bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A capsidless (+)RNA yadokarivirus hosted by a dsRNA virus is infectious as particles, cDNA, and dsRNA
Authors: Fadli Muhammad , Hisano Sakae , Novoa Guy , Castón José R. , Kondo Hideki , Suzuki Nobuhiro
Published: February 2025

Capsidless yadokariviruses (members of the order
Yadokarivirales
) with (+)RNA genomes divert the capsid of their partner icosahedral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses in different families of the order
Ghabrivirales
into the replication site. A yadokarivirus, AfSV2, has been reported from a German strain of the ascomycete fungus
Aspergillus foetidus
coinfected by two dsRNA viruses, a victorivirus (AfSV1
,
family
Pseudototiviridae
) and an alternavirus (AfFV, family
Alternaviridae
). Here, we identified AfSV1 as the partner of AfSV2 in a Japanese
A. foetidus
strain after showing the infectiousness of AfSV2 in three forms: virus particles (heterocapsid), transforming full-length complementary DNA (cDNA), and purified replicated form (RF) dsRNA that is believed to be inactive as a translational template. Virion transfection of virus-free
A. foetidus
protoplasts resulted in the generation of two strains infected either by AfSV1 alone or by both AfSV1 and AfSV2. Transformants with AfSV2 full-length cDNA launched AfSV2 infection only in the presence of AfSV1, but not those with AfSV2 RNA-directed RNA polymerase mutant cDNA. The purified fractions containing AfSV2 RF dsRNA also launched infection when transfected into protoplasts infected by AfSV1. Treatment with dsRNA-specific RNase III, but not with proteinase K, S1 nuclease, or DNase I, abolished the infectivity of AfSV2 RF dsRNA. Furthermore, we confirmed the infectiousness of gel-purified AfSV2 RF dsRNA in the presence of AfSV1. Taken together, our results show the unique infectious entity of AfSV2 and the expansion of yadokarivirus partners in the family
Pseudototiviridae
and provide interesting evolutionary insights.

IMPORTANCE

The viral phylum
Pisuviricota
accommodates members with both double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and (+)RNA genomes. Some members of the second group display peculiar virus lifestyles. These include (+)RNA yadkariviruses, which are capsidless and highjack the capsid of their partner dsRNA viruses in the order
Ghabrivirales
of a different phylum
Duplornaviricota
. We identified the partner dsRNA virus (AfSV1, a victorivirus) of a yadokarivirus (AfSV2) from the ascomycete
Aspergillus foetidus
. AfSV2 is infectious in the presence of AfSV1 in three forms: purified particles, transforming full-length complementary DNA, and, surprisingly, the purified replicative form dsRNA. These combined results expand yadokarivirus partner viruses to the family
Pseudototiviridae
and provide evidence for AfSV2 as a unique infectious entity as well as interesting evolutionary insights.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Should I get my child the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine?
Authors: O'Mahony Elizabeth , Bedford Helen , Marlow Robin , Sherman Susan M , Whittaker Elizabeth , Fitzgerald Felicity
Published: February 2025

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recently recommended the introduction of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine into the UK’s routine childhood immunisation schedule. This was previously only available to a small group of eligible children or through private healthcare providers. Engaging families in conversations around vaccines is recognised as important for informed decision-making, and professionals leading these discussions need to be confident and well-informed. This article aims to provide an overview of the evidence behind the decision to introduce varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and addresses anticipated questions.
Antimicrobial resistance in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study analysing trends and economic impacts
Authors: AR Muhammad Nur Amir , Binti Wan Puteh Sharifa Ezat , Ibrahim Roszita , Rahman Md Mizanur , Abdul Karim Zulkefly , Bin Ali Fawzi Zaidan , Binti Bakhtiar Nor Farah
Published: February 2025

Objective

This national study assessed the economic impact of treating patients with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pathogens within Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) hospitals.

Design

A cross-sectional study design and top-down costing approach, analysing Malaysian diagnosis-related group (DRG) data for AMR patients admitted to MoH hospitals from 2017 to 2020.

Setting and participants

A total of 1190 cases were identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases-10 version 2010 codes for AMR pathogens.

Outcome measures

The study aims to estimate direct healthcare costs for treating AMR patients. Costs per admission were calculated based on each patient’s length of stay (LOS). A binary logistic regression model identified cost determinants, with significant factors (p<0.05) further analysed using a multivariate multiple logistic regression. ORs with 95% CIs were determined, and treatment costs were categorised as above or below the annual national base rate.

Results

Findings showed that costs are influenced by the volume of cases identified through DRG codes and LOS, which averaged between 21.7 and 36.4 days. Median admission costs for AMR patients ranged from RM12 476.28 (IQR RM 15 655.93) to RM19 295.11 (IQR RM20 200.28). Both LOS and total costs increased annually, from RM3 711 046.10 in 2017 to RM9 700 249.08 in 2019. Patients over 56 years old and those with severity levels II and III were more likely exceeding the national base rate.

Conclusions

These findings, explaining 9.3% of the variance in the regression model, can inform policies to reduce the economic burden of AMR and improve patient outcomes, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to address this global health threat.
Comparison of physiotherapy practice in university hospitals following chest trauma between two countries with different trauma panoramas: a prospective observational study
Authors: Fagevik Olsén Monika , Sehlin Maria , Svensson Annie , Roos Ronel , Slobo Margareta , Svensson-Raskh Anna , Van Aswegen Helena
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The study aimed to describe and compare the clinical physiotherapy management of patients hospitalised due to chest trauma in South Africa (SA) and Sweden.

Design

A prospective observational multicentre international study.

Setting

Two university-affiliated public sector hospitals in SA and four university-affiliated public sector hospitals in Sweden.

Participants

In total, 364 adults, hospitalised due to chest trauma were consecutively recruited of which 179 were from SA and 185 were from Sweden.

Outcome measures

Physiotherapy practice was recorded in parallel with standard care. In addition, pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay were collected.

Results

Despite differences in the type of trauma between the national cohorts (83% penetrating traumas in SA and 95% blunt traumas in Sweden), most patients received physiotherapy treatment during the first 3 days in hospital. Physiotherapy interventions such as mobilisation (day 1: sit on edge of bed; days 1–3: walking) and exercises to maintain range of motion (days 1–3: shoulder; day 3: trunk) were initiated earlier in SA (p<0.05). Treatment with the active cycle of breathing technique was more used in SA while deep breathing exercises were more common in Sweden and positive expiratory pressure was common in both countries. Length of stay was in mean 5.4 (95% CI 4.8, 6.0) days in SA and 6.6 (5.8, 7.4) days in Sweden (p=0.024).

Conclusions

Despite differences in trauma panoramas and the national cohorts there seem to be similarities in clinical physiotherapy practices between the two countries.
Investigating the factors that impede or facilitate the acceptance of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): perspectives from psychiatrists and patients’ companions
Authors: Ghasem Zadeh Negin , Rabiei Saman , Shahabi Saeed , Fakhraei Bahareh , Bagheri Zahra , Tabrizi Reza
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the positive and negative factors that can influence an individual’s acceptance of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) from the perspective of psychiatrists and patients’ companions (PCs).

Design

A multicentre qualitative phenomenological study.

Setting

Cities of Shiraz and Fasa in Fars province.

Participants

Eight psychiatrists and 10 PCs were interviewed.

Methods and analysis

Semistructured interviews were conducted with psychiatrists and PCs in hospitals in Fars Province, Iran. The interviews focused on the positive and negative factors influencing the participants’ acceptance of ECT. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

In total, 8 males and 10 females participated. The average age of psychiatrists and PCs was 42.43±6.37 and 53.20±16.64, respectively. Furthermore, the average working experience of psychiatrists was 8.57±1.90 years. Five themes emerged from the interviews: feeling supported, awareness, communications between physicians, patients, and PCs, previous experiences of oneself and others, and hospital structure.

Conclusions

Our study provides valuable insights into the negative and positive factors that influence the acceptance of ECT from the perspectives of psychiatrists and PCs. The findings indicate important ways to enhance perspectives on ECT within the community.
Assessing the mediating role of self-disclosure between mental health literacy and psychological distress: a cross-sectional study among HIV-positive young and middle-aged men who have sex with men in China
Authors: You Xinyi , Wen Qi , Gu Jiayi , Yang Wenwen , Wu Yuhan , Zhang Liman , Song Yan
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the associations between mental health literacy (MHL), self-disclosure and psychological distress among HIV-positive young and middle-aged men who have sex with men (MSM). We hypothesised that self-disclosure would mediate the relationship between MHL and psychological distress.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Infection at a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China.

Participants

A total of 209 HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM.

Outcome measures

Using convenient sampling method, the study selected 209 HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM from a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, China, from November 2023 to January 2024. The data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Multicomponent Mental Health Literacy, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and the Distress Disclosure Index. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and mediation analysis were conducted in the study.

Results

The mean MHL score among HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM was 11.90 (SD=5.09). Their mean score for self-disclosure was 31.97 (SD=6.87) and for psychological distress was 25.43 (SD=8.16). The bivariate correlation analysis showed that self-disclosure was positively correlated with MHL (r=0.264, p<0.001) and negatively correlated with psychological distress (r=−0.496, p<0.001), and MHL was negatively correlated with psychological distress (r=−0.308, p<0.001). Self-disclosure partially mediated the relationship between MHL and psychological distress among HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM, and the mediating effect accounted for 38.31% of the total effect.

Conclusion

Self-disclosure mediated the relationship between MHL and psychological distress. To improve psychological distress among HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM, targeted intervention measures aimed at enhancing MHL and self-disclosure should be conducted.
Fifth edition WHO classification: myeloid neoplasms
Authors: Chen Xueyan , Patkar Nikhil , Tembhare Prashant , Papagudi Subramanian , Yeung Cecelia , Kanagal Shamanna Rashmi , Gujral Sumeet , Wood Brent , Naresh Kikkeri N
Published: February 2025

The fifth edition of the WHO classification of haematolymphoid tumours (WHO-HEM5) introduces significant advancements in the understanding and diagnosis of myeloid neoplasms, emphasising molecular and genetic insights. This review highlights key updates from the revised fourth edition (WHO-HEM4R), particularly the integration of genetic criteria for disease classification. Many entities are now defined by specific genetic abnormalities, enhancing diagnostic precision and prognostic assessment. Notably, the elimination of the 20% blast threshold for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with specific defining genetic alterations reflects a shift towards genomic-driven diagnostics. Additional updates include the refined subclassification of myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) and MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasms, as well as the recognition of novel entities such as clonal haematopoiesis and MDS with biallelic TP53 inactivation, further expanding the spectrum of myeloid neoplasms. WHO-HEM5 illustrates the diagnostic utility of morphology, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing in resource-rich settings. However, its implementation in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains challenging due to limited access to advanced diagnostic tools. This review explores strategies to optimise diagnosis in resource-constrained environments, where morphology and immunophenotyping remain fundamental. By integrating molecular diagnostics with traditional methods, WHO-HEM5 aims to refine classification and facilitate risk stratification in the era of personalised medicine, providing haematopathologists and clinicians with an essential framework to navigate the complexities of myeloid neoplasms. The emphasis on advancing haematopathology practices worldwide, including in LMICs, demonstrates the ongoing commitment to improving global outcomes in haematological malignancies.
Safety and efficacy of low profile flow diverter stents for intracranial aneurysms in small parent vessels: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elek Alperen , Karagoz Sidar , Dindar Gülfem Nur , Yucel Semra , Cinar Celal , Kusbeci Mahmut , Ozturk Egemen , Oran Ismail
Published: February 2025

Background

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the clinical and angiographic outcomes of low profile flow diverters (FDs) used in treating intracranial aneurysms in small parent vessels (≤3.5 mm).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception to October 2024. Studies reporting clinical and angiographic outcomes for Silk Vista Baby, Flow Re-direction Endoluminal Device Junior (FRED Jr), and p48 MW Flow Modulation Device were included. Favorable outcomes were defined as those reported directly in studies or as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2.

Results

33 studies involving 998 patients with 1049 aneurysms were analyzed. Favorable neurological outcomes were reported in 94% of cases overall, with unruptured aneurysms achieving better outcomes (97.1%) than ruptured aneurysms (80%). Procedure related complications were observed in 15.7% of cases, with a lower rate in unruptured aneurysms (12.7%) compared with ruptured aneurysms (20%). Complete or near complete occlusion was achieved in 79.5% of aneurysms from 28 studies, with similar rates for both unruptured (73.6%, from 14 studies) and ruptured (74%, from 13 studies) aneurysms. Among devices, the FRED Jr showed the highest favorable outcome rate (97.6%), while the p48 MW device had the highest complication rate (17.2%). Adjunctive coiling did not significantly affect neurological outcomes but was associated with a slightly lower complication rate (12.1%).

Conclusion

Low profile FDs demonstrated high rates of favorable neurological outcomes in small parent vessel aneurysms, particularly in unruptured cases. These FDs achieved acceptable rates of adequate aneurysm occlusion and complications.
Impact of Instagram and TikTok influencer marketing on perceptions of e-cigarettes and perceptions of influencers in young adults: a randomised survey-based experiment
Authors: Vassey Julia , Vogel Erin A , Unger Jennifer B , Cho Junhan , Bae Dayoung , Donaldson Scott I , Allem Jon-Patrick
Published: February 2025

Background

Pairing e-cigarettes with healthy lifestyle contexts in influencers’ promotional social media posts may increase e-cigarette use risk among young adults. This study examined the effects of e-cigarette and healthy lifestyle content on young adults’ perceptions of influencer credibility, harm perceptions of, and susceptibility to use, e-cigarettes.

Methods

In this survey-based online, repeated-measures experiment (2023), California young adults (N=1494, Mage=23 (SD=1.8); 63% female, 51% Hispanic) were randomly shown 10 (total) Instagram and TikTok videos, featuring influencers promoting e-cigarettes alongside healthy lifestyle activities (experimental group), or a healthy lifestyle activity alone (control). After watching each video, participants rated perceived influencer credibility (eg, honesty). After watching all videos, harm perceptions of e-cigarettes were assessed among all participants and susceptibility to e-cigarette use was assessed among e-cigarette never-users. Harm perceptions and susceptibility outcomes were compared between groups (experimental vs control) and between participants who perceived influencers as credible versus non-credible, using binomial generalised linear mixed effects models.

Results

Participants in the experimental group were more likely to report lower harm perceptions (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.12; 95% CI 1.03; 1.21) and higher susceptibility to e-cigarette use (AOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11; 1.34), than participants in the control condition. Similar results were found when influencers were perceived as credible, but not when they were perceived as non-credible.

Conclusions

Social media influencers’ posts promoting e-cigarette use along with healthy activities may contribute to young adult e-cigarette use. Decreasing perceived credibility of influencers could decrease the negative effects of their promotional posts.

Trial registration number

NCT06433466.
Comparative Analysis of Personality Recognition in Response to Virtual Reality and Two-Dimensional Emotional Stimulus Using ECG Signals
Authors: Xie Jialan , Lan Ping , Hu Zhaonian , Liu Guangyuan
Published: February 2025

Personality primarily refers to the unique and stable way of a person’s thinking and behavior. A few studies have recently been conducted on personality recognition using physiological signals, most of which have used two-dimensional (2D) emotional stimulus materials. Virtual reality (VR) has been utilized in many fields, and its superiority over 2D in emotion recognition has been proven. However, relevant research on VR scenes is lacking in the field of personality recognition. In this study, based on the psychological principle that emotional arousal can expose an individual’s personality, we attempt to explore the feasibility and effect of using electrocardiogram (ECG) signals in response to VR emotional stimuli for personality identification. For this purpose, a VR-2D emotion-induction experiment was conducted in which ECG signals were collected, and physiological datasets of emotional personalities were constructed through preprocessing and feature extraction. Statistical analysis of the emotion scale scores and ECG features of the participants showed that the VR group had a higher number of significantly correlated features. Meanwhile, VR- and 2D-based personality recognition models were constructed using machine learning algorithms. The results showed that the VR-based personality recognition model achieved better results for the four personality dimensions, with a maximum accuracy of 79.76%. These findings indicate that VR not only enhances the physiological correlation between emotion and personality but also improves the classification accuracy of personality recognition.
Regional Lung Volume Changes with Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Healthy Adults
Authors: Karmali D. , Afanador-Castiblanco S. , Ötvös Tamás , Aguilar G. , Hossen S. , Eikelis N. , Nilsen K. , Punjabi N. M. , Siddharthan T. , Kirkness J. P.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Non-invasive assessments of lung volume distribution often require inhaled contrast and are limited by low regional resolution. We aimed to examine a non-contrast imaging method of spatial lung volume displacement, adapted to assess changes with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) Methods: This study evaluated regional lung volume displacement in nine healthy volunteers (6 males, 3 females; ages 29 - 55 years; BMI 20.2 - 31.3 kg/m2) using X-ray velocimetry (XV). Participants were assessed during tidal breathing and, also with 15 cm H2O inspiratory and 5 cm H2O expiratory pressures in a supine position. Regional specific ventilation (SV) was measured during tidal breathing and NIPPV. Mean specific ventilation (MSV, mL/mL), low volume region (LVR; % < 0.1 mL/mL), and high-volume region (HVR; % > 0.3 mL/mL) were calculated as output variables. Images were segmented into lobar as well as central and peripheral zones. Two-way ANOVA and paired t-tests were used to determine regional differences within individuals and the effect of NIPPV. Results: NIPPV increased MSV in both peripheral (p=0.01) and central (p=0.02) lung regions compared to tidal breathing. High volume regions increased in both peripheral (p=0.04) and central regions (p=0.04) during NIPPV. Discussion: This study demonstrates that non-contrast imaging techniques can assess regional lung ventilation and redistribution of lung volumes on NIPPV. Heterogeneous responses to NIPPV may be associated with distinct distribution of ventilation, and further work is needed to ascertain differential response to NIPPV due to lung pathology among those with respiratory disease.
Circular RNA Circ_0079226 Plays an Oncogenic Role in Gastric Cancer via the miR‐155‐5p/FOXK1/AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhang Hui , Huang Zhisheng , Zhong Yingyun
Published: February 2025

Background: Circular RNA (circRNA) is implicated in various biological processes, including the progression of gastric cancer (GC). The specific functions and underlying mechanisms of circ_0079226 in GC are unknown.

Methods: We examined cancerous and adjacent noncancerous tissues from 25 patients with GC to evaluate circ_0079226, miR‐155‐5p, and forkhead transcription factor K1 (FOXK1) expression. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships among these RNAs. We examined their functional roles utilizing in vitro (cell cytotoxicity kit‐8, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays) and in vivo (xenograft mouse models) approaches. Molecular mechanisms were investigated using bioinformatics, dual‐luciferase reporter assays, and rescue experiments, while quantitative real‐time PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and protein immunofluorescence (IF) were used to detect gene expression.

Results: We found that circ_0079226 and FOXK1 levels were elevated, while miR‐155‐5p was reduced in GC tissues and cells. An inverse correlation existed between FOXK1 and miR‐155‐5p, while a direct correlation was observed between FOXK1 and circ_0079226. Circ_0079226 facilitated GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. It functions by sequestering miR‐155‐5p, which directly targets FOXK1. High miR‐155‐5p expression mitigated the effects of circ_0079226 on GC cells, and the reintroduction of FOXK1 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR‐155‐5p. Circ_0079226 boosts FOXK1 and its associated downstream signaling pathways, including FAK, AKT, and p‐AKT, through competitive binding with miR‐155‐5p.

Conclusions: In conclusion, circ_0079226 is implicated in GC cell proliferation and metastasis by modulating the miR‐155‐5p/FOXK1/AKT pathway, presenting it as a potential therapeutic target.
A abordagem de variações linguísticas no ensino da tradução
Authors: Hanes Vanessa Lopes Lourenço
Published: February 2025

Language variation is present in every sphere of translation practice, but it is not a topic commonly or directly addressed in translation courses in Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this article is to go over possibilities to deal with this topic in translator training classrooms, mentioning theoretical perspectives that could be useful to guide classroom discussions, as well as bringing examples from actual classroom situations to demonstrate the relevance of debating language variation with future translators. Even though language variation encompasses many medias, text genres and communicative situations, this study concludes that some generalizations are possible in order to better understand how to face these different scenarios in order to produce better-informed translations
O jogo na audiodescrição: considerações com base em Gadamer e Didi-Huberman
Authors: Stefanini Marcella Wiffler
Published: February 2025

This article proposes a discussion about the concept of the game presented by the philosophers Gadamer (1960) and Didi-Huberman (1992) based on the audio description's (AD) practice. For this, it brings a theoretical summary of both authors regarding their understanding of the game as a metaphor for the relationship between a person and a work of art, and establishes possible connections with AD. Based on this summary, we present an analysis of excerpts from five interviews carried out during our master's research to relate the concept of a game proposed by each philosopher to the practice of AD. Finally, despite starting from different purposes, we conclude that there are possible convergences between both philosophers, especially concerning the idea of the work of art as a subject of the meanings game, and that the concept of game can be a valuable resource for AD theory and practice, particularly when it comes to abstract arts.
"Ghosting": empréstimos que surgem facilmente, pessoas que desaparecem subitamente
Authors: Santos Rômulo Ferreira dos , Jesus Ana Maria Ribeiro de
Published: February 2025

O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal analisar os neologismos por empréstimo do campo dos relacionamentos afetivos, especialmente aqueles em uso no ambiente virtual. O corpus do estudo consiste em textos jornalísticos e postagens da rede social X (Twitter) datados de 2020 a 2024. Na análise, os empréstimos são examinados dentro de seu contexto de uso, de modo que se externem seus aspectos linguísticos e culturais. O embasamento teórico segue os trabalhos de Alves (1984, 2004), Crystal (2003), Faraco (2001), Haugen (1950), entre outros. A metodologia inclui a coleta do corpus, o contraste com um corpus de exclusão, a detecção e validação dos neologismos por empréstimo e a análise dessas unidades. Os empréstimos analisados, dentre os quais red flag, cyberstalking e gaslighting, destacam as transformações significativas das dinâmicas das relações afetivas na era digital.
Usage and Perceptions of Anglicised Queer Terminology in Korea
Authors: Kim Eun-Young Julia
Published: February 2025

This study examines how the English language mediates Korean speakers’ expressions and understanding of gender identity. Two groups of participants—a queer group and a general group—were asked to rate their familiarity with 21 English terms using a Likert scale, suggest corresponding Korean terms, and respond to an open-ended question on the role of English terms. The results indicate that the English terms of gender identity have provided labels for various concepts that are unnamed in the Korean language and have empowered queer speakers to assert their identity and have a sense of belonging. Many of the terms, however, were esoteric to those outside the queer community and created a barrier. The study calls for creating accessible language that can capture the experiences of queer Koreans and critically assessing Euro-American centric categories of sexual identities and language.
Structure et enjeux du commonitorium d’Orientius : un poème gouverné par une « tension eschatologique »
Authors: Martin Lucie
Published: February 2025

Orientius’s commonitorium is well-known for containing a list of vices (1,321-592 ; 2,13-84). Most scholars have underlined the unity of these lines and have considered the conclusion of the first book and the begining of the second one as digressions. Based on the observation that the commonitorium is an explicit well-structured poem, our study aims to explain the discontinuity in the treatment of vices between each book. Such considerations lead to reconsider the structure of the poem. The commonitorium seems to be drawn to its end by a kind of « eschatological tension » and presents reflection effects between the first and second books which allow to highlight the core of the poem (1,593-618; 2,1-12), previously considered as digression. This article results from an adjustment of a passage of our doctoral thesis (L. Martin, Le poème d’Orientius. Introduction, texte critique, traduction et commentaire (Université de Strasbourg 2023) 70-83 (https://publication-theses.unistra.fr/public/theses_doctorat/2023/MARTIN_Lucie_2023_ED270.pdf).
EXPRESS: An AI Method to Score Celebrity Visual Potential
Authors: Feng Xiaohang , Zhang Shunyuan , Liu Xiao , Srinivasan Kannan , Lamberton Cait
Published: February 2025

It has long been a mantra of marketing practice that, particularly in low-involvement situations, spokespeople should be physically attractive. This paper suggests there is a higher probability of gaining fame and influence (i.e., celebrity potential) than is captured by attractiveness or typicality. The authors identify 11 facial features that may predict celebrity potential by virtue of their purported relationship with charisma and resulting personality trait inferences. Using machine learning methods and a sample of 22,000 faces, the authors calculate the direction and strength of the correlation of each feature with celebrity potential. The model is 95.92% accurate in predicting whether a given face belongs to a celebrity or noncelebrity, and it allows calculating a celebrity visual potential (CVP) metric for any face. Two controlled experiments and two studies using photographs of faces of Instagram and LinkedIn users further validate that the model-generated CVP is consistent with human-rated CVP, showing predictive power above and beyond facial typicality and averageness. This paper challenges prior assumptions about the importance of attractiveness in spokesperson choice, offers a useful additional metric for marketers, and provides novel insights about the relative importance of various inferred personality traits for celebrity potential.
The Death Literacy Index: Testing the Death System Literacy of Unpaid Carers of Palliative Patients
Authors: Van Dinther Kristine , Noonan Kerrie , Leonard Rosemary , Javanparast Sara
Published: February 2025

Unpaid carers of palliative patients make a significant contribution to the health economy but are particularly vulnerable to burdens due to facing the prospect of death. Caring for a loved one at the end-of-life requires knowledge of the death system in which they operate to access both practical support networks and services and emotional support for themselves. We combined qualitative data from interviews and focus groups with survey data designed using the Death Literacy Index (DLI) for 18 unpaid carers of palliative patients in South Australia. Comparing the DLI with the lived experience of carers revealed factors affecting the manner in which carers talk, learn and share knowledge about death and dying. A compassionate communities’ model is proposed to capitalise on the strengths and rectify the deficits which pose barriers to unpaid carers networks of support.
Influence of Addiction to Social Media on Dyadic Adjustment in Couples From the Family and Faith Online Community
Authors: Arellano-Lino Mayumi , Madrid-Valdiviezo Jazmin , Conde Rodríguez Isaac A.
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study aims to determine the influence of addiction to social media in couples from the Family and Faith online community. Methodology: This explanatory, cross-sectional study with a sample of married or cohabiting adults ( n = 293). The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used, and the instruments were the Social Media Addiction Questionnaire (ARS) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (EAD). Results: It is identified that addiction to social media influences dyadic adjustment ( R2 = 0.251) in an inverse and significant way (β = −0.501, p < .001). Conclusions: This research reveals that addiction to social media is an emerging phenomenon with important implications for couples’ emotional health and well-being in the digital age.
Meaning-Making in Grief Work and Where We Stand Today
Authors: Gaur Kriti
Published: February 2025

Grief has seen developments in conceptualization and treatment over the course of 60 years. This paper provides an analysis of the historical developments in thanatology. While in the early 1900s, grief was viewed as a universal process of detachment and severing emotional connections from the deceased, literature has evolved to conceptualize grief from a sociocultural perspective, emphasizing the personal and social construction of meaning. By culminating knowledge of what we know and what we practice, the paper aims to explore steps that need to be taken in the field of grief work to account for the needs of diverse cultural backgrounds and support a healthy grieving process, especially after the mental health concerns due to complex grieving during the COVID-19 pandemic. By specifically discussing the importance of meaning-making in grief work, this paper will highlight the changes in grief conceptualization from an objective stagewise model to sociocultural frameworks of grief. Additionally, this paper will also discuss what counselor-education programs currently teach in alignment with new literature and offer suggestions on how programs can update education in trauma-informed care, particularly grief.
Clinical Relevance of the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold and μ as Measures of Upper Limb Spasticity and Motor Impairment After Stroke
Authors: Piscitelli Daniele , Khayat Joy , Feldman Anatol G. , Levin Mindy F.
Published: February 2025

Background

After a central nervous system lesion, the ability to control muscle activation and relaxation in specific joint ranges may be impaired. The underlying mechanism of this sensorimotor impairment is related to a decreased ability to regulate the tonic stretch reflex threshold (TSRT) through descending and peripheral control processes. In dynamics, the reflex threshold and its velocity-sensitivity (μ) describe how movement in specific upper limb (UL) joint ranges is impaired after stroke.

Objective

To examine the relationships between measures of elbow flexor impairment using TSRT and μ, and clinical scores of spasticity and motor function. We hypothesized that TSRT and μ would be related to clinical spasticity and motor impairment scores in patients with acute and chronic stroke.

Methods

TSRT, μ, and clinical data of the resistance to passive movement (Modified Ashworth Scale) and UL motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [FMA]) were collected from 120 patients. Relationships between variables were determined using simple correlations and multiple regression analysis.

Results

TSRT and μ explained 72.0% of the variance in the FMA of the Upper Extremity [FMA-UE] describing only in-synergy and out-of-synergy movements and reflex function. TSRT explained 68.7% of the variance in the total score of the FMA-UE.

Conclusions

This study shows for the first time, a significant relationship between deficits in TSRT regulation and μ with UL motor impairment after stroke. TSRT and μ may be valuable clinical biomarkers of sensorimotor impairment for monitoring spontaneous or treatment-induced motor recovery.
Developing and Implementing a Quality Improvement Curriculum in a Large Internal Medicine Residency Program
Authors: Kim Kain , Adhyaru Bhavin , Doyle Joyce , Bussey-Jones Jada , Jones Danielle , DiFrancesco Lorenzo , Fluker Shelly Ann , Gitomer Richard , Ilksoy Nurcan
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

Residency programs face increasing expectations to grow competency in system-based practice and quality improvement (QI) among trainees. Organizations like the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education have included QI knowledge in their recertification and accreditation requirements. We describe our experiences over a decade of sustaining a longitudinal experiential QI curriculum at a large Internal Medicine residency program.

METHODS

Each resident participated in interactive seminars as well as a faculty-mentored, team-based QI project. Each project was formally evaluated at an end-of-year poster presentation.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-six projects were completed between 2007 and 2016. A presurvey of 51 PGY-1 residents (59%) and a postsurvey of 50 PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents (46%) demonstrated increased comfort leading a QI project and improved knowledge of QI principles. We continue a modified version of the curriculum to accommodate the residency program's restructured ambulatory teaching experiences and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Implementing a performance improvement curriculum based in a resident continuity clinic is feasible and affords several advantages. In applying QI methodologies, residents learn how to measure adherence with current evidence-based medicine guidelines and develop interventions to maintain positive momentum within the reality of busy clinical practice.
Power Inequality and Conflict: Cases of Abuse and Violence Within the Transgender Community in India
Authors: Dubey Nibedita , Mahapatra Manosmita
Published: February 2025

Transgender individuals, often marginalized and stigmatized by broader society, turn to the transgender communities for support. However, the centralization of power and authority in the hands of the Guru forces the Chela or followers to live a life of bonded labor. The present study intends to investigate and comprehend the challenges transgender women face within their community incorporating verbal, psychological, physical, financial, and sexual abuse inculcating an understanding from the sociological perspective of power relations. The aim of the study is accomplished through using both primary and secondary data. The study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data, with a sample size of 150 drawn from three districts in Odisha. The findings suggest that respondents living within the transgender community face several acts of violence and abuse by other transgender. From the several acts of abuse, verbal abuse is the most prevalent form of violence within communities. Hence, the transgenders stand strangled in multiple marginalities and face cumulative violence in society, within their community, and from their rival transgender groups.
Eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO, CuO, and ZnO/CuO nanoparticles using extract of spent Pleurotus ostreatus substrate, and their antioxidant and anticancer activities
Authors: Ngwenya Simangele , Sithole Nkanyiso J. , Ramachela Khosi , Mthiyane Doctor M. N. , Mwanza Mulunda , Singh Moganavelli , Onwudiwe Damian C.
Published: February 2025

Biosynthesis techniques for nanomaterials have advanced significantly, promoting eco-friendly synthesis chemistry as a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. This study presents a novel and environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing nanoparticulate ZnO, CuO, and ZnO/CuO nanocomposites using aqueous extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus spent substrate, is reported. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the synthesized NPs were analysed. A hexagonal phase of ZnO NPs and a monoclinic phase of CuO NPs were obtained according to the X-ray diffraction analysis. A reduction in the peak intensity of these metal oxides was observed in the ZnO/CuO NPs due to reduced crystallinity. The absorption spectra, obtained from the UV–vis analysis, showed peaks at 354, 365, and 525 nm for the ZnO, CuO, and ZnO/CuO NPs, respectively. An anticancer assay of the NPs was conducted using human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines, while a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used for the antioxidant evaluation. The ZnO, CuO, and ZnO/CuO NPs showed higher antioxidant potency with IC50 of 2.15, 2.16, and 3.18 µg/mL, respectively, than the ascorbic acid (4.25 µg/mL). This indicates that the nanoparticles were more effective in capturing DPPH free radicals. Anticancer assays showed strong cytotoxic effects for all nanoparticles, with ZnO NPs exhibiting the highest activity (IC50: 1.94 μM for HEK 293 cells, 3.23 μM for HeLa cells), surpassing CuO and ZnO/CuO NPs. Cell viability for both HEK 293 and HeLa cells decreased as nanoparticle concentration increased, confirming dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The green synthesized metal oxides and their composite have the potential for biomedical applications.
Using individual barcodes to increase quantification power of massively parallel reporter assays
Authors: Keukeleire Pia , Rosen Jonathan D. , Göbel-Knapp Angelina , Salomon Kilian , Schubach Max , Kircher Martin
Published: February 2025

Background

Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) are an experimental technology for measuring the activity of thousands of candidate regulatory sequences or their variants in parallel, where the activity of individual sequences is measured from pools of sequence-tagged reporter genes. Activity is derived from the ratio of transcribed RNA to input DNA counts of associated tag sequences in each reporter construct, so-called barcodes. Recently, tools specifically designed to analyze MPRA data were developed that attempt to model the count data, accounting for its inherent variation. Of these tools, MPRAnalyze and mpralm are most widely used. MPRAnalyze models barcode counts to estimate the transcription rate of each sequence. While it has increased statistical power and robustness against outliers compared to mpralm, it is slow and has a high false discovery rate. Mpralm, a tool built on the R package Limma, estimates log fold-changes between different sequences. As opposed to MPRAnalyze, it is fast and has a low false discovery rate but is susceptible to outliers and has less statistical power.

Results

We propose BCalm, an MPRA analysis framework aimed at addressing the limitations of the existing tools. BCalm is an adaptation of mpralm, but models individual barcode counts instead of aggregating counts per sequence. Leaving out the aggregation step increases statistical power and improves robustness to outliers, while being fast and precise. We show the improved performance over existing methods on both simulated MPRA data and a lentiviral MPRA library of 166,508 target sequences, including 82,258 allelic variants. Further, BCalm adds functionality beyond the existing mpralm package, such as preparing count input files from MPRAsnakeflow, as well as an option to test for sequences with enhancing or repressing activity. Its built-in plotting functionalities allow for easy interpretation of the results.

Conclusions

With BCalm, we provide a new tool for analyzing MPRA data which is robust and accurate on real MPRA datasets. The package is available at https://github.com/kircherlab/BCalm.
A doubly robust estimator for continuous treatments in high dimensions
Authors: Gao Qian , Wang Jiale , Fang Ruiling , Sun Hongwei , Wang Tong
Published: February 2025

Background

Generalized propensity score (GPS) methods have become popular for estimating causal relationships between a continuous treatment and an outcome in observational studies with rich covariate information. The presence of rich covariates enhances the plausibility of the unconfoundedness assumption. Nonetheless, it is also crucial to ensure the correct specification of both marginal and conditional treatment distributions, beyond the assumption of unconfoundedness.

Method

We address limitations in existing GPS methods by extending balance-based approaches to high dimensions and introducing the Generalized Outcome-Adaptive LASSO and Doubly Robust Estimate (GOALDeR). This novel approach integrates a balance-based method that is robust to the misspecification of distributions required for GPS methods, a doubly robust estimator that is robust to the misspecification of models, and a variable selection technique for causal inference that ensures an unbiased and statistically efficient estimation.

Results

Simulation studies showed that GOALDeR was able to generate nearly unbiased estimates when either the GPS model or the outcome model was correctly specified. Notably, GOALDeR demonstrated greater precision and accuracy compared to existing methods and was slightly affected by the covariate correlation structure and ratio of sample size to covariate dimension. Real data analysis revealed no statistically significant dose-response relationship between epigenetic age acceleration and Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion

In this study, we proposed GOALDeR as an advanced GPS method for causal inference in high dimensions, and empirically demonstrated that GOALDeR is doubly robust, with improved accuracy and precision compared to existing methods. The R package is available at https://github.com/QianGao-SXMU/GOALDeR.
Identifying acute kidney injury in children: comparing electronic alerts with health record data
Authors: Plumb Lucy , Savino Manuela , Casula Anna , Sinha Manish D. , Inward Carol D. , Marks Stephen D. , Medcalf James , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: February 2025

Background

Electronic (e-)alerts for rising serum creatinine values are increasingly used as clinical indicators of acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to investigate to what degree AKI episodes, as identified using e-alerts, correlated with coding for AKI in the hospital record for a national cohort of hospitalised children and examine whether coding corresponded with 30-day mortality after an AKI episode.

Methods

A cross-section of AKI episodes based on alerts issued for children under 18 years in England during 2017 were linked to hospital records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine patient and clinical factors associated with AKI coding. Agreement between coding and 30-day mortality was examined at hospital level.

Results

6272 AKI episodes in 5582 hospitalised children were analysed. Overall, coding was poor (19.7%). Older age, living in the least deprived quintile (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.1, 1.7) and higher peak AKI stage (stage 1 reference; stage 2 OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.7, 2.4; stage 3 OR 8.6, 95% CI 7.1, 10.6) were associated with higher likelihood of coding in the hospital record. AKI episodes during birth admissions were less likely to be coded (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3, 0.5). No correlation was seen between coding and 30-day mortality.

Conclusions

The proportion of AKI alert-identified episodes coded in the hospital record is low, suggesting under-recognition and underestimation of AKI incidence. Understanding the reasons for inequalities in coding, variation in coding between hospitals and how alerts can enhance clinical recognition is needed.