bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences of longitudinal plasma biomarkers between single memory domain and multidomain subject cognitive decline: Evidence from SILCODE
Authors: Wei Min , Yu Xianfeng , Hu Shimin , Hu Wenjing , Shi Rong , Wang Min , Zhong Jiayi , Zhang Qi , Zhang Ying , Li Chenyang , Song Ziyan , Jiang Jiehui , Han Ying
Published: January 2025

Background

Plasma biomarkers demonstrated potential in identifying amyloid pathology in early Alzheimer's disease. Different subtypes of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may lead to different cognitive impairment conversion risks.

Objective

To investigate the differences of plasma biomarkers in SCD subtypes individuals, which were unclear.

Methods

The 347 individuals were involved, including 93 normal controls (NC), 76 single memory domain SCD (sd-SCD), 79 multidomain SCD (md-SCD), 55 mild cognitive impairment and 44 dementia. We investigated plasma biomarkers (Aβ42/40, p-tau181, p-tau217, NfL, and GFAP) and neuropsychological scales in the baseline and follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were performed to investigate the risk of cognitive decline conversion. The t-test, Mann-Whitney U and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the rate of change and correlation between PET-SUVR and plasma biomarker change.

Results

In cognitively normal subjects, md-SCD exhibited lower Aβ42/40 and higher p-tau181 and p-tau217 levels. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that md-SCD group exhibited a higher risk of cognitive decline conversion compared to NC and sd-SCD. Within SCD subgroups, those with positive GFAP status showed higher conversion risk than negative. In the Cox model, the risk of conversion in the md-SCD group was 2.77 times higher than sd-SCD. The md-SCD group demonstrated a faster rate of Aβ42/40 decline than sd-SCD.

Conclusions

The study utilized plasma biomarkers to highlight the significance of staging in SCD. In cognitively normal subjects, md-SCD presents a higher risk of cognitive decline than sd-SCD, providing a valuable reference and convenient tool for early identification of individuals at risk for AD.
Stent stoma: Endoscopic stent insertion for refractory small intestine fistulas
Authors: Kantowski Marcus , Sauer Peter , Ardelt Michael , Melling Nathaniel , Roesch Thomas , Zhang Chengcheng Christine
Published: January 2025

Background and aims:

The therapeutic management of fistulas presents significant challenges, often involving both conservative and surgical approaches. Despite these interventions, recurrence and postoperative mortality rates remain high. Endoscopic stent insertion into the fistula, along with the creation of a stent stoma, may offer a promising alternative for patients who fail surgical or conservative therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of endoscopic stent insertion in the treatment of refractory small intestinal fistulas.

Methods:

Patients with refractory small intestine fistulas who underwent endoscopic stent insertion were included. The primary endpoint was defined as successful fistula treatment, which included an improvement in clinical symptoms related to the fistula, successful bridging to subsequent surgical revision, and the restoration of enteral nutrition. Secondary endpoints comprised the feasibility of the endoscopic procedure, complications, procedure-related complications, and in-hospital mortality.

Results:

Eight patients were included, with a median follow-up period of 2.7 months. The implantation of a self-expanding metal stent was successfully performed in all patients (technical success rate, 100%; n = 8/8). The clinical success rate was 87.5% ( n = 7/8), indicating clinical improvement in fistula-related symptoms, wound care, and enteral nutrition. Procedure-related complications occurred in one patient (12.5%; n = 1/8), involving stent dislocation leading to small intestine perforation, which was managed endoscopically. No procedure-related mortality was observed.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic stent insertion is a feasible, effective, and safe option for the management of therapy-refractory small intestinal fistulas. The creation of a stent stoma improves patient quality of life.
Beyond narrow definitions: Quantifying school privatisation across countries and over time
Authors: Gutiérrez Gabriel , Exley Sonia
Published: January 2025

The OECD reported that the proportions of students enrolled in ‘private schools’ have remained stable since 2000. Drawing on the concepts of endogenous and exogenous privatisation, we question this statement, arguing that school privatisation can be disaggregated into four dimensions: private provision, restricted access, school competition and school autonomy. We operationalise these dimensions using indicators from the PISA school questionnaire. We explore changes cross-nationally between 2000 and 2018 in 35 educational systems, revealing increases in secondary school competition dynamics over time and some cases of substantial increases in autonomous school-level decision-making. We also provide an up-to-date landscape of school privatisation for 64 countries in 2018 and highlight the relevance of using a wide set of indicators to report the extent of privatisation, accounting for both endogenous and exogenous sides of the phenomenon. Finally, we discuss ways in which cross-national quantitative data collection on schools might be developed to produce a more appropriate quantification of privatisation.
Analysis of integrative lighting through field measurements and annual daylight simulations in offices
Authors: Giovannini L , Lo Verso VRM , Valetti L , Daltrozo JG , Pellegrino A
Published: January 2025

The paper presents results from a study on integrative lighting carried out for existing offices and considering the contribution of both daylighting and electric lighting. The research addressed two objectives: (i) to verify if the lighting conditions could meet the recommendations proposed in recent literature (by the CIE or in the WELL protocol) concerning light exposure for appropriate non-visual responses; (ii) to assess the influence on integrative lighting played by daylighting as a function of different room depth and orientation, by electric lighting as a function of different lighting systems and by the combination of both. Electric lighting was assessed through field measurements, while daylighting through annual simulations using Lark v2. Concerning results for non-visual effects, the study showed that the position of the desk played a key role under daylighting conditions: only the desks within 2 m from the window were able to meet the circadian recommendations. Furthermore, in the spaces analysed, where different lighting systems are installed, the supplementary electric lighting did not always provide a sufficient contribution to meet the circadian recommendations on an annual basis across the full area. One office only, which underwent a retrofitting with LED luminaires, showed mel-EDI values consistent with requirements, but photopic illuminance on desk Ewp > 700 lx.
Low-dose methotrexate in Rheumatology: A reinvented drug
Authors: Gupta Kushagra , Ravindran Vinod
Published: January 2025

Low-dose methotrexate (LD-MTX) is the anchor drug used in the treatment of various rheumatological illnesses. There are a lot of misconceptions associated with the long-term use of MTX in the minds of practitioners. The origin of most of these myths stems from the ill effects associated with high-dose MTX used in cancer chemotherapy. In this review, we have summarised and discussed the latest data regarding the safety of LD-MTX. The current evidence underscores the safety of LD-MTX. It is not associated with liver and lung fibrosis as previously thought. Other major concerns such as bone marrow suppression and increased risk of infection are rare with chronic LD-MTX therapy. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a rare acute lung toxicity associated with MTX intake, it does not cause interstitial lung disease and in fact, may be protective against it. There is a slight concern about the increased risk of skin malignancy associated with MTX intake; however, association with no other malignancy has been found. It has taken many decades for researchers to clear the various preconceptions associated with MTX. It is time for the academic community to embrace LD-MTX as a new, separate and reinvented drug.
Research on flexible weaving planning based on NSGA-II algorithm
Authors: Dai Ning , Wu Wenkang , Xu Kaixin , Hu Xudong , Yuan Yanhong , Peng Laihu , Xu Yushan , Gan Pengyuan
Published: January 2025

Facing the shift in the weaving industry from mass production to a more diversified, small-batch production model, traditional production scheduling systems are no longer capable of meeting the demand for rapid market response. To address this issue, this paper first analyzes the production process of a weaving workshop, identifying key scheduling challenges such as order allocation, equipment selection, and operation sequencing. Based on this analysis, a flexible job shop multi-objective scheduling model tailored for weaving workshops is developed. To handle the multiple constraints and optimization goals inherent in the model, an improved NSGA-II algorithm is proposed. This algorithm combines artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm for population initialization with simulated annealing (SA) for population filtering. Simulation examples and case studies from actual workshops demonstrate that the improved NSGA-II algorithm outperforms other algorithms in solving the scheduling problem for weaving workshops. The proposed multi-objective scheduling model and its improved algorithm provide accurate and efficient optimization solutions for workshop scheduling.
The P200 ERP Response in Mild Cognitive Impairment and the Aging Population
Authors: Oakley David , joffe David , Palermo Francis , Spada Marta , Yathiraj Sanjay
Published: January 2025

Evoked potential metrics extracted from an EEG exam can provide novel sources of information regarding brain function. While the P300 occurring around 300 ms post-stimulus has been extensively investigated in relation to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with decreased amplitude and increased latency, the P200 response has not, particularly in an oddball-stimulus paradigm. This study compares the auditory P200 amplitudes between MCI (28 patients aged 74(8)) and non-MCI, (35 aged 72(4)). Data were collected in routine clinical evaluations where EEG with audio oddball ERPs were measured as part of a health screening exam from 2 clinics serving MCI patients and one clinic serving a non-MCI population as part of a wellness/preventative care program. We also investigated the disease course for 3 patients as case studies. The results revealed the P200 amplitudes to be significantly increased in the MCI compared to the non-MCI groups, alongside the expected reduction in P300, Trail Making, and reaction time. Moreover, the ratio of P200-to-P300 was also increased in the MCI groups even in cases where the P300 was strong. This trend continued for patients who were tracked from early-to-later stages in the case studies. While the pathophysiology of the P200 response in a 2-tone auditory oddball protocol is not well understood, this measure may help indicate signs of early MCI, particularly in cases where the P300 is still strong.
Paradox and Punishment: Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Juvenile Detention Facilities
Authors: McKenna Nicole C. , Anderson Valerie R.
Published: January 2025

Implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) in youth-serving spaces is a growing priority in the juvenile legal system, including in youth detention facilities. This study examines implementation of the six principles of TIC using in-depth interviews with detained girls ( n = 25) and survey data from detention facilities in the United States ( n = 44). In general, we find facilities understood and applied TIC. However, girls’ experiences highlight the paradox of implementing “trauma-informed” practices in a punishment-oriented setting. Despite the efforts made by system actors to implement TIC, findings demonstrate there are still important avenues for systems change.
Measurement and optimization of estimation method for moisture diffusivity of porous building materials with different salt content
Authors: Xie Huarong , Yang Zixin , Kong Zhenyi , Xia Changchang , Ogura Daisuke , Li Yonghui , Hokoi Shuichi
Published: January 2025

Sintered bricks, common porous building materials in architectural heritage, necessitates an accurate understanding of moisture diffusivity for effective moisture transfer analysis. Using the “ruler method” proposed by Evangelides et al., based on pure water capillary absorption experiments, we determined the moisture diffusivity ( Dl) of Chinese sintered blue brick containing sodium chloride (NaCl) crystals. Before the experiments, the samples were immersed in 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10% NaCl solutions and dried to contain salt crystals. Subsequently, based on the Dl values measured by the ruler method, a heat and moisture coupled transfer model was developed to discuss the applicability of the moisture diffusivity obtained from the ruler method by reproducing the pure water capillary absorption process of sintered bricks with different salt contents. Experimental results showed that the capillary absorption coefficient ( Acap) and capillary moisture content ( wcap) of sintered bricks both decreased with increasing NaCl content, with maximum reductions of 18% and 8.6%, respectively. The Dl increased with elevated salt content in lower moisture content range but decreased in higher moisture content range. The simulation results indicated that the choice of boundary moisture content played an important role in the determination of moisture diffusivity in porous building materials and using saturated moisture content ( θsat) over capillary moisture content ( θcap) can give more suitable moisture diffusivity and the moisture content above θcap cannot be ignored in the ruler method. This research not only extends the ruler method’s applicability for sintered bricks but also provides support data for moisture simulations and conservation initiatives related to sintered brick architectural heritage.
The Association of TSLP and IL-4 with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Yu Sophie E. , Olonisakin Tolani F. , Moore John A. , Chiang Simon , Lee Stella E.
Published: January 2025

Background

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays an important role in mediating the type-2-inflammatory response. This study examined how TSLP and interleukin (IL)-4 levels in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) correlated with clinical and postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Solid-phase sandwich ELISA was used to analyze TSLP and IL-4 levels in mucus (n = 47), plasma (n = 17), polyp (n = 30), inferior (n = 25), and middle (n = 26) turbinate tissue collected during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in CRSwNP patients (n = 76) and controls (n = 11). Inclusion criteria includes patients with medical treatment refractory CRSwNP confirmed by endoscopy or maxillofacial CT. Exclusion criteria include history of immunodeficiency, coagulation disorders, fungal sinusitis, or cystic fibrosis. Levels of TSLP and IL-4 were correlated with SNOT-22, UPSIT, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) using MannWhitney U two-tailed test and linear regression with Spearman correlation coefficient test.

Results

TSLP is elevated in the inferior turbinates (effect size = 2.695, p = 0.0007) of CRSwNP patients compared to controls. IL-4 is expressed at elevated levels in the inferior (effect size = 3.092, p < 0.0001) and middle turbinates (effect size = 2.041, p = 0.019) compared to controls. Mucus TSLP (r = 0.4013, p = 0.0153) and IL-4 (r = 0.6138, p < 0.0001) positively correlate with preoperative FeNO levels. Lower TSLP in the inferior (r = −0.5179, p = 0.0231) and middle turbinates (r = −0.5075, p = 0.0224) and lower IL-4 in the inferior turbinates (r = −0.5205, p = 0.0223) correlate with a greater improvement in SNOT-22 post-FESS.

Conclusion

TSLP and IL-4 are elevated in patients with CRSwNP and correlated with increased preoperative FeNO levels and decreased sinonasal quality of life benefit after FESS. Expression of TSLP and IL-4 may play a role in guiding postoperative expectations in patients with treatment refractory CRSwNP.
The Growth of Christianity in China May Have Come to an End
Authors: Hackett Conrad , Tong Yunping
Published: January 2025

Christianity in China grew rapidly in the decades following the end of the Cultural Revolution. Some scholars and journalists claim that Christianity in China is still expanding in the twenty-first century. In this study, the authors contrast evidence for such claims with the results from two decades of survey data. In 19 nationally representative surveys conducted since the early 2000s, the authors find no clear evidence that Christianity continues to grow as a share of China’s population. Surveys conducted in the past decade indicate that about 2 percent of Chinese adults identify as Christian. Contrary to claims that Christianity is rising in popularity among young Chinese, surveys consistently find that Christian identification is more common among seniors than among young adults. Despite their limitations, the authors argue that surveys provide crucial information about the recent trajectory of China’s Christian population.
Profiles and predictors of child neurodevelopment and anthropometry: The maternal-infant research on environmental chemicals study
Authors: Patti Marisa A , Kelsey Karl T , MacFarlane Amanda J , Papandonatos George D , Lanphear Bruce P , Braun Joseph M
Published: January 2025

Background

Evaluating individual health outcomes does not capture co-morbidities children experience.

Purpose

We aimed to describe profiles of child neurodevelopment and anthropometry and identify their predictors.

Methods

Using data from 501 mother-child pairs (age 3-years) in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a prospective cohort study, we developed phenotypic profiles by applying latent profile analysis to twelve neurodevelopmental and anthropometric traits. Using multinomial regression, we evaluated odds of phenotypic profiles based on maternal, sociodemographic, and child level characteristics.

Results

For neurodevelopmental outcomes, we identified three profiles characterized by Non-optimal (9%), Typical (49%), and Optimal neurodevelopment (42%). For anthropometric outcomes, we observed three profiles of Low (12%), Average (61%), and Excess Adiposity (27%). When examining joint profiles, few children had both Non-optimal neurodevelopment and Excess Adiposity (2%). Lower household income, lower birthweight, younger gestational age, decreased caregiving environment, greater maternal depressive symptoms, and male sex were associated with increased odds of being in the Non-optimal neurodevelopment profile. Higher pre-pregnancy body mass index was associated with increased odds of being in the Excess Adiposity profile.

Conclusions

Phenotypic profiles of child neurodevelopment and adiposity were associated with maternal, sociodemographic, and child level characteristics. Few children had both non-optimal neurodevelopment and excess adiposity.
Parent-Adolescent Communication, Self-Efficacy, and Self-Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Adolescents
Authors: Tuohy Ella , Gallagher Pamela , Rawdon Caroline , Murphy Nuala , McDonnell Ciara , Swallow Veronica , Lambert Veronica
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate adolescent perspectives of parent-adolescent communication, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-specific family conflict, self-efficacy, and their relationship to adolescent self-management of T1DM.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Adolescents completed measures of parent-adolescent communication, T1DM-specific family conflict, self-efficacy, and self-management, which included activation and division of responsibility for management tasks.

Results

Surveys were completed by 113 adolescents ages 11 to 17 years (mean age 13.85 years, SD 1.78) and living with T1DM for 6 months and longer. Hierarchical multiple regression sought to determine what variables make the most unique contribution to self-management of T1DM, division of family responsibility for management tasks, and activation. Self-efficacy was a significant predictor of division of family responsibility for T1DM management, patient activation, and all self-management subscales except collaboration with parents. Openness in parent-adolescent communication was a significant predictor of the diabetes communication and goals subscale of the self-management measure and activation. Problems in communication was a significant predictor of collaboration with parents and self-management goals.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that family context characteristics, particularly parent-adolescent communication, and self-efficacy are important for engagement with self-management for adolescents living with T1DM. Findings can inform future family-focused self-management interventions to improve T1DM outcomes for adolescents living with T1DM.
Professional Behavior in Sonographers: A Literature Review of Current Standards in the Profession From an Educator’s Perspective
Authors: Moody Robert C.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Professional behaviors are integral elements in the definition of professionalism. Determining which of these behaviors meet professional standards and how they equate to professionalism in sonographers is critical for educators to prepare students for clinical experiences.

Materials and Methods:

A review of peer-reviewed literature and qualitative extraction explored professional behaviors in sonography. Professional standards published by organizations representing sonographers were also examined for professional behavior standards.

Results:

Two peer-reviewed studies were found that explored professional behaviors in sonographers. The existing professional performance guidelines focused on defining clinical competencies for successful diagnostic medical imaging and used only generalized descriptions of professional expectations related to communication, analytical skills, and ethics.

Conclusion:

Specific professional behaviors have rarely been identified in the existing literature, which limited this data extraction. Qualitative themes associated with professional behaviors in the literature included social conduct, appropriate appearance, and ethical conduct. More research is needed to assist educators in promoting professional behaviors.
Response surface methodology and repeated-batch fermentation strategies for enhancing lipid production from marine oleaginous Candida parapsilosis Y19 using orange peel waste
Authors: Matouk AbdAllah M. , Abu-Elreesh Gadallah M. , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed Ali , Desouky Said E. , Hashem Amr H.
Published: January 2025

Oleaginous yeasts are considered promising sources for lipid production due to their ability to accumulate high levels of lipids under appropriate growth conditions. The current study aimed to isolate and identify oleaginous yeasts having superior ability to accumulate high quantities of lipids; and enhancing lipid production using response surface methodology and repeated-batch fermentation. Results revealed that, twenty marine oleaginous yeasts were isolated, and the most potent lipid producer isolate was Candida parapsilosis Y19 according to qualitative screening test using Nile-red dye. Orange peels was used as substrate where C. parapsilosis Y19 produced 1.14 g/l lipids at 23.0% in batch fermentation. To enhance the lipid production, statistical optimization using Taguchi design through Response surface methodology was carried out. Total lipids were increased to 2.46 g/l and lipid content increased to 30.7% under optimal conditions of: orange peel 75 g/l, peptone 7 g/l, yeast extract 5 g/l, inoculum size 2% (v/v), pH 5 and incubation period 6 d. Furthermore, repeated-batch fermentation of C. parapsilosis Y19 enhanced lipid production where total lipids increased at 4.19 folds (4.78 g/l) compared to batch culture (before optimization). Also, the lipid content was increased at 1.7 folds (39.1%) compared to batch culture (before optimization). Fatty acid profile of the produced lipid using repeated-batch fermentation includes unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) at 74.8% and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) at 25.1%. Additionally, in repeated-batch fermentation, the major fatty acid was oleic acid at 45.0%; followed by linoleic acid at 26.0%. In conclusion, C. parapsilosis Y19 is considered a promising strain for lipid production. Also, both statistical optimizations using RSM and repeated-batch fermentation are efficient methods for lipid production from C. parapsilosis Y19.
Have gender and ethnic disparities in ophthalmology disappeared? Insights from a workforce-based study in Israel (2006–2021)
Authors: Israeli Asaf , Blumenthal Eytan Z. , Nemet Achia , Zayit-Soudry Shiri , Pizem Hadas , Mezer Eedy
Published: January 2025

Background

Workforce diversity in healthcare has been shown to improve the quality of patient care. A paucity of data exists globally on this subject in ophthalmology. The purpose of this study was to analyze nationwide trends in gender-, ethnic- and country of graduation disparities among ophthalmologists in Israel.

Methods

Cross-sectional, workforce-based study using data retrieved from the Israeli Ministry of Health. Data included gender, ethnicity, and medical graduation country. Proportions and trends among new residents and board-certified ophthalmologists (BCO) were assessed.

Results

During 2006–2021, 18,624 medical licenses were issued (41.7% Israeli Medical Graduates (IsrMGs), 42.2% female), average yearly increase (AYI) was 6.9%, females and IsrMGs had an average yearly decrease of 1% and 0.53%, respectively. 561 physicians began ophthalmology residency (57.5% male, 75% Jewish, 69.9% IsrMGs), reflecting a 6.2% total AYI, but 8.1% and 4.8% for female versus male residents, respectively. There were fewer female residents despite population and graduate pool adjustments (p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, respectively), but differences disappeared after 2015 (p = 0.52). Arab and Jewish residents AYIs were 6.4% and 5.7% respectively, with ethnic differences elucidated by adjusting for population sizes (p = 0.097). BCO densities in 2006 and 2021 were 7.5 and 9.06, respectively, with a 1.3% AYI (p < 0.001). Proportions of female and Arab BCO were lower than expected based on population proportions. (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Gender-differences remained after adjusting for population sizes (p < 0.001), but AYIs for female and male BCO were 1.38% and 1.15%, respectively. AYIs for Arab and Jewish BCO were 12% and 0.61%, respectively.

Conclusions

Jewish and male dominance was seen among Israeli BCOs and was unrelated to population size or graduate distribution. Among new ophthalmology residents, Arab representation was adequate to their population proportion. In early years, male predominance was noted, however this disparity was no longer evident after 2015. These trends are encouraging, and efforts should be made to ensure the field remains inclusive and representative of the broader population.
Physical functioning trajectories over statutory retirement: a finnish occupational cohort study
Authors: Saha Pauliina , Salmela Jatta , Hiilamo Aapo , Aho Anna Liisa , Lallukka Tea
Published: January 2025

Background

The association of workload and performance with physical functioning is recognised among the ageing public sector workforce. The characteristics of working conditions and social- and health-related factors associated with physical functioning after statutory retirement are still unknown. Also, previous studies on changes in physical functioning have not used a person-oriented approach. We examined physical functioning trajectories over statutory retirement and how social- and health-related factors are associated with them. Our aim was to identify distinct developmental trajectories of physical functioning over statutory retirement and to examine how social- (age, gender, marital status, education) and health-related (physical workload, self-reported sleep problems, alcohol consumption, smoking, fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and body mass index (BMI)) factors before retirement were associated with the identified trajectories.

Methods

We used data from the Helsinki Health Study cohort. Participants consisted of 2736 employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland who retired during the follow-up. Growth mixture modelling was used to identify physical functioning trajectories and multinominal regression analyses to examine associations of social- and health-related factors with them.

Results

Three distinct developmental patterns in physical functioning before and after retirement were found among ageing and retired employees. Lower educational level, sleep problems, physical inactivity, and obesity were associated with the trajectory groups of ‘fast decreasing’ and ‘slowly increasing’, compared to the ‘stable high’ trajectory.

Conclusion

The results suggest that poor social- and health-related factors are key risk factors associated with declining and lower-level physical functioning over the retirement period. Supporting healthy lifestyles among older employees might maintaining good physical functioning until retirement and beyond.
Associations between meeting 24h movement behavior guidelines and cognition, gray matter volume, and academic performance in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Liu Bo , Shi Peng , Jin Teng , Feng Xiaosu
Published: January 2025

Background

24-h movement behaviors have a close relationship with children and adolescents' cognition, gray matter volume, and academic performance. This systematic review aims to precisely explore the associations between meeting different combinations of guidelines and the aforementioned indicators, in order to better serve public health policy.

Methods

Computer retrieval was conducted on CNKI, Web of Science, PubMed, SPORT Discus and Cochrane library databases. The screening and data extraction processes were conducted by two researchers. This study used the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for methodological quality assessment and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system for the evaluation of the level of evidence. Descriptive statistical analysis is performed using frequency and percentage on the extracted data and key findings, primarily to assess the consistency of the positive benefits associated with meeting different guidelines and outcome variables.

Results

A total of 10 studies were included (with 16 correlation analyses conducted), involving 51,566 children and adolescents aged between 4.2 and 15.9 years old. The included studies generally agreed upon the following associations: adherence to the screen time (ST) guidelines is positively linked to fluid intelligence; adherence to the sleep duration (SD) guidelines is positively linked to literacy; adherence to both ST and SD guidelines is associated with increased fluid intelligence and gray matter volume; and overall adherence to all guidelines is positively correlated with fluid intelligence. The included studies reported low certainty of evidence. Additionally, the included studies have provided clear evidence, but some studies did not strictly control confounding factors, and it is also unclear whether there is a larger effect size, hence the level of evidence is relatively low.

Conclusion

There are varying degrees of associations between different combinations of guidelines and cognition, gray matter volume, and academic performance, but further research is needed to confirm these findings, especially the relatively limited role of meeting physical activity guidelines.
Outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) in patients with post-surgical macular edema – a real-world scenario
Authors: de Oliveira Júnior Elder Ohara , Ahn Isabel , Fernandes Rodrigo Antonio Brant , Fernandes Arthur Gustavo
Published: January 2025

Background

Clinically significant macular edema (CME) is the leading cause of visual loss after ophthalmologic surgery due to the release of inflammatory mediators promoted by the procedures. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of intravitreal Ozurdex® (700 µg dexamethasone) implants as a primary therapeutical option for post-surgical macular edema cases.

Methods

Patients with post-surgical macular edema diagnosed by optical coherence tomography (Cirrus SD-OCT) and treated with Ozudex were selected for the current study. Data was retrospectively collected from medical records from January 2020 to December 2022 and included sex, age, laterality, and timeline of treatment (i.e. implant alone or at the time of silicon oil removal in cases requiring vitreorretinal surgery). Complications associated with treatment were also noted as well as the need of further treatments. The structural analysis focused on measuring central macular thickness (CMT—average thickness within the 1 mm circle of the ETDRS) from the internal limiting membrane to the Bruch’s membrane complex, as well as the average total macular thickness including parafoveal and perifoveal regions determined by the device (CAT). The functional evaluation was based on the best-corrected visual acuity (VA) measured in logMAR.

Results

A total of 46 participants were included (56.2% males, mean age: 60.9 ± 11.2 years old). A statistically significant change was observed in the postoperative versus the preoperative period for all parameters (p < 0.05). The mean VA difference was − 0.17 ± 0.24; CMT was − 109.22 ± 124.85 and CAT was − 14.76 ± 58.95. We observed a significant effect of the moment of Ozurdex implantation on VA improvement, so that cases with implantation at the time of oil removal showed lower improvement than cases with implantation at a distinct timing (Coef. 0.19, 95%CI: 0.02 to 0.36, p = 0.027). Eleven cases (23.9%) required further treatment such as new Ozurdex implantation (8 cases) or surgery (3 cases). Only one case (2.17%) showed increased intraocular pressure and underwent glaucoma surgery.

Conclusions

Intravitreal Ozurdex implants significantly improved functional and structural aspects in post-surgical macular edema. The timing of implantation influenced VA improvement, with a distinct step approach showing better outcomes than at the time of oil removal.
Potential inflammatory mechanisms of the ketogenic diet against febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome
Authors: Wang Juan , Xie Lingling , Jiang Li
Published: January 2025

Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a rare epilepsy syndrome with unclear pathogenesis, characterized by fever-induced, super-refractory status epilepticus and high mortality. Studies have shown that ketogenic diet (KD) is effective in controlling convulsions in FIRES, but its mechanisms are unclear. This paper intends to summarize the mechanisms by which KD may exert effects against FIRES. Clinical studies have shown that patients with FIRES have elevated levels of various inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and so on. KD may exert anti-FIRES effects through several potential inflammatory pathways, including nuclear factor -κB (NF-κB) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). Furthermore, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) network suggested that KD may play an anti-inflammatory role through several pathways such as cellular senescence and neutrophil extracellular trap formation. These mechanisms need to be further investigated.
Women living with HIV face intersectional stigma from infection, domestic violence, and other marginalized identities: a qualitative study in West Bengal, India
Authors: Mukerji Reshmi , Osrin David , Mannell Jenevieve
Published: January 2025

Background

Women living with HIV bear a disproportionate burden of stigma, especially in countries where gender discrimination is more common. A result is widespread domestic violence against women. This violence is itself stigmatized, but the intersectional stigma of HIV and domestic violence has not been well studied. Our work aimed to fill this research gap by exploring how domestic violence and HIV stigma intersect with other marginalized identities in women’s lives.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Kolkata, India with 31 women living with HIV and 16 key informants to gain an understanding of intersecting stigmas. Interviewees discussed women’s experiences and perceptions of stigma and discrimination around HIV, domestic violence, and other marginalized identities. The coding of data was informed by an intersectional stigma framework. Thematic Network Analysis was used to group themes originating in the data into higher-order themes connecting to a global theme.

Results

The findings presented are a qualitative self-report of violence. The three main themes developed were (1) the intersectional stigma of HIV and domestic violence amplified stigma as a whole, (2) the intersection of multiple stigmas worsens domestic violence, and (3) the stigma of HIV hides domestic violence. Specifically, HIV stigma triggered domestic violence and perpetrators reinforced HIV stigma through verbal abuse. Women with other marginalized identities, such as having daughters or being a widow, experienced substantial violence. Domestic violence stigma was worsened by HIV stigma as women hid the violence for fear of revealing their status. As a result, help-seeking from formal and informal sources decreased, which increased women’s isolation.

Conclusions

The findings shape new understandings of how intersectional stigma of HIV, domestic violence, and marginalized social identities interact to amplify stigma and related violence. Women living with HIV who have multiple marginalized identities should be prioritized for violence reduction interventions.
Understanding Microemulsions and Nanoemulsions in (Trans)Dermal Delivery
Authors: Musakhanian Jasmine , Osborne David W.
Published: January 2025

Continuously explored in pharmaceuticals, microemulsions and nanoemulsions offer drug delivery opportunities that are too significant to ignore, namely safe delivery of clinically relevant drug doses across biological membranes. Their effectiveness as drug vehicles in mucosal and (trans)dermal delivery is evident from the volume of published literature. Commonly, their ability to enhance skin permeation is attributed to dispersion size, a characteristic closely related to solubilization capacity. However, the literature falls short on distinctions between microemulsions and nanoemulsions for definitions, behavior, or specific differences in their mechanisms of action in (trans)dermal delivery. The focus is typically on surfactant/cosurfactant ratio and droplet size but the role of mesostructures or the effect of cosolvent (Csol), oil (O) or water (W) on permeation profile remain poorly explained. Towards a deeper understanding of these vehicles in (trans)dermal drug delivery, this review begins with their conceptual and practical distinctions before delving into the published works for less obvious but potentially important underlying mechanisms; notably composition and the competitive positioning of system constituents in the resulting microstructures and subsequent effect(s) these may have on skin structures and drug permeability. For practical purposes, this review focuses on formulation systems based on ternary diagrams with commonly accepted non-ionic surfactants, cosurfactants, cosolvents, and oils used in pharmaceutical applications.

Graphical Abstract
Frictional adhesion of geckos predicts maximum running performance in nature
Authors: Higham Timothy E.
Published: January 2025

Despite the myriad studies examining the diversity and mechanisms of gecko adhesion in the lab, we have a poor understanding of how this translates to locomotion in nature. It has long been assumed that greater adhesive strength should translate to superior performance in nature. Using 13 individuals of Bradfield's Namib day gecko (Rhoptropus bradfieldi) in Namibia, I tested the hypothesis that maximum running performance in nature (speed and acceleration) is driven by maximum frictional adhesive strength. Specifically, those individuals with greater frictional adhesion should escape with faster speed and acceleration because of increased contact with the surface from which to apply propulsive forces. I tested this prediction by quantifying laboratory adhesive performance and then releasing the geckos into the field while simultaneously recording the escape using high-speed videography. Additional measurements included how this species modulates maximum running speed (stride length and/or stride frequency) and how temperature influences field performance. I found that maximum acceleration was significantly correlated with maximum frictional adhesive strength, whereas maximum sprinting speed was only correlated with increases in stride frequency (not stride length) and temperature. Thus, different measures of performance (acceleration and speed) are limited by very different variables. Acceleration is key for rapidly escaping predation and, given their correlation, maximum frictional adhesion likely plays a key role in fitness.
Distinct morphological drivers of jumping and maneuvering performance in gerbils
Authors: Reed Courtney G. , Swartz Sharon M. , Littleford-Colquhoun Bethan L. , Florida Madeleine , Torres Logan , Roberts Thomas J. , Kartzinel Tyler R.
Published: January 2025

Theoretically, animals with longer hindlimbs are better jumpers, while those with shorter hindlimbs are better maneuverers. Yet, experimental evidence of this relationship in mammals is lacking. We compared jump force and maneuverability in a lab population of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). We hypothesized that gerbils with long legs (ankle to knee) and thighs (knee to hip) would produce the greatest jump forces, while gerbils with short legs and thighs would be able to run most rapidly around turns. Consistent with these hypotheses, gerbils with longer legs produced greater jump forces after accounting for sex and body mass: a 1 mm greater leg length provided 1 body weight unit greater jump force on average. Furthermore, gerbils with shorter thighs were more maneuverable: a 1 mm greater thigh length reduced turn speed by 5%. Rather than a trade-off, however, there was no significant correlation between jump force and turn speed. There was also no correlation between jump force and total hindlimb length, and a weak positive correlation between corner-turning speed and total hindlimb length. These experiments revealed how distinct hindlimb segments contributed in different ways to each performance measure: legs to jumping and thighs to maneuvering. Understanding how variations in limb morphology contribute to overall gerbil locomotor performance may have important impacts on fitness in natural habitats.
Utilization of Non-Invasive Maximal Gas-Exchange Measurements to Estimate Cardiovascular Performance
Authors: Mallett Gregg S. , Reiner Susannah L.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

A non-invasive measurement of arteriovenous difference (a-vO2D), equal to oxygen intake, might allow for the calculation of stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). Increasing SV and CO in athletes may improve work production and performance at a given heart rate. This study used gas measurements from a standardized cycle test to non-invasively quantify cardiovascular function and compare sex differences.

Methods

Forty-five participants (23 males, 22 females) performed a 3-min all-out (3MT) cycle test to determine metabolic gas measurements. During the initial visit, participants determined the maximum resistance sustainable for their cycle test. After establishing their cycling cadence for an initial 10 s, each participant pedaled for 3 min at a tempo equivalent to 50% of their maximal resistance. In minutes 3–6, participants cycled to their maximum resistance. Participants returned to their 50% maximum resistance for the final 3 min.

Results

The linear regression for maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and a-vO2D for males and females combined were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The linear regression for a-vO2D and oxygen pulse (OP) for all participants (P < 0.001) and males were significant (P = 0.01), but not females (P = 0.75). The linear regression for V̇O2max and OP were statistically significant for all participants (P < 0.001) and males (P = 0.03), but not females (P = 0.85). Statistically significant differences were observed between males and females in SV, CO, and V̇O2max of 42.6%, 41.0%, and 7.9%, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A non-invasive evaluation of cardiovascular functioning is feasible and might provide quick and accessible information on variations in training response across sexes.
Preparing for a new era of magnetic interstellar medium tomography in the context of the Pasiphae survey
Authors: Μανδαράκας Νικόλαος
Published: January 2025

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, παρουσιάζονται εξελίξεις στις μεθοδολογίες οπτικής πολωσιμετρίας στο πλαίσιο του πειράματος Pasiphae, η οποία έχει ως στόχο τη μελέτη του διαστρικού μέσου (ISM) και των μαγνητικών πεδίων του Γαλαξία. Προτείνεται ένα πλαίσιο βαθμονόμησης για πολωσίμετρα ευρέως πεδίου, το οποίο αξιοποιεί περιοχές μηδενικής πόλωσης για την ταυτόχρονη βαθμονόμηση ολόκληρου του πεδίου θέασης. Επιπλέον, διερευνάται η εφαρμογή της σχέσης Serkowski σε σύνθετες τρισδιάστατες κατανομές διαστρικής σκόνης, με την προσαρμογή της ώστε να επιτυγχάνεται ακριβέστερη περιγραφή των ιδιοτήτων της σκόνης σε πολλαπλά νέφη κατά μήκος της γραμμής όρασης. Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας μελέτης θέτουν τα θεμέλια για την ανάπτυξη ολοκληρωμένων τρισδιάστατων τομογραφιών του διαστρικού μέσου, ενώ παράλληλα συνεισφέρουν στη μελλοντική διερεύνηση γειτονικών γαλαξιών, εμπλουτίζοντας την κατανόησή μας για τους μηχανισμούς πόλωσης πέρα από τον Γαλαξία. Τέλος, εξετάζονται οι επιπτώσεις που προκύπτουν από τις παρατηρήσεις παροδικών φαινομένων, όπως οι εκλάμψεις ακτίνων γ (GRBs).