bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity in protracted displacement: Exploring identity of Palestinian and Syrian refugees living in Lebanon
Authors: Macken Shelbi
Published: February 2025

Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, over 5 million Syrians have been displaced globally, with no clear end in sight for the ongoing conflict (UNHCR 2017a). Syrian refugees are now worried they will be facing a situation similar to that of the Palestinians living in displacement in Lebanon for over 50 years as a result of the ArabIsraeli conflict (United Nations 1951). Currently, almost 1.5 million Palestinian and Syrians are seeking refuge in Lebanon, representing over a quarter of the total Lebanese population. In a country that is recovering from its own civil conflict, the surge of displaced Syrians, in addition to the resident Palestinian refugee population, has led to increased tensions between the Lebanese host and refugee communities. Increased labour competition, housing prices and pressure on limited resources have, in particular, contributed to this polarisation. Feelings of uncertainty for the future and a loss of identity are pervasive within the displaced Syrian population in Lebanon as they attempt to navigate survival in a new environment. In Syria, individual identities are highly influenced by religious, ethnic and tribal identities. Through civil war, these salient identities have become challenged and fragmented, pressuring displaced Syrians to continuously shape and reshape their identities in response to factors such as the ongoing conflict at home and the local landscape of displacement, as well as the global narrative environment currently beleaguering Syrian refugees. In contrast, Palestinians displaced in Lebanon have undergone multiple identity transformations throughout their protracted displacement, which are echoed in a culmination of active local and global Palestinian identities. Through reviewing literature surrounding the Palestinian and Syrian displacement, this paper seeks to provide a framework for understanding the intersectionality and complexity of identity development and the means by which this transformation affects refugee communities living in protracted displacement.
“Surely Some Revelation Is At Hand”: Yeats, Disaster, And The Generative Void
Authors: Balavage Elysia
Published: February 2025

In this essay, I extend the critical discussion of Yeats’s interpretation of crisis and catastrophe. To do this, I examine Yeats’s reading of nihilism and show that he adopts a generative formulation of the philosophy, one that is represented by the works of Baruch Spinoza, Immanuel Kant, and Georg Hegel. Together, their understanding of the idea removes the negativity of nothingness and imbues it with generative capabilities. Spinoza, Kant, and Hegel all illustrate the subject, whether the individual person or the idea of God and Nature, as using the void of nothingness for redemption after experiencing a dissolution of “everything.” I then interrogate the ways in which Yeats borrows representations of “disaster” from generative nihilism and executes this imagery in his later poetry, including Michael Robartes and the Dancer (1921), The Tower (1928), and The Winding Stair and Other Poems (1933). Considering his interest in creation that these volumes exhibit, Yeats uses the gnostic catastrophe of Spinoza, Kant’s reduction of the subject into a nonsubstantial void, and the Kantian and Hegelian sublime to diminish chaos to stillness. This allows him to extract the creative capacity from nothingness and imbue the void with creative possibility, an aim that he ultimately reaches at the conclusion of The Winding Stair.
Crisis and Transformation: The Aftermath of First Contact in Mid-20th Century Science Fiction
Authors: Veleski Stefan
Published: February 2025

First contact scenarios or hypothetical encounters between humans and alien civilizations have been a hallmark of science fiction since the inception of the genre. Despite the fluidity of this trope, in the middle of the twentieth century it briefly stabilized into a distinct shape that found its way into some of the most popular sci-fi novels of the period. Its main feature is that first contact always follows a great crisis with existential consequences. Critical analyses have long neglected the uniqueness of these first contact narratives – especially their clear “mentorship-like” rather than “invasion-like” nature and the invariable transformation of humanity that follows the event. Moreover, this trope has been ignored by proponents of cultural evolution and theoretical paradigms that fit under the “cognitive” moniker, despite its potential to shed light on the interaction of nature and nurture in the creation and reception of such narratives. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the research on this topic, by comparing how the aftermath of first contact is treated in novels by the “Big Three” of science fiction – Arthur C. Clarke (Childhood's End), Isaac Asimov (The Gods Themselves), and Robert A. Heinlein (Stranger in a Strange Land). The paper argues that the structure of first contact in these narratives is deliberately crafted to pander to contemporary cultural (mainly Cold War related) anxieties. Moreover, the success of these narratives hinges on the depiction of a post humanist perspective, focusing either on aliens or on “altered” humans, which acts as an MCI (minimally counterintuitive) bias that enhances the ability of the respective narratives to capture the readers’ attention. The result of the transformation is always change towards the likeness of the aliens and hyper-sociality – for better or worse (hyper-sociality can be viewed in a positive or negative light depending on the context, due to aporic attitudes towards communality and individualism that relate back to the nature vs. nurture debate).
The Forest of Arden as a Liminal Site of Criticism in As You Like It
Authors: Vural Özbey Kübra
Published: February 2025

The Forest of Arden in As You Like It has been reconceptualised as a pastoral setting and a utopian land while the play has been a matter of discussion in green and ecocritical studies. However, the ambiguous rendering of the setting and its contradictory qualities make the play a storm centre of such critical works. Undoubtedly, these debates meet with critical acclaim, but the play still augments discussion about its spatial setting. What remains to be seen is that Shakespeare’s play actually lays bare the traits of liminal place in the deliberation of the forest setting and the experiences of its inhabitants. While the first act is set at Duke Frederick’s court, the rest of the play takes place in the Forest of Arden where the characters develop communitas as outsiders. When the sixteen forest scenes of the play are analysed, one may posit that there are different definitions of Arden. First and foremost, Arden’s exact location cannot be identified; it might be situated in a French, English or other European border. Secondly, Arden is fused with contradictory and ambiguous characteristics. The forest is fraught with economic difficulties, hunger, coldness and dangerous threats for men and women. Yet it is a place of familial and romantic love, friendship and bliss. In addition to its ambivalent traits, the perception of the forest changes from one character to another. Each character adds a different meaning to the forest regarding their own experiences in this setting. The forest is also a place of transformation and transition as the characters leave the court, go to the forest and return to the court with their new selves in the end.  Moreover, Arden becomes a site of resistance against usurpation and banishment and a place of political critique of the court, corruption, exile and colonialism throughout the play. Therefore, Arden emerges as a multi-layered and ambiguous place and such qualities make the forest a liminal landscape. This paper sets out to claim that the Forest of Arden in As You Like It can be regarded as a liminal site in which Shakespeare veils his critical remarks on the late Elizabethan court, implicitly questions the practices of banishment and exile and comments on contemporary political, social and cultural issues by using liminality as a tool for criticism.
Specifics of implementation of macroeconomic models in regulating the economic recovery of Ukraine
Authors: Oleksienko D. V
Published: February 2025

Methods. The methodological basis of the study is the system of general scientific and special methods of macroeconomic theory, in particular, the method of logical analysis and generalisation was used to describe the experience of post-war recovery of countries, which allowed to build the logic of the study; the method of comparison was used to establish a correlation between the patterns of economic recovery of countries after the Second World War and the needs for the reconstruction of the Ukrainian economy; analysis and synthesis – to summarise the world experience and results of the research; the graphical method allowed to visualise the results of the research. Results. The article is devoted to an actual scientific and practical problem – substantiation and implementation of macroeconomic models in regulating the recovery of the Ukrainian economy. The author identifies the strategic conditions for formalising macroeconomic policy on postwar recovery: analysis and assessment of the scale of economic losses and needs for reconstruction; research of sources and forms of activation of economic resources for recovery; analysis of structural changes in the country's human capital and substantiation of ways to restore intellectual potential. The research of the world experience allowed to formalise macroeconomic models of national economic recovery: a model of sustainability and efficiency, a model of priority development of territories, a model of competitiveness, socially and environmentally focused models. Novelty. The scientific value of the research is to summarise the world experience of national economic recovery, which allowed to substantiate the author's position on the arch-tectonics of macroeconomic regulation of recovery on the basis of modernisation and innovative development. Practical value. The article substantiates the applied principles of forming models for the recovery of the Ukrainian economy, as well as describes the challenges and opportunities for their implementation, which allowed structuring the vectors and principles of recovery, opportunities and expected consequences.
Differentiation of regional tourist-recreational systems using self-organizing neural networks
Authors: Mints O. Yu , Bieloborodova M. V
Published: February 2025

Methods. The study uses general scientific and specialized methods, including: theoretical generalization – to synthesize theoretical principles and analyze international experience in the development of tourism systems; logical-analytical and static methods – to characterize the current state of development of Ukraine's tourism sector; clustering based on self-organizing neural networks and Kohonen maps – to identify the optimal structure of tourism activities by determining the key factors that constrain their development. Results. The theoretical foundations and practical experience of differentiating socioeconomic systems of different levels is analyzed in the research. Taking into account the availability and quality of statistical data characterizing the state of the regional tourism sector of Ukraine, the optimal tools for differentiating the relevant regions were identified. The analysis made it possible to divide the regions of Ukraine into 3 clusters and establish the key factors of their differentiation, which vary significantly from region to region. Natural and cultural-historical conditions, such as the presence of nature reserves, environmental threats and climatic features, and the presence of outstanding historical and cultural monuments, have a significant impact on the differentiation of regions. Novelty. The authors proposed a scientific and methodological approach to assessing the level of development of the regional tourism sector, taking into account the structure of tourist flows (in terms of tourism goals), costs for the organization and support of tourist complexes and other factors and limitations. The factors of regional differentiation of tourist and recreational systems were determined based on the clustering method. The structure of indicators of consumer (tourist) attractiveness, based on financial performance characteristics, was used as a key indicator for such grouping. Practical value consists in planning and optimizing the structure of tourism activities of regions on the basis of sustainable development, depending on tourist flows, gross regional product, entrepreneurial and investment activity, and tourism expenditure. This leads to strategic development priorities for such groups of regions of Ukraine that are related in terms of the organization of tourism business. In addition, the proposed methodology allows for the formulation of practical recommendations for business and authorities and local self-government and to ensure a balance between the needs of tourism and the preservation of the natural and cultural environment.
Short-term Efficacy and Safety of Latanoprostene Bunod Therapy for Patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma
Authors: Son Sun Myung , Kim Jung Lim
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of latanoprostene bunod 0.024% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from September 2022 to September 2023, involving 29 eyes from patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma. The study analyzed the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of latanoprostene bunod 0.024% at 1 and 3 months after administration. Additionally, adverse events reported by patients at each visit were documented.Results: The mean age of patients at the start of treatment was 64.46 years. The baseline IOP was 17.46 ± 4.03 mmHg, which significantly decreased to 15.07 ± 4.23 mmHg (p = 0.002) at 1 month (29 eyes) and 14.93 ± 3.86 mmHg (p = 0.002) at 3 months (28 eyes) after latanoprostene bunod administration. After 1 month, 9 patients reported adverse events, including conjunctival hyperemia (1 eye, 3.5%), itching (2 eyes, 6.9%), foreign body sensation (2 eyes, 6.9%), stinging (2 eyes, 6.9%), ocular pain (2 eyes, 6.9%), and deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus (1 eye, 3.5%). The patient who experienced deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus discontinued treatment. After 3 months, 2 eyes with itching discontinued treatment due to conjunctival allergy.Conclusions: Latanoprostene bunod 0.024% demonstrated short-term efficacy in reducing IOP and a manageable safety profile in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.
Association between Open Angle Glaucoma and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Kim Jung Lim
Published: February 2025

Purpose: We investigated the relationship between metabolic syndrome and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in postmenopausal women using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).Methods: A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted on postmenopausal women from KNHANES from 2010 to 2012, divided into open angle glaucoma and non-glaucoma groups. The analysis adjusted for age, intraocular pressure, education level, income level, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.Results: The odds ratio (OR) for OAG was 1.801 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.071-3.030) in the presence of metabolic syndrome. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia had an OR of 1.779 (95% CI 1.148-2.758). When hypertriglyceridemia was accompanied by hyperglycemia, the OR was 2.032 (95% CI 1.154-3.578). The OR was 1.839 (95% CI 1.209-2.797) when hypertriglyceridemia was accompanied by hypertension. For the combination of hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, the OR was 1.962 (95% CI 1.102-3.493). When hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and waist circumference over 80 cm were present, the OR was 1.863 (95% CI 1.003-3.458). Lastly, the combination of hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and low HDL cholesterol resulted in an OR of 1.976 (95% CI 1.096-3.562).Conclusions: In postmenopausal women, the presence of metabolic syndrome was associated with OAG, but the number of metabolic syndrome components was not related. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, only elevated triglycerides were associated with OAG.
Impact of urease inhibitor on greenhouse gas emissions and rice yield in a rainfed transplanting rice system in Costa Rica
Authors: Giraldo-Sanclemente Weynner , Pérez-Castillo Ana Gabriela , Monge-Muñoz Mayela , Chinchilla-Soto Cristina , Chavarría-Pérez Lourdes , Alpízar-Marín Melvin , Zaman Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Rice crop production intensification has become one of the most important sources of greenhouse gases. In rainfed rice production, urea is the most common nitrogen (N) fertilizer used in Costa Rica. Urea has low efficiency in crops, which is associated with high risk of N gaseous losses. The use of urea coated with the urease inhibitor NBPT has been identified as a mitigation strategy for ammonia losses. However, this can increase N input to the system, potentially leading to higher N2O and CH4 emissions in rice fields. In 2022, a rainfed rice transplanting trial was conducted on a tropical Inceptisol in Costa Rican Central Pacific region to analyze yield and quantify N2O and CH4 emissions. The plots of 6m x 6m, with an experimental design of five complete randomized blocks, were treated with three N-fertilization treatments: urea (U; 144 kg N ha−1), urea plus NBPT (UI; 144 kg N ha−1) and control plots (without N). Total N was splitted in four applications. The yield did not exhibit a significant difference (p>0.05) between U and UI treatments (U: 5.72 ± 0.97 t ha−1, and UI: 5.86 ± 1.12 t ha−1). There were no significant differences in yield-scaled N2O emissions (U: 4.4 ± 1.9 ug N2O-N kg−1rice, UI: 4.2 ± 1.9 ug N2O-N kg−1rice) or yield-scaled CH4 emissions (U: 0.32 ± 0.20 mg CH4 kg−1rice, UI: 0.33 16 ± 0.18 mg CH4 kg−1rice). Environmental factors and soil conditions such as temperature, pH, clay content, and specific cation exchange capacity could reduce the efficacy of NBPT. Under the experimental conditions, NBPT did not promote economic benefits, nor did it have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Utilizing biomaterial surface properties to improve orthopedic hip implant safety and function in a Safe-by-Design approach
Authors: Gielen Anniek M. C. , Leijten Niels M. , Balraadjsing Payal P. S. , Braakhuis Hedwig M. , Abee Hannah , Arts Jacobus J. , van Wezel Annemarie P. , Oomen Agnes G. , Beijer Nick R. M.
Published: February 2025

Orthopedic hip implant failure due to adverse events, such as infection, are still a major problem leading to high morbidity and mortality. Over the years, various innovative biomaterials have been investigated to improve safety and functionality of implants. Although novel biomaterials show initial promising results, many fail at the (later) stages of safety testing. We performed a literature review serving as a first step in a Safe-by-Design (SbD) approach. SbD is a strategy which includes safety considerations at early development stages and that streamlines the pre-clinical safety assessment of innovative medical implants. In a SbD approach, the standard safety assessment of medical implants (e.g., ISO10993) is complemented with insights on cell-biomaterial interactions allowing for a better in vivo response prediction. As a first step, these insights are based on existing information from literature. Therefore, in this review, correlations between implant biomaterial surface properties and key biological processes, relevant for the success and safety of titanium hip implants, are investigated. In particular, the influence of biomaterial roughness, wettability and pore size on key biological processes for a hip implant (osseointegration, bacterial adhesion and the immune response) are examined. Although it was found that no ideal combination of properties exist to satisfy the key biological processes simultaneously, the gathered insights provide directions for the development of safe and functional biomaterials. Altogether, an assessment of the different aspects of safety at early development stages within an SbD approach can improve biomaterial functionality and thus safety.
Lower limb biomechanical differences between forehand and backhand forward lunges in amateur female badminton players
Authors: Xie Zhonghao , Pan Jing , Wu Xingyu , Liang Huiting , Chen Bosi , Tan Dongping , Wu Meng , Huang Zhiguan
Published: February 2025

Background

Forehand and backhand forward lunges are frequently performed in badminton, placing significant demands on the lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in lower limb biomechanics between these two lunge types in female amateur players.

Methods

This study involved 17 female amateur badminton players performing forehand and backhand forward lunges. Lower limb kinematics and dynamics were recorded using an eight-camera Vicon motion capture system and two AMTI force plates. Variables such as joint angle, range of motion, stiffness, and ground reaction forces measured during the stance phase were analyzed using paired t-tests. To account for the one-dimensional nature of joint angles, moments, and ground reaction forces, the analysis was performed using paired sample t-tests in Statistical Parametric Mapping 1D.

Results

The forehand lunge exhibited a smaller hip flexion angle, greater hip internal rotation angle, and increased hip stiffness compared to the backhand lunge. The backhand lunge, in contrast, demonstrated a higher ankle varus angle and greater transverse plane hip range of motion. SPM1D analysis revealed significant differences in both the early (0%–10%) and late (80%–100%) phases of the stance phase. In the early phase, the backhand lunge showed a larger internal rotation moment at the hip, an external rotation moment at the knee, and a smaller knee extension moment. In the late phase, the forehand lunge revealed greater internal rotation moments at the hip, external rotation moments at the knee, ankle valgus moments, and smaller knee flexion moments.

Conclusion

The backhand lunge requires greater hip internal rotation than the forehand lunge. Additionally, it is associated with higher ankle varus angles, which may increase the risk of ankle injuries. In contrast, the forehand lunge demonstrates greater hip stiffness, potentially reflecting an adaptation of the lower limb to varying directional demands. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating targeted ankle and hip training exercises into conditioning programs.
Efficacy and safety of Dengzhan Shengmai capsule in the treatment of chronic heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Shenghua , Yu Yunfeng , Dai Sisi , Hu Yaqi , He Qin , Liu Rongzhen , Liu Jianhe
Published: February 2025

Background

Dengzhan Shengmai Capsule (DZSMC) is a potential treatment for chronic heart failure (CHF). However, its specific benefits in the treatment of CHF remain unclear.

Methods

Related randomized controlled trials were searched in eight databases up to January 28, 2025, and included studies were determined according to the inclusion criteria. Subsequently, the basic characteristics and data from these studies were recorded using Excel 2010. Outcome-related data were subsequently imported into Revman 5.3 for meta-analysis.

Results

Fifteen randomized controlled trials with 1606 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that compared to conventional treatment group, DZSMC combination group significantly improved the clinical effective rate [RR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.16,1.26), P < 0.00001], brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) [MD = −112.60, 95%CI (−212.23, −12.96), P = 0.03], N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) [MD = −88.27, 95%CI (−108.11, −68.42), P < 0.00001], left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [MD = 6.42, 95% CI (5.57, 7.27), P < 0.00001], left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) [MD = −5.72, 95% CI (−7.56, −3.87), P < 0.00001], left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) [MD = −5.33, 95% CI (−7.41, −3.26), P < 0.00001], left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) [MD = −20.71, 95% CI (−34.59, −6.82), P = 0.003], and 6 min walk test [MD = 51.90, 95%CI (19.08, 84.72), P = 0.002], while adverse events had no significant difference [RR = 0.70, 95%CI (0.42, 1.17), P = 0.17]. Funnel plots indicated no publication bias for BNP, NT-proBNP, LVEF, and LVESD, while potential bias was observed for other outcomes.

Conclusion

DZSMC effectively improves clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and ventricular remodeling in CHF patients, with good safety, making it a potential adjuvant therapy for CHF. However, further research is needed to explore the long-term safety of DZSMC in order to enrich clinical evidence.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024507368, PROSPERO [CRD42024507368].
Integrating case-based learning with curriculum-based ideological and political education: enhancing undergraduate otolaryngology education
Authors: Shen Yang , Zhang Shuqing , Chang Guanglei
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to explore the impact and practical value of combining case-based teaching with curriculum-based ideological and political education (CIPE) in undergraduate Otolaryngology theoretical courses by evaluations of the theoretical test, teaching satisfaction, and the integration of ideological and political education. In this randomized controlled trial, 366 fourth-year medical undergraduates were assigned to either an observation group, which received a semester of case-based CIPE in Otolaryngology, or a control group, which received traditional teaching methods focused on foundational theoretical knowledge. The final theoretical exam score and the process evaluation score, as well as the questionnaire on CIPE were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 statistical software. An independent sample T-test, the corrected χ2 test, and the non-parametric rank-sum test were used for statistical comparisons between the groups. The performance of students in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The overall satisfaction rate with the theory class was also significantly higher, and most students in the observation group had a strong recognition of the importance, specific connotation, training objectives, and methods of integrating ideological and political content. This study indicates that integrating case-based teaching with ideological and political education, to a large extent, improves students’ mastery of professional theory, stimulates proactive thinking, establishes correct professional values, and boosts their sense of professional pride and confidence. It is worth continuously practicing and exploring in our teaching activities.
Deciphering the association between the Life’s Essential 8 and infertility: insights into depression, inflammation, and metabolic mediation
Authors: Cui Shichao , Li Li , Qin Weibing , Liu Wensheng , Zhong Xingming
Published: February 2025

Background

The Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score has been associated with various health outcomes, but its relationship with female infertility remains unclear.

Methods

This study investigated the relationship between LE8 and infertility in women aged 20-45 years using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2013 to 2020. Weighted multifactorial logistic regression models were utilized to examine the association between the LE8 factors and their two subgroups [health behavior score (HBS) and health factor score (HFS)], as well as depressive status and infertility. Nonlinear relationships were examined using weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. Subgroup analysis and mediation analysis of depression, metabolic, and inflammation further elucidated the relationships. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings.

Results

A total of 2,182 participants were included in this study, with 304 in the infertility cohort. Multifactorial regression analysis revealed significant negative correlations between LE8 and its subgroup HFS with infertility. Among the eight subscales, scores for sleep health, body mass index, and blood glucose were significantly negatively correlated with depression, while Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores showed a positive correlation with infertility. Weighted RCS regression modeling indicated no nonlinear relationships between LE8, depression, HFS, HBS, and infertility. Mediation analyses suggested that depression scores, systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and uric acid (UA) mediated the association between LE8 and infertility.

Conclusion

Higher LE8 scores, indicating better cardiovascular health, are associated with lower depression scores and reduced levels of SII and UA. These factors collectively contribute to a lower risk of infertility in women. Targeted interventions aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health may potentially mitigate infertility risk through these pathways.
Ultrasonography reference values for the calcaneus in children and adolescents living at high altitude in Peru
Authors: Fuentes-López Jose , Vidal-Espinoza Rubén , Mamani-Luque Ofelia , Ibanez-Quispe Vladimiro , Villegas-Abrill Claudia , Canqui-Flores Bernabé , Mendoza-Mollocondo Charles Ignacio , Sanchez-Macedo Lucila , Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Gomez-Campos Rossana
Published: February 2025

Objective

The evaluation of bone health during the growth stage is extremely important, as it is a key factor to prevent bone diseases in adulthood. The objectives of the study were: a) to verify if there are differences in bone health with other geographic regions, b) to develop bone health curves using quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) through the Broadband Ultrasonic Attenuation (BUA) parameter in children and adolescents residing in a high altitude region of Peru and c) to determine specific cut-off points for bone health assessment in this particular population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in schoolchildren in a high altitude region of Peru. The sample consisted of 1468 children and adolescents (724 males and 744 females). The age range was 6.0 to 17.9 years old. Weight and height were evaluated. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Bone quality was evaluated by quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) of the calcaneus. The parameters measured were Speed of Sound (SOS, m/s); Broadband Ultrasonic Attenuation (BUA, dB/MHz); and Bone Quality Index (BQI= αSOS+αBUA, αβ: temperature corrections).

Results

There were small discrepancies in bone health (BUA) between studies from various geographic regions. Values differed across all age ranges from ~0.36 to ~10.86 in males and from ~0.26 to ~6.68 in females. At later ages during adolescence the values are relatively similar, reaching a plateau around 16 and 17 years of age. Percentiles were calculated for BUA by age and sex. Sensitivity and specificity values in females are slightly higher relative to males. However, the Youden Index reflects 0.84 for both sexes and the appropriate cut-off point for men is ≤67.8 and for women is ≤63.7.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that there are small discrepancies in bone health (BUA) among children between children and adolescents from different geographic regions. These findings support the creation of specific references and cut-off points for bone health in the pediatric population of a high altitude region of Peru. The results suggest the application of percentiles for the assessment of bone health in school and epidemiological contexts.
Multi-objective day-ahead resilience improvement method for distribution network with high renewable energy penetration considering uncertainty of load and source sides
Authors: Gu Taiyu , Zhu Yidong , Tian Ye , Chen Xiangli , Cheng Yanhong , Gao Wei
Published: February 2025

With the increasing integration of a high proportion of renewable energy, the fluctuation characteristics of distributed power generation such as wind and photovoltaic energy affect the safe and stable operation of the power system. Improving the operational resilience of the distribution network is of great significance for ensuring reliable power supply and improving user satisfaction with electricity consumption. In this paper, a multi objective day-ahead resilience improvement method for distribution network is proposed. Firstly, a detailed mathematical model of distribution network and its internal components was established; then, taking into account the economic costs of network loss and wasted renewable power punishment, as well as voltage safety margin indicators, a multi-objective optimization model is given, and the multi-objective optimization problem is transformed into a single objective optimization problem through the weight method. Meanwhile, considering the uncertainty of both source and load sides, a clear equivalence class method is adopted to transform the uncertain optimization problem into a deterministic optimization problem. Due to the existence of nonlinear and non-convex terms in the model, in order to reduce computational complexity, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to achieve the optimal solution. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are demonstrated with the modified IEEE-33 node testing system.
Analysis of the impact of the digital economy system on carbon emissions and carbon footprint from the perspective of high-quality development
Authors: Li Youhui , Chen Beichuan , Guo Lifeng , Kang Jie
Published: February 2025

The application of digital technology and the emergence of new economic forms have accelerated economic and social dynamic circulation, and the digital economy industry has achieved positive results in enhancing regional carbon emission efficiency. Therefore, exploring the carbon footprint of the digital economy system and the new development model of “dual circulation” from the perspective of high-quality development is important to ensure its healthy development. This study is based on the theory of high-quality development. It uses panel models, spatial econometric models, and other methods for empirical analysis of the level of digital economy development and carbon emission efficiency in more than 25 provinces in China and also of their impact effects. The results indicated that under the post-epidemic situation, the digital economy level of various provinces in China has improved to varying degrees, especially in the Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Pearl River Delta regions, where the improvement effect is significant. The carbon emission efficiency showed a decreasing trend from east to west in the spatial dimension. The digital economy was significantly positively correlated with carbon emission efficiency at the 1% level. In comparison, the negative effects of urbanization level and government macro intervention variables were significant at the 5% and 10% levels. The adjustment of industrial structure, energy technology, and development of the digital economy had significant spatial spillover effects and heterogeneity. When the digital economy improved carbon emission efficiency, a certain degree of peripheral inhibition was observed. From the perspective of high-quality development, the digital economy needs to focus on the “simultaneous realization and maintenance” of economic and ecological benefits and actively adjust the industrial structure and energy optimization based on regional differences.
Climate change from B to Z: a cross-generational perception study in Spain
Authors: Divasson-J Asier , Aguayo-Mendoza Armando , Quesada Carlos , Casado-Mansilla Diego , Borges Cruz E.
Published: February 2025

In the context of increasing climate concerns, this study explores generational perceptions and responses to potential climate-induced crises through a workshop and survey methodology. The aim of this study is to understand how different age groups view and react to extreme climate scenarios and evaluate their proposed actions and attitudes toward climate change mitigation. This study investigates generational perceptions and responses to climate change through a dual-format workshop and survey, conducted both in person and online. The methodological approach involved presenting respondents with a range of apocalyptic scenarios resulting from climate change, including electricity shortages, reduced food production, fuel scarcity, inadequate home heating, drought, and raw material shortages. These scenarios aimed to assess respondents’ awareness, concern, and proposed actions in response to potential future crises. The survey, administered via the Prolific platform, and workshops, held at the “Zientzia Azoka” science fair and online, gathered data from 153 participants across four generational cohorts, namely, Baby Boomers, Generation X (Gen X), Millennials, and Generation Z (Gen Z). The analysis revealed distinct generational differences in attitudes toward societal responsibility and action. Baby Boomers emphasized community responsibility over formal regulations, showing a preference for moral and ethical accountability rather than legislative action. Generation X displayed balanced responses, with tendencies toward valuing education and long-term stability. Millennials were more likely to emphasize the role of authorities and formal governance in addressing societal issues, reflecting their reliance on structured systems. In contrast, Generation Z showed a strong inclination to hold companies accountable, often associating responsibility with corporate entities, and were more vocal about behavioral changes and restrictions to drive progress. The study underscores significant generational differences in climate change perceptions and actions, highlighting a trend toward increasing demand for climate action and growing distrust in institutions. These insights suggest the need for inclusive, generationally tailored climate policies with a focus on education and systemic change. Future research should explore the relationship between sustainable consumption and economic vulnerability, addressing how financial constraints impact individuals’ ability to adopt sustainable practices.
Exploration of cfDNA landscape in NIPT and clinical utilities of cfDNA based gene expression inference in prenatal diagnostics
Authors: Jia Ruo , Zhu Jianjiang , Zhang Feng , Sun Yangbo , Zhang Bin , Du Yang , Qi Hong
Published: February 2025

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a dynamic biomarker reflecting the physiological state of the body. Its unique physical and biochemical properties, inherited from the tissue of origin, enable a wide range of clinical applications. From methylation patterns and fragmentation profiles to genetic variants, cfDNA holds immense potential for diagnosing and monitoring various diseases, including cancer. In this study, we leverage a large collection of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) dataset to explore the genomic landscape of fetal cfDNA, aiming to identify novel biomarkers associated with fetal development and maternal-fetal complications. Our study identifies novel fetal-specific genomic regions, further demonstrating the potential of cfDNA as a versatile biomarker. The prediction model achieved a 100% (12 of 12) positive predictive value (PPV) for hypothyroidism. Whereas for preeclampsia the PPV is much lower (25%, 3 of 12). By establishing a foundation for early hypothyroidism prediction and preeclampsia, we contribute to the expanding applications of NIPT. This approach can be adapted to explore other complex phenotypes and inform biomarker discovery, ultimately advancing maternal-fetal medicine.
Outcomes of mini-monovision with monofocal, enhanced monofocal and extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses
Authors: Levy Issac , Shah Rachana Prashant , Mukhija Ritika , Nanavaty Mayank A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Mini-monovision is a vision correction technique that allows for a broader spectrum of spectacle independence while minimizing anisometropia. This systemic review aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of pseudophakic mini-monovision with three types of intraocular lenses (IOLs): monofocal, enhanced monofocal, and extended depth of focus (EDOF).

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE to identify studies reporting mini-monovision outcomes within the three categories of IOLs up to July 2024. Inclusion criteria were studies with more than 20 patients, target refraction to achieve mini-monovision difference in the fellow eye, and minimum follow-up of 3 months. The primary outcome measure was uncorrected binocular intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA). The secondary outcomes were binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), binocular uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA), patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs), spectacle independence, contrast sensitivity, photic phenomenon, enhancement surgeries and IOL exchange.

Results

A total of 113 studies were screened, of which 19, with a total of 1,530 patients, were eligible for inclusion in this review. Mean logMAR binocular UCIVA was 0.16 ± 0.01, 0.11 ± 0.06, 0.08 ± 0.07 (p = 0.41), and mean logMAR UCDVA was 0.08 ± 0.05, 0.04 ± 07, 0.04 ± 0.04 (p = 0.36), in the monofocal, enhanced monofocal, and EDOF groups, respectively. The mean spectacle independence rate was 51% ± 22.1, 55% ± 35.4 and 63.4% ± 24.6 (p = 0.05), respectively, in the monofocal, enhanced monofocal and EDOF groups. A comparable low incidence of halos and glare was observed when enhanced monofocal lenses were evaluated against traditional monofocal lenses. EDOF lenses have, however, demonstrated mixed results. The complications, IOL exchange, and excimer laser enhancement rates were low across all groups.

Conclusion

While enhanced monofocal and EDOF IOLs may provide slightly better binocular intermediate visual outcomes and higher spectacle independence compared to monofocal lenses with regards to mini-monovision and intermediate vision performance, the differences are not statistically significant. All three IOL types exhibit high patient satisfaction rates when choosing a mini-monovision approach with decreased dependence on spectacles.
Bibliometric and visualisation analyses of gastric ulcer knowledge areas and emerging trends, 2004–2024
Authors: Liu Zijian , Liu Yi , Li Yang , Sun Yuyan , Song Xiaoxiang , Chen Lu , Zhou Dan
Published: February 2025

Background

Gastric ulcers are a form of peptic ulcers that present as ruptures of the mucosal lining of the stomach or the proximal intestinal lining extending beyond the muscularis mucosae, and Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the main causative factors of gastric ulcers. However, the growing incidence of Helicobacter pylori drug resistance and the emergence of specialised ulcers has necessitated continued research on gastric ulcers. This study surveyed global gastric ulcer research over the past two decades with the aim of identifying the major findings and emerging trends in the field.

Methods

Bibliometric analysis was performed using the search terms ‘Gastric ulcer’, ‘Gastric ulcer disease’, ‘Gastrohelcoma’, and ‘Stomach ulcers’. Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Database (WoSCC) and visualised using CiteSpace software.

Results

The Journal of Gastroenterology had the most cited papers. The largest number of papers was from the United States. The most frequently cited keywords were ‘Helicobacter pylori’, ‘peptic ulcer’, and ‘gastric ulcer’.

Conclusion

The field of gastric ulcer research is rapidly expanding, and the existing research is focused on preventing the occurrence of gastric ulcers, exploring the pathogenesis of gastric ulcers, and identifying new methods of treating gastric ulcers.
A narrative review on diagnosis and treatment of ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy, the perspective of a EURACAN reference center for sarcomas
Authors: Torchia A. , Vari S. , Onesti C. E. , Ceddia S. , Maschio M. , Maggi G. , Riva F. , Faltyn W. , Russillo M. , Ferraresi V.
Published: February 2025

Ifosfamide (IFO) is a nitrogen derivative used at different doses, alone or in combination, in the treatment of various types of solid and hematologic cancers. It is a pro-drug activated by cytochrome P450 enzymatic system into ifosforamide mustard, the alkylating component that carries out the cytotoxic effect of the IFO. The most common toxicities of IFO are gastrointestinal, cutaneous, hematological, urological, and neurological. The neurotoxicity may occur in up to 30% of patients and can manifest with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations (lethargy, somnolence, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, excitement, disorientation, weakness, seizures, movement disorders, coma) and a variety of EEG abnormalities, and is known as IFO-induced encephalopathy (IIE). There is no definitive explanation of the mechanism underlying this phenomenon, even though metabolism of IFO, which leads to the formation of neurotoxic components, is probably at the basis of neurotoxicity according to many hypotheses. Consequently, the different factors involved in IFO metabolism (i.e., genetic polymorphism of CYP2B6, GSTM1, GSTP1, and GSTT1; concomitant administration of drugs that affect the cytochrome P450 enzyme system; drug formulation) could be responsible of IIE. IIE is usually reversible by interrupting the IFO infusion and starting intravenous hydration but in some cases further interventions are needed. The most used pharmacological treatment is methylene blue, whose efficacy both as a curative and a prophylactic treatment has been the object of many studies, with mixed results. Other interventions that showed efficacy are thiamine (tested also as a prophylactic drug), dexmedetomidine, and hemodialysis. Other pharmaceuticals have been tested in a preclinical setting showing some activity: trifluoperazine, morin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and alpha lipoic acid (ALA). The aim of this review is to gather the current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the IIE and the current therapeutic approach and the future perspectives.
Cognitive control: modeling the impact on mental health
Authors: Alker Leon
Published: February 2025

The current study identified and investigated four leading models of the relationships among cognitive control, mental health, and psychological disorders. The Norwegian model of cognitive control emphasizes that the inability to disengage from irrelevant stimuli is related to a hyperreactive state of mind, high levels of anxiety, and deteriorated mental health. Motivational accounts of cognitive control highlight the decisive influence of perceived self-efficacy, which is positively related to mental health and negatively related to psychological disorders. Clinical-health psychological theories of cognitive control focus on the influence of cognitive control on the ability to regulate emotions. The dual competition model highlights the predominant impact of negative affect on cognitive control. This study had a cross sectional and descriptive design (N = 122). Ten Preacher and Hayes mediation analyses were conducted to compare all the models. The bootstrap sample was elevated to 5,000 to reach sufficient power for the statistical analyses. In sum, the findings of this study support most models. I propose a theoretical framework of cognitive control and mental health that integrates existing models and is applicable to various areas of life, such as clinical and neuropsychological practice, work, education, health, and personal relationships. This framework offers practical strategies for intervention and prevention, fostering resilience and well-being across various contexts while simultaneously reducing the risk of mental illnesses.