bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quilting: A Cost-effective Technique to Reduce Seroma after Mastectomy
Authors: Alazhri Jamila , Abdulla Hussain A , Alghamdi Salma
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Seroma is the most common complication after mastectomy. Various previously reported methods have all been ineffective in preventing seroma and therefore, drains are traditionally used. Mechanical closure of the dead space using quilting sutures has been found to reduce the incidence of seroma. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of quilting on postoperative seroma formation after mastectomy in patients who underwent quilting compared to those who underwent conventional wound closure.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent a mastectomy between 2020 and 2023. In the quilting technique, mastectomy skin flaps were sutured to the pectoralis major muscle or fascia by interrupted deep dermal sutures using size 3/0 absorbable multifilament suture with round-body needle. Only one drain was used and it was removed if output was less than 30 ml per 24 hours for 3 consecutive days.

Results: 44 patients underwent conventional wound closure and 32 had quilting suture. On the first postoperative day, patients who underwent quilting had approximately 33% less volume of drainage than those with conventional wound closure (71.7 vs 106.7 ml, P = 0.006). Quilting suture was associated with a shorter time to drain removal (8.35 vs 13.1 days, P = 0.007). There was no difference in terms of surgical site infection and other wound complications, including hematoma and wound dehiscence.

Conclusion: Quilting sutures after mastectomy reduces postoperative seroma and time to drain removal by 30-40% compared to conventional wound closure. Quilting reduces healthcare consumption through reduction in wound complications, less clinic visits, shorter hospital stays and less patient discomfort.
Factors Associated with Progress from First Appointment to Surgery in a Public Bariatric Service
Authors: Gunawardene Ashok , Burton Thomas , Heath Carlie , French Rowan
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Obesity is a major global public health problem with significant psychological and physical impacts as well as associated costs to healthcare systems. Bariatric surgery is an important tool in the treatment of obesity and previous studies have shown poor rates of progression to surgery in patients referred for surgery. The aim of this study was to identify patient and disease factors associated with successful progression from First Specialist Assessment (FSA) to Surgery in our public bariatric service.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients seen at Waikato Hospital’s public bariatric clinic between January 2017 and December 2020. Patient demographics and disease characteristics including BMI and comorbidities were analysed to identify factors associated with progression to surgery.

Results: Of 359 patients in total, 92 patients (25.6%) ultimately received surgery and were more likely to be Europeans aged 20-50 years. By ethnicity, rate of progression to surgery was lowest among Mori patients (19.2%).

Conclusion: We found a low proportion of patients to progress through to surgery at our publicly-funded bariatric service. Progression to surgery was especially low among Mori patients who made up a significant proportion of our cohort.
Osteonecrosis of the Hip, a Complication of Radiation Therapy in Cervical Cancer: Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Safaa Alshakankery , Hala Ellathy , Susan Alghamdi , Ahmed Aldhafiri
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Cervical cancer is reported as the fourth most common cancer among females worldwide after breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. In Saudi Arabia it is the eighth most common form of cancer among females aged 15 to 44 years. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common subtype of cervical cancer, followed by adenocarcinoma. Radiotherapy has a principal role in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer, either as an adjuvant treatment after surgery in the presence of risk factors or as a primary curative treatment, used in combination with chemotherapy and a brachytherapy boost to the primary site.

Radiotherapy for patients with cervical cancer has been used as an effective cure and increasing rates of long-term survival. Pelvic Radiation can cause variable side effects on pelvic organs including the small bowel, rectum, anus, bone and bone marrow, bladder, urethra, ureter, vulva, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and sexual organs.

Aim: The aim of this report is to present a case of femoral head necrosis after a therapeutic pelvic irradiation of cervical cancer to draw physicians’ attention to that clinical problem which continues to be underestimated. It is necessary to consider bone structures among organ at risk (OAR) involved in irradiation fields and differentiate the bone changes secondary to radiation exposure from bone metastasis, also differentiate radiation-induced sarcoma as late complication to avoid improper management.

Case Report: A 35-year-old female was diagnosed with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (international Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIC1) after she presented to the gynecologist complaining of post-coital vaginal bleeding and intermenstrual bleeding.

The patient received chemoradiotherapy followed by brachytherapy. After completion of treatment, she had a follow up radiological imaging which revealed a complete radiological and pathological response. During her routine followup, she complained of tingling electric pain with numbness referred to her back and lower limbs, PET scan revealed non avid right femoral head and right ala of the sacrum lesions likely post radiotherapy osteonecrosis. Follow up after 3-months with MRI pelvis confirmed the diagnosis of post radiotherapy osteonecrosis.

Conclusion: The radiotherapy tends to be used to treat advanced stage cervical cancer, and these patients usually do well clinically. However, radiation exposure can initiate regional complications to the exposed pelvic organs. Pelvic bone osteonecrosis is a serious complication of pelvic radiation which may affect patients’ quality of life and requires more attention.
Double Diabetes: Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in Sudanese Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hammad Alaa Ali Elsharief , SI Abdelaziz , Hamid Salih HS
Published: January 2025

Background: Double diabetes is a combination of characteristics of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. The presence of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome are risk markers for macrovascular disease and several studies have found an increased incidence of chronic complications in T1DM patients with double diabetes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance (double diabetes) among T1DM at Gabir Abualiz Hospital, Khartoum State March to November 2020.

Method: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted at Gaber Abu-Aliz Hospital during the period from August to November 2020, in which 60 T1DM patients were enrolled. Insulin resistance was assessed by estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), a low rate correlates with increased insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria.

Results: Among 60 patients, the majority were females (81.7%). Metabolic syndrome was found in 27% of patients and abdominal obesity (male WC> 40; female WC> 35 inches) was the component of the metabolic syndrome in 42% of patients. The mean eGDR was 7.88 (2.6-11.6), and 25% had low eGDR levels (most insulin resistance < 4.5). The metabolic syndrome was significantly common among patients with eGDR below 3rd tertile (< 7.8) (P value= 0.000). Moreover, the presence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance was significantly associated with obesity, positive family history of T2DM, Lantus use, HbA1c above 9%, retinopathy and nephropathy.

Conclusions: The features of double diabetes (metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance) are common among Sudanese T1DM patients. Both metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were significantly correlated with poor glycemic control, obesity, positive T2DM family history and microangiopathic complications.
CHALLENGES TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RULE OF LAW IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russian Federation, LYUBUSHKIN V.A.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the research. The article is devoted to the study of the concept, essence of legality at the current stage of development of law, as well as guarantees to ensure legality in the Russian Federation. Doctrinal approaches to the definition of law are presented. Approaches to possible ways of resolving problems of law are being studied. The purpose of the study is to study the problems of legal implementation in the Russian Federation. The article uses dialectical, historical, formal-legal, logical, comparative-legal and other methods of cognition.

Results. The concept of legality in the Russian legal system and its constant analysis has a positive effect on increasing transparency and accountability. The relevance of the issue of studying the rule of law in the Russian legal system is extremely important for maintaining human rights and protecting the rights of citizens. Equality of law is the most important aspect of the rule of law in modern Russia. The most significant problems of legality are corruption, access to justice, legal complexity, a rebooted legal system, inconsistent application of the law, lack of transparency, and human rights violations. The solution to the problems of legality in the modern legal system of the Russian Federation is seen in anti-corruption measures, access to justice, simplification of legal norms, modernization of the legal system, increasing the level of training and education of professional lawyers, and strengthening the protection of human rights. Aspects of ensuring the rule of law include: the method of checks and countermeasures, the independence of the judiciary, ensuring the protection of individual rights, the Constitution of the Russian Federation as the most important legal document governing the rule of law in the state, civil society as the most important tool for maintaining the legitimacy of the modern legal system in the Russian Federation.
PROPERTY RIGHTS AS SUBJECTIVE CIVIL RIGHTS
Authors:   Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, RYABZIN R.A.
Published: January 2025

The article is devoted to the analysis of the legal category of property rights, considered as subjective civil rights. The author focuses on the study of the general category of subjective civil rights. It is noted that the prevailing point of view in the doctrine is the understanding of subjective civil rights as a measure of possible (permissible) behavior of an authorized person. However, this is not the only position of scientists. In particular, many scientists reveal the legal nature of the concept under consideration through the possibility of demanding certain behavior from an obligated person, the possibility of using a mechanism of state coercion in case of non-fulfillment by an obligated person and the possibility of an authorized person using a certain social good on the basis of subjective civil law belonging to him. The article highlights the doctrinal discussions about the possibility of the existence of subjective law "outside the legal relationship", as well as the criteria for distinguishing absolute and relative legal relations. As a result of the conducted research, the author formulated the following theoretical definition of property subjective rights, which are proposed to be understood as a means of satisfying the property need (interest) of an authorized person, by its legal nature expressed in the possibility of a person's behavior secured and protected by the norms of objective law in relation to the object of subjective civil law (in absolute legal relations) or in relation to a third person (in legal relations of obligations).
SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION AS A SUBJECT OF LEGAL RELATIONSHIP
Authors:   Institute for Strategy of Education Development, Moscow, Russia, VASSILCHENKO N.V.
Published: January 2025

The article raises the issue of the deficit of legal foundation of social partnership in education, in particular agreement on the partnership. The review of recent pedagogical and sociological researches on public private partnership in education suggests that despite regular incentive efforts of the federal government, the examples of such partnership are random, popular with enterprises with state participation, and thus ineffective nationwide. The objective of the article is a research of existing law for the agreement on partnership between educational establishment and economic entity, legally reliable as well as economically and socially attractive for both parties. From this point of view, Labour Code and Federal Laws of the Russian Federation, along with recent scientific research in Civil Law have been studied. It is stated that the definition of social partnership as well as public private partnership are unable to encompass the wholeness of interaction, which is understood as social partnership in education. Scientific research confirms that the definition of public private partnership, its object, the legal status of the latter ought to be diversified. The potential of non-profit partnership that will permit shifting the function of the state from execution of its social obligations to its control is revealed. In conclusion, the definition of social non-profit partnership in education is suggested, yet it needs to be appraised as well as studied further. This in turn should attract professional attention to the issue.
IMPROVING LEGISLATION IN THE FIELD OF ENSURING STATE AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Authors:   Dagestan State University, Makhachkala, Russian Federation, ZIYADOVA D.Z. , DIEVA M.G. ,   Tambov State Technical University, Tambov, Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

The scientific report concerns some areas of improvement of criminal legislation in the field of ensuring state and public security in the digital world. In recent years, there has been an increase in foreign attempts to change Russia's foreign policy through interference from abroad in the affairs of the state, including through the extensive use of digital technology. Such interventions are directed against State and public security. In modern conditions, the activities of the Russian Federation are aimed at strengthening state power, preventing and repelling attempts to interfere in internal affairs. In this format, the effectiveness and efficiency of legislation, especially criminal law norms, is important. Criminal law should serve to create a new national security system within the framework of the strategic interests of the Russian state. In recent years, in order to improve the system of stability, security and integrity of the state, the legislator has supplemented Chapter 29 of the Criminal Code with new norms. Some definitions have sparked discussions in the theory of criminal law. The authors note their point of view and suggest some ways to eliminate gaps. The choice of the research topic is also determined by the criminological features of financing terrorist and extremist crime in the digital age. The financing of terrorist activities has taken on a more veiled form in a digital society. In order to establish a criminological picture of criminal financing and other criminal encroachments on state and national interests, sociological methods have been widely used.
PROBLEMS OF LEGAL REGULATION OF INITIATION OF CRIMINAL CASES ON FRAUD
Authors:   Middle-Volga Institute (branch) of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “All-Russian State University of Justice (RPA of the Ministry of Justice of Russia)”, Saransk, Russian Federation, SMOLIN A.G. , SHIGUROV A.V.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of the study. The rapid growth of fraud committed in recent years (26 % in 2023) indicates the need to improve the legal framework for the activities of preliminary investigation bodies. The article examines a number of current issues of legal regulation of proceedings at the stage of initiating a criminal case.

Conclusions. Taking into account the objective need to legalize long pre-investigation check periods in fraud cases, where more than 30% of criminal cases are initiated in excess of the maximum period established by law, the authors propose to allow the prosecutor or the head of the investigative body of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation to extend the check at the stage of case initiation for a period of more than 30 days. The article considers the problem of production at the stage of initiation of a criminal case of a seizure required when checking reports of fraud. Noting the debatable nature of this issue, as well as the existence of contradictory judicial practice, the authors propose, firstly, to clarify the wording of Part 1 of Article 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, including a seizure among the permitted investigative actions, and secondly, until the law is amended, to be guided by the position of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, set out in the resolution of August 25, 2017 No. 16-UD17-16, which substantiates the legality of this investigative action. The authors also draw attention to the need to unify the powers of the investigator and the inquiry officer to obtain information on accounts and deposits of individuals, since the need to promptly obtain information on money transfers, receipt of money from victims to specific individuals exists not only during the investigation of qualified fraud, but also in simple cases that fall under the jurisdiction of the inquiry authorities.
QUANTITATIVE RISK ANALYSIS TOOLS FOR INVESTING IN DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSETS
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, DOBRINA MARIA V. , CHERNOV VICTOR P. ,   Saint-Petersburg State University of Economics, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the risks associated with investing in digital financial assets, including credit, market, liquid, technological, legal and tax aspects. The purpose of this work is to analyze the risks associated with investing in digital financial assets, taking into account the current legal framework and market specifics. Tasks: quantitative analysis of credit risk; assessment of market risk and volatility; quantitative analysis of liquidity risk; analysis of legal risks; quantitative analysis of technological risks; quantitative analysis of tax risks; a model for assessing total profitability and risk as a quantitative analysis tool; the VaR model as a quantitative risk analysis tool; the Monte Carlo model as a quantitative risk analysis tool. Methods and models: The quantitative analysis method is used in this work. Special attention is paid to mathematical models for risk assessment and management, such as the credit risk model.
FEATURES OF ACCOUNTING FOR FINANCIAL ASSETS IN BUDGETARY INSTITUTIONS
Authors:   Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation, GAPONENKO VLADIMIR F. , BURTSEVA EVGENIYA V. ,   Institute of Public Administration and Management of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this article is to conduct a study of the features of accounting for financial assets in budgetary institutions. The theoretical significance of this article is that the refined approaches proposed by the authors to the definition of financial assets make it possible in the future to formulate a unified, legislatively fixed approach to the content of the definition considered in the article. The practical significance of the presented research is that the measures proposed by the authors aimed at improving the efficiency of managing the financial assets of budgetary institutions have been established, and if implemented, they will make it possible to convert funds into federal budget revenues, which in some cases are stored in personal accounts. The return of these assets to financial circulation by transferring them to state revenues will not only increase the economic efficiency of their use, but also bring a certain positive contribution to the development of the national economy. The conclusions obtained in the course of the study are as follows: scientific research related to the mechanism of accounting for financial assets in budgetary institutions is systematized, the features of its development in modern conditions are disclosed.
USE OF PROJECTION RESEARCH METHODS IN DETERMINING THE KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SERVICE POSITIONING
Authors:   The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation, GAVRILINA OLGA P. , PROKHOROVA IRINA G. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

In modern conditions of a dynamically changing market, growing competition, understanding consumer behavior, preferences and needs is of paramount importance for the development of effective marketing strategies, as well as the formation of the right brand of the company that meets the expectations and preferences of consumers. The vector of attention today is primarily aimed at studying the deep characteristics of the preferences of the target audience, potential consumers in order to create a highly effective marketing strategy for promoting goods and services, as well as targeting and PR. Traditional research methods, such as surveys and focus groups, are often insufficient for in-depth understanding and analysis of motivations and emotional factors influencing consumer decision-making. In this regard, the projection method, which is a set of certain projective techniques and aimed at identifying hidden attitudes and associations, is becoming increasingly relevant in marketing research. In this article, the authors consider the educational services market, which currently has a high level of competition, which may complicate the effective positioning of universities. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to understand the deep attitudes and motives of the target audience, which can be helped by projective techniques that allow you to identify hidden aspects of brand perception. The purpose of the author's research is to study the application of the method of unfinished sentences to analyze the positioning of the university and identification of an associative series associated with the university brand in the student environment.
ON THE ISSUE OF THE FREE USE OF WORKS LOCATED IN A PUBLIC PLACE
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, SVIRIDOVA EKATERINA A.
Published: January 2025

The article examines the criteria for the permissibility of the free use of works of art and architecture located in places open to the public, from the point of view of maintaining a balance between the interests of society and the copyright holder. The subject of the study is a comparative analysis of the limits of fair use of a work posted in a public place in Russian legislation and the law of France, the USA and Japan. It is concluded that in Anglo-Saxon law, the court establishes a balance of interests, determining the admissibility of the priority of private interest over the author's right. The French legal system puts the interests of the author before the public interest, and any exceptions to the author's monopoly right are legally limited. Japanese law allocates ownership of the original work of art, limiting the limits of the owner's control over the tangible object. When determining the permissible application of criteria for the free use of individual parts of a landscape garden.
Peran Kiai Dalam Menanggulangi Fenomena Bullying Di Pondok Pesantren Tahfidhul Qur’an Safinatul Huda Diwek Jombang
Authors: M Faris Annabili  , Shobihus Surur
Published: January 2025

Peran kiai sebagai tokoh sentral dalam pesantren menjadi sorotan dalam penelitian ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap peran kiai dalam mengatasi fenomena bullying di Pondok Pesantren Safinatul Huda. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif dan studi kasus, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa kiai memiliki peran krusial dalam berbagai aspek pesantren, termasuk dalam mencegah dan mengatasi bullying. Bullying yang terjadi di pesantren ini disebabkan oleh adanya ketidakseimbangan kekuasaan, baik secara fisik maupun psikologis. Korban sering kali sulit membela diri karena merasa lemah. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, kiai di Pondok Pesantren Safinatul Huda telah menerapkan program TASABA (Taaruf Santri Baru) sebagai upaya preventif. Program ini bertujuan untuk menciptakan iklim yang kondusif dan mengurangi resiko terjadinya bullying. Selain itu, kiai juga memberikan penanganan tegas terhadap kasus bullying yang terjadi.
Approaches and applications in transdermal and transpulmonary gene drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Anni , Zhang Xuran , Chen Jiahui , Shi Xianbao , Yu Xijuan , He Zhonggui , Sun Jin , Sun Mengchi , Liu Zhijun
Published: January 2025

Gene therapy has emerged as a pivotal component in the treatment of diverse genetic and acquired human diseases. However, effective gene delivery remains a formidable challenge to overcome. The presence of degrading enzymes, acidic pH conditions, and the gastrointestinal mucus layer pose significant barriers for genetic therapy, necessitating exploration of alternative therapeutic options. In recent years, transdermal and transpulmonary gene delivery modalities offer promising avenues with multiple advantages, such as non-invasion, avoided liver first-pass effect and improved patient compliance. Considering the rapid development of gene therapeutics via transdermal and transpulmonary administration, here we aim to summarize the nearest advances in transdermal and transpulmonary gene drug delivery. In this review, we firstly elaborate on current delivery carrier in gene therapy. We, further, describe approaches and applications for enhancing transdermal and transpulmonary gene delivery encompassing microneedles, chemical enhancers, physical methods for transdermal administration as well as nebulized formulations, dry powder formulations, and pressurized metered dose formulations for efficient transpulmonary delivery. Last but not least, the opportunities and outlooks of gene therapy through both administrated routes are highlighted.
Comparative efficacy of repurposed drugs lopinavir-ritonavir and darunavir-ritonavir in hospitalised COVID-19 patients: insights from a tertiary centre cohort
Authors: Paróczai Dóra , Bikov András , Blidaru Andreea , Bobu Emanuel , Lascu Ana , Mot Cristian Ion , Mihaicuta Stefan , Frent Stefan
Published: January 2025

Background

Drug repurposing has become a widely adopted strategy to minimise research time, costs, and associated risks. Combinations of protease inhibitors such as lopinavir and darunavir with ritonavir have been repurposed as treatments for COVID-19. Although lopinavir-ritonavir (LPV/r) and darunavir-ritonavir (DRV/r) have shown in vitro efficacy against COVID-19, the results in human studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, our objective was to compare the efficacy of LPV/r and DRV/r in COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary centre in Romania.

Research design and methods

A clinical dataset from 417 hospitalised patients was analysed. Patients were assigned to the LPV/r, DRV/r, or control (standard-of-care) group based on clinical decisions made by the attending infectious disease specialists, aligned with national treatment protocols. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted to compare in-hospital mortality and to identify factors associated with clinical improvement or fatal outcomes.

Results

By day 10, more patients showed improvement with LPV/r and DRV/r (p=0.03 and 0.01, respectively), but only LPV/r was associated with improved survival compared to the control group (p=0.05). Factors associated with mortality included male gender (HR: 3.63, p=0.02), diabetes (HR: 2.49, p=0.03), oxygen saturation below 90% at admission (HR: 5.23, p<0.01), high blood glucose levels (HR: 3.68, p=0.01), age (HR: 1.04, p=0.02), and more than 25% lesion extension on chest CT scan (HR: 2.28, p=0.03).

Conclusions

LPV/r, but not DRV/r, showed a survival benefit in patients hospitalised with COVID-19, but these findings deserve further investigation in a randomised clinical trial.
Investigating the relationship between prenatal androgen exposure and sleep quality: a comprehensive study using anthropometric measurements, questionnaires, actigraphy, and polysomnography
Authors: Bartoszek Adrian , Sawic Magdalena , Pierzchała Karol , Kudrycka Aleksandra , Białasiewicz Piotr , Kuczyński Wojciech
Published: January 2025

Background

The 2D:4D digit ratio (DR), representing the relative length of the index finger to the ring finger, is an anthropometric marker that shows sexual dimorphism, with males typically having a lower ratio than females. This parameter is linked to prenatal androgen exposure (PAE), which influences sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between PAE and sleep among young adults.

Methods

Anthropometric measurements were used to assess PAE, while sleep was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), actigraphy, and polysomnography (PSG). Data was collected from 720 participants via surveys, with 290 completing all questionnaires. Of these, 138 underwent anthropometric measurements, and 38 were further recruited for actigraphy, PSG.

Results

Men exhibited a lower 2D:4D ratio than women, indicating higher PAE. The average PSQI score was 6.94 ± 2.98, and the MEQ score was 35.43 ± 19.59, with no significant gender differences in sleep quality or chronotype. Low PAE was associated with better sleep efficiency and a morning chronotype, but worse sleep quality in males. Actigraphy results showed no significant differences based on PAE. PSG data revealed that males with longer 2nd fingers and higher 2D:4D ratios were more likely to suffer from mild sleep apnea, a pattern not observed in women. PAE did not significantly impact other sleep architecture parameters.

Conclusions

PAE, indicated by the 2D:4D ratio, is linked to sleep efficiency and chronotype, with significant gender differences. Men with lower PAE exhibited poorer sleep quality, and those with certain finger length patterns were more prone to mild sleep apnea. These findings underscore the potential long-term impacts of PAE on sleep health and emphasize the need for further research into gender-specific sleep regulation mechanisms.
Mendelian randomization studies of risk and protective factors for osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ji Wenhao , Pan Bin , Chen Xin , Lao Zhaobai , Yang Wanlei , Qian Yu
Published: January 2025

Background

Mendelian randomization is believed to attenuate the biases inherent in observational studies, yet a meta-analysis of Mendelian randomization studies in osteoporosis has not been conducted thus far. This study aims to evaluate the connection between potential causal factors and the risk of osteoporosis by synthesizing evidence from Mendelian randomization studies.

Methods

The databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched for Mendelian randomization studies investigating factors influencing osteoporosis up to May 2024. Meta-analyses were conducted to assess the associations between various potential pathogenic factors and osteoporosis using Mendelian Randomization studies. The quality of the study was evaluated according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology via Mendelian Randomization (STROBE-MR) guidelines.

Results

A total of 706 potentially relevant articles were screened, resulting in the inclusion of 53 studies in the systematic review, of which 30 were eligible for the meta-analysis. The combined findings from these 30 studies revealed that rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, sex hormone binding globulin, depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, primary biliary cholangitis and asthma are associated with increased risk of osteoporosis, while basal metabolic rate and gut microbiota (NB1n) serves as a protective factor. However, the association between obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metformin, ulcerative colitis, leisure sedentary behaviors, systemic lupus erythematosus, serum iron and osteoporosis was found to be nonsignificant.

Conclusion

In summary, our meta-analysis indicates that significant causal relationships with osteoporosis’s onset and progression have been established for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, primary biliary cholangitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, depression, sex hormone binding globulin, basal metabolic rate, gut microbiota (NB1n), and asthma.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier PROSPERO CRD42024540504.
Potential implications of granzyme B in keloids and hypertrophic scars through extracellular matrix remodeling and latent TGF-β activation
Authors: Aubert Alexandre , Goeres Jenna , Liu Amy , Kao Martin , Richardson Katlyn C. , Jung Karen , Hinz Boris , Crawford Richard I. , Granville David J.
Published: January 2025

Keloid scars (KS) and hypertrophic scars (HS) are fibroproliferative wound healing defects characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the dermis of affected individuals. Although transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is known to be involved in the formation of KS and HS, the molecular mechanisms responsible for its activation remain unclear. In this study we investigated Granzyme B (GzmB), a serine protease with established roles in fibrosis and scarring through the cleavage of ECM proteins, as a potential new mediator of TGF-β activation in KS and HS. Increased GzmB-positive mast cells were identified in the dermis of KS and HS but not healthy skin controls. Elevated levels of substance P, a neuropeptide involved in mast cell degranulation, suggest that GzmB is released extracellularly, as confirmed by the significant reduction of the established extracellular GzmB substrate decorin in KS and HS. Similarly, presence of latent TGF-β binding protein 1 (LTBP1), a protein involved in the extracellular tethering of latent TGF-β, was disrupted proximal to the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) of GzmBhigh KS and HS lesions. Using LTBP1-enriched medium as well as purified LTBP1, its cleavage by GzmB was confirmed in vitro. Increased TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway was observed in keratinocytes treated with GzmB-digested LTBP1 and was abolished by the addition of a pan-TGF-β inhibitor, suggesting that GzmB cleavage of LTBP1 contributes to TGF-β activation. In dermal fibroblasts, GzmB also cleaved cell-derived LTBP1 and induced TGF-β activation through the cleavage of one or more unidentified fibroblast-secreted proteins. Altogether, the present results suggest that GzmB contributes to KS and HS through ECM remodeling and TGF-β activation.
Factors influencing glycocalyx degradation: a narrative review
Authors: Wang Jing , Ma Lan , Fang Yu , Ye Tengteng , Li Hongbo , Lan Peng
Published: January 2025

The glycocalyx is a layer of villus-like structure covering the luminal surface of vascular endothelial cells. Damage to the glycocalyx has been proven linked to the development of many diseases. However, the factors that promote damage to the glycocalyx are not fully elaborated. This review summarizes factors leading to the reduction of the glycocalyx in detail, including inflammatory factors, ischemia-reperfusion, oxidative stress, lipids, glucose, high sodium, female sex hormones and others. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying its degradation are discussed. To better prevent and treat related diseases induced by glycocalyx degradation, it is a meaningful measure to avoid these factors.
Intravenous immunoglobulin for mortality and inflammatory status in patients with sepsis: a retrospective database study
Authors: Takano Hayabusa , Kanda Naoki , Wakimoto Yuji , Ohbe Hiroyuki , Nakamura Kensuke
Published: January 2025

Background

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by severe infection. The efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as adjunctive therapy on mortality remains controversial. Moreover, IVIG may favorably affect sepsis-induced immunosuppression like persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism syndrome (PICS).

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study using inpatient claims database provided by Medical Data Vision, which included approximately 190,000 episodes of intensive care unit admissions in Japanese acute care hospitals between April 2008 and September 2021. We used a propensity score-matched analysis to compare outcomes between the IVIG and control groups. Primary outcomes were 28-day mortality, while secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, the Barthel Index at discharge, length of hospital stay and laboratory data (albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lymphocyte count) on days 14 and 28.

Results

Of the 17,626 patients enrolled, 15,159 (786 in the IVIG group and 14,373 in the control group) were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching generated 758 matched pairs. Before matching, 28-day mortality and in-hospital mortality were lower in the control group; however, in the matched cohort, 28-day mortality was significantly lower in the IVIG group than in the control group (90/758 [11.9%] vs 124/758 [16.4%]; risk difference [95% confidence intervals (CI)], -4.5% [-8.0% to -1.0%]; P = 0.015). In-hospital mortality in the matched cohort was also significantly more favorable in the IVIG group (137/758 [18.1%] vs 177/758 [23.4%]; risk difference [95%CI], -5.3% [-9.3% to -1.2%]; P = 0.013). Favorable outcomes in terms of albumin on days14 and 28 and CRP levels on day 28 were observed in the IVIG group.

Conclusions

The administration of IVIG was associated with a reduction in sepsis mortality and favorable outcomes in laboratory parameters and the functional status. These results will contribute to the ongoing debate on the efficacy of IVIG for sepsis. The results obtained herein suggest the benefit of IVIG, particularly in mitigating PICS. Further research, including prospective studies, is warranted to confirm these results and examine long-term outcomes.
Tracking shoreline change using minimum convolution of Gaussian weight and squared differences
Authors: Yoo Hojun , Kim Hyoseob , Kang Tae Soon , Park Jin Young , Kim Jong Beom
Published: January 2025

Detecting and responding appropriately to temporal changes in the shoreline is an important task for protecting coasts. Video monitoring has been utilized as a powerful tool for detecting shoreline changes. Existing shoreline-tracking methods include the threshold methods, colour intensity gradient methods, and neural networks, which involve ad-hoc assignment of the threshold values, drawing shore-normal transects, and heavy preliminary training for each coast with many data, respectively. The study applies a new boundary tracking method using Minimum Convolution of Gaussian Weight and Squared Differences (MCGWSD). The new method is fast and effective in a sense that it does not need ad-hoc threshold, drawing of transects, or pre-training. This method tracks boundary lines between two zones with no thickness by inversely tracking every pixel of the late image. The MCGWSD method is first examined for various image distortions, i.e. translation, linear deformation, angular deformation, and rotation of images. Images of a part of orange peel are chosen for the test, where a boundary line is artificially drawn, not necessarily following clear object boundary, but crosses over small patterns. The new method satisfactorily tracks the movement of boundary line at the tests. Then field video images of Jangsa Beach between 1 September 2020 and 15 September 2020, when typhoons Maysak and Haishen hit the coast, are examined to track the shoreline movement. Ground truth shoreline information at the coast during the time is not available, and results of existing colour intensity gradient method PIMACS are assumed true. According to PIMACS results on the beach width along two transects during the period, the shoreline underwent a movement up to 6 m. The new MCGWSD method tracks the shoreline position, and its results show good agreement with PIMACS results along two transects. The merits of the present method are that it produces shoreline change over the whole domain, and shore-normal transects are not needed. The present method effectively tracks the shoreline retreat or advance of as small as 1 pixel of image. The new method could be used for tracking shoreline change at arbitrary geometry even with sharp corners.
Klebsiella pneumoniae in stranded California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) of Central California between 2017-2022
Authors: Zotto Sydney N. , Dunkin Robin C. , Limon Juliana D. , Smith Maia S. , Hortensius Lisabet M. , Martinez Margaret E. , Duignan Pádraig J. , Field Cara , Soto Esteban , Whitaker Dane , Rios Carlos , Byukusenge Maurice , Jayarao Bhushan , Kuchipudi Suresh V. , Kinsley Amy C.
Published: January 2025

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, and non-motile bacillus frequently observed in mammals. A hypermucoviscous (HMV) phenotype of K. pneumoniae is reported in stranded California sea lions (CSL) causing pleuritis and bronchopneumonia as a persistent cause of strandings. We describe an increase in cases of HMV and non-HMV K. pneumoniae in stranded CSLs along the California coast between 2017 to 2022. 2,146 live-stranded CSLs were rescued by The Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, California). 47 of these tested positive for K. pneumoniae, with a rise in annual incidence from 0.92% (3/331) in 2017 to 8.5% (14/165) and 7.2% (23/320) in 2021 and 2022, respectively. These strandings occurred across 965 kilometers along the North-Central California coast from Bodega Bay, Sonoma, to Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo. A similar pattern was observed in beach-cast CSL carcasses by the Long Marine Laboratory (LML) Stranding Network in Santa Cruz, California who had 8 CSLs test positive for K. pneumoniae with an annual incidence rate of 2.0% (1/50) and 10.1% (7/69) in 2021 and 2022, respectively, with no cases reported prior to 2021. We applied whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to 8 isolates obtained by LML in 2022. WGS analysis revealed high nucleotide similarity between any pair of isolates. Multilocus Sequence Typing showed that all isolates belonged to Sequence type 65 and contained the K2 polysaccharide capsule and siderophore aerobactin, which are all characteristics of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. We discuss possible causes for this trend and a need for research on K. pneumoniae in free-ranging CSLs in California.
Decadal transformations of antarctic sea ice modes
Authors: Guo Benli , Yang Peng , Yuan Jie , Xing Honglian , Yuan Wenjie , Meng Yuanku
Published: January 2025

In light of ongoing global warming and the accelerated melting of Antarctic sea ice, this study aims to analyze the recent changes in the principal modes of Antarctic sea ice over the past decade, utilizing Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) techniques. The results indicate that Antarctic sea ice has shifted from a growth trend of 1.7% per year in the previous decade to a melting trend in almost all regions, except the Amundsen Sea. The decline is particularly pronounced during autumn and winter, with rates of -7.1% and -6.5% per year, respectively. The Weddell Sea and West Pacific exhibit the fastest declines at -6.1% and -5.8% per year, leading to an overall average melting trend of -4.6% per year. Furthermore, the dominant mode of Antarctic sea ice has shifted from the Antarctic Dipole (ADP) pattern in the previous decade to a melting trend in the most recent period. This transition is closely linked to the increase in sea surface temperatures (SST) and surface air temperatures (SAT) in the Southern Ocean, which contribute to the pronounced ice melt observed in recent years. This research enhances our understanding of Antarctic sea ice dynamics and provides valuable insights for future studies on sea ice variability and prediction.
Fasting for male fertility—a mixed methods study
Authors: May Katharina T. , Behling Jocelyn , Sochiera-Plegniere Katharina , Batschari Katharina , Kessler Christian S. , Michalsen Andreas , Kandil Farid I. , Blakeslee Sarah B. , Jeitler Michael , Stritter Wiebke , Koppold Daniela A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Approximately 10–20% of couples in Germany are unable to conceive. About 50% of this subfertility can be attributed to the male partner. Preclinical studies suggest that fasting could potentially influence central mechanisms of spermatogenesis. This study aimed at investigating feasibility and effects of a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) in the context of male subfertility.

Materials and methods

In this two-arm, randomized, controlled, exploratory mixed methods study men with impaired sperm quality were randomized into a fasting and a waiting-list control group. The fasting group followed an FMD (500 kcal/d for 5 days) thrice within 4 months, while the control group was instructed to maintain their lifestyle and diet. We assessed sperm quality according to WHO criteria (total and progressive sperm motility, concentration, total sperm count, ejaculation volume and sperm morphology) from baseline to 6 months later. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a subgroup and evaluated by structured content analysis.

Results

Recruitment proved difficult, with 18 out of only 22 recruited participants completing all visits. There were no marked group differences between fasters (n = 10, 36.9 ± 5.17 years) and controls (n = 8, 36.1 ± 2.8 years) regarding sperm parameters. Effect sizes suggest slight positive trends regarding between group changes in the ANCOVA for total sperm motility (eta2 = 0.030) progressive sperm motility (eta2 = 0.059), total sperm count (eta2 = 0.001), concentration (eta2 = 0.050), normal sperm morphology (eta2 = 0.019) and the percentage of round cells (eta2 = 0.462) in the fasting group and a general decrease of sperm quality in the control group. This decrease of sperm quality concerned all parameters but the ejaculation volume, which increased in the CG but decreased in the FG (eta2 = 0.254). The decline of sperm quality in the CG is not explicable by the study setting. We also saw positive trends concerning the intragroup changes (e.g., within group change for progressive sperm motility: d = 0.36), Qualitative analysis (10 interviews) showed FMD feasibility, and its compatibility with full-time work. Motivation toward a healthier lifestyle after the FMD and a feeling of self-empowerment concerning one’s fertility were reported.

Conclusion

This limited exploratory study showed FMD feasibility but found no notable differences between groups regarding all parameters. Yet, we saw positive trends regarding the between and within group changes in favour of the fasting group. Possible beneficial effects of the FMD on sperm quality should be investigated in larger studies. Interview results suggest that fasting could be a useful supportive intervention in male subfertility regarding self-efficacy and positive lifestyle changes.