bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human migrations, anthropogenic changes, and insect-borne diseases in Latin America
Authors: Wilke André B. B. , Farina Priscilla , Ajelli Marco , Canale Angelo , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Otranto Domenico , Benelli Giovanni
Published: January 2025

Rapid urbanization and migration in Latin America have intensified exposure to insect-borne diseases. Malaria, Chagas disease, yellow fever, and leishmaniasis have historically afflicted the region, while dengue, chikungunya, and Zika have been described and expanded more recently. The increased presence of synanthropic vector species and spread into previously unaffected areas due to urbanization and climate warming have intensified pathogen transmission risks. This review examines recent outbreaks and reemergence of insect-borne diseases through five case studies: (i) malaria transmission linked to political instability and large-scale migration through the Amazon jungle; (ii) the expansion of triatomine bug habitats into overcrowded, substandard urban settlements, increasing Chagas disease incidence; (iii) the influence of movement and ecotourism in the Amazonia on yellow fever transmission in peri-urban areas; (iv) the spread of visceral leishmaniasis driven by deforestation and human–canine movement; and (v) dengue outbreaks in rural Amazon regions, spurred by urbanization and rural development. The findings underscore the complex interactions among vectors, pathogens, and shifting environmental and social conditions, complicating predictability and control. Addressing the social, economic, and political determinants of health is crucial to reducing disease transmission. Key measures include scaling vaccine coverage, especially for dengue and yellow fever; developing vaccines and treatments for neglected diseases; improving housing and sanitation; strengthening vector surveillance and control; fostering community engagement; enhancing data-driven interventions.

Graphical Abstract
Identifying clusters of raters with a common notion of diagnosing erosive tooth wear: a step towards improving the accuracy of diagnostic procedures
Authors: Vach Kirstin , Ganss Carolina , Schlueter Nadine , Vach Werner
Published: January 2025

Background

Heterogeneous results are to be expected when multiple raters diagnose whether the dentine of a tooth with erosive tooth wear (ETW) is exposed or not. Identification of notions (fundamental concepts and understanding) about the diagnostic problem shared by groups of raters can be helpful to develop guidelines and to optimize teaching and calibration procedures. We aim to illustrate how clusters of raters with a common notion can be identified and how first insights about the notions can be obtained.

Methods

This investigation is based on a former study in which 49 tooth surfaces affected by ETW were rated visually by 61 raters (23 scientists, 18 university dentists, 20 dental students) in terms of dentine exposed or not. The true status was determined histologically. Gender, age, professional experience, and specialization of the raters were documented. An algorithm was used to search for clusters of raters with high agreement in their ratings suggesting a common notion. The clusters identified were examined with respect to various aspects.

Results

Four clusters of raters with high agreement could be found. The ratings of the raters in the cluster with the lowest diagnostic accuracy showed the highest correlation with the degree of tissue loss and the background tooth color, whereas the correlation with tissue loss was least in the cluster with highest diagnostic accuracy. The 15 raters of the latter cluster covered both students and dentists with or without specialization in erosion/cariology and/or long experience. This suggests that similar conceptual understanding of ETW can exist independent of professional experience.

Conclusions

The described methodology is useful to identify clusters of raters with a common notion about a specific diagnostic problem. The cluster-specific notions can be further examined based on existing study data or by group-based interviews of the raters of a cluster. This methodology allows investigators to learn more about useful or useless cues in diagnostic decision-making. This information can facilitate development or enhancement of guidelines on diagnostic decision-making.
Implementation of carceral medicaid suspension and enrollment programs: perspectives of carceral and medicaid leaders
Authors: Bandara Sachini , Saloner Brendan , Maniates Hannah , Song Minna , Krawczyk Noa
Published: January 2025

Background

Medicaid expansion via the Affordable Care Act, more recent legislation and Medicaid 1115 waivers offer opportunity to increase health care access among individuals involved in the carceral system. Effective enrollment of new beneficiaries and temporary suspension and reactivation of existing Medicaid benefits upon release is key to the success of these efforts. This study aims to characterize how jails, prisons and Medicaid agencies are implementing Medicaid suspension and enrollment programs and identifies barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Methods

We conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with 36 multi-state leaders in carceral facilities, Medicaid agencies, local health departments and national policy experts from 2020 to 2021. Interviews covered 4 domains: (1) the role of policy in influencing carceral and reentry Medicaid practices, (2) implementation strategies to suspend and enroll incarcerated individuals into Medicaid, (3) barriers and facilitators to successful implementation, and (4) variation in implementation between jails and prisons.

Results

Participants identified logistical challenges with suspension and enrollment, including limited infrastructure for data sharing between carceral facilities and Medicaid agencies, burdensome bureaucratic requirements, and challenges with Medicaid renewal, particularly in the jail environment. They offered opportunities to overcome barriers, such as the creation of specialized incarcerated Medicaid benefit categories and provision of in-reach services via managed care organizations. Participants also called for improvements to Medicaid reactivation processes, as even when facilities successfully suspended benefits, individuals faced significant challenges and delays reactivating benefits upon release. Participants also called for further loosening of the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy.

Discussion

Findings highlight the need to update data sharing infrastructure, which will be critical to the implementation of the 1115 waivers, as carceral facilities will be subject to Medicaid billing and reporting requirements. In addition to investing in the ability to newly enroll and suspend Medicaid benefits, attention towards improving timely reactivation practices is needed, particularly given the highly elevated risk of mortality immediately after release. Participants calls for further reforms to the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy are consistent with proposed legislation.

Conclusions

Findings can critically inform the successful implementation of Medicaid-based reforms to improve the health of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people.
Intravenous branched-chain amino acid administration for the acute treatment of hepatic encephalopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yokobori Shoji , Yatabe Tomoaki , Kondo Yutaka , Ajimi Yasuhiko , Araki Manabu , Chihara Norio , Nagayama Masao , Samkamoto Tetsuya ,   the Japan Resuscitation Council (JRC) Neuroresuscitation Task Force and the Guidelines Editorial Committee, Kobata Hitoshi , Yoshimura Hajime , Kawamoto Michi , Wakasugi Masahiro , Yamagami Hiroshi , Nakamoto Hidetoshi , Hoshiyama Eisei , Todo Kenichi , Togawa Masaya , Kurihara Mana , Moriya Takashi , Nakae Ryuta , Uchida Hidetoshi , Yang Sunghoon , Iwase Masaaki
Published: January 2025

Background

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe complication of acute hepatic failure requiring urgent critical care management. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine have been investigated as potential treatments to improve outcomes in patients with acute HE. However, the effectiveness of BCAA administration during the acute phase remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous BCAA (IV-BCAA) treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with acute HE by systematically reviewing and analyzing randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI), a Japanese database for medical literature. We included RCTs involving adult patients with acute HE who received IV-BCAA or placebo during the acute phase after admission (< 7 days). Two reviewers independently screened the citations and extracted data. The primary “critical” outcomes were mortality from any cause and improvement in disturbance of consciousness. The secondary “important” outcome included the incidence of complications such as nausea and diarrhea. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using random effects models with inverse variance weighting.

Results

Among the 2073 screened records, four met the criteria for quantitative analysis. The analysis included 219 patients: 109 received IV-BCAA, and 110 received placebo. Improvement in the disturbance of consciousness and mortality were not significantly different between the two groups (RR, 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96–1.66; RR, 0.90; 95% CI 0.70–1.16, respectively). Following IV-BCAA administration, the absolute differences of improvement in the disturbance of consciousness and mortality were 118 more per 1000 (95% CI 18 fewer–300 more) and 55 fewer per 1000 (95% CI 165 fewer–88 more), respectively. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of nausea or diarrhea between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that all outcomes were not significantly different between IV-BCAA treatment and placebo for acute HE. Further RCTs are required to better understand IV-BCAA treatment potential in patients with HE.
Umbilical outpouchings in pigs – an international survey on fitness for transport, welfare and management
Authors: Hansen Marie-Louise , Larsen Inge , Jensen Tina Birk , Kristensen Charlotte Sonne , Pedersen Ken Steen
Published: January 2025

Background

Umbilical outpouchings (UOs) in pigs are a multifactorial disease and little is known about effective prevention strategies and risk factors for UO development. UOs are common in Danish pigs and legislation complicates and increases the cost of keeping and raising pigs with UO. Recommendations for preventive measures exist but the scientific evidence behind the recommendations is often lacking. This study´s purpose was to investigate veterinarians’ perspectives on UO pigs´ fitness for transport, the welfare of UO pigs, the significance of UO, risk factors for the development of UO, and the management of pigs with UO. This study´s purpose was to investigate veterinarians’ perspectives on UO pigs´ fitness for transport, the welfare of UO pigs, the significance of UO, risk factors for the development of UO, and the management of pigs with UO.

Results

The survey received 93 complete responses from veterinarians working within porcine health management. Because of the large proportion of replies from Danish veterinarians, all reporting of results was divided among Danish and non-Danish veterinarians. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the assessment of fitness for transport. Both groups mainly agreed to a series of statements regarding the significance of UO and risk factors for UO development. The management of UO was also similar across the groups except for the use of neonatal antibiotics which was used considerably more in Danish herds.

Conclusions

Umbilical outpouchings seem to be perceived as a challenge across pork production; affecting the welfare of the individual pig as well as the management of the entire production. There were no significant differences between Danish and non-Danish veterinarians’ assessments of fitness for transport, and almost all the veterinarians agreed that some UO pigs might need special attention and care. Most would also recommend preventive measures. Despite most respondents in this survey working under the laws of the European Union, some were unaware of legislation regarding UO pigs.
Machine learning algorithms for predictive modeling of dyslipidemia-associated cardiovascular disease risk in pregnancy: a comparison of boosting, random forest, and decision tree regression
Authors: Sadiq Idris Zubairu , Abubakar Fatima Sadiq , Saliu Muhammad Auwal , katsayal Babangida Sanusi , Salihu Aliyu , Muhammad Aliyu
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are major contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity during pregnancy and increased atherogenic index of plasma levels is associated with a higher risk of CVD and obesity.

Methods

In this study, we utilized three different machine learning algorithms (boosting, random forest, and decision tree regression) to predict dyslipidemia-associated cardiovascular disease using atherogenic index and lipid profile parameters based on a cross-sectional study datasets of 112 pregnant women aged between 15 and 49 conducted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

Results

The results showed that random forest regression outperformed both boosting and decision tree regression, recording the lowest error criteria (MSE = 0.071 and RMSE = 0.266) for evaluating the model. These findings indicated that all the three algorithms have the potential to effectively model the data from atherogenic indices and lipid profile parameters but random forest and boosting were found to outperform decision tree models with respective R2 values of 0.95 and 0.92.

Conclusions

Overall, the study highlights the accuracy of machine learning models (random forest, boosting, and decision trees) in predicting dyslipidemia-associated cardiovascular diseases and the findings could contribute to the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia-associated cardiovascular diseases.
Prosthetic articulating spacers as a preferred option for two-stage revision arthroplasty in chronic periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Lin Jiamin , Li Hongyan , Chen Yang , Ding Haiqi , Wang Qijin , Lv Jianhua , Li Wenbo , Zhang Wenming , Fang Xinyu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study aimed to compare the infection control rates, mechanical complications, and functional outcomes between prosthetic and cement spacers in two-stage revision arthroplasty for chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Patients and methods

Data from patients treated for chronic PJI in our center from 2014 to 2023 were retrospectively collected and the patients were divided into the prosthetic spacer (PS) and cement spacer (CS) groups based on the type of spacer used for the first-stage surgeries. Data on patients’ demographics and clinical scores were harvested. Infection control rates and mechanical complications were compared between the two groups by using chi-square tests and log-rank analysis.

Results

The study involved 113 cases, with a mean age of 64 ± 11.45 years (range, 31–88 years), with 48 cases in the PS group, 65 in the CS group, and all patients were followed up for at least 1 year (average 52.68 ± 26.07 months). Five patients in the PS group (10.42%) and six in the CS group (9.23%) developed recurrent infections, with no significant difference found in infection control rates (P = 0.833). The joint function score after the first-stage surgeries was higher in the PS group than in the CS group (P = 0.021). The incidence of mechanical complications, including dislocation, spacer fracture, and periprosthetic fracture, was significantly lower in the PS group than in the CS group (P = 0.024). The proportion of patients who underwent second-stage surgeries was lower in the PS group than in the CS group (58.3% vs 70.77%, P = 0.169).

Conclusion

For most patients with chronic PJI, PS can be used as the preferred option for two-stage revision arthroplasty.
ImpACT Project: Improving Access to Clinical Trials in Victoria, an Artificial Intelligence–Based Approach
Authors: Bechelli Maria L. , Ivanova Kris , Tan Suan Siang , Kumar Beena , Swiatek Dayna , Arulananda Surein , Evans Sue M.
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

Enhancing the speed and efficiency of clinical trial recruitment is a key objective across international health systems. This study aimed to use artificial intelligence (AI) applied in the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR), a population-based cancer registry, to assess (1) if VCR received all relevant pathology reports for three clinical trials, (2) AI accuracy in auto-extracting information from pathology reports for recruitment, and (3) the number of participants approached for trial enrollment using the AI approach compared with standard hospital-based recruitment.

METHODS

To verify pathology report accessibility for VCR trial enrollment, reports from the laboratory were cross-referenced. To determine the accuracy of a Rapid Case Ascertainment (RCA) module of the AI software in extracting key clinical variables from the pathology report, data were compared with manually reviewed reports. To examine the effectiveness of the AI recruitment approach, the number of patients approached for recruitment was compared with standard practice.

RESULTS

Of the 195 reports provided by the pathology laboratory, 185 (94.9%) were received by VCR, 73 of 195 (37.4%) were eligible for the studies, and 5 of 73 (6.8%) eligible cases had not been received by the VCR. The RCA module demonstrated an accuracy of 93% and an F1 score of 0.94 in extracting key clinical variables. However, the RCA false-positive rate was 10% and the false-negative rate was 5%. The standard hospital approach selected fewer cases for approach to clinical trials compared with the RCA module approach, 8 of 336 (2.4%) versus 12 of 336 (3.6%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Using AI to screen potentially eligible cases for recruitment to three clinical trials resulted in a 50% increase in eligible cases being approached for enrollment.
Observational Study of Best Supportive Care With or Without Oral Capecitabine in Patients With Metastatic Gallbladder Carcinoma at a Tertiary Center in India
Authors: Srivastava Abhinav , Misra Shagun , Rastogi Neeraj , Kapoor Vishwas , Kumar Shaleen
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

To compare overall survival (OS), toxicity, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with metastatic gallbladder cancer receiving oral capecitabine (X) with best supportive care (BSC) and BSC alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with metastatic gallbladder cancer and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥70 were accrued and assigned to either arm A or B. Assignment to these two arms was based on physician/patient discretion. Arm A received oral capecitabine 825 mg/m
2
twice a day d1-14, repeated every 3 weeks for six cycles with BSC, and arm B received BSC alone. The Kaplan-Meier method computed OS and comparison was using a log-rank test. QOL was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 administered at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The linear mixed-effects model was used for the longitudinal analysis of QOL.

RESULTS

Between December 2020 and April 2022, 64 patients diagnosed with metastatic gallbladder carcinoma and KPS ≥70 were accrued in the study, and 32 patients were assigned to each arm. In arm A versus B, the median age was 52 versus 55 (
P
= .21); the median KPS was 80 versus 70 (
P
= .008). The median OS in arm A versus B was 3.4 versus 2 months (
P
= .001). Grade 1-2 vomiting and diarrhea were seen in 50% versus 78% (
P
= .041) and 59% versus 9.3% (
P
= .01) patients in arm A versus B, respectively. Grade 1-2 hand-foot syndrome was seen in 12 (37.5%) patients in arm A. Dynamic changes showed an improvement in pain in the linear mixed model with a significant difference between the arms (
P
= .011); arm A experienced a significant improvement in pain over time (arm × time
P
= .020). Global QOL improved over time (
P
= .038) with parallel improvement between arms (arm × time
P
= .490).

CONCLUSION

Compared with BSC alone, patients who receive X + BSC experience an OS improvement of 1.4 months and better pain control without grade 3 toxicities or negative impact on QOL.
Trastuzumab-Pertuzumab Plus Eribulin or Taxane as First-Line Chemotherapy for Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2–Positive Locally Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer: The Randomized Noninferiority Phase III EMERALD Trial
Authors: Yamashita Toshinari , Saji Shigehira , Takano Toshimi , Naito Yoichi , Tsuneizumi Michiko , Yoshimura Akiyo , Takahashi Masato , Tsurutani Junji , Iwatani Tsuguo , Kitada Masahiro , Tada Hiroshi , Mori Natsuko , Higuchi Toru , Iwasa Tsutomu , Araki Kazuhiro , Koizumi Kei , Hasegawa Hiroki , Uchida Yohei , Morita Satoshi , Masuda Norikazu
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

Trastuzumab-pertuzumab (HP) plus taxane is a current standard first-line therapy for recurrent or metastatic human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer (BC). We investigated noninferiority of eribulin to a taxane when combined with dual HER2 blockade as first-line systemic treatment for locally advanced/metastatic HER2+ BC.

METHODS

In the phase III EMERALD trial (target sample size, 480; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT03264547
/UMIN000027938), patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive eribulin 1.4 mg/m
2
once daily on days 1 and 8 (eribulin group) or a taxane (docetaxel 75 mg/m
2
once on day 1 or paclitaxel 80 mg/m
2
once daily on days 1, 8, and 15; taxane group) intravenously in a 21-day cycle, each with HP on day 1. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS; intention-to-treat population). Secondary end points included objective response rate, overall survival (OS), patient-reported quality of life (QoL), and safety. Noninferiority was tested using the stratified Cox proportional hazards model to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS events, with a noninferiority HR margin of 1.33.

RESULTS

Between August 2017 and June 2021, 446 patients (median age, 56.0 years) were enrolled. The median PFS was 14.0 and 12.9 months in the eribulin group (n = 224) and taxane group (n = 222 [docetaxel/paclitaxel, n = 186/36]), respectively (HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.76 to 1.19]), which confirmed the noninferiority of the study regimen. The median OS was 65.3 months in the taxane group but has not been reached in the eribulin group. Median time to QoL deterioration was numerically longer with eribulin than with taxane. Adverse event (AE) rates were similar, despite the longer duration of eribulin use. Infusion reaction, skin-related AEs, diarrhea, and edema were more common with taxane, whereas neutropenia was more common with eribulin.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that eribulin + HP is an option for first-line treatment of locally advanced/metastatic HER2+ BC.
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing in Succinate Dehydrogenase–Deficient GI Stromal Tumor Identifies Actionable Alterations in the PI3K/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Cicala Carlo María , Matito Judit , Quindos María , Gómez-Peregrina David , Romero-Lozano Paula , Fernández-Suárez Paula , Valverde Claudia , González Macarena , Landolfi Stefania , Pérez-Albert Paula , Gros Luis , Vivancos Ana , Serrano César
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

Less than 5% of GI stromal tumors (GISTs) are driven by the loss of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex, resulting in a pervasive DNA hypermethylation pattern that leads to unique clinical features. Advanced SDH-deficient GISTs are usually treated with the same therapies targeting KIT and PDGFRA receptors as those used in metastatic GIST. However, these treatments display less activity in the absence of alternative therapeutic options. Therefore, it is critical to identify novel actionable alterations in SDH-deficient GIST.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with SDH-deficient GIST together with next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis from their respective tumor samples to identify mutations and copy number alterations and chromosomal alterations. NGS-tailored treatment was implemented whenever possible.

RESULTS

Seventeen tumor samples from 14 patients with SDH-deficient GIST underwent NGS. Mutational load was low, although three patients (21%) displayed molecular events in relapse samples leading to PI3K/mTOR pathway hyperactivation. mTOR inhibition with everolimus obtained a sustained tumor response in a heavily pretreated patient. Other alterations, largely present in late-stage patients, uncovered genes involved in cell cycle regulation, telomere maintenance, and DNA damage repair. Chromosomal arm-level alterations differed from the canonical cytogenetic progression in KIT/PDGFRA-mutant GIST.

CONCLUSION

This molecular landscape of SDH-deficient GIST uncovers novel molecular alterations, mostly in relapse and/or previously pretreated patients. The identification of genetic events leading to PI3K/mTOR dysregulation together with the remarkable activity of everolimus in one patient showcases the clinical relevance of this pathway, validates the utility of NGS in this population, and poses everolimus as a novel therapeutic alternative. Several other alterations were found at the genetic and genomic levels, underscoring novel biological processes likely involved during tumor evolution.
Concerns Regarding the Use of Kirchhoff’s Laws in Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Øie Svein
Published: January 2025

Over the last two years the idea that the principles presented in Kirchhoff’s circuit and voltage laws also pertain to pharmacokinetics (1–3). It is claimed that these principles make the elimination in the liver and kidney more straight forward to model and provide a rationale for understanding why sometimes during bioavailability studies one arrives at bioavailability values greater than 100%. In this paper it will be shown that these claims are based on incorrect translations of the Kirchhoff’s Laws to pharmacokinetics.
Bode gain-phase relation beyond the minimum phase condition
Authors: Prevedelli M. , Perinelli A. , Ricci L.
Published: January 2025

The Bode gain-phase relation links the phase shift introduced by a causal, linear and time-invariant system with its frequency-dependent magnitude gain. The relation, which is widely used in system theory and electronics, was first derived by H. W. Bode for a transfer function described, in the Fourier (Laplace) domain, by rational functions of frequency, where the numerator fulfills the so-called minimum-phase condition, according to which the polynomial numerator of the frequency-domain transfer function has no zeroes in the upper-half (right-half) of the complex ω-plane (s-plane). Here we discuss a general derivation that widens the range of applicability of the relation beyond the minimum phase condition, allowing the presence of zeroes and encompassing cases in which delays occur. Both these features are widely present in real physical systems, thus endowing the new proof with a broader range of validity.
Collective and non-collective states in
Authors: Gupta A. K. , Sharma H. P. , Rana A. K. , Anser M. , Sharma Ishika , Tiwary S. S. , Chakraborty S. , Majumder C. , Sharma Anupriya , Pandey Anand , Anuj  , Chamoli S. K. , Kumar S. , Katre Kaushik , Muralithar S. , Singh R. P. , Yashraj  , Bala Indu , Mukherjee Arunita , Bhattacharya Sutanu , Trivedi T. , Mozumdar Nikhil , Banerjee P. , Subodh  , Kumar A.
Published: January 2025

The high spin states of 136Ce (Z = 58) were investigated via 124Sn(16O, 4n)136Ce fusion evaporation reaction at

MeV. The γ-γ coincidence technique is used for placing the γ-transitions in the level scheme. The spin and parity of the levels have been assigned on the basis of results of the angular correlation and linear polarisation measurements, respectively. The bands based on the yrast

10+ isomeric state and the non-yrast

10+ state have been established. The structures of these bands are also compared with the band structures of the neighbouring nuclei.
KCNJ5 Somatic Mutations are Associated with Better Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Chan Chieh-Kai , Yang Wei-Shiung , Lin Yen-Hung , Chang Chin-Cheng , Wu Vin-Cent , Chueh Jeff S
Published: January 2025

Context

The association between KCNJ5 somatic mutations and long-term outcomes in patients with operated unilateral primary aldosteronism (uPA) is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate associations among KCNJ5 somatic mutations, clinical characteristics, incident long-term cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality in uPA patients after adrenalectomy in a large longitudinal population study.

Methods

We enrolled uPA patients from the Taiwan Primary Aldosteronism Investigation database who had undergone adrenalectomy between 2013 and 2017 and followed them until 2020. The outcomes were achieving complete clinical success at 1 year after adrenalectomy, long-term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), and mortality.

Results

Of the 358 enrolled patients (46.7% men; mean age, 51.3 years), 188 (52.5%) harbored KCNJ5 somatic mutations. The baseline characteristics of younger age [odds ratio (OR)=2.44; P=0.001], lower body mass index (OR=2.04; P=0.005), lower potassium (OR=6.55; P<0.001), and larger tumor size (OR=2.05; P=0.023) were potential predictors of KCNJ5 somatic mutations. The operated uPA patients harboring KCNJ5 somatic mutations were associated with a higher likelihood of complete clinical success at 1 year after adrenalectomy (OR=1.98; P=0.016). KCNJ5 somatic mutation carriers [hazard ratio (HR)=0.46; P=0.044), those with a shorter duration of hypertension (HR=1.05; P=0.008), and those who achieved complete clinical success (HR=0.49; P=0.036) had a lower risk of MACCEs and mortality.

Conclusion

Operated uPA patients harboring KCNJ5 somatic mutations had a lower risk of long-term MACCEs and mortality after adrenalectomy. However, better long-term outcomes in the operated uPA patients harboring KCNJ5 somatic mutations were attenuated in those with baseline lower potassium levels, shorter duration of hypertension, obesity, higher estimated glomerular filtration rate, and residual hypertension after adrenalectomy.
Dose-related Effects of Calcium to Enhance the Effects of L-tryptophan on Gut Hormones and Energy Intake in Obesity
Authors: Anjom-Shoae Javad , Fitzgerald Penelope C E , Horowitz Michael , Holst Jens J , Rehfeld Jens F , Veedfald Simon , Feinle-Bisset Christine
Published: January 2025

Context

In males of normal weight, intraduodenal administration of calcium enhances the effects of the amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) to suppress energy intake, associated with greater stimulation of cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) secretion (key mechanisms underlying the regulation of pyloric motility and gastric emptying) but not gastrin or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

Objective

Given the implications for the management of obesity, the current study evaluated the effects of calcium, when administered alone and in combination with Trp, on gut hormone secretion, antropyloroduodenal motility, and energy intake in males with obesity.

Methods

Fifteen males with obesity and without type 2 diabetes (mean ± SD; age: 27 ± 8 years; body mass index: 30 ± 2 kg/m2; hemoglobin A1c: 5.3 ± 0.2%), received 150-minute intraduodenal infusions of 0, 500, or 1000 mg calcium, each combined with Trp (load: 0.1 kcal/min, known to have submaximal energy-intake suppressant effects) from t = 75-150 minutes, on 3 separate occasions, in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over order. Plasma concentrations of gastrin, CCK, GIP, GLP-1, PYY, and pyloric pressures were measured during the infusions. Immediately postinfusion (t = 150-180 minutes), energy intake at a standardized buffet-style lunch was quantified.

Results

Calcium, in a dose of 1000 mg, stimulated GLP-1, PYY, and pyloric pressures alone (all P < .05) and enhanced the effects of Trp to stimulate CCK, GLP-1, and PYY (all P < .05), associated with greater suppression of energy intake (P = .01). Energy intake (R = −0.64; P = .001) was inversely related to the dose of calcium, while plasma concentrations of CCK (R = 0.44; P = .05), GLP-1 (R = 0.60; P = .01), and PYY (R = 0.83; P = .01) were directly related.

Conclusion

Intraduodenal calcium enhances the effect of intraduodenal Trp to stimulate CCK, GLP-1, and PYY and suppress energy intake in males with obesity.
Rab10 function in tubular endosome formation requires the N-terminal K3 residue and is disrupted by N-terminal tagging
Authors: Hata Rinka , Sugawara Akira , Fukuda Mitsunori
Published: January 2025

Various N-terminal tags have often been used to identify the functions and localization of Rab small GTPases, but their impact on Rab proteins themselves has been poorly investigated. Here, we used a knockout (KO)–rescue approach to systematically evaluate the effect of N-terminal tagging of two Rabs, Rab10 and Rab27A, on RAB10-KO HeLa cells and Rab27A-deficient melanocytes (melan-ash cells), respectively. The results showed that all of the N-terminal-tagged Rab27A proteins mediated actin-based melanosome transport in the melan-ash cells, but none of the N-terminal-tagged Rab10 proteins fully rescued the defect in tubular endosome formation in RAB10-KO cells. Although the N-terminal-tagged Rab10 proteins had the ability to localize tubular endosomes in wild-type HeLa cells, they sometimes exhibited a dominant-negative effect on tubular endosome formation. We also found that a conserved lysine residue at amino acid position 3 (K3) in the Rab10 proteins of different species is required for tubular endosome formation. Thus, it will be important to determine whether other Rab isoforms with N-terminal tags behave similarly to their corresponding untagged isoforms by performing appropriate KO–rescue experiments in future studies.
Validity and Reliability of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for Adolescents with Heart Disease
Authors: White David A. , Black William R. , Cramer Emily , Malloy-Walton Lindsey , Walton Mollie , Martis Laura , Enneking Brandy , Teson Kelli M. , Watson Jessica S. , Gross-Toalson Jami
Published: January 2025

Kinesiophobia (KP) is the fear of movement or physical activity (PA) that is related to a medical condition. In adolescents, KP is associated with depression, anxiety, and impaired quality of life (QoL). Adolescents with heart disease (HD) often avoid PA. Factors that may moderate PA avoidance, such as KP, have not been adequately studied in this population. Purpose: To assess the validity and reliability of a newly adapted Tampa Scale for KP for adolescents with HD (TSK-Heart-A). Methods: The TSK-Heart-A survey consists of 17 Likert scale items, producing a summary score (SS) ranging from 17 (low KP) to 68 (high KP). Following content and face validity, adolescents (age 12-18 years) with arrhythmia disorders or Fontan palliation were recruited. The PROMIS pediatric anxiety and depression short forms, PedsQL generic core and cardiac module, and a PA questionnaire for adolescents (PAQ-A) were used for criterion validity. The TSK-Heart-A was completed twice (20.4 ± 6.3 days apart) for assessment of internal and test-retest reliability. Pearson correlations and Cronbach’s alpha determined validity and reliability, respectively. Results: Adolescents (n = 63) were 15.5 ± 1.8 years-old, 50.8% female, and 69.8% had arrhythmia disorder. Mean TSK-Heart-A SS was 33.8 ± 7.8 (range: 20 to 56). The TSK-Heart-A SS correlated significantly with PROMIS T-scores (anxiety: 49.7 ± 12.2, r = 0.48; depression: 46.9 ± 12.7, r = 0.41), PedsQL score (generic QoL: 75.2 ± 18.9, r = -0.61; cardiac QoL: 74.7 ± 17.5, r = -0.56), and PAQ-A (score: 2.0 ± 0.7, r = -0.35). Test-retest and internal reliability had a total score of r = 0.77 (p = 0.89). Conclusions: The new TSK-Heart-A survey is valid and reliable and suggests KP is present in some adolescents with HD.
Microscopy without a microscope? Opportunities and limitations of dental studies in anatomy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Peters Ann-Kathrin , Winter Karsten , Witt Elisabeth , Kuntzsch Hubert-Mario , Löffler Sabine
Published: January 2025

Aim During the COVID-19 pandemic, the microscopy course as part of the dental medical training in Leipzig, Germany, was offered both purely digitally and with reduced attendance time. The reformed regulations on the licensing of dentists (ZApprO; „Approbationsordnung für Zahnärzte und Zahnärztinnen“) now also provide the necessary legal basis for the curricular integration of digital teaching formats. Aim of this study is the detailed evaluation of the relevant courses and the resulting design of modern dental training. Methods Evaluation is based on the subjective experiences of the students and the learning success objectively measured using a digital assessment course. Data was collected in the form of a trend study in two consecutive years after completion of the second semester. Results Students were predominantly positive about the integrated approach, which combines classroom teaching with digital elements. The cohort that completed the course in this form also showed significantly better learning success than the purely digital cohort. Discussion Regardless of the continued importance of practical training in dental studies, digital teaching formats developed as an emergency solution at the beginning of the pandemic should be evaluated with regard to their success and the existing potential should be further expanded in a targeted manner.
Revisión de fuentes secundarias multidisciplinares para diseñar una metodología científica que identifique y evite idear publicidad edadista.
Authors: Morán Fuertes Asier
Published: January 2025

Butler (1969), Toledo (2010) y, entre otros, Salvarezza (1998) constatan que los anuncios basados
en falsos mitos sobre la vejez (edadismo) perjudican la imagen social de la tercera edad. Por ello,
el doble objetivo principal de esta investigación es identificar los anuncios edadistas y evitar
que se ideen nuevos similares. Dado que dichos expertos califican las actuales investigaciones
como meros análisis no multidisciplinares de contenido, se estudian artículos científicos, libros
e investigaciones de mercado sobre el edadismo, la publicidad, la sociología y la psicología con
el fin de construir un enfoque interdisciplinar que responda al objetivo principal. Las investigaciones realizadas para idear los anuncios estudian la persona mayor analizando su poder adquisitivo, su exclusión en internet y en los medios de comunicación, su rechazo al consumo como
solución a sus problemas y sus necesidades. Así, se eluden los estereotipos, los mitos, los roles
y las infrarrepresentaciones edadistas. El análisis de las fuentes secundarias ayuda a cumplir los
objetivos y a crear la aportación final que satisface la necesidad científica de este campo: poseer
una metodología interdisciplinar que detecte los anuncios edadistas y, al mismo tiempo, evite
idear nuevos similares.
How Social Movements Catalyze Firm Innovation
Authors: Odziemkowska Kate , Zhu Yiying
Published: January 2025

We investigate the impact that social movements have on firm innovation through private politics. We argue that firms strategically respond to private politics by investing in new technologies that address movement-advocated issues material to firms’ performance. Although both contentious private politics—when activists contentiously target firms—and cooperative private politics—when activists and firms collaborate—catalyze innovation, they do so in different ways. Contentious private politics increases the amount of innovation that firms undertake by drawing managerial attention to movement-advocated issues material to the firm, prompting search for solutions to those issues. Conversely, cooperative private politics provides firms access to new knowledge that encourages firms to search for solutions in areas more distant from their existing knowledge and in so doing, increase innovation involving distant recombination on material issues. We find support for our arguments in a matched sample of firms contentiously targeted and with activist collaborations on climate change issues and firms that were not targets of private politics on those issues but had otherwise similar histories of climate-related innovation and relationships with climate movements and other environmental movements. Supplementary analyses corroborate the mechanisms that undergird our theoretical predictions; contentious private politics is associated with more innovation closer to a firm’s expertise, whereas cooperative private politics is associated with innovations that draw on more distant knowledge. We also find that when collaboration follows contention, their respective impacts on innovation are reduced, which may result from firms seeking collaborations for their legitimacy-granting benefits after contention rather than the learning opportunities they offer.

Funding: Funding for this research was provided by the Strategic Management Society Strategy Research Foundation [dissertation grant] and Wharton’s Mack Institute for Innovation Management.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.17497 .
Pengaruh Model Pjbl (Project-based Learning) Terhadap Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Siswa pada Materi Bangun Datar Matematika Kelas IV SD Muhammadiyah Kleco
Authors: Indriani Meity , Fitrianawati Meita
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh rendahnya kemampuan pemahaman konsep peserta didik kelas IV dalam materi bangun datar matematika. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model project based learning (PJBL) dalam meningkatkan pemahaman konsep peserta didik pada materi bangun datar matematika di kelas IV SD Muhammadiyah Kleco. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian kuantitatif dengan jenis kuantitatif deskriptif dan menggunakan design quasi eksperimen dengan nonequivalent control group design. Pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan tes dan observasi. Penelitian ini dilakukan di kelas IV SD Muhammadiyah Kleco dengan sampel kelas IV A sebagai kelompok eksperimen dan kelas IV B sebagai kelompok kontrol. Instrumen yang digunakan berupa soal tes (pretest dan posttest), observasi dan dokumentasi. Data yang diperoleh dilakukan analisis secara deskriptif dan menggunakan uji statistik inferensial serta uji hipotesis menggunakan uji-t. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat kenaikan hasil belajar yang signifikan pada kelas kontrol dan kelas eksperimen dengan rata-rata hasil posttest kelas eksperimen sebesar 81,95 dengan kategori baik dan untuk rata-rata hasil posttest kelas kontrol sebesar 80,40 dengan kategori cukup. Melalui model PJBL peserta didik lebih memahami konsep-konsep pembelajaran matematika terkhusus pada materi bangun datar. Artikel ini memberikan kontribusi positif dalam bidang pendidikan, terkhusus di tingkat sekolah dasar, dengan menyoroti pentingnya pemanfaatan model PJBL dalam meningkatkan pemahaman konsep pada peserta didik dalam pembelajaran matematika materi bangun datar. Metode ini tidak hanya membantu meningkatkan pemahaman matematika tetapi juga menginspirasi minat belajar yang lebih.
Pembelajaran Transformasi untuk Meningkatkan Prestasi Belajar Fisika Dengan Makro Media Flash Pada Siswa Kelas X 7 SMA Negeri 2 Bantul
Authors: Sriyanto Sriyanto , Muchlas Muchlas , Ishafit Ishafit
Published: January 2025

Fisika merupakan salah satu cabang dari Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA) atau natural physical science yang mempelajari pengetahuan tentang gejala-gejala alam dan penggunaannya secara umum, tidak hanya ditunjukkan oleh fakta tapi juga diikuti dengan metode ilmiah dan sikap ilmiah. Bagi sebagian besar siswa kelas X7 SMA Negeri 2 Bantul, materi fisika dirasakan abstrak dan banyak matematisnya yang berimbas pada masih rendahnya pemahaman dan minat siswa. Sebagai salah satu upaya untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut, serta diharapkan dapat meningkatkan prestasi belajar, dilakukan pembelajaran menggunakan Makro Media Flash. Tujuan Penelitian ini Meningkatkan prestasi belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran Fisika dengan pembelajaran Makro Media Flash (MMF) sedangkan Metode Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilakukan dengan metode pembelajaran MMF. Objek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas X7 SMA Negeri 2 Bantul dengan jumlah 36 orang yang terdiri dari 24 siswa perempuan dan 16 siswa laki-laki. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Februari – Maret 2024. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan siklus, dimana setiap siklus terdiri dari 3 kali pertemuan. setiap siklus dilaksanakan melalui beberapa tahapan yaitu, perencanaan, pelaksanaan tindakan, pengamatan (observasi), dan refleksi. Dalam penelitian ini dilakukan 2 siklus atau 6 kali pertemuan. Hasil penelitian diperoleh dari nilai belajar siswa setelah tindakan kelas per siklus dengan kategori lulus dan belum lulus. Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan prestasi belajar siswa kelas X7 setelah dilakukan tindakan MMF. Peningkatan tersebut dapat dilihat dari nilai hasil belajar siswa. Sebelum dilakukan MMF nilai siswa yang dikategorikan belum lulus dalam pelajaran fisika sebanyak 44,4% (16 siswa) dan kategori lulus sebanyak 55,6%. Kemudian pada siklus 1 terjadi peningkatan sebanyak 66,6% (24 siswa) dalam kategori lulus. Selanjutnya pada siklus terakhir yaitu siklus II didapat peningkatan hasil belajar siswa yaitu sebanyak 94,4% (34 siswa) dalam kategori lulus, sedangkan yang tidak lulus sekitar 5,6% (2 siswa).
Niat Kewirausahaan pada Generasi Z: Menganalisis Peran Mediasi Sikap Kewirausahaan terhadap Pendidikan Kewirausahaan, Literasi Digital, dan Efikasi Diri di Kota Kendari
Authors: Hamid Nisrina , Rizki Selvi Diliyanti , Makmur Muhammad Rizaldi
Published: January 2025

Perubahan teknologi yang cepat dalam era globalisasi menjadikan kewirausahaan penting untuk kesejahteraan masyarakat. Namun, tingkat pengangguran di kalangan generasi Z di Indonesia masih tinggi. Penelitian ini menganalisis faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi niat kewirausahaan generasi Z di Kota Kendari, khususnya peran mediasi sikap kewirausahaan terhadap pendidikan kewirausahaan, literasi digital, dan efikasi diri. Dengan pendekatan kuantitatif dan analisis Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), sampel terdiri dari 130 responden. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan kewirausahaan dan literasi digital berpengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap sikap kewirausahaan, sementara literasi digital tidak signifikan terhadap niat kewirausahaan. Sikap kewirausahaan berfungsi sebagai mediasi penuh antara pendidikan kewirausahaan dan efikasi diri terhadap niat kewirausahaan, tetapi tidak antara literasi digital dan niat kewirausahaan. Temuan ini memberikan wawasan bagi pemangku kepentingan untuk merancang program yang mendukung kewirausahaan di kalangan generasi Z.
Transformasi Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini melalui Permainan Tradisional: Mengintegrasikan Nilai Lokal dalam Pembelajaran di TK
Authors: Esita Zulaeni , Siradjuddin Muhammad Syukri
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengeksplorasi peran permainan tradisional dalam pendidikan anak usia dini dengan mengintegrasikan nilai-nilai lokal di Taman Kanak-Kanak. Permainan seperti simpai, mamini, bastangan, kengkeng, dan congklak lidi dianalisis untuk melihat pengaruhnya terhadap perkembangan kognitif, motorik kasar, kecerdasan kinestetik, serta kemampuan sosial-emosional anak. Dengan metode kajian pustaka, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa permainan tradisional berdampak positif pada perkembangan anak usia dini. Simpai membantu meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir logis, mamini dan bastangan mendukung motorik kasar, sementara kengkeng mengasah kecerdasan kinestetik. Permainan congklak lidi berperan dalam pengembangan kemampuan sosial-emosional melalui kerja sama. Selain itu, permainan ini juga efektif dalam menginternalisasi nilai-nilai lokal seperti disiplin, empati, dan kerja sama, yang penting dalam pembentukan karakter anak. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa permainan tradisional memiliki peran penting dalam pendidikan anak usia dini, tidak hanya untuk perkembangan fisik dan kognitif, tetapi juga dalam membentuk karakter sosial.