bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial base editing: from principle, optimization to application
Authors: Tang Jinling , Du Kunzhao
Published: January 2025

In recent years, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) base editing systems have emerged as bioengineering tools. DddA-derived cytosine base editors (DdCBEs) have been developed to specifically induce C-to-T conversion in mtDNA by the fusion of sequence-programmable transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) or zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), and split deaminase derived from interbacterial toxins. Similar to DdCBEs, mtDNA adenine base editors have been developed with the ability to introduce targeted A-to-G conversions into human mtDNA. In this review, we summarize the principles of mtDNA base-editing systems and elaborate on the evolution of different platforms of mtDNA base editors, including their deaminase replacement, engineering of DddAtox variants, structure optimization and editing outcomes. Finally, we highlight their applications in animal models and human embroys and discuss the future developmental direction and challenges of mtDNA base editors.
Neutrophil extracellular traps in tumor metabolism and microenvironment
Authors: Liu Zhanrui , Dou Yuanyao , Lu Conghua , Han Rui , He Yong
Published: January 2025

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are intricate, web-like formations composed of DNA, histones, and antimicrobial proteins, released by neutrophils. These structures participate in a wide array of physiological and pathological activities, including immune rheumatic diseases and damage to target organs. Recently, the connection between NETs and cancer has garnered significant attention. Within the tumor microenvironment and metabolism, NETs exhibit multifaceted roles, such as promoting the proliferation and migration of tumor cells, influencing redox balance, triggering angiogenesis, and driving metabolic reprogramming. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the link between NETs and tumor metabolism, emphasizing areas that remain underexplored. These include the interaction of NETs with tumor mitochondria, their effect on redox states within tumors, their involvement in metabolic reprogramming, and their contribution to angiogenesis in tumors. Such insights lay a theoretical foundation for a deeper understanding of the role of NETs in cancer development. Moreover, the review also delves into potential therapeutic strategies that target NETs and suggests future research directions, offering new perspectives on the treatment of cancer and other related diseases.
Age-related mortality risk in cycling trauma: analysis of the National Trauma Databank 2017–2023
Authors: Rowh Marta A. W. , Giller Taylor A. , Bliton John N. , Smith Randi N. , Moran Tim P.
Published: January 2025

Background

Cycling promotes health but carries significant injury risks, especially for older adults. In the U.S., cycling fatalities have increased since 1990, with adults over 50 now at the highest risk. As the population ages, the burden of cycling-related trauma is expected to grow, yet age-specific factors associated with mortality risk remain unclear. This study identifies age-specific mortality risk thresholds to inform targeted public health strategies.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) data (2017–2023) on non-motorized cycling injuries. A total of 185,960 records were analyzed using logistic regression with splines to evaluate the relationship between age and mortality risk. The dataset was split into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets. Age thresholds where mortality risk changed were identified, and models were adjusted for injury severity, comorbidities, and helmet use.

Results

The median patient age was 43 years (IQR 20–58). Four key age thresholds (12, 17, 31, and 69) were identified, with the largest mortality increase after age 69. Our model achieved an AUC of 0.93, surpassing traditional age cutoff models, with 84.6% sensitivity and 88.0% specificity.

Conclusions

Age is a significant predictor of mortality in cycling trauma, with marked increases in risk during adolescence and for adults over 69. These findings underscore the need for age-targeted interventions, such as improved cycling infrastructure for teens and enhanced safety measures for older adults. Public health initiatives should prioritize these vulnerable age groups to reduce cycling-related mortality.
The greenhouse gas observation mission with Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW): objectives, conceptual framework and scientific contributions
Authors: Tanimoto Hiroshi , Matsunaga Tsuneo , Someya Yu , Fujinawa Tamaki , Ohyama Hirofumi , Morino Isamu , Yashiro Hisashi , Sugita Takafumi , Inomata Satoshi , Müller Astrid , Saeki Tazu , Yoshida Yukio , Niwa Yosuke , Saito Makoto , Noda Hibiki , Yamashita Yousuke , Ikeda Kohei , Saigusa Nobuko , Machida Toshinobu , Frey Matthias Max , Lim Hyunkwang , Srivastava Priyanka , Jin Yoshitaka , Shimizu Atsushi , Nishizawa Tomoaki , Kanaya Yugo , Sekiya Takashi , Patra Prabir , Takigawa Masayuki , Bisht Jagat , Kasai Yasko , Sato Tomohiro O.
Published: January 2025

The Japanese Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW) will be an Earth-observing satellite to conduct global observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) simultaneously from a single platform. GOSAT-GW is the third satellite in the series of the currently operating Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) and GOSAT-2. It will carry two sensors, the Total Anthropogenic and Natural emissions mapping SpectrOmeter-3 (TANSO-3) and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 3 (AMSR3), with the latter dedicated to the observation of physical parameters related to the water cycle. TANSO-3 is a high-resolution grating spectrometer designed to measure reflected sunlight in the visible to short-wave infrared spectral ranges. It aims to retrieve the column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of CO2 and CH4 (denoted as XCO2 and XCH4, respectively), as well as the vertical column density of tropospheric NO2. The TANSO-3 sensor onboard GOSAT-GW will utilize the wavelength bands of 0.45, 0.76, and 1.61 µm for NO2, O2, and CO2 and CH4 retrievals, respectively. GOSAT-GW will fly in a sun-synchronous orbit with a local overpass time of approximately 13:30 and a 3-day ground-track repeat cycle. The TANSO-3 sensor has two observation modes in the push-broom operation: Wide Mode, which provides globally covered maps with a 10-km spatial resolution within 3 days, and Focus Mode, which provides snapshot maps over targeted areas with a high spatial resolution of 1–3 km. The objectives of the GOSAT-GW mission include (1) monitoring atmospheric global-mean concentrations of greenhouse gasses (GHGs), (2) verifying national anthropogenic GHG emissions inventories, and (3) detecting GHG emissions from large sources, such as megacities and power plants. A comprehensive validation exercise will be conducted to ensure that the sensor products’ quality meets the required precision to achieve the above objectives. With a projected operational lifetime of seven years, GOSAT-GW will provide vital space-based constraints on both anthropogenic and natural GHG emissions. These measurements will contribute significantly to climate change mitigation efforts, particularly by supporting the Global Stocktake (GST) mechanism, a key element of the Paris Agreement.
Feasibility and Safety of Field-Based Physical Fitness Tests: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cruz-León Carolina , Expósito-Carrillo Pablo , Sánchez-Parente Sandra , Jiménez-Iglesias José , Borges-Cosic Milkana , Cuenca-Garcia Magdalena , Castro-Piñero José
Published: January 2025

Background

While there is evidence on the validity and reliability of field-based physical fitness tests in children, adolescents and adults, there is limited evidence to provide feasibility and safety data on the application and performance of the existing field-based physical fitness tests.

Objectives

(i) To examine the feasibility and safety of existing field-based physical fitness tests used in people of all ages and (ii) to establish a comprehensive view of criterion-related validity, reliability, feasibility and safety based on scientific evidence for the existing field-based physical fitness tests in adults.

Methods

The search was conducted through the electronic databases MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science (all databases) for published studies from inception to 31 January 2023. This systematic review was developed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were classified as very low quality, low quality or high quality, based on the criteria of appropriate number of participants, appropriate description of the study population, and appropriate number of items reported to assess feasibility/safety. Three evidence levels were constructed (strong, moderate and limited or inconclusive evidence) according to the number of studies and the consistency of the findings.

Results

We identified a total of 19 (14 of high quality) and 13 (11 high quality) original studies examining the feasibility and safety of field-based physical fitness tests, respectively. Strong evidence indicated that (a) the 2-km walk and 20-m shuttle run tests were feasible in adults and, children and adolescents, respectively; (b) the handgrip strength test was feasible in children and adolescents; and (c) the standing long jump test was feasible in children and adolescents. Only the 2-km walk test has shown strong evidence on safety in adults. Finally, combining the levels of evidence of criterion-related validity, reliability, feasibility and safety in adults, all the field-based physical fitness tests show limited evidence.

Conclusion

There is a need for more studies and consensus to establish homogeneous methodological criteria to assess the feasibility and safety of field-based fitness tests. The combined evidence on criterion-related validity, reliability, feasibility and safety of field-based tests was found to be limited in adults.

PROSPERO reference number CRD42022298276.
Smokeless tobacco: knowledge, attitudes and usage in Pakistan
Authors: Irshad Hammad Atif , Raja Sajjan , Jehanzeb Hamzah , Shaikh Wamiq Ali , Saleem Umair , Malik Shahzil Abdur Rehman , Shahzad Akmal , Shaikh Mamoon , Iqbal Nousheen , Khan Javaid Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Background

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) encompasses products that are not burnt but instead consumed orally or nasally. One-third of tobacco is consumed in the smokeless form in South Asia. Despite its widespread usage, there has been limited empirical research on the prevalence and factors influencing SLT consumption in Pakistan. This study aimed to provide an assessment of SLT knowledge, attitudes, and usage in Pakistan.

Methods

Using an online questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted across Pakistan. Convenience sampling was used to disseminate, and expert approval was sought followed by a pilot study to validate the questionnaire. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed using elements from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey and other tools which had previously been utilized within Pakistan. Participants’ responses were described using descriptive statistics, and SPSS version 26 was used to perform linear and logistic regression. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Data was collected from 1,195 participants among which 85.86% of participants had heard of SLTs prior to the survey. Sex, province, household income and previous doctor visits were significant determinants to product knowledge through which 72.55% agreed that these products can lead to serious illnesses but 30% noted a lack of knowledge on legality. General attitudes agreed that it makes one feel unwell (44.1%), gives a sense of guilt (43.85%) and more research is needed on it (54.39%). Negative health effects were the biggest deterrent from pursuing these products for 60.33% of participants. Among significant factors influencing the use of SLTs, the greatest odds of use were found with use as an alternative to cigarettes (OR 4.45) and secondly, due to its availability in a liked flavor (OR 2.27). About 31% reported to have used the product once, with 69.82% of current users expressing a desire to quit.

Conclusions

Although adequate knowledge and aligning attitudes exist for SLTs, light is shed in the face of a sustaining public health problem. We offer important insights that can guide the creation of focused interventions meant to lower SLT use, and the health hazards associated with it in the Pakistani community by highlighting important myths, incentives, and deterrents.
What could make seaports more committed to air quality? A qualitative content analysis of key barriers, drivers, and enablers
Authors: Gulyás Flóra Zsuzsanna , Kinra Aseem
Published: January 2025

Background

There is a growing need for seaports to find ways to reduce the air pollution they generate. A wide range of potential best practices exist, but what lies behind the decision to implement them? Prior studies have focused on either barriers, drivers, or enablers in this context. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review existing research on various measures to reduce air pollution in seaports with the aspects of both barriers and enablers that influence the implementation of these actions.

Methods

To answer the research question, the authors conducted a systematic literature review using the databases of Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. The initial search identified 247 studies in WoS and 589 studies in Scopus. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, a qualitative content analysis (QCA) was performed to narrow down the resulting articles and extract relevant information. The identified factors were then categorized, followed by a factor frequency analysis (FFA).

Results

Based on the final selection of 48 research articles, the review identified and categorized a total of 38 barriers and 28 enabling factors. The barriers were grouped into economic, technical, managerial, informational, and regulatory categories. The enabling factors were grouped into economic-financial, regulations and policies, informational, professional, and training categories. Aspects of finance and regulation are highlighted by the FFA.

Findings

Financial aspects play a crucial role on both the barriers and enablers side, while aspects such as information or professional training seem to be neglected. Barriers are diverse, while enablers focus mostly on regulations. With our findings, we contribute to previous work that will serve as a basis for further research on the interdependencies of influencing factors, as well as experts and stakeholders in developing suitable emission reduction (ER) strategies for citizens living and working in and around seaports. The ranking of importance as well as the degree of influence of the various factors depend on further aspects to be considered.
Amelioration of liver fibrosis with autologous macrophages induced by IL-34-based condition
Authors: Igarashi Yuichi , Wada Haruka , Muto Masato , Sone Ryohei , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Seino Ken-ichiro
Published: January 2025

Background

For the treatment of liver fibrosis, several novel cell therapies have been proposed. Autologous macrophage therapy has been reported as one of the promising treatments. So far, most studies have used colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) to induce the differentiation of macrophage progenitor cells. The receptor for CSF-1, CSF-1R possesses another ligand, interleukin 34. However, the therapeutic capacity for liver fibrosis by interleukin 34-induced macrophages has not been evaluated.

Methods

We have employed acute (bile duct ligation) and chronic (administration of carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide) liver fibrosis models. Using these models, we evaluated the therapeutic capacity of macrophages induced by interleukin 34-based conditions. In most experiments, interleukin 4 was also added to the differentiation process to induce alternative-activated macrophages. As a mechanism analysis, we have examined liver inflammation and damage, the status of stellate cells, and the immunosuppressive capacity of the macrophages. Human macrophages were differentiated from CD14+ monocytes and analyzed.

Results

In both acute and chronic liver damage experiments, interleukin 34-induced macrophages significantly ameliorated liver fibrosis. The addition of interleukin 4 to the differentiation process resulted in an increase of obtained macrophages and a bias to alternative activated macrophages (so-called M2). The alternative activated macrophages (M2-type) showed a reproducible therapeutic effect of liver fibrosis with a suppression of parameters of liver inflammation and damage, stellate cells, and T cell activation. Similar macrophages could be differentiated from human CD14+ monocytes in the presence of interleukin 34 plus interleukin 4, and a therapeutic effect was observed using a humanized mouse model.

Conclusions

Interleukin 34-induced macrophages, particularly when additionally stimulated with interleukin 4, significantly ameliorated the liver fibrosis.
Recognition model for major depressive disorder in Arabic user-generated content
Authors: Rabie Esraa M. , Hashem Atef F. , Alsheref Fahad Kamal
Published: January 2025

Background

One of the psychological problems that have become very prevalent in the modern world is depression, where mental health disorders have become very common. Depression, as reported by the WHO, is the second-largest factor in the worldwide burden of illnesses. As these issues grow, social media has become a tremendous platform for people to express themselves. A user’s social media behavior may therefore disclose a lot about their emotional state and mental health. This research offers a novel framework for depression detection from Arabic textual data utilizing deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and BERT transformers techniques in light of the disease’s high prevalence. To do this, a dataset of tweets was used, which was collected from 3 sources, as we mention later. The dataset was constructed in two variants, one with binary classification and the other with multi-classification.

Results

In binary classifications, we used ML techniques such as “support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), and Gaussian naive Bayes (GNB),” and used BERT transformers “ARABERT.” In comparison ML with BERT transformers, ARABERT has high accuracy in binary classification with a 93.03 percent accuracy rate. In multi-classification, we used DL techniques such as “long short-term memory (LSTM),” and used BERT transformers “Multilingual BERT.” In comparison DL with BERT transformers, multilingual has high accuracy in multi-classification with an accuracy of 97.8%.

Conclusion

Through user-generated content, we can detect depressed people using artificial intelligence technology in a fast manner and with high accuracy instead of medical technology.
Arabic version of Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ)
Authors: Abd El-hakeem Wafaa Helmy , Sayed Sara Ibrahim , Shahin Fatma Wafik
Published: January 2025

Background

Laboratory studies are costly in diagnosing OSA, particularly in research studies.

Objectives

This study seeks to validate the Arabic version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) in Arabic for an OSA screening test.

Methods

The PSQ was translated into Arabic and culturally adapted to develop the APSQ. The application of the APSQ was made for 66 children with OSA, wherein 33 children were retested after 15 days, and 66 children without OSA.

Results

APSQ was highly reliable for each subdomain, and the total questionnaire used Cronbach’s alpha. It also shows high reliability for each questionnaire and each subdomain. The area under the curve showed high accuracy for the APSQ with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 96.9%.

Conclusion

The Arabic Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (APSQ) is a reliable and valid instrument for screening for obstructive sleep apnea in children; it is additionally sensitive in identifying manifestations of obstructive sleep apnea in children.
Validation of a Single Item Measure for Financial Toxicity Screening in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Gharzai Laila A. , Mady Leila J. , Armache Maria , Sun Zequn , Jagsi Reshma , Cella David , Peipert J. Devin , Sadigh Gelareh , Hass Richard W.
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

Financial toxicity (FT) has been linked to higher symptom burden and poorer clinical outcomes for patients with cancer. Despite the availability of validated tools to measure FT, a simple screen remains an unmet need. We evaluated item 12 (“My illness has been a financial hardship to my family and me”) of the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) measure as a single-item FT screening measure.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis, 711 patients with cancer (690 with breast cancer) were recruited via a web-based survey from a philanthropic organization. COST items 1-11 were scored according to Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy scoring guidelines, with lower scores indicating worse FT. Analyses focused on establishing a correlation, examining item properties, and sensitivity/specificity of item 12 relative to the total COST score.

RESULTS

Item 12 had a correlation of
r
= 0.53 with the COST-11 score, and an increase of one point on item 12 is associated with a decrease of approximately three total points on the full scale (
b
, 3.35;
P
< .001; adjusted
R
2
, 0.28). Item analysis with the graded-response item in response theory modeling showed very good discrimination (
a
, 2.096) for item 12, indicating that it can reliably distinguish between low and high FT in patients. Sensitivity ranged between 75.6% and 95.7% on all item 12 thresholds to screen positive for FT using two COST cutoffs as criteria. Maximizing both sensitivity and specificity was to be found for higher item 12 scores.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first validation of a single-item screening measure for FT. Overall, these results illustrate that item 12 from the COST measure is a good candidate for a single-item screener. Clinicians can choose among item 12 screening thresholds depending on their tolerance for low specificity.
Evaluating the Immunogenicity Risk of Protein Therapeutics by Augmenting T Cell Epitope Prediction with Clinical Factors
Authors: Hu Zicheng , Wu Patrick , Swanson Steven J.
Published: January 2025

Protein-based therapeutics may elicit undesired immune responses in a subset of patients, leading to the production of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). In some cases, ADAs have been reported to affect the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and/or safety of the drug. Accurate prediction of the ADA response can help drug developers identify the immunogenicity risk of the drug candidates, thereby allowing them to make the necessary modifications to mitigate the immunogenicity. In this study, we leveraged the rich clinical study data collected by Roche/Genentech to identify factors that impact drug immunogenicity. We focused on conventional monoclonal antibodies, but have included a variety of additional drug modalities in the analysis. We show that the clinical ADA incidences are associated with the mechanism of action of the drugs, the mechanism of action of comedications, the routes of drug administration and the diseases of the patient cohort. By combining these clinical factors with the in silico epitope prediction, we improved the prediction accuracy of drug immunogenicity in clinical trials (AUC of cross validation improved from 0.72 to 0.93).

Graphical Abstract
Toward robust network controllability: Insights and future directions
Authors: Lou Yang , Wang Lin , Chen Guanrong
Published: January 2025

Network controllability refers to the ability of a networked system to drive its state to any desired configuration through control inputs. Controllability robustness ensures that this capability is maintained or retained under structural variations, such as node or edge failures caused by malicious attacks or random perturbations, which is critically important for real-world networks. This paper reviews existing metrics, evaluation methods and optimization strategies for controllability robustness, introducing also modeling techniques for attack processes. Analytical techniques, empirical simulations and machine-learning–based approaches are presented, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Finally, some future directions are briefly discussed in four key areas: metrics design, evaluation refinement, optimization algorithms, and attack process modeling. By addressing these challenges, it is expected to develop more robust and stronger resilient networked systems.
Critical parameters and equilibrium profiles for gravitational collapse with shear viscosity
Authors: Silveira F. E. M.
Published: January 2025

In this letter, we investigate the instability around equilibrium of a poor thermal conductor with shear viscosity. The analytical formulation departs from a Boltzmann relation satisfied by the non-homogeneous density. The equilibrium condition together with the equation of state provide rescaled frequency, time, and viscosity. A viscosity parameter is then suitably identified. We find the radial profiles for the gravitational field and potential, and density at equilibrium. As a result, we obtain the critical radius and mass of the collapsing self-gravitating gas cloud as functions of the viscosity parameter. We find that shear viscosity cannot drive gravitational collapse of compact objects. Applications of our theory as a benchmark test for astrohydrocodes are addressed.
Using a Composite Summary of Daily Sex Hormones to Gauge Time Until Menopause: A Focus on Pregnanediol Glucuronide (PDG)
Authors: Winkles J F , Colvin Alicia , El Khoudary Samar R , Santoro Nanette , Sammel Mary , Crawford Sybil
Published: January 2025

Context

The timing of a woman's final menstrual period (FMP) in relation to her age is considered a valuable indicator of overall health, being associated with cardiovascular, bone health, reproductive, and general mortality outcomes.

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate the relationship between hormones and the “time to FMP” when daily hormone trajectories are characterized by their 1) entropy, and 2) deviation from premenopausal/stable cycle patterns (representing a textbook “gold standard”; GS).

Methods

As part of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, urinary luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen conjugates (E1C), and pregnanediol glucuronide (PDG) were measured daily from a multiracial sample of 549 mid-life women for the duration of one menstrual cycle. Hormone trajectories were mapped onto a plane with axes representing Fuzzy entropy (FuzzEn) and the normalized dynamic time warping distance (DTW) from the GS.

Results

Viewing FSH, E1C, PDG, and LH through this lens reveals that, contrary to existing wisdom, PDG stands out as a powerful predictor/descriptor of “time to FMP.” Using cluster analyses to discretize PDG on the DTW/FuzzEn plane yields statistically different survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards analyses confirm that this separation persists in the presence of known covariates of FSH, antimüllerian hormone, age, body mass index, financial hardship, smoking status, and cycle length.

Conclusion

Since PDG is generally not considered a predictor/descriptor of ovarian aging, this work validates the DTW/FuzzEn analytical framework and introduces another metric/hormone to be used in FMP-related preventive care.
Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome in 2 Patients With Diverse Genotype
Authors: Battiola Tess , Viskochil David , Wolken Kaci , Couldwell Marie
Published: January 2025

Glucocorticoid resistance syndrome (GRS) is caused by inactivating pathogenic variants in the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1. Reduced glucocorticoid receptor signaling leads to decreased tissue sensitivity to cortisol and resultant biochemical hypercortisolism without the classic clinical features of Cushing syndrome. Patients variably present with signs and symptoms of mineralocorticoid and androgen excess from ACTH overstimulation of the adrenal cortex. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, anorexia, and insomnia, have also been reported and may be related to CRH excess. Due to the broad clinical spectrum and genetic heterogeneity of the disorder, it remains a diagnostic and treatment challenge. In this report, we describe 2 cases of GRS that highlight the genetic diversity of the condition. Both patients had prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms. While 1 patient had no identifiable variant in the glucocorticoid receptor gene, the other was found to have a novel NR3C1 variant. Low-dose dexamethasone treatment led to clinical improvement in the patient with negative genetic testing, and the second patient continues to be monitored.
Autonomy of Art, Anxieties of Transition
Authors: Murray Brittany , Nir Oded
Published: January 2025

In this article, the authors argue that our moment of transition in the capitalist mode of production requires us to rethink the received opposition between politically committed art and autonomous art, through a reading of the recent film Anatomy of a Fall. The first part of the article examines accounts of artistic autonomy. Previous definitions of autonomy identified a two-pronged threat to art, one of political propaganda and the other of capitalism's economic pressure on the work of art. Today the new threat of real subsumption of the work of art to the commodity form turns political commitment into an avenue for achieving artistic autonomy. In the second part, the authors reopen the debate about politically committed art, arguing for a distinction between propaganda, or poorly mediated desire—captured in writing about creepiness—and political commitment. In this section, aesthetic form serves as a site of mediation, determining the role of commitment in art. In the third part, the authors closely read Anatomy of a Fall, focusing on how the film asserts its autonomy to reflect on its status as a commodity. The authors show how the film not only uses political commitment to claim autonomy but also reflect on its economic determinants.
Introduction: Impasse, Interregnum, Transition
Authors: Murray Brittany , Nir Oded
Published: January 2025

In this introduction, Brittany Murray and Oded Nir argue that the current conjuncture confronts us with two seemingly contradictory temporalities: intolerable stasis, and frantic overactivity. The authors attempt to disentangle these two by tracing their presence in three fields: political economy, politics, and culture. They address writing by Aaron Benanav to address the sense of economic impasse. They argue that the doubling down on capitalist solutions to crisis generate the sense of stasis and overactivity. This impasse, the authors suggest, can be seen as a forerunner to either a dystopian, technofeudal future or a utopian one. Politically, they argue that our impasse is dominated by the return of older antagonisms, such as the rise of authoritarian challenges to liberal capitalism. Based on writing by Theodor Adorno and others, this introduction suggests these seeming returns of the old are in fact products of the present. It suggests that the rebuilding of institutions, as others suggest, may lead out of this political impasse. Culturally, the authors demonstrate how the problematic of the crisis of historicity, in postmodernity, is where one encounters stasis and overactivity. They argue that contemporary culture, while still symptomatically belonging to postmodernism, perceives our inability to imagine history as a problem, and by that very perception gives time new shape.
Research Note: New Estimates of Immigrants’ Self-employment From Linked Tax Records
Authors: Tamborini Christopher R. , Villarreal Andrés
Published: January 2025

Self-employment plays a crucial role in immigrants’ economic assimilation. Previous studies examining immigrants’ self-employment relied on estimates obtained from national surveys, which could contain measurement error. In this research note, we compare estimates of immigrant men's self-employment obtained from the Current Population Survey (CPS) with those from data linking respondents to their tax records. Our findings indicate that the CPS substantially underestimates the immigrant–native gap in self-employment. In some cases, the rate of self-employment for immigrants from administrative data is nearly double that obtained from survey data alone. Measurement error also appears to distort estimated differences in self-employment among immigrants by race, ethnicity, and national origin. The results highlight the greater importance of self-employment for the labor market integration of immigrant men than was previously known on the basis of survey data alone.
Ear pinna growth and differentiation is conserved in murids and requires BMP signaling for chondrocyte proliferation
Authors: Allen Robyn S. , Biswas Shishir K. , Seifert Ashley W.
Published: January 2025

Despite being a major target of reconstructive surgery, development of the ear pinna remains poorly studied. Here, we provide a cellular characterization of late gestational and postnatal ear pinna development in two rodents and investigate the role of BMP5 in expansion and differentiation of auricular elastic cartilage. We find that ear pinna development is largely conserved between Mus musculus and the highly regenerative Acomys dimidiatus. The pattern of pre-cartilaginous cells is established early in development. These cells are specified into chondroblasts before ear unfolding and then undergo extensive proliferation before maturation. The elastic cartilage, connective tissue fibroblasts, dermal papilla and sheath cells, and adipocytes in the adult pinna are derived from cranial neural crest. Cellular analysis using the naturally occurring short ear mouse mutant shows that loss of BMP5 does not prevent specification of chondroblasts, but does impair chondroblast proliferation. Finally, chondroblast proliferation remains impaired in the adult mid-distal ear pinna of these mutants. Together, these data establish the developmental basis for differentiation of ear pinna tissues.
Pervasive formation of double-stranded RNAs by overlapping sense/antisense transcripts in budding yeast mitosis and meiosis
Authors: Szachnowski Ugo , Becker Emmanuelle , Stuparevic Igor , Wery Maxime , Sallou Olivier , Boudet Mateo , Bretaudeau Anthony , Morillon Antonin , Primig Michael
Published: January 2025

Previous RNA profiling studies revealed co-expression of overlapping sense/antisense (s/a) transcripts in pro- and eukaryotic organisms. Functional analyses in yeast have shown that certain s/a mRNA/mRNA and mRNA/lncRNA pairs form stable double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that affect transcript stability. Little is known, however, about the genome-wide prevalence of dsRNA formation and its potential functional implications during growth and development in diploid budding yeast. To address this question, we monitored dsRNAs in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain expressing the ribonuclease DCR1 and the RNA binding protein AGO1 from Naumovozyma castellii. We identify dsRNAs at 347 s/a loci that express partially or completely overlapping transcripts during mitosis, meiosis or both stages of the diploid life cycle. We associate dsRNAs with s/a loci previously thought to be exclusively regulated by antisense interference, and others that encode antisense RNAs, which downregulate sense mRNA-encoded protein levels. To facilitate hypothesis building we developed the Sense/Antisense double-stranded RNA (SensR) expression viewer. Users are able to retrieve different graphical displays of dsRNA and RNA expression data using genome coordinates and systematic or standard names for mRNAs and different types of stable or cryptic long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Our data are a useful resource for improving yeast genome annotation and for work on RNA-based regulatory mechanisms controlling transcript and protein levels. The data are also interesting from an evolutionary perspective, since natural antisense transcripts that form stable dsRNAs have been detected in many species from bacteria to humans. The SensR viewer is freely accessible at https://sensr.genouest.org.
Contribution from the SAARC Region to Ophthalmic Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mahsood Yousaf Jamal , Khan Rima , Wakil Hira , Farooq Saima , Zia Rashid
Published: January 2025

Objective: To review the contributions to the ophthalmic research from the SAARC region in the top twenty ophthalmology journals.
Methods: This was a bibliometric study and the top 20 ophthalmology journals, as ranked by the Scimago Journal Rankings (SJR) from 2021 and 2022 (two years), were selected for analysis. Only original research articles were included in the analysis. Articles were analysed based on authorship, corresponding authorship, and research centres within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). The main research topics were also examined. This data was recorded on Microsoft excel sheet and then descriptive analysis were calculated.
Results: Of the total 4952 articles reviewed, 208 (4.2%) had authorship from the SAARC region. Of the 38079 authors in total, 1133 (2.97%) were from the SAARC region and 715 (63.1%) were male. The authors from India contributed the most (n=1074, 94.8%) articles. Of the 155 corresponding authors from SAARC, 150 (96.78%) were from India. Research centres from India were the leading contributors, (n=166, 93.26%). Out of all the publications, medical retina accounted for 1546 (31.22%) of the total articles.
Conclusions: Compared to its share of the world’s population, the SAARC region’s research contribution to the top twenty ophthalmology journals is nominal.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10581
How to cite this: Mahsood YJ, Khan R, Wakil H, Farooq S, Zia R. Contribution from the SAARC Region to Ophthalmic Research: A Bibliometric Analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):614-621. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10581
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Exploring the perceptions of medical students about the effects of financial stresses in Pakistan
Authors: Asim Nowshad , Jamil Brekhna , Ul Haq Ayaz , Malik Afreenish
Published: January 2025

Objective: To explore the perceptions of medical students about the effects of financial stresses.
Method: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in March – August of 2023. Data were taken from a purposive sample of twelve undergraduate medical students from various medical colleges in Peshawar. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide to explore the effects of financial stress on medical students. The audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed. Because the data was sensitive, anonymity and confidentiality were guaranteed to the participants. Thematic analysis was then used and authors of the study agreed on themes and subthemes after a manual thematic analysis was completed.
Results: This study reveals five themes about the effects of financial stress among medical students. The five themes include financial stressors in medical education, their effects on academic performance and achievement, future career choices, healthcare and well-being practices, and educational policies and interventions suggesting potential solutions to overcome the financial challenges.
Conclusion: This study highlights the multifaceted nature of financial stress among medical students, its significant influence on academic achievement and career decisions, and the negative health implications it presents. It also explores potential strategies for alleviating this burden. In addition to the suggestions given by medical students, there is a need to adopt specific strategies for medical institutions, policymakers, and future research endeavors to deal with the financial challenges faced by medical students.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.9286
How to cite this: Asim N, Jamil B, Ayaz Ul Haq, Malik A. Exploring the perceptions of medical students about the effects of financial stresses in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):455-460. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.9286
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Easily missed nondisplaced fractures accompanying complete fractures in the lower extremity and pelvis: a narrative review
Authors: Park Young-Chang
Published: January 2025

Nondisplaced fractures accompanying complete fractures are often difficult to detect on plain radiographs or computed tomography scans, posing a diagnostic challenge. The diagnosis of these frequently overlooked injuries can be delayed, potentially leading to suboptimal patient outcomes. This review discusses four commonly missed fracture patterns in the lower extremity and pelvis, including posterior involvement in fragility fractures of the pelvis, intertrochanteric extensions in isolated greater trochanter fractures, ipsilateral femoral neck fractures in high energy femoral shaft fractures, and posterior malleolar fractures in distal spiral tibial shaft fractures. An accurate diagnosis of these accompanying nondisplaced fractures is critical for optimizing surgical outcomes. Surgeons should incorporate thorough preoperative evaluations into their clinical practice to facilitate early detection and appropriate treatment strategies. Prompt identification and comprehensive management remain essential for improving patient outcomes.
Ο Ρόλος της Πρωινής Σύναξης και Προσευχής στο Πλαίσιο της Σχολικής Κοινότητας
Authors: Σαράντου Δημήτρης
Published: January 2025

Στην παρούσα ποσοτική έρευνα επιχειρείται η διερεύνηση της συμβολής της πρωινής σύναξης και πρωινής προσευχής στους μαθητές/τριες των δύο βαθμίδων του ελληνικού σχολείου κατά τη σχολική χρονιά 2022-2023, όσον αφορά στην ταυτότητα, την ενσωμάτωση, αλλά και την ψυχολογική τους κατάσταση. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν σε σχέση με την πρωινή σύναξη και την προσευχή ότι οι απόψεις των μαθητών/τριών για την υποχρεωτικότητα της προσευχής σχετίζεται με την ύπαρξη αλλόθρησκων μαθητών/τριών στο σχολείο, ότι η θρησκευτικότητα των μαθητών/τριών σχετίζεται με τη θετική σχέση που έχουν με την πρωινή προσευχή και ότι η πλειονότητα τάσσεται υπέρ της διατήρησης της πρωινής προσευχής στο ελληνικό σχολείο.
Chronological approach to the characteristics of Ecuador’s debt with the IMF and the WB
Authors: Romero Flores Martha Lucía , Sánchez-Oro Sánchez Marcelo , Chiriboga Zamora Patricia Alexandra , Tapia Hermida Ligia Ximena
Published: January 2025

Where did Ecuador’s foreign debt originate and grow to alarming levels? The purpose of this article is to describe, from an analytical perspective based on the contributions of various authors, the origin of Ecuador’s external debt with international institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as the support that these organizations provide for the development of the countries of the South, case Ecuador. To achieve this purpose, a documentary methodology was implemented that included an exhaustive review of studies focused on the specific variables subject to analysis, the PRISMA tool and Atlas.ti 23 were used. The results show that the creation of these financing agencies in their attempt to support the financial stability of developing countries has not been sufficiently effective in improving the welfare conditions of a good percentage of the population and has generated an imbalance in the sustained development of the poorest countries. It is concluded that the capitalist system gives predominant priority to the economic growth of nations, thus relegating in its model the consideration of human development. This orientation does not contribute effectively to the improvement of crucial aspects such: education, health and the standard of living of the population.
Assessment of heavy metal contamination in fish, fruits, and vegetables in Southwest Nigeria: A systematic review
Authors: Laoye Babafemi , Olagbemide Peter , Ogunnusi Tolulope , Akpor Oghenerobor
Published: January 2025

Background The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in fish, fruits, and vegetables in Southwest Nigeria. The review focused on studies published over a ten-year period, between 2014 and 2024. Methods Articles used for the study were obtained by conducting a comprehensive literature search using several databases, including ResearchGate, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). To identify relevant studies, a plethora of keywords were utilized to search for articles in the selected databases, including. Articles reporting heavy metal contamination in specified food products within the last decade were included. Results Of the 10,212 initially identified articles, 64 met the inclusion criteria after thorough screening. The selected studies were predominantly conducted in Lagos (30), Ondo (8), and Ogun (7) states, with few studies in Oyo, Ekiti, and Osun states. The majority of the research focused on fish (40 studies), followed by vegetables (20) and fruits (4). The commonly studied fish species were observed to be Tilapia zilli, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Clarias gariepinus, and Oreochromis niloticus, with heavy metal concentrations frequently exceeded WHO limits. Conclusions Therefore, this review highlights the significant risks posed by the presence of heavy metals in food products and underscores the importance of stringent environmental monitoring and the adoption of appropriate regulatory mechanisms for health and environmental risk mitigation. This could help in the formulation of appropriate policy implementation strategies geared towards mitigating heavy metal contamination in the region’s food supply.