bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome in Christian Orthodox Church fasters versus non-fasters
Authors: Κοκκινοπούλου Άννα
Published: February 2025

Η παρούσα μελέτη είναι η πρώτη που προσπαθεί να εξετάσει την επίδραση της περιοδικής φυτοφαγίας που ακολουθείται σύμφωνα με το ημερολόγιο νηστείας της Ορθόδοξης Χριστιανικής Εκκλησίας (ΟΧΕ), σε μία σειρά από βιοχημικές και ανθρωπομετρικές παραμέτρους και πιο συγκεκριμένα στο μεταβολικό σύνδρομο. Η τήρηση των κανόνων νηστείας μέσα στο έτος, δηλαδή η εναλλαγή από την κρεατοφαγία στη φυτοφαγία για 180-200 μέρες ετησίως, χαρακτηρίζεται από υψηλή κατανάλωση φρούτων, λαχανικών, δημητριακών, οσπρίων και θαλασσινών, ενώ παράλληλα παρατηρείται αποχή από την κατανάλωση κρέατος, αυγών, ψαριών και γαλακτοκομικών προϊόντων. Η ακολουθία αυτών των κανόνων διατροφής αποτελεί χαρακτηριστικό της Μεσογειακής Διατροφής που ακολουθείται στην Ελλάδα, όπως και σε άλλες χώρες. Στην παρούσα μελέτη βρέθηκε ότι τα άτομα που ακολουθούν αυτές τις διατροφικές συστάσεις είχαν σημαντικά μικρότερη πρόσληψη θερμίδων, λίπους και ολικής χοληστερίνης. Οι νηστεύοντες φαίνεται να είχαν ένα συνολικά πιο υγιεινό τρόπο ζωής, με στατιστικά χαμηλότερα ποσοστά καπνίσματος και κατανάλωσης αλκοόλ. Επίσης, τα κριτήρια κινδύνου για την εμφάνιση μεταβολικού συνδρόμου φαίνεται να πληρούνταν περισσότερο από την ομάδα των μη-νηστευόντων. Έτσι, η παρούσα μελέτη μας φανερώνει ότι ο επιπολασμός του μεταβολικού συνδρόμου βρέθηκε σε περισσότερους μη-νηστεύοντες συγκριτικά με τους νηστεύοντες. Στην παρούσα μελέτη βρέθηκε ότι τα άτομα που ακολουθούν τις συστάσεις της νηστείας 180-200 ημέρες το χρόνο, τείνουν να ακολουθούν ένα πιο υγιεινό τρόπο διατροφής και ζωής καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της χρονιάς. Οι συστάσεις της νηστείας της ΟΧΕ θα μπορούσαν εύκολα να ακολουθηθούν από τον γενικό πληθυσμό και κυρίως από εκείνους που επιθυμούν να ακολουθήσουν μία φυτοφαγική διατροφή στα πλαίσια ενός υγιεινού τρόπου ζωής, δεδομένου ότι δεν υπάρχει καμία ανεπάρκεια σε θρεπτικά συστατικά. Όπως φάνηκε επίσης από τη μελέτη αυτή, οι συστάσεις της νηστείας μπορούν να έχουν προστατευτικό ρόλο κατά του μεταβολικού συνδρόμου ή/και να βοηθήσουν στη θεραπεία του. Έτσι, οι διατροφικές συστάσεις της νηστείας της ΟΧΕ θα μπορούσαν να αποτελέσουν κομμάτι μίας μεγαλύτερης αποτελεσματικής διατροφικής πολιτικής σε εθνικό και παγκόσμιο επίπεδο. Τέλος, μελλοντικές μελέτες με μεγαλύτερο δείγμα ατόμων ή/και μία διαχρονική παρακολούθηση των ίδιων ατόμων κρίνεται απαραίτητη για να επιβεβαιώσουν τα μακροχρόνια πορίσματα της παρούσας μελέτης.
An integrated data pipeline for semantic data representation of the flame spray pyrolysis process
Authors: Vollbrecht Manuel , Krieger Keno , Grundmann Jannis , Birkholz Henk , Riefler Norbert , Mädler Lutz
Published: February 2025

Ongoing digitalization and data-driven developments in materials science and engineering (MSE) emphasize the growing importance of reusing research data and enabling machine accessibility, which requires robust data management and consistent semantic data representation. Ontologies have emerged as powerful tools for establishing interoperable and reusable data structures from inconsistent data structures. Despite advancements in semantic data representation for specific applications, integrating application ontologies with primary data repositories, such as electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), to feed world data remains an open task. As a use case in the MSE domain, this work presents a system based on semantic technologies from the point of view of engineers, developed with the help of information scientists, and unraveled on a small scale. The development of an application ontology (AO) was elaborated for flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) processes with the implementation of a data pipeline. The proposed FSP application ontology emerges from experimental in-house best-practice procedures and is adapted to the mid-level Project Material Digital core ontology (PMDco) to allow interoperability within the MSE domain. The pipeline retrieves manually acquired experimental data from an ELN, translates it into a machine-actionable format, and converts it into a Resource Description Framework (RDF) format to support semantic interoperability. The latter was stored in a triple store with a SPARQL interface, enabling findable and accessible datasets that are searchable and traceable. By creating semantically linked data structures in line with FAIR principles, this approach allows traceable and findable experimental results between stakeholders through both human-readable and machine-actionable formats. Seamless integration of the modular microservices of the data pipeline within established lab practices minimizes disruption while maintaining the software framework. The present work demonstrates the practical implementation of a FAIR data pipeline within a laboratory setting, paving the way for future data-centric science.
Israeli-Egyptian Gas Cooperation: Significance of Political Domestic Factors
Authors: Lipa Michał , Skorek Artur
Published: February 2025

Israeli gas discoveries and the Egyptian energy crisis prompted gas trade talks between the two countries. A letter of intention signed in 2014 gave the impression that Israel would soon supply its neighbor with much-needed energy resources. This development seemed to be an obvious result of the economic and political needs of both states and the recent transformation of the regional international system. Surprisingly, the negotiations became prolonged and were marred by tensions and backtracking. The article aims to present the domestic factors in Egypt and Israel that shape the approach of these countries to mutual energy cooperation and to assess their current and future impact on the energy outlook of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The genome sequence of the Warted Knot-Horn moth, Acrobasis repandana Fabricius, 1798
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Januszczak Inez ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium, Mitchell Ryan
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual female specimen of Acrobasis repandana (Warted Knot-Horn moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Pyralidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 620.40 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.78%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.21 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,522 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of a snakefly, Xanthostigma xanthostigma (Schummel, 1832)
Authors: Falk Steven , Crowley Liam M. , Barclay Maxwell V. L. , Taluy Emma ,   University of Oxford Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual male snakefly, Xanthostigma xanthostigma (Arthropoda; Insecta; Raphidioptera; Raphidiidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 623.30 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.74%) is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.75 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,251 protein-coding genes.
The Science of Memory Loss: Insights into Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Starzyk Agnieszka , Charzewski Piotr
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is a growing public health crisis and one of the most burdensome diseases of the 21st century. Since the 2016 Seminar, substantial progress has been made in understanding AD’s complex pathogenesis, identifying genetic risk and protective factors, and developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies sourced from PubMed and Embase, focusing on advances in cerebrospinal fluid and blood-based biomarkers, imaging techniques such as PET and MRI, and therapeutic interventions. Current pharmacological treatments, including cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, provide only symptomatic relief and fail to alter disease progression. Emerging therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid-beta and tau proteins, show promise but are hindered by challenges in efficacy and safety. Neuroinflammation, driven by cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α, is increasingly recognized as a central contributor to AD pathology, offering new therapeutic targets. Lifestyle modifications and multidomain prevention strategies, including exercise, cognitive training, and diet, demonstrate potential in reducing cognitive decline, particularly in at-risk populations. Despite these advancements, the development of effective disease-modifying treatments remains a pressing challenge. Continued innovations in biomarker research, therapeutic approaches, and personalized medicine are essential to improve outcomes for individuals with AD and to mitigate its growing societal impact.
Infective Endocarditis - Diagnosis, Treatment and Specific Situations Management – Current Knowledge, Review of the Literature
Authors: Balwierz Magdalena , Kosińska Agnieszka , Belcarz Wiktoria
Published: February 2025

Introduction
            Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe condition of endocardium, which can manifest through a wide spectrum of unspecific symptoms related to various organ systems. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the presence of bacteraemia and imaging findings confirming IE visualized in echocardiography, computer tomography and nuclear imaging. Anatomical changes or foci of altered metabolism can be located on the valves, in the perivalvular area or in the area of foreign material (e. g. valves prosthesis or implantable device). Not only the diagnostic process can be challenging, but also the treatment, which consists of antibiotic therapy and cardiac surgery. The indications for surgical treatment depend on patients’ clinical condition, which can change dynamically. Multidisciplinary approach is required to the proper care of the patients.    
Aim of the study
            The aim of the study is to review the current knowledge of infective endocarditis and the timing indications of cardiac surgery treatment.
Material and methods
            This article presents the current knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment in infective endocarditis, especially on the basis of the guidelines of European Society of Cardiology. Literature analysis, especially papers, which contain recent report in infective endocarditis treatment were analysed using the PubMed platform. The search included the keywords: “infective endocarditis”, ,‚surgery treatment of infective endocarditis”, “endocarditis team”, “CIED- related infective endocarditis”.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy - What Is New since 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines? Current Knowledge, Literature Review
Authors: Balwierz Magdalena
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetically conditioned disease, characterized by gradual fibro-fatty replacement of myocardium and tendency to ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. ARVC is included in a group of inherited similar clinical entities characterized by similar remodeling changes, named in general arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies (ACM). The new guidelines of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for the management of cardiomyopathies (2023) redefine arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC), left dominant ARVC, or arrhythmogenic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC). The diagnostic process is based on Padua Criteria (2020) according to ESC guidelines and includes: right ventricle dysfunction evidence, endomyocardial biopsy results, defects of repolarization and conduction, arrhythmias and family history. However, in 2024 European Task Force consensus with modified guidelines was proposed. The treatment focuses on arrhythmias and heart failure management, prevention of sudden cardia death and family screening. Multidisciplinary approach is required to the proper management of the patients.   
Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to review the current knowledge of ARVC, especially, novelties since 2023 ESC guidelines for the management of cardiomyopathies.
Material and methods: This article presents the current knowledge of the diagnosis of ARVC, especially on the basis of the guidelines of European Society of Cardiology and more recent experts’ consensus. Literature analysis, which contain recent report in ARVC diagnosis were analyzed using the PubMed platform. The search included the keywords: “arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy”, ,‚arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy”, “Task Force criteria for ARVC diagnosis”, “ventricular arrhythmias”.
Consumption Commitments and Housing Dynamics
Authors: Kantak Preetesh
Published: February 2025

Using a measure of local long-run growth prospects, I uncover a novel link between economic fundamentals and house prices. Whereas excess housing returns are positively associated with economic growth prospects, housing valuations are negatively associated with shocks to growth prospects. I document an explanation in metro-area consumption: housing consumption is asymmetrically exposed to economic prospects in that it expands more quickly when prospects are strong than it contracts when prospects are poor. I explain these findings through the lens of an asset pricing model that focuses on a trade-off between nonseparable committed housing and nonhousing consumption.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Supplemental Material: Data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01996 .
Modeling Metro Passenger Routing Choices with a Fully Differentiable End-to-End Simulation-Based Optimization (SBO) Approach
Authors: Du Kejun , Lee Enoch , Ma Qiru , Su Zhiya , Zhang Shuyang , Lo Hong K.
Published: February 2025

Metro systems in densely populated urban areas are often complicated, with some origin-destinations (OD) having multiple routes with similar travel times, leading to complex passenger routing behaviors. To improve modeling and calibration, this paper proposes a novel passenger route choice model with a metro simulator that accounts for passenger flows, queueing, congestion, and transfer delays. A novel, data-driven approach that utilizes a fully differentiable end-to-end simulation-based optimization (SBO) framework is proposed to calibrate the model, with the gradients calculated automatically and analytically using the iterative backpropagation (IB) algorithm. The SBO framework integrates data from multiple sources, including smart card data and train loadings, to calibrate the route choice parameters that best match the observed data. The full differentiability of the proposed framework enables it to calibrate for more than 20,000 passenger route choice ratios, covering every OD pair. To further improve the efficiency of the framework, a matrix-based optimization (MBO) mechanism is proposed, which provides better initial values for the SBO and ensures high efficiency with large datasets. A hybrid optimization algorithm combining MBO and SBO effectively calibrates the model, demonstrating high accuracy with synthetic data from actual passenger OD demands, where hypothesis tests are conducted for accuracies and significances. The accuracies and robustness are validated by experiments with synthetic passenger flow data, offering potential for optimizing passenger flow management in densely populated urban metro systems. Then, the SBO framework is extended for user equilibrium formulations with a crowding-aware route choice model and iterative metro simulations, calibrated by the hybrid optimization algorithm with additional matrix operations. Case studies with actual observed passenger flows are conducted to illustrate the proposed framework with multiple setups, exhibiting the heterogeneity of passenger route choice preferences and providing insights for operation management in the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway system.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Transportation Science Special Issue on Machine Learning Methods for Urban Mobility.

Funding: This work was supported by the General Research Fund of the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong [Grant 16219224], the Key Research and Development Program of Hubei Province [Grant 2023BAB076], and the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72001162].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2024.0557 .
Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in the setting of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Dib Abdelkader , Salem Johny , Fares Mirna
Published: February 2025

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) occurrence in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients is relatively rare and may thus be under-recognised. This latter is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, leading to muscle weakness and such respiratory complications. This article reports a case manifesting such a rare association.
Avaliação da cultura de segurança do paciente entre profissionais da estratégia saúde da família
Authors: Moisés Mitsi Silva , Lopes Neto David , Santos Enock Barroso dos , Cunha Linda Karolinne Rodrigues Almeida , Moraes Carlos Herbert Sousa de , Barbosa Laíse Picanço , Santos Elen Palmeira Assunção dos
Published: February 2025

Objetivo: avaliar a cultura de segurança do paciente entre enfermeiros, técnicos de enfermagem e agentes comunitários de saúde da equipe de uma estratégia saúde da família. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa realizado entre os profissionais, enfermeiros, técnicos de enfermagem e agentes comunitários de saúde da estratégia de saúde da família de um distrito de saúde do munícipio de Manaus, Amazonas, de novembro de 2017 a maio de 2018, utilizando o questionário “Pesquisa sobre Cultura de Segurança do Paciente para Atenção Primária”. Dados analisados pelo teste qui-quadrado e análise de variância. Protocolo aprovado pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa. Resultados: entre 283 participantes, “assistência ao paciente” e “trabalho em equipe” foram dimensões fortes, enquanto quatro apresentaram fragilidade. Considerações finais: os achados apontam para uma avaliação da cultura de segurança do paciente adequada na percepção dos enfermeiros, técnicos de enfermagem e agentes comunitários de saúde.
Ação educativa: integrando prática assistencial e investigação sobre o acidente de trabalho com material biológico
Authors: Freitas Paula Hübner , Silva Rosângela Marion da , Centenaro Alexa Pupiara Flores Coelho , Stekel Lilian Medianeira Coelho , Costa Kamila Caneda da , Zorzi Carolina Simonetti
Published: February 2025

Objetivo: promover e analisar ação educativa sobre o acidente de trabalho com material biológico por meio da articulação entre prática assistencial e investigação. Método: pesquisa convergente assistencial, realizada entre novembro de 2021 e abril de 2022 em um hospital localizado no Rio Grande do Sul. Participaram enfermeiros plantonistas e representantes dos setores de apoio e comissões. A proposta metodológica foi distribuída nas fases de concepção, instrumentação, perscrutação, análise e interpretação. Para a coleta de dados utilizaram-se pesquisa documental, entrevista semiestruturada e grupos de convergência. A análise seguiu as etapas de apreensão, síntese, teorização e transferência. Resultados: identificou-se subestimação do risco, denotando invisibilidade acerca do acidente. A partir da sugestão dos participantes, foi realizada ação educativa sobre o correto descarte de resíduos perfurocortantes. Considerações finais: a reflexão dos participantes sobre o acidente e a elaboração de ação educativa configuram-se como possibilidade para tornar a prática assistencial mais segura.
Global perspectives: learning from the experiences of nursing students during the pandemic to enhance education
Authors: Hill Barry , Liao Catherine , Peate Ian , Underdown Hayley
Published: February 2025

This research explored the lived experiences of 40 undergraduate nursing students from the UK, Canada, Australia and Gibraltar during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective survey of nursing students was aimed at understanding the impact of the pandemic on nursing education, placements and student wellbeing, as well as the challenges and emotional impact students endured associated with caring for COVID-19 patients. The narratives were collected through an online questionnaire disseminated via a Twitter (X) platform on social media. The findings revealed five key themes: the impact of the pandemic on nursing education and support; the impact of the pandemic on placements and student wellbeing; the challenges and realities of caring for COVID-19 patients as a nursing student; the impact of the pandemic on the students’ education and placements; and the emotional impact of the pandemic on them. Based on these findings, evidence-based recommendations are provided for supporting nursing students worldwide during pandemics and other public health crises.
Parents' experiences of care for premature infants in the community
Authors: Lockwood Jenna , Le Blonde Suzanne , Watkinson Debbie
Published: February 2025

The rates of premature infants born in the UK at 22 weeks' gestation and given life support have increased three-fold in England and Wales following changes to NHS guidance for the treatment of extreme prematurity. These infants can have life-long disabilities and long-standing health or developmental issues; consequently, there is an increasing demand for community professionals to support this vulnerable and growing population. The aim of this literature review was to explore parents' experiences of community care after their premature infant is discharged home. After thematic analysis, three superordinate themes emerged: there is a lack of effective service provision for preterm infants and their parents in the community; there is a gap in the knowledge base of community professionals relating to preterm infants and; parents commend a multidisciplinary approach to their preterm infant and ongoing health needs. The review concludes that there is a need for enhanced community support and strengthening of community services for premature infants and their parents following discharge home. This is the first of a two-part article, the second of which will be published in a forthcoming issue.
Medical tourism through the ages
Authors: Guiton George , Finlay Fiona , Plastow Liz
Published: February 2025

Travelling to seek healthcare is a very ancient practice, which has evolved into a multi-billion-pound industry. Dr George Guiton, Fiona Finlay and Liz Plastow explore its history and discuss the potential implications for children today
Management of objective evidence: the GEVO WEB project
Authors: Vitali Anthony , Verardi Antonio , Casarcia Angelo , Gianluca Egidi
Published: February 2025

The GEVO WEB research and development project aims, among other things, to explore all areas of change in the M.O.S. (Social Organization Model) intending to identify, first, the methods and tools with which to proactively manage the ongoing digital transition in the function of the new needs for knowledge and social awareness that arise. No scientific or social studies or publications have been identified that are useful for determining a real "starting point" for the research and development project.
The R&D activities, therefore, will include the conception/creation/ definition of a "digital environment" based on a mixed technology system capable of allowing interactions (digital navigation), in real time and without limitations or barriers of sector and/or between systems, of actors/users/providers/managers or of all the protagonists of those services and/or related service chains deriving from modern industrial relations and/or collective bargaining in all its forms intended as a significant structural element of the current Social Organization Model (MOS).
The angular spectrum of the $\boldsymbol{3\times 3}$ copositive cone
Authors: Yu Guolin , Zhang Qinghong
Published: February 2025

Given a vector $x$ and a closed convex cone $\mathcal{C}$ in an $n$-dimensional inner product space. If $x$ is not in the dual cone of $\mathcal{C}$, then the maximal angle between $x$ and $\mathcal{C}$ is greater than $\frac{\pi}{2}$. In this case, a formula regarding the maximal angle between $x$ and $\mathcal{C}$ is given in terms of the metric projection of $-x$ on $\mathcal{C}$. Critical angles between two convex cones that are greater than or equal to $\frac{\pi}{2}$ are shown to be Nash angles by using this formula. Furthermore, some properties of critical pairs of the cone that is the sum of the $n\times n$ positive semidefinite cone and the cone of all $n\times n$ symmetric nonnegative matrices are presented. Since the $n\times n$ copositive cone is the same as the sum of the $n\times n$ positive semidefinite cone and the cone of all $n\times n$ symmetric nonnegative matrices for $n\le 4$, a detailed discussion on how to obtain the angular spectrum of the copositive cone of order 3 is given using the results proved in this paper.
Preoperative peripheral nerve blocks are not independently associated with improved functional outcome, patient satisfaction, or risk of chronic pain at one year following knee arthroplasty
Authors: Clement Nick D. , Qaddoura Bilal , Coppola Andrew , Akram Nimra , Pendyala Sai , Jones Samantha , Afzal Irrum , Kader Deiary F.
Published: February 2025

Aims

Control of acute pain following knee arthroplasty (KA) with a perioperative peripheral nerve block (PNB) may improve functional outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic postoperative knee pain (CPKP). The aims of this study were to assess whether a PNB influences patient-reported outcomes and risk of CPKP at one year following KA.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted over a two-year period and included 3,338 patients who underwent KA, of whom 1,434 (43.0%) had a lower limb PNB. A total of 2,588 patients (77.6%) completed and returned their one-year follow-up questionnaire. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and pain component (OKS-PS), EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and EQ-visual analogue scale (VAS) were collected preoperatively and at one year postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was also recorded at one year. The OKS-PS was used to define CPKP at one year.

Results

The PNB group were younger (mean difference (MD) 0.7 years, 95% CI 0.0 to 1.3; p = 0.039), had a worse OKS (MD 0.7, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.3; p = 0.027), and were more likely to have had a spinal anaesthesia relative to a general anaesthetic (odds ratio 4.2, 95% CI 3.23 to 5.45; p < 0.001). When adjusting for confounding factors, patients in the PNB group had a significantly reduced improvement in their OKS (MD -0.9, 95% CI -1.6 to -0.1; p = 0.022), which may not be clinically meaningful. There were no significant differences in the OKS-PS (p = 0.068), EQ-5D (p = 0.313), or EQ-VAS (0.855) between the groups when adjusting for confounding factors. When adjusting for confounding factors using binary regression analysis, there were no differences in patient satisfaction (p = 0.132) or in the risk of CPKP (p = 0.794) according to PNB group.

Conclusion

PNBs were independently associated with worse knee-specific outcomes, but whether these are clinically meaningful is not clear, as the difference was less than the minimal clinically important difference. Furthermore, PNBs were not independently associated with differences in health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, or risk of CPKP.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2025;6(2):147–154.
Management of Kyphosis, Lumbar Spondylosis, and Mycobacterium avium Discitis in a 70-year Male with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Vascular Complication
Authors:   Departemtn of Medicine, Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, United States,, Dolgov Vadim , Frolov David ,   Departemtn of Medicine, Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, United States,, Tapio Ryan ,   Departemtn of Medicine, Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, United States,, Hill Samantha ,   Departemtn of Medicine, Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, United States,, Schmitz Miguel ,   Alpine Orthopaedic and Spine, Spokane, Washington, United States.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Kyphosis is characterized by excessive forward curvature of the spine often causing back pain and stiffness, and occasionally, neurological deficit. Surgical management of kyphosis can entail an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in addition to a posterior spinal fusion with or without a laminectomy. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a slow-growing cancer that affects the bone marrow. If ALIF is considered as a treatment option for kyphosis in a patient with CLL, attention needs to be taken to minimize complications.

Case Report: A 70-year-old male with a history of kyphosis and CLL presented with refractory lower back pain attributed to his kyphosis. The patient required multiple procedures to correct his kyphosis including an ALIF between L3 and S1. During the ALIF, significant scar tissue and phlegmon were noted at the surgical site, and disc cultures revealed Mycobacterium avium. The accumulation of phlegmon and scar tissue required significant manipulation of the vessels to perform the procedure. Before closure of the anterior incision, the patient presented with absent pulses of the left leg. A thrombosis in the left iliac artery was noted and treated with stent placement during the surgery.

Discussion: CLL leads to an immune compromised state which may lead to undiagnosed infections, specifically M. avium in our patient. Imaging showed the infection likely played a role in the disc degeneration of the lumbar spine, exacerbating the formation of the phlegmon and scar tissue. This required extensive manipulation of the vessels that resulted in the formation of thrombosis of the left iliac artery.

Conclusion: Care must be taken during ALIF procedures on patients with CLL during manipulation of the vessels. If kyphosis is rapidly worsening in a patient with CLL, infection of the vertebra should be ruled out.

Keywords: Lumbar spondylosis, anterior lumbar interbody fusion, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, kyphosis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Mycobacterium avium, anterior lumbar interbody fusion.
MÜLLER’S MUSCLE-CONJUNCTIVAL RESECTION IN THE CORRECTION OF UPPER EYELID PTOSIS – A REVIEW OF SURGICAL TECHNIQUES
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Jacuński Mateusz , Białas Dominika ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Różycki Radosław ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The aim of this article is to explore and systematize knowledge about Müllerectomy, a procedure for the treatment of mild and moderate ptosis. Drooping of the upper eyelid affects not only vision and appearance but also psychosocial well-being. A literature review was conducted using PubMed databases, searching for terms related to the surgical technique of Müller’s muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR). The period from 1975 to 2020 was considered. The paper discusses the differences between classical MMCR and its later modifications. The literature analysis shows that the authors of the MMCR modification have been refining surgical techniques for several decades to achieve the most optimal eyelid margin elevation effect with minimal tissue traumatization. It is anticipated that this review will aid clinicians in selecting the surgical method, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Restorative Play: Shared Reading and the Recovery from the Pandemic
Authors: Römhild Juliane , James Sara
Published: February 2025

Abstract: This article outlines the findings from research project into community reading groups (Shared Reading) at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Evaluating the potential of Shared Reading to aid in the societal recovery from extensive lockdowns during the pandemic, three themes have emerged: participants found the groups broadened their minds after the diminished intellectual stimulation during social isolation; brought them a sense of calm and focus; and helped them form new social connections. We contextualize these findings using a range of approaches, from reception studies and psychoanalysis to creative/social bibliotherapy and close reading. In particular, we draw on D. W. Winnicott's notion of the transitional space of play and research into the mental health benefits of Shared Reading.
"Everything Was Happing Simultaneously": Sartre, Heidegger, and Jung in Philip Roth'S Patrimony
Authors: Duban James
Published: February 2025

Abstract: In his memoir Patrimony , might Philip Roth have aligned a Jungian, universal unconscious with Heideggerian resoluteness but evaded cognitive demise via the Sartrian flight of the For-itself inherent in writing? I argue that such concerns pervade the narrative and stand related to what Roth elsewhere calls "the struggle not only to infuse fiction with mind but to make mentalness itself central to the hero's dilemma—to think … about the problem of thinking." In Patrimony , such thinking spans synchronistic occurrences across time.
National Security Concerns for Artificial Intelligence and Civilian Critical Infrastructure
Authors: Hunnewell Blake
Published: February 2025

Abstract: This article analyzes the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on the safety and security of civilian critical infrastructure (CI) in relation to US national security. While the present focus of AI policy, strategy, and regulation is responsibly directed toward corruption in social media, disinformation, data privacy, and innovation, US AI policy, strategy, and regulation toward civilian CI is critically lacking. AI is still a developing technology, and its applicability has yet to be entirely understood. Further research on AI's potential implications is more important than ever to determine how this double-edged technology will shape future national security issues.
Physics-driven deep learning for high-fidelity photon-detection ghost imaging
Authors: Zhang Chongyang , Yu Zhicheng , Cai Siao , Feng Wenshan , Lei Ling , Guo Junfeng , Zeng Hongran , Liu Shouxin , Liu Yiguang , Li Xiaowei
Published: February 2025

Single-photon detection has significant potential in the field of imaging due to its high sensitivity and has been widely applied across various domains. However, achieving high spatial and depth resolution through scattering media remains challenging because of the limitations of low light intensity, high background noise, and inherent time jitter of the detector. This paper proposes a physics-driven, learning-based photon-detection ghost imaging method to address these challenges. By co-designing the computational ghost imaging system and the network, we integrate imaging and reconstruction more closely to surpass the physical resolution limitations. Fringe patterns are employed to encode the depth information of the object into different channels of an image cube. A specialized depth fusion network with attention mechanisms is then designed to extract inter-depth correlation features, enabling super-resolution reconstruction at 256 × 256 pixels. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method presents superior imaging performance across various scenarios, offering a more compact and cost-effective alternative for photon-detection imaging.
Compact Optical Access Implementation for High-Speed Thermometry in a Motorcycle Engine Test Cell
Authors: Jacob Jojo , Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Sanders Scott
Published: February 2025

An optical sensor using near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy to measure crank angle-resolved temperature and water vapor mole fraction at the intake manifold of a motorcycle engine is presented. The sensor aims to produce a detailed database of operating parameters for building computational models using tools like GT Power and to analyze valve back-flow during high rpm runs (over 4500 rpm). We demonstrate high-speed (10 kHz) thermometry using a compact optical access strategy, optimized using ray-tracing simulations. The optical access was designed for single-port installation into the engine for easy integration with the rest of the test setup.
Association of dietary niacin intake with all-cause mortality in chronic kidney disease: A retrospective cohort study of NHANES
Authors: Xiang Meijuan , Peng Jianyun , Gui Zhihong , Jin Ju , Meng Jinling
Published: February 2025

Background

Dietary niacin intake has a positive influence on several chronic diseases, while the impact of dietary niacin intake on prognosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unknown. The study would explore the association between dietary niacin intake and all-cause mortality in CKD patients.

Methods

Data about 4,659 CKD patients in this retrospective cohort study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey (NHANES). Dietary niacin intake data were acquired based on the 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Weighted univariate Cox regression models were utilized to select potential covariates. The association of dietary niacin intake with all-cause mortality was explored using weighted univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. The results were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

In total, 4,659 CKD patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 58.03 (0.42) years old, and 2,502 (58.45%) were female. During a mean follow-up of 73.92 (1.14) months, 1,325 (28.44%) CKD patients died. Compared to CKD patients with lower niacin intake ≤19mg, those with niacin intake >33 mg were associated with lower all-cause mortality risk (HR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.64–0.98). The association also found in subgroups of age ≥65 years old (HR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.53–0.88), males (HR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.51–0.92), BMI <25 kg/m2 (HR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.39–0.99), smoking (HR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.49–0.94), dyslipidemia (HR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.56–0.91), and non-hyperphosphatemia (HR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.58–0.91).

Conclusion

Adequate dietary niacin intake was related to lower odds of all-cause mortality in CKD patients. Niacin supplements may have potential benefits for prognosis in CKD patients.
Dynamics of multiple sustainable agricultural intensification practices adoption: Application of the intertemporal multivariate probit model
Authors: Oumer Ali Mohammed , Burton Michael , Kassie Menale
Published: February 2025

Applying an intertemporal multivariate probit model, we reveal complex complementarity and substitution effects as well as new insights on the drivers of adopting input-intensive and natural resource management (NRM) practices in rural Ethiopia. First, the latent factor that drives each practice is positively and significantly correlated across time, suggesting persistency in adoption decisions. Second, the significant synergies and tradeoffs between the input-intensive and NRM practices underscore that these practices are highly compatible and, hence the importance of promoting technology packages. Third, the covariates that drive adoption significantly differ between practices, reflecting the heterogeneity in farmer behavior. Farm size was associated with the adoption of several input-intensive and NRM practices while off-farm income has the reverse effect. These findings have significant implications for food security policy in sub-Saharan Africa.
Impact of developmental state, p53 status, and interferon signaling on glioblastoma cell response to radiation and temozolomide treatment
Authors: Berezovsky Artem , Nuga Oluwademilade , Datta Indrani , Bergman Kimberly , Sabedot Thais , Gurdziel Katherine , Irtenkauf Susan , Hasselbach Laura , Meng Yuling , Mueller Claudius , . Petricoin Emanuel F. , Brown Stephen , Purandare Neeraja , Aras Sidhesh , Mikkelsen Tom , Poisson Laila , Noushmehr Houtan , Ruden Douglas , deCarvalho Ana C.
Published: February 2025

Glioblastoma (GBM) tumors exhibit extensive genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptional diversity, with significant intratumoral heterogeneity, complicating standard treatment approaches involving radiation (RT) and the DNA-alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ). In this study, we employed an integrative multi-omics approach, including targeted proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and DNA methylation profiling, to investigate the response of a representative panel of GBM patient-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs) to astrocytic differentiation and RT and TMZ treatments. Differentiated CSC progenies retained the expression of key stemness genes and survival pathways, while activating the BMP-Smad signaling pathway and upregulating extracellular matrix components. This was associated with increased resistance to TMZ, though not to RT, across all models. We identified TP53 status as a critical determinant of transcriptional response to both RT and TMZ, which was also modulated by the differentiation state and treatment modality in wildtype (wt) p53 GBM cells. Both mutant and wt p53 models exhibited significant activation of the DNA-damage associated interferon (IFN) response in CSCs and differentiated cells, implicating this pathway in the GBM response to therapy. We observed that activation of NF-κB was positively correlated with the levels of O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) protein, a direct DNA repair enzyme leading to TMZ resistance, regardless of MGMT promoter methylation status, further supporting the clinical potential for inhibition of NF-kB signaling in GBM treatment. Our integrative analysis of the impact of GBM cell developmental states, in the context of genomic and molecular diversity of patient-derived models, provides valuable insights for pre-clinical studies aimed at optimizing treatment strategies.
Phenological cycles in the Pantanal woody communities: Responses to climate and soil moisture seasonality
Authors: Arieira Julia , Schuchmann Karl-L. , Pott Arnildo , Lanssanova Michelle D. , Tissiani Ana Silvia O. , Pinto Junior Osvaldo Borges , Marques Marinêz Isaac
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the influences of regional climate and soil moisture conditions on the vegetative and reproductive cycles of seven savanna and forest vegetation communities of the Pantanal Mato-grossense. Circular analysis of the phenological data revealed the occurrence of interspecific synchronism and seasonal responses in vegetative and reproductive activities, with flowering patterns differing the most between communities. Leaf shedding intensity events in communities were closely linked to climatic seasonality. Over half of the individuals were semideciduous or deciduous, with leaf drop intense events predominantly triggered by drier, warmer conditions. The annual flood pulse further constrains woody plants, influencing deciduousness and serving as a strategy to mitigate soil water stress. The preceding climatic signal announcing cold fronts was a relevant determinant of flowering events for many communities. Climate and soil seasonality had limited influences on fruiting phenology across the various vegetation communities. The asynchronous response of phenological cycles to surface soil moisture seasonality highlights the diverse habitat hydrodynamics and its interactions with the plant communities that may decouple leaf fall, flowering, and fruiting from surface soil water availability. The unique phenological response of the Pantanal’s woody communities to the hydro-climatic cycle sets it apart from other non-flooded savannas of tropical South America. This response involves the intricate interplay between phenological dynamism and alternating drought and wet-flooded phases.
A catechol-O-methyltransferase genetic variant impacts functional movement in tactical athletes
Authors: Taylor Marcus K. , Hernández Lisa M. , Allsopp Richard C. , Fraser John J.
Published: February 2025

Functional movement is a valuable indicator of physical performance, injury risk, and/or musculoskeletal impairment following injury. However, genetic variation and gene–environment interactions that may affect functional movement are largely unexplored. We recently reported a linkage between trauma exposure and functional movement in male tactical athletes. Here, we examined the effect of a common genetic variant, rs737865, within the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene on functional movement in specialized military personnel (N = 134). We also explored whether rs737865 modulated the influence of trauma exposure. Genotyping was determined from saliva, trauma exposure was self-reported using the Brief Trauma Questionnaire, and functional movement was evaluated using the Functional Movement Screen™. The effect of rs737865 on functional movement was evaluated using general linear models, while associations between trauma and functional movement were determined with regression models. An alpha level of 0.05 was set as the threshold for significance. In the standard three-genotype model (GG, AG, AA), rs737865 predicted functional movement (p = 0.03, η2p = 0.05). Specifically, GG (n = 9) exhibited the highest functional movement scores (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD] = 17.2±1.9), followed by AG (n = 45; M±SD = 15.9±2.5), and then AA (n = 80; M±SD = 15.2±2.3). The connection between rs737865 and functional movement was preserved in both the dominant G model (G vs AA; p = 0.03, η2p = 0.04) and the dominant A model (A vs GG; p = 0.03, η2p = 0.03). The rs737865 variant also modulated the influence of trauma on functional movement. To our knowledge, this is the first discovery linking rs737865 to functional movement, which may lead to greater precision in musculoskeletal injury risk stratification and increased efficacy of strength and conditioning programs in tactical athletes. In resource constrained settings, genomic modeling may help to direct limited assets to at-risk subgroups (for screening purposes). It may also help to individualize, and enhance, strength and conditioning programs based on the genomic signature of a person’s training response.
How do inside directors affect corporate R&D investment? The moderating role of CEO equity incentives
Authors: Zhou Jianqing , Peng Yulian
Published: February 2025

This study aims to reveal whether non-CEO inside directors can promote corporate research and development (R&D) investment. Using a panel data of 3,002 Chinese manufacturing listed firms from 2011 to 2021, we find that inside directors can significantly promote corporate R&D investment. We also find that when the CEO has equity incentives to alleviate agency conflicts, the role of inside directors in promoting R&D investment is significantly weakened. Additional analysis show that the promotive effect of inside directors on R&D investment is significant only in samples of non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs), male CEOs, older CEOs, and small boards, but not for the samples of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), female CEOs, younger CEOs, and large boards. These findings extend the scope of research on the economic consequences of inside directors and have important implications for the optimization and adjustment of corporate governance policies.