bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Technology‐Based Psychological Empowerment Interventions on Psychological Well‐Being of Parents of Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ozdemir Koyu Hazal , Kilicarslan Ebru
Published: February 2025

Background

In recent years, technology‐based interventions have emerged as effective approaches to provide psychological support for the parents of children with cancer. Despite their increasing use, evidence on the effectiveness of technology‐based empowerment interventions remains limited, largely due to the heterogeneity in intervention designs and measured outcomes.

Aim

This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of technology‐based psychological empowerment interventions on the psychological well‐being of parents of pediatric cancer patients.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted databases including Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete, and the Ovid Nursing Database Scopus, Medline, and PubMed identified 8020 studies, from which 9 RCTs involving 698 parents of children with cancer were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2) tool. Data analysis was assessed using a random effects model with standardized mean difference (SMD) using Review Manager Version 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed using the chi‐square test and I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

The meta‐analysis revealed significant improvements in psychological outcomes, including decreases in distress (SMD: −0.42, 95% CI [−0.70, −0.13], p = 0.005), depression (SMD: −0.92, 95% CI [−1.56, −0.27], p = 0.005) and anxiety (SMD: −1.47, 95% CI [−2.50, −0.44], p = 0.005) immediately after the intervention. Follow‐up analyses showed maintained decreases in depression (SMD: −0.39, 95% CI [−0.61, −0.17], p = 0.005) and anxiety (SMD:‐0.32, 95% CI [−0.58, −0.07], p = 0.01). Additionally, significant increases were observed coping (SMD: 4.31, 95% CI [1.19, 7.44], p = 0.007) and resilience (SMD: 4.68, 95% CI [1.23, 8.13], p = 0.008) immediately after the intervention. However, no significant effect was found on health‐related quality of life (SMD: 0.02, 95% CI [−0.25, 0.29], p = 0.88).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis provides evidence that technology‐based psychological empowerment interventions dramatically improve the psychological well‐being of parents of children with cancer. By effectively decreasing distress, depression, and anxiety while enhancing coping skills and resilience, these interventions are emerging as essential components of psychosocial support programs. These findings underscore the transformative potential of technology‐driven approaches in addressing the unique and multifaceted needs of families, paving the way for more accessible and personalized support systems.
Tabulated Values of the Shockley–Queisser Limit for Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Fulin , Zhang Chenhui , Li Dan , You Fangtian , Liang Chunjun , Wang Ying
Published: February 2025

In this study, the theoretical efficiencies of tandem solar cells (TSCs) are investigated through an analysis of various configurations and bandgap combinations. In the results, it is indicated that two‐junction two‐terminal (2J 2T) tandem cells can achieve a maximum efficiency of 45% with subcells exhibiting bandgaps of 1.60 and 0.95 eV, while 2J 4T tandem cells can reach 45.45% efficiency with subcells featuring bandgaps of 1.71 and 0.94 eV. Additionally, 3J 2T TSCs maintain a peak efficiency of 51.19%, utilizing subcells with bandgaps of 1.91, 1.38, and 0.94 eV, while 3J 6T tandem cells exhibit an efficiency peak at 51.49% with subcells showcasing bandgaps of 2.07, 1.39, and 0.93 eV. In this study, a roadmap is offered for optimizing bandgap combinations in TSCs, underscoring the critical role of bandgap engineering in the pursuit of higher solar cell efficiencies. The identified optimal bandgap pairing paves the way for future developments in solar cell technology.
IgG4 Related Disease Presenting With Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion
Authors: Thomas Ancy Elsa , Thangakunam Balamugesh , Kodiatte Thomas , Christopher Devasahayam Jesudas
Published: February 2025

A 56‐year‐old man presented with right‐sided pleuritic chest pain and intermittent cough for 4 months, with a background history of well‐controlled asthma and allergic rhinitis. Chest radiographs revealed right‐sided pleural effusion, the fluid chemistry showed an exudate effusion with negative cytology and abundant eosinophils. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy showed moderate lymphoplasmacytic chronic inflammation. Immunohistochemistry showed IgG4 staining up to 90 plasma cells/hpf (> 10% diagnostic), and the IgG4: IgG ratio was 40% (> 40% diagnostic), confirming the diagnosis of IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD). Elevated serum IgG4 level (300 mg/dL; normal range: 3–201 mg/dL), further supported the diagnosis. While eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) accounts for 5%–16% of all exudative pleural effusions, IgG4‐related pleural disease is an extremely rare cause of EPE.
Impacts of fire on canopy structure and its resilience depend on successional stage in Amazonian secondary forests
Authors: Vedovato Laura B. , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Almeida Danilo R. A. , Bartholomew David C. , Assis Mauro , Dalagnol Ricardo , Gorgens Eric B. , Silva‐Junior Celso H. L. , Ometto Jean P. , Pontes‐Lopes Aline , Silva Carlos A. , Valbuena Ruben , Feldpausch Ted R.
Published: February 2025

Secondary forests in the Amazon are important carbon sinks, biodiversity reservoirs, and connections between forest fragments. However, their regrowth is highly threatened by fire. Using airborne laser scanning (ALS), surveyed between 2016 and 2018, we analyzed canopy metrics in burned (fires occurred between 2001 and 2018) and unburned secondary forests across different successional stages and their ability to recover after fire. We assessed maximum and mean canopy height, openness at 5 and 10 m, canopy roughness, leaf area index (LAI) and leaf area height volume (LAHV) for 20 sites across South‐East Amazonia (ranging from 375 to 1200 ha). Compared to unburned forests, burned forests had reductions in canopy height, LAI, and LAHV, and increases in openness and roughness. These effects were more pronounced in early successional (ES) than later successional (LS) stages, for example, mean canopy height decreased 33% in ES and 14% in LS and LAI decreased 36% in ES and 18% in LS. Forests in ES stages were less resistant to fire, but more resilient (capable of recovering from a disturbance) in their post‐fire regrowth than LS stage forests. Data extrapolation from our models suggests that canopy structure partially recovers with time since fire for six out of seven canopy metrics; however, LAI and LAHV in LS forests may never fully recover. Our results indicate that successional stage‐specific management and policies that mitigate against fire in early secondary forests should be implemented to increase the success of forest regeneration. Mitigation of fires is critical if secondary forests are to continue to provide their wide array of ecological services.
“They Prefer White People and American English”: Racialized English Language Teaching, African English Teachers and Identity Insecurity in China
Authors: Xu Wen
Published: February 2025

While issues of race and language, especially English language teaching (ELT), are increasingly problematized in the Anglosphere, China remains a context that needs to be examined and uncovered. Drawing upon semi‐structured interviews, this article explores the racialized experiences of six African Black English teachers and how racial ideologies and racial ideologies of ELT affect their life pathways and identity formation. Findings suggest the presence of the racial hierarchy and linguistic racism in the recruitment, payment, and marketing processes, as well as at the microlevel of the classroom. By prioritizing the American curriculum, teachers, and English, the Chinese ELT market not only perpetuates white norms but also appropriates an “American” identity, as English is legitimated as an American property by administrators, teachers, parents, and learners. This study also suggests a link between identity insecurity of African English teachers and their constant experiences of othering, marginalization, and exclusion through everyday encounters. Implications are discussed at the end of the article, including a critical reflection on U.S. centrism in the Chinese ELT context and calling for more inclusive practices.
Symptomatic narcolepsy in a dog with functional pituitary gland macroadenoma
Authors: Koufaki Christina , Karafylia Anastasia , Panopoulos Ioannis , Psalla Dimitra , Soubasis Nektarios
Published: February 2025

Symptomatic narcolepsy in dogs has been rarely reported. A 7‐year‐old, female, neutered Greek harehound presented with chronic progressive lethargy, dysphonia, episodes of flaccid paralysis of all limbs following excitement or eating, as well as pinnae and tail alopecia, hyperpigmentation and ‘rat tail’. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed an extra‐axial T2‐weighted hyperintense contrast‐enhancing mass in the pituitary fossa, likely consistent with a pituitary gland mass. Food‐elicited cataplexy test was consistent with cataplexy, and a diagnosis of symptomatic narcolepsy was made. The dog deteriorated and was subsequently euthanased. A postmortem examination confirmed a pituitary gland macroadenoma. Symptomatic narcolepsy can be a sign of a pituitary gland mass in dogs as a result of direct (hypothalamus) or indirect (brainstem) mass effect, or both. The aim of this report is to raise awareness among clinicians to consider symptomatic narcolepsy as a possible differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with cataplexy accompanied by other neurological and/or endocrinological signs.
Fate of κ-Minkowski space-time in non-relativistic (Galilean) and ultra-relativistic (Carrollian) regimes
Authors: Bose Deeponjit , Chakraborty Anwesha , Chakraborty Biswajit
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We present an algebraic and kinematical analysis of non-commutative κ-Minkowski spaces within Galilean (non-relativistic) and Carrollian (ultra-relativistic) regimes. Utilizing the theory of Wigner-Inönu contractions, we begin with a brief review of how one can apply these contractions to the well-known Poincaré algebra, yielding the corresponding Galilean and Carrollian algebras as c → ∞ and c → 0, respectively. Subsequently, we methodically apply these contractions to non-commutative κ-deformed spaces, revealing compelling insights into the interplay among the non-commutative parameters a

μ
(with |a

ν
| being of the order of Planck length scale) and the speed of light c as it approaches both infinity and zero. Our exploration predicts a sort of “branching” of the non-commutative parameters a

μ
, leading to the emergence of a novel length scale and time scale in either limit. Furthermore, our investigation extends to the examination of curved momentum spaces and their geodesic distances in appropriate subspaces of the κ-deformed Newtonian and Carrollian space-times. We finally delve into the study of their deformed dispersion relations, arising from these deformed geodesic distances, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nature of these space-times.
Exact physical quantities of the XYZ spin chain in the thermodynamic limit
Authors: Xin Zhirong , Cao Junpeng , Yang Wen-Li , Wang Yupeng
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The thermodynamic limits of the XYZ spin chain with periodic or twisted boundary conditions are studied. By using the technique of characterizing the eigenvalue of the transfer matrix by the T − Q relation and by the zeros of the associated polynomial, we obtain the constraints of the Bethe roots and the zeros for the eigenvalues. With the help of structure of Bethe roots, we obtain the distribution patterns of zeros. Based on them, the physical quantities such as the surface energy and excitation energy are calculated. We find that both of them depend on the parity of sites number due to the topological long-range Neel order on the Mobius manifold in the spin space. We also check our results with those obtaining by the density matrix renormalization group. The method provided in this paper can be applied to study the thermodynamic properties at the thermal equilibrium state with finite temperature.
Nesting biology, phenology and sociality in a small carpenter bee Ceratina teunisseni a species endemic to Crete
Authors: Mikát M. , Benda D. , Waldhauser V. , Maxerová T. , Fraňková T. , Smyčková J. , Mrozek J. , Straka J.
Published: February 2025

Facultatively social insects are crucial for understanding the origin of sociality and the costs and benefits of social behaviour in early stages of social evolution. Ceratina bees are an excellent model taxon as this genus has a high species richness with a significant proportion of facultatively social species. In this study, we investigated the social and nesting biology of the species Ceratina teunisseni Terzo 1997. We found that C. teunisseni is a facultatively social species—both solitary and social nests occur in sympatry. The long nesting season in the Mediterranean climate allows several generations in one season. Some females of the summer generation seem to disperse and nest solitarily; however, other females remain in their natal nests as workers. The proportion of multi-female nests is the highest in September, probably because starting the nest rearing at the end of the season is more risky, while remaining in the natal nest is a safer strategy. On the other hand, social nests at the beginning of the season were never detected, therefore social nesting is associated with nest reuse during the season. The number of brood cells provisioned is generally small (4 brood cells on average). However, in social nests, the number of brood cells provisioned is usually larger than in solitary nests. Limitation by nest substrate can influence the nesting biology of this species as many nests are established by usurpation of nests of other bee or wasp species. Males are present throughout the nesting season and can sometimes be present in brood-rearing nests.
Supercritical carbon dioxide assisted grinding: influence of grinding wheel porosity on grinding forces, grinding power and surface quality
Authors: Arafat Robar , Madanchi Nadine , Herrmann Christoph
Published: February 2025

Despite their technical necessity in grinding processes, the use of conventional cutting fluids is connected with disadvantages such as environmental drawbacks and occupational health risks. Additionally, the conventionally used flood lubrication has a high demand on peripheral equipment such as pumps and filtration units, leading to a high energy demand. Research therefore suggests alternative strategies such as minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). As grinding is dependent on cooling, MQL has recently been extended by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), providing a sufficient cooling and effectively transporting the MQL fluid to the contact zone. Against this background, in this study, scCO2 + MQL was used in steel grinding with corundum grinding wheels and compared to flood lubrication using an emulsion. A key research objective was to identify the influence of grinding wheel porosity on process parameters and surface quality. Cutting conditions were varied by changing workpiece speeds and single cutting depths. It was found that regardless of grinding wheel and cutting fluid strategy, surface roughness, power, and forces increase with higher workpiece speeds and single cutting depths. Grinding forces were lower when using scCO2 + MQL compared to emulsion, whereas surface roughness was lower when using emulsion. Further, it was shown that the grinding wheel porosity significantly influences the process performance. The results reveal that a to certain extend, a higher porosity benefits the outcome of the grinding process in terms of roughness. This requires balancing sufficient grain interaction (lower porosity) as well as a sufficient fluid delivery (higher porosity) to the contact zone, underlining the significance of a tailored tool selection for scCO2 + MQL usage in grinding.
Natural remedies proposed for the management of diabetic retinopathy (DR): diabetic complications
Authors: Khidr Emad Gamil , Morad Nourhan Ibrahim , Hatem Shymaa , El-Dessouki Ahmed M. , Mohamed Ahmed F. , El-Shiekh Riham A. , Hafeez Mohamed S. Abd El , Ghaiad Heba R.
Published: February 2025

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) represents a significant and serious complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), often resulting in considerable visual impairment or even blindness. The intricate pathological processes underlying DR complicate the effectiveness of current treatment modalities. Studies have highlighted the potential of natural products in the treatment of DR via several beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-neovascular, and anti-apoptotic properties. Flavonoids, saponins, saccharides, and alkaloids exhibited various beneficial effects in DR in in vivo and in vitro studies. However, the clinical utilization of these natural compounds is hindered by issues such as inadequate specificity, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Therefore, there is a pressing need for rigorous clinical studies to confirm the efficacy of natural products in preventing or mitigating the progression of DR.
Non-Autonomous Degenerate Parabolic Equations with Robin Boundary Conditions: Carleman Estimates and Null-Controllability
Authors: Akil Mohammad , Fragnelli Genni , Ismail Sarah
Published: February 2025

The Earth’s climate system naturally adjusts to maintain a balance between the energy received from the Sun and the energy reflected back into space, a concept known as the “Earth’s radiation budget”. However, this balance has been disrupted by human activities, leading to global warming. Starting from the energy balance model proposed by Budyko and Sellers, and considering a time-dependent diffusion coefficient, we prove the null-controllability of non-autonomous degenerate parabolic problems, in the sense that the Earth achieves a desired temperature, by finding new Carleman estimates for the non-homogeneous adjoint problems. At the degeneracy point, we impose Robin boundary condition which is appropriate for modeling heat transfer at the Earth’s surface. Moreover, we provide the equivalence between null-controllability and observability inequality for the non-autonomous case. At the end, we present some extensions and open problems.
Thymine as potential biomarker to predict 5-FU systemic exposure in patients with gastro-intestinal cancer: a prospective pharmacokinetic study (FUUT-trial)
Authors: Hanrath Maarten A. , Banken Evi , van den Wildenberg Sebastian A. H. , van de Kerkhof Daan , Moes Dirk Jan A. R. , Boisdron-Celle Michele , van den Bosch Bianca J. C. , Bax Ramon , Bet Pierre M. , Maring Jan Gerard , Creemers Geert-Jan M. , van Hellemond Irene. E. G. , Deenen Maarten J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In 20–30% of the patients, fluoropyrimidines (5-FU) based chemotherapy leads to severe toxicity, which is associated with dihydropyridine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. Therefore, DPYD genotyping became standard practice before treatment with fluoropyrimidines. Nevertheless, only 17% of the patients with severe toxicity have a DPYD variant. Therefore, an urgent need persists to investigate other strategies contributing to prediction and prevention of toxicity. Endogenous DPD substrates are considered as potential biomarkers to predict toxicity, yet contradictional data exist on demonstrating uracil as a reliable biomarker. Thymine as biomarker for toxicity has been investigated less. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the concentrations of uracil, thymine dihydrouracil (DHU) and dihydrothymine (DHT), with the systemic drug exposure of 5-FU and DPD enzyme activity in patients treated with 5-FU.

Methods

We included 36 patients with gastrointestinal malignancy who received 5-FU infusion. DPYD genotyping was conducted before start of treatment. Blood samples for determining 5-FU, uracil and thymine concentrations during infusion and DPD enzyme activity were taken.

Results

We found a significant correlation between the 5-FU systematic exposure and baseline thymine concentrations (R
2 = 0.1468; p = 0.0402). DPD enzyme activity was significantly correlated with baseline thymine concentrations but no correlation was found between DPD enzyme activity and 5-FU systemic drug exposure.

Conclusion

5-FU dose individualization based on thymine concentrations could be a promising addition to DPYD genotyping to predict 5-FU-induced toxicity. Larger prospective trials are needed to examine thymine as predictor for toxicity in daily practice.

Trial registration

Trial NL7539 at ‘Overview of Medical Research in the Netherlands’ (ID NL-OMON21471). Date of registration 19-02-2019.
PIV measurements within roughness grooves with enhanced wall reflection suppression
Authors: Abu Rowin Wagih , Manovski Peter , Chung Daniel , Hutchins Nicholas
Published: February 2025

Wall reflection of laser light in particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements is one of the limiting factors in obtaining velocity information in the vicinity of rough walls. In this wind tunnel study, wall reflections for stereoscopic PIV (SPIV) measurements over a rough wall are suppressed by coating the rough surface with fluorescent paint to shift the diffuse-reflected light to a higher wavelength. A narrow band-pass filter employed on the imaging lenses extinguishes the majority of this wavelength-shifted surface-reflected laser light, allowing particle images to be recorded in the near-wall vicinity. Three different fluorescent paints were evaluated. Rhodamine 6G was found to have the best performance for suppressing wall and background reflections. Reliable velocity measurements with this technique were obtained as close as 500 µm (

$$\sim 5.0$$

∼
5.0

wall units) from the base of the roughness valleys. The technique was successfully used with SPIV to detect the secondary motions within riblet valleys.
Voluntary physical activity suppresses adipocyte hypertrophy through the activation of cGMP mediated pathway in a fructose-induced metabolic syndrome model in rat
Authors: Tayfur Pınar , Palabiyik Orkide , Meric Burcu , Tastekin Ebru , Vardar Selma Arzu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

A high-fructose diet is supposed to induce the so-called metabolic syndrome, associated with increased fat deposition in adipose tissue. Physical exercise may counteract the induction of the metabolic syndrome. The present study aims to investigate the effect of voluntary physical activity (VPA) on cGMP-mediated lipolysis in retroperitoneal adipose tissue in a metabolic syndrome model induced in rats by a high-fructose diet.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats in control and fructose (F) groups had free access to either plain drinking water or a solution of 20% D-fructose, combined with a standard diet for 8 wk. Rats in the fructose + activity (F + A) group performed voluntary physical activity with a running wheel. Blood pressure, serum glucose, lipids and natriuretic peptide levels were measured on the last day of the feeding period. In retroperitoneal adipose tissue, cGMP, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), perilipin-1, aquaglyceroporin levels, and adipocyte diameter were analyzed.

Results

Systolic blood pressure, glucose, and triacylglycerol were higher in the F groups compared to the control. The C-type natriuretic peptide was higher in the F group compared to the control. The cGMP level in retroperitoneal adipose tissue was higher in the F + A group than F group. Higher HSL and perilipin-1 levels were observed in the F + A group compared to the F and control groups. Adipocyte diameter was lower in the F + A group compared to the F group.

Conclusion

Regular physical exercise triggers lipolytic effects in adipose tissue through cGMP, HSL, and perilipin-1-mediated pathway in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome model in rats, preventing the increase in adipocyte diameter.
Minimal important change of the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tear arthropathy
Authors: Larsen Josefine Beck , Thillemann Theis Muncholm , Launonen Antti P. , Østergaard Helle Kvistgaard , Falstie-Jensen Thomas , Sumrein Bakir , Zivanovic Srdjan , Jensen Steen Lund , Mechlenburg Inger , Ponkilainen Ville
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The Minimal Important Change (MIC) for patient-reported outcome measures is the value that describes the smallest improvement considered worthwhile by patients. To the best of our knowledge, no MIC of the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (WOOS) score or the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) has been reported using the anchor-based predictive modeling approach based on patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The aim of this study was to determine the MIC for WOOS and DASH in a cohort of patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy treated with a total shoulder arthroplasty.

Materials and methods

Data on 231 patients were collected at four hospitals in Denmark and Finland. Data were collected at baseline and 12 weeks after surgery. At 12 weeks, the patients were asked about their perceived overall improvement after surgery measured by the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C). The MIC was estimated for the WOOS and DASH using the adjusted predictive modeling approach with the PGI-C as an anchor.

Results

Of the 231 included patients, 104 were included in the MIC analysis. Patients had a mean age of 71 years and 56% were women. The estimated adjusted MIC for the WOOS score was 13.3 (-6.2; 23.3) and 7.2 (12.8; 1.7) for DASH.

Conclusion

For patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy treated with a total shoulder arthroplasty, the estimated MIC for was 13.3 for WOOS and 7.2 for DASH. The estimates show wide confidence intervals, which could be due to the low sample size but could also indicate a large heterogeneity within the patient group.
Variability of the Penn upper motor neuron score in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: need for a revised score
Authors: Jacobsen Anna B. , Fanella Gaia , de Carvalho Mamede , Koltzenburg Martin , Oliveira Santos Miguel , Cengiz Bülent , Blicher Jakob , Obál Izabella , Heintzelmann Mia B. , Nix Wilfred , Camdessanché Jean-Philippe , Fuglsang-Frederiksen Anders , Tankisi Hatice
Published: February 2025

There is a need for a consensus on a clinical scale for evaluating upper motor neuron (UMN) burden in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to improve consistency in clinical diagnosis, research and monitoring of disease progression. The Penn upper motor neuron score (PUMNS) is the most commonly published scale, however, the reliability of the scale has only been evaluated in a single study involving two raters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the PUMNS in ALS patients among multiple raters, and to discuss an updated UMN score including the signs with the highest inter-rater reliability. This study included seven ALS patients (mean age: 71 ± 11.5, six males, one female). Each patient was evaluated with the PUMNS by eight raters from different centers blinded to previous observations. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the inter-rater reliability of the total PUMNS. The inter-rater reliability of the binary subscores was assessed with Gwet’s AC1 coefficient. The inter-rater agreement for the total PUMNS yielded an ICC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.56;0.96). Items with the highest inter-rater reliability included Hoffman's sign, Babinski's sign, clonus and deep tendon reflexes, while the facial reflex (Gwet’s AC1 −0.038 (95% CI −0.25,0.18)) and crossed adduction (0.18 (95% CI (−0.32,0.67)) had the lowest inter-rater reliability. In conclusion, PUMNS demonstrated good inter-rater reliability overall, while some of the subscores had poor inter-rater reliability. Based on this, we call for an updated UMN score to enhance diagnostic accuracy and research consistency in ALS.
Clinical characteristics, molecular reclassification trajectories and DNA methylation patterns of long- and short-term survivors of WHO grade II and III glioma
Authors: Mair Maximilian J. , Leibetseder Annette , Heller Gerwin , Tomasich Erwin , Müller Lisa , Busse Ilka , Wöhrer Adelheid , Kiesel Barbara , Widhalm Georg , Eckert Franziska , Weis Serge , Pichler Josef , Preusser Matthias , Berghoff Anna S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The prognosis of diffuse gliomas previously classified as “lower-grade” is heterogeneous and complicates clinical decisions. We aimed to investigate the molecular profile of clinical outliers to gain insight into biological drivers of long and short-term survivors.

Methods

Here, patients aged ≥ 18 years and diagnosed with diffuse glioma, WHO grade II/2 or III/3 were included. Short-term survivors (STS) were defined as overall survival (OS) < 1 years, and long-term survivors (LTS) as OS > 10 years. DNA methylation profiling was performed using the Illumina EPIC 850k platform.

Results

In total, 385 patients (294 LTS, 91 STS) were included. Median overall survival was 234 months (95%CI: 207–248) in LTS and 7.3 months (95%CI: 6.4–8.1) in STS. Compared to STS, LTS were younger, had higher Karnofsky Performance Status, more extensive resections, and lower symptomatic burden (p < 0.001, respectively). Molecular reclassification showed IDH-mutant gliomas in 240/246 (95.5%) LTS and 10/79 (12.7%) STS. Initial diagnosis (tumor type and/or grading) changed in 69/325 (21.2%) patients based on reclassification according to WHO 2016 and in 45/258 (17.4%) as per WHO 2021. DNA methylation analysis indicated two clusters, one with mainly STS (39/41, 95.1%) and heterogeneous IDH-wildtype tumors (cluster A) and one with mainly LTS (82/106, 77.4%) and IDH-mutant tumors (cluster B). Functional enrichment analysis of rare subtypes indicated altered Hippo/Notch and synaptic/neurotransmitter signaling pathway members.

Conclusion

LTS and STS show distinct clinical and molecular features, underscoring the importance of extended molecular workup for diagnosis. Further characterization of rare subtypes is needed to optimize treatment strategies and clinical trial planning.
Antifragile control systems in neuronal processing: a sensorimotor perspective
Authors: Axenie Cristian
Published: February 2025

The stability–robustness–resilience–adaptiveness continuum in neuronal processing follows a hierarchical structure that explains interactions and information processing among the different time scales. Interestingly, using “canonical” neuronal computational circuits, such as Homeostatic Activity Regulation, Winner-Take-All, and Hebbian Temporal Correlation Learning, one can extend the behavior spectrum towards antifragility. Cast already in both probability theory and dynamical systems, antifragility can explain and define the interesting interplay among neural circuits, found, for instance, in sensorimotor control in the face of uncertainty and volatility. This perspective proposes a new framework to analyze and describe closed-loop neuronal processing using principles of antifragility, targeting sensorimotor control. Our objective is two-fold. First, we introduce antifragile control as a conceptual framework to quantify closed-loop neuronal network behaviors that gain from uncertainty and volatility. Second, we introduce neuronal network design principles, opening the path to neuromorphic implementations and transfer to technical systems.
Beyond administrative reports: a deep learning framework for classifying and monitoring crime and accidents leveraging large-scale online news
Authors: Tuarob Suppawong , Tatiyamaneekul Phonarnun , Pongpaichet Siripen , Tawichsri Tanisa , Noraset Thanapon
Published: February 2025

The escalating prevalence of violent crimes and accidents underscores the urgent need for efficient and timely monitoring systems. Traditional methods reliant on administrative reports often suffer from significant delays. This paper proposes CRIMSON, a novel framework that leverages large-scale online news to provide real-time insights into crime and accident trends. CRIMSON utilizes a multi-label classification technique that leverages a fine-tuned, pre-trained, cross-lingual language model to accurately categorize news articles. Our experimental results, conducted on a substantial dataset of Thai news articles, demonstrate superior performance, achieving an average F1 score of 86%. Beyond classification, CRIMSON aggregates categorized news into real-time statistics, revealing strong correlations between news-reported incidents and official crime data. This study pioneers online news as a reliable and timely crime and accident monitoring source, offering valuable insights for law enforcement, policymakers, and researchers.
Cyclicity, hypercyclicity and randomness in self-similar groups
Authors: Fariña-Asategui Jorge
Published: February 2025

We introduce the concept of cyclicity and hypercyclicity in self-similar groups as an analogue of cyclic and hypercyclic vectors for an operator on a Banach space. We derive a sufficient condition for cyclicity of non-finitary automorphisms in contracting discrete automata groups. In the profinite setting we prove that fractal profinite groups may be regarded as measure-preserving dynamical systems and derive a sufficient condition for the ergodicity and the mixing properties of these dynamical systems. Furthermore, we show that a Haar-random element in a super strongly fractal profinite group is hypercyclic almost surely as an application of Birkhoff’s ergodic theorem for free semigroup actions.
Transcriptional dysregulation in the cerebellum triggered by oligodendroglial α-synucleinopathy: insights from a transgenic mouse into the early disease mechanisms of MSA
Authors: Heras-Garvin Antonio , Fellner Lisa , Granata Roberta , Wenning Gregor K. , Stefanova Nadia
Published: February 2025

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein, progressive neuronal loss, motor impairment and widespread pathological changes, which include significant involvement of the cerebellum. To understand the early molecular mechanisms that might underlie α-synuclein-triggered MSA cerebellar pathology, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of cerebellar samples from a well-established model of MSA. RNA-Seq and differential gene expression analysis was conducted in the PLP-αSyn model of MSA. Cerebellum from two and 12-month-old MSA and wildtype mice were used. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed to explore processes involved in MSA-like disease progression. The overlap between transcriptional changes in MSA and those associated with aging was also evaluated. RNA-Seq analysis demonstrated significant transcriptional dysregulation in cerebellum from MSA mice, even at early stages. GO and KEGG analyses of DEGs point to a potential role of synaptic dysfunction, cellular signaling dysregulation and inflammation in the cerebellar pathology of MSA mice. In addition, those changes exacerbate with disease progression. Additionally, our analysis of aging in both control and PLP-αSyn mice showed that age-related transcriptional changes in mid-aged controls seem to be present in young MSA mice. Thus, MSA-like pathology might lead to an acceleration of aging-related mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate significant cerebellar transcriptional dysregulation triggered by oligodendroglial α-synucleinopathy in PLP-αSyn mice, revealing pathways that might be critical for the early cerebellar pathology of MSA, and that may serve as potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions in this devastating disorder.
Severity of anhedonia is associated with hyper-synchronization of the salience-default mode network in non-clinical individuals: a resting state EEG connectivity study
Authors: Imperatori Claudio , Allegrini Giorgia , Lo Presti Aurelia , Carbone Giuseppe A. , Adenzato Mauro , Farina Benedetto , Ardito Rita B.
Published: February 2025

Anhedonia is a core transnosographic symptom in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Recently, the Triple Network (TN) model has been proposed as a useful neurophysiological paradigm for conceptualizing anhedonia, providing new insights to clinicians and researchers. Despite this, the relationship between the functional dynamics of TN and the severity of anhedonia has been relatively understudied in non-clinical samples, especially in the resting state (RS) condition. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated this relationship using electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity. Eighty-two participants (36 males; mean age: 24.28 ± 7.35 years) underwent RS EEG recording with eyes-closed and completed the Beck Depression Inventory-derived 4-item anhedonia scale (BDI-Anh4) and the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI). EEG data on functional connectivity were analyzed using the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). A significant positive correlation was observed between the BDI-Anh4 total score and salience-default mode network connectivity in the beta frequency band (r = 0.409; p = 0.010). The results of the hierarchical linear regression analysis also showed that this connectivity pattern was positively and independently associated (β = 0.358; p < 0.001) with the BDI-Anh4 total score and explained an additional 11% of the anhedonia variability. The association between anhedonia severity and increased salience-default mode network synchronization detected in the current study may reflect difficulty disengaging from internal/self-related mental contents, which consequently impairs the processing of other stimuli, including rewarding stimuli.
Lipid- and Multivariate-Based Analyses to Determine Cell Response to pH Variations and Buffer Composition
Authors: Pereira Ricardo F. S. , de Carvalho Carla C. C. R.
Published: February 2025

During marine bioprocess development, pH control is of paramount importance. In shake flasks, aerobic fermentations usually have no pH control except from the buffering effect provided by buffers in the medium. However, the use of traditional buffers, such as phosphate buffer, can lead to the precipitation of medium components. Good’s buffers may be a sound alternative. Using Serratia rubidaea cells and their production of prodigiosin as model system, several Good’s buffers were tested and compared to phosphate buffer. Lipidomics analysis in conjugation with statistical multivariate analysis was performed to determine the cellular response to pH variations and buffer composition. Biomass productivity was similar when using the different buffers, but prodigiosin production was highly influenced and was highest with MES buffer at pH 5.5, reaching 249.8 mg/L, which corresponds to 43.7 mg/gbiomass. At pH 7.0, the best results were achieved with EPPS, HEPES and TRIS buffer, being these good substitutes for phosphate buffer in marine medium. The results also show that cells adapted the fatty acid composition of their membranes as response to the buffering species present in the growth medium. This is a clear indication that the buffer composition should not be disregarded when developing a bioprocess.
Limitations in speech recognition for young adults with down syndrome
Authors: Cibrian Franceli L. , Chen Yingchen ’Yuki’ , Anderson Kayla , Abrahamsson Cecilia Marie , Motti Vivian Genaro
Published: February 2025

Speech recognition has the potential to make technology more accessible to users. However, the accuracy of speech recognition remains limited for users with disabilities, including those with Down Syndrome, and the types and frequencies of recognition errors are poorly understood. This paper characterizes these problems, focusing on errors occurring when recognizing Down Syndrome speech. We analyze the transcripts from six speech recognition algorithms (Google, IBM, Otter.ai, Microsoft, AssemblyAI, OpenAI) using the audio content of 15 individuals with Down Syndrome (331 dialogues; 3428 words). Our analysis shows: (1) significant difference in speech recognition accuracy for people with Down Syndrome compared to neurotypical users; (2) the best algorithm for recognizing Down Syndrome speech is OpenAI (Word Accuracy = 67%; F1-score = 0.944); and (3) there is a prevalence of deletion errors followed by substitutions and insertions. These findings have implications for enhancing speech recognition for the next-generation voice assistants to meet the needs of users with Down Syndrome.
Does perceived support from teachers moderate the relationship between personal resources and engagement among upper secondary school students?
Authors: Tvedt Maren Stabel , Vasalampi Kati , Virtanen Tuomo
Published: February 2025

Student engagement is critical for learning and adjustment, but poor personal resources, such as low academic self-concept and mental health problems, can impede the individual’s capacity to engage in academic activities. The present study’s main aim was to investigate whether student-perceived emotional support from teachers in upper secondary school can compensate for the drawbacks associated with poor personal resources with respect to various dimensions of engagement (i.e., emotional engagement, behavioral engagement, and dropout intentions). With a sample of first-year upper secondary school students (n = 1379), the research questions were approached through structural equation modeling with latent interaction terms in a cross-sectional design. The results confirmed that students with poor personal resources report lower levels of emotional and behavioral engagement and stronger dropout intentions. However, interactions between academic self-concept and perceived emotional support from teachers indicated that the disadvantages associated with poor academic self-concept were less pronounced for students who perceived their teachers as highly emotionally supportive. No such compensatory effects were found with respect to mental health problems. The findings are discussed in terms of their practical implications for promoting student engagement and preventing school dropout.
Myeloperoxidase as a biomarker in periodontal disease: electrochemical detection using printed screen graphene electrodes
Authors: Valdivieso María C. , Ortiz Ludy , Castillo John J.
Published: February 2025

Periodontal disease is a common oral health issue marked by inflammation and the breakdown of tissues. Early detection of biomarkers associated with periodontal disease (PD) can significantly aid in timely diagnosis and intervention. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme abundantly present in neutrophils and has been associated in the pathogenesis of PD. Here, we present a novel approach for the electrochemical detection of MPO using printed screen graphene electrodes coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) for data analysis. We employed cyclic voltammetry to characterize the electrochemical behavior of MPO using potassium ferrocyanide and hydrogen peroxide. The process was controlled by species diffusion on the electrode surface using a scan rate spanning from 10 to 400 mVs−1. In addition, we investigated the detection of hydrogen peroxide, a substrate of MPO, as a method to indirectly asses MPO electroactivity, leveraging a redox potential of − 500 mV. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed using the developed electrochemical sensor, followed by principal component analysis to differentiate between healthy and diseased samples based on MPO levels. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using printed screen graphene electrodes for the sensitive and selective detection of MPO, offering a promising approach for early diagnosis and monitoring of periodontal disease. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential of MPO as a robust biomarker for periodontal disease and highlight the utility of electrochemical sensing coupled with PCA analysis for sensitive and specific detection in clinical settings.
Assessment of symbiont-targeted control on non-target stink bugs and their associated egg parasitoids: Could this technique be suitable against Halyomorpha halys in New Zealand?
Authors: Prieto Sofia V. , Avila Gonzalo A. , Lima Barbara , Gonella Elena , Alma Alberto
Published: February 2025

The potential arrival of Halyomorpha halys in New Zealand jeopardizes a vast range of crops. Therefore, different preparedness strategies are being assessed before its arrival. A symbiont-targeted control strategy might be used along with other control tactics such as biological control. Prior its implementation, it is necessary to assess its potential impact on non-target stink bug species and their associated egg parasitoids. In this study, the effect of symbiont-targeted control was evaluated on three stink bug species in New Zealand, Oechalia schellenbergii (a native predatory species), Nezara viridula (a cosmopolitan pest) and Monteithiella humeralis (a non-pest adventive species). The interference of anti-symbiont treatment of egg masses with their associated Trissolcus egg parasitoids, namely T. basalis and T. oenone, was also tested. A variable response to symbiont elimination was observed in stink bug species, with N. viridula and M. humeralis undergoing high mortality and no negative effect detected for O. schellenbergii. Parasitism of N. viridula by T. basalis declined on egg masses treated with an anti-symbiont biocomplex or water. Similar results were obtained for T. oenone parasitizing eggs of M. humeralis; while, a parasitism increase was observed for O. schellenbergii egg masses exposed to anti-symbiont treatment and treated with water. These results confirm previous evidence of species-specific response to anti-symbiont control and indicate a moderate and variable effect on egg parasitism. Such responses suggest that symbiont-targeted control would not significantly interfere with the native insect communities that may interact with H. halys, encouraging the future incorporation of symbiont-targeted control in pest management programs.
On the structure, conformation and reactivity of β-1,4-linked plant cell wall glycans: why are xylan polysaccharides or furanosyl substituents easier to hydrolyze than cellulose?
Authors: Álvarez-Martínez Ignacio , Pfrengle Fabian
Published: February 2025

Plants have been essential to human technological development since the beginning of time. Today, due to their structural diversity and adaptability, they continue to hold a great potential for addressing modern energy and material challenges. Plant glycans, as central components of the plant cell wall, play a crucial role in defining many of the wall’s unique mechanical and chemical characteristics. A deep understanding of the structure and chemical properties of these biopolymers can help optimize the use of plant resources. Here, we discuss fundamental aspects of the primary structure, conformation, and reactivity of plant glycans, focusing on the ubiquitous β-1,4-linked plant glycans (cellulose, xylans, glucomannans, xyloglucans) and the glycosyl residues that constitute their backbones: glucosyl, xylosyl, and mannosyl residues. In the discussion, the higher rate of acidic hydrolysis in aqueous solution observed for xylans in comparison to cellulose is attributed to the lower electron deficiency and greater conformational freedom of xylosyl rings, with both factors resulting from the absence of the hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) group in these rings. In furanosides, the higher rate of acidic hydrolysis when compared to their pyranosyl counterparts is explained by the greater similarity between the conformations of furanosides in the ground state and those in the oxocarbenium ion-like transition state upon glycosidic bond cleavage. These phenomena, alongside other factors such as steric interactions, offer an effective explanation for the rates of acidic hydrolysis in solution observed for plant glycans.