bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attachment sites of Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus/Ixodes canisuga and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks and risk factors of infestation intensity and engorgement duration in dogs and cats
Authors: Probst Julia , Springer Andrea , Strube Christina
Published: February 2025

Background

Over the last decades, climatic and environmental changes have led to an expanding seasonal activity pattern and increasing distribution of ticks across Europe. In particular, Dermacentor reticulatus is now commonly found on dogs in central Europe. The present study compared attachment sites between Ixodes spp. and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks collected by veterinarians from dogs and cats, and investigated risk factors associated with tick infestation intensity and engorgement duration.

Results

The dataset comprised 6,335 dogs harbouring 10,287 ticks (8,095 Ixodes ricinus, 1,860 D. reticulatus, 218 Ixodes hexagonus/Ixodes canisuga, 114 of other tick species) respectively 4,248 cats harbouring 8,005 ticks (7,344 I. ricinus, 56 D. reticulatus, 505 I. hexagonus/I. canisuga, 100 of other tick species). Differing sites of tick attachment were not only found between the different host and tick species, but also between the tick developmental stages. Regarding the risk of infestation with multiple ticks, dogs and cats living in rural areas harboured significantly more often multiple than single specimens. Further, a long coat in cats was associated with a higher probability of multiple infestation, while this was not observed in dogs. However, there was a tendency towards a potential influence of the density of the undercoat (p = 0.051). In dogs, a tall to very tall body size as well as folded ears increased the risk of multiple infestation, while in cats, increasing age and increasing body size were negatively associated with multiple infestations. Ticks with an engorgement duration of > 48 h were found significantly more often on senior dogs and cats than on younger individuals, as well as on working/utility dog breeds, while engorgement duration was negatively correlated with infestation intensity in dogs. In cats, female gender and a rural residence were significantly associated with longer attachment duration.

Conclusions

Individual as well as breed specific characteristics can lead to a higher tick infestation intensity or longer engorgement duration. The knowledge of tick attachment sites and specific risk factors can help to raise awareness among owners concerning the importance of tick control with licensed acaricides, as recommended e.g. by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), and may aid in early tick removal to decrease the risk of pathogen transmission to dogs and cats whose owners nonetheless refuse acaricidal drugs.
Identifying malaria risks amongst forest going populations in Mondulkiri province and Kampong Speu province, Cambodia: a large cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chen Ingrid , Doum Dyna , McIver David J. , Keo Vanney , Vong Pisey , Pech Sophak , Meth Vanny , Bun Sour , Pen Kimheng , Chea Sopagna , Ly Kanha , Hok Kry , Sovannaroth Siv , Ting Jafit , Lovin Diane D. , Cunningham Joanne M. , Vajda Élodie A. , Tatarsky Allison , Lobo Neil F.
Published: February 2025

Background

Cambodia strives to eliminate all species of human malaria by 2025, requiring that foci among forest-exposed populations in remote settings be addressed. This study explores malaria risks amongst forest-exposed groups in Mondulkiri and Kampong Speu Provinces, Cambodia as part of a multi-stage study on novel mosquito bite prevention tools (Project BITE).

Methods

A serial cross-sectional survey explored the demographics, housing structure openness, mosquito bite prevention habits, and protection from malaria amongst three target groups: forest goers who work in the forest, forest dwellers who live in the forest, and forest rangers who patrol forested regions. Malaria prevalence data was collected at three time points using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for febrile individuals and qPCR for all participants. Infection locations and travel patterns of Plasmodium falciparum-infected individuals were analysed for clustering and the potential movement of infections.

Results

2935 participants were enrolled between October 2022 and February 2023, consisting of 1093 (37%) forest goers and 1787 (61%) forest dwellers across both provinces, and 55 (5%) forest rangers in Mondulkiri province. Most worked outdoors as farmers, day labourers, and forest collectors, and reported going to the forest five to seven days a week. For housing, 29% and 39% of participants reported living in partially open primary and secondary structures, respectively. The main methods of mosquito bite protection used were insecticide-treated nets, wearing long sleeves, and burning mosquito coils, with limited protection during the daytime and outside at night. All febrile individuals had negative RDT test results. For qPCR, 24 P. falciparum infections (< 1%) were detected among forest goers and dwellers, clustered in Pu Trom and Pu Nhav villages in Mondulkiri Province, and Banteay Roka and Banteay Roka Kirisenchey (M) villages in Kampong Speu Province. Plasmodium vivax cases were detected (216 cases, 5%) across all enrolled villages. Only two infections were found in forest rangers.

Conclusion

Malaria elimination strategies for forest-exposed populations in Cambodia should focus on vector intervention strategies that offer protection during the day and outside at night, and drug-based strategies to clear subpatent infections, targeting forest goers and dwellers in villages where cases are detected.
Planetary health diet index and mortality among US cancer survivors: mediating roles of systemic immune-inflammation index and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Chen Haolin , Yang Qinglong , Zheng Huihui , Tan Jianhui , Xie Jiayi , Xu Miaojie , Ouyang Xue , Li Zhiyang , Chen Yexi
Published: February 2025

Background

Cancer-related deaths and environmental issues pose significant global challenges. The Planetary Health Diet (PHD) is a healthy dietary pattern that simultaneously promotes human health and ecology. This study aims to investigate the association between the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and mortality among cancer survivors, as well as the mediating role of inflammation between PHDI and all-cause mortality.

Methods

This study analyzed data from 3,442 cancer survivors enrolled in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2018. To investigate the association between PHDI and mortality, we applied weighted multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, restricted cubic spline analysis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis. The mediating effects of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) were assessed using the bootstrap method with 1000 simulations.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, each 10-point PHDI increase correlated with a 9% decrease in all-cause mortality (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86–0.95), a 10% decrease in cancer mortality (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83–0.99), and a 10% decrease in non-cancer mortality (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.96). The PHDI was significantly inversely correlated with SII and NLR, which were positively related to all-cause mortality. The mediation proportions of SII and NLR between the PHDI and all-cause mortality were 6.52% and 8.52%, respectively.

Conclusions

Adherence to the PHD is associated with reduced all-cause, cancer, and non-cancer mortality among cancer survivors. Additionally, SII and NLR may mediate the relationship between PHDI and all-cause mortality.
p53-regulated SESN1 and SESN2 regulate cell proliferation and cell death through control of STAT3
Authors: Haidurov Alexander , Zheltukhin Andrei O. , Snezhkina Anastasiya V. , Krasnov George S. , Kudryavtseva Anna V. , Budanov Andrei V.
Published: February 2025

Sestrin1 and Sestrin2 (SESN1&2) are evolutionarily conserved, stress-responsive proteins that regulate cell growth and viability. The primary target of Sestrins is the mTORC1 protein kinase, an activator of anabolic processes and an autophagy inhibitor. Our previous studies showed that inactivating SESN1&2 in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells accelerates cell proliferation and confers resistance to cell death without affecting mTORC1 activity, suggesting that SESN1&2 modulate cellular processes via mTORC1-independent mechanisms. This work describes a new mechanism through which SESN1&2 regulate cell proliferation and death by suppressing the STAT3 transcription factor. Normally activated in response to stress and inflammation, STAT3 is frequently overactivated in human cancers. This overactivation promotes the expression of pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic genes that drive carcinogenesis. We demonstrate that SESN1&2 inactivation stimulates STAT3 by downregulating the PTPRD phosphatase, a protein responsible for STAT3 dephosphorylation. Our study demonstrates that SESN1&2 deficiency may cause STAT3 activation and facilitate carcinogenesis and drug resistance, making SESN1&2 reactivation a potential cancer treatment strategy.
Patient-centered assessment of treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: literature review to identify concepts and measures for people with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Seçinti Ekin , Schantz Karolina , Delbecque Laure , Krege John , Mangrum Rikki , Curtis Sarah E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder that can result in a range of illnesses, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being one of the most common. Although some people obtain genetic testing that identifies AATD, many people are unaware that they have AATD until they develop COPD, often at a younger age than is typical. Treatment for AATD consists primarily of augmentation with AAT, requiring weekly infusions of blood products for most patients. This treatment can slow disease progression and improve symptoms, but is burdensome; thus, people with AATD could benefit from additional or alternate treatments. However, to guide the development of new treatments, researchers need to identify which outcomes matter to people with AATD.

Methods

We conducted a scoping literature review to better understand patient experiences with AATD and its treatment and identify patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess symptoms and impacts in studies of people with AATD.

Results

The review identified 44 concepts related to symptoms and disease burden, grouped into six domains (symptoms, physical function, cognitive function, emotional function, psychosocial function, and treatment burden) and 24 PROMs that have been used in research on AATD. None of the identified measures were developed specifically for people with AATD. Research on patient-focused outcomes was limited, suggesting a significant gap in knowledge.

Conclusions

People with AATD experience a variety of disease-related burdens, but this study showed there is a lack of published, in-depth studies to support selection and evaluation of patient-centered outcomes among populations of people with AATD. A limited number of PROMs have been used in research on AATD or in clinical trials of treatment, including COPD-specific measures that assess symptoms and quality of life and measures of mood, sleep, and general physical and psychosocial functioning. The current study documented the available evidence and compiled a list of potential concepts of interest, but further qualitative and quantitative studies will be needed to understand the outcomes that matter to people with AATD and to evaluate the alignment between these outcomes and available measures.
Climate change hopefulness, anxiety, and behavioral intentions among adolescents: randomized controlled trial of a brief “selfie” video intervention
Authors: Benoit Laelia , R. Lowe Sarah , Thomas Isaiah , Amsalem Doron , Martin Andrés
Published: February 2025

Aim

We tested the utility of showing “selfie” videos to increase adolescents’ climate change hope, agency, and behavioral intentions, and to decrease their climate anxiety.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial among healthy volunteers, ages 14 to 18, enrolled through a crowdsourcing platform. We randomly assigned participants (N = 1039) to view one of three 110-s-long video interventions featuring the same adolescent protagonist: positive (depicting an action-oriented stance); negative (defeatist stance); and control (neutral stance and unrelated content). The primary outcome was climate change hope; secondary outcomes were climate change anxiety, behavioral intention scales, and 100-point sliders about hopefulness and agency.

Results

Viewing positive “selfie” videos proved effective among adolescents in increasing hopefulness and a sense of agency regarding climate change (< 0.001), but not in decreasing climate anxiety or increasing intentions to engage in pro-environmental behaviors.

Conclusion

Brief video-based interventions featuring adolescent protagonists showed potential to increase hope and agency regarding climate change. While this single exposure did not directly affect anxiety levels or behavioral intentions, future research should examine whether repeated exposure and different "doses" of such interventions might influence these outcomes. The ubiquity and reach of social media hold promise to scale these inexpensive and specifically tailored interventions.
Swallowing disorders in cerebral palsy: a systematic review of oropharyngeal Dysphagia, nutritional impact, and health risks
Authors: Calderone Andrea , Militi David , Cardile Davide , Corallo Francesco , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Militi Angela
Published: February 2025

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent disorder affecting movement and posture due to nonprogressive brain issues, often leading to various sensory, cognitive, and musculoskeletal challenges. Among these complications, oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) is prevalent, impacting up to 85% of children with CP and resulting in significant nutritional deficits. This systematic review aims to explore the prevalence and types of OPD in CP patients, its effects on nutritional status, and its associated health complications, emphasizing the need for thorough assessment and intervention to mitigate risks. The review adheres to PRISMA guidelines, searching five major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) without time range restrictions to capture studies addressing swallowing disorders and their impact on nutritional status in CP. This review has been registered on Open OSF (n) 3KUQX. Individuals with CP often experience swallowing impairments, including delayed pharyngeal transit and aspiration. Research indicates that 81.5% of kids with CP suffer from dysphagia, commonly associated with reduced motor skills and general health. Moreover, as a result of these swallowing difficulties, nutritional complications may occur, with elevated levels of gastroesophageal symptoms causing malnutrition and growth delays, which require thorough evaluations and personalized interventions for successful treatment. Tools like the Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study were identified as primary methods for evaluation, but assessment remains limited by methodological inconsistencies. This systematic review underscores the significant health impacts of OPD in children with CP, which affects nutrition and overall well-being. Future research should address the need for standardized evaluation methods and effective interventions to balance nutritional needs with practical mealtime strategies.
Synthesis and biological activities of 3-aminoimidazo[1,2-α]pyridine compounds
Authors: Al-Qadi Isra , Hanania Michel , Warad Ismail , Al-Hajj Nisreen , Hazzam Rand , Salama Yousef , Raheem Saki , Al-Maharik Nawaf
Published: February 2025

Despite their importance in cancer treatment, anticancer compounds face significant challenges due to drug resistance and low specificity, creating an urgent need for the discovery of more effective alternative. Herein, we report the synthesis of eleven 3-aminoimidazole[1,2-α]pyridine compounds (9–19) employing the one-pot Groebke-Blackburn-Bienayme three-component reaction (GBB-3CR). The cytotoxicity of the synthesised compounds was evaluated against three cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HT-29, B16F10) and a normal cell (MEF). Considering effectiveness and safety, the results demonstrated that among the eleven synthesised compounds, only compounds 12 and 14 exhibited high inhibitory activity against cancer cell lines. Compound 12 with a nitro group at the C-2 position and a p-chlorophenyl group at C-3 position, showed the highest inhibitory activity against HT-29, with an IC50 of 4.15 ± 2.93 µM. Additionally, compound 14, with a tolyl moiety at the C-2 position and a p-chlorophenyl amine at C-3 position, can also be considered a promising bioactive product against B16F10, with an IC50 of 21.75 ± 0.81 µM. Further research on these compounds may yield more potent candidates for the development of new anticancer agents.

Graphic abstract
Discovery of a novel translation-machinery-associated protein that positively correlates with cellulase production
Authors: Ma Kexuan , Zhang Panpan , Zhao Jian , Qin Yuqi
Published: February 2025

Background

The production of cellulases by filamentous fungi is a crucial aspect of sustainable bioproduction from renewable lignocellulosic biomass. Following the transcription of cellulase genes in the nucleus, a complex pathway involving translation, folding, and secretion is required to produce extracellular cellulases. Most studies about cellulase production have focused on examining transcriptional regulatory mechanisms and enhancement of enzyme gene levels; comparatively, little is known about protein translation and secretion for cellulase production.

Results

A translation-machinery-associated (TMA) protein PoTma15 was identified in cellulosic Penicillium oxalicum. The PoTma15 is conserved in various filamentous fungi, but not in yeast, plants, or animals. All homologous proteins of PoTma15 have previously been uncharacterized. PoTma15 was initially thought to be one of the putative interactors of transcription factor PoXlnR, as it was preyed by tandem affinity purification (TAP) coupled with the mass spectrometry (TAP–MS) technique using PoXlnR as the bait. Subsequent research revealed that PoTma15 is associated with the translation machinery. The top three proteins associated with PoTma15 are orthologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae translation-machinery-associated protein (Tma19), translation elongation factor eIF5A, and ribosomal protein S28, respectively. PoTma15 is widely distributed in fungal hyphae and positively correlates with the production of cellulases and extracellular proteins. Deleting the Potma15 gene (Δtma15) decreased cellulase production, while overexpressing the Potma15 gene (OEtma15) increased cellulase production. However, the Δtma15 mutant was not observed to have downregulated transcript levels of major (hemi)cellulase and amylase genes, compared to the P. oxalicum wild type (WT). The production of extracellular cellulases and extracellular proteins of the Δtma15 mutant was less affected by cycloheximide, an inhibitor of eukaryotic translation elongation, compared to the WT strain and OEtma15 mutant, suggesting a stronger resistance to the translation-inhibiting effects of cycloheximide in the Δtma15 mutant. The results demonstrate that PoTma15 is a translation-machinery-associated protein that affects translation elongation and, consequently, the production of enzyme proteins.

Conclusions

PoTma15 is the first TMA protein characterized in cellulosic filamentous fungi and the first TMA protein used in fungi to increase cellulase production. PoTma15’s role in the production of cellulases and total extracellular proteins suggests that not only can it be used to widen the cellulase production pathway, but can even be engineered as a target to improve the production of other heterologous protein or bioproducts using filamentous fungi as cell factories in the future.
Altered interactive dynamics of gaze behavior during face-to-face interaction in autistic individuals: a dual eye-tracking study
Authors: Tönsing Daniel , Schiller Bastian , Vehlen Antonia , Nickel Kathrin , van Elst Ludger Tebartz , Domes Gregor , Heinrichs Markus
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous eye-tracking research on autistic individuals has mostly examined the gaze behavior of one individual in response to social stimuli presented on a computer screen, suggesting that there is atypical gaze behavior. However, it is unknown how these findings translate to the interactive dynamics of gaze behavior during “face-to-face” encounters between two individuals. Only by analyzing the gaze behaviour of both interaction partners is it possible to determine the frequency of actual eye-contact and who initiates or breaks such periods of mutual eye gaze. The knowledge gained from this analysis could contribute to theorizing about the psychological mechanisms (e.g., gaze avoidance vs. gaze indifference) underlying autism.

Methods

The present study applied a novel dual eye-tracking setup that allows the assessment and analysis of the interactive dynamics of gaze behavior regarding (i) mutual eye gaze (i.e., eye contact), (ii) initiations, and (iii) break-ups of eye contact. Participants (37 autistic individuals, 37 age- and IQ-matched neurotypical individuals) performed a semi-standardized social interaction (i.e., Fast Friends Procedure) with a confederate (trained to interact in a standardized manner).

Results

Eye contact was reduced in interactions involving autistic individuals. Additional analyses revealed that this reduction was primarily due to the more frequent breaking of eye contact by these individuals. We also found considerable heterogeneity among autistic individuals, with atypical gaze behavior present in only about half of the sample.

Limitations

Further research is required to determine whether the interactive dynamics of gaze behavior observed in this dual eye-tracking setup can be generalized to real-world situations. Future studies could also include arousal-related physiological measures.

Conclusions

By tracking the gaze behavior of two interacting individuals, this study reveals specific atypicalities in the interactive dynamics of gaze behavior in a subset of autistic individuals, potentially informing diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. More broadly, our study highlights the added value of dual eye-tracking in elucidating the interactive nature of social encounters in both neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals.

Trial registration

The study was registered as a clinical trial before starting data collection (https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00018957; Registration Date: 12/17/2019).
Modelling epidemiological and economics processes – the case of cervical cancer
Authors: Taeger Franziska , Mende Lena , Fleßa Steffen
Published: February 2025

Different types of mathematical models can be used to forecast the development of diseases as well as associated costs and analyse the cost-effectiveness of interventions. The set of models available to assess these parameters, reach from simple independent equations to highly complex agent-based simulations. For many diseases, it is simple to distinguish between infectious diseases and chronic-degenerative diseases. For infectious diseases, dynamic models are most appropriate because they allow for feedback from the number of infected to the number of new infections, while for the latter Markov models are more appropriate since this feedback is not required. However, for some diseases, the aforementioned distinction is not as clear. Cervical cancer, for instance, is caused by a sexually transmitted virus, and therefore falls under the definition of an infectious disease. However, once infected, the condition can progress to a chronic disease. Consequently, cervical cancer could be considered an infectious or a chronic-degenerative disease, depending on the stage of infection. In this paper, we will analyse the applicability of different mathematical models for epidemiological and economic processes focusing on cervical cancer. For this purpose, we will present the basic structure of different models. We will then conduct a literature analysis of the mathematical models used to predict the spread of cervical cancer. Based on these findings we will draw conclusions about which models can be used for which purpose and which disease. We conclude that each type of model has its advantages and disadvantages, but the choice of model type often seems arbitrary. In the case of cervical cancer, homogenous Markov models seem appropriate if a cohort of newly infected is followed for a shorter period, for instance, to assess the impact of screening programs. For long-term consequences, such as the impact of a vaccination program, a feedback loop from former infections to the future likelihood of infections is required. This can be done using system dynamics or inhomogeneous Markov models. Discrete event or agent-based simulations can be used in the case of cervical cancer when small cohorts or specific characteristics of individuals are required. However, these models require more effort than Markov or System Dynamics models.
Staphylococcal SplA and SplB serine proteases target ubiquitin(-like) specific proteases
Authors: Glinka Felix L. , Schmöker Ole , Singh Abhishek K. , Steil Leif , Hentschker Christian , Völker Uwe , Böttcher Dominique , Lammers Michael , Cammann Clemens , Seifert Ulrike , Krüger Elke , Naumann Michael , Bröker Barbara M. , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: February 2025

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that has colonized nearly 30% of the human population and can cause life-threatening infections. S. aureus exports a variety of virulence factors, such as a novel set of extracellular serine protease-like proteins (Spls). Spls are expressed by most clinical isolates of S. aureus, but their pathophysiological substrates and role during the infection are largely unknown. Here we characterized the substrate and cleavage specificity of recombinantly expressed SplA and SplB proteins. We identified a group of ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like modifying enzymes including deubiquitinating enzymes from human as well as from bacterial sources to be so far unknown SplA and SplB substrates. Distinct cleavage sites within these substrates for SplA (YLY↓T, FMY↓N) and SplB (VCD↓S) were identified by mass spectrometry and confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis of the target proteins. Since many cellular immune signaling pathways are tightly regulated by ubiquitination, the specific cleavage of ubiquitin modifying enzymes strongly suggests a specific role of Spls in manipulating immune signaling and in competing with other bacteria.
The m6A revolution: transforming tumor immunity and enhancing immunotherapy outcomes
Authors: Shi Tongguo , Zhang Huan , Chen Yueqiu
Published: February 2025

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotes, plays a critical role in the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer, through its regulation of RNA degradation, stabilization, splicing, and cap-independent translation. Emerging evidence underscores the significant role of m6A modifications in both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic immune responses. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of m6A modifications and examine the relationship between m6A regulators and cancer immune responses. Additionally, we summarize recent advances in understanding how m6A modifications influence tumor immune responses by directly modulating immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and T cells) and indirectly affecting cancer cells via mechanisms such as cytokine and chemokine regulation, modulation of cell surface molecules, and metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, we explore the potential synergistic effects of targeting m6A regulators in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies. Together, this review consolidates current knowledge on the role of m6A-mediated regulation in tumor immunity, offering insights into how a deeper understanding of these modifications may identify patients who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapies.
Simrec: a similarity measure recommendation system for mixed data clustering algorithms
Authors: Diop Abdoulaye , El-Malki Nabil , Chevalier Max , Péninou André , Roman-Jimenez Geoffrey , Teste Olivier
Published: February 2025

Clustering algorithms play a pivotal role in data mining, offering powerful tools for uncovering hidden patterns and structures within datasets. These algorithms aim to divide data points into coherent groups based on similarities or dissimilarities, making it easier to explore and understand complex data. Clustering algorithms typically rely on similarity measures to assess the likeness between data points. Consequently, selecting a suitable similarity measure is crucial for achieving satisfactory clustering outcomes. However, this decision can pose significant challenges, especially for non-experts, given the plethora of similarity measures available in the literature and their performance which is closely linked to the specific dataset, clustering algorithm, and cluster validity index employed. This difficulty is even more important when considering mixed data clustering. Mixed data refers to heterogeneous data characterized by both numerical and categorical attributes. In such a context, the same similarity measure cannot be used for both types of attributes due to their different nature. Commonly, two similarity measures are combined, one for numerical attributes and one for categorical attributes. This adds a layer of complexity to the problem since it requires the selection of two similarity measures instead of just one. This paper introduces SIMREC, a similarity measure recommendation system for mixed data clustering. The system uses meta-learning to mine the relationship between dataset characteristics and similarity measures performances for different mixed data clustering algorithms and cluster validity indices. Therefore, given a mixed dataset, a mixed data clustering algorithm, and a cluster validity index, the system can recommend suitable pairs of numerical and categorical similarity measures based on the characteristics of the dataset. We implemented the proposed system using 130 pairs of similarity measures (10 numerical and 13 categorical), 4 commonly used mixed data clustering algorithms (K-Prototypes, LSH-K-Prototypes, K-Medoids, and Hierarchical Clustering), and three cluster validity indices (Silhouette, Clustering Accuracy, and Adjusted Rand Index). Our experiments on 185 publicly available mixed datasets show that the pairs of similarity measures recommended by SIMREC outperform the baseline pairs, including classically used pairs of similarity measures in the literature.
Towards scalable medical image compression using hybrid model analysis
Authors: Li Shunlei , Lu Jiajie , Hu Yingbai , Mattos Leonardo S. , Li Zheng
Published: February 2025

The exponential growth in medical image generation poses significant challenges for storage and management. Lossless compression of medical images is essential to reduce storage demands while ensuring image quality is preserved. Wavelet-based compression techniques, widely recognized in the literature, are commonly used to process and transmit medical images by isolating the Region of Interest (ROI) from other areas. Meanwhile, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have shown promising results for medical image compression. In this study, we propose a hybrid model combining Discrete Wavelet Transforms (DWT) and CNN for medical image compression. DWT is applied to encode the ROI, while CNN is employed for non-ROI regions. Here, Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is used to extract ROI features. We introduce the SDWTCNN framework, which integrates DWT and CNN to achieve scalable image compression with lower complexity compared to similar methods. The performance of SDWTCNN is evaluated using different performance metrics, demonstrating its effectiveness in maintaining image quality at various compression rates. Experimental results confirm the efficiency of our framework for storing and retrieving medical images in healthcare applications. Specifically, our SDWTCNN achieves 4.3 dB better performance on the BGPD dataset and 3.8 dB on the BraTS dataset than the existing best method in terms of the PSNR metric.
Tribology technologies for gears in loss of lubrication conditions: a review
Authors: Braumann Lorenz , de Viteri Virginia Sáenz , Morhard Bernd , Lohner Thomas , Ochoa Jaime , Amri Hanns
Published: February 2025

Transmission systems for the aviation industry are continuously pushed to new and extreme limits. Gears in rotorcraft transmissions or geared turbofans must withstand considerable torques while operating at high rotational speeds and temperatures. Such high-power density makes continuous lubricant supply indispensable for the transmission to operate safely. However, loss of lubrication events can occur during operation, potentially leading to gear failure and, consequently, to catastrophic events. The research community is striving to propose alternative solutions for increasing the lifetime of gears in loss of lubrication conditions. Surface and lubricant technologies, such as tribological coatings or ionic liquid additives, have shown great potential to reduce friction and wear and to increase the lifetime of gears under loss of lubrication. This paper reviews the main progress in surface technologies, such as coatings, surface texturing, and thermochemical treatments, with a focus on gear surface treatments. Furthermore, ways to decrease friction in the gear contact to increase wear and scoring resistance by lubricants and additives are discussed. The main findings highlighted in this review can support the future design of new transmission systems for aircraft and helicopters to reduce the need for the yet required secondary lubrication supply, thereby reducing space, cost, weight, and most importantly, CO2 emissions.
Novel core–shell CuO nanostructures grown on Cu powder particles by hot water treatment for binder-free supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Haque Shanzida , Basurrah Assem , Hammer Blessing I. , Bourdo Shawn , Karabacak Tansel
Published: February 2025

This research has successfully prepared three-dimensional leaf-like copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures on micro-sized Cu powder particles via hot water treatment (HWT). This innovative approach has led to the development of a new core–shell, binder-free, and high-surface-area supercapacitor electrode. The synthesis process involved a simple immersion of Cu powder into hot water stabilized at 75 °C for 24 h. The CuO/Cu powder obtained was combined with DI water and then deposited onto a Cu plate and subjected to annealing at 200 °C in a vacuum furnace to produce a binder-less electrode for electrochemical evaluations. Utilizing SEM and EDS, we thoroughly analyzed the morphology and composition of the CuO nanostructures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was utilized to unveil the crystal structure of the CuO nanostructures, confirming the presence of leaf-like morphology of CuO. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) were employed to measure the mass of the active material and its specific surface area, respectively. The electrochemical properties of CuO nanostructures were examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) over various scan rates. The electrochemical resistance of the electrode material was observed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results from the electrochemical tests indicated that a peak-specific capacitance of around 220 F/g was achieved when the scan rate was set at 5 mV/s using Na2SO4 electrolyte. Furthermore, the capacitance retention rate was about 38% after 1500 consecutive cycles. Our findings indicate that the HWT-grown CuO/Cu nanostructured powder shows promise for pseudo-supercapacitor applications, which could potentially bring about a revolution in the field of energy storage.

Graphical Abstract
FEMOSEAL CLOSE: multi-centre observational study with FemoSeal™ vascular closure device following peripheral percutaneous endovascular procedures
Authors: Gouëffic Yann , Deloose Koen , Dubosq Maxime , Zeller Thomas
Published: February 2025

Background

The purpose of the FEMOSEAL CLOSE study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of FemoSeal™ vascular closure device in achieving haemostasis following transfemoral peripheral procedures in routine clinical practice.

Materials and methods

This prospective, European, multi-centre, single-arm, post-market clinical follow-up study enrolled patients undergoing diagnostic or interventional peripheral endovascular procedures with FemoSeal™ vascular closure device in inpatient or outpatient settings. The primary endpoint was a composite of safety and effectiveness, with effectiveness defined as cessation of arterial bleeding without adjunctive treatment, and safety as freedom from major vascular complications in the first 6 h. Secondary endpoints included: minor access-site complications and major complications 6 h to 30 days post-procedure, and time to haemostasis, ambulation and discharge. Quality of life was assessed at baseline, discharge and 30-day follow-up. Device usability was also surveyed.

Results

Between December 2021 and July 2022, 230 patients were enrolled in three European centres. The primary composite endpoint was achieved in 95.1% (215/226) [95% confidence interval: 91.46–97.55] of patients. The effectiveness component was achieved in 96.9% (219/226) [95% confidence interval: 93.70–98.70], and the safety component in 95.2% (220/230) [95% confidence interval: 92.15–97.90] of patients. FemoSeal™ vascular closure device deployment failure occurred in 1.6% (4/230) of cases, with subsequent manual compression achieving haemostasis. The median time to haemostasis was 0.42 min.

Conclusions

The study device provides effective haemostasis and low rates of access-site complications up to 30 days post-procedure for patients undergoing peripheral endovascular interventions. It demonstrates good performance with rapid haemostasis.

Trial registration

The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov. (ClinicalTrials identifier: NCT05027698).
The Oxytocin System and Implications for Oxytocin Deficiency in Hypothalamic-Pituitary Disease
Authors: Aulinas Anna , Lawson Elizabeth A
Published: February 2025

Oxytocin is a hypothalamic-posterior pituitary hormone with multiple effects, ranging from regulation of energy homeostasis to bone health and psychological wellbeing, in addition to its well-known effects in labor and lactation. Patients with hypothalamic and pituitary damage have a higher risk for medical and psychiatric comorbidities despite standard-of-care hormone replacement, and a clinically relevant oxytocin deficient state has been identified in patients with arginine vasopressin deficiency (formerly known as central diabetes insipidus) in the last decade. Therefore, oxytocin deficiency in patients with hypothalamic and pituitary damage is an emerging field. While intranasal oxytocin is readily available to patients, it is not FDA-approved in the US and the quality of compounded formulations is unclear. In addition, more research is needed to establish safety and efficacy of oxytocin-based therapeutics in patients with hypothalamic and pituitary damage before recommending treatment. This Review summarizes the current knowledge of the oxytocin system, oxytocin deficiency in other clinical conditions and relevance to patients with hypothalamic and pituitary damage. We highlight emerging data supporting oxytocin deficiency in hypothalamic-pituitary disease, diagnostic challenges, development of therapeutic strategies, and future research directions to advance the field.
Critical analysis of maternal healthcare delivery systems and mortality patterns: A commentary on research from a tertiary care center in Pakistan
Authors: Saad Abdullah , Sherwani Dua Fatima
Published: February 2025

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.11949
How to cite this: Saad A, Sherwani DF. Critical analysis of maternal healthcare delivery systems and mortality patterns: A commentary on research from a tertiary care center in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(3):-939. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.11949
Effect of Digital Treadmill on Lower Limb Motor Function in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Huang Yuqing , Wang Ning , Yang Xincai , Deng Yun , Yan Shuai
Published: February 2025

Objective: To observe the effect of digital treadmill on lower limb motor function in patients with ischemic stroke.
Method: This was a clinical comparative study. A total of 60 patients with ischemic stroke at Hebei University Hospital were selected from October 2020 to September 2022 and randomly divided observation group and control group. The control group was given conventional rehabilitation therapy, with the observation group receiving digital treadmill training. Both groups were assessed using the Holden Functional Ambulation Category Scale(FAC), digital treadmill gait analysis system, and dynamic balance instrument and after four weeks, followed by a statistical analysis.
Result: After four weeks of treatment, both groups showed an improved in FAC grading, gait spatiotemporal parameters (including step speed, step length, stance time and step height), gait kinematic parameters (including hip joint flexion and extension mobility, knee joint flexion and extension mobility, and active ankle dorsiflexion ability) and balance assessment parameters (including motion trajectory area and motion trajectory perimeter) compared to pre-treatment (p< 0.05). Additionally, the gait symmetry parameters, including step length deviation and step height deviation, in the observation group were significantly lower than pre-treatment (p< 0.05), while in the control group, without statistically significant differences(p>0.05). Furthermore, the inter-group comparisons showed significant improvements of all the parameters studied above in the observation group compared to the control group (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Digital treadmill training may effectively improve gait parameters, gait symmetry, walking and balance ability of patients with ischemic stroke.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.9572
How to cite this: Huang Y, Wang N, Yang X, Deng Y, Yan S. Effect of Digital Treadmill on Lower Limb Motor Function in Patients with Ischemic Stroke. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(3):880-885. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.9572
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Perlindungan Hukum terhadap Korban Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Anak Perspektif Hak Asasi Manusia
Authors: Eviningrum Sulistya , Sukmawati Fitri Nur , Hastari Tri Anggis , Ilhafa Fayza
Published: February 2025

This research was conducted to analyze the legal protection provided to child victims of child trafficking in Indonesia from a human rights perspective. The urgency of law enforcement is not only to tackle the crime of child trafficking but also to protect children who are victims of criminal acts. Children need protection from the fact that they have become victims. Not only physical protection, but mental and spiritual protection and social rehabilitation. The normative legal research method is used in this research, with the results of the research explaining: first, human rights and legal protection efforts against child victims of child trafficking are regulated and guaranteed in the Indonesian national legislative system based on the 1945 Constitutional Amendment, Human Rights Law Number 9 of 1999, Law No. 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection, Law No. 21 of 2007 concerning the Elimination of Child Trafficking. One of the legal protection efforts is prevention, replacement, compensation, rehabilitation and integration. Efforts to protect child victims of trafficking: first, by providing rights to victims is the duty and responsibility of the state; second, the government works to ensure increased efforts to protect victims of trafficking. Carry out prevention and eradication activities to take action to prevent and overcome the crime of child trafficking. Encourage the establishment and/or improvement of legislation relating to child trafficking.
Tinjauan Yuridis Hukuman Kebiri Perspektif Perlindungan Hak Asasi Manusia tentang Hak Memiliki Keturunan dan Hak Hidup Berkeluarga
Authors: Savana Dioba , Malian Sobirin
Published: February 2025

The high levels of harassment and rape that occur in Indonesia are bad things that continue to proliferate in this country. Sexual crimes against children in Indonesia have not been able to be resolved every year by the government. According to the annual records of the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan), the number of violent crimes against women in 2020 was 299,911 cases. The most significant cases were sexual violence, namely 962 cases consisting of sexual harassment (166 cases), rape (229 cases), sexual harassment (181 cases), the rest were attempted rape and other sexual violence. Since the enactment of Law No. 17 of 2016, it is expected to be a breath of fresh air for enforcement and protection, but in fact it has received rejection from the National Commission on Human Rights and the Indonesian Doctors Association. The research used in this study is normative legal research. Normative legal research is legal research that has an object of targeting laws and regulations, and other legal materials. This data collection method is a way to collect the materials needed in a research that can be done by means of literature research (literature research). Based on the results of the research and discussion, it can be explained as follows: first, there are violations of human rights and legal norms in the article which contains chemical castration for the perpetrators if it is related to the protection of the rights to have a family and have children Against Article 28B Paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution which in Article The provisions clearly emphasize that everyone has the right to form a family and continue offspring through a legal marriage. Second, castration is one of the actions to limit the right of every person to have offspring. Third, the chemical castration punishment referred to in Law number 17 of 2016 is an inhumane and inaccurate act, so that the punishment violates human rights. Fourth, in view of the theory of legal objectives, this castration punishment has not really been implemented clearly. in implementing legal certainty, justice and benefits for society and the legal norms themselves.