bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses' Perception and Insight Into Uremic Pruritus in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease on Dialysis: A Survey‐Based Study
Authors: Zito Maria Pia , Fabbri Cinzia , Del Grosso Francesca , Barci Francesco , Ferraro Giuseppe , De Pascale Gessica , Santapaola Giovanna , Canzi Mara , Neiviller Valerio , Pizzo Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Background

Uremic pruritus is a quite common condition among patients with chronic kidney disease. Symptom severity and patterns are variable.

Aim

To assess how nurses in the field of nephrology perceive the issue of uremic pruritus in dialysis patients and the relevance of this condition.

Design

A qualitative survey‐based study.

Participants

Nurses working in the field of nephrology.

Methods

Nurses were administered an online survey with a 10‐item survey (5 on socio‐demographics, 5 specific to nephrology). Responses were reported in descriptive form and response rates.

Results

The study involved 185 nurses working in the field of nephrology, most of which were over the age of 40, and 39% had over 20 years of experience. Most perceived that uremic pruritus has decreased over the years thanks to better dialysis methods and that it is currently independent of the type of dialysis. Fifty‐two percent estimate pruritus affects half or more of patients, and 47.6% that it affects only a minority. 75% estimate moderate‐to‐severe uremic pruritus involves between 1 and 3 cases every 10 patients (40.5% estimating ≤3/10 patients and 34.6% ≤1/10 patients), and 25% it affects at least half of patients. 41% estimate that more than half the patients do not find relief from PU to prevent it from impairing their quality of life.

Conclusions

The results highlight a large divergence in the perception of uremic pruritus among nurses. While this evidence the need for greater awareness on uremic pruritus, this also suggests a privileged role for nurses in detecting uremic pruritus occurrence and properly referring patients to nephrologist.
Maternal Western Diet Programmes Bile Acid Dysregulation and Hepatic Fibrosis in Fetal and Juvenile Macaques
Authors: Nash Michael J. , Dobrinskikh Evgenia , Al‐Juboori Saif I. , Janssen Rachel C. , Fernandes Jolyn , Argabright Amy , D'Alessandro Angelo , Kirigiti Melissa A. , Kievit Paul , Aagaard Kjersti M. , McCurdy Carrie E. , Gannon Maureen , Jones Kenneth L. , Li Tiangang , Friedman Jacob E. , Wesolowski Stephanie R.
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Maternal obesity increases the risk of the paediatric form of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), affecting up to 30% of youth, but the developmental origins remain poorly understood.

Methods

Using a Japanese macaque model, we investigated the impact of maternal Western‐style diet (mWSD) or chow diet followed by postweaning WSD (pwWSD) or chow diet focusing on bile acid (BA) homeostasis and hepatic fibrosis in livers from third‐trimester fetuses and 3‐year‐old juvenile offspring.

Results

Juveniles exposed to mWSD had increased hepatic collagen I/III content and stellate cell activation in portal regions. mWSD increased transcriptional signatures of FXR activation, while pwWSD impaired FXR pathway genes and increased liver BA content. Both mWSD and pwWSD increased serum BA concentrations. Notably, mWSD‐exposed juvenile offspring had increased periportal CK19 expression and cholangiocyte gene expression supporting proliferation compared with maternal chow‐exposed offspring. Fetuses exposed to mWSD had increased CK19 expression and hepatic BAs which correlated positively with periportal collagen deposition and negatively with markers of fetal oxygenation. In juvenile offspring, increased serum BAs correlated positively with hepatic oxidative stress and portal fibrosis without elevated liver enzymes.

Conclusions

mWSD is associated with hallmarks of paediatric MASLD including portal bile ductular reaction, portal fibrosis and dysregulated BA homeostasis. These conditions begin in utero and persist in juvenile offspring regardless of their postweaning diet. These findings implicate changes in BA metabolism that may drive developmental programming of MASLD in juvenile offspring beginning in utero.
Precision in Liver Diagnosis: Varied Accuracy Across Subgroups and the Need for Variable Thresholds in Diagnosis of MASLD
Authors: Vali Yasaman , van Dijk Anne‐Marieke , Lee Jenny , Boursier Jerome , Ratziu Vlad , Yunis Carla , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Valenti Luca , Gomez Manuel Romero , Schuppan Detlef , Petta Salvatore , Allison Mike , Hartman Mark L. , Porthan Kimmo , Dufour Jean‐Francois , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Gastadelli Amalia , Derdak Zoltan , Fournier‐Poizat Celine , Shumbayawonda Elizabeth , Kalutkiewicz Michael , Yki‐Jarvinen Hannele , Ekstedt Mattias , Geier Andreas , Trylesinski Aldo , Francque Sven , Brass Clifford , Pavlides Michael , Holleboom Adriaan G. , Nieuwdorp Max , Anstee Quentin M. , Bossuyt Patrick M. ,   the LITMUS investigators
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

The performance of non‐invasive liver tests (NITs) is known to vary across settings and subgroups. We systematically evaluated whether the performance of three NITs in detecting advanced fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) varies with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) status or liver enzymes.

Methods

Data from 586 adult LITMUS Metacohort participants with histologically characterised MASLD were included. The diagnostic performance of the Fibrosis‐4 Index (FIB‐4), enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) and vibration‐controlled transient elastography liver stiffness measurement (VCTE LSM) was evaluated. Performance was expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). Thresholds for detecting advanced fibrosis (≥F3) were calculated for each NIT for fixed (high) sensitivity, specificity and predictive values.

Results

Differences in AUC between all subgroups were small and statistically not significant, indicating comparable performance in detecting ≥F3, irrespective of these clinical factors. However, different thresholds were needed to achieve the same level of accuracy with each test. For example, for a fixed sensitivity and specificity, the thresholds for all three NITs were higher in patients with T2DM. Effects for sex, age and liver enzymes were less pronounced.

Conclusions

Performance of the selected NITs in detecting advanced liver fibrosis does not vary substantially with clinical characteristics. However, different thresholds have to be selected to achieve the same sensitivity, specificity and predictive values in the respective subgroups. Large prospective studies are called for to study NIT accuracy considering multiple patient characteristics.
Therapeutic potential of stem cell‐derived somatic cells to treat metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease and diabetes
Authors: Gilglioni Eduardo H. , Bansal Mayank , St‐Pierre‐Wijckmans Wadsen , Talamantes Stephanie , Kasarinaite Alvile , Hay David C. , Gurzov Esteban N.
Published: January 2025

Developments in basic stem cell biology have paved the way for technology translation in human medicine. An exciting prospective use of stem cells is the ex vivo generation of hepatic and pancreatic endocrine cells for biomedical applications. This includes creating novel models ‘in a dish’ and developing therapeutic strategies for complex diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and diabetes. In this review, we explore recent advances in the generation of stem cell‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells and insulin‐producing β‐like cells. We cover the different differentiation strategies, new discoveries, and the caveats that still exist regarding their routine use. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of stem cell‐derived therapies as a clinical strategy to manage metabolic diseases in humans.
Can fundus features tell us something about 3D eye shape?
Authors: Yii Fabian , Strang Niall C. , Gibbon Samuel , MacGillivray Tom J.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To determine whether imaging features derived from fundus photographs contain 3D eye shape information beyond that available from spherical equivalent refraction (SER).

Methods

We analysed 99 eyes of 68 normal adults in the UK Biobank. An ellipsoid was fitted to the entire volume of each posterior eye (vitreous chamber without the lens)—segmented from magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Asphericity was computed based on the semidiameters of the ellipsoid's axes to describe posterior eye shape along the horizontal (temporal–nasal) and vertical (superior–inferior) meridians, while volume was calculated as the total number of foreground voxels. Mixed‐effects linear regression models were used to test the association of SER with asphericity and volume, controlling for age and sex. Then, the association between various fundus features and asphericity was tested—both before and after controlling for SER, age and sex.

Results

Posterior eyes were generally oblate (asphericity > 0), but the degree of oblateness reduced as SER decreased, with the shape tending towards prolateness in high myopia. Neither sex nor age influenced asphericity. However, males had larger posterior eyes on average (this difference disappeared after height was additionally controlled for). Optic disc (OD) orientation, OD‐fovea angle, vessel tortuosity, vessel fractal dimension and central retinal arteriolar or venular equivalent (CRAE or CRVE) showed significant univariable associations with asphericity along at least one meridian. After controlling for SER, age and sex, a more negative OD‐fovea angle (larger OD‐fovea angular separation) remained significantly associated with reduced horizontal oblateness (p = 0.01). Similarly, decreasing CRAE (narrower arterioles) remained significantly associated with reduced oblateness along both the horizontal (p = 0.04) and vertical (p < 0.01) meridians.

Conclusions

Variations in OD‐fovea angle and CRAE are associated with differences in ocular asphericity—even in eyes with similar SER—suggesting that fundus imaging provides eye shape information beyond what is available from refractive error alone.
A Rare Case of Sitagliptin‐Induced Oral Ulceration
Authors: Elamin Abeer , Milligan Rebekah , Marley John
Published: January 2025

Introduction

There is a spectrum of adverse drug reactions in the oral cavity, ranging from drug‐induced xerostomia to the development of severe mucosal disorders including extensive ulceration and mucositis. In relation to drug‐induced ulcerations, there are previously established adverse effects of some medications such as nicorandil and low‐dose methotrexate. There are however, limited reports on the effects of DD4 Inhibitors (Gliptins) on the oral cavity.

Aim

The aim of this case report is to highlight the rare finding of oral ulceration as an adverse effect of sitagliptin therapy. This case will add to the literature and promote awareness to our colleagues about the implications of gliptin therapy.

Methods

The case details an 87‐year‐old male who attended our oral surgery clinic with a persistent ulcer of 6 weeks on the lateral border of the tongue. The patient was started on Sitagliptin for management of his diabetes mellitus 4 months prior to the development of the lesion. Haematinic investigations also revealed a diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia. The sitagliptin was stopped and the patient was treated for iron deficiency anaemia. This resulted in complete resolution of the ulcer. We also conducted a literature search which reveals only four reported incidences of gliptin induced oral ulceration.

Conclusion

This case highlights that oral ulceration, or mucosal changes are likely adverse effects of sitagliptin therapy. This emphasises the importance of undertaking thorough history and correlating their systemic conditions to clinical findings to achieve an accurate diagnosis.
Improvement in Central Sensitization Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Severe Preoperative Pain and Affects Postoperative Quality of Life: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Koh Hae Seok , Kim Yoon‐Chung , Park DoJoon , Kang Mu Hyun , Choi Youn‐Ho
Published: January 2025

Objective

Central sensitization (CS) is associated with quality of life (QOL) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, how CS changes after TKA and whether these changes have clinical relevance remain unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify changes in CS after TKA and to assess the clinical significance of these changes.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on 92 patients between January 2021 and May 2023. CS severity was quantified using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). One year after TKA, the patients were divided into groups based on whether CS severity improved by ≥ 1 level (improved group) or did not improve (non‐improved group). The differences in preoperative and postoperative characteristics of patients in the two groups were analyzed. These characteristics included demographics, underlying diseases, physical examinations, and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. QOL improvement was compared based on two different minimal clinically important changes (MIC) in the Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Continuous variables were compared using Student's t‐test or the Mann–Whitney U‐test. The chi‐squared test was used to compare categorical variables.

Results

The postoperative CS severity in patients was significantly lower compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.001). The improved group exhibited a lower HSS knee pain score (p < 0.001). Out of the eight SF‐36 scales, five showed significantly greater improvement in the improved group compared to the non‐improved group. The mean postoperative increases in scores for all eight SF‐36 scales exceeded the MIC in the improved group, whereas half of the scales fell below the MIC in the non‐improved group.

Conclusions

CS showed improvement after TKA, particularly in patients with more severe preoperative pain. This improvement appears to be correlated with the improvement in QOL after TKA.
Evaluation of the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Time‐Out Checklist: A Simulation Study
Authors: Clebone Anna , Duggar Brian , Mandler Tessa N. , Burian Barbara K. , Masaracchia Melissa M. , Polaner David
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Quality and Safety Committee developed the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Time‐Out Checklist, consisting of 14 safety items intended to be reviewed by an anesthesia team prior to a regional anesthetic. Primarily, we hypothesized that use of this Checklist would increase the number of safety items performed compared with no checklist, evaluating the usefulness of this tool. Secondarily, we hypothesized that, after checklist training, subjects would show better clinical judgment by electing to perform a regional anesthetic in scenarios in which no programmed error existed and electing to not perform a regional anesthetic in scenarios in which a programmed error did exist.

Methods

Each anesthesia attending/trainee pair participated in 12 different randomized video‐recorded medium‐fidelity regional anesthesia simulation scenarios, receiving checklist training after half of the scenarios had been completed by each pair. In four of the scenarios, subjects were expected to decline to perform the regional anesthetic because of an error programmed into the scenario. Two errors consisted of a maximum dose of local anesthetic given by the surgeon immediately prior to the planned regional anesthetic and two errors consisted of coagulation issues prior to neuraxial block (1 with a low platelet count and 1 receiving low molecular weight heparin). Scenarios were scored for the number of safety items identified and performed by the subjects. Additionally, the team's choice to perform the regional anesthetic or abort was recorded.

Results

One‐hundred and thirty‐two scenarios were performed by 22 physicians. A greater number of safety items were completed after training on the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Time‐Out Checklist, for each of 11 individual groups and when data from all groups was pooled, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.33, 0.41). Overall, 78% of safety items studied were performed after checklist training compared to 41% of safety items performed prior to training. The team's choice to perform or abort the regional anesthetic occurred as expected more often (92% of scenarios) after Checklist training, compared to before checklist training (77% of scenarios), t = 3.41; p = 0.001, 95% CI (0.03, 0.27). Teams chose to perform the regional anesthetic despite a programmed error in three scenarios (0.05%) prior to Checklist training and no scenarios (0%) after Checklist training.

Conclusion

Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Time‐Out Checklist training led to an increased number of safety items performed prior to a simulated anesthetic.
Household Debt, Financial Balance, and Macroeconomic Stability: An Empirical Stock‐Flow Consistent Model of the UK Economy
Authors: Lu Saite
Published: January 2025

This paper constructs an empirical stock‐flow consistent model (SFCM) for the UK economy (UKFINMOD) based on national accounts. Unlike many macro‐econometric models that focus solely on flow variables, SFCMs emphasize the importance of national balance sheets and ensure their consistency with flow variables. Without incorporating national balance sheets, macroeconomic models cannot fully capture the general equilibrium effects in the economy or model the interactions between the real economy and financial sectors. Using the UKFINMOD, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the household sector to identify potential macroeconomic instability caused by over‐indebtedness. This study, aligned with the sectoral financial balance approach used by Godley in 1999 and Godley and Zezza in 2006, intends to identify unsustainable economic trajectories. The financial stability of households is discussed under different economic backgrounds, including the housing‐credit reinforcing cycle and the new pension scheme in the United Kingdom that allows early pension withdrawals. These findings suggest that monitoring household debt‐to‐income ratios, along with financial balances, is essential for identifying financial crises. This alternative modeling strategy should be integrated into the suite of macroeconomic models, as proposed by Blanchard in 2018.
Static States for Rotating Two‐Component Bose–Einstein Condensates
Authors: Hajaiej Hichem , Luo Xiao , Yang Tao
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we study static states for rotating two‐component Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) in two and three dimensions. This leads to analyze normalized solutions for a coupled Schrödinger system with rotation. In dimension two, it corresponds to a mass‐critical problem, for which we obtain some existence and nonexistence results. In the three‐dimensional case, the problem becomes mass‐supercritical, where we prove a multiplicity result along with an accurately asymptotical analysis. Furthermore, a stability result is also established in both cases. We not only extend the main results in Ardila and Hajaiej (Journal of Dynamics and Differential Equations 35 (2023), 1643–1665), Arbunich et al. (Letters in Mathematical Physics 109 (2019), 1415–1432), and Luo and Yang (Journal of Differential Equations 304 (2021), 326–347) from the rotating one‐component BEC to rotating two‐component BECs, but we also partially extend the results of Guo et al. (Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems 37 (2017), 3749–3786; Journal of Differential Equations 264 (2018), 1411–1441) from nonrotating two‐component BECs to rotating two‐component BECs.
Chebotarov Continua, Jenkins–Strebel Differentials and Related Problems: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Bertola M.
Published: January 2025

We detail a numerical algorithm and related code to construct rational quadratic differentials on the Riemann sphere that satisfy the Boutroux condition. These differentials, in special cases, provide solutions of (generalized) Chebotarov problem as well as being instances of Jenkins–Strebel differentials. The algorithm allows to construct Boutroux differentials with prescribed polar part, thus being useful in the theory of weighted capacity and random matrices.
Building a culture that empowers and motivates mathematics teacher leaders as change agents
Authors: Smith Wendy M. , Funk Rachel , Quaisley Kelsey , McMillon Emily
Published: January 2025

Mathematics teacher leaders may play an integral role in supporting change to address inequities in STEM education. To harness this potential, there is a need to identify effective professional development models that empower and motivate mathematics teacher leaders. We examine one such model focused on developing 30 K‐12 mathematics teacher leaders to support and expand teacher leadership within Nebraska, USA. Data analysis from interviews and surveys suggest that the project's focus on building and expanding teacher leaders' professional networks and increasing access to a variety of leadership opportunities contributed to a culture that empowered and motivated teacher leaders. Using the four frames model of organizational change in STEM, we identify several cultural features that contributed to the project's impact, including a cohort model connecting like‐minded educators that supported each other's efforts to enact changes; a distributed leadership philosophy that positioned participants as leaders within the project and at the university in which the project was situated; structural supports (e.g., funding, awards) for participants to engage in leadership; and a tailored approach to support participants based on their individual goals and vision for leadership. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for developing and supporting mathematics teacher leadership.
School‐level physical science enrollment and performance as mediators of the influence of poverty on graduation
Authors: Hatzfeld Jon , Kelly Angela M. , Krakehl Robert
Published: January 2025

This cross‐sectional, observational study examined how school‐level academic performance and enrollment in the physical sciences (Earth science, chemistry, and physics) mediate the predictive value of socioeconomic status on graduation rate in U.S. high schools. Data were collected from N = 555 schools (475,539 students) that reported enrollment and passing rates on physical science standardized assessments. A structural equation model accounted for the hierarchical nature of the physical sciences and controlled for the influence of school size. Results indicated that chemistry enrollment and Earth science performance partially mediated the effects of poverty on graduation rates. These results provide high need schools with a roadmap for increasing graduation rates through targeted interventions in physical science participation and performance, which may facilitate pathways to postsecondary STEM study and careers.
Image of mathematics: A case study of two women's early mathematics experiences
Authors: Zhou Lili , Suazo‐Flores Elizabeth , Sapkota Bima , Mbewe Rose , Newton Jill
Published: January 2025

People often view mathematics as abstract, cold, and irrelevant to real life, and their school experiences likely influence such views. In this case study, we investigated the mathematics experiences of two women who participated in an afterschool girls‐only STEM club 30 years ago when they were in fifth and sixth grades. We explored how the participants' early in‐ and out‐of‐school experiences informed their images of mathematics. We collected data through a survey, focus group interviews, and individual interviews. We employed oral history methods in interviews to grant participants a significant degree of freedom to retrospectively recount and reconstruct their experiences. Through a (dis)continuities lens, the findings reveal that individuals' images of mathematics are dynamic and strongly linked to their learning experiences across various contexts, extending beyond traditional school settings. We recommend that educators bridge out‐of‐school practices with in‐school mathematics learning by introducing approaches that deviate from stereotypical models. Additionally, we encourage educators to reconsider mathematics learning goals, aiming to help students perceive mathematics as a normal facet of human practices.
Orientations‐in‐practice: Mathematics and science preservice secondary teachers learning to orchestrate discussions
Authors: Zangori Laura , Snider Rachel B. , Morge Shelby , Rogers Meredith Park , Hargrove Tracy , Hermann Ronald S. , Howell Heather
Published: January 2025

Holding productive classroom discussions to illuminate student thinking is valued in both mathematics and science education. However, this practice can be challenging for even the most experienced teachers. Facilitating such a discussion requires in‐the‐moment decisions about questions and responses that will elicit student thinking and navigate the conversation toward a learning goal. These in‐the‐moment decisions are uncovered during observations and are considered a teachers’ orientations‐in‐practice, as they are composed of a teachers’ beliefs, dispositions, values, tastes, and preferences. To that end, the purpose of this study was to uncover secondary preservice teachers’ (PSTs) developing orientations‐in‐practice for discussion orchestration. We analyzed 29 (16 math; 13 science) PSTs video performances, which took place in an online simulated classroom environment. Three question and response patterns emerged across all PSTs: (1) framed questions and responses to navigate student thinking, (2) tightened questions and responses to direct student thinking toward more acceptable responses, or (3) used few questions and depended on telling to drive student thinking toward the correct response. Overall, the simulation provided a means to uncover patterns for how PSTs are developing orientations‐in‐practice. Implications from this study focus on how to support PSTs in adjusting their classroom discussion practice in science and mathematics.
Health‐related quality of life in Chagas cardiomyopathy: Development of a theoretical model
Authors: Silva Whesley Tanor , Mediano Mauro Felippe Felix , de Oliveira Lucas Frois Fernandes , Silva Keity Lamary Souza , Ávila Matheus Ribeiro , Azevedo Thaís Souza , de Alcantara Marcus Alessandro , de Carvalho Bastone Alessandra , Filho Renato Guilherme Trede , Lima Vanessa Pereira , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , de Castro Faria Sanny Cristina , Souza Daniel Menezes , de Oliveira Luciano Fonseca Lemos , Figueiredo Pedro Henrique Scheidt , Costa Henrique Silveira
Published: January 2025

Objective

Chagas disease can cause several complications, such as Chagas cardiomyopathy, the most severe clinical form of the disease. Chagas cardiomyopathy is complex and involves biological and psychosocial factors that can compromise health‐related quality of life. However, it is necessary to establish interactions that significantly impact the health‐related quality of life of this population. Therefore, we aimed to develop and present a theoretical model on the impact of Chagas cardiomyopathy on the health‐related quality of life of patients.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study with a multi‐methodology approach. The model's development process relied on the findings of a systematic review of qualitative studies, as well as a qualitative study involving participants from original communities, conventional rural areas and urban centres. Patients diagnosed with Chagas cardiomyopathy were interviewed using a semistructured research script, and the sample size was determined by theoretical saturation. Ultimately, the model underwent evaluation and received approval from three specialists in Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Results

Patients experience many emotional conflicts, manifested by feelings of sadness, existential emptiness and anxiety. They have fears related to the course of the disease, the inability to care for the people they love, their suffering and that of the family caregivers, as well as the fear of invasive treatments and death. The model based on social determinants of health was created and presented three different levels of factors that impact patients' health‐related quality of life. At the first and most external level are social, cultural and environmental conditions: absence from work, difficulties in accessing healthcare services, limited resources for specialised care and geographical barriers to accessing healthcare services. At a more internally committed level, there are social factors and community networks encompassing social isolation, family conflicts, social stigma, emotional aspects, fears and disabilities. The innermost layer of factors represents personal and behavioural complaints, such as physical ailments and poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

The factors that affect the health‐related quality of life of patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy are diverse in their biopsychosocial nature.
ANTIDIABETIC PROPERTIES OF DELPHINIDIN 3-SAMBUBIOSIDE-ANTHOCYANIN COMPOUNDS ISOLATED FROM HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA LINN
Authors: Shadhan Raheem Mohssin , Mohd Bohari Siti Pauliena , Adam Zainah , Jamalis Joazaizulfazli
Published: January 2025

Delphinidin 3-sambubioside compound (Dp-3-sam) (patent number MY-193036-A) could be effective against diabetes. Results showed that Dp-3-sam caused BRIN BD11, 3T3F442A, L6 myoblast and HSF 1184 cells to become significantly less viable after three days incubation. By comparison to positive control, Dp-3-sam in 50 µg/ml showed significant inhibitory effects 96.76% (p<0.05). Glucose diffusion was significantly diminished by Dp-3-sam in 50 µg/ml concentration (4.98 mmol/L; p<0.01) compared to control (6.85 mmol/L; p<0.05). With regard to wound healing, migration effect exhibited by Dp-3-sam was more pronounced compared to negative control but weaker than positive control during six hours incubation. Meanwhile, 150 µg/mL Dp-3-sam stimulated insulin production 3.15 times more than positive control (p<0.001) at identical two-fold concentration. Moreover, compared to control, Dp-3-sam could not stimulate glucose assimilation in 3T3F442A adipocytes, and neither could enhance GLUT4 diffusion and regulation on L6 myotubes. Results obtained shed new light on anti-diabetes properties of Dp-3-sam in context of herbal medicine.
ELECTRICITY DEMAND FORECASTING IN MALAYSIA USING SEASONAL BOX-JENKINS MODEL
Authors: Zaim Syarranur , Yaziz Siti Roslindar , Zakaria Roslinazairimah , Mohamad Nurul Najihah , Ahmad Radi Noor Fadhilah
Published: January 2025

The development of a precise forecasting model for electricity demand is essential for optimizing the efficiency of planning within the power generation sector. The electricity demand data in Malaysia exhibits seasonal patterns, making it necessary to evaluate the forecasting capabilities of the Box-Jenkins model for predicting weekly peak electricity demand. The objective of this study is to assess how well the Box-Jenkins model performs in forecasting the weekly peak electricity demand. This study utilizes weekly electricity demand data, specifically the highest values recorded each week, measured in megawatts (MW), spanning from 2005 to 2016. The findings indicate that SARIMA (4,1,0)(0,1,0)52 is the best-suited choice for predicting electricity demand. This conclusion is supported by its notably low values of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) which stand at 623.3015, 488.5673, and 2.95%, respectively. The MAPE value of the suggested model, falling below the 5% threshold, suggests that the seasonal Box-Jenkins model performs quite effectively when it comes to predicting electricity demand in the context of Malaysian data. To summarize, the proposed seasonal Box-Jenkins model exhibits significant potential and delivers promising performance when forecasting electricity demand characterized by seasonal patterns.
COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF CONVENTIONAL STABILIZERS IN IMPROVING ENGINEERING BEHAVIOR OF EXPANSIVE SUBGRADES
Authors: Anaokar Manoj , Kalp Pandya , Jahnvi Shah
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses the critical issue of distress in flexible pavements built on expansive Black Cotton soil, where seasonal moisture variations lead to swelling and shrinking, posing a serious threat to durability. Despite extensive research utilizing conventional stabilizers such as cement, lime, and fly ash, the comparative effectiveness of these stabilizers remains uncertain. This study employs a comprehensive approach, integrating conventional tests and microanalysis techniques to assess the engineering behavior of stabilized expansive soil samples. The investigation includes tests like Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) for strength evaluation, Free Swelling Index (FSI) for swelling potential estimation, and Atterberg’s limits for evaluating plasticity properties. Additionally, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) microanalysis is employed to examine the morphology of uncured-unstabilized expansive soil samples and those stabilized with cement, lime, and fly ash after a 28-day curing period. Results indicate that cement emerges as the most effective stabilizer, significantly reducing swelling by up to 42% and increasing strength post-curing by a remarkable fivefold compared to unstabilized-uncured expansive soil. Lime demonstrates exceptional efficacy in reducing plasticity, diminishing Liquid Limit (LL) and Plasticity Index (PI) by 30% and 79%, respectively. In contrast, fly ash is identified as least effective stabilizer, displaying the lowest efficacy in reducing swelling, plasticity, and enhancing strength. Furthermore, the study extends its analysis to evaluate the impact of these stabilizers on rutting and fatigue life of pavements through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using PLAXIS. The findings contribute valuable insights for practitioners and researchers seeking optimal stabilizer selection for expansive soil-based pavement projects.
UNRAVELLING SENSITIVE PHYSICOCHEMICAL DYNAMICS IN COMMERCIAL AQUACULTURE EARTHEN PONDS ACROSS SOUTHERN SARAWAK
Authors: Christopher Lee Adriana , Maurice Bilung Lesley , Sing Tung Teng , Apun Kasing , Jetom Aken
Published: January 2025

Aquaculture activities in Sarawak is currently undergoing great expansion and advancement by the government to provide sustainable food source for the local people. With the changing environment, climate change and increases in nutrients this could disrupt the water quality for the fish production. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the water quality in commercialize aquaculture ponds in Southern Sarawak. This study was carried out between June 2023 to November 2023. The temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, ammonia, phosphate, nitrate, and nitrite which are deemed as the most sensitive and pertinent for the fish production were evaluated. The YSI multiparameter was used to measure the physical variables and the nutrients variables were measured using the HACH spectrophotometer. The results obtained for the temperature (28±0.00-32±0.00 °C), dissolved oxygen (1.10±0.01-12.99±0.01 mg/L), pH (3.72±0.03-8.39±0.06 mg/L), conductivity (0.03±0.00- 215.10±0.35 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (10.45±0.01-10137.17±0.02 mg/L), turbidity (6.77±0.16-483.22±40.41 NTU), ammonia (0-3.5 mg/L), phosphate (0.06±0.03-4.52±0.04 mg/L), nitrate (0.01±0.00-3.5 mg/L) and nitrite (0.003±0.002-3.5 mg/L) denoted that the physicochemical parameters of water quality in the aquaculture ponds, if found within normal levels considered tolerable. Some of the physicochemical parameters examined this study did not fall within the recommended range for optimal fish production, suggesting that some physicochemical parameters in these aquaculture ponds does not provide conducive conditions for the fish survival and growth. Thus, vigilant monitoring and stricter management of water quality in aquaculture ponds is needed to protect the health of aquaculture industry as well as the public health that consume them.
Predictors of Social Media Advertisement Appeals and Consumers’ Buying Behavior of a Fast-Food Chain Company
Authors: Chan Tak Jie , Mohamad Roshdi Mohamad Uzair , Tian Yang , Hashim Nor Hazlina , Huam Hon Tat
Published: January 2025

The fast-food industry has faced stiff competition due to the mushrooming of various brands. Thus, marketers have to think of various promotional activities to attract consumers, and one of the strategies will be through the use of social media advertisement appeals. However, past studies mainly focused on rational and emotional appeals, and other advertisement appeals have received little attention. Thus, this study aimed to investigate a fast-food company's social media advertisement by focusing on the two main appeals, namely rational and emotional, and extended two additional appeals which are endorsement and aesthetic appeals. The study utilized the stimulus-response model as a theoretical framework and explained the relationships. The study applied quantitative methods and gained 168 valid responses via the purposive sampling technique. The results indicated that all four advertisement appeals (emotional, rational, endorsement, and aesthetic) are predictors of buying behavior, with emotional appeal as the most prominent appeal. The study urged that fast-food companies should pay attention to the provision of factual information, celebrity endorsements, and innovative aesthetic design to persuade consumers cognitively. Conclusion, implications, and future research avenues were discussed.
The ins and outs of liver fat metabolism: The effect of phenotype and diet on risk of intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation
Authors: Smith Kieran , Dennis Kaitlyn M. J. H. , Hodson Leanne
Published: January 2025

In health, the liver is a metabolically flexible organ that plays a key role in regulating systemic lipid and glucose concentrations. There is a constant flux of fatty acids (FAs) to the liver from multiple sources, including adipose tissue, dietary, endogenously synthesized from non‐lipid precursors, intrahepatic lipid droplets and recycling of triglyceride‐rich remnants. Within the liver, FAs are used for triglyceride synthesis, which can be oxidized, stored or secreted in very low‐density lipoproteins into the systemic circulation. The processes of FA uptake, FA synthesis and the intracellular partitioning of FAs into storage, oxidation or secretory pathways are tightly regulated. An imbalance in these processes causes intrahepatic triglyceride to accumulate and is associated with the development of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease. It is well appreciated that many factors can influence intrahepatic FA partitioning, and although there is good evidence that both phenotype (e.g., sex, ethnicity and adiposity) and dietary macronutrient composition can play a role in intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation, their interaction remains poorly understood. The aim of this review is to explore how the respective pathways of FA delivery, synthesis and disposal are altered by phenotype and understand how dietary macronutrient composition might influence the partitioning of FAs in the liver in vivo, in humans.
Improving brain health via the central executive network
Authors: Bigliassi Marcelo , Cabral Danylo F. , Evans Amanda C.
Published: January 2025

Cognitive and physical stress have significant effects on brain health, particularly through their influence on the central executive network (CEN). The CEN, which includes regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and inferior parietal lobe, is central to managing the demands of cognitively challenging motor tasks. Acute stress can temporarily reduce connectivity within the CEN, leading to impaired cognitive function and emotional states. However a rebound in these states often follows, driven by motivational signals through the mesocortical and mesolimbic pathways, which help sustain inhibitory control and task execution. Chronic exposure to physical and cognitive challenges leads to long‐term improvements in CEN functionality. These changes are supported by neurochemical, structural and systemic adaptations, including mechanisms of tissue crosstalk. Myokines, adipokines, anti‐inflammatory cytokines and gut‐derived metabolites contribute to a biochemical environment that enhances neuroplasticity, reduces neuroinflammation and supports neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These processes strengthen CEN connectivity, improve self‐regulation and enable individuals to adopt and sustain health‐optimizing behaviours. Long‐term physical activity not only enhances inhibitory control but also reduces the risk of age‐related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the role of progressive physical stress through exercise as a practical approach to strengthening the CEN and promoting brain health, offering a strategy to improve cognitive resilience and emotional well‐being across the lifespan.

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Medial collateral ligament ganglion cyst: a rare cause of medial knee pain
Authors: Khurram Ruhaid , Al-Khudairi Rashed , Maris Alexandros
Published: January 2025

Ganglion cysts are commonly found in areas of constant mechanical stress such as the joints and tendons of the wrist or hand as well as the anterior aspect of the ankle. In the knee, parameniscal cysts are often encountered secondary to meniscal tears or articular degeneration. Intra-articular ganglion cysts are uncommon and often arise from the cruciate ligaments and are found in the intercondylar notch. However, ganglion cysts arising from collateral ligaments are very rare. We present a rare case of a boy in early childhood with non-specific medial joint line swelling and discomfort and was diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament ganglion cyst after multimodality imaging. To our knowledge, this is the first case documented in children.
Transomental hernia resulting in a closed loop small bowel obstruction: delayed presentation following paediatric blunt abdominal trauma
Authors: Lee Blanche , Evans Andrew
Published: January 2025

While internal hernias are rare in the paediatric population, it should be considered as a cause for an acute abdomen following blunt trauma. Internal hernias represent a surgical emergency that requires prompt recognition due to the high risk of strangulation and ischaemia of affected bowel loops. The case of a transomental hernia (TOH) is described in a young girl. She re-presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain 3 weeks following a motor vehicle accident where she was a restrained passenger. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a closed loop small bowel obstruction with features of ischaemia, which was likely secondary to an internal hernia. Urgent surgical intervention revealed a TOH containing ischaemic but viable loops of small bowel. Laparoscopic reduction of the hernia was successful, and the patient made a good recovery.
Prevalence and predictors of sub-optimal laboratory monitoring of selected higher risk medicines in Irish general practice: a 5-year retrospective cohort study of community-dwelling older adults
Authors: McCarthy Caroline , Moriarty Frank , Doherty Ann Sinéad , Feighery Mark , Boland Fiona , Fahey Tom , Wallace Emma
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of sub-optimal monitoring for selected higher-risk medicines in older community-dwelling adults and to evaluate patient characteristics and outcomes associated with sub-optimal monitoring.

Study design

Retrospective observational study (2011–2015) using historical general practice-based cohort data and linked dispensing data from a national pharmacy claims database.

Setting

Irish primary care.

Participants

625 community-dwelling adults aged ≥70 years and prescribed at least one higher-risk medicine during the 5-year study period.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the prevalence of sub-optimal laboratory monitoring using a composite measure of published medication monitoring indicators, with a focus on commonly prescribed higher-risk medicines such as diuretics and anticoagulants. Poisson regression was used to assess the patient characteristics associated with sub-optimal monitoring and explanatory variables included the number of medicines, age, sex, deprivation and anxiety/depression symptoms. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between baseline sub-optimal monitoring and the odds of adverse health outcomes (unplanned healthcare utilisation, adverse drug reactions and mortality).

Results

Of 625 participants, the mean age was 77.7 years, 53% were female, the mean number of drugs was 7.3 (SD 3.3) and 499 (79.8%) had ≥1 unmonitored dispensing over 5 years. The number of drugs, deprivation and anxiety/depression symptoms were significantly associated with sub-optimal monitoring, with the strongest association seen for anxiety/depression symptoms (incidence rate ratio: 1.33, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.68). There was a small but significant association between baseline sub-optimal monitoring and emergency department visits at follow-up, but no evidence of an association with unplanned hospital admissions, mortality or adverse drug reactions.

Conclusion

The prevalence of sub-optimal medication monitoring was high, and number of drugs, deprivation and anxiety/depression symptoms were significantly associated with sub-optimal monitoring. However, the public health impact of these findings remains uncertain, as there was no clear evidence of an association between sub-optimal monitoring and adverse health outcomes. Further research is needed to evaluate the effect of improved monitoring strategies and the optimal timing for drug monitoring of higher risk medications.
Global insight into rare disease and orphan drug definitions: a systematic literature review
Authors: Abozaid Ghada Mohammed , Kerr Katie , Alomary Hiba , Al-Omar Hussain A , McKnight Amy
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study sheds light on the available global definitions, classifications, and criteria used for rare diseases (RDs), ultrarare diseases (URDs), orphan drugs (ODs) and ultraorphan drugs (UODs) and provides insights into the rationale behind these definitions.

Design

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify existing definitions and the criteria used to define RDs, ODs and their subtypes.

Data sources

Searches were performed in the PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science (Science and Social Sciences Citation Index) databases covering articles published from 1985 to 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

English-language studies on the general human population were included if they provided definitions or criteria for RDs, ODs and/or their subtypes without restrictions on publication year, country or jurisdiction.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers conducted the search, screening and data extraction. Narrative synthesis, content analysis and descriptive analyses were conducted to extract and categorise definitions and criteria from these sources. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools.

Results

Online searches identified 2712 published articles. Only 93 articles met the inclusion criteria, with 209 distinct definitions extracted. Specifically, 93 of these articles pertained to 119 RDs, 11 URDs, 67 ODs and 12 UODs. These definitions varied in their reliance on prevalence based and other contextual criteria.

Conclusion

Prevalence-based criteria alone pose challenges, as disease frequencies differ by country. Establishing country-specific definitions can enhance understanding, support intercountry evaluations, improve healthcare efficiency and access to ODs, and strengthen equity and equality in healthcare. Such efforts would also promote research and development and support better outcomes for patients with complex and rare conditions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021252701.