bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Racial Residential Segregation and Survival After Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the United States
Authors: Abbott Ethan E. , Buckler David G. , Shekhar Aditya C. , Landry Elizabeth , Abella Benjamin S. , Richardson Lynne D. , Zebrowski Alexis M. ,   and the CARES Surveillance Group
Published: February 2025

Background

Social determinants of health such as residential segregation have been identified as drivers of disparities in health outcomes; however, this has been understudied for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We sought to examine whether there were differences in survival to discharge and survival with good neurological outcome, as well as likelihood of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, using validated measures of racial, ethnic, and economic segregation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study using data from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival data set. The primary predictor for this study was the Index of Concentration at the Extremes. The primary outcomes were survival to discharge and survival with good neurological status.

Results

During the study period, 626 264 had an out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest, and patients had a mean age of 62 years (SD 17.2 years). In multivariable models, we observed an increased likelihood of survival to discharge and survival with good neurological outcome for those patients residing in more highly segregated predominately White population and higher‐income census tracts as compared with more highly segregated and lower‐income Black and Hispanic/Latinx population census tracts. We found that the magnitude of this disparity was 24% for the outcome of survival to discharge as compared with reference (relative risk,1.24 [95% CI, 1.20–1.28]).

Conclusions

This research suggests that areas impacted by residential and economic segregation are important targets for both public policy interventions as well as addressing disparities in care across the chain of survival for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest.
Proposal for delta check limits of frequently requested hormones using real-world data
Authors: Cho Eun-Jung , Yoo Soo Jin , Kim Sollip , Yu Shinae , Shin Sunghwan , Chung Jae-Woo
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Research on delta check limits (DCLs) for hormones is limited, yet some laboratories apply arbitrary DCLs. We aimed to propose DCLs for commonly requested hormones.
Materials and methods: This study analyzed 59,657 paired results for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), prolactin, insulin, testosterone, and thyroglobulin from five Korean university hospitals. Delta check limits were established using the absolute delta difference (absDD) and absolute delta percent change (absDPC) with 5% cutoff for inpatients/emergencies (IE), outpatients (O) and both (combined; mean of them). Proportions outside the DCLs were compared across groups.
Results: Using absDD and absDPC, each group’s DCLs showed 4.3% to 6.4% of values outside the DCLs, aligning with the 5% cutoff (excluding group IE for insulin, testosterone, and thyroglobulin due to < 1000 data pairs). Delta check limits of absDD differed between groups for ACTH, cortisol, PTH, and prolactin, while for absDPC, differences were seen only for ACTH and prolactin. Cross-validation revealed IE and O groups differed outside DCLs of absDD for ACTH, cortisol, and PTH, but only ACTH with absDPC. Combined DCLs of absDD showed ACTH and cortisol exceeded limits in 7.2% and 9.0% in IE, but only 2.6% and 0.6% in O. With absDPC, ACTH differed (10.4% in IE, 2.8% in O), while cortisol, PTH, and prolactin ranged from 4.0% to 6.1%.
Conclusions: Combined DCLs of absDPC are recommended for cortisol, PTH, and prolactin, while ACTH requires separate DCLs on clinical settings. These DCLs from real-world data provide a foundation for establishing DCLs of hormones in clinical laboratories.
Strategic use of Big Data
Authors: Dot-Bach Dolors , Navarro-Badal Maria Rosa , de Basea Anna Cortes-Bosch , Madurga Alicia , Arbiol-Roca Ariadna
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Defining trustworthy reference intervals (RIs) for serum folate (FOL) or serum cobalamin (VITB12) is a difficult task. The purpose of this study is to use an indirect approach from the laboratory information’s system to indirectly generate RIs for FOL and VITB12.
Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was performed at a tertiary-care laboratory’s hospital during 12 months. All FOL and VITB12 tests were measured using a Cobas8000 e801 system (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). The RIs were calculated using a non-parametric approach. The RIs established in the present study were verified by calculating the fraction of RIs that fell outside the new RIs, in two validation cohorts sampled using the direct and indirect method.
Results: A total of 19,214 (FOL) and 27,420 (VITB12) results were obtained. The RIs were 4.5 nmol/L (90% confidence intervals (CI) 4.4-4.6) to 38.4 nmol/L (CI 38.3-38.5) for FOL and 140 pmol/L (CI 139-141) to 659 pmol/L (CI 657-660) for VITB12. The verification included 8,798 FOL results and 7,365 VITB12 results. For both magnitudes was acceptable since only 0.1% of FOL and 0.02% of VITB12 results fell outside the RIs. Finally, the RIs were verified using a direct method with twenty individuals. For FOL 20/20 cases and 19/20 of VITB12 cases fell within the estimated RIs.
Conclusions: In summary, the use of an indirect data approach has enabled us to calculate RIs for FOL and VITB12. The RIs obtained in our study are lower than those proposed by the manufacturer for both FOL and VITB12.
Biological variation of thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine in healthy subjects in Turkey
Authors: Köseoğlu Mehmet , Arslan Fatma Demet , Özkanay Hayat , Yıldız Raziye
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Biological variation (BV) data are necessary for interpretation of test results and assessment of analytical performance. We aimed to determine the BV estimates for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine(fT4) in healthy subjects in Turkey and compare them with the literature findings.
Materials and methods: A total of 21 Turkish healthy volunteers (12 males and 9 females) were included in the study. Blood samples were collected once a week for five weeks, and the analysis was performed using the chemiluminescent immunoassay method on an Advia Centaur XP (Siemens Diagnostic, Tarrytown, USA). Analytical variation (CVA), within-subject BV (CVI) and between-subject BV (CVG) were calculated. Analytical goals, individuality index (II) and reference change value (RCV) were derived from these data. Statistical analysis was performed using BioVar: BV analysis tool v.1.0.
Results: For TSH, fT3 and fT4, CVA (confidence interval, CI) were 3.3% (2.9 to 3.8), 1.7% (1.5 to 1.9) and 2.7% (2.4 to 3.1); CVI (CI) were 22.3% (19.3 to 26.3), 4.4% (3.8 to 5.3) and 5.1% (4.3 to 6.1); CVG (CI) were 26.6% (19.2 to 39.8), 9.2% (6.9 to 13.6) and 8.2% (6.1 to 12.1), respectively. For TSH, fT3 and fT4, desirable total errors were 27.1%, 6.2% and 6.6%; II values were calculated as 0.84, 0.48 and 0.61; and RCV% values (decrease; increase) were - 40.3;67.6, - 10.4;11.6 and - 12.7;14.5, respectively.
Conclusions: Our study provides updated BV data for thyroid function tests (TFTs) in healthy subjects in Turkey. As TFTs have shown a high degree of individuality, RCV should be preferred rather than population-based reference ranges in the assessment of serum concentrations. Our BV estimates were compatible with European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) BV meta-analysis data obtained using different immunoassay methods in different populations.
Taxonomic revision of the Celtis iguanaea complex (Cannabaceae)
Authors: ZAMENGO HENRIQUE BORGES , CHAMORRO DÉBORA C. , HOUTEPEN ERIK A.T. , GAGLIOTI ANDRÉ LUIZ , PEDERNEIRAS LEANDRO CARDOSO , PRADO DARIÉN E. , OAKLEY LUIS J.
Published: February 2025

Morphological studies on Celtis over the last 50 years shown that pyrenes contain specific characters useful for the delimitation of its species. Taxonomic revisions of groups in this genus, however, ignored the pyrenes, leading to the recognition of highly variable species complexes. In this study, we reexamine one of such groups, the C. iguanaea species complex, to evaluate its taxonomy. This taxonomic group is widely distributed in the Neotropical region and was previously treated as a single species. Numerous species-level synonyms have been used. No modern taxonomic and nomenclatural revision has been available. To correctly delimit C. iguanaea s.str. and the other species accepted here, we reviewed all published records and selected herbarium specimens (including types). The main results include (1) a modified taxonomic concept, (2) a revision of the taxonomy, nomenclature, and synonymy (with new or corrected typifications), (3) a revision of distribution ranges, (4) designation of lectotypes for C. anfractuosa, C. aculeata var. pubescens, C. aculeata var. serrata, C. punctata, C. zizyphoides and Ziziphus commutata, (5) correction of lectotype designation of C. iguanaea, and (6) designation of epitypes for C. iguanaea and C. tarijensis. In addition, we propose the new combination Celtis tarijensis (≡Momisia tarijensis) and included Celtis punctata (≡Sarcomphalus punctatus) in the synonymy of C. iguanaea. Finally, we provide an identification key that distinguishes C. iguanaea s.str. from all related species.
Taxonomic revision of the Dracocephalum fruticulosum group Lamiaceae
Authors: ZHANG TONG-HE , TIAN YU-XIN , ZHAO LI-QING
Published: February 2025

This study presents a taxonomic revision of the Dracocephalum fruticulosum group based on field investigation, specimen comparison, and literature research. Four taxa are currently recognised within this group, namely D. fruticulosum, D. psammophilum, D. linearifolium var. linearifolium, D. linearifolium var. etokense. In this paper, the D. fruticulosum group in Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, Flora Intramongolica and Flora of China is further revised, and D. linearifolium var. linearifolium and D. linearifolium var. etokense are here treated as synonyms for D. psammophilum. The distinguishing features between D. fruticulosum and D. psammophilum lie in the number of leaf veins, the characteristics of glands and glandular pits on abaxial surface of leaf, and the presence or absence of spiny tips at the apex of the blades in the lower stem, rather than differences in leaf shape, leaf margin features (toothed or spiny), or calyx morphology. Based on available specimens and field surveys, it is concluded that D. fruticulosum is currently not occurring in China.
A new natural hybrid of Cattleya (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae) from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: BARRERA-ROJAS CARLOS H. , BERG CÁSSIO VAN DEN
Published: February 2025

Cattleya is a genus of Orchidaceae with species distributed throughout the neotropics, especially in Brazil; so far, more than 130 species and 89 nothospecies have been recorded. The overlapping distribution of Cattleya species and the natural crosses dependent on local pollinators allow emerging natural hybrids as a likely mechanism of evolution. Both Cattleya amethystoglossa and C. warneri were previously reported as parentals of independent natural hybrids, however, a natural hybrid involving both species has not been recorded. Here, Cattleya × jequieensis is reported as a natural hybrid between C. amethystoglossa and C. warneri from Bahia (Brazil). Morphological characters reveal a reasonably intermediate phenotype compared to its parental species, including number of internodes, number of flowers per inflorescence, width and length of petals. Sanger sequencing from both psbA-trnH plastid spacer and the nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) provide evidence supporting the origin of parentals. This study constitutes a new record of natural hybrids among Cattleya species from Brazil.
Barcode gap delimitation and phylogenetic analyses in integrative earthworm taxonomy: Dendrobaena byblica complex
Authors: LATIF ROBABEH , AMINJAN ATABAK ROOHI , MALEK MASOUMEH , SHEKHOVTSOV SERGEI V. , POLUBOYAROVA TATIANA V. , BRIONES MARIA J I
Published: February 2025

Dendrobaena byblica (Rosa, 1893) is a species complex consisting of at least 17 nominal taxa and with Circum-Mediterranean distribution. The taxonomic classification of this group based on shape of internal structures and external characteristics indicated that this species complex indeed consists of several clades. More molecular studies are needed to confirm this issue. In this study, samples from the Hyrcanian forests in the north of Iran were studied, which were genetically different from the sequences retrieved from GenBank. The results of the ABGD analyses suggest that the genetic distance for species delimitation in D. byblica is 9%, a much lower value than that reported for other species included in the family Lumbricidae. The range of COI K2p genetic distance between GenBank sequences of Dendrobaena and examined species in the present study, is 12.3–24.6%. Assessing whether these genetic variations correspond to different biological species or correspond to intraspecific phenotypic variability will require further studies using other genetic molecular markers.
New distributional record of the endemic Red Sea Parrotfish Scarus collana (Rüppell, 1835) from the southern coast of India
Authors: MOHANRAJ T. , RAJATHY T. JEBARANI , KUMAR T.T. AJITH
Published: February 2025

This study presents the first recorded occurrence of the endemic Red Sea parrotfish, Scarus collana (Rüppell, 1835), in Indian waters. The specimen was collected through trap fishing in the reef and paar regions of the Gulf of Mannar. The specimens were measured 10.8–34.2 cm in length (TL) and weighed 232–1248 g. This newly recorded endemic species of Red Sea represents a geographic range extension and contributes to the marine biodiversity records of India.
Implementation of Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm on Entropy Generation of Carreau Nanofluid Flow Embedded with Carbon Nanotubes Over a Non Linear Stretching Sheet
Authors: Nagalakshmi P. S. S.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the Implementation of Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm on entropy generation of Carreau nanofluid flow embedded with CNTs over a non linear stretching sheet. The baic intention of Carreau nanofluid defined with the power-law exponent distinguishes shear
thinning and shear thickening behaviors in various sectors like both medical and industrial applications. Using similarity transformations, the governing nonlinear partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equations, solved efficiently via the PSO algorithm implemented
in Python. This study analyzes the effects of key parameters—magnetic, Weissenberg, nonlinear stretching, thermal radiation, Eckert, and Schmidt numbers on momentum, thermal, and concentration profiles. Detailed plots and tables illustrate the parametric influences, validating the findings
against established research at various values of stretching parameter (m) under the absence of nanoparticles. This research contributes to understanding Carreau nanofluid dynamics, shedding light on interactions between nonlinear stretching, thermal radiation, and nanofluid properties,
with implications for engineering applications involving non-Newtonian fluids and nanotechnology. The study demonstrates PSO’s efficiency in solving complex fluid dynamics problems, highlighting its potential for broader applications, and providing valuable insights into optimizing nanofluid
flow and heat transfer in various industrial settings.
Bathymetry imposes a global pattern of cross-front transport in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Denes Michael C. , Keating Shane R. , Froyland Gary
Published: February 2025

The Southern Ocean plays an integral role in the global climate system, exchanging heat, salt, and carbon throughout the major ocean basins via the deep, fast-flowing Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is bounded by spatiotemporally varying fronts that partition distinct water masses. Locating and quantifying cross-front transport is crucial for understanding global patterns of inter-basin exchange; however, this is challenging because fronts are typically defined by hydrographic properties, such as temperature or salinity, which are subject to external sources and sinks, rather than by properties of the flow itself. Here we show that Southern Ocean fronts can be characterized by material contours that minimize deformation and cross-contour mixing over a prescribed time window. By tracking material contours in a sequence of such windows, we quantify cross-front transport and show that the fronts exhibit a global pattern of alternating poleward and equatorward transport caused by frontal meandering in regions downstream of prominent sea-floor obstacles. These results highlight the importance of bathymetric features in controlling Southern Ocean dynamics and inter-basin exchange.
Intersecting Biases: Does Veteran Status Overcome Disability and Gender Disadvantages in the Employment Landscape?
Authors: Ameri Mason , Kurtzberg Terri , Schur Lisa , Adya Meera , Colella Adrienne , Kruse Douglas
Published: February 2025

Using field, lab, and qualitative methodologies, the authors explore how veteran status influences employer reactions to job applicants and how veteran status intersects with disability and gender. First, a randomized field experiment examined responses to applications for more than 6,000 customer service jobs. Next, a lab experiment investigated an applicant with a disability to assess the effects of veteran status on interviewing. A third quantitative and qualitative study explored people’s perceptions on the topics of veteran status, disability, and gender as they relate to hiring. Results show that veterans are favored over nonveterans for hiring (based primarily on greater trust in their skills and training). These results hold for candidates who are veterans with disabilities, demonstrating that positive reactions to some identities may help mitigate the stigma associated with others. These findings shed light on our understanding of intersectionality, specifically which elements may be dominant when multiple identities collide.
The (Re)construction of the Memory of Slavery and the Slave Trade: Bimbia in Cameroon Between Silence, Rehabilitation, and Cultural Dialogue
Authors: Tatchim Nicanor
Published: February 2025

This study highlights the process of rehabilitation of the memory of enslavement and the slave trade in Bimbia in the English-speaking southwest of Cameroon. Caught in complex colonial and postcolonial dynamics, Bimbia is part of a historical process governed by both through silence and forgetting. By anchoring the analysis in the perspective of the anthropology of memory, the study shows popular dynamics of rehabilitation and valorization of the memory of enslavement and the slave trade in Bimbia. The research poses the question of the transmission of traumatic memory, silence and forgetting and shows that in addition to the rites of social reintegration and traditional dances, cultural dialogue is symbolized in Bimbia by the attribution of local surnames as well as honorary titles (in the Cameroonian and Bantu tradition) to African Americans who increasingly come on pilgrimage in the footsteps of their ancestors.
Do Government Incentives Improve Educational Outcomes? Evidence from India
Authors: Singh Unnati , Ramakrishnan N.
Published: February 2025

Low levels of learning outcomes persist among schoolchildren in low- and middle-income countries, despite the focus on increased access to education. This study examines the impact of two government incentives—scholarships and free tuition—on the educational outcomes of children aged 8–11 years in India using the nationally representative dataset, India Human and Development Survey-2 (IHDS 2). To estimate the effect of government incentives on children’s learning outcomes, we use propensity score weighting, with the treatment being free tuition and scholarships. Our findings indicate that scholarships are negatively associated with learning outcomes, particularly in writing and math. However, these effects are not statistically significant when controlling for socio-economic and school-related factors. Similarly, free tuition is linked to lower learning outcomes, and the negative effects increase after accounting for control variables and could reflect pre-existing deprivations or learning gaps that remain to be addressed. These findings highlight the mixed impacts of government incentives on education outcomes in India. The study also emphasises the importance of socio-economic factors and school characteristics in shaping learning outcomes, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach when evaluating the effectiveness of government incentives.

JEL Codes: I21, I24, I28
The risks of oversizing domestic water piping – Measurement of peak flows in multistory residential buildings
Authors: Kragh Jesper , Rose Jørgen , Buhl Leon Steen
Published: February 2025

Over the past few decades, domestic water consumption in residential areas has declined significantly. This reduction can be attributed to several factors, including the widespread implementation of individual metering, rising water prices, development of more water-efficient sanitary fixtures, and an increased public awareness of water scarcity. However, there’s a growing concern that plumbing designers may be inadvertently oversizing pipe installations for domestic water due to reliance on outdated design manuals and standards that promote overly conservative methods. Traditionally, the primary standard for dimensioning domestic water pipes in Denmark has been to ensure that the installation can deliver the required water flow rate in 99.9% of outlet usage instances. To investigate this issue further, a recent project conducted by the Department of the Built Environment at Aalborg University, on behalf of The Danish Authority of Social Services and Housing, involved measuring the domestic water flow in eight multi-story apartment buildings. The findings revealed that, on average, the investigated pipe installations were oversized by a factor of 2-3. This general oversizing results in an extended retention time for domestic water within the pipes, which poses risks such as the growth of Legionella bacteria—an increasingly prevalent issue not only in Denmark.

Practical application

The study contributes to determine whether there was indeed an oversizing of the water pipe installation, as this could potentially lead to various adverse consequences. The conclusion based on the performed flow measurements was that the guideline for designing domestic water distribution pipes in general significantly oversized both hot and cold pipes. Two proposals that reduces the design flow rate by 25% and 50% was therefore developed to update the national Danish standard DS 439 and during 2023 it was finally agreed in the standardization committee to implement the proposal for a reduction of 25%.
The (in)visible face of global infrastructures: An exploration of logistics and informality from the ground up*
Authors: Safina Astrid
Published: February 2025

Global infrastructures are often analyzed and interpreted under a specific framework that highlights the visible infrastructural nodes where flows and capital accumulation reach maximum intensity. This article, in contrast, moves away from infrastructural nodes and offers a grounded and exploratory perspective of global infrastructures focusing on their invisible face: the spaces, practices, economies, ways of inhabiting, and flows that, despite their strong connection to large global infrastructures, are not recognized as such due to their unregulated, unexpected, and loosely codified forms. By applying the lens of critical logistics and focusing on Aspropyrgos, the hinterland of the Piraeus Port (Greece), this article advocates for re-discovering global infrastructure through the variegated, informal, illegible, and incomplete logistical spaces they generate. The article makes two key contributions. First, it shows how global infrastructures are built through the interdependence between formal–informal, visible–invisible, and completeness–incompleteness. Second, it highlights how these infrastructures are intensely shaped by often invisible, individual, and socially constructed actions that unfold through numerous everyday practices.
Coming to terms with dying: Advance care planning as a conduit between clinicians, patients, and conversations about death and dying – a qualitative interview study
Authors: Eason Rowena Jane , Brighton Lisa Jane , Koffman Jonathan , Bristowe Katherine
Published: February 2025

Background:

Advance care planning discussions exploring future care and support needs can be beneficial to people with advanced illness. While research has focussed on barriers, outcomes, and completion, little is known about how discussions influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Aim:

To explore experiences of advance care planning for people with incurable life-limiting illnesses, to understand the impact of discussions on individuals, and factors influencing psychological responses.

Design:

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Reflexive journalling and discussion of coding framework and themes supported rigour.

Setting/participants:

Twenty purposively sampled adults receiving hospice care, aged 30–93 with cancer ( n = 15) and non-cancer ( n = 5) diagnoses were interviewed.

Results:

Advance care planning elicits multiple complex thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, with responses ranging from the procedural to the profound. Discussions empowered and instilled confidence, promoted openness with relatives, encouraged people to make the most of their time remaining, and sometimes contributed to coming to terms with their mortality. Factors influencing experiences of discussions reflected the complexity and diversity in participants’ lives, personalities, and life experiences, with discussions exposing the realities of living with terminal illness.

Conclusion:

Individuals’ unique lives and experiences shape their responses to, and the impact of advance care planning on how they think, feel and behave. Advance care planning is not simply a means to document end-of-life care preferences, but can empower and instil confidence in patients, and may form part of the process of coming to terms with mortality, allowing clinicians to shift focus from process-related outcomes.
Assessing the aggressiveness of prostate cancer using ADC and relaxation maps from synthetic MRI
Authors: Sirolu Sabri , Seker Mustafa Ege , Alis Deniz , Guroz Batuhan , Kayhan Cavit Kerem , Tokat Fatma , Argun Omer Burak , Oksuz Ilkay , Karaarslan Ercan
Published: February 2025

Background

Emerging evidence suggests multiparametric prostate MRI's role in evaluating prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness.

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of quantitative sequences in prostate MRI for assessing peripheral zone PCa aggressiveness, focusing on added value of relaxation maps to ADC.

Material and Methods

In total, 64 men undergoing preoperative bi-parametric prostate MRI with synthetic sequences were retrospectively enrolled. Radiologists delineated lesions on ADC maps and synthetic MRI, matched with digitized whole-mount specimens. PCa was graded as low, intermediate, or high based on Gleason grade. Statistical analyses assessed differences in T1, T2, PD, and ADC values across grades. For significant variables, AUC curves were generated. A logistic regression model evaluated the added diagnostic value of relaxation maps to ADC.

Results

Of the 95 PCa foci, 11 were low-grade, 45 intermediate-grade, and 39 high-grade. T1 ( P = 0.4) and PD ( P = 0.3) showed no significant differences, while T2 and ADC differed significantly ( P < 0.001). Median T2 values were 98 ms (low-grade), 81 ms (intermediate), and 73 ms (high-grade), and median ADC values were 1006 mm²/s, 836 mm²/s, and 721 mm²/s, respectively. ADC yielded AUCs of 0.888 (95% CI=0.794–0.963; P < 0.0001) for low- versus intermediate-to-high-grade PCa, and 0.825 (95% CI=0.724–0.901; P < 0.0001) for low-to-intermediate versus high-grade. T2 AUCs were 0.770 (95% CI=0.605–0.908; P = 0.021) and 0.755 (95% CI=0.648–0.864; P = 0.0051), respectively. A logistic regression model combining T2 and ADC showed no significant improvement over ADC alone in differentiating low- versus intermediate-to-high-grade and low-to-intermediate versus high-grade PCa ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion

T1 and PD maps from synthetic MRI showed limited utility in grading PCa. Although T2 values were effective, ADC values were superior in assessing PCa aggressiveness. The addition of T2 to ADC did not significantly improve diagnostic performance.
Feline dermoid cyst: Retrospective case series and literature review
Authors: Barrantes Murillo Daniel Felipe , Rissi Daniel R. , Wiener Dominique J. , Negrão Watanabe Tatiane Terumi
Published: February 2025

Dermoid cysts are developmental abnormalities usually located at the dorsal body midline. Histologically, these lesions reduplicate the skin, with associated collagen bundles, adnexal structures, and are filled by keratin and hairs. While these cysts have well-recognized breed and anatomical predispositions in dogs, the information in feline patients is restricted to scattered case reports and anecdotal data. Through a multi-institutional retrospective case series, we aim to describe the clinical and demographic features of this condition in cats. We retrieved a total of 220 cases. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 5.5 years, with 59.5% (131/220) being males. Domestic short hairs were the most represented breed, accounting for 56.4% (124/220) of the cases. The average cyst diameter was 1.4 cm, and 99.5% (219/220) of the cases the cysts were cutaneous and subcutaneous with the most common anatomical location being the neck (55.9%; 123/220). One dermoid cyst was in the mesentery. In most cases, no associated inflammatory lesions were reported (66.4%; 146/220). The anatomical location of the dermoid cyst did not differ significantly among sexes (Chi-square test, P = .840), breeds (Chi-square test, P = .999), ages (Chi-square test, P = .627), or other histological findings related to the cyst (Chi-square test, P = .363).
Epiphany and epilepsy: The Epitomator’s approach to history and disease in 2 Maccabees 3.22–28
Authors: Korpman Matthew J.
Published: February 2025

The question of the historicity of the story of Heliodorus’ forced entrance into the temple has long been debated. Some have argued that the story was an example of what could be termed a ‘floating legend’ in Judah. This paper will not present any new argument for the potential historicity of the story, but will rather investigate how the Epitomator of 2 Maccabees (regardless of its historicity) approached his presumed historical sources while crafting his tale. This study will also explore the medical presumptions that underlie the story, namely its approach toward describing the disease of epilepsy. The Epitomator’s adaptation of this traditional material will be examined, in order to ascertain how the Epitomator understood the historical task he undertook and how he utilized the sources available to him.
Public Administration Performance Data: The Case for Including Gratitude
Authors: Burgess Simon , Abid Muhammad , Fazal-e-Hasan Syed Muhammad , Dillon Anthony , Adapa Sujana , Al Farooque Omar
Published: February 2025

There are various prima facie reasons for looking at the gratitude that citizens feel in response to government programs. Some relate to individual flourishing, others relate to moral virtue or social cohesion. We analyze survey data from 429 Australian participants (211 Indigenous and 218 non-Indigenous) in order to understand their levels of gratitude for the government support that is available to them. The data also allows us to consider their perceptions about the fairness, quality, and benevolence of government support. Such factors, according to our hypotheses, may be expected to moderate their levels of gratitude. In addition, the data enables us to see whether their levels of gratitude are associated with their levels of national pride, and whether their levels of national pride predict their levels of satisfaction with life. We find that non-Indigenous Australians are slightly more likely than Indigenous Australians to think that Australian government support is fair; Indigenous Australians, however, who perceive it as fair are more likely to be grateful for it. The fairness-gratitude relationship did not for hold non-Indigenous participants. Nonetheless, we predict that if more Indigenous Australians were to perceive Australian government support as fair, gratitude for it amongst Indigenous Australians would increase.

JEL classification: I310
Integrating Urban Digital Twin with Cloud-Based Geospatial Dashboard for Coastal Resilience Planning: A Case Study in Florida
Authors: Chen Changjie , Han Yu , Galinski Andrea , Calle Christian , Carney Jeffrey , Ye Xinyue , van Westen Cees
Published: February 2025

Coastal communities are confronted with a growing incidence of climate-induced flooding, necessitating adaptation measures for resilience. In this paper, we introduce a framework that integrates an urban digital twin with a geospatial dashboard to allow visualization of the vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure across a range of spatial and temporal scales. The synergy between these two technologies fosters heightened community awareness about increased flood risks to establish a unified understanding, the foundation for collective decision-making in adaptation plans. The paper also elucidates ethical considerations while developing the platform, including ensuring accessibility, promoting transparency and equity, and safeguarding individual privacy.
Assessing the Tax Impacts and Community Benefits of Nonprofit Hospitals with IMPLAN
Authors: Planey Donald A. , Planey Arrianna Marie , Sherman Stephen A. , Hecht Hillary K. , Holmes George M.
Published: February 2025

Nonprofit hospitals receive scrutiny regarding two interrelated issues: (1) the equity impacts of their tax-exempt status on the communities they serve and (2) the degree to which the community-benefit spending they offer serves local communities. Using economic impact analysis, the authors construct heuristic models that estimate the economic and tax benefits of nonprofit hospitals’ operations in four small and medium-sized metro regions. The estimates find that overall tax revenues disproportionately flow to state and federal levels of government, while the costs of tax exemptions disproportionately fall on local and regional levels of government. Additionally, forms of community benefit spending that are frequently criticized, such as uncompensated means-tested care, are found to be important forms of regional investment. The authors conclude by highlighting workforce development as a pathway to improving nonprofit hospitals’ community relationships.
Optimization design of curved rail profile for heavy-haul railways based on multi-period optimization method
Authors: Xu Binjie , Ge Xin , Shi Zhiyong , Yang Yun , Chen Shiqian , Wang Jianxi , Wang Kaiyun
Published: February 2025

Rail grinding is widely employed in heavy-haul railways to mitigate abnormal rail wear. However, frequent grinding can result in even more significant material loss than regular wear. This paper presents a method for adjusting track layout parameters to alleviate the severe rail wear problem on curved lines. First, field experiments and simulation analysis have been used to analyze the impact of track parameters on wheel-rail contact and the feasibility of parameter adjustment. A numerical optimization model has been established based on Genetic Algorithm-Levenberg Marquardt- Backpropagation neural networks (GA-LM-BP neural network), with the track parameters as the independent variable and the goal of reducing wear as the objective. The chaotic microvariation adaptive genetic algorithm has been used to obtain an optimized solution set. Finally, the optimization effects are revealed by comparing the rail wear characteristics obtained from the original values and the optimal solution set.
Polydopamine Nanoparticles-coated Curcumin Upregulates the Expression of Nrf2 Through the Keap1/ARE Signaling Pathway to Improve Liver Injury in Mice with Liver Cancer
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: February 2025

Background

Liver cancer is a complex disease, and the upregulation of Nrf2, a key molecule in the Keap1/ARE signaling pathway, is expected to become a new method for liver cancer and prevention. Curcumin is a natural anti-oxidant, and polydopamine nanoparticles, as a new type of nano-drug carrier, have excellent biocompatibility and drug-loading performance and can improve the targeting and efficacy of drugs.

Purpose:

This study aims to explore the effect of polydopamine nanoparticle-encapsulated curcumin on upregulating the expression of Nrf2 through the Keap1/ARE signaling pathway, thereby improving liver damage in mice with liver cancer and providing new strategies and basis for the treatment and prevention of liver cancer.

Methods

After the H22 cell culture and liver cancer mouse model were established, they were divided into groups for the study of the mechanism of action of the prepared polydopamine nanoparticles-coated curcumin (CUR-PDA NPs), and the effect of CUR-PDA NPs expression on inhibition of cell proliferation and migration, promotion of apoptosis, and delaying liver cancer progression was studied through animal experiments. This process is related to the Keap1/ARE signaling pathway and Nrf2 expression. The mechanism is further verified by Add-Nrf2, Nrf2-shRNA, Keap1-shRNA, and other methods.

Results

CUR-PDA NPs upregulate the expression of Nrf2 through the Keap1/ARE signaling pathway to improve liver injury in mice with liver cancer. There is an interaction between the expression of CUR-PDA NPs and Keap1. Increasing the expression of Keap1 can inhibit the activation of Nrf2, thereby inhibiting the anti-oxidant and detoxification mechanisms, resulting in reduced cell survival rate, increased apoptosis rate, reduced migration, and reduced levels of IL-1β and TNF-α.

Conclusion

CUR-PDA NPs upregulates the expression of Nrf2 through the Keap1/ARE signaling pathway to improve liver injury in mice with liver cancer. This provides new strategies and a basis for liver cancer treatment and prevention.
Does Ethical Leadership Foster Employee Green Behaviour? The Mediating Role of Psychological Ownership
Authors: Kanojia Honey , Dhiman Neeraj
Published: February 2025

As organisations increasingly seek to promote environmental sustainability through green human resource management (GHRM), understanding the role of corporate governance in fostering employee environmental behaviours becomes crucial. Prior research suggests that corporate governance mechanisms, particularly ethical leadership (EL), play a vital role in building employee trust and commitment towards environmental initiatives, yet this relationship remains understudied in emerging economies. This study examines how EL and GHRM shape employee green behaviour (EGB) through psychological ownership in the Indian context. Using data collected from 343 employees and employing partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the analysis is divided into two sections: a measurement model to ensure accuracy and validity, and a structural model to test hypotheses. Results revealed that EL and GHRM practices account for 62% of the variance in psychological green climate (PGC) and 58% in green behaviour. Notably, psychological ownership was found to partially mediate the relationship between PGC and green behaviour. This study contributes significantly to leadership and sustainability literature, while offering actionable insights for organisations promoting pro-environmental behaviours among employees. The findings provide a foundation for future research in organisational environmental management and the development of more effective sustainability strategies.
Assessing the impact of Long COVID on healthcare workers’ work – role functioning in tertiary hospitals in Singapore
Authors: Aribou Zeenathnisa Mougammadou , Tan Alvin Kian Wei , Lim See Ming , Lim John Wah , Gan Wee Hoe , Ng Wee Tong , Koh David Soo Quee
Published: February 2025

Background

Understanding Long COVID's impact on healthcare workers (HCWs) is vital for patient safety and care quality. However, research on its prevalence among HCWs in Singapore and its work impact is lacking.

Objective

This study aims to assess Long COVID prevalence and its impact on work role functioning among HCWs in two Singapore tertiary hospitals, filling a critical gap in the literature.

Methods

Conducted from January to April 2023, this study evaluated Long COVID prevalence and its impact on HCWs’ work-role functioning in two Singapore tertiary hospitals. HCWs over 21, having experienced ≥1 COVID-19 infection, participated in an online survey. Long COVID, defined by NICE criteria, entailed symptoms persisting for 4 or more weeks. Work-related functioning was assessed using WRFQv2.0. Descriptive analyses were conducted using STATA software.

Results

Out of 15,882 eligible participants, 573 responded (3.6% response rate). Long COVID prevalence (symptoms persisting for ≥4 weeks) was 47.5%, notably higher among younger HCWs (<40 years old), those with moderate/severe infections, and multiple infections. HCWs with Long COVID had significantly lower WRFQv2.0 mean scores compared to those without (85.1 vs. 74.3, p < 0.05). Additionally, HCWs with symptoms for ≥12 weeks had significantly lower scores than those without Long COVID (85.6 vs. 74.3, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study underscores Long COVID's potential impact on HCWs’ work role functioning, especially among those with prolonged symptoms. Tailored work adjustments are crucial for their successful return to pre-illness levels, highlighting the importance of addressing Long COVID in healthcare settings.
Enhancing medication adherence with blister-packed oral oncolytics: A case example in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Borrelli Eric P. , Barnes Nathan , Nelkin Heather , Saad Peter , Dumitru Doina , Lucaci Julia D.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Medication nonadherence is a prevalent issue in the oncology population and can be costly on the healthcare system while leading to worsened outcomes, including increased mortality. One intervention that has been shown to help promote medication adherence to oral therapies for chronic conditions is blister-packaging. However, no literature is available assessing the potential impact of blister-packaging in oncology. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the impact of blister-packaging oral oncolytics on medication adherence and healthcare costs.

Methods

An economic model was designed to assess the potential impact of blister-packaging oral oncolytics for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients in the U.S. The model took the perspective of the U.S. healthcare system and assessed newly diagnosed CLL cases initiating therapy, utilizing a one-year time horizon. The intervention of interest was blister-packaging oral therapies in the treatment of CLL, while the model evaluated the impact of this intervention on healthcare costs through improved patient adherence based on peer-reviewed literature.

Results

This analysis consisted of 20,700 newly diagnosed patients with CLL initiating therapy. Initiating blister-packed oral therapies saw adherence increase by 1004 patients from 12,979 patients (62.7%) to 13,983 patients (67.5%). While an increase in pharmacy costs by $61,589,670 (+$247.95 per-patient per-month (PPPM)) was seen for the population, medical costs decreased by $82,285,847 (-$331.26 PPPM). Overall, this led to a net reduction in total healthcare costs of $20,696,177 (-$83.32 PPPM).

Conclusions

Blister-packaging oral oncology drugs in CLL has the potential to reduce total healthcare expenditures by increasing medication adherence. Future studies are needed to evaluate the direct effects of blister-packaging oral oncolytics on clinical, healthcare resource utilization, and financial outcomes.
Comparison of Nonlinear Dynamics of Heart Rate Variability Between Conventional Cardiac Rehabilitation and Dance-Based Therapy: A Non-Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Lucas Neves Silva João Pedro , de Ávila Soares Júlio César , Lopez Laurino Maria Júlia , Ribeiro Felipe , de Lima Gervazoni Natacha , Spinardi Alves Bruna Izadora , Carvalho Novaes Moreira Eduarda , Marques Vanderlei Luiz Carlos , Modolo Regueiro Lorençoni Roselene
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Dance has been suggested as an alternative therapeutic modality in cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP). Therefore, evaluating the physiological responses of the body during dance is necessary to provide information that will allows it to be practiced a safe and effective way. In this context, the objective of the current study was to evaluate and compare the cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) of women with cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) during and after a dance-based cardiac rehabilitation session and a conventional cardiac rehabilitation session. Methods: In total, 19 women, with at least 1 CRF, participated in this non-randomized crossover clinical trial, consisting of 4 steps: I. Familiarization with the dance protocol (DP); II. DP session; III. Familiarization with the conventional protocol (CP); IV. CP session. The CAM was evaluated using heart rate variability, considering nonlinear methods: recurrence plot, debugged trend fluctuations, and symbolic analysis. For data evaluation, 2-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was used, P < .05. Results: During exercise, an effect of protocol was observed for most of indices. In the DP, higher values were recorded for DET, Alpha-1, and 0 V% indices, and lower values for 1 V% and 2 ULV% indices and for entropy measurements. During recovery, no differences were observed between protocols. Effects of the exercises were observed in the comparisons between moments for all indices, however, a similar pattern of recovery was found between DP and CP. Conclusions: Comparisons of the dance and conventional protocols revealed that CAM was similar in both approaches, while greater alterations in nonlinear dynamics were observed during the DP exercise. However, these alterations were not able to modify the recovery of the volunteers. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was previously registered on the clinicaltrials.gov platform under registration number: NCT04967235. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04967235?locStr=Brazil&country=Brazil&cond=Cardiovascular%20risk%20factors&term=Heart%20Rate%20Variability&intr=Dance%20therapy&rank=1