bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the shared genetic structure between rheumatoid arthritis and stroke
Authors: Qin Qian , Jiang Yong’An , Fan Hengyi , Yuan Raorao , Zhong Bo , Zhang Yichen , Zhang Zile , Lei Xin , Cai Jianhui , Cheng Shiqi
Published: February 2025

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increases the risk of stroke. However, the relationship between RA and stroke remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the shared genetics architecture (i.e., common genetic basis between different traits, diseases, or phenotypes) of RA and stroke, aiming to improve the intervention and management of patients with RA and stroke.

Methods

Pooled statistics from publicly available genome-wide association studies for RA (8,255 cases and 409,001 controls) and stroke (43,132 cases and 43,132 controls) were used. A genome-wide positive association was conducted to (examine the comprehensive effects of genetic variants on a particular trait, disease, or phenotype at the genome-wide scale). Local genetic correlation studies used linkage disequilibrium score regression and super genetic covariance analyzer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at risk were identified using genome-wide association study multiple trait analysis and PLINK software (P

snp
<5e-08), followed by functional localization and annotation using Functional Mapping and Annotation of Genome-Wide Association Studies to identify specific genes and genetic variants that may contribute to the disease. Finally, a transcriptome-wide association study explored the relationship between genes and their association with RA risk.

Results

A genome-wide significant positive correlation was evident between RA and stroke (genetic correlation = 0.3756). Among the localized genomic regions, the correlation between RA and stroke in the region of chr2:201572564–202,829,668 was the most significant (p = 0.0015). We identified 179 significant SNPs and five common risk genes for RA and stroke (IRF5, RNASET2, ZNF438, UBE2LS, and SYNGR1). These genes are involved in the immune-inflammatory pathway.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a shared genetic structure between RA and stroke. These findings may provide new insights into RA and stroke pathogenesis, and contribute to the development of new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targeted drugs to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with RA and stroke.
CT-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy ablation of HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis
Authors: Auer Timo Alexander , Ranner-Hafferl Marie-Luise Helene Hildegard , Anhamm Melina , Böning Georg , Fehrenbach Uli , Mohr Raphael , Geisel Dominik , Kloeckner Roman , Gebauer Bernhard , Collettini Federico
Published: February 2025

Background

We assessed the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

Methods

From January 2010 to January 2022, 56 patients (median age 67.5 years) with HCC and PVTT underwent 64 procedures. PVTT was further classified according to the Japan liver cancer study group into VP1–VP4. Tumor response was evaluated by cross-sectional imaging 6 weeks after CT-guided HDR brachytherapy and every 3 months thereafter. Local tumor control (LTC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves. The severity of procedure-related complications was classified according to the Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines.

Results

Patients were available for imaging evaluation for a median follow-up of 14.0 months. The median diameter of the largest lesion was 56 mm. Estimated median PFS, LTC, and OS were 7.0 (95% CI 5.0–13.0), 14.0 (95% CI 7.0–21.0), and 20.0 (95% CI 13.0–26.0) months respectively. Actuarial 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 66%, 41%, and 27%, respectively. Subclassified for VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4 estimated OS was 38.0 (95% CI 9.0-Not-a-number), 21.5 (95% CI 15.0–25.0), 15.0 (95% CI 7.0–33.0), and 13.0 (95% CI 6.0–34.0) months, respectively. Considering the 64 procedures, we recorded no complications for 49 (76.6%), mild-to-moderate complications for 12 (18.8%), and major complications for 3 (4.7%).

Conclusion

CT-guided HDR brachytherapy was safe and effective for locoregional treatment in patients with advanced HCC due to PVTT, achieving long-lasting local tumor control.

Relevance statement

CT-guided HDR brachytherapy is an option to be considered for locoregional treatment of patients with advanced HCC due to PVTT.

Key Points

Evaluation of CT-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in treating HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

Median OS was 20.0 months ranging between 13.0 and 38.0 months.

CT-guided HDR brachytherapy seems to be a safe and effective treatment option in HCC patients with PVTT.

Graphical Abstract
Bioconvergence: advancing biosensors with nanotechnology for real-time health monitoring
Authors: Mishra Rosaline , Minocha Sakshi , Goel Radha , Gaur Praveen Kumar , Lata Kanak , Singh Rashmi
Published: February 2025

Background

Biosensors are tools that are products of amalgamation of biological constituents and physicochemical elements so as to detect analytes, based on signal production which is measurable. Thus here we can see an assimilation of biology and microelectronics. Keeping a track of biochemical processes in a human system is essential; thus, there is an increasing need for extremely sensitive and economical devices which can make precise diagnosis and personalised medication treatment possible.

Objective

This review focuses upon the novel innovations in the field of biosensors, namely making use of nanotechnology in the form of nanomaterials such as graphene, gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, and sulphur-containing nanomaterials.

Method

A thorough evaluation of the literature was done. Databases like SciFinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and the Egyptian Knowledge Bank were used to find pertinent publications. More than 500 articles and databases were studied to constitute this paper. The accuracy of the retrieved data was carefully reviewed and cross-checked. Selection of nanomaterial for the creation of biosensors was studied: Nanomaterials (such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots) according to their special qualities (such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and sensitivity) were selected.

A thorough study on biomolecular integration was done: To gain knowledge on extremely sensitive and selective biosensors for target analytes, integrate particular biomolecules (such as enzymes, aptamers, and antibodies) onto nanomaterials and also data on manufacturing of sensors were utilised; sophisticated manufacturing methods (such as self-assembly and lithography) to build biosensors that have exact control over the arrangement of nanomaterials and biomolecules were studied.

Signal Transduction: To transform biomolecular interactions into quantifiable signals, effectively develop signal transduction systems (e.g. electrochemical, optical, mechanical). Real-time Monitoring: For ongoing, non-invasive health monitoring, include biosensors with wearable technology or point-of-care diagnostics. Data analysis: To interpret and analyse biosensor signals for precise and rapid health evaluations, apply machine learning techniques and sophisticated data analysis algorithms.

Result

After applying article selection criteria and reviewing the quality of the methodology, a total of 200 articles were selected to be included in the review.

Conclusion

The combination of biology and nanotechnology, or "bioconvergence", has enormous potential to transform healthcare. Biosensors for real-time, non-invasive health monitoring can be built by utilising the distinct qualities of nanomaterials and the specificity of biomolecules. This technology could lead to a more efficient and individualised healthcare system by improving disease diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient outcomes.
Human-bat contacts in the Netherlands, and potential risks for virus exchange
Authors: Begeman L. , Geschiere M. J. M. , de Boer W. F. , van den Brand J. M. A. , Eblé P. L. , van der Kerkhof J. H. T. C. , Keur I. , Lina P. H. C. , Reusken C. B. E. M. , de Rosa M. , Schillemans M. J. , Schreuder I. , Swaan C. M. , van Zoonen K. , Kuiken T.
Published: February 2025

Background

Contacts between people and free-ranging animals have a potential to cause viral disease epidemics when novel viruses are exchanged. The Netherlands has approximately 18 native bat species, of which some generally use buildings for roosting, and has a dense human population. Frequent indirect and direct contacts between bats and humans could thus be expected, however, this has hardly been studied.

Methods

To study human-bat contacts, people living in the Netherlands were questioned about the type and frequency of their bat contacts, their bat knowledge and perception of bats. For analyses respondents were grouped into (1) general population, (2) bat contact risk group, and (3) people that live in a house with a roost site for a Common Pipistrelle Bat maternity group. Associations between human-bat contacts and other variables were tested by an ordinal logistic regression model.

Results

We show that 85% (226/265) of group 1 reported no contacts, while 11% (28/265) reported indirect, and 4% (11/265) direct contacts with live bats, dead bats or bat products as their closest type of contacts. These contacts occurred mostly less than yearly. Somewhat similarly, the majority, 69% (9/13) of group 3 reported no contacts, and 15% (2/13) reported indirect contacts and 15% (2/13) reported direct contacts. These occurred monthly to less than yearly. In contrast, a minority, 5% (11/227) in group 2 reported no contacts, while 37% (85/227) reported direct bat contacts, mostly yearly, and 38% (86/227) reported bat-related injury, mostly less than yearly, as their closest type of contact. Overall, an increase in knowledge on bats and bat-related diseases was correlated with closer bat contacts.

Conclusions

We conclude that even though bats live close to people in the Netherlands, direct contacts between bats, or bat products, and humans are rare in people from the general population, while being common in people involved in bat-related work. Mitigation of human-bat contacts will be most efficient when targeted to specific groups that are likely to have contacts with bats.
Plasma proteins predict kidney function trajectories in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gurung Resham L , Zheng Huili , Tan Jia Le Ivan , Liu Sylvia , Ang Keven , Liu Jian-Jun , Coffman Thomas M , Lim Su Chi
Published: February 2025

Objective

The rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) varies among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to identify plasma proteins associated with diverse eGFR trajectories in T2D.

Methods

We performed latent class mixed models analysis among patients with T2D and relatively preserved kidney function (baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2) from SMART2D (n=1285) and DN (n=798) cohorts to identify patterns of eGFR trajectories. Comprehensive proteomic association with eGFR trajectories was assessed using multivariable logistic regression in the SMART2D cohort.

Results

Three distinct eGFR trajectories group: slow decline (92.2%), progressive decline (4.0%), and accelerated decline (3.8%) were identified in SMART2D and validated in DN cohort. Participants in the accelerated decline group exhibited the highest risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) (log-rank test, p<0.0001). Among 1448 proteins analysed in the SMART2D cohort, 19 proteins, including KIM-1 (OR=2.95, 95% CI 2.01-4.32; p=2.95x10-8), MMP7 (OR=16.5, 95% CI 5.54-49.07; p=4.61x10-7), and VSIG4 (OR=7.38, 95%CI 3.22-16.89; p=2.24x10-6), were associated with accelerated decline and 1 protein (THBD) (OR=6.34, 95% CI 2.77–14.52; p=1.26x10−5) was associated with progressive decline, independent of traditional cardio-renal risk factors including baseline kidney function. Adding these proteins to clinical risk factors (age, sex, ethnicity, eGFR, uACR, HbA1c, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride) improved AUC to 0.77 (delta 0.04,p=0.057) for progressive decline and 0.93 (delta 0.09,p<0.001) for accelerated decline.

Conclusion

Different plasma proteins are associated with progressive and accelerated eGFR decline, independent of traditional cardio-renal risk factors, some of which enhance eGFR trajectory prediction in patients with T2D.
Pre-operative management of catecholamine-producing pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas – results from a DELPHI process
Authors: Bechmann Nicole , Chiapponi Costanza , Gröben Harald-Thomas , Grasshoff Christian , Zimmermann Petra , Walz Martin , Mogl Martina , Fendrich Volker , Holzer Katharina , Rayes Nada , Kroiss Matthias
Published: February 2025

Background

European and German consensus guidelines advocate preoperative therapy with alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists in symptomatic patients with catecholamine-producing pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) to avoid hypertensive crisis during adrenalectomy. This practice has been questioned recently.

Objective

To assess current preoperative management of PPGLs across disciplines.

Methods

The study was conducted from November 2023 to February 2024 using Delphi technique. Two consecutive surveys were conceived by a steering group and 46 experts were consulted using REDCap web application (response: 74%).

Results

There was general agreement about diagnostic tools and indication for adrenalectomy. In contrast, 20% of the panelists routinely administered alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists to all patients, 50% only in case of symptoms and about one third of experts abandoned preoperative alpha-adrenoreceptor blockade. The prevention of anticipated intraoperative hypertensive crisis and cardiovascular complications (75%) as well as medicolegal considerations (25%) were the main motivations. Despite availability of short-acting alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists, most experts (63%) continued to use phenoxybenzamine. Half of the experts preferred pretreatment in an outpatient setting, 13% routinely treated in hospital and 37% combined out- and inpatient treatment. Intraoperatively, urapidil and nitroprusside natrium were mainly used for blood pressure control. Postoperatively, around 60% of the experts routinely admitted patients to an intensive care or intermediate care unit.

Conclusion

Current guideline recommendations for preoperative treatment with alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists in patients with PPGLs are generally adopted by treating teams but current practice is very heterogenous even among expert centers. With the improvement of surgical techniques and intraoperative management, a more individualized approach may be considered.
Clinical Significance of Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing Protein 25 Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Takafumi , Tsujimoto Hironori , Watanabe Takanori , Ishibashi Yusuke , Fujishima Seiichiro , Itazaki Yujiro , Kariya Risa , Uehata Naoyuki , Shinada Hanae , Mochizuki Satsuki , Kishi Yoji , Sato Kimiya , Ueno Hideki
Published: February 2025

Background

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been implicated in cancer progression by enhancing cancer cell motility through the coiled-coil domain-containing protein 25 (CCDC25).

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of CCDC25 expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Method

Tissue specimens from patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for ESCC were analyzed to investigate the relationship between CCDC25 expression, clinicopathological features, and prognosis. Western blotting was conducted to compare CCDC25 expression in tumor and non-tumorous tissues (n = 4). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to categorize patients into two groups based on CCDC25 expression: CCDC25high (n = 80) and CCDC25low (n = 40).

Results

CCDC25 expression was significantly higher in tumor tissues compared with non-tumorous tissues (p = 0.006). Patients in the CCDC25high group had a higher likelihood of poorly differentiated tumors; however, no significant differences were observed in the other clinicopathological features between the two groups. High CCDC25 expression was associated with significantly lower relapse-free survival (RFS) rate (p = 0.03) but not overall survival (OS) [p = 0.07]. Multivariate analysis revealed that high CCDC25 expression and tumor depth were independent predictors of both RFS and OS. Furthermore, high CCDC25 expression was significantly associated with worse prognosis in patients with high postoperative neutrophil counts (≥ 9600/µL) and those with postoperative infectious complications.

Conclusions

High expression of CCDC25 was identified as an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with ESCC, particularly in those with elevated postoperative neutrophil counts. Targeting CCDC25 could potentially improve prognosis in specific subgroups of patients with ESCC.
Factors affecting fund performance management of the local health security fund committee, Sisaket province
Authors: Sripho Butsakorn , Butsorn Aree , Chaikhunwatthana Anan
Published: February 2025

Background This research aims to study the factors affecting the fund performance management (FPM) of the Local Health Security Fund Committee of the Sisaket Local Health Insurance Fund Committee. Methods Data from 324 participants were collected using Descriptive and Inferential Statistics created between October 3, 2022, and February 15, 2023, to determine the factors for predicting the FPM of the Local Health Security Fund Committee of the Sisaket Local Health Insurance Fund Committee. Results Using a stepwise multi-regressive analysis, the results showed three variables: organizational support, supporting factors, and being a board member and secretary. They were able to explain the variations in factors affecting the FPM of the Sisaket Local Health Security Fund Committee by 49.87% (R2=0.498, R2 adj=0.493, SEest=2.50355, F= 105.637, p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion Disbursing the budget to solve problems in the area effectively will be the best benefit of the local participants in the area.
Open science in Spain: Influence of personal and contextual factors on deposit patterns
Authors: de Gracia Palomera Daniel
Published: February 2025

Background This study investigates factors influencing the deposit of academic publications and research data in open access repositories by Spanish researchers. Methods Using survey data from a sample of Spanish academics, the research examines the impact of personal attributes (e.g., gender, age, knowledge of open science) and contextual variables (e.g., academic discipline, institutional type) on deposit behaviours. Quantitative methods, including chi-square tests and regression analysis, reveal significant associations between knowledge of open science and deposit practices. Results Researchers familiar with open science principles were more likely to deposit multiple versions of articles and datasets, albeit with varying intensity. Key findings highlight disciplinary and institutional differences: researchers in Life Sciences and Experimental Sciences showed higher engagement with both article and data deposits, whereas Health Sciences lagged. Gender differences were also observed, with male researchers depositing articles and datasets more frequently than their female counterparts, though age showed limited impact. Public institutions exhibited lower data deposit rates despite mandates supporting open access. Conclusions The study underscores the need for tailored policies, including awareness campaigns, infrastructure investment, and discipline-specific strategies, to promote equitable and widespread adoption of open science practices. Findings contribute to understanding open science implementation, emphasizing the interplay of individual, institutional, and systemic factors.
Exploring the relationship between preferred bubble tube speeds in sensory rooms and physiological–psychological factors: A study on interoceptive sensitivity, subjective time perception, visual discomfort levels, and anxiety levels
Authors: Su Anjie , Shen Junyi , Koyama Shinichi
Published: February 2025

Background This study investigated the relationship between preferred bubble speeds in sensory room bubble tubes and physiological–psychological factors, including interoceptive sensitivity, subjective time perception, visual discomfort, and anxiety levels. Methods A sample of 50 participants engaged in a controlled experiment in which they used the method of adjustment to determine their preferred speed of a bubble tube simulated by an upward-moving Random Dot Motion (RDM) stimulus. Subjective time perception was evaluated through a time estimation task in which participants estimated a 60-second interval, and interoceptive sensitivity was measured via a heartbeat-tracking task. Participants’ visual discomfort and anxiety levels were assessed using the Visual Discomfort Scale Japanese Version (VDS-J), Trypophobia Questionnaire Japanese Version (TQ-J), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results The results from the method of adjustment indicated that the preferred speed varied largely, from 1.09 to 13.86 degrees per second. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that higher interoceptive awareness correlated with a preference for slower speeds, whereas higher anxiety levels correlated with a preference for faster speeds. In addition, our multiple regression analysis showed that subjective time perception accuracy and visual discomfort levels were significant predictors of the participants’ preferred RDM speeds in the regression model. Conclusion The results indicate that interoceptive sensitivity, subjective time, visual discomfort, and anxiety levels play significant roles in determining the preferred speeds for RDM stimulation. Our results highlight the importance of considering individual differences in physiological and psychological states when designing therapeutic sensory environments such as sensory rooms and bubble tubes to enhance well-being and therapeutic outcomes.
A Concept of Air Quality Mitigation through the Planned Behavior of University Students Towards Sustainable Campuses
Authors: Shetty Roshan S. , Aggarwal Devansh , Shetty Sham Ranjan
Published: February 2025

Background Increased awareness of sustainability has renewed academic interest in understanding perception. The objective was to determine the expected behavior among university students concerning air quality mitigation. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used as a theoretical framework to understand students’ attitudes toward air quality mitigation along with subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Method This study uses the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology to provide an understanding of current studies regarding the aspect of air quality and behavior from databases reviewed by experts. The research highlights the gap in the current study area and provides a need for more detailed empirical research. Result The study reviewed 24 articles and proposed a conceptual model based on the TPB framework to understand the means of air quality mitigation behaviors in a campus environment. Conclusion This model aims to guide future research to improve air quality in higher education institutions. The findings also focuses on theoretical contributions by applying TPB.
Transformacja cyfrowa społeczeństwa jako czynnik wzmacniający demokrację w Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Kawka Inga , Szczygieł Elżbieta , Śliwa Renata
Published: February 2025

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIETY AS A FACTOR ENHANCING DEMOCRACY IN THE EUROPEAN UNIONThe paper analyzes the role of ICTs as tools to mobilize groups with common interests, strengthening democracy through greater citizen participation in the political process. The paper hypothesizes that the digital transformation of the EU will bring about a more open and democratic society, allowing citizens to choose among different options and express their opinions. The paper also identifies the risk of spreading disinformation and manipulating public opinion through new technologies. In view of this risk, EU institutions are taking legal measures to prevent negative social effects resulting from the use of digital technologies. These solutions have been subjected to a dogmatic and legal analysis, pointing out that new technologies are only a tool, and their proper use depends on the presence of legal solutions that ensure respect for fundamental rights and freedoms in the digital environment. It is also necessary to create specific legislation that protects journalists, strengthens democracy by regulating political advertising on the Internet and serves to combat online disinformation.
Medialne arterie współczesnej wolności człowieka
Authors: Radej Maciej
Published: February 2025

MEDIA ARTERIES OF CONTEMPORARY HUMAN FREEDOM: BENEFITS – DANGERS – RESPONSIBILITY
Media arteries mean roads or channels through which values, including valuable data, are delivered to people. Freedom of the media and freedom in the media and through means of communication is always human freedom. Freedom in the media should be placed on a strong foundation of values. They are the right way to treat recipients with dignity, they put on the shoulders of senders the care for the high quality of the message and they sharpen the vision of issues, many of which are blurred by the culture of temporariness. The media arteries of freedom are a transmission “from person to person”, so respect for human dignity is the appropriate benchmark for honesty, responsibility and truth. Access to huge amounts of data, especially today, requires improved transmission quality. Responsibility demands that we apply values in the media just because they are values. This criterion is the only valid artery of solidarity between users and broadcasters, and freedom in this version is not an absolute norm aimed at dominating the other. Freedom in the media is, above all, responsible freedom. Currently, everyone who has access to various media, by force of their own will, becomes a gatekeeper who should guard not only their own freedom, but also that of other people. Media arteries are characterized by professionalism, transparency of rules and creative potential realized in freedom with respect for the principles of objectivity. Media freedom is therefore the artery of freedom for truth.
Erystyka poprawności politycznej
Authors: Rawski Tomasz , Kwiatkowska Agnieszka , Plisiecki Hubert
Published: February 2025

ERISTICS OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS: BETWEEN PRAISEWORTHY AND HATEFUL CATEGORIES OF CONCEPTS
The article explores the concept of political correctness in public discourse in Poland, focusing on its usage in Polish parliamentary debates. For this purpose, selected debates from the 9th term of the Polish Sejm (2019-2023) were used for examination of how the term “political correctness” is invoked in parliamentary speeches. The analysis seeks to determine whether political correctness functions as an eristic mechanism, employed in argumentative tactics to manipulate or discredit opposing viewpoints. The study highlights the dual nature of political correctness as both a praiseworthy and a pejorative concept in the context of political rhetoric.
Нови тенденциї у розвою сучасней линґвистики у Сербї
Authors: Małecki Paweł , Piotrowska Magdalena
Published: February 2025

ANALIZA I KLASYFIKACJA JĘZYKA RUSIŃSKIEGO PRZY UŻYCIU MODELU SZTUCZNEJ SIECI NEURONOWEJ ASR OPENAI WHISPERArtykuł przedstawia analizę lingwistyczną języka rusińskiego, koncentrując się na jego złożonych i zmieniających się aspektach, takich jak wymowa oraz różnice indywidualne, regionalne i historyczne. Do przeprowadzenia badania wykorzystano sztuczną sieć neuronową opartą na modelu OpenAI Whisper. Model ten, choć szkolony na danych z większości państwowych języków urzędowych, nie był bezpośrednio trenowany na bazach próbek języka rusińskiego ze względu na jego lokalny i mniejszościowy/etniczny charakter. Stąd próbki mowy tego języka klasyfikowane były przy użyciu najbardziej zbliżonych dostępnych etykiet, co pozwoliło na wyznaczenie podobieństwa języka rusińskiego do innych słowiańskich języków. Badanie objęło użytkowników zróżnicowanych pod względem płci, wieku i lokalizacji (Polska, Ukraina, Słowacja, Serbia), wykazując znaczące podobieństwa do języków dominujących w tych krajach oraz zależności między wyznaczonym podobieństwem językowym a wiekiem mówców.
Our People at 40: A Special Section
Authors: Kupensky Nicholas Kyle
Published: February 2025

OUR PEOPLE ПО 40 РОКАХ. СПЕЦИЯЛЬНА СЕКЦИЯКєд перед 40 роками напечатано книжку Павла Роберта Маґочiя Our People: Carpatho-Rusyns and Their Descendants in North America (Нашы люде: Карпатскы Русины і іх потомны в Америці), была то перша обшырна істория карпаторусиньскых іміґрантскых спільнот в Зъєднаных Штатах і Канаді. Была она так науковым, як і популярным текстом, што чынило з нєй «біблию» для вельох карпаторусиньскых Американців і Канадийців. Помагала она ім зрозуміти кым сут, одкале походят і чом іх предкы забрали ся з Європы, жебы осісти за Вельком Млаком. Єдночасно тота публикация стала ся початковом базом для вченых, што занимают ся темом Карпатскых Русинів в Америці. Приняли они єй наррацию што до формы і трансформаций карпаторусиньской міґрациі такой як доґму.В 2023 р. опубликуване было пяте поправлене выданя книжкы Our People з уактуальненым текстом і пошыреном наррацийом, што стало ся нагодом, жебы провести дискусийный панель на шторічным Конґресі Асоцияциі Славяньскых, Східньоєвропскых і Євроазиятскых Студий (ASEEES) в Філядельфіі в Пенсильваніі. Пятеро вченых – Патрішія A. Крафчік (Evergreen State College), Річард Кастер (Carpatho-Rusyns of Pennsylvania), Роберт Зекер (Saint Francis Xavier University), Богдан Горбаль (New York Public Library) і Ніколяс Кайл Купенскій (United States Air Force Academy) – дискутувало над історийом Маґочiя, подля принципу pro et contra. Аналізували його выповіди на тему культуры, економіі, расы, реліґіі і соспільства і критычні пізрили на його текст в сопоставліню з актуальныма досліджынями в обшыри культуровых студий над дияспором, міґрацийных студий, транснародовых студий і досліджынь над робітничом клясом.Взором подібных, специяльных секций посвяченых творчости Маґочiя, опубликуваных в «Nationalities Papers» (2011, 2019), сеса публикация з симпозиі під наголовком Our People at 40 (Нашы люде по 40 роках) зберат і пошырят одповіди панелистів на пяте поправлене выданя той істориі. В навязаню до темы сесого чысла «Річника Руской Бурсы» авторе омавляют значыня той канонічной студиі карпаторусиньской міґраций і оціняют стан днешніх досліджынь в обшыри карпаторусиньскых студий в Америці.
The Balanced Facility Location Problem: Complexity and Heuristics
Authors: Schmidt Malena , Singh Bismark
Published: February 2025

A recent work proposes a new quadratic facility location model to address ecological challenges faced by policymakers in Bavaria, Germany. Building on this, we significantly extend our understanding of this new problem. We develop connections to traditional combinatorial optimization models and show that the problem is [Formula: see text] hard. We then develop several classes of easy-to-implement heuristics to solve this problem. These are rooted in solving special cases of the generalized quadratic assignment problem as a subproblem; this subproblem is also [Formula: see text] hard. On moderate-sized instances from Bavaria—that were previously intractable—our proposed heuristics compute feasible solutions that are 0.5% (on average) improved over the generic solution method in just over a minute (on average), even when the generic solver runs for 20,000 seconds. Larger instances show an improvement of 5% (on average) compared with the generic solution method in an average of 410 seconds.

History: Accepted by Pascal Van Hentenryck, Area Editor for Computational Modeling: Methods & Analysis.

Funding: B. Singh was partially supported by the University of Southampton [Research Investment and Support Building Sustainable and Green Futures Program].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2024.0693 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2024.0693 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Push It Cross the Finish Line—Designing Online Interfaces to Induce Choice Closure at the Postdecision Prepurchase Stage
Authors: Lee Younghwa , Chen Andrew N. K. , Wang Weiquan
Published: February 2025

Practice- and Policy-oriented Abstract

Shopping cart abandonment, where people leave items in their carts without completing the purchase, has been a persistent issue in e-commerce for many years. One reason shoppers abandon their carts is because they don’t feel their decision to buy is final. Our study focuses on interface interventions that can help make decisions feel final. By drawing upon theories about why people feel uneasy with their choices, we examine how these interface interventions can ease negative feelings and help people commit to their decisions and complete their purchase. We conducted a series of controlled experiments to test interface interventions that provide users with direct support (i.e., coupons) and social support (i.e., social endorsements) for their choices. Our findings show that these interventions help reduce negative feelings and make decisions feel more final (i.e., a sense of choice closure), ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction with their decisions.
Exploring ascites: its significance, pathogenesis, aetiology, presentation, examinations and management strategies
Authors: Alsararatee Hasan H
Published: February 2025

Ascites is characterised by an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. While it is commonly associated with liver cirrhosis, it may also result from malignancy, cardiac failure or renal disease. This clinical review explores the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches and management strategies for ascites, emphasising its multifaceted nature and clinical implications. The pathophysiology of cirrhotic ascites is largely attributed to splanchnic vasodilation and subsequent sodium and water retention, while non-cirrhotic causes are associated with various underlying mechanisms. Clinical presentations range from abdominal distension and discomfort to systemic signs of underlying diseases. Diagnosis involves imaging, ascitic fluid analysis and advanced laboratory tests to identify the aetiology and guide targeted interventions. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating sodium restriction, diuretic therapy, paracentesis, albumin infusion and, in some cases, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Challenges such as refractory ascites and complications such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis necessitate a thorough clinical assessment and management. Advanced clinical practitioners and gastroenterology teams play an essential role in optimising outcomes, ensuring patient safety and promoting quality of life.
Managing dementia and diabetes in primary care settings
Authors: Morris David
Published: February 2025

This article looks at the links between diabetes and dementia and the prevalence of dual co-morbidity
The role of the specialist TB nurse
Authors: Oxtoby Kathy
Published: February 2025

Debbie Alder talks to Kathy Oxtoby about her work as a TB nurse and its many challenges
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Care Among Adults with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Zakeri Marjan , Lal Lincy S. , Abughosh Susan M , Sansgiry Shubhada , Essien E James , Sansgiry Sujit S
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Racial and ethnic disparities persist in cardiovascular disease (CVD) care. Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to assess access to care for CVD patients. Unadjusted analysis of 4,686 participants indicated lower consistent access to appointments for Hispanic individuals and lower timely access to care for Black and Hispanic individuals compared with the White cohort. After adjusting for predisposing, enabling, and external factors, differences were no longer significant. Individuals aged 45–64 and those 65 and older had higher odds of consistent access to appointments and timely access to care than younger individuals. Those with only public insurance (OR=0.85, p<.05) and the uninsured (OR=0.34, p<.001) had lower consistent access to appointments than individuals with any private insurance. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive care and targeted interventions to address socioeconomic barriers in CVD management, ensuring equitable, high-quality care for all racial and ethnic groups.
Community Health Centers and Medical Traineeship Patterns—Implications for Addressing Health Workforce Shortage
Authors: Choi Seongwon , Karabukayeva Aizhan , Davlyatov Ganisher , Opoku-Agyeman William
Published: February 2025

Abstract: This study explores medical training programs within community health centers (CHCs) and investigates the organizational and environmental factors associated with these programs. Using cluster analysis, we identified four distinct clusters based on the prevalence of physician, nurse, advanced practitioner, and medical assistant trainees in CHCs. These clusters reveal variations in the composition of trainees within CHCs, indicating diverse training and recruitment priorities. Our analysis of organizational and environmental correlates found significant associations between factors such as urban location, CHC size, and the percentage of other clinical trainee types with the distribution of clinical trainees. The insights gained from this study are crucial for advancing the ongoing development of CHC medical training programs, emphasizing the delivery of high-quality primary care, comprehensive training, and education while addressing workforce challenges in resource-limited settings.
Psychiatric Emergency Service Use Trends: Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Massachusetts from 2005–2020
Authors: Rudolph Kaila A. , Beaugard Corinne A. , Xu Cindy , Syed Sarah , Duncan Alison , Brown Hannah E. , Henderson David C. , Oblath Rachel
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Adults experiencing homelessness (AEH) have high rates of psychiatric conditions, face barriers to accessing psychiatric care, and are high emergency department (ED) utilizers, a setting often unable to address their complex health needs. This study assesses time trends and high frequency utilization by AEH in one psychiatric emergency services (PES) program. A retrospective review of electronic health records from 2005 to 2020 was conducted at an urban PES program serving uninsured and publicly insured adults. Of the 227,553 PES encounters examined, 75,127 (33%) involved AEH. The percentage of PES encounters involving AEH almost doubled from 23.3% in 2005 to 41.6% in 2020. The proportion of AEH using PES aged 55 and older more than tripled, from 4.2% to 15.4%. Adults experiencing homelessness had over six times the odds of being high frequency PES utilizers (10+ visits/year) as housed adults. These findings support interventions addressing housing access within PES encounters.
Diapers at the Doctor: Addressing Diaper Need in a Pediatric Clinic
Authors: Lee Max , Bruce Janine S. , Sinclair Shada , Gerbino Nicola , Baker-Simon Vanessa , Vinton Elena , Kadiyala Samhita , Escobar Gaby , Chamberlain Lisa J. , Floyd Baraka
Published: February 2025

Summary: A needs-assessment at a federally qualified health center in the Bay Area found that over 40% of patients faced diaper need, with cost as the major barrier and few local diaper banks available to address this need. This report describes a clinic-based diaper distribution program that helps fill this gap.
Physically accurate rendering of translucent objects
Authors: Hevisov David , Foschum Florian , Wagner Markus , Kienle Alwin
Published: February 2025

Accurately recreating the appearance of translucent materials poses a substantial challenge in physically based rendering, primarily due to limitations in capturing complex light transport, especially subsurface scattering. Current methods often rely on approximations of radiative transfer theory and lack detailed characterization of material optical properties, limiting physical accuracy. Here, we introduce a comprehensive workflow that captures the full physical complexity needed to achieve true physical fidelity in translucent object rendering. Using a calibrated photo box environment, we validate our approach by comparing rendered scenes to their physical counterparts. Across a range of test materials, from silicon phantoms to everyday media like milk, our results show imperceptible color deviations, with ΔE values consistently below 1. By bridging the gap between real-world light behavior and digital simulations, our method enhances predictive rendering realism, paving the way for precise digital representations in medical and technical applications.
Ten simple rules for fostering creativity in research labs
Authors: Rillig Matthias C.
Published: February 2025

Research lab groups are hotspots for the education of the next generation of scientists, and making these units work as creatively as possible is essential for solving pressing issues in biology, the environment, and beyond. This article highlights 10 points that can help make labs as creative as possible. Several of these points are about setting up a creative lab culture; others are about fostering group-level creative output, some are more about encouraging creativity of individual team members, or both. While the head of a research group, the principal investigator, plays an important role, this can only be successful in healthy labs where everyone contributes.
Nutrition educational interventions for athletes related to low energy availability: A systematic review
Authors: DeJong Lempke Alexandra F. , Reece Laura M. , Whitney Kristin E.
Published: February 2025

Low energy availability (LEA) is a prevalent concern among athletes, often attributed to intentional or unintentional under-fueling behaviors. Nutritional and energy availability educational interventions are poised for successful LEA prevention, with a robust body of literature examining intervention effectiveness. Thus, this systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on nutritional education interventions to address gaps in nutritional knowledge and combat LEA among athletes. Medical databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science) were systematically searched on July 11, 2023, and an updated search was conducted on July 26, 2024. Studies conducted among adult athletes who underwent nutritional education interventions with assessed effects on dietary knowledge, behaviors, and/or LEA outcomes were included. Study quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale by two blinded assessors. Intervention methodology and primary outcomes related to nutritional interventions were extracted by a single assessor. Twelve articles were included (mean PEDro score: 5). Interventions ranged from 1 to 20 sessions, and 10- to 120-minute durations. Most studies employed in-person educational sessions on fueling and macro- and micro-nutrient intake for athletic performance. Half of included studies included LEA education. Intervention approaches were largely heterogeneous, although most programs had favorable outcomes for nutrition knowledge and fueling behaviors. Nutrition interventions appear to be beneficial for athletes in the context of LEA, though current approaches are largely heterogenous. Future research should seek to develop a translational nutritional education plan for broad application in athletes designed to increase nutritional knowledge and combat LEA.
Adult male-specific inverse association between dry eye disease and intraocular pressure: KNHANES 2010–2012
Authors: Choi Yun-Hee , Kim Martha , Choi Yoon-Hyeong , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate the association between dry eye disease (DED) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the general adult population of South Korea.

Methods

We enrolled 13,194 adults (age ≥19 years) who had participated in the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2010 to 2012. IOP was measured using Goldman applanation tonometry. DED was defined as the presence of self-reported symptoms along with a diagnosis by an ophthalmologist. As the correlation between the left and right eyes was high (r = 0.833), only the measurement values of the right eye were used. We sequentially conducted multiple linear and logistic regression analyses to investigate the association between DED and IOP and prevalence of high IOP (>21 mmHg).

Results

The prevalence of DED in Korean adults was 7.8%, and the geometric mean of IOP in the right eye was 13.7 ± 1.0 mmHg. In the fully adjusted model, participants with DED had a significantly lower IOP compared to those without DED in the overall population (β = -0.032; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.059, -0.004). This trend was evident in males (β = -0.059; 95% CI: -0.106, -0.012) but not in females. Similarly, males with DED had a significantly lower prevalence of high IOP compared to those without DED (odds ratio [OR] = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.91), but this association was not evident in females.

Conclusions

This study suggests that DED is associated with lower IOP in adult Korean males.
Fast fault diagnosis of smart grid equipment based on deep neural network model based on knowledge graph
Authors: Jun Lin , Chenliang Zhou
Published: February 2025

The smart grid is on the basis of physical grid, introducing all kinds of advanced communications technology and form a new type of power grid. It can not only meet the demand of users and realize the optimal allocation of resources, but also improve the safety, economy and reliability of power supply, it has become a major trend in the future development of electric power industry. But on the other hand, the complex network architecture of smart grid and the application of various high-tech technologies have also greatly increased the probability of equipment failure and the difficulty of fault diagnosis, and timely discovery and diagnosis of problems in the operation of smart grid equipment has become a key measure to ensure the safety of power grid operation. From the current point of view, the existing smart grid equipment fault diagnosis technology has problems that the application program is more complex, and the fault diagnosis rate is generally not high, which greatly affects the efficiency of smart grid maintenance. Therefore, Based on this, this paper adopts the multimodal semantic model of deep learning and knowledge graph, and on the basis of the original target detection network YOLOv4 architecture, introduces knowledge graph to unify the characterization and storage of the input multimodal information, and innovatively combines the YOLOv4 target detection algorithm with the knowledge graph to establish a smart grid equipment fault diagnosis model. Experiments show that compared with the existing fault detection algorithms, the YOLOv4 algorithm constructed in this paper is more accurate, faster and easier to operate.