joshua A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Hypertension is a common medical condition and its prevalence increases with age. Therefore, more prospective fathers will present for fertility evaluation with this diagnosis.

Objective

To determine if hypertension and antihypertensive medication use are associated with impaired semen parameters.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed men with and without hypertension at the time of their index semen analysis (SA) between 2002 and 2023. Demographics, medical comorbidities, and semen parameters were evaluated between cohorts. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were also used to determine the association of hypertension, and number and class of antihypertensive medications, and abnormal total motile sperm count (TMSC < 20 million).

Results

Among 14,009 men, 10.1% (n = 1410) had a diagnosis of hypertension. Hypertensive men had significantly lower ejaculate volume (2.8 mL [interquartile range {IQR} 1.8–3.8] vs. 2.9 mL [IQR 2.0–4.0], p < 0.001) and sperm motility (58% [IQR 50–66] vs. 60% [52–68], p < 0.001). Hypertension was also independently associated with abnormal TMSC (odds ratio [OR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.40, p = 0.008) on multivariable analysis. Among patients with hypertension, men with an active antihypertensive medication prescription at the time of index SA were older and had lower sperm motility (57% [IQR 47‐64] vs. 59% [IQR 52–67], p = 0.006), sperm morphology (5% [IQR 2–7] vs. 6% [3–12], p < 0.001) and TMSC (48.9 M  [IQR 16.1–94.9] vs. 68.4 M  [25.0–124.9], p < 0.001) compared to patients with no prior antihypertensive medication exposure. Multivariable analysis demonstrated no significant increased risk of abnormal TMSC between unexposed patients and those taking an antihypertensive medication.

Discussion

More than one in 10 men presenting for initial fertility evaluation had a diagnosis of hypertension. This diagnosis, as well as antihypertensive medication exposure, were associated with impaired semen parameters.

Conclusion

Patients interested in future fertility should be counseled regarding lifestyle modifications to appropriately treat hypertension. Further studies are required to determine the impact of antihypertensive medications and adequate control of hypertension on semen quality.
Climate‐related drivers of migratory bird health in the south‐central USA
Authors: McPherson Renee A. , Alger Katrina E. , Hofmeister Erik
Published: February 2025

Migratory birds are species of concern that play important ecological roles while also supporting recreational opportunities for the hunting and birdwatching public. Direct and indirect effects of climate variability, extremes, and change on migratory bird health manifest at the individual, population, species, and community levels. This review focuses on the effects of climate on migratory birds that spend part of their life cycles in the south‐central USA. Although gaps in knowledge remain, prior studies provide a solid foundation to understand how climate affects migratory birds to inform management priorities and actions.
Using Network Pharmacology and Transcriptome Sequencing to Investigate the Mechanism of Action of Luteolin and Quercetin in Treating Obesity
Authors: Liu Ruoshuang , Wang Zhaoxiang , Shi Kangru , Shen Yirong , Yu Xiawen , Cheng Caiqin , Xia Yue , Dai Guoyu , Zhao Zhicong , Xiong Yuyun , Wang Dong , Yang Ling , Yuan Guoyue , Jia Jue
Published: February 2025

Luteolin and quercetin, which are flavonoids, are present in various traditional Chinese medicines. Although they have been shown to improve obesity, the specific mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study aimed to determine pivotal targets and major regulatory pathways involved in their mechanisms of action using network pharmacology and transcriptome sequencing. Data on luteolin/quercetin‐related targets were acquired from the PharmMapper platform, and data on known obesity‐related targets were collected from the OMIM and GeneCards databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in luteolin and quercetin action that regulate adipogenic differentiation were identified using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). Bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify potential target genes and pathways regulated by luteolin/quercetin during adipogenesis. Finally, key genes and pathways were validated through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting. Network pharmacology showed that luteolin/quercetin was closely associated with anti‐obesity targets. The related pathways were metabolic, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK pathways. RNA‐seq revealed 91 common DEGs involved in luteolin/quercetin regulation of adipogenic differentiation. Finally, nine potential target genes (including CIDEC, Mgll, Slc2a4, Pck1, and PNPLA3) were identified, and the AMPK and AKT signaling pathways were verified. The present study provides novel information regarding the molecular mechanism of luteolin and quercetin action in treating obesity and demonstrates their therapeutic effects through multiple targets and pathways.
Electrophysiological Alterations in the Progression of Parkinson's Disease and the Therapeutic Effect of Tetrabenazine on Rats With Levodopa‐Induced Dyskinesia
Authors: Bi Yuewei , Wang Pengfei , Li Min , Wang Zhuyong , Lv Siyuan , Yang Yong , Zhang Wangming
Published: February 2025

Aims

Dopamine replacement therapy is the backbone of Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment. However, long‐term levodopa (L‐DOPA) administration can lead to the severely disabling motor complication L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia (LID), for which standard, effective therapy is currently lacking. This study was conducted to characterize the distinct neural electrophysiological patterns involved in the progression of PD and to examine the efficacy of tetrabenazine, a vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 inhibitor, in alleviating dyskinesia and its underlying electrophysiological mechanism.

Methods

Electrophysiological analysis was performed to obtain power spectrum density and functional connectivity information from local field potential (LFP) data recorded from the primary motor cortex (M1) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) during different pathological states in PD model rats. Behavioral tests and abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) scoring were conducted to confirm PD model establishment and assess LID severity.

Results

Increased beta oscillations and abnormally strengthened beta causality in the M1 → DLS direction and exaggerated beta‐band M1–DLS functional connectivity were observed in the PD state. L‐DOPA administration suppressed beta activity and augmented gamma power in the M1 and DLS, with increased gamma causality in the M1 → DLS direction and beta causality in the DLS → M1 direction, as well as elevated gamma‐band M1–DLS functional connectivity. Tetrabenazine strongly ameliorated dyskinetic manifestations. It suppressed gamma power in the M1 and DLS, reduced gamma causality and increased beta causality in the M1 → DLS direction, reduced beta causality in the DLS → M1 direction, and reduced gamma‐band M1–DLS functional connectivity.

Conclusion

Tetrabenazine abrogated aberrant gamma activity to improve LID symptoms, which provides compelling evidence for its future clinical application in LID therapy.
Lung Transplant in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Case Series
Authors: Ganguly Paulamy , Varadarajan Ramya , Adelman Max W. , Arunachalam Priya , Yau Simon , Youssef Jihad G. , Goodarzi Ahmad
Published: February 2025

Background

Historically, patients with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) were at higher risk for pulmonary morbidities than patients without HIV. Lung transplantation in PWH has been limited by uncertain outcomes and a lack of guidelines for transplantation and immunosuppression. However, several case reports in the United States and Europe have demonstrated that lung transplantation in PWH is feasible. Although there remain concerns regarding these patients as higher‐risk recipients, lung transplantation is feasible with careful modification of immunosuppression and close monitoring.

Methods

We performed lung transplantation on three PWHs and analyzed their post‐transplant outcomes to determine the feasibility of lung transplant in PWH.

Results

We found that all three patients (mean age 59, SD 10.98) with HIV underwent lung transplantation. Two of the three patients experienced acute cellular rejection that resolved with intravenous corticosteroids. None had long‐term complications including chronic rejection, antibody‐mediated rejection, or infections. All three patients maintained baseline HIV therapy following transplantation with adequate HIV disease control.

Conclusion

Although PWH has an increased risk of pulmonary comorbidities compared to the general population, lung transplantation appears to be a feasible treatment option supported by the growing body of literature and the three cases described here.
Safety and Tolerability of SGLT‐2 Inhibitors Following Lung Transplantation
Authors: Wilcox Peter , Walter Krysta , Troost Jonathan , Belloli Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i's) are frequently prescribed for T2DM control, with additional efficacy in congestive heart failure therapy and preserving renal function in CKD. Despite their potential to mitigate comorbidities, prescribing of SGLT2i's following solid organ transplantation has been limited due to safety concerns regarding infection, renal function, and diabetic ketoacidosis. SGLT2i prescription following transplantation of other solid organs has been evaluated, but only one study included a limited number of lung transplant recipients. We performed a retrospective case control study of all patients in Michigan Medicine clinics with a prior lung transplant who were prescribed an SGLT2i between January, 2010 and March, 2023. We collected demographic information, medical history pertaining to transplant, SGLT2i prescription history, and abstracted safety, tolerability, and efficacy outcomes for comparison between the SGLT2i cohort and a control population. Among 20 patients who met inclusion criteria, median SGLT2i prescription duration was 372 days. There were no UTI's or GU infections, and severe AKI occurred in five patients. There was a median reduction of 0.6% in hemoglobin A1c within the SGLT2i group not observed in controls (p = 0.09). Our findings demonstrate safety and tolerability of SGLT2i's following lung transplantation and suggest efficacy in controlling T2DM or PTDM.
Associations of Mid‐ and Late‐Life Fasting Blood Glucose Levels With Dementia Risk Among Patients With Diabetes: Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Li Jinlei , Liu Chunyu , Ang Ting Fang Alvin , Au Rhoda
Published: February 2025

Background

Diabetes is an established risk factor for dementia. However, the association has been less consistent at the population level and may vary over the lifespan. The impacts may be influenced by glucose fluctuation over lifetime.

Methods

We used data from the Framingham Offspring cohort to evaluate the dementia risk associated with fasting blood glucose (FBG) across age ranges. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted to investigate the association of diabetes status at each examination with dementia risk, and the associations between FBG levels and dementia across age spans. Group‐based trajectory models were used to create FBG trajectories from mid to late‐life for comparison.

Results

Higher FBG level at midlife was not associated with an increased risk of dementia. For participants with diabetes, higher FBG at age 60 and 70 years was associated with subsequent dementia (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.07–2.75; HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.24–2.91). Diabetic participants with first midlife increasing and then late‐life declining patterns of FBG were at greater increased risk of dementia compared to participant without diabetes. (HR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.04–3.85).

Conclusion

The relationship between FBG and dementia risk was heterogeneous across the adult age range. Diabetes at midlife is a risk factor for dementia, but high glucose levels at 60–70 years followed by a decline suggests that less controlled diabetes during high age risk for dementia onset may represent another prodromal risk factor and presymptomatic metabolic indicator of dementia.
The role of electroencephalography in epilepsy research—From seizures to interictal activity and comorbidities
Authors: Lisgaras Christos Panagiotis , de la Prida Liset M. , Bertram Edward , Cunningham Mark , Henshall David , Liu Anli A. , Gnatkovsky Vadym , Balestrini Simona , de Curtis Marco , Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Jacobs Julia , Jefferys John G. R. , Mantegazza Massimo , Reschke Cristina R. , Jiruska Premysl
Published: February 2025

Electroencephalography (EEG) has been instrumental in epilepsy research for the past century, both for basic and translational studies. Its contributions have advanced our understanding of epilepsy, shedding light on the pathophysiology and functional organization of epileptic networks, and the mechanisms underlying seizures. Here we re‐examine the historical significance, ongoing relevance, and future trajectories of EEG in epilepsy research. We describe traditional approaches to record brain electrical activity and discuss novel cutting‐edge, large‐scale techniques using micro‐electrode arrays. Contemporary EEG studies explore brain potentials beyond the traditional Berger frequencies to uncover underexplored mechanisms operating at ultra‐slow and high frequencies, which have proven valuable in understanding the principles of ictogenesis, epileptogenesis, and endogenous epileptogenicity. Integrating EEG with modern techniques such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and imaging provides a more comprehensive understanding of epilepsy. EEG has become an integral element in a powerful suite of tools for capturing epileptic network dynamics across various temporal and spatial scales, ranging from rapid pathological synchronization to the long‐term processes of epileptogenesis or seizure cycles. Advancements in EEG recording techniques parallel the application of sophisticated mathematical analyses and algorithms, significantly augmenting the information yield of EEG recordings. Beyond seizures and interictal activity, EEG has been instrumental in elucidating the mechanisms underlying epilepsy‐related cognitive deficits and other comorbidities. Although EEG remains a cornerstone in epilepsy research, persistent challenges such as limited spatial resolution, artifacts, and the difficulty of long‐term recording highlight the ongoing need for refinement. Despite these challenges, EEG continues to be a fundamental research tool, playing a central role in unraveling disease mechanisms and drug discovery.
Ceramides and Skin Health: New Insights
Authors: Yong Tze Lek , Zaman Rahela , Rehman Navedur , Tan Chung Keat
Published: February 2025

Ceramide has transitioned from an incidental discovery to a vital element in skincare, becoming a thoroughly studied compound in the quest to treat skin conditions. Creating a moisture barrier, preserving hydration, regulating pH, controlling inflammation, and enhancing skin functions and appearance are among its established benefits. It is often used medically to repair skin barrier defects, as observed in inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (AD) and dry skin types. Furthermore, ceramide and its metabolites are commonly used as predictors before disease manifestation and for prognostication processes, thus can be used as biomarker for clinical diagnosis as well. In the last couple of decades, momentum was also seen in the pre‐clinical studies involving anti‐cancer and nanotechnology field, whereby ceramide was also used as a drug, a carrier, or even adjunct formulation to increase efficacy of treatment such as chemotherapy. Approaches to increase ceramide levels include directly replenishing lost ceramides with natural extracts, synthetic pseudo‐ceramides, or ceramide‐like analogues, as well as using supplements that stimulate the body's natural ceramide production. Although ceramide is a well‐known treatment in skincare and for common skin conditions like AD and psoriasis, its development and related pharmacology for severe skin conditions, such as skin cancer, remain in pre‐clinical stages. Hence, the purpose of this research is to explore the role of ceramide in skin health and its application in common skin diseases.
Changes in Relationship Skills and Parenting Stress Among Vulnerable Couples Participating in Couple Relationship Education Before Versus During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Campbell Avery R. , Futris Ted G. , Richardson Evin W. , Gilbert Abigail Scott
Published: February 2025

The COVID‐19 pandemic marked sudden changes for many parenting couples that heightened levels of parenting stress. A strong couple relationship can serve as a protective buffer against parenting stress, especially during acute stress resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic. Couple relationship education (CRE) teaches couple relationship skills (CRS) that can promote positive couple functioning and, in turn, lower levels of parenting stress. Guided by the Vulnerability‐Stress‐Adaptation model and the spillover hypothesis, multigroup latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used to compare trajectories of change in CRS and parenting stress for 859 parents receiving child welfare services who attended CRE programming prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic versus 144 parents who attended CRE during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although both samples reported significant positive change in CRS, only the pre‐COVID sample showed significant declines in parenting stress over time. Additionally, findings showed a significant association between increases in CRS and a decrease in parenting stress in the pre‐COVID sample only. These findings suggest that couples who attend CRE may experience benefits in their couple relationship that spillover to their roles as parents. However, the association between positive changes in CRS and decreases in parenting stress may not be as strong when parents are experiencing an acute stressor (i.e., pandemic‐related stressors).
Real‐world interpatient variability in the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam
Authors: Chykharivska Alina , Kagan Leonid , Wagner Mary , Brunetti Luigi
Published: February 2025

Background

Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) used to treat a variety of seizures in adult and pediatric populations. It is an ideal AED due to its favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic profile and lack of interactions with other AEDs.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was designed to identify covariates that affect LEV clearance and volume of distribution and to generate a population PK model. Adults with a seizure history receiving LEV during hospital admission with a minimum of one serum LEV concentration available were included in the study. Population PK modeling and covariate testing was performed with MONOLIX Suite 2020R1 (Lixoft, France).

Results

A total of 162 serum concentrations were collected from 143 patients. Age, sex, body weight descriptors, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance (CrCL), serum albumin, liver enzymes, and total bilirubin were evaluated. Body surface area (BSA) was a significant covariate for the apparent volume of distribution (V/F). The exclusion of BSA as a covariate of V/F increased the objective function value (OFV) 5.6. CrCL was a significant covariate of apparent plasma clearance (CL/F). The exclusion of CrCL increased the OFV by 18.16 and significantly increased the root square error (RSE) % of the between‐subject variabilities of the parameters.

Conclusion

LEV clearance is an effective predictor of serum concentration. CrCL was a significant covariate influencing LEV clearance, and BSA was found to influence the volume of distribution. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of body weight descriptors on LEV clearance and, ultimately, outcomes.
“Don't Work for Soyciety:” Involuntary Celibacy and Unemployment
Authors: Beckett‐Herbert AnnaRose , Shor Eran
Published: February 2025

Surveys of involuntary celibates (“incels”) suggest that they tend to be not in education, employment or training (NEET) at disproportionately high rates. However, it remains unclear whether and how being NEET is connected to incels' ideology and life circumstances. To investigate this, we conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of over a thousand comments posted on the main incel forum, incels.is. We found that many users promoted unemployment and social disengagement as a form of retaliation against a society they feel has harmed them. These users often encouraged other incels to embrace a life of isolation and used employment status as an assessment of commitment to the incel identity. Users also reported experiences of discrimination, bullying, and feeling incompetent at workplaces and educational institutions. We conclude that, for incels, being unemployed can be both an ideological stance and a consequence of their experienced or perceived marginalization.
HISTORICAL ANTIFASCISM AND THE GLOBAL LEFT
Authors: RENAUD TERENCE
Published: February 2025

Joseph Fronczak's Everything Is Possible: Antifascism and the Left in the Age of Fascism presents antifascism in the 1920s and 1930s as a universal cause that united people across social and ideological divides, creating the discursive framework for the global Left we know today. It revises standard accounts according to which the Left originated either with the Atlantic revolutions circa 1800 or with the international workers’ movement that took shape in the late nineteenth century. This article accepts the weak form of the book's argument that the antifascist era was remarkably creative and essential for understanding the development of today's Left. However, it rejects the strong form of the argument that dissociates the Left from any prior history in the revolutionary tradition or the workers’ movement. To complement the book's discursive analysis of languages of the Left, this article outlines a structural analysis of antisystemic opposition in the contexts of global capitalism, imperialism, and mass politics. What results is a long‐term concept of the Left that, among other things, highlights the promise and pitfalls of antifascist populism. The core problem of defining the Left is accounting for the historical disjuncture between unity of antisystemic consciousness and unity of organized action.
ALDOB suppresses the activity of CD8+ T cells in colorectal cancer via the WNT signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jinwei , Hu Chao , Jin Yuan
Published: February 2025

The glycolytic enzyme, fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase B (ALDOB), is recognized for its key role in shaping tthe umor immune microenvironment. However, the precise ways in which it influences the CD8+ T cell immune response in colorectal cancer (CRC) are still largely unknown. This study is designed to elucidate the interplay between ALDOB and the immune system in CRC. We analyzed the high expression of ALDOB in CRC tissues and cells through bioinformatics, clinical samples and in vitro experiments, finding that it promoted tumor progression. Its high expression was negatively correlated with CD8 expression and positively correlated with PDL1 expression. Further cell experiments revealed that ALDOB overexpression enhanced the expression of WNT signaling pathway‐related proteins (β‐catenin and c‐myc), which in turn promoted PDL1 expression in CRC cells, inhibiting the proliferation and killing effect of CD8+ T cells in co‐culture systems. Our findings disclose how ALDOB influences CD8+ T cell recruitment and antitumor immune function, proposing it as a potential target for the treatment of CRC.
Impact of violence on work morale on Taiwanese nurses: The moderator of perceived organizational support
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Yang , Wu Hsuan‐Man , Wu Hsiu‐Chuan
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the impact of workplace violence on work morale, of nurses specifically focusing on work satisfaction and work commitment, and whether perceived organizational support moderates this relationship.

Background

Prior research on this topic has predominantly explored the effects of workplace violence on the emotional antecedents of nurses’ turnover intentions, with limited attention given to organizational factors. The literature and evidence on this subject are inconsistent and often contradictory. Moreover, studies that address contingency factors within the dynamics of this relationship are lacking.

Methods

A sample of 550 nurses at a medical center in Taiwan provided the initial data collection pool, from which 300 respondents were selected for further analysis. To evaluate the proposed hypotheses, partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied.

Findings

When considered in the context of affective events theory and social support theory, the findings confirm workplace violence has significant effects on both work satisfaction and work commitment. Additionally, perceived organizational support acted as a moderating factor in this relationship.

Conclusion

This study aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations, particularly those concerning addressing gender equality (key themes addressed by goal 5: workplace violence and harassment) to foster a supportive work environment for women. This research contributes to the literature by elucidating the specific moderating mechanisms through which perceived organizational support influences the relationship between workplace violence and work morale.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

The results of this study have a significant impact on international nursing policies focused on enhancing the safety and involvement of female nurses in the workplace, especially regarding workplace violence issues. Hospital administrators should create a positive nursing work environment that maintains nurses’ morale and reduces the negative effects of workplace violence. Additionally, organizations should provide nurses with supportive resources or establish policies to enhance nurses’ work morale.