bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of hepatitis among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Brazil
Authors: Santos Carina Carvalho dos , Leite Beo Oliveira , Lima Fernanda Washington de Mendonça , Magno Laio , Grangeiro Alexandre , Westin Mateus , Moura Daniel Lima de , Dourado Inês
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE: Viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections disproportionally affect men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). However, only a few studies have evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis in these populations, especially in youths and adolescents. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of biomarkers for hepatitis A, B, and C among young and adolescent MSM and TGW in three Brazilian municipalities. METHODS: Baseline data were collected from a combination of HIV prevention cohort ofyoung and adolescent MSM (AMSM) and TGW (ATGW) aged 15-19 years in three Brazilian municipalities. A social behavioral questionnaire was applied, and immunoassays were performed to detect antibodies against hepatitis A (anti- HAV IgG and IgM), hepatitis B (anti-HBc and anti-HBs), and hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV); testing for the active hepatitis B marker, HBsAg, was also performed. The prevalence of reactive tests and 95% confidence interval (CI) for proportions were measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of naturally or artificially acquired immunity for hepatitis A totaled 17.7% (95%CI: 15.4–20.4), whereas that of acute infection, 0.4% (95%CI: 0.2–1.2). For hepatitis B and C, prevalence rates totaled 2.8% (95%CI: 1.8–4.4) and 0.2% (95%CI: 0.1–1.1), respectively. About 25.7% (95%CI: 22.4–29.4) of participants were non-reactive for anti-HBc and reactive for anti-HBs, the latter being a vaccine marker for hepatitis B. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation of viral hepatitis biomarkers among vulnerable populations enables the early identification of infections, the provision of timely treatment, and an opportunity to point out the need to expand vaccination coverage.
Nas intersecções: operacionalizando análise temática interseccional em prevenção ao HIV
Authors: Spadacio Cristiane , Santos Lorruan Alves dos , Unsain Ramiro Andres Fernandez , Sorrentino Isa da Silva , Couto Marcia Thereza
Published: February 2025

OBJETIVO: Este artigo objetiva fornecer instrumentação teórica e metodológica inicial para auxiliar a produção de análises temáticas sob orientação interseccional em estudos qualitativos de base empírica em saúde. Argumenta-se que o encontro da perspectiva interseccional com a análise temática tem o potencial de atualizar essa última – bastante popular nas investigações qualitativas no campo da saúde – acerca das importantes discussões sobre os múltiplos e relacionados padrões de privilégio e opressão que operam nos níveis estrutural e institucional e produzem experiências de desvantagem relativa nos indivíduos segundo suas posições de gênero, raça/cor, classe, sexualidade, geração, entre outras. MÉTODO: Este trabalho, com caráter ensaístico e metodológico, foi realizado a partir de um artigo que analisou dados empíricos qualitativos de um estudo longitudinal demonstrativo da Profilaxia Pré-Exposição sexual ao HIV (PrEP) entre jovens de 15 a 19 anos em três capitais brasileiras. Foram discutidas as limitações, os desafios e as potencialidades dos esforços teóricos e metodológicos empreendidos pelos seus autores, e apresentada uma proposta de operacionalização da análise temática com sensibilidade interseccional. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que a análise temática com sensibilidade interseccional pode ser potencializada com a utilização de triangulação de técnicas para a produção de dados qualitativos. A proposição inicial, desde a etapa do desenho da pesquisa, da construção e da aplicação dos instrumentos de produção de dados com intencionalidade interseccional favorece e viabiliza o reconhecimento das relações entre marcadores sociais nas categorias analíticas. DISCUSSÃO: O fato de a perspectiva teórico-metodológica da interseccionalidade não estar presente desde a concepção da pesquisa e a fase de produção dos dados não inviabiliza a utilização da interseccionalidade como ferramenta metodológica, embora possa implicar algumas limitações em termos de análise e discussão dos resultados. Tais limitações podem ser contornadas com a proposição de pressupostos de caráter interseccional e o cotejamento dos resultados com a literatura referente ao tema e objeto de estudo.
GWAS for Defining the Etiology of Hypertension: Have They Delivered?
Authors: Alexander Matthew R. , Edwards Todd L. , Harrison David G.
Published: February 2025

Genome-wide association studies have identified >3500 associated single nucleotide polymorphisms and over 1000 independent loci associated with hypertension. These individually have small effect sizes, and few associated loci have been experimentally tested for causal roles in hypertension using animal models or in humans. Thus, methods to prioritize and maximize the relevance of identified single nucleotide polymorphisms and associated loci are critical to determine their importance in hypertension. We propose several approaches to aid in these efforts, including: (1) integration of genome-wide association study data with multiomic data sets, including proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, (2) utilizing linked clinical and genetic data sets to determine genetic contributions to hypertension subphenotypes with distinct drivers, and (3) performing whole exome/genome sequencing on cohorts of individuals with severe hypertension to enrich for rare variants with larger effect sizes. Rather than creating longer lists of hypertension-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms, these approaches are needed to identify key mediators of hypertension pathophysiology.
Erratum: GALLO, L. & SMITH, G.F. (2024) A review of the genus Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Cotyledonoideae) in the Euro-Mediterranean area, with an annotated catalogue and identification key. Phytotaxa 674 (2): 171–198.
Authors: GALLO LORENZO , SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: February 2025

N/A
An outstanding new Copaifera L. (Leguminosae, Detarioideae) species from the Araguaia River Basin, Goiás, Brazil.
Authors: PINTO RAFAEL BARBOSA , FERREIRA INDIARA NUNES MESQUITA , ANTUNES LORENA LANA CAMELO , TELLES MARIANA PIRES DE CAMPOS , SILVA-NETO CARLOS DE MELO E
Published: February 2025

Copaifera is a genus of the resin-production clade (Leguminosae, Detarioideae) and is a component of Brazilian flora, presenting ecological, pharmacological and economic relevance. During a field expedition of the Araguaia Vivo 2030 Program, focused on areas which presented botanical collection gaps, we found an outstanding, new shrubby species of Copaifera that occur associated with “Murundu” fields in regions under influence of the Araguaia River basin. Here we present taxonomic description and notes, distribution map, field photographs, botanical illustrations, conservation status and a table comparing the new species with the morphologically similar species C. elliptica, C. malmei and C. luetzelburgii.
Tomiyamichthys hyacinthinus, a new species of shrimpgoby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from southern Japan
Authors: SATO MASAYUKI C. , MOTOMURA HIROYUKI
Published: February 2025

Tomiyamichthys hyacinthinus sp. nov. is described on the basis of four specimens from Kyushu, southern Japan. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: VI-I, 9 dorsal-fin rays; I, 9 anal-fin rays; 17 pectoral-fin rays; 45–48 lateral and 14–15 transverse scale rows; 4 + 8 or 9 (9) gill rakers of first gill arch; partially scaled prepelvic region; a pale blotch between fourth and fifth spines of first dorsal fin; second and third spines of first dorsal fin elongated, filamentous with orange bands in males; fourth spine of first dorsal fin longer than first in males; first dorsal fin trapezoid and dorsal-fin spines non-filamentous in females; 2 or 3 transverse rows of yellow blotches anteriorly and longitudinal yellow blotches posteriorly on caudal-fin membrane. Comparative molecular analysis reveals that the new species demonstrates significant genetic divergence (9.1–10.6%) in the mitochondrial COI gene from its closest congener, T. latruncularius. The new species exhibits a distinctive ecological association with the snapping shrimp Alpheus randalli, inhabiting sandy bottoms at depths of 18 m. Tomiyamichthys hyacinthinus sp. nov. is currently known only from southern Japan.
Bahadur–Kiefer Type Representations for Smoothed Conditional Quantile Estimators
Authors: Bagui Subhash C. , Mehra K.L.
Published: February 2025

Bahadur and Kiefer derived almost sure (a.s.) representations for the (unconditional) sample quantile function in terms of the standard (unsmoothed) empirical distribution function. Their representations later became commonly known as the Bahadur–Kiefer (BK) representations. In this article, we establish BK type a.s. representations, and the resulting laws of iterated logarithm, for three distinct fully nonparametric smooth conditional quantile estimators—with optimal orders for the remainders—viz. for a smooth linear type, a Parzen-type smoothed (integrated) inverse and a smooth inverse type (kernel) conditional quantile estimator (c.q.e.) under some broad conditions on the underlying cdf’s and the kernels and bandwidth sequences employed. We also demonstrate that of these the linear type c.q.e. is, in fact, ‘second-order-equivalent’ to the Parzen-type smoothed (integrated) inverse c.q.e. Some remarks are included on the comparative merits of these smooth c.q.e.’s, and their BK representations relative to their smooth and unsmoothed counterparts studied earlier in literature and possible extensions of the present results. Our results are of the exact a.s. type and provide improvements over those achieved hitherto in literature. They are of considerable value for studying the asymptotics of quantile regression analytics.

AMS Subject Classification: Primary 62G05, 62G07; secondary: 60F15, 62G20, 62G30
Intra-ethnic Violence in the Dying Days of the Reich: Local Perspectives on Late-War Summary Executions
Authors: Willems Bastiaan
Published: February 2025

In the final months of the Second World War, large numbers of German soldiers and civilians were publicly executed by their fellow compatriots, often following decentralised summary judgment. Those targeted were people who up to that point had been part of the Nazi racial community, the Volksgemeinschaft. Judging these killings through the lens of a normatively singular ‘community’, however, has its limits. Local community structures changed rapidly and dramatically, especially as the frontline approached. A mass influx of soldiers, refugees, and other outside actors changed long-established certainties, and threatened the very fabric that had held these communities together during the previous years. These threats – both real and perceived – were acute and often had little bearing on the wider German society. This paper identifies and contextualises the motivations behind the many German-versus-German killings that took place while the regime collapsed. It restores agency to the different actors involved in late-war killings by examining six summary executions that took place in this period. Taken together, these examples show that the current narrative, which pits the ‘radicalised Nazi’ against the hapless German ‘defeatist’, needs adjusting; the ways in which these executions played out demonstrate that local circumstances greatly impacted behavioural patterns.
An exploratory study of the mental health of first responders: depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Padmanabhanunni Anita , Pretorius Tyrone B
Published: February 2025

This exploratory study investigated the mental health status of first responders, specifically police officers and paramedics ( n = 429), primarily from the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, and the post-traumatic stress disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were calculated. In addition, a one-sample t-test was performed to compare the means obtained in this study with those from other studies involving samples from the African continent and international contexts. The instruments demonstrated strong reliability, consistent with previous studies conducted in South Africa. Using established cutoff scores from the literature, the study found that 47.3% of the sample would qualify for a diagnosis of depression, 37.8% for generalized anxiety disorder, and 48.5% for post-traumatic stress disorder. These levels are notably high, underscoring the significant psychological burden carried by first responders. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions tailored to the unique stressors faced by first responders, as well as the importance of addressing barriers to help-seeking within this population group.
Factors Associated With Life Satisfaction Among Veterans Enrolled in the Healthy Aging Project-Brain (HAP-B) Psychoeducational Class
Authors: Kohli Maulika , Verstaen Alice , Trittschuh Emily H.
Published: February 2025

Healthy Aging Project-Brain (HAP-B) is a novel clinical psychoeducation offering developed to encourage engagement in activities associated with successful aging. HAP-B targets sleep, socialization, physical, and cognitive activity through myth-busting, developing SMART goals, and tracking behavioral change. Study aims: (1) assess feasibility/acceptability in a Veteran population; (2) analyze pre- and post-intervention ratings to examine health and well-being; (3) explore associations between health factors and life satisfaction. The 50 participants (mean age = 70.6 years) were predominantly male-identity (88%) and White (76%). Findings, based on independent t tests, revealed improvements in life satisfaction, emotional well-being, and energy levels post-intervention. Linear regression results found higher life satisfaction was associated with lower depressive symptoms, higher emotional well-being, and higher self-efficacy. This easily implementable education intervention can result in more positive self-appraisal with encouraging downstream effects. Healthcare providers are well-positioned to utilize classes such as HAP-B to promote patient-centric approaches to brain health.
A Neurodiversity Perspective on Fostering Marketplace Inclusion by Bridging Ability Mismatches
Authors: Go Jefferies Josephine , Rhoads Meredith , Vogus Timothy J. , Satornino Cinthia B. , Broderick Alicia A.
Published: February 2025

This article is temporarily under embargo.
Examining Differences in the Predictive Capacity of Educational Polygenic Scores on Physical Limitations Among Older Adults With European or African Ancestry
Authors: Latham-Mintus Kenzie , Williams Micah Azariah , Catt Wade
Published: February 2025

This research examined whether educational polygenic scores were associated with physical limitations among older adults with European or African ancestry. In the European ancestry sample, we found that education polygenic scores were significantly associated with physical limitations, net of age, sex, and current socioeconomic status. In the African ancestry sample, education polygenic scores were not associated with physical limitations in any of the models. Observed educational attainment was a robust predictor of physical limitations in both samples. This research demonstrates the inequalities in the predictive capacity of educational polygenic scores for physical health. We hypothesize that this disparity is a result of structural barriers to educational attainment by race, selection bias, and/or racial inequities in data collection. All of these explanations stem from structural racism and highlight the limited usefulness of polygenic scores for clinical decision-making.
Assessment of Dental Pathology Using Visual Oral Examination in 1082 Dogs in Türkiye
Authors: Adak Melike Kübra , Akin Ibrahim
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and prevalence of dental diseases in dogs from Türkiye and compare their relationships with various factors. The study focused on the impact of age, gender, feeding method, and breed groups on the presence of dental diseases. Results revealed that dental diseases were prevalent among dogs, with variations observed across different factors. Age group analysis indicated that age had a significant influence on the presence of dental diseases, with lower rates observed in the 0 to 9 months and 10 to 18 months age groups. Analysis of feeding methods showed that home-cooked and mixed feeding was associated with a higher prevalence of dental diseases, while dry food feeding demonstrated lower rates. Gender analysis revealed an association between gender and dental diseases, particularly in the incisor and premolar teeth. However, no statistical significance was found in the molar teeth. Analysis of breeds demonstrated variations in the prevalence of dental diseases, with small breeds showing higher rates. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the distribution and factors associated with dental diseases in dogs from Türkiye. The findings highlight the importance of age, feeding method, gender, and breed group as potential risk factors for dental diseases. The results can guide veterinarians and dog owners in implementing effective preventive measures and treatment strategies to maintain optimal dental health in dogs. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors and interventions for improving dental care in canine populations.
Extraction of compound fault features of rolling bearing based on robust local mean decomposition and Wiener filter
Authors: Yu Mingyue , Han Chuang , Ge Xiangdong , Gao Qiang
Published: February 2025

Upon the occurrence of a fault in rolling bearing, vibration signals often contain a great many of noises making it difficult to extract fault features. Though Wiener filter is featured by excellent denoising effect, it is often hard to precisely determine its input signal. To solve this problem, the paper has proposed a fault feature extraction method of rolling bearing integrating robust local mean decomposition (RLMD) and Wiener filter. Firstly, original vibration acceleration signals are decomposed based on RLMD to obtain optimal fitting product function (PF); secondly, the PF component of strongest relevance to original signals is chosen according to correlation coefficient to determine input signal for Wiener filter; finally, spectral analysis is given to the self-correlation function of filtered signals, and fault feature frequency of bearing is extracted and compound faults are judged. The results of comparative analysis with other classical methods indicates that the combined method of RLMD and Wiener filter can effectively restrain the noise and accurately identify a compound fault of bearing, which further confirms the efficacy of the proposed method.
The Effects of Relational Embeddedness and Network Routines on Industry–University Cooperation in Chinese Construction Firms: The Moderating Role of Intermediaries
Authors: Chen Aihua , Zhang Weibing
Published: February 2025

Cooperation between industry and universities is vital in the sustainable development of industries. However, research on industry–university cooperation in specific industries remains limited, which motivates our examination of this issue. Drawing on social network theory and the knowledge-based view, we discuss the effects of relational embeddedness and network routines on industry–university cooperation by Chinese construction firms as well as the moderating role of intermediaries. Using a sample of 256 members of Chinese construction firms, we show that trust and tie strength in relational embeddedness in addition to norm consensus and tacit understanding of behaviour in network routines all have significantly positive effects on firm performance with industry–university cooperation. The moderating effects of intermediaries on the links between trust and tie strength in relational embeddedness and firm performance are not statistically significant. However, intermediaries weaken the relationship between norm consensus in network routines and firm performance, and strengthen the relationship between tacit understanding of behaviour in network routines and firm performance. Overall, our study has important implications not only for construction firms seeking to improve firm performance but also for intermediaries on how to better play a positive role in industry–university cooperation.
Asymmetric Impact of the Pandemic on Skilled and Unskilled Wages and Wage Inequality
Authors: Goswami Alisha , Ahuja Rashmi
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic, an initial health catastrophe, has predominantly become an economic and labour market shock with unequal impacts on wages and wage disparities in the economies. We developed a general equilibrium model with three traded sectors to highlight the asymmetric changes in the skilled and unskilled workers’ wage gap within the economies during the pandemic. Our findings highlight that skilled–unskilled wage inequality widens when the manufacturing sector prices decline at the same rate or less than the decline in the prices of goods produced in the informal sector. However, the effect on skilled–unskilled wage differences could be in either direction depending on the changes in informal wages when the manufacturing sector is hit harder than the informal sector during the pandemic.

JEL: J31, J46, D50, L80
Establishing a psychiatry clinic within an Australian publicly funded specialist obesity service
Authors: Brightman Louise , Inman Deborah , Goodbourn James
Published: February 2025

Objective

In January 2023, the Canberra Health Services Department of Bariatric Medicine introduced a psychiatry clinic into its model of care to optimise the management of patients with comorbid obesity and mental illness. This paper describes the scope of the psychiatry clinic and reviews patient characteristics and management during the first year of operation.

Methods

This study is an outline of the clinic and a retrospective review of patient demographics, body mass index, psychiatric diagnoses and initial management. Descriptive statistics were performed (2024.LRE.00027).

Results

Clinic scope, staffing and patient eligibility were presented. Of the 22 patients referred, 20 attended initial assessment and at least one review (102 encounters). Females outnumbered males (82%). Mean age was 44 years (18–73 years). Mean body mass index was 51.74 kg/m2 (29.36–74.23 kg/m2). Depressive and anxiety disorders were the most prevalent existing diagnoses. Trauma and stressor-related disorders and feeding and eating disorders were common new diagnoses. 75% of patients had two or more psychiatric disorders. Management comprised medications, supportive psychotherapy and referral recommendations.

Conclusions

This is the first time the Department of Bariatric Medicine has embedded a psychiatry clinic into its model of care. The clinic provides specialist-level psychiatric care within a multi-disciplinary team which may have benefits in managing comorbid obesity and mental illness.
Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Dual-Task Gait Performance in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moeyersons Charlotte , Karagiannidou Evgenia , Al Omari Sarah , Swinnen Eva , Firouzi Mahyar
Published: February 2025

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) impairs motor and cognitive functions, increasing fall risk during dual-task activities. While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has been studied for improving these functions in PD, its effect on dual-task gait remains unclear.

Objective

This review aims to evaluate the effects of tDCS on dual-task gait performance in PD.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published before September 2024. Eligible studies included PD patients, used tDCS, and measured dual-task gait performance. Two researchers independently assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials and four crossover studies, involving 222 PD patients (mean age 64.17 years, range 50.9–72) at Hoehn & Yahr stages 1–3, met the inclusion criteria. Three of six studies targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showed significant improvements in dual-task gait performance, particularly in gait speed ( p ≤ 0.046), compared to sham. No significant improvements were observed with primary motor cortex or cerebellar stimulation (all p's ≥ 0.100).

Conclusions

tDCS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may improve dual-task gait performance in PD, but further studies are needed to refine protocols and confirm its therapeutic potential.
Zygomatic Implant Rehabilitation in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate: A Narrative Review of Clinical Outcomes and Indication Criteria Validation
Authors: Barcellos Bhárbara Marinho , Fan Shengchi , Al-Nawas Bilal , Kämmerer Peer , Heider Julia
Published: February 2025

Zygomatic implant (ZI) is considered a predictable alternative for patients with atrophic maxilla. However, regarding the case of patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP), the evidence of ZI rehabilitation remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the indications and clinical outcomes of rehabilitation using ZI in CLP patients. The focus question was: “What are the indications and clinical outcomes of ZI rehabilitation in patients with CLP?” Electronic and manual literature searches were performed from January 2000 to May 2024 in five databases. Clinical studies and case reports were selected. The primary outcome was the ZI survival rates. The secondary outcomes were indications, loading protocols, and complications. The extracted data were subjected to descriptive analysis. In total, 16 studies were included, 24 patients with CLP received 48 ZIs, with an average of 4.2 years of follow-up. The survival rate of ZIs was 97.9% and was mainly indicated for those with Cawood and Howell classification V and VI, with insufficient bone in the maxilla with bilateral CLP. The immediate loading was performed in 33.3% of the cases, and the prosthesis was designed according to case complexity and necessity. ZI rehabilitation appears to be a reliable and predictable solution for the patient with CLP. The immediate loading solution can be beneficial to CLP patients as it helps avoid additional treatments. However, with the inconsistently limited data, the indications cannot be only based on the existing CLP classification.
Nepafenac role in macular swelling prevention and in visual outcome after cataract surgery – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Almasri Malaz , Ghareeb Amjad , Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Leucuta Daniel-Corneliu , Nicoara Simona Delia
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To compare Nepafenac effect on foveal thickness (FT), total macular volume (TMV), and BCVA after cataract surgery when added to the common regimen of topical steroids perioperatively.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched systematically on April 28, 2022, for RCTs. Our primary outcome was the change in FT at final follow-up visits. We also considered FT at different follow-up durations, TMV, and visual outcome. We summarized our analyses by calculating the mean differences (MD) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) using restricted maximum likelihood in random effects models for continuous outcomes. The individual trials were evaluated for quality utilizing the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool.

Results

Twenty-four RCTs totaling 4716 eyes were eligible. A significant difference was found between Nepafenac group and control group in the change in FT at final follow-up visit (MD, −11.622; 95% Cl [−17.475, −5.769]), at one week follow-up visit (MD, −6.409; 95% Cl [−13.148, 0.330]), at one month follow-up visit (MD, −9.090; 95% Cl [−13.260, −4.919]), at two months (MD, −5.769; 95% Cl (−22.477, −10.939]), and at three-month follow-up visit (MD, −12.913; 95% Cl [−22.254, −3.572]). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding change in TMV at final follow-up visit. Nevertheless, a significant difference was found between the two groups regarding post-operative BCVA only at three-month follow-up visit.

Conclusion

Topical Nepafenac in addition to topical steroid is superior to the common regimen of topical steroid alone perioperatively in the prevention of macular swelling.
Torsional Vibration Diagnosis of Induction Machines Based on High-Frequency Electromagnetic Vibration
Authors: Wang Luyao , Guan Bokai , Li Shihao , Bao Xiaohua , Zhu Qinglong
Published: February 2025

Pumps used for irrigation and drainage are usually connected with induction machines (IMs), which are widely employed in industry and daily life. Relatively severe working conditions force pumps to meet the requirement of high-level reliability. Aiming at the general problem of torsional vibration on shafts, a diagnosing method based on radial electromagnetic vibration is studied, which distinguishes torsional vibration from lateral vibration by characteristic frequencies. The lumped-mass model is utilized to analyze the torsional angle of the rotor. The air-gap magnetic field of the IM is analyzed to obtain the characteristic components induced by torsional vibration. High-frequency harmonics, which are ignored in previous studies, are considered in the analysis of electromagnetic forces to eliminate the influence of mechanical vibration on torsional vibration diagnosis. Characteristic frequencies of radial electromagnetic vibration are analyzed under healthy, torsional vibration, and lateral vibration conditions. Finally, the proposed method is validated by finite element analysis and experiments.
Data-driven development of entrepreneurial ecosystem based on the Apriori algorithm
Authors: Zhang Jing
Published: February 2025

Based on the Apriori algorithm, a data-driven analysis method for entrepreneurial ecosystems is constructed, which solves the problems of serious data silos, static analysis, lack of quantitative analysis, insufficient association rule mining, and difficulty in evaluating implementation effects in traditional research. By collecting and preprocessing data from multiple sources, using the Apriori algorithm to mine frequent item sets and generate association rules, and utilizing data visualization technology to display results, dynamic monitoring and strategy optimization of the entrepreneurial ecosystem have been achieved. The experimental results show that the Apriori algorithm performs well in identifying high-impact item sets and generating high-confidence association rules. The item set support in the entrepreneurial project type A, high investment amount, and experienced background has reached a relatively high proportion, accounting for 40%, 40%, and 60% of their respective sections. In the comparative experiment, the experimental group performed most outstandingly in all evaluation indicators, and the accuracy rate was 4%–23% higher than that of the control group. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to enhancing the depth and breadth of entrepreneurial ecosystem research. By optimizing algorithm performance and expanding the data sources, this article provides a more scientific and comprehensive reference for future studies in this field.
Articulating passion: Career decision-making and employability perception among first-year Arts, English and Language students
Authors: Lennox Emma
Published: February 2025

This research examined the pre-university decision-making process of first-year Arts, English and Language undergraduate students within a non-arts specific university, their perceptions of their current career readiness, barriers they have encountered, and how academic and professional services can best support their career development and confidence. Through 12 semi-structured interviews, the student perspective provided valuable insights into choices, experiences, and challenges, underscoring the importance of tailored support for arts students, recognising their passion, addressing uncertainties, and providing practical avenues for career development.
Upcycling aquaculture waste for textile functional material to facilitate the creation of novel and sustainable jeans
Authors: Huang Chi-Shih , Hou Erh-Jen , Hsieh Yun-Yu , Hsu Ting-Wei , Lee Tzong-Huei , Hou Yu-Ye , Lee Ying-Chou , Chu Hsueh-Ting
Published: February 2025

With the increasing emphasis on health, environment, and advancements in science and technology, the sustainability of denim products has garnered growing attention. This study proposes a new denim fabric to enhance the sustainability of jeans in terms of raw materials and usage. UMORFIL Beauty Fiber, a bionic cellulose fiber composed of collagen peptides upcycled from fish-scale waste, was used for this purpose. Considering that fibers combine collagen and plant fibers, they are an excellent choice for fabricating skin-friendly and wash-resistant clothing. Notably, its excellent deodorant properties make it highly suitable for producing denim clothing that requires minimal washing. Therefore, a novel denim fabric utilizing fibers to envelop Lycra elastane was designed and used in this study. The analysis in this study demonstrates that the upgraded denim fabric possesses favorable tactile attributes and effective deodorizing properties. By preventing the occurrence of unpleasant odors in the denim fabric, the number of washings can be reduced, thereby preventing consumer dissatisfaction with deformations and early discarding of jeans. Because contemporary jeans encompass not only durability but also various design and styling elements, rendering them essential in the world of fashion, this innovation holds significant importance. Furthermore, a reduction in the number of washing cycles led to decreased detergent usage and a decline in the generation of pollutants during discharge, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly denim fabric. These findings are crucial for promoting the sustainable development of the jeans industry.
Saccade, pupil, and blink abnormalities in prodromal and manifest alpha-synucleinopathies
Authors: Habibi Maha , Coe Brian C , Brien Donald C , Huang Jeff , Riek Heidi C , Bremmer Frank , Timmermann Lars , Janzen Annette , Oertel Wolfgang H , Munoz Douglas P
Published: February 2025

Background

Saccade, pupil, and blink control are impaired in patients with α-synucleinopathies (αSYN): Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Isolated REM (rapid eye movement) Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD) is a prodromal stage of PD and MSA and a prime candidate for investigating early oculo-pupillo-motor abnormalities that may precede or predict conversion to clinically manifest αSYN.

Objective

Determine whether saccade, pupil, and blink responses in iRBD are normal or similar to those identified in PD and MSA.

Methods

Video-based eye-tracking was conducted with 68 patients with iRBD, 49 with PD, 17 with MSA, and 95 healthy controls (CTRL) performing an interleaved pro-/anti-saccade task that probed sensory, motor, and cognitive processes involved in eye movement control.

Results

Horizontal saccade and blink behavior was intact in iRBD, but abnormal in PD and MSA. iRBD patients, however, demonstrated reduced pupil dilation size, which closely resembled the changes found in PD and MSA. In the iRBD group, the extent of these pupillary changes appeared to correlate with the degree of hyposmia and reduction in dopamine transporter imaging signal.

Conclusions

Pupil abnormalities were present in iRBD, but blink and horizontal saccade responses were intact. Future longitudinal studies are required to determine which prodromal pupil abnormalities predict conversion from iRBD to PD or MSA and to identify the time window, in relation to conversion, when horizontal saccade responses become abnormal.
Investigating the Impact of Window Features and Room Layout on Anxiety, Depression, and Analgesic Medication Intake Among Patients: A Pilot Study in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Jafarifiroozabadi Roxana
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This observational, pilot study investigated the impact of room layout (orientation of patient bed toward windows) and window features (blind positions) on patients’ perceived anxiety and depression levels as well as analgesic medication intake in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).

Background

While room layout and window features in patient rooms can impact the effectiveness of windows, there is a paucity of research on how these features can alleviate coexisting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain among hospitalized CICU patients with heart disease.

Methodology

Blind positions, light, and temperature levels were recorded hourly in south-facing, windowed patient rooms of the same size with parallel or perpendicular patient bed placement to the window in a CICU. Anxiety scores, depression scores, and analgesic medication intake (mg) were obtained daily for 11 patients (22 observation days). Generalized linear models were employed to investigate the relationships between variables.

Results

Blind positions (open, semiopen, closed) varied throughout patients’ CICU stay across the rooms. Linear models indicated that patients in rooms with predominantly open blinds (hourly frequency ≥ 50% per day) had significantly lower average anxiety ( p = .004) and depression scores ( p = .015), as well as reduced analgesic medication intake ( p < .001) compared to those in rooms with closed blinds. The study found no significant relationships between different room layouts and the measured outcomes.

Conclusion

Findings underscore the importance of considering environmental factors, such as window features and room layout in CICUs, as nonmedical interventions to enhance patient health during hospitalization.
Feasibility, acceptability, usability and quality of life levels in post-stroke patients undergoing telerehabilitation: Results from a multicentric pilot study
Authors: Cacciante Luisa , Federico Sara , Maistrello Lorenza , Kiper Pawel , De Icco Roberto , Milanesi Tommaso , Tassorelli Cristina , Gatti Roberto , Jonsdottir Johanna , Franceschini Marco , Goffredo Michela , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Turolla Andrea ,   on behalf of The Italian Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Network (RIN) *
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of an integrated multi-domain telerehabilitation (TR) system in stroke patients and to observe whether there are changes in the quality of life (QoL) levels of patients undergoing TR treatments.

Methods

Patients were enrolled for a longitudinal multicentric pilot study conducted in six Italian research hospitals (IRCCS). The primary outcome was the feasibility of an integrated TR system, assessed by calculating treatment adherence and by collecting data from the Technology Acceptance Model and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Information on time and travel distance savings was also collected. As secondary outcomes, we evaluated changes in QoL levels with the EuroQol 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and in caregiver burden through the Zarit Burden Inventory.

Results

We enrolled 84 patients. Our system turned out to be feasible (treatment adherence = 85%), usable (SUS = 73.36/100, classifying it as a ‘good’ system) and well accepted by patients. Quality of life levels improved significantly from pre- to post-treatment (EQ-5D: p = 0.0014; SF-36 general health: p = 0.047). Caregivers perceived little or no significant care burden.

Conclusions

Telerehabilitation has been confirmed to be a feasible, usable and acceptable solution to guarantee continuity of care and improve accessibility to rehabilitation treatments to post-stroke patients. Furthermore, the strength of TR is in the possibility to improve patients’ QoL, which in turn could impact on functioning.
Burden and Predictors of Incisional Hernia Following Anterior Lumbar Fusion: A National Study
Authors: Avetisian Henry , Abdou Marc , Karakash William , Yoshida Brandon , Wang Jeffrey C. , Hah Raymond J. , Alluri Ram K.
Published: February 2025

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

To determine the incidence and identify independent predictors of incisional hernia following anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

Methods

The PearlDiver national database was queried to identify patients who underwent ALIF. Patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of an incisional hernia diagnosis. Chi-squared and Student’s t-tests were used to identify demographic and comorbidities between the 2 cohorts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for incisional hernia development.

Results

A total of 165,110 patients underwent ALIF during the study period, of whom 4164 (2.52%) developed an incisional hernia. The mean and median time to diagnosis were 1093 ± 1030 days and 728 days, respectively. Independent risk factors for incisional hernia included obesity (aOR: 1.19), smoking (aOR: 1.09), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (aOR: 1.25), ascites (aOR: 2.16), surgical site infection (SSI) (aOR: 1.96), malnutrition (aOR:1.56), and two-level ALIF (aOR: 1.12) (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The incidence of incisional hernia following ALIF is 2.52%, with obesity, smoking, COPD, ascites, SSI, malnutrition, and two-level surgeries identified as independent risk factors. Spine surgeons should implement risk mitigation strategies including weight loss, smoking cessation, and nutritional support. Future research should explore the impact of surgical techniques on hernia risk such as open vs minimally invasive ALIF, incision type, and suture methods, on hernia prevention, as well as evaluate the efficacy of targeted rehabilitation protocols in reducing hernia risk.
Prefiguring Research-Practice Partnerships to Pursue Racial Justice in Education
Authors: Wilson Camille M. , Hetrick Carolyn , Smith Richard J. , Larsosa Jasahn
Published: February 2025

Processes of integrating explicit anti-racist goals in research-practice partnerships is under-examined in scholarship, yet intentional anti-racist research-practice partnership (RPP) design and implementation can leverage liberatory and collaborative action research approaches that address the root of racial inequities and advance corrective measures to justly service youth and their families. In this paper, authors analyze qualitative data from the first year of their RPP to describe how they approached their design and launching process as a form of prefiguring for racial justice. They pinpoint how their efforts yielded opportunities, challenges, tensions, and benefits. Their process aligned with Akom’s (2011) Black Emancipatory Action Research (BEAR) framework, which is conceptualized with Afrocentric lenses, honors Black communities, and constructs research as a tool for Black liberation and self-determination. Authors detail findings related to inviting authentic community engagement with justice-driven partners, nurturing youth-centered critical care, disrupting Whiteness norms, and revisiting and negotiating RPP expectations.
Anterior Cerebral Artery Strokes with Isolated Supplementary Motor Area Involvement Presenting with Fluctuating Deficits
Authors: Ramesh Rithvik , Ranganathan Lakshmi Narasimhan , Shanmugam Sundar , Hazeena Philo , Avadhani Deepa
Published: February 2025

Background

Strokes involving the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) are known for lower limb predominant weakness and features like motor neglect and alien hand syndrome. While fluctuating neurological deficits are common in middle cerebral artery strokes, they are less reported in ACA territory strokes. This case series presents three patients with waxing and waning weakness in ACA infarcts involving the supplementary motor area (SMA).

Methods

Three patients with isolated medial parasagittal infarcts involving SMA were included in the study between 2019 and 2024. Clinical assessments, including blood pressure monitoring, imaging (computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), risk factor evaluation and cardiac workup, were done. The fluctuating symptoms were recorded, and no major post-stroke complications were observed.

Results

All patients exhibited fluctuating neurological deficits, defined as changes in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥2, with episodes of improvement and worsening before eventual recovery. The infarcts localised to the SMA, suggesting a unique mechanism being involved, similar to the SMA syndrome. This pattern has been termed ‘pendular stroke’, reflecting the oscillating nature of the deficits.

Conclusions

The fluctuating course observed in these ACA strokes may represent a form of SMA syndrome. Recognising this pattern as ‘pendular stroke’ can guide clinicians to make informed management decisions and avoid unnecessary interventions for transient worsening of symptoms.
Emerging biomarkers for CD3×CD20 bispecific antibodies in lymphoma
Authors: Lewis Cameron S , Barraclough Allison , Hawkes Eliza A
Published: February 2025

Novel CD3xCD20 bispecific (BsAb) immunotherapies have entered the armamentarium for follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on accelerated approvals. The primary challenge in utilizing BsAbs lies in patient selection due to variable responses, unique toxicity, and health economics. To date, no validated biomarkers of therapy response exist, however data demonstrating potential clinical, imaging and biological markers relating to BsAb are growing. This review examines current prognostic and potentially predictive biomarkers and explores future directions for nuanced patient selection.