bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health impacts of the Sure Start programme on disadvantaged children in the UK: a systematic review
Authors: Hayre Jatinder , Pearce Helen , Khera Raj , Lunn Amy Dehn , Ford John Alexander
Published: February 2025

Objectives

With rising poverty and widening health inequity among children in the UK, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Sure Start programme on child health outcomes in disadvantaged children.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

We conducted a comprehensive search of three databases: Embase, Medline and Social Policy and Practice, with grey literature searched using Open Grey, Social Care Online and Google Scholar. The search was conducted in January 2024.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

All primary studies investigating health outcomes in children as a result of Sure Start intervention were eligible for inclusion, without limitations on study design.

Data extraction and synthesis

Full-text articles in English were independently screened according to the eligibility criteria by two researchers. Results were synthesised and presented in both a quantitative and narrative format. We assessed the risk of bias in each included study.

Results

Our initial search identified 585 records, of which 9 met our inclusion criteria with a further 3 grey literature reports included. Three themes were identified: physical health, social functioning and neurodevelopmental disorders. In terms of physical health, our findings indicate significant reductions in hospitalisations in older children, accidental injury and obesity prevalence. Furthermore, Sure Start increased the prevalence of breastfeeding and improved dental hygiene in children. In the social functioning domain, the Sure Start programme produced mixed findings: with children from certain backgrounds observing adverse effects as a result of the intervention. Yet, Sure Start demonstrated significant improvement in education attainment, with a maximal improvement of grade improvement in children from low socio-economic and ethnic minority backgrounds. For neurodevelopmental disorders, Sure Start was able to significantly improve conduct disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptomatology with long-term clinical stabilisation, as well as improving screening rates for developmental disorders.

Conclusion

This study examines the evidence of the Sure Start programme, as an example of an early-years community-based intervention, to mitigate health inequity among disadvantaged children. The findings suggest the Sure Start programme to be effective in health generation across the domains of physical health and neurodevelopmental disorders for disadvantaged children, but with mixed findings for social development that can only partially be explained by methodological flaws.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42024503234.
Corticosteroid premedication on anti-tumor effect of immune checkpoint blockade in murine hepatocellular carcinoma models
Authors: Shen Ying-Chun , Chang Nai-Wen , Yeh Ching-Ping , Lin Wan-Ying , Wei Ming-Feng , Ou Da-Liang , Hsu Chia-Lang , Cheng Ann-Lii
Published: February 2025

Background and aims

Corticosteroid is effective in alleviating immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, prophylactic use of corticosteroid to prevent irAEs is not recommended due to a looming concern that it may attenuate anti-tumor effect of ICB. This study aims to investigate whether corticosteroid premedication may compromise anti-tumor efficacy of dual ICB, a regimen that may cause significant irAEs.

Methods

Orthotopic BNL 1MEA.7R.1 and subcutaneous Hepa1-6 syngeneic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models were used. Low-dose (LD; 10 µg) or high-dose (HD; 200 µg) dexamethasone (Dexa) was intraperitoneally administered before each dose of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1. Tumor shrinkage, T cell priming, cytokine quantitation, as well as cytotoxicity and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of tumor-infiltrating T cells were assessed.

Results

In the orthotopic model, dual immune checkpoint blockade (dICB) plus phosphate buffered saline (PBS) significantly reduced the mean tumor weight (adjusted for SE) (0.73±0.18 g vs 2.45±0.54 g; p=0.03), while neither LD nor HD Dexa premedication affected dICB-induced tumor shrinkage. In the subcutaneous model, dICB plus PBS or LD Dexa yielded a complete tumor response (CR) rate of 100%, while dICB plus HD Dexa yielded a CR rate of 85.7% (p>0.05, comparing to dICB plus PBS). ScRNA-seq analysis demonstrates that Dexa did not affect dICB-induced reduction of major clusters of exhausted CD4+ and CD8+ T cells but halved dICB-induced expansion of effector memory CD8+ T cells. Nevertheless, Dexa premedication, regardless of dosage, did not diminish dICB-induced T cell priming, cytokine production, or cytotoxicity of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells.

Conclusion

Corticosteroid premedication does not significantly compromise anti-tumor efficacy of dICB treatment in murine HCC models. These results suggest that clinical investigations of prophylactic corticosteroids to alleviate severe irAEs may be feasible.
Phase I dose-escalation and pharmacodynamic study of STING agonist E7766 in advanced solid tumors
Authors: Luke Jason J , Pinato David J , Juric Dejan , LoRusso Patricia , Hosein Peter J , Desai Anupam M , Haddad Robert , de Miguel María , Cervantes Andrés , Kim Won Seog , Marabelle Aurélien , Zhang Yan , Rong Yuanxin , Yuan Xiaobin , Champiat Stéphane
Published: February 2025

E7766 is a novel stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist, capable of potent activation of immune cells and generating strong antitumor response in preclinical murine tumor models. Here we present the safety, efficacy, and biomarker results of the first-in-human phase I/Ib study of intratumoral E7766 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Eligible patients with relapsing/refractory cancers (n=24) were enrolled in dose-escalating cohorts to receive intratumoral injections of E7766 from 75 to 1000 µg. The most frequent treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events were chills (50.0%; 85.7%), fever (40.0%; 85.7%), and fatigue (30.0%; 35.7%) in patients who received non-visceral and visceral injections, respectively. Eight patients (33.3%) achieved stable disease as their best response per modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1 with variability between injected and non-injected lesions. Plasma levels of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IP-10, MCP1, and MIP1b transiently increased in all evaluable patients within 10 hours postinjection, then dropped to baseline levels. Levels of blood and tumor gene expression increased in most interferon-related and STING genes tested. Further increases in programmed death ligand 1 and cluster of differentiation 8 expression at both the RNA and protein levels were also observed in some patients across dose levels. In total, E7766 generated on-target pharmacodynamic effects in patients with solid tumors. Further exploration in a homogeneous patient population is necessary to assess efficacy.
Sexual experience and functioning in male and female patients with Sjögren’s disease: a qualitative study
Authors: Rebel Dagmar , Paap Davy , Arends Suzanne , Kroese Frans , Pool Grieteke , Bootsma Hendrika
Published: February 2025

Objective

Sjögren’s disease (SjD) can have a major impact on sexual functioning, but this topic has received limited attention in research and clinical practice. This qualitative study investigated how SjD affects sexual experience and functioning in both women and men.

Method

Reflexive thematic analysis was performed based on in-depth interviews with patients with SjD. Sexual functioning was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index and International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire.

Results

11 female and 9 male patients with SjD, aged between 24 and 65 years, were included. According to questionnaire scores, 64% of female and 67% of male participants reported sexual dysfunction. In both sexes, six themes were identified as important in sexual experience and functioning: chronic stress in life, symptoms of SjD (affecting sexual experience), invisible suffering of SjD, impact of illness perception on coping strategies for sexuality-related symptoms, quality of (sexual) partner relationship and taboo of sexuality. These themes interact with each other and together shape the sexual experience.

Conclusion

SjD plays a crucial role in the quality of sexual experience. Many participants reported an unmet need for support, advice and treatment of sexuality-related symptoms related to SjD. The themes generated provide valuable insights into understanding the factors that shape sexual experience and underscore the importance of addressing sexuality-related symptoms as part of holistic care for patients with SjD. Due to the complexity of sexual experience and functioning, future research should focus on the patient as a whole person, and not solely on physical sexual functions.
Electrochemical Sensors Based on Schiff Base to Detect Pb(II) ion: Recent Advancements and Future Perspectives
Authors: Srivastva Abhay Nanda , Milan Kriti , Singh Dharm Veer , Afzal Mohd , Singh Netra Pal , Chaudhary Vishal , Kumar Manish
Published: February 2025

Schiff base has gained attention being highly sensitive towards metal ions. Lead, one among the heavy metals, is harmful for the human health along with the environment. Lead contamination is a matter of concern across the globe. Hazardous effects of lead can be minimized by detecting its presence in food and water. Detection of lead ion by electrochemical sensors is gaining credence in which Schiff base is extolled as being highly selective, cost effective and rapid sensitive towards Pb(II). The Schiff base sensor provides a generous pathway to extricate the dolorous effects of lead by early detection.
Inhibition of kinin B1 receptor alleviates SARS-CoV-2 induced long-lasting cardiovascular complications
Authors: Theobald Drew , de Castro Braz Lisandra E. , Akula Shaw M. , Eells Jeffrey B. , Sriramula Srinivas
Published: February 2025

Long COVID has been associated with significant cardiovascular complications, including fibrosis, functional impairment, and chronic inflammatory and immune responses. However, the underlying mechanisms driving these cardiac pathologies following COVID-19 infection remain understudied. Previously, we characterized a mouse model of long COVID and observed enhanced expression of kinin B1 receptor (B1R) in the infected animals. Here, we investigated the role of B1R in mediating long COVID induced cardiac pathologies. K18-hACE2 transgenic mice were infected intranasally with SARS-CoV-2 and evaluated at 28 days post-infection (dpi) to model long COVID and the effects of pharmacological blockade of B1R were evaluated. Persistent upregulation of B1R expression was accompanied by apoptosis, disrupted cardiomyocyte architecture, fibrosis, impaired gap junction integrity, and sustained inflammation and immune cell infiltration. B1R blockade restored gap junction integrity, reduced fibrosis and apoptosis, and mitigated inflammation and immune activation. Together, these data indicate that B1R plays a critical role in long COVID induced cardiac remodeling and damage, highlighting its potential as a target for treating long-lasting cardiovascular complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
HMGB1 Drives T Cell Activation in Hypertensive Males and Females
Authors: Snyder Elizabeth C. , Mohamed Riyaz , Sullivan Jennifer C.
Published: February 2025

We previously published that hypertensive males have greater renal necrosis and a more pro-inflammatory immune profile than females. Hypertension causes the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) which stimulate inflammation. The goal of the current study was to determine if high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a well-characterized DAMP, contributes to greater T cell activation in hypertensive males versus females and normotensive controls of both sexes. To test this hypothesis, initial studies measured renal and plasma HMGB1 levels in 13-week-old male and female spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats by Western Blot and ELISA. Total renal CD3+ T cells and IL-6+ cells were measured by flow cytometry. The contribution of HMGB1 to T cell activation was measured in isolated renal T cells via mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in the presence of control IgG or anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody. Plasma HMGB1 levels were greater in male SHR compared to female SHR and WKY of both sexes. Renal HMGB1 levels were higher in SHR than in WKY and tended to be greater in males vs. females in both strains. Consistent with this finding, T cell activation and renal IL-6 were highest in male SHR. Interestingly, anti-HMGB1 antibody treatment decreased T cell activation to the same extent in male and female SHR, with negligible effects on WKY. These results indicate a role for HMGB1 in T cell activation in SHR. However, despite male SHR having greater levels of HMGB1 than females, HMGB1 does not account for sex differences in T cell activation.
Decoding Osteosarcoma’s Lactylation Gene Expression: Insights Into Prognosis, Immune Dynamics, and Treatment
Authors: Peng Cheng , You Chaoqun , Cao Shuang , Cheng Linfei , Ren Jiaji , Cao Jiashi , Wang Jing , Liu Tielong
Published: February 2025

Osteosarcoma (OS), characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment, poses challenges in treatment, metastasis, and therapy resistance. This study examined the impact of lactylation, a posttranslational modification, on gene expression and tumor behavior in OS, particularly its influence on prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and chemotherapy response. Utilizing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus series accession number 21257 (GSE21257) and the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments on Osteosarcoma (TARGET‐OS) datasets, the investigation focused on analyzing the expression profiles of 267 lactylation modifier genes, which were selected from a total of 336 lactylation‐related genes compiled from various studies in the literature. The methods included unsupervised clustering using “ConsensusClusterPlus” heatmap generation with “pheatmap” pathway analysis from several databases, and immune cell infiltration assessment using the “single‐sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA)” function. The research revealed 36 significant lactylation‐related genes in OS, categorizing them into two clusters with distinct survival and biological characteristics. One cluster demonstrated poor prognosis due to increased tumor cell proliferation and specific immune cell variations, also showcasing genes that enhance tumor growth and metastasis, thus indicating its aggressive nature and adverse outcomes for patients. These insights are crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms of OS and identifying therapeutic targets. Therefore, the study elucidates the role of lactylation‐related genes in the prognosis, pathogenesis, and treatment response of OS, laying the groundwork for further exploration into potential therapeutic targets and the underlying mechanisms within OS.
Exploring the Feasibility of Solar‐Driven Desalination for Drinking Water in Chabahar, Iran
Authors: Jahangiri Mehdi , Moradi Behrang , Moradi Mohammad , Karami Borujeni Mehdi
Published: February 2025

Drinking water of high quality is one of the most important concerns for human survival. Producing potable water through the reverse osmosis (RO) method and powering it with solar energy is suitable for energy consumption, economics, and quality. The goal of this study is to provide drinking water for the city of Chabahar using the RO method powered by solar energy using HOMER V2.81 software. The question of how many solar cells and converters are needed for the required system and the impact of exchanging solar electricity with the grid, considering the incentivized solar electricity purchase tariff, has not been addressed previously. The systems under review utilize grid backup (on‐grid scenario) and diesel generator backup (off‐grid scenario) and are evaluated in 6 and 12‐h power supply scenarios. The results showed that the G‐12 system (on‐grid with a 12‐h power supply) is the most economical option, with the cost of electricity generation being $0.045/kWh. This optimal economic system includes a grid, a 120‐kW PV, and a 75‐kW converter, and with solar power generation of 206,656 kWh/year, it prevents the emission of approximately 65 tons of CO2 per year. For the off‐grid scenario, the most economical option, with a cost of $0.227/kWh, is also the 12‐h power supply (offG‐12), which includes a 120‐kW PV, a 10‐kW generator, 75 batteries, and a 25‐kW converter. For the offG‐12 system, the annual CO2 emissions are about 9.3 tons.
Effects of Pyridine and Ionic Liquid ([Bmim]Cl) Extraction on the Structure of Mongolian Bituminous Coals
Authors: Sambuu Munkhtsetseg , Ganbold Narkhajid , Ganbold Erdene-Ochir
Published: February 2025

Organic solvents such as pyridine and ionic liquid (IL) ([Bmim]Cl anion) have been used to extract soluble parts from Mongolian sub‐bituminous and bituminous coals for the first time. The extracts and insoluble coal residues were analyzed in detail by FTIR spectroscopy. The paper highlights the types of coal that influence traditional and innovative environmentally friendly solvents‐based extraction. Bituminous type of coal IL‐based extraction provides more promising results, such as many types of hydrogen bonds to be revealed, a shortage of aliphatic chain, a breakage of oxygen‐containing structures, and removal of minerals or oxygen‐containing groups, compared to sub‐bituminous coal. The traditional solvent also has the advantage of being processed easily, a room temperature procedure producing virtually similar results to IL treatment in the low‐frequency region. Quantitatively one can confirm some results such as the aromatization of extracts and the aliphatic chain length shortage.
Validation of a digital pathology-based multimodal artificial intelligence biomarker in a prospective, real-world prostate cancer cohort treated with prostatectomy
Authors: Bjartell Anders , Krzyzanowska Agnieszka , Liu Vinnie Y.T. , Tierney Meghan , Royce Trevor J. , Sjöström Martin , Palominos-Rivera Marisol Macarena , Chen Emmalyn , Kraft Alexandra , Esteva Andre , Feng Felix Y.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: A multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) biomarker was developed using clinical trial data from North American men with localized prostate cancer (PCa) treated with definitive radiation, using biopsy digital pathology images and key clinical information (age, PSA, T-stage) to generate prognostic scores. This study externally validates the biomarker in a prospective, real-world dataset of men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized PCa at a tertiary referral center in Sweden. Experimental Design: Association between the MMAI scores (continuously and categorically) and endpoints of interest were performed with Fine-Gray and cumulative incidence analyses for biochemical recurrence (BCR) and logistic regression for adverse pathology (AP) at RP. Results: The analysis included 143 patients with evaluable biopsy pathology images and complete clinical data to generate MMAI scores. Median follow-up was 8.8 years. At diagnosis, median PSA was 7.5 ng/mL, median age 64 years, 29% had Gleason grade group ≥3, and 88 men were evaluable for AP at RP. MMAI was significantly associated with BCR (subdistribution HR 2.45 [95% CI 1.77-3.38], p<0.001) and AP at RP (OR 4.85 [95% CI 2.54-10.78], p<0.001). Estimated 5-yr BCR rates for MMAI Intermediate-High vs Low were 25% (95% CI 16%-36%) vs 4% (95% CI 1%-11%), respectively. Conclusions: The MMAI biomarker, previously shown to be prognostic for distant metastasis and prostate cancer-specific mortality in men receiving definitive radiation, was prognostic for post-RP endpoints: BCR and AP. This biomarker validation study further supports the use of MMAI biomarkers in men with PCa outside North America and those treated with RP.
Recurrent Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Undiagnosed Follicular T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Sultan Feehaan H. , Jindal Priya K. , Sultan Zeeshaan H. , Bansal Nahush R. , Qiu Shuhao
Published: February 2025

Introduction
Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a rare, life-threatening metabolic complication that typically occurs in malignancies with high tumor burden. Early recognition is critical, even in the absence of a known malignancy, to prevent severe outcomes.
Case Presentation
We report the case of an 89-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, and myasthenia gravis, who experienced three episodes of TLS within one month. Initially, his metabolic disturbances were misattributed to dehydration. During his second admission, imaging revealed extensive lymphadenopathy, and a lymph node biopsy confirmed follicular helper T-cell lymphoma before his third hospitalization. Despite aggressive treatment, he developed metabolic encephalopathy and lost his decision-making capacity, while his family declined palliative care discussions.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of considering TLS in patients with unexplained hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, and hyperphosphatemia, even in the absence of a malignancy diagnosis. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are essential to improve outcomes.
A utilização da abordagem Orff-Schulwerk nas aulas de música direcionadas para o Ensino Fundamental I
Authors: Santos Rafael Felipe dos , Lima Sonia Regina Albano de
Published: February 2025

This  article  describes  the  pedagogical  principles  of  the Orff-Schulwerk approach, devised by the composer Carl Orff, as well as its adaptation to the pedagogical skills conveyed in the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC, 2017), mainly those aimed at music classes held in Brazilian basic education’ early years’. This normative document designs and  defines  the  organic  and progressive  set  of  essential  learning  in the  areas  of knowledge  that  are  part  of  the  basic  education  school curriculum, with music as one of these areas. The theoretical foundation of the article is based on texts by João Cunha, Sara Carvalho and Verena (2015),  Wolfgang Hartmann  (2021),  Cintia  Lopes  (1991),  Carl  Orff (1964) and Melita Bona (2012), which describe part of the history of this approach, its function and pedagogical intention and its applicability in musical teaching in general. The report will enable music educators and music teachers to gain greater awareness of the use of this pedagogy in music  classes  held  in  basic  education  or  in  any  other organization  dedicated to musical teaching and learning.
Confidential Practice and International Law
Authors: Wood Michael
Published: February 2025

This article explores the impact of secret State practice on the development and application of international law, particularly customary international law. It discusses the challenges of identifying customary international law when State conduct is confidential, especially in the fields of intelligence and national security. The author highlights that secrecy often stems from legitimate reasons, such as protecting sensitive information or national security concerns, but it can also hinder transparency and the evolution of international legal norms. Confidential practice cannot contribute to the creation and determination of customary international law unless disclosed to other States, as such knowledge is essential for States to react and form opinio juris. It is important to balance secrecy with transparency, and for States to publish their practice whenever possible to strengthen international law.
Protection through Vulnerability: A Gendered Analysis of Unarmed Civilian Protection
Authors: Ridden Louise
Published: February 2025

Unarmed civilian protection (ucp) is a nonviolent method of civilian-to-civilian protection and civilian self-protection. Without the use of weapons, ucp instrumentalises nonviolent bodies in the protection of themselves and each other, with methods including interpositioning, protective accompaniment, and proactive engagement with armed and unarmed actors. Where traditional security actors may seek to reduce their own bodily precariousness and vulnerability, ucp practitioners instead embrace and instrumentalise their material vulnerability to violence in their own protection and the protection of others. This paper explores the complexity of the role of precariousness and vulnerability in civilian-to-civilian protection and its intersection with gender, age, while making a feminist critique of associations between protection and strength. It does this through two case studies: Women’s Protection Teams in South Sudan – groups of women who come together to address physical and gender-based violence in their communities – and ucp engagement with boys and young men affected by blood feuds. The article seeks to demonstrate the possibility of pursuing protection not through strength but through an embrace of the vulnerability of civilians at risk of physical harm and sexual violence.
Social representations of pacifists in Germany: guardian of the dove of peace or fallen angels that come from hell?
Authors: Wüstner Kerstin
Published: February 2025

Prompted by the war in Ukraine, voices are being raised in Germany calling for a massive strengthening of the German armed forces and strong military support for Ukraine. Pacifist counter-positions are rarely heard. Based on the question of what significance pacifism still has in Germany today, this article turns to the example of the war in Ukraine. Referring to Social Representation Theory, this paper aims to analyse three research questions: (1) Which attributes could be found that contribute to the social representation of pacifists? (2) Which anchors were used? (3) Which consequences might result from the social representation of pacifists? To this end, 50 articles in different media are analysed applying content analysis. The results show that primarily negative attributes are attributed to pacifists. In turn, this type of media representation can contribute to silencing voices for peace.
Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents
Authors: HAUKISALMI VOITTO , ELMAHY RASHA A.
Published: February 2025

The present study concerns the classification and morphologic features of species variously assigned to the genera Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, 1946 and Meggittina Lynsdale, 1953 (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Catenotaeniidae), particularly those characterized by a widely divided testicular field. The latter feature together with the typical structure of the ovary and uterus give grounds for assigning Skrjabinotaenia oranensis (Joyeux & Foley, 1930), Meggittina baeri Lynsdale, 1953, M. cricetomydis (Hockley, 1961) and M. gerbilli (Wertheim, 1954) to the genus Skrjabinotaenia sensu stricto (“s. s.”). Skrjabinotaenia s. s. is characterized by an ovary without anterior lobules and with a prominent unbranched “antero-poral lobe” as well as a uterus with a short anterior trunk and a few long primary branches. Skrjabinotaenia s. s. is divided here into two subgenera (Skrjabinotaenia and Meggittina) based on the size and shape of the strobila and characteristics of the uterus. The present study provides amended diagnoses for Skrjabinotaenia s. s., subgenus Meggittina and redescriptions of their type species. In addition, a new genus (Gerbillitaenia gen. nov.) is erected for G. psammomi (Mihkail & Fahmy, 1968) n. comb. The phylogenetic position of G. psammomi, a species with a widely-divided testicular field, is unknown but it lacks the distinguishing features of Skrjabinotaenia s. s. concerning the structure of the ovary and uterus. Based on phylogenetic and morphologic evidence, Skrjabinotaenia sensu lato includes at least three additional lineages, which should be further examined as putative new genera.
Safety and efficacy of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy in post-traumatic stress disorder: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Sze Jing Yong Alene , Bratuskins Suzie , Sultani Musa Samir , Blakeley Brooke , Davey Christopher G , Bell J Simon
Published: February 2025

Objective:

To critically evaluate published and unpublished systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the safety and efficacy of methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Methods:

Six bibliometric databases and grey literature were searched from inception to 9 May 2024 for systematic reviews on the safety and efficacy of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy compared to psychotherapy alone among adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. Quality assessment using the AMSTAR-2 tool was conducted independently by two investigators.

Results:

Fourteen systematic reviews comprising 20 primary studies involving up to 353 participants were included. All reviews included studies of one-to-three sessions of 50–125 mg MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (some with supplemental dosage) compared to either 25–40 mg of MDMA or inactive placebo with psychotherapy. Four were deemed high quality. Meta-analyses reported substantial benefits of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in improving post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (standardised mean difference, 0.8–1.3), response rate (relative risk, 1.3–3.5) and remission rate (relative risk, 2.3–2.9) compared to psychotherapy alone. However, for reviews that assessed the certainty of evidence, the evidence was rated as low to very low certainty due to high risk of bias, indirectness and imprecision. There was moderate-quality evidence that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy was associated with an increased odd of transient adverse events. However, reviews noted reliance on spontaneous rather than systematic adverse event reporting, discrepancies between adverse events reported in published studies and clinical trial registries, and a lack of long-term safety data.

Conclusion:

Four high-quality systematic reviews suggest low to very low certainty evidence for efficacy outcomes and moderate to very low quality evidence for safety outcomes.
Development of a portable pendulum rolling resistance device for characterizing the properties of elastomeric nanocomposites
Authors: Kourki Hajir , Bagherzadeh Mohammad Ali , Karamooz-Ravari Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2025

Developing fuel-efficient tires and reducing environmental impact contribute to a more sustainable economy for governments. Rolling resistance is a key parameter in evaluating vehicle fuel consumption. Currently, it is measured directly from fully manufactured tires in laboratory settings. However, modifying tire formulation factors to optimize rolling resistance can be costly. To address this, the pendulum rolling resistance device has been developed to estimate the rolling resistance of tire components. The modified device provides more accurate results, a higher sampling frequency, and lower manufacturing costs. Additionally, a relationship has been established between the rolling resistance coefficient and the rheological and physical properties of the components, as well as sample size and roller parameters. The model predicts an increase in the rolling resistance coefficient with greater sample thickness, a higher friction coefficient between the sample and roller, reduced sample width, and a lower storage modulus. To validate this model, a sample composed of an SSBR/butadiene rubber blend matrix, reinforced with N339 carbon black and nanosilica fillers, was tested at varying thicknesses. The results confirm that increased sample thickness leads to higher rolling resistance, aligning with the model’s predictions.
Forensic and psychopathological framing of complex suicides: A retrospective study over the last 30 years
Authors: Tambuzzi Stefano , Gentile Guendalina , Boracchi Michele , Crippa Franca , Calati Raffaella , Zoja Riccardo
Published: February 2025

Complex Suicide (CS) is defined as an unusual form of suicide in which several harmful methods are used, simultaneously or in succession, whose purpose is to avoid the possible ineffectiveness of one of the methods used to produce a certain fatal outcome. The study of CS is of great interest and plays a fundamental role in characterizing the knowledge of these rare events. We have retrospectively evaluated all CS cases examined at the Institute of Forensic Medicine of Milan from 1993 to 2022 (n = 75) with the aim of characterizing the deceased who have resorted to it. We also compared the sample of 75 CS cases with a sample of paired 115 “simple” suicides (with a single method). Our analysis revealed that the CS cases were carried out by a “typical” subject identified as an adult male, between 41 and 50 years old, suffering from psychiatric disorders and, in particular, major depressive disorder. The most frequent harmful mode was plastic bag suffocation associated with self-poisoning. CS cases used less violent methods than simple suicide controls. The pathological-forensic approach has brought to light elements that can be useful both for forensic professionals (pathologists and psychiatrists) in correctly classifying these unusual and challenging events and for clinicians working on the front line. Some profiles have been outlined that can be used to identify potentially vulnerable individuals who could benefit from increased health surveillance to treat and prevent suicide.
Effects of NO in oxidant and initial temperature on working characteristics of MON-X/MMH liquid space thruster
Authors: Zhou Yu-Hao , Jiang Rong-Pei , Li Guo-Xiu , Li Hong-Meng , Fang Tao , Tong Kun
Published: February 2025

With the progress of deep space exploration activities, low freezing point propellants are required to ensure the normal operation of aerospace engines in deep space environments. Blending NO and nitrogen tetroxide is a commonly used method to decrease freezing point of propellant, which is called MON-X. Researches on MON-X/methyl hydrazine thruster with impinging injection and influences of initial temperature are rare, and there hasn’t been a comparison between nitrogen tetroxide/methyl hydrazine thrusters and MON-X/methyl hydrazine thrusters. In order to study the operation characteristics of nitrogen tetroxide/methyl hydrazine and MON-25/methyl hydrazine bipropellant thrusters with impinging injection and investigate the influence of initial temperature on performances, simulation model was developed for a 25 N thruster, starting and stable working process of thrusters was numerically simulated with different oxidant types and initial temperatures. The results show that NO in the oxidant leads to differences in operating characteristics of nitrogen tetroxide thruster and MON-25 thruster. During starting and stable operating processes, dominant reactions of methyl hydrazine dehydrogenation are self-decomposition of methyl hydrazine and extraction of H from methyl hydrazine by NO2, respectively. The main reactions that affect the temperature rise of combustion chamber are the oxidation of CH3 to H2O by OH, as well as small molecule oxidation-reduction reactions such as CO generated by HCN and OH. In a stable operating state, the smaller mass fraction of N2O4 in MON-25 leads to a lower temperature in the middle of the cylindrical section of MON-25 thruster than that in nitrogen tetroxide thruster. The combustion chamber pressure of MON-25 thruster does not change significantly in the initial temperature range from 293 K to 263 K. When the initial temperature of MON-25 thruster is 243 K and lower, severe lost on working performance of thruster occurred due to the impact of temperature on propellant gasification.
Green plots, hawthorn brakes, and an ass’s nole: Imaginative translation in A Midsummer Night's Dream
Authors: McPartland Perry
Published: February 2025

This article contests the notion that in early modern performance, metatheatre operated to limit the claims made by stage illusion by examining a scene that foregrounds the notion of metatheatrical representation, the artisans’ forest rehearsal in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. I demonstrate that the metatheatrical effects of the scene are only fully triggered when the audience commit to an imaginative translation of the actual stage conditions into the illusions of the play's fictions, and I argue that the theatrical management given to Bottom's magical metamorphosis operates self-reflectively to remark this arrangement.
Travel Bloggers as ‘Digital Nomads’–How Can Understanding This Lifestyle Migration Help us to Think About the Future of Work, Migration and Technology?
Authors: Willment Nina
Published: February 2025

This paper draws on qualitative, empirical research conducted with nineteen British travel bloggers as distinctive examples of digital nomads, involved in unique forms of lifestyle migration. The paper analyses travel bloggers’ working lives, paying attention to how travel bloggers own migration geographies inextricably entwine with their digital labour. The paper makes three key contributions to the literature on digital nomadism and lifestyle migration. Firstly, the paper highlights how travel bloggers personal migration geographies are a key resource in travel bloggers commodified performances of digital nomadism to their online audiences. Secondly, that travel bloggers encounter ‘frictions’ associated with this intersection of migration geographies and digital work, namely issues of overwork, mental health struggles and instability of digital platforms. Thirdly, that although travel bloggers may understand themselves as lifestyle migrants, there is limited reflection on how, their own, privileged migration geographies may impact upon other migrants or communities. Within the conclusion, these reflections are used to ponder what travel blogging as a form of lifestyle migration may allow us to consider about the future of work, digital technologies and migration.
Surgical outcomes of cardiac surgery in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review
Authors: Agarwal Rajat , Mudgal Shiv , Rout Smarakranjan , Arnav Amiy
Published: February 2025

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus are autoimmune inflammatory conditions involving multiple organs and sharing various clinical aspects. Owing to the scarcity of data about the surgical outcomes of these autoimmune disorders, we conducted a systematic review to assess the outcomes for patients with these diagnoses undergoing heart surgery and contextualize the findings regarding high-risk cardiac surgeries.

Methods

A thorough search of PubMed, Embase and Scopus used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards to find articles that involved patients who underwent heart surgery and had antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. Inclusion criteria concentrated on a definitive diagnosis, while case reports and studies lacking data on surgical outcomes were excluded. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodologies, quality evaluation categorized studies according to their risk of bias.

Results

Fourteen studies with 277 patients and a prevalence of middle-aged females met the inclusion criteria out of 6381 papers. The major preoperative comorbidity in the cohort was a history of thromboembolic events (43%). Thromboembolic complications (6%) and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (2%), even with appropriate anticoagulation, were notable early post-operative outcomes. Six percent of people died within 30 days. Data from follow-up studies showed a 14% death rate and a 23% frequency of thromboembolic events.

Conclusions

With the striking exception of a high frequency of thromboembolic complications and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, surgical results in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus are analogous to those in high-risk cardiac procedures. Improving surgical care for this susceptible population requires an understanding of these hazards.
An economic evaluation of pre-discharge home assessment visits following hip fracture: Analysis from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lockwood Kylee J. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Harding Katherine E. , Brusco Natasha K.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate cost-effectiveness of pre-discharge home assessment visits for patients recovering after hip fracture.

Design

Cost-effectiveness analysis completed alongside a randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Hospital wards and the community.

Participants

Adults 50 years and over with hip fractures planning to return home.

Intervention

Participants were randomised to either usual-care hospital-based discharge planning or usual-care hospital-based discharge planning with a pre-discharge home assessment visit by an occupational therapist.

Main measures

Functional Independence Measure, EQ-5D-3L, and number of falls. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated for changes at 30 days and 6 months.

Results

Seventy-seven patients participated. Compared to usual care, the home assessment group likely had fewer falls at 30 days (incidence rate ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15 to 1.11) and increased functional independence at 6 months (11.2 units, 95% CI 4.2 to 18.2) but no difference in quality of life (0.0 units, 95% CI −0.1 to 0.1). The mean cost to provide a home assessment visit was A$135.70. A mean cost saving of A$6182 (95% CI −$6414 to $18,777) favoured the home assessment group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio found a saving of A$71,337 (95% CI −$998,930 to $411,409) in achieving clinically important changes in functional independence for the home assessment group at 6 months and a saving of A$34,832 (95% CI −$331,344 to $213,900) per fall avoided in favour of the home assessment group at 30 days.

Conclusion

From a health service perspective, pre-discharge home assessments for patients after hip fracture are likely to be cost-effective in restoring functional independence and reducing falls.
Correcting SUVR bias by accounting for radiotracer clearance in tissue: A validation study with [18F]FE-PE2I PET in cross-sectional, test-retest and longitudinal cohorts
Authors: Oh Minyoung , Honhar Praveen , Carson Richard E , Hillmer Ansel T , Varrone Andrea
Published: February 2025

Quantification of dopamine transporter (DAT) with [18F]FE-PE2I PET is an important progression marker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to validate a novel correction ( SUVRc) for a less-biased estimate of SUVR by accounting for [18F]FE-PE2I clearance-rate, in independent cross-sectional (38 PD, 38 controls), test-retest (9 PD) and longitudinal cohorts (21 PD). SUVRc was calculated as [Formula: see text]. βtar and βref are the clearance rates from the target and reference tissues. Bias relative to DVR, discriminative power, test-retest variability (TRV) and annual longitudinal change (ALC) were used to compare SUVR50–80 min, SUVRc50–80 min, SUVR15–45 min and DVR. SUVR50–80 min showed high bias across all regions (HC: mean: 48.31 ± 20.49% [range: 28.32–53.80%]; PD: 29.91 ± 13.95% [20.45–39.80%]) that was corrected by SUVRc50–80 min (HC: −0.80 ± 12.72% [−9.69–11.64%]; PD: −0.13 ± 7.41% [−5.04–2.97%]), p < 0.001 for both groups compared to mean bias of SUVR50–80 min, similar to SUVR15–45 min. For the striatum, Cohen’s d was similar for all measures. TRV were 3.2 ± 2.5% ( DVR), 6.4 ± 5.7% ( SUVR50–80 min), 6.8 ± 5.9% ( SUVRc50–80 min) and 3.9 ± 3.2% ( SUVR15–45 min). Higher TRV of SUVRc50–80 min was due to TRV of 9.2 ± 5.1% [1.1–19.4] for βtar. ALC was 4.5 ± 4.2% ( DVR), 5.2 ± 6.5% ( SUVR50–80 min), 4.4 ± 4.1% ( SUVRc50–80 min) and 4.2 ± 4.1% ( SUVR15–45 min). SUVRc50–80 min reduced bias compared to SUVR50–80 min, as previously reported. SUVRc50–80 min was sensitive to small changes of βtar, with higher TRV compared to DVR, but with similar ALC, suggesting that it can reliably assess longitudinal DAT changes.
Bias Correction in Multiple Systems Estimation
Authors: Zult Daan B. , van der Heijden Peter G. M. , Bakker Bart F. M.
Published: February 2025

If part of a population is hidden but two or more samples are available that each cover parts of this population, multiple systems estimation can be applied to estimate the size of this population. A problem is that these estimates suffer from finite-sample bias that can be substantial in case of a small sample or a small population size. This problem was recognized by Chapman, who derived his essentially unbiased Chapman-estimator for two samples. Because more than two samples may be required to correct for sample dependence, we propose a Generalized Chapman-estimator that can be applied with any number of samples. In a Monte Carlo experiment, this new estimator shows hardly any bias and has smaller standard errors than competing bias-reduced estimators. It is also compared to the usual maximum likelihood estimates for the case of estimating the number of homeless people in the Netherlands, where it shows notably different outcomes.
Tree rings, forest composition, and LiDAR reveal historical forests and past agricultural land use at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Authors: Druckenbrod Daniel , Norton Dean
Published: February 2025

Tree-ring records of tree growth and age, current forest composition, and LiDAR bare earth elevation models each enable reconstructions of forest and land-use histories. Combining these complementary methods, we investigate the mansion house farm, the remaining portion of George Washington’s Mount Vernon agricultural plantation (Virginia, USA) for environmental legacies that persist from the eighteenth century. Across Mount Vernon, enslaved labor grew tobacco, wheat, and other produce; however, Washington also described the farm as an English landscape design with forests and scattered trees. These methods reveal a remnant landscape of forests and agricultural fields in the mansion house farm that supports historical documents and maps extending back to Washington’s lifetime. Trees dating to the eighteenth century remain on this landscape and are found near steeper slopes. Ordination of present-day forests show a distinct forest composition in locations Washington depicted as forests on a 1793 map. These forests are also associated with older ages from tree-ring samples. A comparison of tree-ring sampling at two spatial scales (1-ha vs 400 m2) shows that selecting trees across a larger scale is more likely to include old trees when considering external, morphological characteristics of tree age. LiDAR terrain elevations show evidence of cross-plowing, an agricultural method frequently used by Washington with ridges and furrows at approximately right angles, in areas that are now forested. The preserved record of past land-use apparent in tree-ring ages, forest landscape composition, and LiDAR bare earth elevations consistently highlights the long duration and pervasive extent of land-use legacies from historical plantation agriculture.