bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regeneration through education? Citizenship education, Flemish teacher training and the legacy of the world wars, 1918–1950
Authors: Van Ruyskensvelde Sarah , Girotti Elena , Ascenzi Anna
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the interplay between citizenship education and the promotion of national consciousness in Belgium’s teacher training institutions from 1918 to 1950, with particular attention to the aftermaths of the First and Second World Wars. Analyzing archival materials from two Flemish teacher training colleges—the Episcopal Normal School Saint-Joseph in Torhout and the State Normal School in Lier—this study investigates how post-war educational discourses and practices in Belgium were shaped by —at times conflicting—impulses toward national patriotism, regional nationalism and international solidarity. Specifically, the paper examines the tensions in citizenship education arising from divergent historical perspectives, including patriotic fervor, regional Flemish identity, and post-war internationalism, which influenced the training of teachers as agents of civic and moral formation. Findings reveal that teacher training curricula were not only mechanisms for instilling patriotic values but also sites of ideological contestation, reflecting the ambiguities surrounding national consciousness and identity in a linguistically and ideologically divided country. The study contributes to international scholarship on the role of education in shaping national identity and post-conflict civic recovery, shedding light on the uniqueness of Belgium in the political project of nation-building through the mediation of its schooling system.
Complexity Science in Domestic Abuse Literature: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Blake Sarah , Nobles James
Published: February 2025

Complexity science is an interdisciplinary paradigm that helps people understand how outcomes, such as domestic violence and abuse (DVA), arise from within complex adaptive systems. This study aims to identify how complexity science has been applied in DVA literature. A systematic scoping review was conducted, searching across academic databases and Google for articles. Articles published from 1990 to 2020, written in English, had DVA partner abuse as a focus, and used complexity science as a focus or theoretical background to the paper, were considered for inclusion. Data was extracted and narratively synthesized in an iterative manner. Twenty-one studies were included, originating predominantly from the United States and New Zealand, and published mainly after 2009. Approximately 70% of authorships were comprised of interdisciplinary teams. Most papers strongly incorporated complexity science as a methodological approach and applied methods, such as systems modeling (agent-based modeling or systems dynamics modeling), aligning with computer science or engineering disciplines. Some used complexity theory combined with qualitative techniques (interviews or discourse analysis) strongly associated with social sciences research. Methods and findings were heterogeneous and often explored interactions between parts of the system and the subsequent phenomena that emerged from these interactions. Complexity science can: (a) support a holistic understanding of DVA; (b) combine different perspectives; (c) encourage interdisciplinary teams to work collaboratively around an issue such as DVA; (d) identify leverage points to assist in targeting scarce resources; (e) help predict emergent phenomena and unexpected consequences of policy change.
Adopting tomorrow’s therapies today: a perspective review of adoptive cell therapy in lung cancer
Authors: Abodunrin Faith , Olson Daniel J , Emehinola Oluwatosin , Bestvina Christine M
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer-related deaths in the United States and remains a global health challenge. While targeted therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of nonsmall cell lung cancer, many patients lack actionable mutations. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have significantly impacted outcomes in lung cancer in the last decade. Some patients, however, never respond or become refractory to ICIs. Newer therapies aimed at augmenting the immune system and enhancing antitumor effects are currently being explored. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) employs T cells isolated from either tumors or peripheral blood and often engineers them to effect antitumor immune response. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, engineered T cell receptor therapy, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are examples of adoptive cellular therapies. CAR-T cell therapy has been successful in the treatment of hematological malignancies with several CAR products gaining approval in the treatment of refractory blood cancers. The success of ACTs in hematological cancers has fueled research into the role of these therapies in solid cancers including lung cancer. Many trials have had early promising results, with many clinical trials currently enrolling. There are many limitations to the efficacy of ACTs, as well as risks and benefits with the individual subtypes of ACT. With growing knowledge about tumor antigens and more advanced cell engineering, there is potential for ACT to result in durable responses in immunologically “cold” tumors. Here, we review the major subtypes of ACTs, evidence supporting their use in lung cancer, challenges, and future perspectives in ACTs. Additionally, we include T cell engagers and mRNA vaccine studies and potential combinatorial strategies in lung cancer.
Feline eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia of the duodenum treated with gastrojejunostomy in a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Blew Jordyn E , Bradley Charles W , Holt David E
Published: February 2025

Case summary

A 2-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of severe thickening of the proximal duodenum identified on abdominal ultrasound after a 1-year history of vomiting. At surgery, a proximal duodenal mass encompassed the areas of the major and minor duodenal papillae. A gastrojejunostomy was performed to bypass the proximal duodenum and maintain the integrity of the major duodenal papilla. Histopathology revealed changes consistent with feline eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia. The cat was treated with prednisolone and survived for 2.5 years. It was euthanized for bronchopneumonia.

Relevance and novel information

This case report describes a surgical approach for cats with lesions involving the pylorus and proximal duodenum. Gastrojejunostomy provided a therapeutic option that preserved exocrine pancreatic and biliary secretion in this cat.
Watery reflections: Visualising interactions with wai in early childhood education centres in Aotearoa – New Zealand
Authors: Denton Andrew , Williams Ngaroma , White Jayne , Gibbons Andrew
Published: February 2025

This polyvocal article is an anecdotal narrative from the author researchers, supported by a photographic essay, presenting the methodological and contextual experience of image-making and contemplation undertaken in three early childhood education centres (ECEs) in Christchurch, Lyttleton and Timaru. The research was positioned through a key research question: How might we better understand engagement with local conditions for children’s access to water through the application of visual methods – in Aotearoa, New Zealand? The experience for the team was transformative, leading us to reflect upon our time in the centres, our collaborations and interactions with the children and teachers, and, primarily for the purpose of this article, how the act of image-making shaped our encounters while at the ECEs. A critical research method in the project involved photography of the lived experiences of the children in the centres, as lensed through representations of water by children in their daily lives. The shifting gaze of the photograph and the daily narrative afforded to the wai (water) transmitted is not simply about the physical properties of water but about the whakapapa (or origins) of wai as a life force that changes the flow of direction or activity. The researchers took a ‘walking with’ immersive approach to access the world of the children that simultaneously relied on the subjectivity of the photographers as an unfolding method in action. Central to the interests of this article is what we learned from the image-making experience. Lensing our research through visual methods transformed how we encountered our subjects. Invisible moments were rendered visible in the contemplative act of taking and then thinking about the photos. The photographic text, collected and reflected upon (by researchers spanning distinctly different practices), shaped a nascent transdisciplinary methodological approach to build into our future inquiries.
Building Bridges Between Arnett’s and Havighurst’s Theories: New Developmental Tasks in Emerging Adulthood Across Six Countries
Authors: Jankowiak Barbara , Soroko Emilia , Kuryś-Szyncel Karolina , Jaskulska Sylwia , Hill Charles T. , Sawaumi Takafumi , Sanz-Barbero Belén , Vives-Cases Carmen , Neves Sofia , Inagaki Tsutomu , Lee Joo , Watanabe Yayoi
Published: February 2025

According to Arnett’s theory, emerging adulthood is a distinct developmental period. As Havighurst’s developmental theory suggests, specific tasks are assigned to different human life stages. The purpose of this study is to discover the developmental tasks of emerging adulthood. A sample of 129 students from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Spain, Portugal, Japan, Korea, Poland, and the USA, submitted reflective essays detailing their personal perceptions and the meaning of adulthood. Employing both directed and inductive analytical approaches, the study uncovered new developmental tasks such as social solidarity and openness to diversity, lifelong learning, development of thinking and knowledge, and building mental resilience. According to Havighurst, tasks were as follows: socially responsible behavior, emotional independence, getting started in an occupation, and managing a home. Comparative analysis revealed a predominance of tasks characteristic of adolescence compared to those indicative of adulthood and emerging adulthood.
Family Social Environment and Emotional Health: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Sex-Specific Effects on Hippocampal Asymmetry
Authors: Jin Bangbang , Li Xianzhe , Xu Tianwei , Qiu Jiang , Wei Dongtao
Published: February 2025

Early adversity experiences have been linked to poor mental health outcomes in both adolescence and adulthood. This study investigates the interplay of the family social environment (FSE) with emotional regulation, mental health, and stress-sensitive brain structures, as well as the development of these brain structures during young adulthood. A total of 737 young adults (mean age = 19.5 years) participated in the study, with a subset of 503 individuals undergoing two MRI scans approximately 1.5 years apart. Structural equation modeling of self-reported data revealed a significant mediating effect of maladaptive emotion regulation on the relationship between conflictive FSE and depressive symptoms, particularly in females. Neuroimaging results indicated that an increased left-to-right hippocampal volume ratio was associated with more conflictive FSE in males, but not in females. These findings underscore the importance of considering sex differences when discussing the effects of FSE on mental health and neurological outcomes.
Healthcare Professionals’ Decision-Making Regarding Lumbar Fusion Surgery or Conservative Care for Adults With Severe, Persistent Low Back Pain: An Australian Cross-Sectional Survey Using Case Vignettes
Authors: Window Peter , Bada Eniola , Stovell Matthew G , Ahuja Sashin , Beard David J , Gardner Adrian , Foster Nadine E
Published: February 2025

Study Design

Cross-sectional Survey.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe clinicians’ decision-making regarding suitability of patient cases for lumbar fusion surgery or conservative care and the level of equipoise to randomise participants into a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods

An online survey distributed via Australian professional networks to clinicians involved in low back pain care, collected data on clinical discipline, clinical experience, practice setting and preferred care of five patient case vignettes (ranging in age, pain duration, BMI, imaging findings, neurological signs/symptoms). Clinicians were asked about preferred clinical care and willingness to randomise each case.

Results

Of 101 respondents (31 orthopaedic surgeons, 17 neurosurgeons, 50 allied health professionals (AHPs), 1 pain physician, 1 nurse), 44% worked in public health services only, 36.4% in both public and private, 19.2% in private only. 46.5% had over 20 years clinical experience. Conservative care was preferred for all cases (83.1%–90.9%). Surgeons preferred an anterior approach to lumbar fusion (range 40.6%–68.4%). On average 51.9% (range: 47%–55%) indicated willingness to randomise cases, with orthopaedic (61.5%) and neurosurgeons (64.9%) more willing than AHPs (44.4%). Willingness to randomise was highest in younger cases with shorter pain duration, no neurological symptoms/signs and localised degeneration, and lowest when cases had high BMI, longer pain duration, and inadequate conservative management. Willingness to randomise was higher in those in private (70.3%) vs public health care services (43.6%).

Conclusions

Over half of respondents reported willingness to randomise cases, indicating sufficient clinical equipoise for a future RCT.
A Complex Adaptive Systems Approach to Health Professions Education Transformation: The Case of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine and an Integrated Quality Improvement-Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Curriculum
Authors: Stevenson Katherine , D’Eon Marcel , Headrick Linda , Gäre Boel Andersson
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVES

In 2003, the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine (MU SOM) initiated an integrated quality improvement-interprofessional collaborative practice (QI-ICP) curriculum as part of a larger curriculum renewal process. While exploring a different case study focused on the content of the curriculum, investigators became intrigued by MU SOM's approach to change, specifically, how complex adaptive systems (CAS) thinking may have supported sustained transformational change in curriculum across multiple health professions programs. The primary aim of this study was to elucidate the aspects of MU's experience with transformation that were grounded in CAS. A secondary aim was to explore the usefulness of a CAS-based management framework for organizational transformation using the case of curricular transformation in health professions education at MU.

METHODS

Data collection involved interviews, with twelve faculty from a variety of programs, and document analysis, including previously published papers and gray literature (websites, organizational charts and planning documents, and faculty development materials).

RESULTS

Using abductive analysis, we found that leadership in the health professions programs at MU, informed by earlier learning about organizational sensemaking and CAS theory, addressed all 9 of the characteristics of CAS presented in the initial framework. Additionally, systematic combining revealed the need to adjust the framework to ensure applicability to health professions education. The analysis of MU's experience also offered key insights into how that transformation happened in practice. The CAS framework adjustments make explicit the importance of common purpose and the concept of leadership as an emergent event and make it easier to apply the framework to a broader set of organizational contexts, including health professions education.

CONCLUSION

The use of the adjusted framework, informed by insights from this specific case, may help health professions education programs evaluate past change efforts or plan for future change.
Hybrid Teacher Learning Optimization Enabled Deep Learning for Copy-Move Image Multiple Forgery Detection
Authors: Basavaraj Chaitra , Bhaskar Reddy PV
Published: February 2025

The availability of picture editing software makes it simple to adjust and modify digital photos. A copy-paste forgery, which is used to hide items or create a scene that does not exist, is the most popular method of picture manipulation. There are numerous ways to spot this fake, but it is a laborious and challenging process. To address this problem, multiple forgery detection utilizing copy-move images is discovered and deep learning is enabled through a hybrid optimization technique. The deep learning for copy-move image multiple forgery detection using hybrid teacher learning optimization is presented in this research. Here, the input image is initially taken from Many Images Splicing Dataset, where multiple items are found using the You Only Look Once v3 algorithm to generate an anchor box. Additionally, ZF-Net is used to extract features from each item. Here, ZF-Net parameters are altered utilizing Hybrid Teacher-Learning-Based Optimization (HTLBO). Additionally, the performance of HTLBO_ZF-Net is examined using a variety of evaluation metrics, including accuracy, True Positive Rate, True Negative Rate, Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive Value, and it is discovered that these metrics have achieved values of 95.8%, 89.3%, 89.1%, 96.9% and 96.6%, respectively.
Development of Chimp Optimization Algorithm and Adaptive Shuffle Attention Net for Automated Bank Cheque and Signature Verification
Authors: Salagar Rajashekar , Patil Pushpa B
Published: February 2025

Processing of cheques has evolved into congestion that can impede the financial system's efficiency as a result of the banking industry's growing digitalization. The verification procedure has historically been done manually, with a bank staff visually inspecting the cheque for fraud or other problems. However, this procedure can be costly, requires more time, and is prone to mistakes. Therefore, the automated check verification system developed, which uses computer vision and deep learning algorithms to extract related data from images of checks and evaluate their legitimacy, is presented as a solution to these problems. Thus, this research work involves acquiring the cheque image from standard databases, and it is followed by the denoising stage to remove any noise or unwanted artifacts. Preprocessing is done by Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) and median filtering process to remove the unwanted noises from the images. Subsequently, OCR (optical character recognition) is applied to extract the numbers from the cheque. Once the numbers are extracted, they are fed into a handwritten recognition system, which is done by Adaptive Shuffle Attention Net (ASAN). After the handwritten characters are recognized, the deep features of the signature are extracted ASAN. Here, the updated random vector-based chimp optimization algorithm (URV-COA) is used for optimizing the parameters in ASAN. Finally, a similarity check is performed between the extracted signature and the signature on the file stored in the dataset. If the signatures are sufficiently similar, the cheque can be verified as authentic.
Preparation and Applications of Photonic Crystal Structural Color Fibers
Authors: Pan Binjie , Gao Weihong , Li Yuejia , Jony Imtiyaz Ahmmed , Yang Shu
Published: February 2025

Photonic crystal fibers are fibers that are made up of photonic crystals and have bright structural colors. Their unique structural color is conducive to the green transformation of the textile dyeing and finishing industry, and some photonic crystal fibers can also show color-changing characteristics according to changes in process, material and external environment, which can play a significant role in smart wear. In this paper, the preparation methods of photonic crystal fibers with different structures are introduced, and their applications in the fields of textiles, sensing and anti-counterfeiting are introduced. The future development direction and prospects are predicted, which are of great significance for the development of preparation methods and potential applications of photonic crystal fibers.
Defining democracy through news coverage: Democracy beat coverage by local newsrooms
Authors: Lorenz Andrea , Assmann Karin
Published: February 2025

Some news organizations in the United States are introducing a new beat in their newsrooms to address the current political environment: the democracy beat. Using textual analysis, this study explores news stories written by local news reporters on the democracy beat in 10 local newsrooms between 2022 and 2023. The analysis of this coverage reveals how local not-for-profit newsrooms make meaning of democracy in the current climate and how they view journalism’s role in sustaining democracy. Reporters dedicated to democracy beats covered news across a broad range, mostly without explicitly linking coverage to either threats to democracy or even mentioning democracy. While most newsrooms leaned into their roles as watchdogs and information purveyors through traditional accountability and procedural election coverage, only a few framed their coverage to encourage political participation, and fewer still attempted to build community cohesion through coverage. These findings lead to the core argument of this study: Newsrooms with democracy beats envision their current role in U.S. democracy as preparing citizens to make informed voting choices, signaling belief in a functioning electoral system, yet not playing a part in helping citizens more actively participate in democracy.
A novel mechanism of FTO modulating the progression of endometriosis through mediating the m6A methylation of GEF-H1 in a YTHDF1-dependent manner
Authors: Ding Xin-Yu , Zhang Hua-Ying , Chen Jia-Hao , Yang Meng-Jie , Huang Zhi-Xiong , Lei Yi-Hong , Sun Qin-Kun , Bai Jian-Bin , Lin Dian-Chao , Lan Jian-Fa , Ren Lu-Lu , Chen Zheng-Yi , Zhou Wei-Dong , Chen Qiong-Hua
Published: February 2025

Background

Endometriosis (EMs) is a condition characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Although this condition is benign, it has cancer-like features. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common RNA modification involved in diverse biological processes, but its role in EMs remains unclear.

Methods

A human endometrial stromal cell line (HESCs), primary eutopic endometrial stromal cells (Eu-ESCs), primary ectopic endometrial stromal cells (Ec-ESCs), and clinical samples were used in this study. A colorimetric assay was used to measure methylation levels in clinical and mouse EMs samples. Functional assays (CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, and wound healing) were used to evaluate phenotypic changes. m6A immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) identified downstream targets. Mechanistic studies were conducted via qRT‒PCR, Western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), dual-luciferase reporter, and RNA stability assays.

Results

We detected aberrantly low levels of m6A within endometriotic lesions, which was attributed to increased expression of the m6A eraser fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO). Notably, estrogen and inflammatory factors, which are recognized as pathogenic agents in EMs amplify FTO expression while suppressing m6A levels. In vitro experiments demonstrated that overexpression of FTO in endometrial stromal cells leads to a reduction in m6A levels and concomitantly promotes their proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, both genetic deletion of Fto and chemical inhibition of FTO impeded the growth of ectopic endometrial lesions in vivo. By utilizing m6A-seq, we identified GEF-H1 (a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor) as a pivotal downstream target of FTO. Specifically, diminished m6A methylation at a certain site within the 3'UTR of GEF-H1 promotes its expression in a YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein F1 (YTHDF1)-dependent manner, thereby activating the RhoA pathway. Subsequent experiments revealed that GEF-H1 mediates the effects of FTO in promoting migration and invasion.

Conclusions

This study revealed that FTO decreases the m6A level of GEF-H1, thereby increasing its stability, which in turn activates the GEF-H1-RhoA pathway to promote the migration and invasion of endometrial stromal cells, thereby inducing EMs. Our findings suggest potential therapeutic avenues for targeting FTO to alleviate EMs progression.
Neural Network Adaptive Hierarchical Sliding Mode Control for the Trajectory Tracking of a Tendon-Driven Manipulator
Authors: Zhang Yudong , He Leiying , Chen Jianneng , Yan Bo , Wu Chuanyu
Published: February 2025

Tracking control of tendon-driven manipulators has become a prevalent research area. However, the existence of flexible elastic tendons generates substantial residual vibrations, resulting in difficulties for trajectory tracking control of the manipulator. This paper proposes the radial basis function neural network adaptive hierarchical sliding mode control (RBFNNA-HSMC) method, which combines the dynamic model of the elastic tendon-driven manipulator (ETDM) with radial basis neural network adaptive control and hierarchical sliding mode control technology. The aim is to achieve trajectory tracking control of ETDM even under conditions of model inaccuracy and disturbance. The Lyapunov stability theory demonstrates the stability of the proposed RBFNNA-HSM controller. In order to assess the effectiveness and adaptability of the proposed control method, simulations and experiments were performed on a two-DOF ETDM. The RBFNNA-HSM method shows superior tracking accuracy compared to traditional model-based HSM control. The experiment shows that the maximum tracking error for ETDM double-joint trajectory tracking is below 2.593×10-3 rad and 1.624×10-3 rad, respectively.
Recurrent orbital inflammatory syndrome as a presenting sign of multiple myeloma: a case report
Authors: Depraetere Chloe , De Vriendt Ciel , Roels Dimitri , Kreps Elke O. , Ninclaus Virginie G. S.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Orbital inflammation has a variety of underlying causes and warrants comprehensive work-up including extensive blood work and imaging studies. This case report highlights a rare presentation of multiple myeloma presenting as recurrent orbital inflammatory syndrome.

Case Report

A 61-year-old woman experienced brief episodes of recurrent orbital inflammation, as documented by MRI. Work-up revealed a high-risk smoldering myeloma without sufficient evidence of plasma cell-mediated orbital inflammation on the first biopsy samples. The CRAB criteria (hyperCalcemia, Renal insufficiency, Anemia, Bone lesions) were not met, nor were there formal criteria for myeloma. The appearance of crystalline keratopathy allowed for a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, as this ocular involvement demonstrated organ damage. Myeloma treatment led to a complete and ocular remission.

Discussion

This case emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough systemic work-up and the need for repeated comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluations with each flare-up of recurrent orbital inflammation. Subtle but rare changes observed during follow-up can provide critical information that may alter the diagnosis.
The oldest continuous association between astigmatid mites and termites preserved in Cretaceous amber reveals the evolutionary significance of phoresy
Authors: Sendi Hemen , Klimov Pavel B. , Kolesnikov Vasiliy B. , Káčerová Júlia , Bonino Enrico , Azar Dany , Robin Ninon
Published: February 2025

Background

Among minute-sized and wingless arthropods, astigmatid mites stand out for their diverse range of symbiotic associations (parasitic, neutral and mutualistic), with both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. When inhabiting discontinuous and ephemeral environments, astigmatid mites adapt their life cycle to produce a phoretic heteromorphic nymph. When feeding resources are depleted, phoretic nymphs disperse to new habitats through phoresy, attaching to a larger animal which transports them to new locations. This dispersal strategy is crucial for accessing patchy resources, otherwise beyond the reach of these minute arthropods. In Astigmata, the phoretic nymph is highly specialized for dispersal, equipped with an attachment organ and lacking a mouth and pharynx. Despite the common occurrence of phoretic associations in modern mites, their evolutionary origins remain poorly understood. Among Astigmata, the family Schizoglyphidae represents an early derivative lineage with phoretic tritonymphs; however, our knowledge of this family is limited to a single observation.

Results

Here, we report the oldest biotic association of arthropods fossilised in amber (~ 130 Ma, Lebanon): an alate termite with 16 phoretic tritonymphs of Schizoglyphidae (Plesioglyphus lebanotermi gen. et sp. n.). The mites are primarily attached to the membranes of the host’s hindwings, using their attachment organs, pretarsal claws and tarsal setae. Additionally, we report new modern phoretic tritonymphs of this same family, on one of the earliest lineages of termites. These data collectively indicate that schizoglyphid-termite associations represent the oldest continuous mite-host associations. Notably, phoretic schizoglyphids retain a distinct mouth and pharynx, whereas these structures are absent in the modern phoretic stages of non-schizoglyphid Astigmata.

Conclusion

The discovery of Schizoglyphidae mites in Lebanese amber represents the oldest known continuous association between acariform mites and their hosts. This finding demonstrates the long-term evolutionary significance of phoresy in Astigmata, evidencing a relationship sustained for over 130 Ma. It indicates that these early mites lived inside termite nests as inquilines and used alate termites for dispersal. This ancient association offers key insights into the coevolution of both mites and termites, highlighting a potential for the future discoveries of similar mites. This fossil —a stem-group Astigmata— is important for the accurate calibration of acariform mite phylogenies, advancing our understanding of these mites evolutionary history.
Tislelizumab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled, phase II clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Ke , Wang Qifeng , Cao Jianzhong , Fan Chengcheng , Shen Wenbin , Xiao Qin , Ge Xiaolin , Zhang Tian , Liu Xiao , Chen Xi , Dong Jie , Li Zewei , Zheng Zhunhao , Yan Cihui , Wang Ping , Pang Qingsong , Zhang Wencheng
Published: February 2025

Background

The standard treatment for elderly patients with unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is definitive chemoradiotherapy with S-1. However, the 3-year overall survival (OS) is limited to approximately 40%. Tislelizumab is the first- and second-line standard treatment for advanced ESCC with tolerable toxicity. In this study, we aimed to explore a new curative strategy for locally advanced unresectable ESCC in the elderly by combining tislelizumab with chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

This study is an open-label, multicenter, investigator-initiated phase II clinical trial in older patients with inoperable locally advanced ESCC evaluating tislelizumab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The main inclusion criteria were pathological confirmation of locally advanced inoperable ESCC at clinical cT1N2-3M0 or cT2-4bN0-3M0 (stage II–IVA), age ≥ 70 years, absence of previous systemic anti-tumor therapy, and adequate organ function. A total of 136 patients will be recruited from approximately seven centers (in Tianjin, Chengdu, Taiyuan, Zhengzhou, Shijiazhuang, Changsha, Nanjing) over a period of 18 months and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive tislelizumab in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (tislelizumab + S-1 + radiotherapy) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (S-1 + radiotherapy). The efficacy and safety of the treatment will be evaluated during the therapy and follow-up period until disease progression, death, or the end of the trial. The primary study endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary study endpoints were OS, objective response rate (ORR), duration of remission (DOR), and safety. Fresh or archival tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples will be used in exploratory studies.

Discussion

This study is the first “programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy” for elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced ESCC (NCT06061146). The synergistic efficacy of combined definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy with tislelizumab is expected to result in survival benefits for elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced ESCC. Because S-1 plus concurrent radiotherapy is the standard treatment option for locally advanced ESCC in older patients, the combination of definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy and tislelizumab has the potential to change the standard ESCC therapeutic strategy with comparable safety.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06061146.Registered 9/10/2023.
Implementation of the healthy heart tool- an algorithm with potential cardiometabolic health benefits in persons with severe mental illness
Authors: Lund-Stenvold Elisabeth Haug , Ringen Petter A. , Andreassen Ole A. , Gaarden Torfinn L. , Hartberg Cecilie B. , Johnsen Erik , Myklatun Silje , Osnes Kåre , Sørensen Kjetil , Vaaler Arne , Tonstad Serena , Engh John A. , Høye Anne
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiometabolic diseases are the main causes of death in persons with severe mental illness (SMI), highlighting the need to improve management of cardiovascular risk factors in both primary and specialized health care. The “Healthy Heart Tool” aims at helping health care workers to identify persons at risk, and to initiate proper interventions. Here we investigate if the recommendations in the Healthy Heart Tool are followed one year after implementation and whether implementation of the tool improved cardiometabolic risk factors in SMI.

Methods

Data from 270 individuals with SMI from six Norwegian hospitals were collected at baseline and at 12 months after implementation of the Healthy Heart Tool throughout the health care services. Changes from baseline to 12 months follow-up were analyzed using chi-square and independent t-tests, whereas implementation effects were analyzed using logistic general linear mixed models.

Results

After implementing the Healthy Heart Tool, significantly more persons received dietary advice and/or salt restriction advice (75.5% vs. 84.8%, p = 0.035). After controlling for Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 and sex, there was an odds ratio (OR) of 8.9 (95% CI 1.42–55.77) for receiving dietary advice and/or advice on salt reduction. There was a significant reduction (p = 0.016) in numbers of participants with high levels of total serum cholesterol ≥ 5 mmol/ (54.4% vs. 46.3%).

Conclusions

Implementing the Healthy Heart Tool can increase awareness of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with SMI. The intervention increased the proportion of individuals who received dietary and salt reduction advice and decreased the proportion of individuals with high cholesterol levels. However, due to the small numbers, these results should be interpreted with caution. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that the Healthy Heart Tool may be an effective means for improving the management of cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with SMI in typical clinical settings.

Trial registrations

The trial was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov 29.01.25, ID NCT 06807242.
Temporal trends of psychiatric disorders incidence by sex, education and immigration status among young and middle-aged adults in Sweden, 2004–2019
Authors: Kiadaliri Ali , Osooli Mehdi , Ohlsson Henrik , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: February 2025

Objective

To explore temporal changes in incidence of major psychiatric disorders across sociodemographic subgroups in Sweden.

Methods

This population-based open cohort study included all individuals born during 1958–1994 and residing in Sweden at any time during 2004–2019. We identified psychiatric disorders registered in inpatient and outpatient specialist care. We calculated person-years from the inclusion until diagnosis of psychiatric disorder of interest, death, emigration or December 31, 2019, whichever occurred first. Combining sex (female, male), education (low, medium, high) and immigration status (first- or second-generation immigrant, native), we created a variable with 18 strata. Average annual percent changes (AAPCs) in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) were estimated using Joinpoint regression.

Results

A total of 5,051,875 individuals aged 25–61 years were followed for ≈ 56–58 million person-years. First-generation immigrants generally had lower overall ASIRs than second-generation and natives with more pronounced differences among persons with low education and females. While ASIRs of autism spectrum and other pervasive developmental disorders (AAPC 11.8%, 95% CI: 9.5, 15.8), as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorders (18.8%, 16.6, 25.0) rose over time, other psychiatric disorders were stable or had decreasing temporal changes (AAPC ranged from 0% for substance use disorders to -5.7% for schizophrenia/acute and transient psychotic disorders). First-generation immigrants generally experienced more favourable changes (i.e. more decreases or less increases) in ASIRs and this was most evident among those with low education.

Conclusions

While incidence of psychiatric disorders in inpatient and outpatient specialist care generally declined during 2004–2019, there were important sociodemographic variations in temporal changes.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Associations between body composition, metabolic mediators and osteoarthritis in cats
Authors: Ley Charles J. , M. Strage Emma , Stadig Sarah M. , von Brömssen Claudia , Olsson Ulf , Bergh Anna , Ley Cecilia
Published: February 2025

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, age-related joint disease in cats. The common finding of bilateral symmetric joint involvement may suggest influence from systemic factors, and could imply that body parameters such as excess body fat and cat size are important for OA development. We aimed to investigate associations between body composition and whole-body OA scores in 72 cats, using whole-body computed tomography (CT), and if serum concentrations of the metabolic mediators leptin, adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) reflected the total OA load. In addition, associations between body composition and metabolic mediators were determined. For data analyses, cats were grouped as smaller or larger according to the median value of the total body bone volume (body size), and as leaner or fatter cats according to the median of the total body fat volumes normalized for body size (nBFV).

Results

Computed tomography-detected OA changes were present in 94% of cats. In appendicular joints, OA was most commonly detected in hip joints followed by elbow, stifle, carpal, tarsal and shoulder joints, whereas in axial joints, OA was most commonly detected in the thoracic region. Groupwise comparisons showed that whole-body OA scores were higher for fatter compared to leaner cats (p = 0.012), and larger fatter cats had higher whole-body OA scores compared to smaller leaner cats (p = 0.021). Whole-body OA scores were associated with IGF-1 concentrations (p = 0.0051). Leptin concentrations were strongly associated with nBFV (p < 0.0001), whereas IGF-1 concentrations were weakly associated with total body bone volumes (p = 0.0134). Individual joint region OA scores were higher in carpal, elbow, stifle and hip joints in fatter cats, in carpal joints in larger and larger fatter cats, in elbow joints in larger leaner cats, and in stifle joints in smaller fatter cats.

Conclusions

In cats, increased body fat is a risk factor for having a higher load of OA, particularly in carpal, elbow, stifle and hip joints. Increased body size is additionally a risk factor for having carpal OA. The total OA load is reflected in serum IGF-1 concentrations, but underlying mechanisms for this association are unclear.
BMI or not to BMI? debating the value of body mass index as a measure of health in adults
Authors: Byker Shanks Carmen , Bruening Meg , Yaroch Amy L.
Published: February 2025

Body mass index (BMI) is used across public health to calculate height to weight ratio and translate into weight status. Whether BMI is appropriate as an individual- or population-level health measure for adults is debated. BMI is a cost-effective and feasible metric to establish health risk. Yet, BMI’s historical underpinnings, weight categories, usefulness as clinical diagnostic measure, and application across population subgroups has called the measurement tool into question. At the annual ISBNPA meeting in June 2023, the co-authors engaged in a debate session on the topic. This paper presents the complexity of arguments for or against BMI as a measurement tool and proposes its evolution to support whole-person health.
The behavioral phenotype in a cohort of patients with chromosome 18 anomalies: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Allegri Beatrice , Ajmone Paola Francesca , Michelini Giovanni , Antonietti Virginia , Tornielli Silvia , Bruschi Fabio , Dall’Ara Francesca , Monti Federico , Milani Donatella , Vizziello Paola Giovanna , Costantino Maria Antonella
Published: February 2025

Background

Genetic syndromes resulting from chromosome 18 structural abnormalities constitute a broad spectrum of conditions characterized by significant clinical heterogeneity. Most studies in the literature focus on case reports and clinical observations; the present study aims to assess the cognitive, communicative, behavioral, and adaptive abilities of different chromosome 18 abnormalities. In addition, this work aims to identify phenotype-genotype correlations by comparing individuals with 18p deletion, 18q deletion, and 18p tetrasomy.

Methods

The sample included 24 patients with a definite genetic diagnosis of 18p deletion (N = 6), 18q deletion (N = 9), or 18p tetrasomy (N = 8). The assessment is provided by using a specific protocol based on direct and indirect clinical assessment of patients. Differences in IQ/GQ indexes, adaptive behavior, CARS scores, and CBCL internalizing and externalizing symptoms were assessed using ANCOVAs with age as covariate.

Results

Our results showed more significant cognitive and behavioral impairment in tetrasomy 18 than in the other two conditions. Conversely, in 18p deletion group, we found greater behaviorally susceptibility to develop autistic traits.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings should raise clinicians’ awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of patients with chromosome 18 alterations, paving the way to targeted and more appropriate management.
De novo basecalling of RNA modifications at single molecule and nucleotide resolution
Authors: Cruciani Sonia , Delgado-Tejedor Anna , Pryszcz Leszek P. , Medina Rebeca , Llovera Laia , Novoa Eva Maria
Published: February 2025

RNA modifications influence RNA function and fate, but detecting them in individual molecules remains challenging for most modifications. Here we present a novel methodology to generate training sets and build modification-aware basecalling models. Using this approach, we develop the m

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ABasecaller, a basecalling model that predicts m6A modifications from raw nanopore signals. We validate its accuracy in vitro and in vivo, revealing stable m6A modification stoichiometry across isoforms, m6A co-occurrence within RNA molecules, and m6A-dependent effects on poly(A) tails. Finally, we demonstrate that our method generalizes to other RNA and DNA modifications, paving the path towards future efforts detecting other modifications.
Digital sequencing is improved by using structured unique molecular identifiers
Authors: Micallef Peter , Santamaría Manuel Luna , Escobar Mandy , Andersson Daniel , Österlund Tobias , Mouhanna Pia , Filges Stefan , Johansson Gustav , Fagman Henrik , Vannas Christoffer , Ståhlberg Anders
Published: February 2025

Digital sequencing uses unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) to correct for polymerase induced errors and amplification biases. Here, we design 19 different structured UMIs to minimize the capacity of primers to form non-specific PCR products during library construction using SiMSen-Seq, a PCR-based digital sequencing approach with flexible multiplexing capabilities suitable for tumor-informed mutation analysis. All structured UMI designs demonstrate enhanced assay performance compared with an unstructured reference UMI. The best performing structured UMI design shows significant improvements in all tested aspects of assay and sequencing performance with the ability to reliable detect low variant allele frequencies.
Proximal iterated function systems using cyclic Meir-Keeler contractions and an application to fractal theory
Authors: Unni A. Sreelakshmi , Pragadeeswarar V.
Published: February 2025

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Analyzing the trend of government support for cloud computing usage in e-government architecture
Authors: Younus Muhammad , Purnomo Eko Priyo , Nurmandi Achmad , Mutiarin Dyah , Manaf Halimah Abdul , Mumtaz Fathiya , Khairunnisa Tiara
Published: February 2025

The revolution in improving services to the community carried out by the current government is genuine. It is not easy for government organizations, especially local governments, to directly implement e-government services in full. One solution that is considered appropriate and can solve these problems is the application of cloud computing to support e-government services in local governments. The advantage of cloud computing for e-government is that it can increase security. In contrast, cloud-based storage can be valuable because data stored in cloud computing is guaranteed secure and various regulations and standards of information safety practices. We propose a systematic literature review approach to analyze trends in studies on cloud computing of e-government. This research is a type of descriptive qualitative research using a bibliometric approach. To assess the trend of cloud computing in e-government, we use CiteSpace’s latest bibliometric software to achieve a comprehensive knowledge overview of cloud computing in e-government. The Findings of this paper reveal a dynamic scenario influenced by advancing technological progress and administrative priorities. Across the globe, governments are progressively acknowledging the capacity of cloud computing to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, and scalability of e-government services. Overall, challenges persist, spanning from concerns regarding data safekeeping and privacy, but it also signifies a strategic transition towards harnessing digital technologies to provide more agile, citizen-focused public services.
The multifaceted role of ferroptosis in infection and injury and its nutritional regulation in pigs
Authors: Zhou Bei , Guo Junjie , Xiao Kan , Liu Yulan
Published: February 2025

Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of regulated cell death (RCD) characterized by iron overload and excessive lipid peroxidation. To date, numerous studies in human and mouse models have shown that ferroptosis is closely related to tissue damage and various diseases. In recent years, ferroptosis has also been found to play an indispensable and multifaceted role in infection and tissue injury in pigs, and nutritional regulation strategies targeting ferroptosis show great potential. In this review, we summarize the research progress of ferroptosis and its role in infection and tissue injury in pigs. Furthermore, we discuss the existing evidence on ferroptosis regulation by nutrients, aiming to provide valuable insights for future investigation into ferroptosis in pigs and offer a novel perspective for the treatment of infection and injury in pigs.