bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The benefit of additional embolization after perioperative balloon occlusion of pelvic artery during cesarean hysterectomy in placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Feinggumloon Sasikorn , Hansahiranwadee Wirada , Panpikoon Tanapong , Buangam Chinnarat , Pichitpichatkul Kaewpitcha , Chansanti Orapin , Treesit Tharintorn
Published: January 2025

Background

Cesarean hysterectomy in the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) remains challenging due to difficulty in controlling perioperative bleeding.

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness and safety of perioperative balloon occlusion with versus without pelvic artery embolization in PAS women who underwent a cesarean hysterectomy.

Material and Methods

A total of 26 pathological confirmed cases of PAS were retrospectively reviewed and categorized into two groups: perioperative balloon occlusion at either the anterior division of the internal iliac artery or uterine artery followed by gelfoam embolization (n = 12, study group) and perioperative balloon occlusion alone (n = 14, control group). Intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), a unit of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion, surgical time, transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), postoperative hospitalization days, postoperative complications, and Apgar scores were compared between the two groups.

Results

The median and interquartile range (IQR) intraoperative EBL in the study group (1200 mL [700–2100 mLl]) was significantly lower compared to those in the control group (1900 mL [1300–3200 mL]) ( P = 0.044). There was no significant difference between the study and control groups in units of pRBC blood transfusion, surgical time, transfer to the ICU, postoperative length of stay, postoperative complications, and mean Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min.

Conclusion

The perioperative combination of balloon occlusion followed by embolization of the pelvic artery before cesarean hysterectomy is more effective in reducing blood loss than perioperative balloon occlusion alone in PAS with no difference in postoperative complications or neonatal outcomes.
Interplay of Neighborhood and Psychosocial Factors in Predicting Trajectories of Allostatic Load Among Latinx Adults in the United States
Authors: Gutiérrez Ángela , Supiyev Adil , Thomas Tobin Courtney , Sevi Barış , Marroig Alejandra , Voll Stacey , Muniz-Terrera Graciela
Published: January 2025

Research highlights the independent roles of neighborhood and psychosocial risk and protective factors for accelerated physiological aging. However, the combined role of neighborhood and psychosocial factors for allostatic load among Latinx adults in the U.S. remains unclear. Informed by the Health Disparities Framework, the study aims are to: (1) examine the direct associations between neighborhood (cohesion and disorder) and psychosocial (loneliness) factors, respectively, and allostatic load trajectories; and (2) determine whether family social support moderates the association between loneliness and allostatic load trajectories. Data for Latinx adults ages ≥50 ( n = 319) are from the Health and Retirement Study (waves 2006–2016). Linear mixed models estimated baseline and rate of change in allostatic load, adjusting for sociodemographics. Loneliness was positively associated with baseline allostatic load. This association persisted when we considered neighborhood factors. Family social support moderated the association between loneliness and allostatic load slope. As neighborhood features, loneliness, and physiological dysregulation are each associated with worse cognitive outcomes, findings underscore the protective role of family social support for physiological dysregulation, thereby promoting cognitive resilience.
The OECD and Ritualized Isomorphism: Anti-Corruption Monitoring, the ‘Narrow View’ of Corruption and the Transnational Political Order
Authors: Bittle Steven , Frauley Jon
Published: January 2025

While there is considerable literature on the causes of corruption and its harmful effects, along with an extensive body of work focused on anti-corruptionism, there is a paucity of research that examines the anti-corruption dynamic. Few studies contemplate why anti-corruption rhetoric has come to occupy a central role in global governance, despite a growing consensus among some scholars that the anti-corruption movement has done little to reduce corruption globally. This paper explores the anti-corruption dynamic through an examination of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD’s) Anti-Bribery Convention and related peer-review process of the Government of Canada’s anti-corruption measures. It does so by situating the OECD’s work as part of a transnational movement that is more about advancing corporate interests on a global scale than about combating corruption in its various guises. In the process, our findings shed important light on how the state’s regulation of corporations is itself regulated through supranational political institutions.
Type synthesis of reconfigurable composite joints based on motion decomposition and reconstruction
Authors: Lin Rongfu , Guo Weizhong , Sun Qi , Angeles Jorge
Published: January 2025

To enrich the types of Reconfigurable Composite Joints (RCJs), this paper focuses on the general synthesis method for the design of RCJs based on motion decomposition and reconstruction (MDR). The overall concept of MDR targeting the design of RCJs is first introduced. Then, the concept and its application are described, including six steps: ( i) determination of the main chain (MC); ( ii) motion modeling of the MC; ( iii) analysis and decomposition of the total motion of the MC; ( iv) reconstruction of the chains with different submotions by means of auxiliary chains (ACs); ( v) determination of the pertinent adjustable chain, and assembly of the MC, ACs, and the adjustable chain; and ( vi) layout of the actuation scheme. Subsequently, three kinds of RCJs with different main chains are generated systematically by means of the concepts proposed herein. Finally, one reconfigurable parallel-kinematics machine (PKM) with one proposed RCJ in a limb is used as an example, which offers applications in the design of reconfigurable mechanisms. The proposed concept, MDR, is not only suitable for type synthesis of simple kinematic chains, but also potentially applicable to reconfigurable kinematic chains.
A critique of multiplicative scatter correction pre-treatment of NIR spectra
Authors: Dhanoa Mewa Singh , Lister Susan Jane , Sanderson Ruth , Barnes Ralph James , Lopez Secundino , France James
Published: January 2025

Multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) pre-treatment of NIR spectra adds spectral trend deviations from its average value to the spectral set average (inversely interpolated smooth estimate). This means any scatter components from the original spectrum are carried over into the calculated new MSC spectrum. Use of the ordinary least squares regression method can lead to slope attenuation.
Enhancing Advertising Education Through High-Impact Practices (HIPs): Integrating Extracurricular Competitions for Undergraduate Research and Collaboration
Authors: Chung Sungwon
Published: January 2025

High-Impact Practices (HIPs) are crucial in higher education for boosting student engagement and retention rates, while fostering deep learning through the development of practical, real-world skills. For advertising students, these practices are especially valuable, bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. Undergraduate research and collaboration, as core HIPs, can be effectively integrated into advertising courses, such as media planning, which require students to conduct data-driven consumer and market research in teams to craft effective messages that reach defined target audiences. However, the complexity of these tasks can sometimes lead to disengagement. Therefore, the effective implementation of HIPs is crucial for making coursework more engaging and accessible. This paper proposes incorporating extracurricular opportunities, such as the Washington Media Scholars Foundation’s (WMSF) Media Plan Case Competition, into the curriculum. These structured, competition-based assignments not only facilitate HIP integration but also improve instructional efficiency and equip students with critical industry-relevant skills.
Towards exploratory talk in secondary-school CLIL: An empirical study of the cognitive discourse function ‘explore’
Authors: Gerns Pilar , Mortimore Louisa
Published: January 2025

Exploratory talk is increasingly recognized in formal education for its role in enhancing students’ critical thinking and literacy skills, which are crucial for quality education both within and beyond school contexts. However, research shows that students often lack opportunities for inquiry-based learning and rarely receive explicit guidance on using language for reasoning, particularly in second language (L2) learning environments. Understanding how students engage in this complex function and effectively promoting it in L2 subject contexts remains a challenge. This study introduces an operational framework for the function of ‘explore’, based on L2 learning and socio-cultural theories and Dalton-Puffer’s construct of cognitive discourse functions (CDFs). It provides both quantitative and qualitative insights into how secondary-level content and language integrated learning (CLIL) students ( N = 113) from three different types of schools in Spain performed the ‘explore’ function orally, and it examines the role of epistemic modality in this meaning-making process by analysing the following features: (1) modal verbs, (2) modal adverbs and adjectives, (3) epistemic lexical verbs (ELVs), stance-taking forms, (4) discourse markers and the conditional ‘if’. A learner corpus was created for this analysis using Sketch Engine. The findings suggest that the CDF of ‘explore’ involves a combination of epistemic modality markers that serve as reasoning and exploratory discourse indicators. There is, however, a pressing need to raise teachers’ awareness of how language (through CDFs) supports students’ exploratory and deeper learning in L2 content-learning contexts. To this end, the discussion presents pedagogical implications for future research and practice in fostering exploratory reasoning, and where possible, embedding these skills in exploratory talk within CLIL classrooms.
From confronted to confronter? Examining the enduring effects of prejudice confrontations
Authors: Chaney Kimberly E. , O’Dea Conor J. , Pereira-Jorge Izilda
Published: January 2025

Prejudice confrontations are an interpersonal strategy to reduce bias in perpetrators, including up to 1 week later. Despite confrontations serving as an effective method to reduce bias, it is unclear if being confronted also motivates active allyship by becoming a confronter of prejudice. Replicating past research, White participants who were confronted for using negative Black stereotypes immediately reported greater negative self-directed affect and used fewer stereotypes 1 week later compared to participants who were not confronted. Novel to the present research, confronted White participants were more likely to confront prejudice in a hypothetical scenario, but not in self-reports of behaviors, and were more likely to indicate ruminating on their biases 1 month later compared to participants who were not confronted. Critically, the initial negative self-directed affect and prolonged rumination mediated the effect of confrontation on participants’ becoming confronters in a hypothetical scenario and self-reported monitoring of themselves and others for bias. Thus, our findings suggest that prejudice confrontation may not be limited to just a tool for encouraging stereotype inhibition in White people, but rather an ideological shift toward thinking and behaving in egalitarian ways.
Impact penetration response of fiber metal laminates padded with 3D continuous fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam
Authors: Winhard J , Schäfer K , Nestler D , Kroll L
Published: January 2025

Novel composite combinations are needed to meet the broad mechanical requirements for lightweight structures by integrating various properties within a single structure. This includes high structural rigidity and impact resistance with low overall density. Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are advanced composite materials composed of an alternating stacking sequence of metal alloys layers and fiber-reinforced polymers. However, FMLs exhibit lower puncture deformation potential compared to fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (FRTPs). To address this limitation, polyurethane (PUR) foam with 3D continuous fiber-reinforcement, is investigated as padding. The FML, manufactured via thermoforming, is based on basalt fiber-reinforced polyamide 6 and two layers of aluminum alloy. The PUR foam is fabricated through structural reaction injection molding and reinforced with a spacer fabric. Subsequently, low velocity impact tests are conducted for this novel composite and its single components. The results unveil significant insights into the impact behavior of the materials. The highest perforation resistance of 81 J is achieved by the FML padded with 3D continues fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam while offering equal deformation capability as without reinforced PUR foam. These findings underscore the superior impact performance of the fiber metal laminate padded with 3D continues fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam, offering valuable insights for the advancement of impact-resistant materials in various engineering applications.
Microstructure characteristics and crystallographic orientation in dissimilar friction stir welding
Authors: Kumar Kethavath Kranthi , Srinivasnaik Mukuloth , Ramavath Ganapati , Sangmesh  , Kumar Adepu
Published: January 2025

This study examines the microstructural properties such as grain structure, grain boundary misorientation, and crystallographic texture of friction stir welding (FSW) joints under two cooling media (air and water cooling). The microstructural evolution of FSW joints was characterized using light and electron microscopy techniques. Specifically in electron microscopy, inverse pole figure maps, pole figures, and orientation distribution functions were evaluated for both conditions of FSW joints using Electron Back Scattered Diffraction (EBSD). The water-cooling FSW (WCFSW) joint exhibited the smallest grain sizes at the stir zone (SZ) location compared to the corresponding condition in the air-cooling FSW (ACFSW) joint. EBSD analysis revealed that grain size in the SZ was about 7.6 µm in the ACFSW joint and further refined to 3.2 µm in the WCFSW joint. The misorientation angle distribution of water cooling conditions generated high-angle grain boundaries. The main texture components observed in the FSW samples were Brass [{110} < 112>] and Goss [{110} < 001>]. Additionally, Orientation Distribution Function (ODF) analysis found a higher texture intensity in water-cooled joints than in air-cooled joints. The WCFSW joint also had higher ultimate tensile strength values and a faster strain hardening rate. This is because the grains were smaller, more dislocations were created, and suitable texture components and intensity were favorable.
Ubuntu philosophy, values, and principles: An opportunity to do social work differently
Authors: Udah Hyacinth , Tusasiirwe Sharlotte , Mugumbate Rugare , Gatwiri Kathomi
Published: January 2025

Rising immigration and increasing cultural diversity globally highlight the need to decolonize social work and challenge the hegemony of Western-centric cultural and epistemological foundations. This article explores how Ubuntu philosophy can serve as a global decolonizing framework in social work education and practice. Using a reflective conceptual analysis process, we explored Ubuntu as an alternative paradigm for social work educators, researchers, practitioners, and students. Ubuntu's core values—relationality, collective responsibility, communal accountability, social justice, recognition, and reciprocity—offer a unique framework that sets it apart from other philosophies.

Findings

We propose embracing Ubuntu’s core principles to enrich social work knowledge, theories, and practice, decolonizing and addressing gaps left by Western approaches. We argue that integrating the core values of Ubuntu philosophy can significantly enhance social work practices.

Applications

This article contributes to ongoing discussions on decolonization and the importance of epistemological diversity in redefining social work and exploring new ways of practice.
Youth perspectives on health, well-being, and sustainable development: A photovoice study
Authors: Chang Elvi , Turunen Päivi , Sjöberg Stefan , Rambaree Komalsingh
Published: January 2025

This study examined how youth perceive their health, well-being, and working-life capacity in relation to ecosocial work within the context of sustainable development. Data were gathered using the photovoice method with two discussion groups, including 11 15- to 19-year-olds from Gävle, Sweden. Inductive thematic analysis was used to create themes from the data. The Having-Doing-Loving-Being model of well-being by Helne and Hirvilammi, and Zimmerman's psychological empowerment were applied to interpret the findings.

Findings

The findings indicate that the participants saw sustainable development as a “buzz concept” with low relevance for their health and well-being. The participants perceived health and well-being as “feeling good” on an individual level, with more emphasis on doing activities for self-actualization and less on working-life capacity or environmental issues. They expressed no interest in disseminating the results of their discussions to other stakeholders for collective empowerment and social mobilization, which is a crucial part of the photovoice method. The results also indicate an individualistic and hedonic life orientation among the participants.

Applications

The study provides social work and its practitioners an understanding of the importance of enabling youth voices and linking youth personal and collective well-being with sustainable development. The study also offers an understanding of well-being within social work discourse that incorporates environmental stewardship alongside youth's personal fulfilment.
Continuous atrial fibrillation monitoring using a wearable smartwatch: Using long-term Holter as reference
Authors: Pan Yannan , Chen Erdong , Jie Shihui , Huo Dongbo , Ding Zhongru , Zhou Jing , Jiang Jie , Li Jianping , Huo Yong
Published: January 2025

Background

Wearables satisfactorily detect atrial fibrillation (AF) longer than 1 hour. Our study aims to evaluate smartwatch performances for long-term AF monitoring, including AF with short durations.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled AF patients from 2020 to 2023. Diagnostic efficacy of the Amazfit smartwatch, with AF-identifying algorithms from photoplethysmography (PPG) and single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), was compared with a 7-day Holter. Primary analysis included smartwatch diagnostics to identify AF longer than 5 minutes. Secondary analyses evaluated smartwatch performances under different settings and compared AF burdens between the smartwatch and Holter.

Results

The study analyzed 72 patients (48 males, mean age 65.4 ± 8.5) with 914 AF episodes lasting 834.7 hours, including 142 longer-than-5-minute AF episodes. Smartwatch recording time was 8927.6 hours. By individual, sensitivities and specificities of AF longer than 5 minutes were 100.0% and 83.7% for PPG and 89.7% and 67.4% for the ECG algorithm. Positive and negative predictive values were 94.9% and 99.9% for PPG and 77.6% and 99.8% for ECG. Optimal AF durations to be identified by PPG and ECG algorithms were 1.358 and 16.708 minutes. Smartwatch performances varied across AF durations and between day-time and night-time. Strong correlations (PPG: ρ = 0.877; ECG: ρ = 0.769) and excellent agreements (PPG: ICC = 0.976; ECG: ICC = 0.927) were found between AF burdens calculated from smartwatch and Holter.

Conclusions

Compared with long-term Holter, the wearable smartwatch had satisfying qualitative and quantitative diagnostic performances for continuous AF monitoring. Susceptibility to false positives led to modest specificity. Smartwatch performances were affected by AF durations and time periods.

Registration

ChiCTR2000040035.
Research progress in the regulation of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells using a micro–nanostructure
Authors: Liu Songhao , Yan Juan , Gao Mengyu , Yang Hongxia
Published: January 2025

Recently, the incidence rate and mortality of various acute or chronic vascular occlusive diseases have increased yearly. As one of the most effective measures to treat them, vascular stents have been widely studied by researchers, and presently, the most commonly used is a drug-eluting stent, which reduces the process of rapid endothelialization because the drug is not selective. Fortunately, with the discovery and exploration of micro–nanostructures that can regulate cells selectively, reducing the incidence of "intravascular restenosis" and achieving rapid endothelialization simultaneously are possible through a special structure that cannot only improve endothelial cells (ECs), but also inhibit smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Therefore, this paper mainly introduces the preparation methods of micro–nanostructures used in the past, as well as the detection methods of EC and SMC. Then, the various functions of different dimensional structures for different cells are summarized and analyzed. Finally, the application of micro–nanostructure in future stent materials is summarized and proposed.
Effects of movement behaviors on preschoolers’ cognition: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pacheco Catalina , Culkin Victoria , Putkaradze Amelia , Zeng Nan
Published: January 2025

Background

Movement behaviors, including physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep, are fundamental to early childhood development. These behaviors interact dynamically within a 24-hour period, creating a complex balance that influences not only physical health but also cognitive and emotional well-being in young children. While the physical health benefits of movement behaviors are well-documented, systematic evaluations of how interventions targeting these behaviors affect cognitive development in preschool-aged children remain limited.

Methods

This review was guided through PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of interventions targeting PA, SB, and sleep on cognitive outcomes in preschool-aged children. A comprehensive search was performed across five databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL, covering studies published between January 2000 and December 2023. Eligible studies were those that focused on at least one movement behavior, had a minimum intervention duration of four weeks, and assessed cognitive development as a primary outcome. The cognitive outcomes evaluated included executive function, attention, memory, and other key domains critical to early childhood development, such as language, processing speed, and social cognition.

Results

Twenty-two RCTs (14 individual, 8 cluster) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 studies focused on PA, while only one targeted SB, and none specifically addressed sleep or combined movement behaviors. PA interventions, particularly those involving cognitively engaging activities, significantly improved cognitive domains such as executive function, inhibition, and attention, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large (Cohen’s d > 0.5). The SB-focused study did not report significant cognitive improvements. A clear gap exists in understanding the effects of sleep and multi-behavior interventions on cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions

Cognitively engaging PA interventions demonstrated the largest effects, while motor skill-focused and general PA programs produced moderate to smaller gains. Evidence on SB and sleep interventions remains limited, with no studies exploring the combined effects of these three movement behaviors. Future research should focus on integrated interventions that address PA, SB, and sleep to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of their collective impact on cognitive development in early childhood.

Trial registration

This study was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42023479156.
Colorectal carcinogenesis in the Lynch syndromes and familial adenomatous polyposis: trigger events and downstream consequences
Authors: Møller Pål , Ahadova Aysel , Kloor Matthias , Seppälä Toni T. , Burn John , Haupt Saskia , Macrae Finlay , Dominguez-Valentin Mev , Möslein Gabriela , Lindblom Annika , sunde Lone , Winship Ingrid , Capella Gabriel , Monahan Kevin , Buchanan Daniel D. , Evans D. Gareth , Hovig Eivind , Sampson Julian R.
Published: January 2025

Carcinogenesis encompasses processes that lead to increased mutation rates, enhanced cellular division (tumour growth), and invasive growth. Colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis in carriers of pathogenic APC (path_APC) and pathogenic mismatch repair gene (path_MMR) variants is initiated by a second hit affecting the corresponding wild-type allele. In path_APC carriers, second hits result in the development of multiple adenomas, with CRC typically emerging after an additional 20 years. In path_MLH1 and path_MSH2 carriers, second hits lead to the formation of microscopically detectable, microsatellite unstable (MSI) crypts, from which CRC develops in about half of carriers over their lifetime, often without progressing through a diagnosable adenoma stage. These divergent outcomes reflect the distinct functions of. the APC and MMR genes. In path_MLH1 and path_MSH2 carriers, a direct consequence of stochastic mutations may be the occurrence of invasive growth before tumour expansion, challenging the paradigm that an invasive cancer must always have an non-invasive precursor. In contrast to other path_ MMR carriers, path_PMS2 carriers who receive colonoscopic surveillance exhibit minimal increase in CRC incidence. This is consistent with a hybrid model: the initial mutation may cause an adenoma, and the second hit in the wild-type PMS2 allele may drive the adenoma towards become cancerous with MSI. Since all mutational events are stochastic, interventions aimed at preventing or curing cancer should ideally target the initial mutational events. Interventions focused on downstream events are external factors that influence which tumour clones survive Darwinian selection. In Lynch Syndrome, surveillance colonoscopy to remove adenomas may select for carcinogenetic pathways that bypass the adenoma stage.
TERT de novo mutation-associated dyskeratosis congenita and porto-sinusoidal vascular disease: a case report
Authors: Yu Ge , Xin Guijie , Liu Xu , Li Wanyu , Shao Chen , Gao Runping
Published: January 2025

Background

Dyskeratosis congenita is a rare genetic disease due to telomere biology disorder and characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations and severe complications. “Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease” has been recently proposed, according to new diagnostic criteria, to replace the term “idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.” TERT plays an important role in telomeric DNA repair and replication. A TERT c.2286 + 1G/A mutation in a splicing consensus site was identified in a patient with pulmonary fibrosis. Recently, a pathogenic de novo TERT c.280A > T variant was associated with diffuse lung disease in an infant.

Case presentation

A 16-year-old Han male patient experienced unexplained black stool for 7 days, accompanied by dizziness and fatigue. On examination, there were mesh pigmentations on the exposed areas of the skin on both hands and feet. Laboratory testing revealed moderate hemorrhagic anemia and mild elevation of alanine aminotransferase. A computed tomography scan showed portal hypertension, esophageal and gastric varices, and splenomegaly. The liver stiffness measurement by FibroScan was 6.0 kPa. Liver biopsy revealed typical features of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous TERT c.2286 + 1G > A de novo mutation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed very short telomeres (less than the first percentile for his age). The patient was diagnosed as TERT de novo mutation-related dyskeratosis congenita and porto-sinusoidal vascular disease. He underwent esophageal and gastric variceal ligation treatment and received a carvedilol tablet (12.5 mg) every morning. After 6 months, he has moderate iron deficiency anemia and has started receiving polysaccharide iron complex therapy.

Conclusion

When discovering reticular rash and unknown portal hypertension, it is necessary to perform whole exome sequencing and chromosome length testing to clarify the possibility of dyskeratosis congenita/telomere biology disorder with porto-sinusoidal vascular disease.
Therapeutic efficacy of intra-articular injection of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a sheep model of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Lei Jigang , Chen Xingyi , Xie Haohao , Dai Yuhao , Chen Zhongjin , Xu Liang
Published: January 2025

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells have great potential for repairing articular cartilage and treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Nonetheless, little is known about the efficacy of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (haMSCs) for KOA in large animal models.

Methods

This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of haMSCs in knee articular cartilage repair in a sheep model of KOA. haMSCs were isolated, cultured, and characterized. KOA was surgically induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection and medial meniscectomy, followed by intra-articular injection of saline (negative control group) or haMSCs (haMSC group) into the right knee joint at 6 and 9 weeks after surgery. Sheep were sacrificed 21 weeks after surgery, and samples (whole knee joints, femoral condyles, and tibias) were collected, processed, and analyzed. Changes in knee articular cartilage were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, micro-computed tomography, macroscopic analysis, histology, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

KOA caused the degeneration of the medial femoral condyle in the sheep model of KOA. Conversely, haMSCs repaired chondral defects and increased the thickness of knee articular cartilage.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the intra-articular injection of haMSCs can effectively repair articular cartilage defects in the knee.
Fezolinetant’s efficacy and safety in treatment of vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis and GRADE evaluation of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Allam Abdallah R. , Alhateem Mohamed Salah , Mahmoud Abdelrahman Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Background

Postmenopausal women are more likely to experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as heat sensation and sweating. Recent trials have investigated fezolinetant in the treatment of VMS in postmenopausal women. Our study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of these trials in order to estimate fezolinetant’s effectiveness and safety in the management of VMS in postmenopausal women.

Method

We searched Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for all published randomized controlled trials. Review Manager Software was used for the meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework.

Results

Our study contained five trials with 3295 individuals with a mean age of 54.4 years. The frequency of VMS was significantly lower in the fezolinetant group compared to the placebo group [MD = − 2.42, 95% CI (− 2.81, − 2.04), P < 0.00001]. Additionally, when compared to the placebo group, the severity of VMS was significantly lower in the fezolinetant group [SMD = − 0.36, 95% CI (− 0.46, − 0.26), P < 0.00001]. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) between the fezolinetant group and the placebo group [RR = 1.02, 95% CI (0.97, 1.07), P = 0.51].

Conclusion

Fezolinetant is efficient and well-tolerated in the treatment of postmenopausal women with VMS.
Real-world use of tafasitamab preceding CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Epperla Narendranath , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Feinberg Bruce , Galvin John , Pathak Prathamesh , Amoloja Theresa , Gentile Danielle , Saverno Kim
Published: January 2025

Potential CD19 antigen loss following CD19-directed therapy has raised concerns over sequential use of these therapies. Tafasitamab, a CD19-targeting immunotherapy, combined with lenalidomide, is approved for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) treatment in adults ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. This retrospective analysis examined characteristics and outcomes of adults with R/R DLBCL who received tafasitamab preceding CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in a real-world setting. Nine patients received tafasitamab and lenalidomide immediately preceding CAR-T. Median (first quartile [Q1]–third quartile [Q3]) follow-up time since tafasitamab initiation was 26.1 (18.0–28.0) and after CAR-T was 9.3 (1.9–16.7) months. Of the 9 patients, 4 had complete response, 4 had partial response, and 1 had stable disease following tafasitamab; all discontinued tafasitamab due to disease progression. Median (Q1–Q3) tafasitamab therapy duration was 11.0 (8.1–14.1) months. Three patients had CD19 testing following tafasitamab discontinuation, and all tests were positive. Median (Q1–Q3) time from tafasitamab discontinuation to CD19 testing was 7 (6–9) days. Among the 9 patients, median (Q1–Q3) time from tafasitamab discontinuation to CAR-T administration was 3.2 (2.3–3.6) months. Four patients had complete response, 3 had partial response, and 1 had progressive disease as best response to CAR-T; 1 patient had data unavailable. This small real-world analysis demonstrated disease response to CAR-T therapy and detectable CD19 expression following tafasitamab treatment, adding to literature investigating treatment outcomes associated with sequential use of anti-CD19 therapies in patients with R/R DLBCL.
CBD for pets: navigating quality assurance, safety standards, and marketing strategies
Authors: Rideout Hannah , Cook Alasdair J. C. , Whetton Anthony D.
Published: January 2025

As the human cannabinoid (CBD) market grows, there is an inevitable transfer of the same or similar products into the veterinary sector. Advances in veterinary medicine and care of companion animals has led to extended life expectancy and consequently, there is an increased incidence of age-related chronic conditions that compromise quality of life. CBD products may alleviate these conditions. Research into CBD for companion animal species is on the rise, however, we found that there are no licensed veterinary CBD products available in the market due to a lack of appropriate testing and/or data. Here we outline the data that is available and show that the regulatory, and safety considerations around these products needs further consideration and this encompasses many products currently available on the market. Changes in regulations and further research for quality assurance are paramount to distribution of safe and applicable products for companion animals.
Impact of ABO gene polymorphism and von Willebrand factor on genetic susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egyptian pediatric patients
Authors: Salim Elsayed I. , Shaaban Ahmed N. , Seleem Amal K. , Attia Zeinab I.
Published: January 2025

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy affecting children. The ABO blood group system and von Willebrand factor (VWF) have been associated with altering cancer risk, but few studies have examined their relationship with pediatric ALL. This study investigated the association between ABO gene polymorphism, VWF levels, ABO blood groups, and ALL risk in Egyptian pediatric patients.

Methods

Seventy-two ALL patients and 36 healthy controls were ABO phenotyped and genotyped for the ABO rs2519093 polymorphism using PCR–RFLP. VWF antigen levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

The CC genotype and C allele frequencies were significantly higher in ALL patients compared to controls (p < 0.001) and increased ALL risk by 12.94-fold and 7.63-fold, respectively. VWF levels were significantly higher in ALL patients versus controls overall (p = 0.006) and in the A, B, and O blood groups individually. After adjusting for VWF levels, the O, A, and B blood groups increased ALL risk 87.95-fold, 15.95-fold, and 8.77-fold, respectively, compared to AB.

Conclusion

The ABO C allele and O, A, and B blood groups are associated with increased pediatric ALL susceptibility in Egyptian patients, potentially through elevated VWF levels. These findings highlight ABO gene polymorphisms and blood groups as possible risk factors for ALL development.
Peptide hormones in plants
Authors: Zhang Zhenbiao , Han Huibin , Zhao Junxiang , Liu Zhiwen , Deng Lei , Wu Liuji , Niu Junpeng , Guo Yongfeng , Wang Guodong , Gou Xiaoping , Li Chao , Li Chuanyou , Liu Chun-Ming
Published: January 2025

Peptide hormones are defined as small secreted polypeptide-based intercellular communication signal molecules. Such peptide hormones are encoded by nuclear genes, and often go through proteolytic processing of preproproteins and post-translational modifications. Most peptide hormones are secreted out of the cell to interact with membrane-associated receptors in neighboring cells, and subsequently activate signal transductions, leading to changes in gene expression and cellular responses. Since the discovery of the first plant peptide hormone, systemin, in tomato in 1991, putative peptide hormones have continuously been identified in different plant species, showing their importance in both short- and long-range signal transductions. The roles of peptide hormones are implicated in, but not limited to, processes such as self-incompatibility, pollination, fertilization, embryogenesis, endosperm development, stem cell regulation, plant architecture, tissue differentiation, organogenesis, dehiscence, senescence, plant-pathogen and plant-insect interactions, and stress responses. This article, collectively written by researchers in this field, aims to provide a general overview for the discoveries, functions, chemical natures, transcriptional regulations, and post-translational modifications of peptide hormones in plants. We also updated recent discoveries in receptor kinases underlying the peptide hormone sensing and down-stream signal pathways. Future prospective and challenges will also be discussed at the end of the article.
“Emptiness Verging on Boredom Butting Up Against Wanting to Die”
Authors: O'Connell Rachel
Published: January 2025

This essay focuses on Imogen Binnie's trans-centric road novel Nevada (2013), exploring it as an archive of queer and trans negative affect. Nevada, this essay proposes, offers an occasion to excavate the nuances, losses, and possibilities of queer and trans negative affectivity. Binnie's novel maps queer and trans negative affects in relation to economic history, revealing how these affects intertwine with those of precarity. It thus registers the impact of global forces in some queer- and trans-centered worlds, highlighting the historicity of queer and trans affects. Further, Nevada is written in opposition to hegemonic narratives of transition, rejecting the ideals of positivity and self-actualization embedded in such stories. In this sense, Nevada plumbs queer and trans negativity, but in so doing, it generates a more open-ended form for trans narrative, inviting the trans subject into spaciousness and porosity. Nevada thus practices a reparative negativity, presenting a paradoxically downbeat paradigm for queer and trans survival and possibility. It offers a resource for scholars seeking to grapple with queer and trans negative affectivity and to map some resources of queer and trans oppositional consciousness in the precarious present.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe pus1 mutants are temperature sensitive due to decay of tRNAIle(UAU) by the 5'-3' exonuclease Dhp1, primarily targeting the unspliced pre-tRNA
Authors: Stegemann Franziska , Marcus Erin , Neupert Savanah , Ostrowski Sarah , Mathews David H. , Phizicky Eric M.
Published: January 2025

The pseudouridylase Pus1 catalyzes pseudouridine (Ψ) formation at multiple uridine residues in tRNAs, and in some snRNAs and mRNAs. Although Pus1 is highly conserved, and mutations are associated with human disease, little is known about eukaryotic Pus1 biology. Here, we show that Schizosaccharomyces pombe pus1Δ mutants are temperature sensitive due to decay of tRNAIle(UAU), as tRNAIle(UAU) levels are reduced, and its overexpression suppresses the defect. We show that tRNAIle(UAU) is degraded by the 5'-3' exonuclease Dhp1 (ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rat1), as each of four spontaneous pus1Δ suppressors had dhp1 mutations and restored tRNAIle(UAU) levels, and two suppressors that also restored tRNAIle(UAU) levels had mutations in tol1 (S. cerevisiae MET22 ortholog), predicted to inhibit Dhp1. We show that Pus1 modifies U27, U34, and U36 of tRNAIle(UAU), raising the question about how these modifications prevent decay. Our results suggests that Dhp1 targets unspliced pre-tRNAIle(UAU), as a pus1Δ strain in which the only copy of tRNAIle(UAU) has no intron (tI(UAU)-iΔ) is temperature resistant and undergoes no detectable decay, and the corresponding pus1Δ tI(UAU)-WT strain accumulates unspliced pre-tRNAIle(UAU). Moreover, the predicted exon-intron structure of pre-tRNAIle(UAU) differs from the canonical bulge-helix-loop structure compatible with tRNA splicing, and a pus1Δ tI(UAU)i-var strain with intron mutations predicted to improve exon-intron structure is temperature resistant and undergoes little decay. These results suggest that decay of tRNAIle(UAU) by Dhp1 in pus1Δ strains occurs at the level of unspliced pre-tRNAIle(UAU), implying a substantial role for one or more of the Ψ residues in stabilizing the pre-tRNA structure for splicing.
Post liver transplant metabolic syndrome: Frequency, predictors and outcome
Authors: Rahim Zoha , Malik Kashif , Sarwar Shahid , Salim Adnan
Published: January 2025

Objective: To determine frequency of post-transplant metabolic syndrome (PTMS) after liver transplantation (LT), its pre-transplant predictors and its association with cardiovascular events.
Methods: In this observational, analytical cross-sectional study done at Gastroenterology Department, Shaikh Zayed Post Graduate Medical Institute Lahore from January 2021 to March 2023, pre-transplant data of patients having LT for > 1 year including etiology of liver disease, presence of metabolic syndrome (MS), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN) and obesity were noted. Post-transplant evaluation was done to document DM, HTN, Dyslipidemia, obesity, PTMS and cardiovascular events after LT. Student’s t test and chi square were used for correlation and linear regression for multivariate analysis.
Results: Total of 111 post LT patients with mean age 45.2 (±10.45) and male to female ratio 6.4/1 (96/15) were included. Before LT, 15(13.5%) patients had DM, 11 (9.9%) had HTN, 48(43.2%) were obese and MS was present in 13 (11.7%) patients. Median duration since LT was three years. Post LT, PTMS developed in 60(54.1%) patients, 64(57.7%) had DM, 27(24.3%) had HTN, dyslipidemia was noted in 60(54.1%) patients and 69(62.2%) were obese. Presence of DM (OR 15.21; p< 0.001), HTN (OR 10.00; p=0.01) and MS (OR 12.50; p=0.003) before transplant was significantly associated with development of PTMS. No significant difference in development of cardiovascular events was noted in patients with and without PTMS.
Conclusion: Post transplant metabolic syndrome develops in majority of LT patients, risk is higher in those with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and metabolic syndrome before liver transplantation.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10774
How to cite this: Rahim Z, Malik K, Sarwar S, Salim A. Post liver transplant metabolic syndrome: Frequency, predictors and outcome. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):531-535. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10774
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The predictive value of placental growth factor combined with uterine ultrasound arterial blood flow characteristics for preeclampsia
Authors: Xiao Fengmei , Li Caiqiu , Wang Xiaoying , Li Jun
Published: January 2025

Objective: To study the predictive value of placental growth factor (PLGF) combined with uterine ultrasound artery blood flow characteristics in preeclampsia (PE).
Methods: The retrospective cohort study included singleton pregnant women who admitted for prenatal examinations at the Yongkang First People’s Hospital between February 2021 to November 2023. Based on whether the pregnant women had PE and the severity of PE, they were divided into Control group, Severe PE group and Mild PE group. Levels of PLGF and ultrasound arterial blood flow parameters were compared between the groups, and the sensitivity and specificity of the above indicators were calculated.
Results: This study included one hundred pregnant women with PE in the analysis, with 29 in the Severe PE group and 71 in the Mild PE group. Additionally, 100 healthy pregnant women without PE were included in the control group. Levels of PLGF, resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and systolic/diastolic blood flow ratio (S/D) were statistically different between the groups (P<0.05). Logistic analysis showed that PLGF, RI, PI, and S/D were risk factors for the onset of PE (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the combined prediction value of PLGF, RI, PI, and S/D for PE was significantly higher than the individual prediction of each indicator (P<0.05).
Conclusions: PE was significantly associated with decreased levels of PLGF and increased RI, PI, and S/D in pregnant women. These indexes can serve as important indicators for predicting the onset of preeclampsia, especially when they are combined.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.11349
How to cite this: Xiao F, Li C, Wang X, Li J. The predictive value of placental growth factor combined with uterine ultrasound arterial blood flow characteristics for preeclampsia. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):426-431. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.11349
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.