bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disproportional smaller fornix with altered microstructure in pediatric multiple sclerosis shown by high-resolution fluid-suppressed diffusion tractography
Authors: Weber Carly , Wilbur Colin , Blevins Gregg , Beaulieu Christian
Published: January 2025

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) has identified marked volume and diffusion abnormalities of the fornix, the main white matter (WM) output tract of the hippocampus.

Objective

To determine if the fornix is affected in pediatric-onset MS (POMS) using the same DTI protocols used in adult-onset MS (AOMS), which would suggest its early involvement in the disease course.

Methods

High-resolution, fluid-suppressed diffusion tractography was used to identify the fornix in 11 POMS patients (13–19 years old) and 26 controls. Fornix volume and diffusion metrics were compared between groups and with other total/regional brain volumes, and then correlated with cognitive/clinical scores.

Results

POMS showed lower fornix volumes (−26%) compared to controls, which was greater than proportional losses in total and other regional brain volumes. Notably, the hippocampus volume was not lower in POMS. DTI yielded lower fractional anisotropy (−7%) and higher mean (+12%), axial (+7%), and radial (+16%) diffusivities in POMS. There were no significant correlations between fornix volume/diffusion metrics and cognitive/clinical scores.

Conclusion

Diffusion tractography showed marked injury to the fornix in POMS that precedes injury to connected gray matter such as hippocampus, implicating the fornix as an early brain region affected in MS.
Less cytotoxic phthalocyanine derivative promotes in vitro wound healing compared to chlorhexidine
Authors: Santos Caique Andrade , Pessoa Adriano de Souza , Vilhena Fabiano Vieira , Oliveira Rodrigo Cardoso de , Santos Paulo Sérgio da Silva , Damante Carla Andreotti , Zangrando Mariana Schutzer Ragghianti
Published: January 2025

The use of adjunct chemical substances in the early postoperative period of periodontal surgical procedures is recommended due to the potential risk of trauma in the operated area. Chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash is widely used but can cause adverse effects. Phthalocyanine derivatives are being studied as an alternative, demonstrating good antimicrobial activity, especially in the self-activated form, which does not require additional light or chemicals. The objective of this study is to compare the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of a phthalocyanine (PHY) with chlorhexidine (CHX) and assess their influence on fibroblast cell migration. Different concentrations of CHX and PHY (0.0075%–0.12%) were evaluated using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT and crystal violet (CV) assay; CHX and PHY (0.0075% and 0.12%) were also evaluated by in vitro wound healing assay. PHY was less cytotoxic compared to CHX, based on cell viability assays. PHY did not interfere with experimental healing, allowing cell migration similar to the positive control with both concentrations (PHY 0.0075% and 0.12%) and only 0.0075% CHX allowed cell migration. In a comparative analysis, PHY showed less cytotoxicity than CHX and PHY concentrations of 0.0075% and 0.015% was non-toxic even after 48 h of contact with the cells. This in vitro evaluation demonstrated that PHY was less cytotoxic to NIH 3T3 fibroblasts compared to CHX. Furthermore, the different concentrations of PHY did not interfere negatively in the healing of experimental wounds.
Developing and Validating a User-Friendly Quality Benchmark: Enhancing the Integrity of Online Health Information for Patients and Clinicians
Authors: Daraz Lubna , Dogu Cicek
Published: January 2025

The quality of online health information remains one of the leading causes in combating misinformation for patients and the public. However, assessing online health content is challenging for those without medical expertise. This article briefly outlines the development and validation of an evidence-based online health information evaluation tool. A systematic approach with five phases was adopted: (1) synthesizing the current state of the reliability of online health information, (2) conducting content analysis of existing quality assessment tools, (3) drafting a comprehensive list of quality criteria, (4) developing and validating a quality benchmark, and (5) disseminating the results. Collaborative input from healthcare providers, patients, caregivers, and the public developed and validated a quality benchmark. The quality benchmark consists of 5 quality criteria and 8 accompanying descriptions that define each quality criterion. A printable version of the benchmark is provided in the article to facilitate easy implementation by both patients and healthcare providers. The benchmark is recommended for use and intended to empower patients with a skill set to navigate through online misinformation, facilitating access to credible health information and promoting improved health outcomes.
How relevant is the digital twin to the urban world?
Authors: Batty Michael
Published: January 2025

Digital twins are computer models that provide different but connected simulations of some particular system such as a city. They are used to explore how the system can be controlled, managed, and designed in ways that enable us to develop a better understanding of different city systems.
A Conversational Agent That Learns to be Aligned With the Moral Value of Respect
Authors: Roselló-Marín Eric , Rodríguez Inmaculada , Lopez-Sanchez Maite , Rodríguez-Soto Manel , Rodríguez-Aguilar Juan Antonio
Published: January 2025

Videogame developers typically conduct user experience surveys to gather feedback from users once they have played. Nevertheless, as users may not recall all the details once finished, we propose an ethical conversational agent that respectfully conducts the survey during gameplay. To achieve this without hindering user’s engagement, we resort to reinforcement learning and an ethical embedding algorithm. Specifically, we transform the learning environment so that it guarantees that the agent learns to be respectful (i.e. aligned with the moral value of respect) while pursuing its individual objective of eliciting as much feedback information as possible. When applying this approach to a simple videogame, our comparative tests between the two agents (ethical and unethical) empirically demonstrate that endowing a survey-oriented conversational agent with this moral value of respect avoids disturbing user’s engagement while still pursuing its individual objective, which is to gather as much information as possible.
Fitness-to-work considerations in the paradigmatic pain condition of headache disorder
Authors: Fan Xiangning , Lytvyak Ellina , Els Charl , Straube Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Headache disorders are common, including in the working population. Clinicians caring for patients with headache need to be aware of work-related factors as potential causes or triggers of headache disorders, and consider the impact of headache on fitness-to-work, especially in safety-sensitive and decision-critical roles. Such fitness-to-work determination should include individualized consideration of the nature of the headache disorder itself, the pattern of the headache, the impact of sleep deprivation on the headache as it relates to fitness to do shiftwork, medication and substance side effects, fitness-to-work implications of associated medical or psychiatric conditions, and the potential of symptom feigning or malingering for secondary gain. As clinicians often struggle with fitness-to-work determinations, a structured approach to fitness-to-work assessments in headache conditions and other pain conditions would improve clarity for clinicians and increase the quality of care provided to patients, with potential benefits for workplace safety and policy in this arena as well.
Evaluation of naturally occurring IgG anti-Vi antibody titers as predictors and correlates of typhoid fever in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Khanam Farhana , Rickett Natasha Y. , Ahmmed Faisal , Islam Md Taufiqul , Mbae Cecilia Kathure , Im Justin , Aziz Asma Binte , Ongadi Beatrice , Chowdhury Fahima , Khan Ashraful Islam , Akter Afroza , Firoj Md Golam , Rahman Sadia Isfat Ara , Haile Kassa , Park Se Eun , Mwebia Martin Bundi , Mwangi Moses , Ngugi Benjamin , Behute Meseret Gebre , Kering Kelvin , Agampodi Suneth , Kanungo Suman , Liu Xinxue , Pollard Andrew J. , Zaman K. , Kim Deok Ryun , Kariuki Samuel , Qadri Firdausi , Clemens John D.
Published: January 2025

Background

When delivered through vaccination Vi-polysaccharide antigen of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi protects against typhoid by inducing IgG anti-Vi antibodies. We aimed to determine whether the presence of antibodies following natural infection is associated with a lower incidence of typhoid fever in endemic regions.

Methods

We analyzed data from a cohort study of typhoid fever conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Plasma IgG anti-Vi antibodies were measured using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in random serosurveys of a population that had not previously received typhoid vaccination. Participants were followed for up to 20 months for culture-confirmed typhoid fever. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations between antibody levels and typhoid risk.

Results

The ROC analysis revealed that IgG anti-Vi antibody titers were predictive of typhoid risk among the 8,261 serosurvey participants (area under the curve: 0·63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·58─0·67). Detection of any antibodies was associated with a lower risk of typhoid in crude analyses (hazard ratio (HR): 0·13; 95% CI: 0·03─0·52), though this association declined after adjustment (HR: 0·32; 95% CI: 0·07─1·40). A positive correlation was observed between IgG anti-Vi titers and age (correlation coefficient 0·35; p < 0·001), with a stepwise increase in detectable antibodies by age, ranging from 12·0% (280/2,333) in children under 5 years to 54·2% (463/854) in individuals 50 years and older (p < 0·001).

Conclusions

In typhoid-endemic populations, IgG anti-Vi antibodies may indicate natural immunity to typhoid. The increasing seroprevalence with age suggests that these antibodies could serve as markers of cumulative past typhoid infections. Future research should explore these possibilities.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Retrospective MRI analysis of 418 adult shoulder joints to assess the physiological morphology of the glenoid in a low-grade osteoarthritic population
Authors: Meier Marc-Pascal , Brandt Lars Erik , Seitz Mark-Tilmann , Roch Paul Jonathan , Jäckle Katharina , Seif Amir Hosseini Ali , Lehmann Wolfgang , Hawellek Thelonius
Published: January 2025

Background

Due to the difference in size between the humeral head and the glenoid, the shoulder joint is prone to instability. Therefore, the reconstruction of the physiological joint morphology is of great importance in shoulder joint preservation and replacement surgery. The aim of this study was to describe physiological reference parameters for the morphology of the glenoid for the first time.

Material and methods

MRI images of the shoulder joints of 418 patients (mean age: 50.6 years [± 16.3]) were retrospectively analysed in a low-grade osteoarthritic population. The glenoid distance in coronal (GDc) and axial view (GDa), glenoid inclination (GI) and version (GV) as well as scapula neck length (SNL) were measured. Parameters were studied in association for age, gender, side and degeneration grade.

Results

Mean GDc was 33.4 mm (± 3.6), mean GDa 26.8 mm (± 3.2), mean GI 10.5° (± 6.4), mean GV -0.4 mm (± 5.4) and mean SNL was 33.4 mm (± 4.7). GDa was significant higher in right shoulders (p < 0.001). GDc and GDa showed significant higher mean values in older patients (p < 0.001) and in shoulders with more severe degenerative changes (p < 0.05). While GDc, GDa and SNL were significant larger in male patients (p < 0.001), GI had a higher mean value in female shoulders (p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Age, gender and shoulder joint degeneration influence changes in the morphological parameters of the glenoid. These findings have to be considered in shoulder diagnostics and surgery.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Monitoring of prostate-specific antigen in men with benign prostate enlargement receiving 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: a non-interventional, cross-sectional study of real-world practice of urologists in Spain and Brazil
Authors: Palacios Juan Manuel , Kapse Pratiksha , Cortes Vanessa , Averbeck Marcio Augusto , Alba Alberto Budia , Somvanshi Suryakant , da Costa Cruz Danilo Souza Lima , Pereira Fiona
Published: January 2025

Background

Inconsistent monitoring of prostate-specific antigen in patients receiving 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostate enlargement may affect prostate cancer outcomes. This study evaluated real-world practice among urologists treating patients receiving 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Methods

This non-interventional, cross-sectional study collected data from urologists in Spain (N = 100) and Brazil (N = 100) via a self-reporting questionnaire and patient record forms. Endpoints included: frequency/methodology of prostate-specific antigen monitoring, concerns about the effect of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on prostate-specific antigen monitoring, triggers of prostate biopsy, and concerns when switching 5-alpha reductase inhibitor formulation.

Results

Over half of urologists monitored prostate-specific antigen every 6 months (Spain 59%, Brazil 58%). Preferred methods were the “doubling rule” (Spain 66%, Brazil 41%) and “increase from nadir” (Spain 28%, Brazil 43%). A minority of urologists monitored unadjusted values (Spain 3%, Brazil 11%) or did not monitor prostate-specific antigen (Spain 1%, Brazil 3%). Most urologists ranked the potential for 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to mask prostate cancer as their top concern (Spain 65%, Brazil 56%). The most selected trigger for prostate biopsy was “if doubled (adjusted) prostate-specific antigen level after 6 months of treatment is > 4 ng/mL” (Spain 39%, Brazil 37%). Many urologists were moderately/very concerned about the effect on prostate-specific antigen when switching 5-alpha reductase inhibitor formulation.

Conclusions

An unmet need exists for standard guidance and continuous education to support optimal monitoring and interpretation of prostate-specific antigen in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostate enlargement treated with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
Impact of Ecobiol plus ® feed additive on growth performance, physiological response, oxidative status and immunological status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Omar Amira A. , Assar Doaa H. , Shukry Mustafa , El-Ezz Aya Abo , Farrag Foad A. , Abd El-Aziz Wesam E. , Moustafa Eman M.
Published: January 2025

This research investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with Ecobiol plus® (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT5940) on the growth performance, physiological responses, oxidative stress, and immune status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings revealed to Aeromonas hydrophila. A total of 525 Nile tilapia fingerlings, averaging 30.00 ± 5.00 g in initial weight, were randomly divided into four groups (control and three experimental groups), each with three replicates of 25 fish. Ecobiol plus® was integrated in the diet at concentrations of 0.0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 g/kg feed. Fish were fed at 3% of their biomass daily, with biweekly adjustments based on growth. The feeding trial lasted 8 weeks, followed by a 15-day challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila to evaluate immune responses and survival outcomes. The group receiving 0.4 g/kg of Ecobiol plus® exhibited the most significant improvements in growth performance, including higher weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion efficiency (p < 0.05). Blood and biochemical assessments indicated increased hemoglobin, total protein, and globulin levels, reflecting improved physiological and immunological conditions. Additionally, lysozyme activity and phagocytic response were markedly enhanced, demonstrating the probiotic’s immune-boosting potential. Histopathological evaluations revealed reduced gut, gills, and hepatopancreas lesions, especially in groups with higher supplementation levels. Fish in Group T4, fed with 0.4 g/kg Ecobiol plus®, achieved the best growth performance, with a final weight of 77.96 ± 5.53 g, a weight gain of 42.46 ± 3.18 g, and a specific growth rate (SGR) of 1.51%/day, compared to the control group (T1) with a final weight of 75.26 ± 3.87 g, weight gain of 35.76 ± 2.08 g, and SGR of 1.24%/day. Survival rates considerably increased in the treated groups, with T4 exhibiting the highest rate of 96.00%, followed by T2 (94.68%), T3 (92.00%), and T1 (81.32%). Additionally, the LD50 of A. hydrophila was determined to be 3 × 10⁷ CFU/mL, underscoring the protective effect of Ecobiol plus® in enhancing fish immunity and resilience against bacterial challenges. These results suggest that Ecobiol plus® can be a natural, antibiotic-free additive to strengthen growth and disease resistance in Nile tilapia. The optimal inclusion level of Ecobiol plus® is 0.4 g/kg for maximum benefit.
Pre-screening of endomysial microvessel density by fast random forest image processing machine learning algorithm accelerates recognition of a modified vascular network in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Massaro Alessandro , Cazzato Gerardo , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Casatta Nadia , Lupo Carmelo , Vacca Angelo , Iannone Florenzo , Girolamo Francesco
Published: January 2025

Biomarkers for discrimination among different subgroups of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are difficult to identify and may involve multiple laboratory tests and time-consuming procedures. We assessed the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to extract features such as density of endomysial microvessels based on automatic analysis of the CD31+ vascular network on muscle biopsy images. We also assessed the potential of this technique to save time and its agreement rate with analyses based on the manual selection of microvessels from the same images. A total of 84 images from 84 patients with IIM, diagnosed between 2014 and 2020, were retrieved and analyzed using the Fast Random Forest (FRF) technique. We built a lightweight and explainable algorithm for calculating the pixel percentage of CD31+ endomysial capillaries. The FRF technique applied on images of CD31-stained muscle sections achieved a good performance in the recognition of microvessels by estimating their density over a standard area corresponding to a sample of microscope image. The time spent for this analysis was 90% less than the manual choice of microvessels (estimated time considering the computational time and the time spent to manually detecting the microvessels features). The good performance of the FRF demonstrates that the CD31 pixel percentage of endomysial capillaries is sufficient for a correct estimation. Finally, the paper proposes a procedure to integrate AI in the pre-screening process.
Resourceful and economical designing of fermentation medium for lab and commercial strains of yeast from alternative feedstock: ‘transgenic oilcane’
Authors: Maitra Shraddha , Dien Bruce , Eilts Kristen , Kuanyshev Nurzhan , Cortes-Pena Yoel R. , Jin Yong-Su , Guest Jeremy S. , Singh Vijay
Published: January 2025

Background

Sugarcane plant engineered to accumulate lipids in its vegetative tissue is being developed as a new bioenergy crop. The new crop would be a source of juice, oil, and cellulosic sugars. However, limited tolerance of industrially recognized yeasts towards inhibitors generated during the processing of lignocellulosic biomass to produce fermentable sugars is a major challenge in developing scalable processes for second-generation drop-in fuel production. To this end, hydrolysates generated from engineered sugarcane—‘oilcane’ bagasse contain added phenolics and fatty acids that further restrict the growth of fermenting microorganisms and necessitate nutrient supplementation and/or detoxification of hydrolysate which makes the fermentation process expensive. Herein, we propose a resourceful and economical approach for growing lab and commercial strains of S. cerevisiae on unrefined cellulosic sugars aerobically and fermentatively.

Results

An equal ratio of hydrolysate and juice was found optimum for growth and fermentation by lab and commercial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered for xylose fermentation. The industrial strain grew and fermented efficiently under low aeration conditions having an ethanol titer, yield, specific and volumetric productivities of 46.96 ± 0.19 g/l, 0.51 ± 0.00 g/g, 0.27 ± 0.02 g/g.h and 1.95 ± 0.01 g/l.h, respectively, while the lab strain grew better under higher aeration conditions having the ethanol titer, yield, specific and volumetric productivities of 24.93 ± 0.09, 0.27 ± 0.00 g/g, 0.17 ± 0.00 g/g.h and 1.04 ± 0.00 g/l.h, respectively. Acclimation of cultures in a blended medium significantly improved the performance of the yeast strains.

Conclusions

The addition of transgenic oilcane juice, which is inedible and rich in amino acids, to the hydrolysate averted the need for expensive nutrient supplementation and detoxification steps of hydrolysate. The approach provides an economical solution to reduce the cost of fermentation at an industrial scale for second-generation drop-in fuel production.

Graphical Abstract
The good, bad, and ugly of comment prompts: Effects on length and helpfulness of peer feedback
Authors: Mu Huifeng , Schunn Christian D.
Published: January 2025

Peer feedback can be highly effective for learning, but only when students give detailed and helpful feedback. Peer feedback systems often support student reviewers through instructor-generated comment prompts that include various scaffolding features. However, there is little research in the context of higher education on which features tend to be used in practice nor to which extent typical uses impact comment length and comment helpfulness. This study explored the relative frequencies of twelve specific features (divided into metacognitive, motivational, strategic, and conceptual scaffolds) that could be included as scaffolding comment prompts and their relationship to comment length and helpfulness. A large dataset from one online peer review system was used, which involved naturalistic course data from 281 courses at 61 institutions. The degree of presence of each feature was coded in the N = 2883 comment prompts in these courses. Since a given comment prompt often contained multiple features, statistical models were used to tease apart the unique relationship of each comment prompt feature with comment length and helpfulness. The metacognitive scaffolds of prompts for elaboration and setting expectations, and the motivational scaffolds of binary questions were positively associated with mean comment length. The strategic scaffolds of requests for strength identification and example were positively associated with mean comment helpfulness. Only the conceptual scaffold of subdimension descriptions were positively associated with both. Interestingly, instructors rarely included the most useful features in comment prompts. The effects of comment prompt features were larger for comment length than comment helpfulness. Practical implications for designing more effective comment prompts are discussed.
Multiple brain metastases from mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dokponou Yao Christian Hugues , Obame Fresnel Lutèce Ontsi , Saad Moussa Elmi , Cherkaoui Mandour , El Ochi Mohamed Reda , Abderrahmane Housni , El Asri Abad Chérif , Gazzaz Miloudi
Published: January 2025

Background

Brain metastases from Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the parotid gland is extremely rare. To our best knowledge, this is the second report of BM from MEC of parotid gland.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 61-year-old man who was surgically treated for mucoepidermoid carcinoma classified as T3N1M0 and was admitted because of multiple brain metastases from this tumor. He underwent surgery for cerebellar metastases and underwent adjuvant radiotherapy.

Conclusion

In this article, the authors report a case of brain metastases from parotid MEC treated by resection and radiation therapy. A review of the literature did not reveal any other cases of this type.
The effect of screen time on auditory processing and working memory skills in tweens (pre-adolescents)
Authors: Jain Saransh , Trinesh Rakesh , Vijayasarthy Srikar , Singh Sanjana S. , Dangi Amuna , Jain Chandni
Published: January 2025

Background

This study investigates the impact of screen time on auditory processing and working memory in tweens, considering the subtle relationship proposed by the Goldilocks Hypothesis. The research aims to contribute insights into the potential effects of different screen exposure levels on auditory processing and working memory skills, recognizing the prevalence of screen use among tweens.

Method

Fifty-seven tweens were randomly selected and categorized into three groups based on their daily screen exposure. Auditory processing and working memory were assessed by measuring temporal resolution, auditory closure, binaural integration, and digit span tasks. Comprehensive screenings for hearing, speech, language, and IQ skills were conducted, ensuring the inclusion of tweens with normal hearing and cognitive functions.

Results

The study results revealed a non-linear relationship between screen time and auditory processing. Tweens with moderate screen exposure exhibited superior auditory processing skills, while high screen time was associated with deficits in temporal resolution, speech perception, binaural integration, and working memory. The Goldilocks Hypothesis was supported, indicating that too much screen time may have negative consequences, while too little exposure may not exploit the potential benefits of digital media usage. The findings emphasize the importance of moderation in screen time for optimal auditory processing and working memory in tweens. Prolonged screen exposure, especially beyond three hours daily, negatively affected auditory processing and working memory abilities.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for a balanced approach to screen time, aligning with the broader literature on child development.
Solute excretion improves trehalose uptake and desiccation tolerance of Metarhizium brunneum blastospores
Authors: Dietsch Robin , Jakobs-Schönwandt Desiree , Blöbaum Luisa , Persicke Marcus , Grünberger Alexander , Patel Anant
Published: January 2025

In this study, a novel approach was developed to increase the intracellular trehalose concentration in M. brunneum blastospores by uptake from the medium, improving their desiccation tolerance. Briefly, placing the blastospores in a hypotonic environment induced solute excretion, allowing significantly increased trehalose uptake during subsequent trehalose treatment. Conductivity changes and GC–MS analysis revealed that glycerol and lactate excretion is triggered in a hypotonic NaCl solution. After hypotonic + trehalose treatment, intracellular glycerol, lactate, and glucose levels increased, while other desiccation-protective solutes remained unaffected. A fluorescence-based single-cell analysis of membrane stress and death during osmotic desiccation and rehydration showed that membrane stress and cell death were strongly amplified upon rehydration. Trehalose treatment reduced this amplification, while hypotonic + trehalose treatment minimised cell death and prevented a stress response during rehydration, though it increased membrane stress during desiccation. Newly formed germ tubes were identified as critical points of membrane failure during desiccation. Ultimately, the drying survival of blastospores was significantly improved by the hypotonic + trehalose treatment compared to untreated or trehalose-only-treated blastospores. In summary, this technique successfully enhanced blastospore desiccation tolerance and could be adapted to load cells with other solutes.

Graphical Abstract
Analyzing COVID-19 progression with Markov multistage models: insights from a Korean cohort
Authors: Ndagijimana Frank Aimee Rodrigue , Park Taesung
Published: January 2025

Background

Understanding the progression and recovery process of COVID-19 is crucial for guiding public health strategies and developing targeted interventions. This longitudinal cohort study aims to elucidate the dynamics of COVID-19 severity progression and evaluate the impact of underlying health conditions on these transitions, providing critical insights for more effective disease management.

Methods

Data from 4549 COVID-19 patients admitted to Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center between February 5th, 2020, and October 30th, 2021, were analyzed using a 5-state continuous-time Markov multistate model. The model estimated instantaneous transition rates between different levels of COVID-19 severity, predicted probabilities of state transitions, and determined hazard ratios associated with underlying comorbidities.

Results

The analysis revealed that most patients stabilized in their initial state, with 72.2% of patients with moderate symptoms remaining moderate. Patients with hypertension had a 67.6% higher risk of progressing from moderate to severe, while those with diabetes had an 89.9% higher risk of deteriorating from severe to critical. Although transition rates to death were low early in hospitalization, these comorbidities significantly increased the likelihood of worsening conditions.

Conclusion

This study highlights the utility of continuous-time Markov multistate models in assessing COVID-19 severity progression among hospitalized patients. The findings indicate that patients are more likely to recover than to experience worsening conditions. However, hypertension and diabetes significantly increase the risk of severe outcomes, underscoring the importance of managing these conditions in COVID-19 patients.
Associations between physical activities and self-harm behaviour in depression across the genotype: findings from the UK biobank
Authors: Jung Jaegyun , Lee Sangyeon , Lee Jeong Ho , Lee Doheon
Published: January 2025

Background

Physical activities are widely implemented for non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate depressive symptoms. However, there is little evidence supporting their genotype-specific effectiveness in reducing the risk of self-harm in patients with depression.

Aims

To assess the associations between physical activity and self-harm behaviour and determine the recommended level of physical activity across the genotypes.

Method

We developed the bidirectional analytical model to investigate the genotype-specific effectiveness on UK Biobank. After the genetic stratification of the depression phenotype cohort using hierarchical clustering, multivariable logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazards models were built to investigate the associations between physical activity and the risk of self-harm behaviour.

Results

A total of 28 923 subjects with depression phenotypes were included in the study. In retrospective cohort analysis, the moderate and highly active groups were at lower risk of self-harm behaviour. In the followed prospective cohort analysis, light-intensity physical activity was associated with a lower risk of hospitalisations due to self-harm behaviour in one genetic cluster (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.08–0.96]), which was distinguished by three genetic variants: rs1432639, rs4543289 and rs11209948. Compliance with the guideline-level moderate-to-vigorous physical activities was not significantly related to the risk of self-harm behaviour.

Conclusions

A genotype-specific dose of light-intensity physical activity reduces the risk of self-harm by around a fourth in depressive patients.
Ground-state pluripotent stem cells are characterized by Rac1-dependent Cadherin-enriched F-actin Complexes
Authors: Liu Shiying , Meng Yue , Lan Xi , Li Rong , Kanchanawong Pakorn
Published: January 2025

Pluripotent Stem Cells (PSCs) exhibit extraordinary differentiation potential and are thus highly valuable cellular model systems. However, while different PSC types corresponding to distinct stages of embryogenesis have been in common use, aspects of their cellular architecture and mechanobiology remain insufficiently understood. Here we investigated how the actin cytoskeleton is regulated in different pluripotency states. We observed a drastic reorganization during the transition from ground-state naïve mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to converted prime epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs). mESCs are characterized by prominent actin-enriched cortical structures that contain cadherin-based cell-cell junctional components, despite not locating at cell-cell junctions. We termed these structures “Non-Junctional Cadherin Complexes (NJCC)” and showed that they are under low mechanical tension, depend on the ectodomain but not the cytoplasmic domain of E-cadherin, and exhibit minimal calcium dependence. Active Rac1 was identified as a negative regulator that promotes β-catenin dissociation and NJCC fragmentation. Our data suggests that NJCC may arise from the cis-association of E-cadherin ectodomain, with potential roles in ground-state pluripotency, and could serve as structural markers to distinguish heterogeneous population of pluripotent stem cells.
Dynamic reciprocal morphological changes in insect hosts and bacterial symbionts
Authors: Junker Anthony D. , Chen Jason Z. , DuBose James G. , Gerardo Nicole M.
Published: January 2025

Symbiotic interactions, central to most life on Earth, are interwoven associations that vary in intimacy and duration. Some of the most well-known examples of symbioses occur between animals and gut bacteria. These associations lead to physiological integration of host and symbionts. The diversity of microbes within animal hosts can make studying them technically challenging. Thus, most science heavily focuses on the animal side of symbioses, limiting study of the microbial symbionts to characterization of their genetic and functional diversity. These limitations are minimized in Heteropteran insects that have specialized midguts that separately house single symbiont species away from ingested food. These insect-bacteria associations allow us to address fundamental questions as to how both hosts and symbionts change to establish a cooperative relationship. In this study, through ex vivo and in vivo observations of cellular behaviors, we explore concurrent structural and cellular dynamics in both the squash bug host (Anasa tristis) and its Caballeronia zhejiangensis symbionts during the initiation of symbiosis. We elucidate how C. zhejiangensis is sequestered within a specialized symbiotic organ within the A. tristis midgut, how the symbiont uses active motility to reach the symbiotic organ, how symbionts colonize host crypts within the organ and how host crypt morphogenesis progresses during the initiation of symbiotic interactions. Our findings provide insight into how dynamic cellular activity and morphological development reciprocally change in both host and symbiont as they establish symbiotic interactions.
The Great Recession and the Widening Income Gap between Alumni of Elite and Less Selective Universities
Authors: Weinstein Russell
Published: January 2025

Using mobility report card data, I show the income gap between alumni of elite and less selective universities widened for cohorts graduating during the Great Recession. This is evident for mean and median incomes and access to high earning percentiles. Results do not appear driven by differences in student composition, including parental income. Using a unique dataset of recruiting strategies for prestigious firms, I highlight one channel through which university selectivity may have a causal impact: high-wage firms concentrated their recruiting at elite universities during the recession. The results are informative for policies increasing lower-income students’ representation at selective universities. (JEL D31, E32, I23, I28, J31)
Electronic Payment Technology and Tax Compliance: Evidence from Uruguay’s Financial Inclusion Reform
Authors: Brockmeyer Anne , Sáenz Somarriba Magaly
Published: January 2025

Does the digitization of transactions in an economy increase tax compliance? We study the effect of financial incentives on the adoption of electronic payment technology and on tax compliance by firms. Exploiting administrative data and policy variation from Uruguay, we show that (i) consumer VAT rebates for credit and debit transactions trigger an immediate 50 percent increase in the number of card transactions, (ii) firms’ use of card machines increases only on the intensive margin, and (iii) tax compliance is unaffected. Endogenous card machine adoption and a low share of card sales in total reported sales can rationalize the findings. (JEL E42, H25, H26, O16)
The Negative Consequences of Loss-Framed Performance Incentives
Authors: Pierce Lamar , Rees-Jones Alex , Blank Charlotte
Published: January 2025

Behavioral economists have proposed that incentive contracts result in higher productivity when bonuses are “loss framed”—prepaid then clawed back if targets are unmet. We test this claim by randomizing the pre- or postpayment of sales bonuses at 294 car dealerships. Although somewhat statistically imprecise, our analysis provides strong indications that the random assignment of loss framing had quantitatively important negative effects. We document that the negative effects of loss framing can arise due to an increase in incentives for “gaming” behaviors. Based on these claims, we reassess the common wisdom regarding the desirability of loss framing. (JEL C93, D91, J24, J33, L62, L81)
Policymaking, Trust, and the Demand for Public Services: Evidence from a Mass Sterilization Campaign
Authors: León-Ciliotta Gianmarco , Zejcirovic Dijana , Fernandez Fernando
Published: January 2025

We study a large-scale family planning intervention in which more than 260,000 Peruvian women were sterilized. Many of these medical procedures are alleged to have been performed without patient consent. The subsequent disclosure of alleged illegal sterilizations caused reductions in the usage of contraceptive methods and prenatal and birth delivery services and, more generally, the demand for medical services in affected areas. As a result, child health worsened. The results persist for at least 17 years after the information disclosure and are driven by disappointed supporters of the implementing government. Learning about the government’s malpractices undermined trust in institutions. (JEL I12, I18, I38, J13, J16, J18, O15)
Το ελεύθερο παιχνίδι και η συμβολή του στην ανάπτυξη της αυτορρύθμισης και ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας
Authors: Μπόσινα Χρύσα
Published: January 2025

Σε αυτό το άρθρο εξετάζεται ο ρόλος του ελεύθερου παιχνιδιού στην προώθηση της αυτορρύθμισης και της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας. Το ελεύθερο παιχνίδι εμπεριέχει τα εξής στοιχεία: είναι μη δομημένο, παιδοκεντρικό και μη κατευθυντικό. Είναι σημαντικό για την συναισθηματική και ψυχολογική ανάπτυξη των παιδιών. Κατά τη διάρκεια του ελεύθερου παιχνιδιού, τα παιδιά εξερευνούν, αλληλοεπιδρούν και δημιουργούν με τρόπο που τους επιτρέπει να εφαρμόζουν δεξιότητες διαχείρισης συναισθημάτων, επίλυσης προβλημάτων και προσαρμογής σε καινούριες καταστάσεις – δεξιότητες σημαντικές για την αυτορρύθμιση και ανθεκτικότητά τους. Σε αυτό το άρθρο θα γίνει ανασκόπηση της θεωρητικής βάσης του ελεύθερου παιχνιδιού, συζήτηση σχετικά με τη συμβολή του στην αυτορρύθμιση και ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα και θα παρουσιαστούν ερευνητικά δεδομένα που υποστηρίζουν τη σημαντικότητά του στην ανάπτυξη των παιδιών προσχολικής ηλικίας.
Το ePortfolio ως εργαλείο αξιολόγησης στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία
Authors: Τόδας Αλέξανδρος
Published: January 2025

Η αξιολόγηση είναι αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της εκπαιδευτική διαδικασίας, παρέχοντας σε μαθητές και εκπαιδευτικούς την ανατροφοδότηση με την οποία επιτυγχάνονται οι στόχοι της μάθησης και βελτιώνεται η εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία. Ένα εργαλείο της αξιολόγησης είναι ο ηλεκτρονικός φάκελος μαθητή, ePortfolio, το οποίο έχει μεγάλη παιδαγωγική αξία καθώς έχει θετική επίδραση στη διαδικασία της μάθησης και καταλύει τα στενά όρια της παραδοσιακής σχολικής αξιολόγησης. Στο συγκεκριμένο άρθρο παρουσιάζεται και αναλύεται το ePortfolio ως εργαλείο αξιολόγησης, επισημαίνονται τα οφέλη του και συζητείται το πώς μπορεί να αξιοποιηθεί και να εφαρμοστεί στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία. Επιπλέον, παρατίθενται αποτελέσματα από έρευνες που έχουν γίνει ως προς την εφαρμογή του σε όλες τις βαθμίδες της εκπαίδευσης.
Η παιδαγωγική του Φρενέ στην τάξη μας-Σύνθεση εμπειριών από το «τι νέα;» και το «συμβούλιο τάξης»
Authors: Αρβανίτη Χριστίνα , Κούρου Γεωργία , Τζιούμη Γεωργία
Published: January 2025

Στο άρθρο αυτό παρουσιάζονται οι εργασίες τριών εκπαιδευτικών και των μαθητών τους που συμμετείχαν στο «Πιλοτικό πρόγραμμα επιμόρφωσης και εφαρμογής της παιδαγωγικής Φρενέ στη δημόσια εκπαίδευση», που οργάνωσε και υλοποίησε στην Τρίπολη η παιδαγωγική ομάδα «Το Σκασιαρχείο» σε συνεργασία με το Ινστιτούτο Εκπαιδευτικής Πολιτικής και το Υπουργείο Παιδείας. Οι εργασίες έγιναν από δύο σχολεία της Τρίπολης στη Β΄ και Στ΄ τάξη και από το σχολείο του Μελιγαλά στην Δ΄ τάξη. Η εφαρμογή της παιδαγωγικής Φρενέ αποδεικνύεται ότι είναι το κλειδί για φλέγοντα ζητήματα της σχολικής κοινότητας όπως η αδιαφορία των μαθητών προς την παρεχόμενη διδασκαλία, η ετερογένεια των τάξεων, η σχολική βία, ο αποκλεισμός, η κουλτούρα και τα ενδιαφέροντα των μαθητών. Το άρθρο αναφέρει επιγραμματικά την παιδαγωγική Φρενέ και παρουσιάζει τις τεχνικές ‘τι νέα;’ και το ‘συμβούλιο τάξης’ που εφήρμοσαν και υλοποίησαν οι τρεις εκπαιδευτικοί με τους μαθητές τους αναδεικνύοντας τα κύρια συμπεράσματα των τεχνικών αυτών.
Embedded systems verification and validation
Authors: Μώκος Κωνσταντίνος
Published: January 2025

Η διατριβή αυτή στοχεύει στη γεφύρωση του χάσματος μεταξύ της προδιαγραφής απαιτήσεων σε φυσική γλώσσα και της τυπικής ανάλυσης, εισάγοντας μια μεθοδολογία που βασίζεται στην οντολογική σημασιολογία για την ενίσχυση της ακρίβειας, της συνέπειας και της αξιοπιστίας κρίσιμων ενσωματωμένων συστημάτων. Οι απαιτήσεις σε φυσική γλώσσα χαρακτηρίζονται συχνά από ασάφειες και ασυνέπειες, δυσχεραίνοντας τη μετατροπή τους σε τυπικά μοντέλα. Η προτεινόμενη μεθοδολογία επιλύει αυτό το πρόβλημα, ορίζοντας αυστηρά σημασιολογικά πλαίσια για τη διατύπωση απαιτήσεων, ενώ μέσω μιας ημιαυτόματης διαδικασίας, μετασχηματίζει τις απαιτήσεις σε τυπικά μοντέλα κατάλληλα για ανάλυση. Ένα βασικό στοιχείο της προσέγγισης είναι η ανάπτυξη εργαλείων που υποστηρίζουν τη διατύπωση, ανάλυση και οπτικοποίηση απαιτήσεων, επιτρέποντας στους μηχανικούς να εντοπίζουν σφάλματα και να επαληθεύουν ιδιότητες όπως η πληρότητα και η ασφάλεια ήδη από τα πρώτα στάδια της ανάπτυξης. Η μεθοδολογία δοκιμάστηκε σε πραγματικά σενάρια από τον τομέα των διαστημικών συστημάτων, αποδεικνύοντας τη χρηστικότητα και την πρακτική της αξία. Με την αυτοματοποίηση κρίσιμων σταδίων και την παροχή εργαλείων για την ανάλυση και την επαλήθευση των απαιτήσεων, η διατριβή διευκολύνει τη συστηματική και αξιόπιστη μετάβαση από τη διατύπωση απαιτήσεων στη σχεδίαση συστημάτων, μειώνοντας τον χρόνο και τους πόρους που απαιτούνται. Παράλληλα, η εργασία ανοίγει νέους δρόμους για την έρευνα, ενισχύοντας την εμπιστοσύνη στη μετάβαση από φυσικές προδιαγραφές σε τυπική σχεδίαση, με εφαρμογές σε τομείς που απαιτούν υψηλά επίπεδα αξιοπιστίας και ασφάλειας.
Συμβολή στην αξιολόγηση επενδύσεων βιομηχανικών μονάδων υπό καθεστώς αβεβαιότητας
Authors: Καρνάβας Χρήστος
Published: January 2025

Στην παρούσα διατριβή προτείνεται μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση για την ολοκληρωμένη αξιολόγηση μιας επένδυσης σε συνθήκες κινδύνου και αβεβαιότητας και εφαρμόζεται σε μελέτη περίπτωσης του βιομηχανικού κλάδου. Χρησιμοποιούνται και συνδυάζονται μέθοδοι από την στατιστική - οικονομετρία, την πιθανοτική ανάλυση, τις αριθμητικές μεθόδους προσομoίωσης και την χρηματοοικονομική ανάλυση. Η οικονομική μεταβλητότητα οδηγεί τις επιχειρήσεις σε συνθήκες οικονομικής αβεβαιότητας. Στην συνέχεια η οικονομική αβεβαιότητα στα αποτελέσματα της αξιολόγησης των επενδύσεων δημιουργεί συνθήκες επικινδυνότητας στην λήψη αποφάσεων οποιασδήποτε στρατηγικής στην διοίκηση των βιομηχανικών μονάδων. Στην παρούσα διατριβή γίνεται χρήση μεθοδολογιών που έχουν εφαρμοστεί σε άλλες επιστήμες, αφού προηγηθεί μια κριτική επισκόπηση τους. Αρχικά γίνεται χρήση στατιστικών - οικονομετρικών υποδειγμάτων για τον προσδιορισμό σχέσης παραγωγής - αβεβαιότητας και την εκτίμηση της αβεβαιότητας στην ζήτηση. Με την χρηματοοικονομική ανάλυση γίνεται ο προσδιορισμός των αναγκαίων οικονομικών δεικτών για διάφορα σενάρια από την οπτική των μετόχων, των επενδυτών και της εθνικής οικονομίας. Στην συνέχεια, χρησιμοποιείται η στοχαστική προσέγγιση μέσω της προσομοίωσης Monte Carlo για την αποτίμηση της προαναφερθείσας αβεβαιότητας για όλα τα σενάρια και τις οπτικές. Τέλος, με την εφαρμογή της πιθανοτικής θεωρίας και με την χρήση των δένδρων των αποφάσεων γίνεται εκτίμηση της αβεβαιότητας για όλες τις οπτικές. Πραγματοποιείται εφαρμογή σε μελέτη περίπτωσης του βιομηχανικού κλάδου των ποτών, ειδικότερα της ζυθοποιίας, αφού προηγηθεί η αποτύπωση των στατιστικών δεδομένων του κλάδου.
Determinants of irregular migration of Ethiopians along the Southern Route: Insights from Kembata migrants to the Republic of South Africa
Authors: Megersa Hailu , Tafesse Tesfaye
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on understanding the determinants of irregular migration among Ethiopians, specifically examining the case of the Kembata migrant routes to the Republic of South Africa. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional household survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, binary logit models and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Our findings indicate that being a young male, having a large family size and having social networks positively influence household decisions for international migration. Possession of farmland, being employed, and being married have a negative influence on households’ decisions for international migration. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the existing body of literature on Ethiopian migration and provide a better understanding of the complex factors driving irregular migration along the Southern Route.
Forms of ideological hegemony: The example of “informal labour” and the case of Greece
Authors: Vaxevanoglou Aliki
Published: January 2025

Widely used in the social sciences, the concept of “informal labour” affects our perception of the social world. But is it a neutral and impartial concept? This study draws on extensive and unexploited archives of the International Labour Organization that established the concept of “informal labour”; it outlines the broader historical context of the concept's genesis, the process of its diffusion and highlights the main ideological obsession of the time: the imperative of economic development through massive industrialization. Focusing on the case of Greece, from the beginning of the 20th century until the 1980s, the study constantly contrasts the factual data and their ideological interpretation. The concept of “informal labour” is considered as a key indicator for approaching the complex phenomenon called ideological hegemony.