bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing teacher performance in Shanghai high schools in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Yusof Mat Rahimi , Kasa Muhamad Dzahir
Published: February 2025

The performance of teachers in schools has become a questionable phenomenon during COVID-19 due to changing landscape of teaching. Since the performance of teachers is linked to performance of students, it is imperative to investigate the influencing factors for teachers’ performance. This study is conducted to examine the relationships between instructional leadership (IL), teaching autonomy (TA), school resources (SR), teacher self-efficacy (TSE), teacher performance (TP) and teaching workload (TW). A sample of 321 responses was collected using a Likert scale questionnaire. Partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data using Smart PLS 3. The findings of the study confirmed that TA, IL, and SR are significant antecedents of TSE. The study reports that TSE is a significant predictor of TP. The study reports that TSE is a significant mediator and TW is a significant moderator. The study suggests that TP can be improved with TSE which is improved by IL, TA, and SR. The school education administration in China is required to develop policies in line with this research to contribute to knowledge. The study recommends that the policymakers and practitioners should focus on school’s resources, IL and TA which significantly will improve the performance of teachers in China.
Validity confirmation of the Lithuanian form for mental toughness questionnaire among sport schools’ students
Authors: Malinauskas Romualdas , Pocius Eimantas , Saulius Tomas , Sniras Sarunas
Published: February 2025

Currently, there is a growing interest in measuring mental toughness in Lithuania, but there are no validation measures in place which take contextual factors into account. The scientific problem deals with a limited availability of psychometrically tested mental toughness assessment tools in student populations, specifically within Lithuanian sport schools’ context. Therefore, the purpose is to confirm validity of the Lithuanian form for mental toughness questionnaire (MTQ48) among young sport schools’ participants. The study involved 581 participants aged 15-18 from various Lithuanian basketball sports schools. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the questionnaire were performed. Six factors were identified by applying an EFA which explained 63.0% of the total variance. Modelling of the structural equations showed that the six-factor MTQ48 model has a reasonable fit. Analyses of reliability and validity demonstrated a strong internal consistency among the factors. With these suitable reliability and validity characteristics, adapted mental toughness measurement (MTQ48) is suitable for use in research investigating mental toughness among students within Lithuanian sport schools’ contexts.
Evaluating the geometric thinking levels of generation Z pre-service mathematics teachers in Indonesia
Authors: Naufal Muhammad Ammar , Ihsan Hisyam , Samsuddin Auliaul Fitrah , Zainal Zaid , Ashari Nur Wahidin , Hassan Muhammad Nasiru
Published: February 2025

Geometric thinking abilities remain crucial in mathematics education, particularly for pre-service teachers who will shape future generations’ understanding of geometry. This study evaluates and compares the geometric thinking levels of generation Z pre-service mathematics teachers at Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM) and Universitas Mulawarman (UNMUL) using the Van Hiele model. A quantitative comparative design was employed, involving 233 UNM and 227 UNMUL students selected through purposive sampling. The geometric thinking test (GTT) assessed students across five levels: visualization, analysis, informal deduction, formal deduction, and rigor. Results indicated that UNM students excelled in analysis and informal deduction, whereas UNMUL students displayed a broader distribution across all levels, with notable frequencies at visualization and formal deduction levels. A statistically significant difference in overall geometric thinking scores were identified, using the Mann-Whitney U test, with UNM students scoring higher. These findings emphasize the importance of adopting student-centered instructional strategies aligned with the Van Hiele model to enhance geometric thinking. Incorporating hands-on activities and technology is recommended to better prepare pre-service teachers for effective geometric instruction. The study provides insights for educators and policymakers to improve mathematics education by fostering higher geometric thinking levels in future teachers.
Analyzing the effectiveness of waiting times at the pharmacy of the King Hamad University Hospital
Authors: Al-Mofleh Anwar , Alseddiqi Mohamed , Najam Osama , AlMannaei Budoor , Albalooshi Leena
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the efficiency of waiting times at the pharmacy of King Hamad University Hospital, with a primary focus on optimizing patient experiences. Efficient pharmacy services are vital for ensuring the timely provision of medications to patients. Prolonged waiting times not only affect patient satisfaction but may also have implications for overall healthcare outcomes. To assess the effectiveness of waiting times, we conducted comprehensive analysis, including data collection, surveys, and observations. Our findings reveal valuable insights into the current state of pharmacy operations and the patient experience. We explore factors contributing to waiting times, such as prescription processing, queue management, and staff allocation. Through this analysis, we aim to provide actionable recommendations to enhance pharmacy efficiency, reduce waiting times, and improve patient satisfaction. Our study underscores the importance of optimizing pharmacy operations to ensure that patients receive timely and high-quality healthcare services. By addressing these issues, King Hamad University Hospital can not only enhance the overall patient experience but also contribute to better healthcare outcomes and increased operational efficiency. This research serves as a valuable resource for healthcare administrators, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to improve pharmacy services and patient satisfaction in hospital settings.
Advanced cardiovascular disease classification using multi-modal imaging and deep learning
Authors: Thankappan Benila Christabel , Krishnammal Thanammal Kakkumperumal
Published: February 2025

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a disorder of the heart and blood vessels that causes significant morbidity and mortality. They also represent a global public health burden and the primary cause of death worldwide. In this research, a novel deep learning-based multi-model image (DL-MMI) has been proposed for detecting CVD. Initially, the input Kaggle datasets images like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and chest X-ray are fed into wavelet transform-based Multiscale Retinex in the pre-processing phase to enhance the quality of the images. Then the enhanced images are given to GLCM for extracting features in the images. Finally, the dilated convolutional neural network (D-CNN) is used to classify healthy and CVD images. The experimental findings use the specific measures of accuracy, recall, precision, specificity, and F1-score to demonstrate the durability of the DL-MMI approach. Using the Kaggle dataset the proposed DL-MMI method achieves an accuracy rate of 98.89%. The proposed DL-MMI model increases the overall accuracy by 28.62%, 7.51%, and 17.57% than the existing methods such as convolutional auto encoder, CNN, and deep learning, respectively.
Prognostic Value of Myocardial T1 Mapping for Predicting Adverse Events in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Jinquan , Liu Wei , Pu Lutong , Qi Weitang , Xu Yuanwei , Wan Ke , Gkoutos Georgios V. , Han Yuchi , Chen Yucheng
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the prognostic value of myocardial T1 and extracellular volume fraction for adverse cardiovascular events has not been well defined.

METHODS:

A total of 663 consecutive participants with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who underwent 3T cardiovascular magnetic resonance were recruited. The follow-up end points included heart failure (HF)-related death, HF hospitalization, and sudden cardiac death or aborted sudden cardiac death.

RESULTS:

On Cox proportional hazards regression multivariable analyses, global native T1 excluding late gadolinium enhancement areas (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04 [95% CI, 0.99–1.09];
P
=0.094) and global extracellular volume fraction excluding late gadolinium enhancement (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.95–1.10];
P
=0.565) were not associated with sudden cardiac death. Conversely, global native T1 (HR, 1.08 per 10 ms increase [95% CI, 1.02–1.16],
P
=0.014; HR, 1.05 per 10 ms increase [95% CI, 1.01–1.09];
P
=0.009) and global extracellular volume fraction (HR, 1.23 per 1% increase [95% CI, 1.11–1.36],
P
<0.001; HR, 1.10 per 1% increase [95% CI, 1.04–1.16];
P
<0.001) were independently associated with HF-related death and the composite end point of HF-related death or HF hospitalization in multivariable Cox models, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, we found global native T1 and global extracellular volume fraction (excluding late gadolinium enhancement) to be both independently associated with HF-related events, but not sudden cardiac death in multivariable analysis. These findings are hypothesis-generating and will require external validation in larger cohorts.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900024094.
How Good Are Neurologists? A Diagnostic Accuracy Study on the Performance of Neurologists in the Emergency Room
Authors: Schankin Christoph J. , Popa‐Todirenchi Bianca‐Violeta , Eich Anne‐Sophie , Branca Mattia , Galimanis Aikaterini , Scutelnic Adrian , Goeldlin Martina B. , Beyeler Morin , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Belachew Nebiyat , Heldner Mirjam R. , Kaesmacher Johannes , Meinel Thomas R. , Mattle Heinrich P. , Jung Simon , El‐Koussy Marwan , Fischer Urs
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

In people with suspected stroke the first assessment occurs under time pressure in the emergency department and is based solely on clinical information. Working hypotheses include mechanism and localization of the clinical deficit on imaging. To assess the performance of neurologists in such situation, we investigated the accuracy with which board‐certified neurologists make the correct diagnosis based solely on clinical information.

METHODS

In this prospective diagnostic accuracy study done at an emergency department of a university hospital, neurologists had to commit themselves to a diagnosis in people with suspected acute stroke. The main analysis was the accuracy with which they distinguished vascular from nonvascular causes using the discharge diagnosis as a reference. Secondary analyses included the distinction of ischemic from hemorrhagic strokes, and the accuracy with which the lesion location and site of vessel occlusion were identified. The performance of neurologists was also compared to residents and medical students.

RESULTS

Of 800 people with suspected stroke, 567 (71%) had a vascular (508 ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and 59 hemorrhagic stroke) and 233 (29%) had a nonvascular disorder (72 seizures, 33 migraine auras, 12 functional neurological disorders, and 116 other diseases). Vessel occlusion was found in 227 of 410 people with ischemic stroke. Neurologists identified vascular origin with an accuracy of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83–0.89), a sensitivity of 0.93 (0.90–0.95), and a specificity of 0.66 (0.58–0.73). The accuracy to identify ischemia compared with hemorrhage was 0.91 (0.87–0.93). Neurologists’ accuracy to predict the presence of vessel occlusion was 0.66 (0.61–0.71), of exact lesion location was 42%, and of the affected blood vessel 57%.

CONCLUSION

In people with acute neurological deficits, the accuracy with which neurologists identify vascular origin is high and depends on neurological education. Experienced physicians should be involved early in the management of people with “code stroke.”
A new genus and species of cixiid planthopper (Hemiptera: Delphacoidea: Cixiidae) from Belize, including a key to the American Pentastirini and a checklist of Belizean Fulgoromorpha
Authors: HENDRIX SOLOMON V. , BARTLETT CHARLES R.
Published: February 2025

Pictoliarus gen. nov. is described for the distinctive species P. zoetropeus sp. nov. from Belize as part of an ongoing review of the Pentastirini (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) of the Americas. A key to the genera represented in North and South America is presented. A compiled listing of the planthopper fauna of Belize includes 104 taxa (including new records for 31 species and one subspecies). The findings underscore the existence of a rich, but understudied planthopper fauna in Belize.
Description of female of Oxybelochardus iraqensis Hamodee and Shafeeq, 2023 (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae)
Authors: AUGUL RAZZAQ SHALAN , HAMODEE SHATHA ABDULLATEEF
Published: February 2025

The female of Oxybelochardus iraqensis (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) is described and illustrated for the first time based on the material collected in Iraq.
Exploring the Potential for Theory Elaboration to Strengthen CSR Theorization and to Offer Enhanced CSR Theory: The Role of Grounded Theory
Authors: Koleva Petya , Meadows Maureen
Published: February 2025

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is often criticized for being undertheorized, contested, and largely redundant in the field of business and society. Yet limited attention has been paid to diverse ways of theorizing CSR. Driven by the identified weaknesses in the theoretical development of CSR, this research aims to explore the potential of theory elaboration implemented via grounded theory (GT) in strengthening CSR theorization. In doing so, the study offers a unique contribution by being the first study to offer actionable steps and guidelines for implementing theory elaboration via GT in CSR research. The study also offers a typology that can serve as a decision-making tool for researchers seeking to implement theory elaboration through GT in their CSR studies. Lastly, as a result of conducting two sets of literature reviews, the study outlines a number of CSR topics that can benefit from the proposed research pathway, and the particular theoretical CSR benefits theory elaboration via GT can offer. Hence, the study aspires to serve as a “stepping stone” for offering enhanced CSR theory.
Black Emerging Adult Preventive Care: The Role of Health Care System Distrust, Trust in Physician, and Usual Source of Care
Authors: Wynn Alexandra , Hood Kristina B.
Published: February 2025

This study examined the role of trust in one's physician and usual source of care on the relationship between health care system distrust and receipt of preventive services among Black emerging adults. The researchers surveyed 323 Black emerging adults. This cross-sectional study design utilized a moderated moderation in IBM SPSS 28 using Hayes’ (2020) PROCESS macro (Model 3). Results revealed that Black emerging adults who did not have a usual source of care and had high trust in their physician, had increased preventive service receipt when health care system distrust was low. Further, this relation was not significant for those with a usual source of care. Findings indicated interventions should focus on establishing interpersonal trust with one’s physician to increase Black emerging adults’ engagement in care. Trust in one's own physician could increase engagement in those who do not have a regular site of care, even when distrust in the health care system is high.
Beyond tradition? How Gender Ideology Impacts Employment and Family Arrangements in Swiss Couples
Authors: Bornatici Christina , Zinn Isabelle
Published: February 2025

Drawing on gender structure and life course theories, this article examines how heterosexual couples “undo gender” in their work–family arrangements within the conservative context of Switzerland. Focusing on how gendered norms and expectations are challenged, we explore in a longitudinal analysis the influence of both partners’ gender ideologies on paid and unpaid work arrangements across family life stages. Using couple data from the Swiss Household Panel (2002–2020), we estimate pooled and fixed-effects linear probability models to analyze both between-couple and within-couple determinants in undoing gender. We find diversity in how gender is undone in paid and unpaid work arrangements across couples’ gender ideologies and family life stages: While gender ideologies consistently influence paid work arrangements, they affect unpaid work arrangements only for couples living with children. Strong egalitarian ideologies can overcome gendered norms and unsupportive institutions, especially when both partners share these beliefs. However, these ideologies only partially mitigate macro-level constraints. Still, a significant minority of couples challenge dominant norms, particularly in their paid work arrangements. Our findings highlight the need for policy reform to establish supportive institutions that empower couples to align their behaviors with their gender ideologies, paving the way for greater equality in the future.
A review on the utilization of SS 316L lattice structures for orthopaedics developed by the laser powder bed fusion process
Authors: Daniel S. Ashish , Suya Prem Anand P.
Published: February 2025

Stainless Steel 316L (SS316L) is widely used in orthopaedics due to its biocompatibility, affordability, ease of fabrication, adequate mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Despite its many benefits, the stiffness of SS316L has been a significant cause for concern since it causes stress shielding and implant failure. A potential solution for stress shielding in orthopaedic implants is lattice SS316L, which can be fabricated using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. The development of lattice structures using the LPBF process allows the scaffolds to adhere, grow and differentiate bone cells with specific mechanical properties suitable for bone implants. The study highlights different lattice structures employed in orthopaedic implants, mainly focusing on the gyroid structures and delves into the fabrication of SS316L lattice structures. Compared to traditional solid implants, the TPMS SS316L gyroid showed at least a 30%–70% improvement in weight reduction, reduced stress shielding by 80%, material saving and a 10%–20% improvement in biocompatibility and 50%–200% osseointegration. Compared to other porous metallic implants, there was a 10%–15% improvement in the compressive and tensile strengths. A 10%–20% at reduced weight concerning strength-to-weight ratio and 40% economically viable. The review also highlights the influence of various lattice parameters on the mechanical and biological attributes of lattice structures, emphasizing the benefits of gyroid lattice structures and their potential impact on the Orthopaedics sector. Furthermore, by leveraging the unique properties of gyroid lattices, SS316L offers a promising solution for stress shielding in orthopaedic implants, with an affordable and compatible alternative to titanium implants in orthopaedics.
Is provision of substantial dietary interventions for brain health ethical?
Authors: Daly Timothy , Olluri Andi
Published: February 2025

We argue that the provision of substantial dietary modifications to individuals who wish to maximize their brain health is ethically permitted, despite evidence for such an intervention being not yet fully conclusive. However, we argue that for a burdensome therapy with weak evidence and potential harms, balanced communication, informed consent and follow-up are necessary components of the ethical provision of such lifestyle changes. Moreover, health should be discussed as a value with individuals alongside non-health priorities to achieve balance and avoid brain healthism.
Comparative analysis of Elecsys and ELISA for differentiating amyloid-PET status in a Korean memory clinic based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers
Authors: Park Sun Ah , An Young-Sil , Park Yong-Jin , Lee Ji-Yeong , Jeon Hyuna , Kim Yoon Seob , Lee Keun , Sun Kyunghwa , Lee Sun Min , Moon So Young
Published: February 2025

Background

The adoption of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in clinical practice is expected to increase following recent approval of disease-modifying therapies. Fully automated immunoassays, Elecsys platform, offer convenience and enhanced reliability.

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the performance of the Elecsys assay in a Korean clinical setting, comparing its effectiveness to ELISA for detecting amyloid-PET positivity.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42, pTau181, tTau, pTau181/Aβ42, and tTau/Aβ42 were evaluated using Elecsys kits on a Cobas e 411 analyzer and manual Innotest ELISA with paired frozen samples ( n = 118) from subjects with cognitive status ranging from unimpaired to mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Results

Strong linear correlations were observed between Elecsys- and ELISA-measured Aβ42, pTau181, and tTau levels. Receiver operating characteristic-based cutoff points for pTau181/Aβ42 (0.0252) and tTau/Aβ42 (0.258) in Elecsys demonstrated the highest areas under the curve (0.97 and 0.96) and predictive values (96.6% for both) for detecting amyloid-PET abnormalities. No cases of abnormal amyloid PET status were found without concurrent abnormal CSF biomarkers when considering Elecsys Aβ42 and the pTau181/Aβ42 ratio simultaneously. In addition, previously established cutoffs for combined ratios effectively differentiated amyloid PET status in our samples.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the utility of Elecsys-measured CSF AD biomarkers in agreement with amyloid-PET classification in the Korean population. The pTau181/Aβ42 and tTau/Aβ42 ratios were the most accurate in detecting amyloid-PET (+), with Elecsys showing higher accuracy than ELISA. The study also supported the applicability of common cutoffs from Western countries for these biomarkers in our samples.
Validation of a novel neuroimaging signature for dementia and clinical Alzheimer's disease in the population-based Rotterdam study
Authors: Claus Jacqueline J , Rosbergen Mathijs T , Roshchupkin Gennady V , Ikram M Arfan , Vernooij Meike W , Wolters Frank J
Published: February 2025

Background

A novel neuroimaging signature of regional cortical thickness on brain MRI recently showed high potential for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) risk stratification in the community. How these findings translate to other populations, remains undetermined.

Objective

We aimed to replicate this novel ADRD neuroimaging marker in the population-based Rotterdam Study.

Methods

We included all participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study with brain-MRI between 2005–2016, and derived the signature using FreeSurfer. We computed hazard ratios and C-statistics for 10-year dementia risk, and betas for cross-sectional associations with cognition, comparing the novel signature to hippocampal volume, mean cortical thickness, and another cortical thickness signature (Dickerson's).

Results

Of 3249 participants (mean age 71.3 ± 8.0 years), 294 developed dementia (74.8% clinical AD) during a mean follow-up of 8.1 years. The novel ADRD signature had similar magnitude of associations as Dickerson's signature and cortical thickness for AD dementia (HR per 1-SD increase 0.87;0.78–0.96), but performed worse than all markers for all-cause dementia. Of the four neuroimaging markers, hippocampal volume showed the strongest associations with both risk of all-cause dementia and clinical AD dementia. The ADRD had the weakest association with general cognitive function (β per 1-SD increase 0.04;0.02–0.06), and executive function (β per 1-SD increase 0.02;0.00–0.04), followed by cortical thickness and Dickerson's, and hippocampal volume showed the strongest associations.

Conclusions

In this community-based study, the novel cortical thickness signature did not outperform hippocampal volume for dementia risk stratification. The importance of replication studies underlines the value of the current study. Replicating research findings is essential to establish robust biomarkers for dementia risk prediction.
Association between plasma cytokine levels and multiple neuroimaging modalities in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Nakamichi Atsuhito , Kimura Noriyuki , Hanaoka Takuya , Masuda Teruaki , Ataka Takuya , Matsubara Etsuro
Published: February 2025

Background

The relationship between peripheral cytokines and neuroimaging biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not yet well established.

Objective

To determine the association of cytokine plasma levels with brain amyloid deposition, cortical glucose metabolism, hippocampal volume, and white matter lesions (WMLs) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

We recruited 50 older individuals with amnestic MCI (25 men and 25 women; median age, 75 years) and performed plasma analysis, 11C-Pittsburgh compound-B positron-emission tomography (PiB-PET), 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Global PiB and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake were assessed by the ratio of the voxel number-weighted average of the mean uptake in the frontal, temporoparietal, and posterior cingulate, in reference to the cerebellum. The Fazekas scale was used to evaluate WMLs. Plasma levels of 48 cytokines were simultaneously measured with bead-based multiplex assays.

Results

The plasma levels of IL-2Ra, IL-3, IL-5, IL-7, IL-9, IL-16, IL-18, fibroblast growth factor (FGF-basic), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cutaneous T-cell attracting chemokine (CTACK), growth-regulated oncogene α (GROα), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interferon-α2 (IFN-α2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP-3), β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF), stem cell factor (SCF), stem cell growth factor-β (SCGF-β), and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) were significantly associated with global PiB uptake, whereas those of IL-7 and GROα were significantly associated with hippocampal volume after covariate adjustment and false discovery rate correction.

Conclusions

Plasma cytokines are associated with brain amyloid deposition rather than brain dysfunction or hippocampal atrophy. Moreover, cytokines may play important roles in early-stage AD pathophysiology.
White matter lesions rather than amyloid-β burden are associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kasahara Hiroo , Ikeda Masaki , Makioka Kouki , Nakamura Takumi , Takahashi Ryoma , Kawarabayashi Takeshi , Sanada Etsuko , Suto Takayuki , Higuchi Tetsuya , Tsushima Yoshito , Ikeda Yoshio
Published: February 2025

We assessed the severity of amyloid-β accumulation and white matter lesions (WML) in the brain, and their association with cognitive decline, in patients (n = 47) with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mean cortical standardized uptake value ratio (mcSUVR) was derived from amyloid positron emission tomography, while the percentage of WML area relative to brain parenchymal area was determined using magnetic resonance imaging. Cognitive decline was positively correlated with WML severity ( r = 0.50, p = 0.042) but not mcSUVR (Aβ accumulation). Managing vascular risk factors can prevent cognitive decline in patients with AD.
Structural covariance network patterns linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms in biologically defined Alzheimer's disease: Insights from the mild behavioral impairment checklist
Authors: Michelutti Marco , Urso Daniele , Tafuri Benedetta , Gnoni Valentina , Giugno Alessia , Zecca Chiara , Dell’Abate Maria Teresa , Vilella Davide , Manganotti Paolo , De Blasi Roberto , Nigro Salvatore , Logroscino Giancarlo
Published: February 2025

Background:

The frequent presentation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in the context of normal or minimally-impaired cognitive function led to the concept of Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI). While MBI's impact on subsequent cognitive decline is recognized, its association with brain network changes in biologically-defined AD remains unexplored.

Objective:

To investigate the correlation of structural covariance networks with MBI-C checklist sub-scores in biologically-defined AD patients.

Methods:

We analyzed 33 biologically-defined AD patients, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to early dementia, all characterized as amyloid-positive through cerebrospinal fluid analysis or amyloid positron emission tomography scans. Regional network properties were assessed through graph theory.

Results:

Affective dysregulation correlated with decreased segregation and integration in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Impulse dyscontrol and social inappropriateness correlated positively with centrality and efficiency in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Global network properties showed a preserved small-world organization.

Conclusions:

This study reveals associations between MBI subdomains and structural brain network alterations in biologically-confirmed AD. The IFG's involvement is crucial for mood dysregulation, while the PCC could be involved in compensatory mechanisms for social cognition and impulse control. These findings underscore the significance of biomarker-based neuroimaging for the characterization of NPS across the AD spectrum.
Evaluation of the patient profile and health interventions offered by a multidisciplinary Intellectual Disability health team
Authors: Bull Dominic , Garg Pankaj , Lai Teresa , Reid Natasha , Farrell Bridget , O’Hea Catherine , Raman Shanti
Published: February 2025

Specialised Intellectual Disability Health Teams enhance access to health services and improve intersectoral coordination. This study reviewed the profiles and healthcare recommendations for children and young adults with Intellectual Disability. Data was collected from clinical records and analysed using relevant statistical tests. Most children were referred for challenging behaviours, with 13.9% lacking a disability funding plan, and 60% requiring changes in medication. Three-quarters reported functional improvement at six months. A logistic regression model explained 55% of the variance in six-month outcomes, identifying adherence to team recommendations as a significant factor (p < 0.0001). This study highlights the patient profile of a Specialised Intellectual Disability Health Team, identifies gaps in care plans, and emphasises the importance of addressing complex social determinants to ensure effective enactment of these recommendations in partnership with families, ultimately improving outcomes for children and young adults with Intellectual Disability.
Improving baggage handling time at an international airport using Six Sigma methodology: A case study in the Middle East region
Authors: Al-Qatawneh Lina , Arafeh Mazen , Barghash Mahmoud , Shihabeddin Farah , Mahmoud Seren , Odeh Asma’
Published: February 2025

The efficiency of baggage handling greatly impacts airport operation, as delayed baggage can affect aircraft turnaround time, reduce minimum connection time, and affect gate management and airport capacity utilization. This research paper explores the application of Six Sigma methodology to improve baggage handling time at airports. The case study applied the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) methodology. The different phases of the study involve identifying the main problem in baggage handling, analyzing the data on the key performance metric, and implementing various improvements. There is a noticeable improvement in baggage handling time as quantified by sigma quality level (SQL). The SQL value increased from 1.46 to 1.96 for aircraft code C and 1.56 to 2.25 for aircraft code E. The average baggage handling time decreased by 10.5% and 19% for two aircraft codes. Through a structured Six Sigma approach, the airport identified improvement areas, implemented solutions, and increased customer satisfaction. The results of this study contribute to the growing body of knowledge on process improvement methodologies in the airline industry.
Comparative study of holmium laser versus cold-knife optical internal urethrotomy in urethral stricture
Authors: Sharma Elias , Kumar Ravinder , Sharma Chetan
Published: February 2025

Objective:

One of the most difficult urological ailments is to cure the urethral stricture adequately. There are various methods employed for the treatment of urethral stricture. This analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of holmium laser versus cold-knife optical urethrotomy for operative time, complications, and recurrence.

Methods:

The study design is a comparative study. The study participants were enrolled after procuring voluntary informed consent. Fifty-six patients were included in the study from the Urology department Super Speciality Hospital, GMC, Jammu from 1 November 2017 to 31 October 2018 and were divided into Group 1 (holmium group) and Group 2 (cold-knife group). Patients were catheterised with 14 Fr Foley’s catheter after the procedure and the catheter was removed on the third postoperative day. Patients were followed for 6 months. At each follow-up physical examination and uroflowmetry were performed. On the 90th post-operative day, a retrograde urethrogram was performed.

Results:

Both the cold knife and holmium laser have been safe and effective in providing immediate relief to patients with single and short-segment (< 1 cm long) urethral strictures. The cold knife offers a significant advance over the holmium laser in terms of the operative time, which was shorter in the cold-knife group. The success rates for laser and cold knife were similar.

Conclusion:

The success rates for laser and cold knife were very similar, with the groups having a similar trend in success rates at different follow-up time points. The present findings may benefit from long-term follow-up analysis.

Level of evidence:

4
Involvement of Husband During Antenatal Care Follow up of Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abute Woiloro Lonsako , Adafrie Takele Tadesse , Kerbo Amene Abebe , Koyra Mengistu Meskele
Published: February 2025

Background

Involving husbands in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care improves the outcomes for mothers and babies. In most developing countries involvement of husbands towards antenatal care follow up is influenced by different socio-cultural and traditional factors. In Ethiopia, the degree of husband involvement as indicated by several research varied greatly.

Objective

The aim of this study is to measure the overall prevalence of husband involvement during antenatal care follow up of pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods

Five databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, SAGE and Google Scholar were reviewed for relevant articles retrieved from 2011 to 2023. Literature search used keywords, including “male partner involvement,” “husband involvement,” “spouse involvement” “antenatal care,” and “perinatal care” and “Ethiopia”. The Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines were used for appraisal review of journals. Thirteen articles were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis and random effect model was used to analyze. The presence of statistical heterogeneity was tested using I2, and publication bias was examined by various factors.

Result

Thirteen studies were finally identified and included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimated proportion of husband involvement during antenatal care follow up in Ethiopia was found to be 39.3[95%-CI (38.2, 40.4)]. Cochran Q test indicates that there is heterogeneity since I2 is 98.6%. Egger's and Begg's tests were conducted to check possible publication bias and p-value = 0.679 and 0.807 respectively, which indicates that there is no possible publication bias.

Conclusion

It was discovered that the total pooled proportion of Ethiopian husbands’ involvement towards antenatal care follow up was low. This demands that the nation take action to evaluate the health care policy in order to encourage husbands to participate in antenatal care and yield positive outcomes for the health of mothers and children.
The power of representation: Re-theorizing China’s land development as a state-led strategic discursive–material nexus
Authors: Xu Jiang , Zhang Mengzhu
Published: February 2025

China’s land development is commonly viewed as a state-led model, yet this paper seeks to deepen this understanding by examining it as a strategic discursive–material nexus, encompassing both material processes of land development and discursive processes of justification that reflect the diverse ways in which land can be utilized. To this end, two arguments are developed involving a cross-fertilization of the economic sociology of land and the cultural political economy. Firstly, the state strategically adjusts local land use and regimes to satisfy the changing geopolitical and political-economic imperative, and secondly, owing to the multiple affordances of land, various competing imaginations for, and interests in, land have emerged that potentially impede land (regime) change. Hence, the state strategically selects how it represents land from the variety of epistemological claims on it to justify institutional transformations and (re)development. We substantiate these arguments through analyzing a transit-oriented development-themed land development scheme in Shenzhen, and a big data economy-themed land reassignment in Guiyang.
Legacy as a creative product of the gatekeeper: A case of Fritz Haber and his gatekeepers
Authors: Eisman Joseph I. , Wasenitz Stella
Published: February 2025

Issues of legacy are central to our modern discourse as we reexamine the actions, values, and virtues of individuals using contemporary social mores. This tension between creative development and present-day ethics highlights an enigma for the person who wishes to be remembered through the generations. However, the answer is simple: a person’s legacy is a creative product of gatekeepers. We look at the life of Fritz Haber—famed chemist, Nobel laureate, and the father of chemical warfare—to illustrate this phenomenon. Primary data in this case are print material (e.g. biographies) that were coded for their characterization of Haber as either a “brilliant scientist,”“unethical antagonist,” or a hybrid as a “complex man.” Our analysis demonstrated that Haber’s characterization was informed by the lenses and roles of the print material authors. Results demonstrated the situated, complex, and dynamic ways that gatekeepers portrayed Haber, and thus constructed his legacy for posterity. This case study exemplifies the emergence of legacy as social creation among gatekeepers.
Is there an advantage of using genomic information to estimate gametic variances and improve recurrent selection in animal populations?
Authors: Elsen Jean-Michel , Raoul Jérôme , Gilbert Hélène
Published: February 2025

Background

Gametic variances can be predicted from the outcomes of a genomic prediction for any genotyped individual. This is widely used in plant breeding, applying the utility criterion (UC). This paper aims to examine the conditions to use UC for recurrent selection in livestock. Here, the UC for a selection candidate is the linear combination of the expected value of the future progeny (half of the candidate’s breeding value) and its predicted gametic variance weighted by a coefficient

$$\theta$$

θ

to be optimized.

Results

First, generalizing previous results, we derived analytically the ratio of the variance of the candidate’s gametic variance and that of half of the candidate’s breeding value. This ratio depends strongly on the number of quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the trait and, to a lesser extent, on the distribution of QTL allele frequencies: highly unbalanced frequencies and a limited number of QTL (< 10) favor higher values of the ratio. Then, changes in average breeding values and genetic variances when recurrent selection in a population of infinite size is applied were analytically derived and analyzed for selection up to 15 generations: in this ideal situation, after 5 to 10 generations (depending on

$$\theta$$

θ

), the expected breeding values were higher with selection on UC and the genetic variance was always higher than with selection on estimated breeding values. To describe the potential of the UC in more general situations, simulations were applied to a population of 1000 males and 1000 females, with various selection rates, numbers and allele frequencies of QTL, and

$$\theta$$

θ

. These simulations were performed assuming independent QTL with known positions and effects. The best values for

$$\theta$$

θ

(i.e. providing the best genetic progress) were generally lower than 1, limiting the weight on the gametic variance. As expected from the analytical derivations, the gain in genetic progress from using UC was greatest when there were few QTL and allele frequencies were unbalanced, but they barely exceeded 5%.

Conclusions

We conclude that the key factor to choose selection on UC rather than on estimated breeding values is the ratio between the variance of the gametic standard deviations and the variance of the breeding values (GEBV), which should be carefully evaluated.
Excessively prolonged PR interval in a patient with worsening shortness of breath: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yanjuan , Jiang Zhenyang , Li Mingfang
Published: February 2025

Background

Excessive prolongation of the PR interval indicates the potential for atrioventricular (AV) asynchrony, resulting in severe impairment of cardiac function.

Case presentation.

A 72-year-old man presented to the cardiology department with a history of worsening shortness of breath and chest tightness over the past 3 years. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus rhythm with a prolonged PR interval of 400 ms. The echocardiogram revealed mild mitral valve regurgitation with mitral E-A fusion during ventricular diastole. The patient received left bundle branch area pacing to shorten the AV conduction time.

Conclusion

In patients with symptomatic AV block, reflected by an excessively prolonged PR interval, prompt decision-making regarding cardiac pacing therapy can help relieve clinical symptoms and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Mealtime situations in nursing homes from the residents’ perspective – an integrative review
Authors: Harstäde Carina Werkander , Andersson Stefan , Lagerbielke Erika , Sandgren Anna , Heikkilä Kristiina
Published: February 2025

Background

When moving to a nursing home, the new resident also meets a new kind of culture, including communal, shared meals. Gaining greater insight into the resident experience of mealtimes in nursing homes is essential to identify the meaning that mealtime situations have and highlight the potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of mealtime situations that create wellbeing for residents. The aim of this integrative review was therefore to shed light on mealtime situations in nursing homes from the residents’ perspective.

Methods

The literature search was performed using a combination of MeSH keywords and free text terms in ASSIA, CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science. After scrutinizing the articles and quality checks, 13 articles were chosen. The analysis was performed following Whittemore and Knafl’s instructions for integrative reviews.

Results

The experiences of the mealtime situations were partly connected to residents’ personhood and partly to the nursing home’s organization of the mealtimes. Three main categories emerged: mealtimes as a source of well-being in nursing home life, mealtimes (re)creating continuity in life and preserving identity, and mealtimes as a balancing act between autonomy and need of support. Residents in nursing homes want the possibility to choose both what to eat, with whom they will eat and where they eat. The mealtimes in nursing homes and how they are constructed have an important role in residents’ feelings of having control over their life situation and can also strengthen residents’ identity and autonomy.

Conclusion

Staff needs to be aware of the meaning of mealtimes to promote person-centered care in regard to meals. Further research is needed to explore how different mealtime situations have an impact on nursing home residents’ lives as well as on the care the staff gives.
Childlessness and its associated factors among Chinese women: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Han Qing , Dang Junhua , Wu Yibo , Ye Wenting
Published: February 2025

Background

China has experienced a continuous decline in fertility rates, despite the end of the one-child policy, further intensifying population ageing. Timely evidence on the factors associated with childlessness among Chinese women is needed, alongside examining reproductive anxiety among childless women of reproductive age.

Methods

This nationwide, cross-sectional study was based on the 2023 Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents Survey. A total of 10,802 women across mainland China who were (or had been) married were included, of whom 5,885 were of reproductive age (20–49 years) and 4,917 of post-reproductive age (≥ 50 years). Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with childlessness among reproductive-aged and post-reproductive women, and reproductive anxiety among childless women of reproductive age at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and societal levels, as outlined in the social-ecological model.

Results

The comparison of reproductive patterns among women across different age groups showed a dramatic decline in the proportion of having three or more children, and a gradual increase in the childlessness over time. Among 5,885 women of reproductive age by the time of the survey, 612 (10.4%) reported having no children, while among 4,917 post-reproductive women, 161 (3.3%) were childless. Higher education level (OR = 2.83 [2.26, 3.55]; OR = 2.35 [1.44, 3.74]), being the only child in the family (OR = 2.85 [2.28, 3.55]; OR = 10.56 [7.38, 15.14]), and exposure to intimate partner violence (OR = 1.15 [1.02, 1.29]; OR = 1.68 [1.43, 1.98]) were significantly associated with childlessness among both reproductive-aged women and post-reproductive women. Poorer stress coping ability and exposure to sexual abuse during childhood were also associated with childlessness in post-reproductive women. Among childless women of reproductive age, higher education level, higher body image dissatisfaction, exposure to child abuse, parental issues during childhood, and belonging to ethnic minority groups were associated with increased reproductive anxiety.

Conclusions

This study used the most recent nationwide survey data from China to identify factors associated with childlessness and reproductive anxiety, with an emphasis on socio-economic factors and domestic violence. The findings highlight the significant impact of domestic violence on fertility behaviors and reproductive anxiety, providing valuable evidence for future policy interventions.