bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CBT Peer Groups Prevent Smartphone Dependence Among Migrant Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Huang Dan , Ji Yongling , Luo Yingting , Luo Junfang
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based peer support groups in preventing smartphone dependence among Chinese migrant children. Methods: Using a nonrandomized pretest–posttest design, 60 participants ( Mage = 13.92, SD = 1.39, 68.3% female) were assigned to intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The intervention consisted of CBT-based peer support sessions. Results: Analysis was by intention-to-treat. The 2 × 3 mixed repeated measures analysis of variance indicated significant group differences in smartphone dependence ( F = 6.450, p = .002), with the intervention group showing reduced dependence at the posttest and at a three-month follow-up. Conclusion: CBT-based peer support groups exhibit the potential for mitigating smartphone dependence among migrant children.
Proliferative retinopathy in a patient with mutation in the CLCN2 gene
Authors: Nasser Waseem , Pizem Hadas , Butbul Aviel Yonatan , Hershkovitz Tova , Tal Galit , Zayit-Soudry Shiri , Naaman Efrat
Published: February 2025

Purpose

CLCN2 is a gene that encodes the voltage-gated chloride channel protein 2 in the human brain and eyes. While mutations in this gene have been associated with leukoencephalopathy as well as ocular manifestations including optic neuropathy and choroidopathy, here we report for the first time a case of severe proliferative retinopathy in a patient with CLCN2 mutation.

Observations

A 12-year-old girl with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) was referred due to blurred vision in both eyes. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed mild vitreous hemorrhage, large neovascularization at the disc (NVD), extensive neovascularization along the arcades (i.e., NVE; neovascularization elsewhere), retinal arteriolar narrowing, silver sheathing of the veins and preretinal hemorrhages. Fluorescein angiography (FA) demonstrated prominent leakage from multiple large NVEs. A thorough and multidisciplinary evaluation ruled out metabolic, thrombotic, infectious, inflammatory, or autoimmune etiologies. Notably, however, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed leukodystrophy yet poorly correlated with her clinical manifestation. Strikingly, whole exome sequencing uncovered a homozygous mutation in the CLCN2 gene. She was treated with intravitreal injections of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody Bevacizumab and laser pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) with partial response.

Conclusions

This case suggests that CLCN2 mutation may possess a key role in an aggressive form of proliferative retinopathy with partial response to anti-VEGF therapy. We hypothesize that the potential underlying mechanism involves astrocyte dysfunction and retinal blood barrier disruption. Noteworthy, a comprehensive approach is unequivocally significant in evaluating such cases of proliferative retinopathy with unclear etiology to establish a diagnosis and management strategy.
A calculation method of differential planetary gear meshing efficiency based on dynamic load-friction coefficient coupling iterative
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Huang Kaisheng , Fan Linfang , Jia Hanjie , Qin Datong , Han Cheng
Published: February 2025

To solve the problem of inaccurate efficiency calculation caused by the coupling effect between dynamic characteristics and tooth surface friction in traditional calculation. In this paper, Based on the friction contact boundary of mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication, the friction coefficient expression of coupled dynamic load is derived, the dynamics-tribology coupling iterative model of gear system is constructed, and a new meshing efficiency calculation method for gear dynamic loads-friction coefficient coupling iterative is proposed. The coupling iterative model solving algorithm is developed and compared with the meshing efficiency calculation results of the traditional efficiency calculation and the AGMA standard. The effects of dynamic characteristics, friction characteristics and lubrication characteristics on meshing efficiency under the coupling of dynamics and tribology are analyzed. The research indicates that the friction coefficient considering dynamic loads exhibits significant fluctuations compared to traditional values, leading to amplitude variations of the efficiency considering the iterative effect of dynamic load compared with the efficiency without considering the dynamic load. As rotational speed increases, the differences between dynamic load distribution characteristics and steady-state load distribution become more significant. As the surface roughness amplitude increases, the gear meshing efficiency decreases, thereby reducing the differential planetary gear transmission efficiency. This study has important theoretical significance to improve the transmission efficiency of differential planetary gear system.
Dynamics of nonlinear pendulum equations: Modified homotopy perturbation method
Authors: Sharif Nazmul , Alam M S. , Molla Helal Uddin
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to deepen the understanding of the dynamic behavior of a pendulum attached to a rotating rigid frame, where the frame rotates with a constant angular velocity around a vertical axis passing through the pendulum’s pivot point. To provide a basis for comparison, the motion of a simple pendulum is also examined. The motivation for this study arises from the need for accurate and efficient analytical methods to predict the complex dynamics of such systems under varying conditions. A key contribution is the development of a modified version of He’s homotopy perturbation method (HPM), achieved through a novel time scaling and a reformulated power series expansion for the frequency. This approach allows the infinite series solution to be truncated at the first-order approximation, with iterative refinements introduced into higher-order terms of the governing differential equation. The validity and accuracy of the modified HPM are demonstrated by comparing its analytical solutions with numerical results obtained via the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method (RK4) and with established findings from the literature. Additionally, graphical analyses of the pendulum’s time histories are presented to explore how system parameters such as angular velocity and initial conditions influence its dynamic behavior. These findings provide a robust modified homotopy perturbation method (MHPM) for investigating similar nonlinear dynamical systems, addressing practical challenges in predicting their motion and contributing to the broader understanding of their complex interactions.
Parents-teachers’ trust relationship and student self-esteem and academic achievement: A three sources multiple-step analysis
Authors: Kaplan Toren Nurit
Published: February 2025

Parents’ educational involvement is known as a significant factor that affects students functioning in school. Therefore, establishing positive family-school relationships, particularly parents-teachers trust, is critical for student outcomes. The present studies have two aims: (1) to indicate the structure of parent-teacher trust relationships and (2) to examine the links between parent-teacher trust relationships and students’ academic achievement via parents’ educational involvement. The first study collected data from 474 parents. Factor analysis for the Family-School Relationship Survey (FSRS) revealed two factors: Parents’ perceived teacher’s role in enhancing students’ school performance and parents’ perceived teacher’s respectful attitudes towards parents. Based on these findings, the second study model examined the links between three components: Antecedents (parents-teacher trust relationships), mediators (parental involvement) and outcomes (students’ self-evaluation and academic achievements). Data was collected from 135 parents and their adolescents. Parents completed two questionnaires: FSRS and parent involvement, adolescents completed a self-esteem questionnaire and the school reported on academic achievement. Structural equation modelling revealed links between parents’ teacher trust relationships, parent involvement and academic achievement. School-based family counsellors aim to foster a trusting parent-teacher relationship. Therefore, they must be aware of both parents’ evaluation of teachers’ professional capability to support and enhance their children and teachers’ interpersonal skills.
Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics reveal the potential of hydroxy-alpha-sanshool in alleviating insulin resistance
Authors: Zhu Yuping , Yang Pan , Ren Tingyuan , Chen Zhuqi , Tian Huanhuan , Wang Mingfen , Zhang Chunlin
Published: February 2025

Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool (HAS) has attracted attention because of its various biological activities, such as hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of HAS on insulin resistance (IR) and its mechanism. HAS reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), promoted insulin (INS) secretion, significantly decreased levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and increased the IL-2 level in serum of IR model mice. HAS regulated the mRNA levels of protein kinase B (Akt), B-cell lymphoma extra-large (Bcl-xL), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). Additionally, differentially abundant metabolites in IR model mice treated with HAS were involved in these signaling pathways including prion disease, choline metabolism in cancer, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes and the pentose phosphate pathway and positively regulated betaine abundance. In conclusion, HAS activated the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt insulin and NF-κB signaling pathways to maintain glucose homeostasis and regulate IR.
Cost-effectiveness of nirsevimab and maternal RSVpreF for preventing respiratory syncytial virus disease in infants across Canada
Authors: Bugden Samara , Mital Shweta , Nguyen Hai V.
Published: February 2025

Background

Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, and RSVpreF, a maternal vaccine, are newly approved respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylactics for infants in Canada. Both have the potential to expand prevention efforts, but there is limited evidence regarding their cost-effectiveness and how it varies across the country, despite disparate hospitalisation rates and resource use among different populations.

Methods

We developed a decision tree model to follow twelve monthly birth cohorts through their first year of life, incorporating risk differentiation based on Canadian region, prematurity, and comorbidities. The model tracked medically attended infections, including hospitalisations, intensive care unit admissions, and outpatient visits, comparing costs (in 2024 Canadian dollars) and effectiveness (in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)) of nine different immunisation strategies compared to no intervention. The analysis was conducted from both healthcare and societal perspectives. We conducted threshold price analyses, varying the price-per-dose of each product to determine the threshold prices at which expanded coverage becomes cost-effective.

Results

At base case prices, the optimal strategy varies by region, but in all cases, the optimal strategy is both cost-saving and more effective than no intervention. In southern Canada, it is optimal to immunise only palivizumab-eligible infants (those born very prematurely or with high-risk comorbidities) with nirsevimab, resulting in cost savings of $4.14 and QALY gains of 0.000022 QALY per infant compared to no intervention. In the Northwest Territories, it is best to expand protection with nirsevimab to include all preterm infants (cost savings of $28.68 and QALY gains of 0.00007 per infant). In Nunavik and Nunavut, immunising all infants under 6 months and all infants under twelve months with nirsevimab are the best strategies, respectively (cost savings of $399.61 and QALY gains of 0.000821 per infant in Nunavik, and cost savings of $1067.03 and QALY gains of 0.000884 per infant in Nunavut). Universal, country-wide immunisation with nirsevimab would require a price-per-dose of under $112 to become the most cost-effective prevention strategy.

Conclusions

The optimal strategy for preventing respiratory syncytial virus disease in Canadian infants depends on product price and regional risk level and resource use. Canadian policy should account for these factors.
Effect of combination of multiple anti-inflammatory drugs strategy on postoperative delirium among older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nawan Ayixia , Wu Zilong , Jiang Bailin , Wang Geng , Zhang Wenchao , Feng Yi
Published: February 2025

Background

Postoperative delirium is the most common complication in older patients and is associated with surgery-induced inflammation. Although inflammation plays a key role in delirium, the potential benefits of a comprehensive anti-inflammatory approach to managing perioperative systemic inflammation remain underexplored. This study evaluated whether a perioperative anti-inflammatory bundle strategy, combining dexmedetomidine, glucocorticoids, ulinastatin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, reduces the risk of postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

This dual-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, pilot study was conducted from August 2023 to January 2024 at two tertiary university hospitals. A total of 132 patients aged ≥ 65 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of 2 or 3 scheduled for elective hip fracture surgery were screened and randomized to receive either an anti-inflammatory drug bundle or a placebo. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium, identified within the first three postoperative days. Postoperative blood inflammatory markers and acute pain were measured for mediation analysis.

Results

Of the 132 patients randomized, 123 (93%) completed the trial (mean age, 82 years; 75% women). The prevalence of postoperative delirium was significantly lower in the anti-inflammatory bundle group (15%, 9/62) compared to the placebo group (44%, 27/61) (risk difference, − 30 percentage points [95% CI, − 45 to − 15]; relative risk [RR], 0.33 [95% CI, 0.17 to 0.64]; P = 0.001). No major adverse events were reported in either group. The postoperative CRP level in the anti-inflammatory bundle group was significantly lower (predicted mean difference: − 29.4 [95% CI: − 46.5, − 12.2] mg·L−1; adjusted P < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect association between the anti-inflammatory bundle and postoperative delirium through reduced systemic inflammation (odds ratio [OR], 0.61 [95% CI, 0.26 to 0.87]).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that a perioperative anti-inflammatory bundle significantly reduces the prevalence of postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, without major side effects. Systemic inflammation mediates the protective effect of the intervention. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory bundle strategy, paving the way for large-scale multicenter trials to optimize postoperative delirium prevention strategies.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300074303) by Ayixia Nawan on August 3, 2023, prior to patient enrollment.
Cross-evaluation of wearable data for use in Parkinson’s disease research: a free-living observational study on Empatica E4, Fitbit Sense, and Oura
Authors: Reithe Haakon , Marty Brice , Torrado Juan C. , Førsund Elise , Husebo Bettina S. , Erdal Ane , Kverneng Simon U. , Sheard Erika , Tzoulis Charalampos , Patrascu Monica
Published: February 2025

Background

Established assessment scales used for Parkinson’s disease (PD) have several limitations in tracking symptom progression and fluctuation. Both research and commercial-grade wearables show potential in improving these assessments. However, it is not known whether pervasive and affordable devices can deliver reliable data, suitable for designing open-source unobtrusive around-the-clock assessments. Our aim is to investigate the usefulness of the research-grade wristband Empatica E4, commercial-grade smartwatch Fitbit Sense, and the Oura ring, for PD research.

Method

The study included participants with PD (N = 15) and neurologically healthy controls (N = 16). Data were collected using established assessment scales (Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire, Hoehn and Yahr Stage), self-reported diary (activities, symptoms, sleep, medication times), and 2-week digital data from the three devices collected simultaneously. The analyses comprised three steps: preparation (device characteristics assessment, data extraction and preprocessing), processing (data structuring and visualization, cross-correlation analysis, diary comparison, uptime calculation), and evaluation (usability, availability, statistical analyses).

Results

We found large variation in data characteristics and unsatisfactory cross-correlation. Due to output incongruences, only heart rate and movement could be assessed across devices. Empatica E4 and Fitbit Sense outperformed Oura in reflecting self-reported activities. Results show a weak output correlation and significant differences. The uptime was good, but Oura did not record heart rate and movement concomitantly. We also found variation in terms of access to raw data, sampling rate and level of device-native processing, ease of use, retrieval of data, and design. We graded the system usability of Fitbit Sense as good, Empatica E4 as poor, with Oura in the middle.

Conclusions

In this study we identified a set of characteristics necessary for PD research: ease of handling, cleaning, data retrieval, access to raw data, score calculation transparency, long battery life, sufficient storage, higher sampling frequencies, software and hardware reliability, transparency. The three analyzed devices are not interchangeable and, based on data features, none were deemed optimal for PD research, but they all have the potential to provide suitable specifications in future iterations.
The efferocytosis dilemma: how neutrophil extracellular traps and PI3K/Rac1 complicate diabetic wound healing
Authors: Xie Yulin , Yang Jiaman , Zhu He , Yang Rongya , Fan Yunlong
Published: February 2025

Aims/hypothesis

The resolution of apoptotic cells (ACs) is crucial for wound healing and tissue remodeling and is often impaired by persistent inflammation. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) on diabetic wound healing by targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (PI3K/Rac1) signaling pathway, which is pivotal for macrophage efferocytosis.

Methods

A streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model was used to assess the impact of NETs on efferocytosis in vivo. The effects of NETs on macrophage efferocytosis and wound healing were evaluated using specific inhibitors and agonists targeting the PI3K/Rac1 pathway. In vitro, macrophages from diabetic wounds or cell lines (Raw264.7) were treated with NETs and a panel of pharmacological agents of the PI3K/Rac1 pathway to evaluate macrophage efferocytosis.

Results

NETs were found to inhibit macrophage efferocytosis, resulting in delayed clearance of ACs that accumulate within the wounds. Inhibition of NET formation in diabetic mice rescued impaired efferocytosis, accompanied by reactivation of PI3K and Rac1 in macrophages. Moreover, pharmacological agents targeting the PI3K/Rac1 pathway restored NETs-induced impairment in efferocytosis, leading to rapid wound healing. Raw264.7 cells exhibited elevated activation levels of PI3K and Rac1 when co-cultured with ACs in vitro. Nevertheless, this signaling activation was inhibited when cultured in a NETs-conditioned medium, leading to attenuated efferocytosis.

Conclusions/interpretation

Targeting NETs and the PI3K/Rac1 pathway emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance healing in diabetic wounds by promoting macrophage efferocytosis.
What kind of support do firms prefer to hire apprentices in a recession?
Authors: Ramirez José V. , Weber Sylvain
Published: February 2025

Apprenticeship training is strongly developed in Switzerland. During the Covid-19 pandemic, training firms however faced severe difficulties and many decided not to (or were unable to) hire apprentices. To minimize negative consequences, authorities from the canton of Geneva introduced a series of measures to support the creation of apprenticeship positions in 2020, among which the following four key measures for firms signing a new apprenticeship contract: (i) refund of the first three months of the apprentice’s wage, (ii) premium of CHF 3,000 for hiring an apprentice for the first time, (iii) premium of CHF 10,000 for firms who build a new network to jointly hire and train an apprentice, and (iv) three months’ notice for contract start date. Using a discrete choice experiment, answered by more than 800 employers, we investigate the firms’ preferences regarding the support measures. The refund of apprentices’ wage stands out as the preferred measure overall, regardless of firm size and training behavior (i.e., training or non-training). The other financial measures seem less desirable, but nevertheless have a positive impact on small firms’ decisions.
Neuronal TDP-43 aggregation drives changes in microglial morphology prior to immunophenotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Swanson Molly E. V. , Mrkela Miran , Turner Clinton , Curtis Maurice A. , Faull Richard L. M. , Walker Adam K. , Scotter Emma L.
Published: February 2025

Microglia are the innate immune cells of the brain with the capacity to react to damage or disease. Microglial reactions can be characterised in post-mortem tissues by assessing their pattern of protein expression, or immunophenotypes, and cell morphologies. We recently demonstrated that microglia have a phagocytic immunophenotype in early-stage ALS but transition to a dysfunctional immunophenotype by end stage, and that these states are driven by TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation in the human brain. However, it remains unclear how microglial morphologies are changed in ALS. Here we examine the relationship between microglial immunophenotypes and morphologies, and TDP-43 pathology in motor cortex tissue from people with ALS and from a TDP-43-driven ALS mouse model. Post-mortem human brain tissue from 10 control and 10 ALS cases was analysed alongside brain tissue from the bigenic NEFH-tTA/tetO-hTDP-43∆NLS (rNLS) mouse model of ALS at distinct disease stages. Sections were immunohistochemically labelled for microglial markers (HLA-DR, CD68, and Iba1) and phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43). Single-cell microglial HLA-DR, CD68, and Iba1 average intensities, and morphological features (cell body area, process number, total outgrowth, and branch number) were measured using custom image analysis pipelines. In human ALS motor cortex, we identified a significant change in microglial morphologies from ramified to hypertrophic, which was associated with increased Iba1 and CD68 levels. In the rNLS mouse motor cortex, the microglial morphologies changed from ramified to hypertrophic and increased Iba1 levels occurred in parallel with pTDP-43 aggregation, prior to increases in CD68 levels. Overall, the evidence presented in this study demonstrates that microglia change their morphologies prior to immunophenotype changes. These morphological changes may prime microglia near neurons with pTDP-43 aggregation for phagocytosis, in turn triggering immunophenotype changes; first, to a phagocytic state then to a dysfunctional one.
Emotion recognition for enhanced learning: using AI to detect students’ emotions and adjust teaching methods
Authors: Salloum Said A. , Alomari Khaled Mohammad , Alfaisal Aseel M. , Aljanada Rose A. , Basiouni Azza
Published: February 2025

The integration of artificial intelligence in educational environments has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning by enabling real-time analysis of students’ emotions, which are crucial determinants of engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. However, accurately detecting and responding to these emotions remains a significant challenge, particularly in online and remote learning settings where direct teacher-student interactions are limited. Traditional educational approaches often fail to account for the emotional states of students, which can lead to disengagement and reduced learning effectiveness. The current study addresses this problem by developing a refined convolutional neural network (CNN) model designed to detect students’ emotions with high accuracy, using the FER2013 facial expression recognition dataset. The methodology involved preprocessing the dataset, including normalization and augmentation techniques, to ensure robustness and generalizability of the model. The CNN architecture was carefully designed with multiple convolutional, batch normalization, and dropout layers to optimize its ability to classify seven basic emotions: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise, and neutral. The model was trained and validated on an 80-20 split of the dataset, with additional measures such as learning rate reduction and early stopping implemented to enhance performance and prevent overfitting. The results demonstrated that the CNN model achieved a test accuracy of 95%, with consistently high precision and recall across all emotion categories. This high level of accuracy indicates that the model is effective at recognizing subtle differences in facial expressions, making it suitable for real-time application in educational settings.
Total lesion glycolysis of primary tumor and lymphnodes is a strong predictor for development of distant metastases in oropharyngeal carcinoma patients with independent validation in automatically delineated lesions
Authors: Zschaeck Sebastian , Hajiyianni Marina , Hausmann Patrick , Nikulin Pavel , Kukuk Emily , Furth Christian , Cegla Paulina , Lombardo Elia , Kazmierska Joanna , Holzgreve Adrien , Strouthos Iosif , Stromberger Carmen , Belka Claus , Baumann Michael , Krause Mechthild , Landry Guillaume , Cholewinski Witold , Kotzerke Jorg , Zips Daniel , van den Hoff Jörg , Hofheinz Frank
Published: February 2025

Background

Oropharyngeal carcinomas are characterized by an increasing incidence and a relatively good prognosis. Nonetheless, a considerable number of patients develops metachronous distant metastases; identification of these patients is an urgent medical need.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicenter evaluation of 431 patients. All patients underwent [18F]-FDG positron emission tomography (PET). The cohort was split into an explorative group (n = 366) and a validation group (n = 65). Lesions were manually delineated in the explorative group and automatically delineated by a convolutional neuronal network (CNN) in the validation group. Quantitative PET parameters standardized uptake value (SUV), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were calculated for primary tumors (prim) and tumor plus lymphnodes (all). Association of parameters with freedom from distant metastases (FFDM) and overall survival (OS) was tested by cox regression analyses.

Results

In the explorative group, univariate analyses revealed an association of metric MTVprim (p = 0.022), MTVall (p < 0.001) and TLGall (p < 0.001) with FFDM, binarized parameters were also associated with FFDM (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Bootstrap analyses revealed a significantly better association of TLGall compared to TLGprim with FFDM (p = 0.02). MTVall and TLGall remained significantly associated with FFDM upon multivariate testing (p = 0.002, p = 0.031, respectively). In the validation group, the cutoff value for TLGall but not for TLGprim was significantly associated with FFDM (HR = 3.1, p = 0.045). Additional analyses with manually delineated contours of the validation cohort revealed a similar effect (HR = 3.47, p = 0.026). No considerable differences between HPV positive and negative disease were observed.

Conclusions

TLGall is a promising biomarker to select OPC patients with high risk for metachronous distant metastases.
An integrated quantitative framework for exploring sustainable scenarios in urban agriculture planning
Authors: Lin Zih-Ee , Lin Yin-Chi , Lee Mengshan , Chiueh Pei-Te , Wu Chun-Wei , Chang Yu-Sen
Published: February 2025

Urban agriculture, encompassing ground farming, rooftop gardens, and greenhouses at building or community scales, offers solutions to various urban challenges. While existing research often focuses on resource use (food production and water and energy demands) of urban agriculture, its impact extends beyond physical resources. Additionally, the varied strategies for planning edible cities imply potential trade-offs among urban priorities. This study addresses this gap by proposing an integrated framework that incorporates land use classification, the generation of urban agricultural design scenarios, and the quantitative assessment of environmental impacts. This framework allows for a comprehensive understanding of benefits and trade-offs associated with different urban agriculture plans at the city scale. Taipei, Taiwan, serves as a case study to demonstrate the framework's feasibility. The analysis reveals that 9.4% of Taipei's area holds potential for urban agriculture, with half of this area comprised of small-scale ground plots scattered throughout existing urban green spaces. Sixteen potential urban agriculture scenarios were identified, considering factors like farming scale, farming style, cultivation method, and plant species. The quantitative assessment highlights trade-offs: planting food crops enhances food supply, while ornamental plants significantly mitigate the urban heat island effect. The proposed integrated framework can be applied to any city with adjusted factors. Through this integrated framework, alternative urban agricultural plans can be evaluated, facilitating informed decision-making towards a more sustainable urban future.
Multi-societal expert consensus statement on the safe administration of ultrasound contrast agents
Authors: Strom Jordan B. , Appis Andrew , Barr Richard G. , Chammas Maria Cristina , Clevert Dirk-André , Darge Kassa , Feinstein Linda , Feinstein Steven B. , Fowlkes J. Brian , Gorman Beverly , Huang Pintong , Kono Yuko , Lopez-Mattei Juan , Lyshchik Andrej , Main Michael L. , Matthias Wilson , Merrill Christina , Mulvagh Sharon L. , Nihoyannopoulos Petros , Olson Joan , Piscaglia Fabio , Porter Thomas , Rabischoffsky Arnaldo , Senior Roxy , Stout Jessica L. , Stanczak Maria , Wilson Stephanie R. ,   the International Contrast Ultrasound Society with endorsement from the British Society of Echocardiography,   the Canadian Society of Echocardiography,   the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography,   the Society for Pediatric Radiology,   the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology,   the Brazilian College of Radiology,   the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography,   the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association,   the American Society of Neuroimaging and affirmation/support from the American Society of Echocardiography,   the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound
Published: February 2025

Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) offers a safe, reliable imaging option to establish a clinical diagnosis across a variety of multidisciplinary settings. This Expert Consensus Statement serves to outline expert opinion on what constitutes appropriate supervision and the essential components of safe CEUS practice. The purpose of this document is to empower institutions to allow sonographers, along with other trained medical professionals, to administer UCAs at the point of care, consistent with the updated scope of practice documentation and within the broad parameters of an individual’s training and licensure, while subject to appropriate supervision and meeting or exceeding minimum safety standards. This guidance was developed by the International Contrast Ultrasound Society and endorsed by the following organizations that represent ultrasound professionals: the British Society of Echocardiography, the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, the Brazilian College of Radiology, the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association, and the American Society of Neuroimaging. Additionally, this guidance document was affirmed or supported by the American Society of Echocardiography, the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Promising Therapeutic Targets for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Jerlhag Elisabet
Published: February 2025

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is abundant in the circulation, and it is well-known to regulate glucose homeostasis, feeding, and body weight. GLP-1 receptor agonists are therefore approved for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, more recent research has demonstrated that GLP-1 acts within the brain to modulate reward responses, thereby highlighting GLP-1 as a potential target for addiction. Specifically, preclinical studies demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists decrease alcohol intake, reduce the motivation to consume alcohol, and prevent relapse drinking by potentially lowering alcohol-induced reward. These preclinical results have been confirmed and extended in human studies in which GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce alcohol intake in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), who have a regular weight or co-morbidity of obesity or type 2 diabetes. On a similar note, genetic variations in genes encoding for the GLP-1 receptor are associated with AUD and heavy drinking. Although the central mechanisms by which GLP-1 regulates alcohol-related behaviors are not fully defined, but may involve areas central to reward as well as regions projecting to these reward areas such as the nucleus tractus solitarius of the brainstem. Together, existing preclinical and clinical data suggest that GLP-1 is involved in the AUD process and implies its role as a tentative treatment for AUD.
Secretagogin Is Highly Expressed in Enteroendocrine K Cells and Plays a Critical Role in Nutrient-Induced GIP Secretion
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Liu Xuan , Hu Yuanyuan , Wang Xin , Yang Xin , Yan Bin , Zhou Yiting , Zhou Lingzhi , Fan Gang , Yang Jing
Published: February 2025

Context

Incretin hormones, primarily composed of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), are secreted by enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and play crucial roles in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. Notably, GIP accounts for two-thirds of the entire incretin effect. However, the secretion and function of GIP are impaired in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the regulatory mechanisms governing GIP secretion remain unclear.

Objective

Our study aims to explore the role of an EEC-enriched protein, Secretagogin (SCGN), in the regulation of GIP secretion.

Methods

We collected duodenal tissues from both humans and mice to observe the colocalization of SCGN and GIP in EECs. Additionally, we utilized human cohorts and gene-edited mouse models to investigate the effect of SCGN on GIP secretion. Our study included 128 subjects, comprising 64 individuals diagnosed with newly onset diabetes and 64 age- and sex-matched nondiabetic healthy controls. At the animal level, we employed leptin receptor–deficient (db/db) mice and Scgn knockout mice for our investigations.

Results

Our findings indicate that SCGN is abundantly expressed in GIP-producing K cells within the intestinal epithelium of both humans and mice. We observed a positive correlation between SCGN and GIP levels in postprandial states among patients with T2DM, db/db mice, and their healthy controls. Notably, Scgn knockout mice exhibited decreased GIP and insulin secretion. However, SCGN deficiency did not affect K-cell number, GIP mRNA expression, or intestinal morphology.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SCGN is a key regulator of nutrient-induced GIP secretion.
Resting Energy Expenditure and Metabolic Features in Children with Septo-Optic Dysplasia
Authors: Cullingford David J , Curran Jacqueline A , Abraham Mary B , Siafarikas Aris , Blackmore A Marie , Downs Jenny , Choong Catherine S Y
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To characterise resting energy expenditure (REE) and other metabolic features in patients with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and evaluate relationships with elevated body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Children with SOD above 5 years of age attending Perth Children’s Hospital participated. A CosMED Q-NRG indirect calorimeter was used to calculate mean measure REE (mREE). This was compared to predictive REE (pREE) based on the Schofield equation to determine mREE/pREE quotient. A BMI z-score >1 was considered elevated. Parents/carers completed a questionnaire about pituitary function, the Hyperphagia Questionnaire and the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC).

Results

Twenty-six participants underwent testing (nine female, mean age 12.1 years) with eleven having elevated BMI and fifteen with pituitary hormone deficiencies. Mean mREE was 1309kCal/day (838-1732), mREE/pREE quotient was 88.8% ± 10.1). mREE/pREE quotient was similar in those with elevated BMI compared to normal BMI (83.3% ± 12.5 vs 92.1% ± 7.2, p=0.068). Those with midline defects had a higher mREE/pREE quotient (91.8% ± 8.1 vs 80.4% ± 11.3, p=0.026). Hyperphagia and SDSC scores were similar between BMI groups. Hyperphagia domain scores were higher in children with multiple hypopituitarism, pituitary structural defects, and normal septum pellucidum (p=0.044, 0.042 and 0.033 respectively)

Conclusion

Children with SOD had lower mREE than predicted and hyperphagia scores were higher in those with biochemical or structural pituitary changes, suggesting that hypothalamic dysfunction could drive BMI elevation in SOD. Indirect calorimetry may be used to guide the management of overweight and obesity in SOD.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury in a High-Volume Tertiary Care Center in India: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Steinruecke Moritz , Nair Shalini , Venturini Sara , Siannis Fotios , Hutchinson Peter J. , Kolias Angelos , Joseph Mathew
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health challenge in India but there is a lack of high-quality data on its clinical characteristics and outcomes. We aimed to describe the TBI population of a tertiary care center in India, identify predictors of inpatient mortality, and assess the performance of existing prognostic tools.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients admitted to a high-volume tertiary care center in Vellore, India, after a TBI between 2013 and 2019.

RESULTS:

We identified 3172 patients (2667 males, 84%) admitted after a TBI (median age = 34 years [IQR 23-48]). Two-wheeler road traffic accidents caused 2259 (71%) injuries, in which 13 (0.6%) patients were wearing a helmet. There were 174 (5%) inpatient deaths (median length of stay = 6 days [IQR 4-10]) and overall mortality (median follow-up = 6 months [IQR 3-9]) was 17% (n = 540). Age, Glasgow Coma Scale motor score, systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg, and key computed tomography imaging features were independently associated with inpatient mortality. Existing prognostic models predicted inpatient mortality with good performance (International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials in TBI: Brier = 0.0876, area under the curve (AUC) = 83% [95% CI 79%-87%]; Rotterdam CT: Brier = 0.0890, AUC 79% [95% CI 75%-83%]), but showed poorer performance for post-discharge mortality (International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials in TBI: Brier = 0.134, AUC = 75% [95% CI 72%-78%]; Rotterdam CT: Brier = 0.145, AUC 66% [95% CI 63%-69%]).

CONCLUSION:

In a tertiary care center in India, we described a predominantly young male TBI population with a high contribution of 2-wheeler road traffic accidents and significant post-discharge mortality. Existing prognostic models showed poor performance when predicting which patients died after discharge. These findings should inform public health interventions to reduce the significant burden of TBI in India.
Early Repeat Residual Resection Versus Adjuvant Therapy for Incompletely Resected Glioblastoma: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Damante Mark A. , Vignolles-Jeong Joshua , Finger Guilherme , Kreatsoulas Daniel , Cua Santino , Giglio Pierre , Ong Shirley , Lonser Russell R. , Wu Kyle C. , Elder J. Bradley
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Maximal safe resection of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) optimizes clinical outcomes. For patients who receive biopsy or subtotal resection (STR), early repeat resection (ERR) to improve extent of resection can be considered but is controversial. Oncological outcomes of patients undergoing ERR for residual GBM to patients receiving upfront at least near-total resection were compared.

METHODS:

This case-control study including patients with GBM treated at a single institution identified 3 treatment groups: (1) ERR patients underwent biopsy or STR (<95% cytoreduction), followed by ≥NTR (≥95% cytoreduction) within 8 weeks; (2) control patients underwent upfront ≥NTR; and (3) biopsy with chemoradiation only. ERR and control patients were 1:1 case-control matched by age, performance status, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase methylation status, isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation status, and completion of standard chemoradiation. Patient demographics, treatments, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. A P-value of <.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS:

A total of 22 ERR patients (16 biopsies and 6 STR) were identified, and each was matched with a control patient. Baseline patient characteristics at presentation did not differ between matched patients. Time from first surgery to chemoradiation was longer in the ERR cohort (1.8 vs 1.1 months, P < .001). Median overall survival (mOS) (17.7 vs 20.3 months, P = .87) and progression-free survival (5.5 vs 4.5 months, P = .25) did not differ between ERR and control groups, respectively. In the biopsy-only group, mOS was 4.1. Univariate Cox-regression analysis suggested age, failure to complete chemoradiation, isocitrate dehydrogenase-wt, and hemorrhage at presentation were independent predictors of mOS, whereas only age and failure to complete chemoradiation remained independent predictors of mOS after multivariate analysis. Surgical complications were similar between cohorts.

CONCLUSION:

ERR achieving ≥95% extent of resection within 8 weeks of initial surgery results in similar oncological outcomes to upfront ≥NTR in a case-control–matched analysis despite delayed initiation in chemoradiation for the ERR cohort.
Exercise May Improve Completion of Standard and Emerging Cancer Treatments
Authors: Catalá-Vilaplana Ignacio , Cao Sabrina E. , Zadravec Kendra , LeVasseur Nathalie , Kimple Randall J. , Lim Amy J. , Courneya Kerry S. , Campbell Kristin L.
Published: February 2025

Receipt of the entire course of intended anti-cancer treatment is critical to maximize treatment efficacy, reduce risk of disease recurrence, and improve survival. Engaging in an exercise program during cancer treatment has the potential to improve treatment completion, but standardization in terminology for reporting on cancer treatment completion is needed, especially as types of cancer treatments continue to evolve.
Η τιμή και το χρήμα στις κωμωδίες του Μενάνδρου
Authors: Καρανάσιου Ελένη
Published: February 2025

Στην παρούσα διατριβή επιχειρείται η μελέτη των εννοιών της τιμῆς και του χρήματος στις κωμωδίες του Μενάνδρου. Η πρώτη έννοια παρουσιάζεται ιδωμένη αφενός ως ηθική και κοινωνική αξία, αφετέρου ως υλική υπόσταση, δηλαδή ως αγαθά και υπηρεσίες. Ως προς το χρήμα, εντοπίζονται οι κειμενικές αναφορές σε αυτό και εξετάζεται η συμβολή του στη διαμόρφωση των ηθικών και κοινωνικών αξιών των χαρακτήρων των έργων. Η τιμὴ και το χρήμα είναι δύο αλληλένδετες έννοιες. Προκειμένου να πραγματωθεί ο σκοπός της εργασίας έπρεπε να γίνει σε βάθος μελέτη όλων των πτυχών της οικονομικής ζωής της αρχαίας Ελλάδας από την ομηρική εποχή έως τα ελληνιστικά χρόνια. Ανιχνεύονται, λοιπόν, συνιστώσες του χρήματος όπως η φιλοτιμία, το κέρδος, η αὐτάρκεια, η προστασία / κυριεία, η φιλανθρωπία, η φιλία και τα οικονομικά της, η κοινωνική θέση των Αθηναίων βάσει της οικονομικής του κατάστασης, ο ρόλος της Τύχης κ.ά., ώστε να γίνει κατανοητό ότι η οικονομία των αρχαίων χρόνων ήταν ένας εξελισσόμενος και αναπτυσσόμενος παράγοντας της καθημερινής ζωής. Στη συνέχεια μελετώνται οι χαρακτήρες των έργων (του Δύσκολου, ως του μοναδικού σωζόμενου έργου στην ολότητά του, αλλά και σχεδόν όλων των αποσπασματικά σωζόμενων μενάνδρειων κωμωδιών) και η σχέση τους με το χρήμα. Ανιχνεύονται πτυχές της τιμῆς της γυναίκας, είτε ως κοινωνικής κοσμητικής αξίας είτε ως στοιχείου αγνότητας, που αποτελεί προϋπόθεση για τη γαμήλια αποκατάσταση. Μελετάται ο θεσμός της προίκας, ο νόμος της ἐπικλήρου κόρης και αναλύεται η συμμετοχή των εταιρών στον οικονομικό ιστό της Αθήνας. Επισημαίνεται, ακόμη, η διαχείρισή του χρήματος από τις γυναίκες ενός οἴκου. Στη συνέχεια, αντικείμενο μελέτης γίνεται ο μισθοφόρος στρατιώτης, αφού η ιδιότητά του συνυφαίνεται με το χρήμα είτε αυτό παρουσιάζεται ως λάφυρο είτε ως νόμισμα/μέσο πληρωμής για τις υπηρεσίες που εκείνος προσφέρει. Εξετάζονται οι γάμοι των χαρακτήρων και η σημασία των γνωρισμάτων των βρεφών. Τέλος, ιχνηλατείται η αναφορά του χρήματος στα κατεξοχήν αποσπασματικά έργα, για τα οποία στις μέρες μας η βιβλιογραφία εξ ανάγκης εξακολουθεί να είναι εξαιρετικά ελλιπής. Σε ένα από τα τελευταία κεφάλαια περιγράφεται μέρος του πλούσιου εικονογραφικού υλικού (ψηφιδωτά) το οποίο έχει ανασυρθεί στο φως από την αρχαιολογική σκαπάνη, το οποίο διαφωτίζει και συμπληρώνει το περιεχόμενο και την ερμηνεία των μελετώμενων έργων. Πολύτιμη αρωγή καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της έρευνας στάθηκε η μελέτη των σχολιασμένων εκδόσεων, των σχετικών άρθρων και των μονογραφιών αλλά και των λατινικών διασκευών του Πλαύτου και του Τερέντιου. Η διατριβή ολοκληρώνεται με την εξαγωγή συμπερασμάτων, τα οποία ανακεφαλαιώνουν την έρευνα για την οικονομική και κοινωνική ζωή της ελληνιστικής εποχής της Αθήνας.
The genome sequence of the pine hoverfly, Blera fallax (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Taylor Helen R. , Ritchie-Parker Heather ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Blera fallax (the pine hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 462 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled X and Y chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, and is 16.2 kilobases in length.