bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of Risk Assessment Model for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Based on A Retrospective Study with Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Mei Ling , Gao Linbo , Wang Tao , Yang Dong , Chen Weixing , Niu Xiaoyu
Published: February 2025

Introduction and Hypothesis

We aimed to develop and validate a clinically applicable risk assessment model for identifying women at a high risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) based on a retrospective practice.

Methods

This study enrolled patients with and without POP between January 2019 and December 2021. Clinical data were collected and machine learning models were applied, such as multilayer perceptron, logistic regression, random forest (RF), light gradient boosting machine and extreme gradient boosting. Two datasets were constructed, one comprising all variables and the other excluding physical examination variables. Two versions of the machine learning model were developed. One was for professional doctors, and the other was for community-health providers. The area under the curve (AUC) and its confidence interval (CI), accuracy, F1 score, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to evaluate the model’s performance. The Shapley Additive Explanations method was used to visualize and interpret the model output.

Results

A total of 16,416 women were recruited, with 8,314 and 8,102 in the POP and non-POP groups respectively. Eighty-seven variables were recorded. Among all candidate models, the RF model with 13 variables showed the best performance, with an AUC of 0.806 (95% CI 0.793–0.817), accuracy of 0.723, F1 of 0.731, sensitivity of 0.742, and specificity of 0.703. Excluding the physical examination variables, the RF model with 11 variables showed an AUC, accuracy, F1 score, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.716, 0.652, 0.688, 0.757, and 0.545 respectively.

Conclusions

We constructed a clinically applicable risk warning system that will help clinicians to identify women at a high risk of POP.
Three-dimensional mass spectrometry imaging (3D MSI): incorporating top-hat IR-MALDESI and automatic z-axis correction
Authors: Sohn Alexandria L. , Witherspoon John G. , Smart Robert C. , Muddiman David C.
Published: February 2025

Leveraging a depth profiling approach expands the chemical elucidation of mass spectrometry imaging techniques to another dimension. Three-dimensional MSI (3D MSI) reveals the distribution of analytes with greater anatomical detail to add another level of information in a biological study. Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) has demonstrated utility for an ablation-based approach, enabling simplified sample preparation workflows and streamlined data processing pipelines compared to a serial-sectioning strategy. To improve 3D MSI on the IR-MALDESI platform, two technologies have been characterized in tandem for the intention of minimizing sampling bias: (1) a top-hat optical train and (2) a chromatic confocal probe (CA probe). While the modified optical train creates a square spot size to avoid a Gaussian ablation crater after the analysis of subsequent layers, the CA probe enables automatic z-axis correction (AzC) to maintain the laser’s focus on the surface of the sample. The work herein demonstrates the integration and optimization of these technologies on mouse skin, motivated by the clear biological skin layers that result in differential lipid expression and subsequent detection. Results support that a laser energy of 1.3 mJ/burst with the top-hat optical train and a 120 µm step size in the X and Y dimensions presented a comparable depth resolution to previous studies at under 7 µm. Further, the optimized parameters were utilized on two biological replicates to evaluate method reproducibility where lipid annotations and their abundance were considered.
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) immunohistochemical expression in fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma: biological and potential predictive implications
Authors: Marletta S. , Marcolini L. , Caliò A. , Pedron S. , Antonini P. , Martelli F. M. , Stefanizzi L. , Martignoni G.
Published: February 2025

Fumarate hydratase (FH)-deficient renal cell carcinoma is an aggressive neoplasm driven by inactivating mutations of the FH gene, which cause metabolites like S-(2-succinyl)cysteine (2SC) to accumulate and trigger cascades supporting malignant transformation. Although in preclinical models the c-GAS-STING pathway is activated by fumarate metabolites, its role in humans has not been explored yet. Eleven FH-deficient renal cell carcinomas, including primary neoplasms and metastases, were retrieved and evaluated for clinical-pathological features and immunohistochemical expression of FH, 2SC (commercially available), and STING. The in-house collection accounted for 0.2% of the 2011–2023 renal cell carcinomas cohort (5/2210). Eight-on-ten cases with available follow-up behaved aggressively (local recurrence/distant metastases). All tumors revealed FH staining loss and strong and diffuse 2SC immunolabeling. At least focal STING expression was detected in most primary tumors (9/11, 82%), often (78%) in a wide percentage of cells (≥ 30%). Notably, significant STING expression was observed in all but two aggressive renal neoplasms, with one of the remaining showing increased staining in its hepatic localization, and in 86% (6/7) of neoplasms significantly expressing PD-L1. In our series, (i) FH-deficient renal cell carcinoma represents 0.2% of in-house cases; (ii) combining FH loss and positive 2SC staining now commercially available is useful in primary and secondary tumors, supporting this latter marker’s safe routine adoption; and (iii) a significant STING labeling (≥ 30%) in most of the samples, especially in those behaving aggressively and expressing PD-L1, provides novel insights regarding the molecular basis of FH-deficient renal cell carcinomas, proposing STING as a potential predictive marker.
HYA ameliorated postprandial hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes model rats with bolus insulin treatment
Authors: Yamamoto Yuta , Narumi Katsuya , Yamagishi Naoko , Yonejima Yasunori , Iseki Ken , Kobayashi Masaki , Kanai Yoshimitsu
Published: February 2025

Aims

The oral administration of linoleic acid immediately before glucose tolerance test (OGTT) ameliorated postprandial hyperglycemia via GPR120 pathway in normal and type 1 diabetes (T1DM) rats. Linoleic acid could promote inflammatory mediators, but 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid (HYA) converted from linoleic acid by Lactobacillus plantarum has higher GPR120 agonistic activity without promoting inflammatory mediators. This study examined whether the oral-administration of HYA immediately before OGTT also ameliorated the postprandial hyperglycemia in normal rats and T1DM rats injected with bolus insulin.

Methods

Normal and T1DM male Sprague-Dawley rats received HYA immediately before OGTT. Other T1DM rats were given HYA and Humulin R immediately before OGTT. We measured the concentration of glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin in blood before and after OGTT. We also measured the amount of glucose in the gastric tract after OGTT, and the amount of uptake of methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside in CACO-2 cells.

Results

Postprandial hyperglycemia was ameliorated by HYA in normal rats, and the postprandial blood glucose levels were slowly elevated by HYA in the T1DM model rats. HYA partially inhibited the uptake of methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside in CACO-2 cells. HYA slowed gastric motility and increased the plasma GLP-1 and cholecystokinin levels in normal rats. HYA also ameliorated the postprandial hyperglycemia in T1DM rats given bolus insulin.

Conclusion

Oral administration of HYA immediately before OGTT ameliorated postprandial hyperglycemia through inhibition of glucose absorption and slowing of gastric motility in normal rats. Furthermore, this beneficial effect of HYA was also revealed in T1DM rats injected with bolus insulin.
Comparing the mental health of Australian university students with that of young people who are not in higher education
Authors: Crisp Dimity , Albrecht Sabina , Rickwood Debra
Published: February 2025

Compared with their non-student counterparts, young adults engaged in higher education are often reported to be at greater risk for mental health concerns. However, research directly comparing university student and non-student populations is limited. This study uses a community sample to investigate differences in the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians (17–25 years) engaged in university study (n = 828) compared with their age-matched non-studying peers (n = 880). Comparisons are made on mean levels of psychological distress, wellbeing, resilience, and loneliness, as well as the proportion of individuals meeting commonly used classifications for mental health and wellbeing. We then examine the role of employment on reported distress and wellbeing. While a substantial proportion of the sample reported high to very high distress, our study found no overall substantive difference in levels of distress or wellbeing between students and non-students. An examination of employment status revealed a more nuanced result. Full-time employment was associated with greater psychological distress in students, where otherwise students reported better wellbeing and lower distress than their non-student peers. These findings challenge the common discourse of tertiary students as having a greater risk of distress than the general community. However, attempting to combine full-time work with full-time study is challenging, and the pressures of such work can increase distress. Increased financial assistance for tertiary students is needed to ease work pressures, along with greater understanding of the flexibility needed to balance work and study commitments.
Empirical Evaluation of QUIC-Based Software-Defined Service Migration in Multi-access Edge Computing Over 5G Networks
Authors: Chu Tran-Tuan , Labiod Mohamed Aymen , Augustin Brice , Mathialahan Kajanan , Mellouk Abdelhamid
Published: February 2025

Live Service Migration in Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) environments is essential to ensure seamless service continuity for users in dynamic network scenarios. While advances such as QUIC-based connection migration and CRIU-based container migration have improved reliability, they remain dependent on maintaining active connections with the source server, which is impractical in conditions of high mobility, unstable links, or server outages. Additionally, existing solutions lack a centralized mechanism to optimally manage migration paths. This study introduces the Software-Defined Service Migration (SDSM) paradigm, leveraging a centralized SDN controller, the QUIC protocol, and MEC technologies to enhance service migration. Our approach overcomes the limitations of traditional methods by preemptively coordinating container and connection migrations. Empirical evaluations on a 5G-based testbed and emulated environments demonstrate significant reductions in migration times and improved recovery in mobile scenarios. These results establish SDSM as a robust solution for next-generation network applications, ensuring consistent and adaptive service quality.
Iron Levels in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Hematological Patients with Suspected Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and their Association with 12-week Mortality: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lamberink H. , Heijmans J. , Wagemakers A. , van Dijk K.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Accuracy of diagnostic tests for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) remains suboptimal. Elevated tissue iron in lung transplant and murine models is linked to invasive Aspergillus growth. This study examines the correlation between BALF iron levels, IPA, and 12-week mortality.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care center, including 100 BALF samples from patients with hematological malignancies and suspected IPA between 2014 and 2019. Data regarding iron concentrations, mycological tests, and 12-week mortality were analyzed.

Results

Higher iron levels correlated with a greater likelihood of IPA based on EORTC/MSGERC 2020 definitions (p = 0.038). The ROC area was 0.648 (95% CI 0.531-0.764), with an optimal cut-off of 0.75 µmol/L to distinguish cases (27 probable and 0 proven IPA) from controls (56 possible and 17 no IPA), with sensitivity 76.9% and specificity 47.3%. Iron levels were positively correlated with higher fungal loads (galactomannan: Spearman’s ρ 0.323, p = 0.001; Aspergillus PCR Ct-values: ρ − 0.602, p = 0.002). A trend toward higher 12-week mortality was observed in patients with iron concentrations ≥ 0.90 µmol/L compared to lower levels (p = 0.086).

Conclusions

BALF iron concentrations were highest in those with probable IPA, followed by possible IPA and lowest in patients without IPA, with higher iron levels also correlating with fungal loads and potentially with 12-week mortality. However, given the various potential confounding factors, further prospective studies are essential to establish causality. These findings warrant additional investigation into BALF iron as a potential marker for 12-week survival, but validation is necessary before considering it as a supplementary marker in the current EORTC/MSGERC 2020 classification for probable or possible IPA.
Reappraising prediction of surgical complexity of non-functioning pituitary adenomas after transsphenoidal surgery: the modified TRANSSPHER grade
Authors: Fiore Giorgio , Bertani Giulio A. , Baldeweg Stephanie E. , Borg Anouk , Conte Giorgio , Dorward Neil , Ferrante Emanuele , Hussein Ziad , Miserocchi Anna , Miszkiel Katherine , Mantovani Giovanna , Locatelli Marco , Marcus Hani J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Prognostication of surgical complexity is crucial for optimizing decision-making and patient counseling in pituitary surgery. This study aimed to develop a clinical score to predict gross-total resection (GTR) in non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) using externally validated machine-learning (ML) models.

Methods

Clinical and radiological data were collected from two tertiary medical centers. Patients had pre- and postoperative structural T1-weighted MRI with gadolinium and T2-weighted preoperative scans. Three ML classifiers were trained on the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery dataset and tested on the Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Polyclinic of Milan dataset. Feature importance analyses and hierarchical-tree inspection identified predictors of surgical complexity, which were used to create the grading score. The prognostic performance of the proposed score was compared to that of the state-of-the art TRANSSPHER grade in the external dataset. Surgical morbidity was also analyzed.

Results

All ML models accurately predicted GTR, with the random forest classifier achieving the best performance (weighted-F1 score of 0.87; CIs: 0.71, 0.97). Key predictors—Knosp grade, tumor maximum diameter, consistency, and supra-sellar nodular extension—were included in the modified (m)-TRANSSPHER grade. The ROC analysis showed superior performance of the m-TRANSSPHER grade over the TRANSSPHER grade for predicting GTR in NFPAs (AUC 0.85 vs. 0.79).

Conclusions

This international multi-center study used validated ML algorithms to refine predictors of surgical complexity in NFPAs, yielding the m-TRANSSPHER grade, which demonstrated enhanced prognostic accuracy for surgical complexity prediction compared to existing scales.
Delineating the dyadic coping process in HIV serodiscordant male couples: a dyadic daily diary study using the common fate model
Authors: Hou Jianhua , Fu Rong , Jiang Taiyi , Yu Nancy Xiaonan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Although HIV is likely to be a couple-based issue among serodiscordant male couples due to cross-partner transmission, little is known about how they cope with HIV as a team. This study aimed to examine the dyadic coping process among serodiscordant couples.

Methods

A dyadic daily diary study was used to answer our research questions. One hundred and forty-one Chinese HIV serodiscordant male couples completed measures of we-disease appraisal, common dyadic coping, quality of life, and relationship satisfaction for 14 consecutive days and ART adherence, attitudes toward PrEP, quality of life, and relationship satisfaction at a 2-month post-diary assessment. Computations were based on the common fate mediation model, using multilevel structural equation modeling.

Results

Regarding direct effect, we-disease appraisal was associated with both partners’ quality of life at the between-person level, post-diary quality of life, attitudes toward to PrEP, relationship satisfaction at both levels as well as post-diary relationship satisfaction. Common dyadic coping mediated the association between we-disease appraisal and both partners’ quality of life as well as relationship satisfaction at the within-person level. However, no mediating effects were observed at the between-person level.

Conclusions

Our findings highlighted the importance of the daily dyadic coping process among HIV serodiscordant couples. Future interventions should direct resources toward fostering a shared disease appraisal and training couples in common dyadic coping strategies for their daily lives.
The relationship between robotisation and work characteristics: a systematic literature review
Authors: Jonczyk Nina , Schweizer Theresa , González-Romá Vicente , Peiró José M.
Published: February 2025

Although the prevalence of robots in the workplace is growing at a considerable speed, findings on their relationship with employees’ work experiences remain scarce. This poses a challenge for managers attempting to implement robots, as the few existing studies often report contradictory findings. This systematic literature review aims to solve this issue by identifying relationship tendencies between robotisation and work characteristics and the potential moderator variables in this relationship, creating a basis for future research. Findings reflect the important role of robotisation as an antecedent to the extended Work Design Model (Humphrey et al. 2007). They reveal mixed tendencies when it comes to the relationship between robotisation and both task and contextual characteristics, with a positive tendency for knowledge characteristics and a negative tendency for social characteristics being most likely. Potential moderator variables include implementation strategy, type of job, and type of robot. We conclude the review with managerial and theoretical recommendations and outline opportunities for future research.
Digital technologies and circularity: trade-offs in the development of life cycle assessment
Authors: Toniolo Sara , Pierli Giada , Bravi Laura , Liberatore Lolita , Murmura Federica
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research aims to develop a critical understanding of the employment of digital technologies (DTs) for LCA studies, outlining both the opportunities and challenges associated with circular strategies. Two research questions are thus addressed: (1) What circular loops and aspects are addressed when digital technologies are integrated in the development of a Life Cycle Inventory? (2) Which trade-offs are revealed in the integration of digital technologies in Life Cycle Inventory development addressing circularity along a life cycle?

Methods

This study is based on the problematisation approach, which critically examines existing assumptions in the LCA literature, structured into six principles: defining a domain of investigation, articulating and evaluating assumptions, developing alternative perspectives, involving the audience through qualitative interviews, and assessing the alternative assumptions. A systematic literature review (SLR) and semi-structured interviews with experts were conducted to explore these issues and suggest future research directions.

Results and discussion

It emerges that the DTs are mainly integrated in the Life Cycle Inventory phase capturing closing and narrowing loops, whereas a limited number of cases investigate slowing loops with different aspects investigated. However, even if DTs can facilitate and improve the trustworthiness of the inventory, they can also lead to an increase in complexity because more competencies are needed, it is more difficult to control data collection and elaboration, and more social interactions along the supply chain are needed. At the same time, DTs can reduce flexibility because further improvements are blocked, interfaces can be rigid to connect, and technical and normative updates can be more difficult to implement.

Conclusions

DTs improve the development of the Life Cycle Inventory phase, particularly in the context of the circular economy. However, they also introduce new complexities and challenges. The use of blockchain, digital twins, and IoT sensors, for instance, has significantly improved data transparency and traceability, which are critical for circular economy practices, but complexity and training requirements can limit their benefits, so careful consideration must be given to their implementation to maximise benefits and minimise drawbacks.
Time-Lapse Imaging of Bismuth Precipitation and Coarsening on the Surface of Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi Solder Joints After Thermal Cycling
Authors: Hsieh Chen-Lin , Coyle Richard J. , Gourlay Christopher M.
Published: February 2025

Adding bismuth to Sn-Ag-Cu solder compositions can significantly improve reliability in thermal cycling, but there are uncertainties in how bismuth precipitates and coarsens in Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi solders containing > 3 wt.% Bi. Here we apply time-lapse imaging in a scanning electron microscope to study bismuth precipitation and coarsening at room temperature on the polished surface of Sn-2.25-0.5Ag-6Bi ball grid array solder joints after thermal cycling. It is shown that (Bi) precipitates on the surface within 2 h after polishing and then coarsens by a combination of Ostwald ripening, coalescence ripening, and competition between two orientation relationships. Time-lapse imaging revealed that coalescence causes an increase in the local bismuth particle size and the formation of anomalously large (Bi) particles. The accumulation of bismuth on the polished surface increases far beyond the equilibrium volume fraction for this alloy. The bismuth particle size distributions are significantly wider than expected from Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner (LSW) theory, that assumes only Ostwald ripening, which is shown to be because coalescence creates anomalously large particles. This study shows the important role of bismuth precipitate coalescence within the coarsening mechanism in Sn-2.25-0.5Ag-6Bi solder joints.
Harnessing memetic algorithms: a practical guide
Authors: Cotta Carlos
Published: February 2025

The aim of this work is to provide a didactic approximation to memetic algorithms (MAs) and how to apply these techniques to an optimization problem. MAs are based on the synergistic combination of ideas from population-based metaheuristics and trajectory-based search/optimization techniques. Most commonly, MAs feature a population-based algorithm as the underlying search engine, endowing it with problem-specific components for exploring the search space, and in particular with local-search mechanisms. In this work, we describe the design of the different elements of the MA to fit the problem under consideration, and go on to perform a detailed case study on a constrained combinatorial optimization problem related to aircraft landing scheduling. An outline of some advanced topics and research directions is also provided.
Five ways to recover the symbol of a non-binary localization operator
Authors: Halvdansson Simon
Published: February 2025

Five constructive methods for recovering the symbol of a time-frequency localization operator with non-binary symbol are presented, two based on earlier work and three novel methods. For the two derivative methods which have previously been applied to binary symbols, we propose a changed symbol estimator and provide additional estimates that show how we can recover non-binary symbols. The three novel methods each have their own advantages and are all applicable to non-binary symbols. Two of them rely on prescribing the input of the localization operator and examining the output, allowing for targeting of the part of the symbol one wishes to recover while the last one relies on spectral information about the operator. All five methods are also implemented numerically and evaluated with the code available.
Next generation sequencing: a possible answer to sudden unexplained deaths in a young South African cohort?
Authors: van Deventer Barbara Stroh , du Toit-Prinsloo Lorraine , van Niekerk Chantal
Published: February 2025

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major public health concern. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including South Africa, there is a lack of reliable statistics on the incidence of SCD, even though there has been a fourfold increase in noncommunicable diseases (NCD), particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Sudden cardiac death contributes to an estimated 50% of all cardiovascular deaths, which highlights South Africa’s need for research into better detection, treatment and prevention. This study aimed to identify an inherited cardiac arrhythmogenic disorder, linked to variants in cardiomyopathy- and arrhythmia-related genes, as a potential contributing factor to sudden cardiac deaths. DNA was extracted from blood samples collected at autopsy of 51 sudden unexpected death (SUD) cases, and subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 49 genes linked to inherited cardiac arrhythmogenic disorders. Variants were annotated and interpretated for clinical significance using the Galaxy bioinformatic platform. In total, 175 different missense variants were identified in the study population (n = 51). Of these, 92.5% (162/175) were known, documented variants, and the remaining 7.4% (13/175) were considered novel. Of the known variants, 78.4% (127/162) were of benign/likely benign significance, 20.4% (33/162) were variants of unknown significance (VUS), and 1.2% (2/162) was pathogenic. The 13 novel variants were analysed using online prediction software, with 92.3% (12/13) predicted to be likely benign and 7.7% (1/13) grouped into the VUS category. Post-mortem genetic testing provided evidence of a genetic arrhythmic/cardiac conduction disorder as the probable pathogenic basis for approximately 4% (2/51) of sudden unexpected death (SUD) cases.
Assessing pricing and affordability of HBV treatment in Asia–Pacific region: a barrier to elimination
Authors: Chen Jing , Jia Jidong , Zhuang Hui , Zhang Wenhong , Yang Jin Mo , Tanwandee Tawesak , Payawal Diana , Hamid Saeed , Sarin Shiv Kumar , Omata Masao , Wang Guiqiang , Lau George ,   Apasl Viral Elimination Task Force
Published: February 2025

Background

The Asia–Pacific (AP) region carries a substantial burden of HBV. Affordable HBV treatment is crucial to attain WHO’s elimination goal. This study assesses the pricing and affordability of HBV treatment in AP.

Methods

A survey conducted among APASL members from 2 Aug to 30 Oct, 2023, gathered data on antiviral HBV drugs, treatment costs covering stages of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), compensated cirrhosis (CC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver transplant, and monitoring expenses. Drug costs for TDF and ETV were compared to international reference price (TDF: $30, ETV: $36 per person per year), generating a median price ratio (MPR) where MPR < 1 indicated an acceptable local price. Affordability was evaluated by comparing yearly CHB treatment cost to yearly minimum wage in each country/area, all converted to 2023 US$.

Results

ETV costs ranged from $42 per person per year in Pakistan to $2640 in Malaysia, while TDF costs varied from $12 in mainland China to $2446 in Hong Kong. Almost all MPR exceeded 1. Affordability of HBV treatment varied, with CHB patients in Australia paying 1.4% of minimum yearly wage to get 1 year CHB treatment, in contrast to Myanmar’s 78.6%. Affordability disparities were also evident for patients with CC, HCC, and liver-transplant needs, though monitoring costs were generally affordable.

Conclusions

Despite patent expiration and availability of low-cost generics for TDF and ETV, HBV medication costs in Asia–Pacific region remain high. CHB treatment is generally unaffordable for patients, posing a significant barrier to HBV elimination in this endemic region.
Biology’s Einstein Moment: Specifying Lineal Frames of Reference and Rejecting Absolute Biological History
Authors: Haber Matthew H.
Published: February 2025

We are currently in the midst of what I call biology’s Einstein moment. This is the rejection of absolute biological history, the idea that there is an invariant, privileged biological history against which other histories are measured or deviate from. Instead, biologists must specify theoretically and empirically motivated frames of lineal reference. This is already informing and advancing biological practice, theory, methods, and more, and is a significant and important feature of contemporary biology. Here I argue that it is worth identifying and naming this shift, and encouraging a deeper and broader embrace of it.
Validation of the Italian version of the intuitive exercise scale: a four-factor structure in the general population
Authors: Mancin Paolo , Ghisi Marta , Moro Tatiana , Cerea Silvia
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Intuitive exercise may foster healthier engagement in physical activity, leading to enhanced well-being and more intuitive eating habits. The Intuitive Exercise Scale (IEXS) was originally developed to assess this construct in English speakers. The IEXS is composed of four scales addressing distinct facets of intuitive exercise: emotional exercise, body trust, exercise rigidity, mindful exercise. The present study aimed to validate an Italian translation of the IEXS, exploring its factorial structure, invariance, internal consistency, and convergent validity.

Methods

A sample of 1140 women and men (age: M = 45.25, SD = 11.64, range 22–76 years) was recruited from the Italian general population; 61.8% were physically active. Inclusion criteria were being an Italian native speaker and being at least 18 years. The sample was randomly split in two equal halves for the Exploratory Factor Analysis (n = 570; women: 50%; physically active: 61.8%) and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (n = 570; women: 50%; physically active: 61.8%). Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess invariance among women and men and physically and non-physically active individuals. McDonald’s omega was used to assess internal consistency. Pearson’s correlations were utilized to assess convergent validity.

Results

The Italian IEXS replicated a four-factor structure and showed good invariance among women and men. Invariance among physically and non-physically active individuals was only partially supported. Excellent internal consistency and adequate convergent validity were achieved.

Conclusions

The IEXS demonstrated to be a valid measure to examine intuitive exercise in the Italian population, replicating and expanding the findings of the English version.

Level of evidence Level V, Cross-sectional, Psychometric study.
Four First in Family Students’ Transition into Degree Study at a Vocational Education Institution
Authors: Foronda Claire , Smith Lee , Murray Jacqui , Domdom Joey
Published: February 2025

Students who are the first in family (FIF) to enrol in bachelor’s degree programmes, do not have the same familial cultural, social and economic capital that can help in their transitions into tertiary study than students whose parents are tertiary graduates. This qualitative study explores four FIF students’ experiences of transitioning from secondary school into a Bachelor of Nursing programme offered at one New Zealand polytechnic. It therefore contributes nuance to the abundance of research on FIF students’ experiences of transitioning into university degree programmes. The stressors identified included a lack of academic literacy and information about tertiary education; however, support from family, tutors, friends and classmates was pivotal in navigating the initial transition period. The participants were proud to be role models for other family members. The study identified that FIF students need scaffolding and support until the academic and self-efficacy skills required to succeed in tertiary education become embodied in their habitus.
Wie man denn spricht: Die beste hut / Ist, die im ain mensch selber thut! Semantisierungen der (inneren) huote
Authors: Manuwald Henrike
Published: February 2025

Konzepte der inneren huote finden sich in Minne- und Ehe-Diskursen wie auch im Seelenheil-Diskurs. Vor dem Hintergrund des Bedeutungsspektrums von mhd. huote und lat. custodia, wie es in Wörterbüchern erschlossen ist, wird exemplarisch an Predigten Bernhards von Clairvaux und der Minnerede Minneburg sprach- und diskursübergreifend gezeigt, wie unter Rückgriff auf das Bildfeld einer zu verteidigenden Burg die innere huote mithilfe äußerer Instanzen umschrieben wird. In den ausgewählten Texten bringen Darstellungsmittel wie Metapher, Personifikation und Allegorie zum Ausdruck, dass bei der inneren huote Subjekt und Objekt zusammenfallen können. Direkte Diskursinterferenzen lassen sich dabei nicht nachweisen, vielmehr Bezüge auf bekannte Vorstellungen von huote, die sich auch in Sprichwörtern manifestiert haben. Über die jeweiligen Konkretisierungen der inneren huote werden letztlich Facetten des Selbst thematisiert.
Der Lebensweg: Historische Semantiken einer diagrammatischen Metapher
Authors: Friedrich Udo
Published: February 2025

Der Beitrag skizziert die diagrammatische Struktur der Lebenswegmetapher von der Antike bis zur Frühen Neuzeit. Die epochenspezifische Besetzung hängt einerseits vom Weltbild und von je eigenen Diskursregeln ab, andererseits werden diese von literarischen Strategien genutzt, kritisiert und unterminiert. Indem der Lebensweg über die Erzählung als Lebenslauf in Gang kommt, eröffnen sich im historischen Prozess unendliche Variationen.
Pernicious liaisons: antibiotic-depressed immune response of a livestock micropredator, the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus)
Authors: Cabrera-Campos Iván , Ávila-Flores Rafael , Rivera-Ruiz David Alfonso , Herrera M. L. Gerardo
Published: February 2025

Antibiotics are pharmaceutical products with the potential to affect the immune performance of wildlife. Wildlife species might incorporate antibiotic residues in their system when feeding on livestock treated with these chemicals. One of the most studied interactions of livestock with wildlife is that established with the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), which predates on livestock. We tested the effect of clindamycin on the humoral and cellular acquired immune responses of common vampire bats captured in the wild in Mexico. We hypothesized that both cellular and humoral acquired immune responses would be negatively affected after bats were exposed to clindamycin for 15 days. We measured local inflammation (swelling index = SI) and serum immunoglobulin concentration (IgG) after the repeated application of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in bats treated with clindamycin and in a control group that did not receive the antibiotic. PHA is a plant lectin that induces mitosis in the effector cells of cellular-mediated immunity. We expected that antibiotic-exposed bats would present a weaker inflammatory response and that their IgG serum levels would not increase at the same rate after three consecutive injections of PHA than bats in the control group. Mean SI after the second injection of PHA was higher than that after the first injection only in bats in the control group. No significant difference was found in SI after the third injection with respect to the first injection in both the control and the experimental group. Mean IgG concentration was higher after the third injection than before the first injection only in vampire bats not treated with antibiotic. Our study shows the negative effect that exposure to anthropogenic chemicals generates on wildlife capacity to maintain a healthy immune system.
Young People’s Views of and Responses to Socioeconomic Inequality: Self-Oriented Accommodation, Sceptical Resistance and Knowing Resignation
Authors: Kim Chae-Young
Published: February 2025

To date, sociological research has rarely foregrounded young people’s views of the causes of socioeconomic inequality, either for interpreting their understanding of the underlying processes involved or for exploring how these may influence the choices that help shape their own future socioeconomic outcomes. To address this gap, this paper uses questionnaire and interview data from 77 UK secondary school students concerning the relationships between their views of the causes of wealth and poverty and their occupational aspirations. In particular, the paper looks at how holding a ‘critical’ view of inequality—i.e. one which sees structural factors as its main cause—impacts their attitudes toward achieving their aspirations. While most participants gave more than one kind of cause for both wealth and poverty, a minority gave only structural factors as the main cause. Among the participants who held such a critical view, I identify three types of response to inequality concerning their aspirations: self-oriented accommodation (endorsing meritocratic beliefs regarding their own career success), sceptical resistance (seeking upward mobility while simultaneously doubting its likelihood) and knowing resignation (an acceptance of the prospect of failing to achieve one’s aspirations). I then discuss how the potential transitions between these response types, especially for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, may contribute to the reproduction of inequality despite such a critical awareness. I conclude by highlighting the benefits of foregrounding young people’s views of the causes of inequality for understanding the mechanisms that underlie their choices and the subsequent socioeconomic outcomes.
Impact of broad ion beam center alignment and mask position on Si wafer cross-section milling rate
Authors: Won Jong-Han , Kim Ki-Hwan , Jang Dong-Young , Park Geon-Yeong
Published: February 2025

When processing an area over 500 µm in sample cross-section processing using an ion beam, Ar broad ion beam (Ar BIB) is used. Place a mask over the sample to be cross sectionized and irradiate Ar BIB on the specimen set higher than the mask. As the mask is cut, the cross section is processed in a form that follows the cross section. In the case of commercially available equipment based on Si wafer, the height on the specimen is set within 100 um above the mask, and the milling rate is defined as the result of processing for 1 h. It is generally known that during BIB processing, half of the beam is irradiated to the mask, and the remaining half is irradiated to the specimen for processing. However. in this study, it was found that the milling rate increased whenever the center of the beam was raised on the mask little by little (within a few ums to 100 um). From this study, the irradiation position of the BIB was raised on the mask surface at regular intervals for the experiment, and through this, the definition of the beam size of the DC plasma ion gun was used in the experiment, and the change in the milling rate of the Si wafer was studied.
Nikos Kazantzakis on Palestine, Jerusalem, and the Zionist movement: literary and historical considerations
Authors: Konstantinou Ariadne
Published: February 2025

This article examines Kazantzakis’ travel writing in his 1926 newspaper series on ‘the Land of Palestine’, which introduces Zionism, and in his posthumously published chapter ‘Jerusalem’ in Journeying (1961). Revisiting the relation between the two, I argue that each is to be seen as a distinct work. While free from the antisemitic sentiment of Venizelist circles, the Greek author's reportage has three important silences – and these are matched by a sweeping lack of scholarly interest in this material. This article hopes to generate renewed interest so that Kazantzakis’ 1926 reportage may help construe a more complex reception of Zionism in interwar Greece.
Why Write Music? Scribes and Partial Notation in Toledo, Cathedral Archive, MS 35–6
Authors: Maloy Rebecca , Wride Emily
Published: February 2025

Western plainsong studies have typically focused on fully notated manuscripts, which provide the most complete witnesses to the repertories that have interested scholars in the field. Recent work, however, has shown that partially notated manuscripts, fragments, and marginalia can yield different kinds of insights into manuscript culture, as well as the uses and functions of musical notation. This article explores how a partially notated manuscript preserving the Old Hispanic rite, Toledo, Cathedral Archive, MS 35–6 (T6), can expand our knowledge of Old Hispanic chant, its scribal practices, manuscript culture, and notation. We identify the specific palaeographical traits and melodic dialects associated with each scribe. On this basis, we hypothesize that scribes used notation for a variety of reasons: to train in singing and writing, to practise writing, to correct particular melodies and notational forms, to preserve particular versions within a variant melodic tradition, and as an aide-memoire. T6 offers new insights into the various ways that the Old Hispanic oral tradition could be supported by writing.
The association between dietary inflammatory potential and risk of total and site-specific colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Nikparast Ali , Etesami Elahe , Shafiee Mahshad , Javaheri-Tafti Fatemeh , Mohajerani Arefeh , Ghanavati Matin
Published: February 2025

In the last decades, it has been well known that low grade inflammation plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of different cancers. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was to evaluate the association between inflammatory potential of diet measured through the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), energy-adjusted DII (E-DII), empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) and inflammatory score of the diet (ISD) and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and site-specific colon cancer. A systematic electronic search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, the Web of Sciences, and reference lists up to November 21, 2023, was performed. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method using random effect model. To assess the heterogeneity of included studies, the I2 index was used. A total of 28 original studies, comprising 2,287,836 participants, were selected to include in this meta-analysis. Pooled results showed a significant association between higher adherence to proinflammatory diet and increased risk of CRC (ES:1.39;95%CI:1.29-1.51;I2=82.9%), colon (ES:1.40;95%CI:1.26-1.55; I²= 73.3%, p<0.01), proximal colon (ES:1.28; 95% CI:1.17-1.40;I²=29.1%), distal (ES:1.50;95%CI:1.30-1.74;I²= 63.5%) and rectal (ES:1.46;95%CI:1.23-1.74;I²=80%). Stratified analysis by type of dietary indices noted that greater adherence to the DII, E-DII, and EDIP were related to significant increase in risk of overall CRC and site-specific colon cancers. Our results highlighted the proposed role of inflammatory protentional of diet as important risk factor for CRC. Adherence to an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern should be recommended to reduce incidence of CRC, globally.
Motion planning and searching strategy of a transverse ledge climbing robot based on force feedback
Authors: Pangestu Reno , Yu Guan Xian , Lin Chi-Ying
Published: February 2025

A transverse ledge climbing robot inspired by athletic locomotion is a customized robot aiming to travel through horizontal ledges in vertical walls. Due to the safety issue and complex configurations in graspable ledges such as horizontal, inclined ledges, and gaps between ledges, existing well-known vision-based navigation methods suffering from occlusion problems may not be applicable to this special kind of application. This study develops a force feedback-based motion planning strategy for the robot to explore and make feasible grasping actions as it continuously travels through reachable ledges. A contact force detection algorithm developed using a momentum observer approach is implemented to estimate the contact force between the robot’s exploring hand and the ledge. Then, to minimize the detection errors due to dynamic model uncertainties and noises, a time-varying threshold is integrated. When the estimated contact force exceeds the threshold value, the robot control system feeds the estimated force into the admittance controller to revise the joint motion trajectories for a smooth transition. To handle the scenario of gaps between ledges, several ledge-searching algorithms are developed to allow the robot to grasp the next target ledge and safely overcome the gap transition. The effectiveness of the proposed motion planning and searching strategy has been justified by simulation, where the four-link transverse climbing robot successfully navigates through a set of obstacle scenarios modeled to approximate the actual environment. The performance of the developed grasping ledge searching methods for various obstacle characteristics has been evaluated.
Comparison of morbidity and mortality outcomes of conventional and sutureless repair techniques in children with isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage
Authors: Gözaçık Karakoç Kübra , Yazıcı Batuhan , Kamalı Hacer , Yıldız Okan , Karakoç Gökhan , Haydin Sertaç , Onan İsmihan Selen
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

The sutureless repair technique has been favoured due to its purported reduction in post-operative pulmonary venous obstruction rates. This study aims to compare the outcomes of conventional versus sutureless repair techniques in Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage.

Methods:

In this retrospective single-centre analysis (2012–2022), we evaluated children who underwent conventional or sutureless repair for isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, excluding complex cardiac anomalies and incomplete data. Patients were categorised into conventional (Group C, n = 58) and sutureless (Group S, n = 41) groups. Primary outcomes included mortality, morbidity, and post-operative complications. Statistical analysis included Mann–Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests where appropriate.

Results:

Supracardiac type predominated in both groups (53.4% in Group C and 70.7% in Group S), with higher cardiac type frequency in Group C (24.1% versus 2.4%, p = 0.016). Early complications occurred in 58.5% versus 53.4% of cases in Groups S and C, respectively (p = 0.767). The mortality rate (17.2% versus 14.6%, p = 0.944) and post-operative pulmonary venous obstruction (21.2% versus 19.0%, p = 0.809) were higher in Group C, though not significantly. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass times were comparable between groups (105 versus 89 minutes, p = 0.424).

Conclusions:

In this comprehensive analysis of paediatric Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage repair, both conventional and sutureless techniques demonstrated comparable safety profiles and clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that surgical approach selection should be individualised based on patient characteristics and surgeon expertise. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these observations.