bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive telemonitoring programs for patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Parente Hilson A , Hornemann Sophie B , Faria Ismael MM de , Salgado Diamantino R , Correia Marcelo G , Azevedo Fabiula S de
Published: December 2024

Aims

To assess whether telemonitoring improves outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods and results

A literature search was conducted on studies of randomized controlled trials involving non-invasive telemonitoring and heart failure using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, and hospitalization for heart failure. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, health-related quality of life as assessed by validated questionnaires, healthcare costs and cost-effectiveness, and self-care behaviors. We performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model for the primary outcomes. The effect measure was odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval, and heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Higgins I2 value. We screened 212 references, and 34 randomized controlled trials were included in this review. A total of 16179 participants with heart failure were included. Non-invasive telemonitoring reduced all-cause mortality by 18% (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.95; participants = 15,211; studies = 28; I2 = 34%; GRADE: moderate-quality evidence) and heart failure hospitalization by 20% (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.94; participants = 7491; studies = 18; I2 = 31%; GRADE: moderate-quality evidence). Non-invasive telemonitoring didn’t demonstrate significant benefit on all-cause hospitalization (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.05; participants = 11,565; studies = 25; I2 = 49%).

Conclusion

Telemonitoring programs in patients with heart failure were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization without harmful events.
A sense of (dis)connectedness: LGBTQ+ online othering on Thai Facebook comments
Authors: Doungphummes Nuntiya , Vicars Mark , Phanthaphoommee Narongdej
Published: December 2024

This paper considers how online practices can reinforce inequality and constrain wellbeing, resilience, and self-esteem for Thai LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. Based on an inductive, exploratory analysis, our study focuses on the specific language use that facilitated the creation and perpetuation of LGBTQ+ “othering”. Our data were drawn on a purposive sample of posted comments on Facebook that made explicit and active forms of criticism of LGBTQ+ related to diversity, equality, and inclusion. Our readings of normalizing discourses on Thai social media have questioned the mythopoesis of LGBTQ+ inclusiveness on social media platforms and how pejorative online postings can contribute to the everyday reproduction of structural injustices of the wider queer community in a Thai context.
The Learning Benefits of Mastery Quizzing Versus Other Quizzing Methods
Authors: Bates Lauren E. , Myers Sarah J. , DeLosh Edward L. , Rhodes Matthew G.
Published: December 2024

The present work assessed a quizzing method that combines the benefits of retrieval practice and feedback, whereby learners must continue taking quizzes until they achieve a perfect score with feedback provided (i.e., mastery quizzing). Across four experiments ( n = 952; age 18–76, M = 37.10, SD = 11.61; 50% female, 48% male, 2% other gender or did not identify), we explored whether such quizzing produces better retention than more traditional forms of quizzing. Participants were adults recruited online who were not screened for content knowledge of the materials. In Experiment 1, participants read explanations of psychological concepts frequently taught in introductory psychology classes. They completed one, two, or three quizzes without feedback or engaged in mastery quizzing. Performance on a final test was better in the mastery quiz condition relative to the comparison quiz conditions. Further experiments showed the mastery quizzing advantage was maintained when comparison quiz conditions also included feedback (Experiment 2) and when conditions encouraged attention to feedback (Experiment 3). Mastery quizzing benefits persisted when retention intervals were increased to 30 minutes and 2 days (Experiment 4). Thus, mastery quizzing may be a simple method of encouraging more durable learning than traditional approaches to quizzing.
Circulating tumor DNA-guided treatment decision in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Op ’t Hoog Catharina J. P. , Bosman Sabien J. E. , Boerrigter Emmy , Mehra Niven , van Oort Inge M. , van Erp Nielka P. , Kievit Wietske
Published: December 2024

Background:

The androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI), abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide, are commonly used in first-line treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, early resistance to ARPI treatment occurs frequently. Traditionally, the response is evaluated 3–6 months after the start of treatment. However, recent findings indicate that by detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at baseline and 4 weeks after ARPI treatment initiation, patients with a nondurable response can be identified after 4 weeks of treatment, enabling an early switch to alternative treatments.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ctDNA-guided treatment switch after 4 weeks of ARPI therapy in mCRPC patients compared to standard of care.

Design:

A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Methods:

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted by creating a Markov state transition model to simulate progression, mortality, and treatment costs over a 5-year time horizon comparing ctDNA-guided care versus standard of care. The outcomes measured were incremental treatment costs per life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained.

Results:

The analysis showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €65,400.86 per QALY gained and an incremental net monetary benefit of €2716.62. Thereby, the use of ctDNA-guided treatment was cost-effective in comparison to standard care in 74% of the simulations using a willingness-to-pay threshold of €80,000 per QALY gained.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of using a ctDNA-guided early therapy switch in non-responders after only 4 weeks of first-line ARPI therapy in mCRPC patients. This paves the way for implementing ctDNA-guided treatment decisions in clinical practice.
Assessing technology usage in relation to the quality of life of autistic children
Authors: Costescu Cristina , Tufar Ioana , Chezan Laura , Șogor Mălina , Confederat Alexandra
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and duration of technology use by autistic children, their primary activities when engaging with technology, and the association between technology use and quality of life. We assumed that technology serves as a means of communication with peers, and it is associated with an improved quality of life.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 61 parents of autistic children aged 5–10 years old. The Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Scale was used to measure children's quality of life based on parent report, and the Technology Use Scale was used to measure the amount of time spent using technology and its purpose. Data collected were analyzed to identify correlations between technology use and quality of life.

Results

Findings indicate that autistic children primarily use technology for relaxation purposes and a smaller proportion of children in the sample used technology for socialization. A positive correlation was found between technology use for social interactions and higher parental perceptions of quality of life. These findings suggest that while social use of technology is less frequent, it is associated with improved well-being.

Conclusions

We concluded that technology use among autistic children is predominantly for leisure activities; however, when used for socialization, it is linked to a better perceived quality of life. Future research should further explore the specific benefits and potential risks of technology use for communication and socialization in autistic children. Additionally, the efficacy of technology-based interventions in improving social skills and overall well-being should be evaluated.
Laughter Interventions to Improve Psychological Well-Being/QoL in Cancer Patients: A Mini Systematic Review
Authors: Olympiou Anastasia , Ahmed Sana
Published: December 2024

Literature suggests that laughter interventions can positively influence psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL) in various populations, yet their efficacy among cancer patients remains underexplored. This mini systematic review aims to examine the cross-sectional associations between laughter/humor interventions and psychological wellbeing/Quality of life and synthesize the latest quantitative evidence regarding the effects of laughter interventions on the psychological wellbeing/Quality of life of cancer patients as well as the longitudinal relationships between interventions and outcome. A comprehensive search was conducted across electronic databases to identify relevant studies published from 2011 until 2022. Eligible studies were those examining the impact of laughter interventions on psychological well-being and Quality of Life in cancer patients. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings indicate significant improvements in various psychological parameters following laughter interventions among cancer patients, including stress, depression, anxiety, overall Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), emotional well-being, Global Health Status & QoL, mental well-being, and positive mood. Moreover, the review highlights the synergistic effects of laughter when combined with other therapeutic elements. However, it was noted that laughter therapy did not demonstrate significant efficacy for moderate to severe depression among cancer patients. Longitudinal effects of laughter interventions on psychological well-being and QoL remain inconclusive. This systematic review underscores the beneficial effects of laughter interventions on the psychological well-being and QoL of cancer patients. It suggests the potential for multidisciplinary approaches, led by Health Psychology Practitioners, to develop and implement tailored laughter therapy programs for this population. Further research is warranted to elucidate the longitudinal effects and optimal delivery methods of laughter interventions in the context of cancer care.
How The Three-Body Trilogy Were Translated: Perspectives on the Political and Literary Fields
Authors: Deng Gaosheng , Goh Sang Seong
Published: December 2024

The Three-Body Trilogy, published in English, is arguably the best-selling Chinese literature, with the most attention garnered from the English-language media. Literature is viewed as a symbolic product, as a nation’s literary works are naturally seen as a literary prestige or reserving the status of a sacred classic. While some literary fields are considered dominant, others ending up in being dominated. Thus, the conflict between the dominant and dominated in the field of literature serves as the field’s fundamental driving force. Such competition may derive from political influence, financial gain, social standing, or even the cultural standing of the field the participants occupy. By adopting the keyword “ The Three-Body Trilogy,” this study searched the BCC and NOW corpora. It was found that the Classic China International Publishing Project, Silk Road Literary Project, Ken Liu, Tor Books all provided varying degrees of support for the translation and dissemination of The Three-Body Trilogy, which jointly form the field and translation context for it to move from the dominated literary field to the dominant literary field.
Pursuing Flawless Experience Starts with the Adjustment of the Visual Layout: ATM Cardless Cash Withdrawal Services Study
Authors: Zheng Meng-Cong , Lay Joon Ming Nigell , Chen Ching-I
Published: December 2024

Self-service technology is widely used in the financial sector to ensure consumers can easily conduct financial transactions. For example, banks have successfully applied cardless withdrawal services to ATMs. However, many factors still exist as to why cardless withdrawals cannot be widely promoted. In the preliminary investigation work of this study, we investigated the user experience design of cardless cash withdrawals of the top three banks in Taiwan’s ATM market share. After summarizing many problems, we optimized the design to include two sets of typography and guidance. We used the task-oriented cognitive walkthrough method to survey 36 participants and adopted post-task and post-session self-report assessments, such as SEQ, NASA-TLX, satisfaction, preference, NPS, etc. Finally, it is supplemented by semi-structured interviews to understand users’ performance, thoughts, and problems when completing relevant tasks. It was found that users with different experiences have different needs for the interface, which are reflected in different workload items. In addition, the correlation between the scales was discovered, and suggestions were provided for future industry workers who want to practice data-driven UX.
Organized Thrombus Masquerading as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Set of Two Cases
Authors: M Apoorva , Charaniya Riyaz , Raval Pratik , Shah Jayal
Published: December 2024

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) often impacts young women who lack traditional risk factors. Diagnosing SCAD can be challenging due to its diverse angiographic presentations and resemblance to other conditions, such as organized thrombus.

Case Summary

We present two cases involving middle-aged male smokers, each experiencing chest pain lasting over 12 hours. Both patients exhibited ST-segment elevation in the anterior leads on ECG, anterior wall hypokinesia, and an LVEF of 40% on 2D echocardiography. Immediate coronary angiography revealed dye staining and multiple radiolucent lumens in the LAD, indicative of SCAD. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) identified an organized thrombus with a distinctive “Swiss cheese” pattern, differing from the usual radiolucent false lumen associated with SCAD. Both patients were successfully treated with PCI, including thrombus aspiration and stent placement.

Take-home message

Relying solely on angiography for SCAD diagnosis may overlook organized thrombus. Redefining SCAD criteria and utilizing multimodal imaging like OCT in all cases is essential.
Validation of the Abbreviated PTSD Checklist–Civilian as a Traumatic Stress Screener for Parents of Children With Cancer
Authors: Harman Elizabeth , Perkins Susan M. , Pai Ahna , Robb Sheri L.
Published: December 2024

Background: Researchers and clinicians often use the six-item abbreviated Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Civilian (PCL-6) for screening; however, the PCL-6 has not been validated for parents of children with cancer. A valid and reliable short screener like the PCL-6 would allow bedside and/or advanced practice nurses to quickly screen parents for traumatic stress and expedite referrals for support services. Method: This study used data collected during a multisite trial examining an intervention for children with cancer and their parents. This dataset included parental self-report measures of traumatic stress (PCL-6; Impact of Events Scale-Revised [IES-R]), mood disturbance (Profile of Mood States-Short Form [POMS-SF]), and wellbeing (Index of Wellbeing [IWB]). The sample included 136 parents of children (3-8 years old) undergoing cancer treatment at four hospitals. Analysis: For construct validity, we calculated Spearman’s correlation coefficient using baseline scores of the PCL-6 with baseline scores for the IES-R, POMS-SF, and IWB. For internal consistency, we calculated Cronbach’s alpha using the scores of each of the six items of the PCL-6 for all parent/caregiver participants at baseline. Results: Results indicate good convergent construct validity, reasonable divergent construct validity, and good internal consistency.
Communication about incurable illness and remaining life between spouses and patients with incurable illness receiving specialized home care: effects of a family caregiver-targeted web-based psycho-educational intervention
Authors: Doveson Sandra , Tibell Louise Häger , Årestedt Kristofer , Holm Maja , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Alvariza Anette , Wallin Viktoria
Published: December 2024

Background

Web-based interventions targeted at family caregivers has become a quickly expanding research field, none the least since a growing number of patients with incurable illness are being cared for at home. Spouses, who are also family caregivers, constitute an especially vulnerable group in need of support when they are cohabitating with the ill patient and research shows that communication regarding the illness is important, yet challenging. This study therefore explored effects of a family caregiver-targeted web-based psycho-educational intervention on communication about incurable illness and remaining life between spouses and patients receiving specialized home care.

Methods

The study had a pre-post-design. An intervention containing videos and texts about family caregiving was developed and made accessible via a website. Thirty-nine spouses (67% women, median age: 61) were recruited from specialised home care services. At baseline, and after 4 weeks of access to the website, spouses completed a questionnaire about communication with the patient regarding incurable illness and remaining life. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

No significant changes were found between baseline and follow-up. Most spouses did, however, report having talked with the patient about the illness being incurable (64%) and how the illness affected the patient physically (64%) and psychologically (77%) during the past month already at baseline. Regarding communication about the remaining life and how to manage once the patient had passed away, 46–59% instead reported not having had these conversations with the patient ever.

Conclusions

A majority of the spouses had talked about aspects of the illness and its consequences already at baseline, indicating that these matters are important to spousal caregivers of patients with incurable illness. However, a sizeable portion had not ever talked to the patient about how to manage once the patient had passed away, suggesting there are barriers to such conversations that need to be further explored. Future research on web-based psychoeducational interventions targeted at family caregivers need to address barriers and the diverse support needs regarding communication, especially about the remaining life, among spouses of patients with incurable illness.

Trial registration

The study was first registered on clinicaltrials.gov(NCT03676283) on 2018.09.12.
Health care costs of home care enzyme replacement therapy for patients with lysosomal storage diseases in Germany
Authors: Heinrich Ria , Claus Franziska , Schoenfelder Tonio
Published: December 2024

Background

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) can be treated with intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). ERT is being administered either in specialized clinics or in the home care setting. Studies indicate that home-based ERT can be considered safe and positively effects patient reported outcomes. Due to the higher level of individual care required by nurses when administering ERT at home, questions arise whether this will result in additional costs for health care systems. Since cost data to the German health care system are currently unavailable, this study aims to assess home care ERT costs of LSD patients.

Methods

The longitudinal study assessed the direct costs of home-based ERT for patients with LSD diseases Fabry, Pompe, Gaucher, and MPS I from 2019 to 2021 on a patient-by-patient basis by evaluating the healthcare documentation. Costs assessed included ERT drug and further administration equipment, time needed to prepare, administer, and post-process the infusion, and travel expenses of nursing staff.

Results

Data from 62 patients was analyzed: of these, 29 (46.8%) with Fabry disease, 19 (30.6%) with Pompe disease, 10 (16.1%) with Gaucher disease, and 4 (6.5%) with MPS I. Patients ranged in age from 3 to 79 (mean 40 years); 42% of patients reported comorbidities (19.4% with hypertension, and 10% with heart disease). Mean total ERT-related costs were €369,047 per year across all patients. Approximately 98.5% of these costs were attributable to the infusion therapy and administration itself (€363,880), and approximately 1.5% were attributable to personnel and travel costs. Patients with Pompe disease incurred the highest average annual costs (€483,907) and patients with Fabry disease the lowest (€264,896). Cost differences among underlying LSDs were due primarily to ERT drug costs; the drug infused for Fabry disease costs about half as much as that for Gaucher or for Pompe disease. Despite MPS I patients requiring about twice as many infusions, significantly lower drug costs for this disease resulted in the second lowest total mean costs of all LSD subtypes analyzed.

Conclusion

As total costs are almost entirely driven by infusion-related material, especially the ERT drug, moving ERT into the home environment is not expected to increase costs.
Engineering of buried interfaces in perovskites: advancing sustainable photovoltaics
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Jo William
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention for their high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and potential for cost-effective, large-scale manufacturing. This comprehensive review focuses on the role of buried interface engineering in enhancing the performance and stability of PSCs with both n-type electron transport layer/perovskite/p-type hole transport layer (n-i-p) and p-type hole transport layer/perovskite/n-type electron transport layer (p-i-n) structures. This study highlights key challenges associated with interface engineering, such as charge extraction, recombination loss, and energy level alignment. Various interface engineering techniques, such as surface passivation, self-assembled monolayers, and additive engineering, are explored in terms of their effectiveness in mitigating recombination loss and improving long-term device stability. This review also provides an in-depth analysis of material selection for the electron and hole transport layers, defect management techniques, and the influence of these on perovskite film quality and device stability. Advanced characterization methods for buried interfaces are discussed, providing insights into the structural, morphological, and electronic properties that govern device performance. Furthermore, we explore emerging approaches that target homogenous cation distribution and phase stability at buried interfaces, both of which are crucial for improving PCEs beyond current benchmarks. By synthesizing the latest research findings and identifying key challenges, this review aims to guide future directions in interface engineering for PSCs and ensure their successful use in next-generation sustainable energy technologies.

Graphical Abstract
Critical Fluctuations as an Early Warning Signal of Sports Injuries? A Proof of Concept Using Football Monitoring Data
Authors: Neumann Niklas D. , Brauers Jur J. , van Yperen Nico W. , van der Linde Mees , Lemmink Koen A. P. M. , Brink Michel S. , Hasselman Fred , den Hartigh Ruud J. R.
Published: December 2024

Background

There has been an increasing interest in the development and prevention of sports injuries from a complex dynamic systems perspective. From this perspective, injuries may occur following critical fluctuations in the psychophysiological state of an athlete. Our objective was to quantify these so-called Early Warning Signals (EWS) as a proof of concept to determine their explanatory performance for injuries. The sample consisted of 23 professional youth football (soccer) players. Self-reports of psychological and physiological factors as well as data from heart rate and GPS sensors were gathered on every training and match day over two competitive seasons, which resulted in an average of 339 observations per player (range = 155–430). We calculated the Dynamic Complexity (DC) index of these data, representing a metric of critical fluctuations. Next, we used this EWS to predict injuries (traumatic and overuse).

Results

Results showed a significant peak of DC in 30% of the incurred injuries, in the six data points (roughly one and a half weeks) before the injury. The warning signal exhibited a specificity of 95%, that is, correctly classifying non-injury instances. We followed up on this promising result with additional calculations to account for the naturally imbalanced data (fewer injuries than non-injuries). The relatively low F1 we obtained (0.08) suggests that the model's overall ability to discriminate between injuries and non-injuries is rather poor, due to the high false positive rate.

Conclusion

By detecting critical fluctuations preceding one-third of the injuries, this study provided support for the complex systems theory of injuries. Furthermore, it suggests that increasing critical fluctuations may be seen as an EWS on which practitioners can intervene. Yet, the relatively high false positive rate on the entire data set, including periods without injuries, suggests critical fluctuations may also precede transitions to other (e.g., stronger) states. Future research should therefore dig deeper into the meaning of critical fluctuations in the psychophysiological states of athletes.

Key Points

Complex Systems Theory suggests that sports injuries may be preceded by a warning signal characterized by a short window of increased critical fluctuations.

Results of the current study showed such increased critical fluctuations before 30% of the injuries. Across the entire data set, we also found a considerable number of critical fluctuations that were not followed by an injury, suggesting that the warning signal may also precede transitions to other (e.g., healthier) states.

Increased critical fluctuations may be interpreted as a window of opportunity for the practitioner to launch timely and targeted interventions, and researchers should dig deeper into the meaning of such fluctuations.
sST2 levels and 3D speckle tracking as predictors of CAD severity in chronic coronary syndrome
Authors: Setouhi Amr , Maghraby K. , Taha Nasser , Abdelsayed M. , Hassan Mohammed H. , Mahmoud Hossam Eldin M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies on the relation of sST2 with atherosclerotic disease mostly focused on the predictive value of sST2 for heart failure. However, there is no definite conclusion about the correlation between sST2 level and a complex coronary lesion morphology detected with coronary angiography (CAG). The purpose of this work was to know sST2 level and 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography as predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD) severity in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) individuals using Gensini score. This prospective cohort work was performed on 90 participants aging from 18 to 80 years old, both sexes, with stable angina pectoris. Participants had been categorized into three groups: Group I (n = 30): control group scheduled by normal coronary angiography and group II (n = 60): case group which subdivided according to Gensini score into two equal subgroups: IIa: simple lesion (Gensini score < 20) and group IIb: complex lesion (Gensini score of ≥ 20). Plasma sST2 levels were measured in all participants using ELISA technique.

Results

GLS, GAS, GCS and ST2 can significantly predict severity of CAD in CCS, respectively (P < 0.001 and AUC (95% CI) = 0.949(0.881–0.984), 0.980(0.925 to 0.998), 0.908(0.828 to 0.959) and 0.702(0.597 to 0.794)) at cutoff ≥ − 10, − 21, − 12 and ≥ 10 with 96.67% (82.8% to 99.9%), 96.67% (82.8 to 99.9), 86.67% (69.3 to 96.2) and 63.33% (43.9 to 80.1) sensitivity (95% CI), 76.67% (64.0% to 86.6%), 85.0% (73.4 to 92.9), 73.33% (60.3 to 83.9) and 65.0% (51.6 to 76.9) specificity (95% CI), 67.44%, 76.32%, 61.90% and 47.50% PPV and 97.87%, 98.08%, 91.67% and 78.00%, NPV with accuracy of 83.33%, 88.89%, 77.78% and 64.44%.

Conclusions

sST2 level, GLS, GAS and GCS can significantly predict severity of CAD in CCS.
Comprehensive Comparisons of Different Treatments for Active Graves’ Orbitopathy: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Model-Based Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Yanlin , Liu Ruikang , Huang Liying , Qin You , Liu Wei , Huang Shenyu , Zhang Jiaoyue
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of various treatments for active thyroid eye disease.

Method

We conducted a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and ongoing RCTs registered on Controlled Trials, targeting treatments for thyroid eye disease up until November 20, 2024. Employing a Bayesian framework, this network meta-analysis calculated risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to size the effects for the predetermined outcomes. The study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024548030).

Outcome

The primary outcomes evaluated were overall response rate, clinical activity score(CAS), proptosis, diplopia and adverse events.

Results

For the overall response rate, teprotumumab (RR 5.5, 95%CI 2.3 to 16), mycophenolate combined intravenous glucocorticosteroids (IVGCs) demonstrated effectiveness over no treatment, ranked from most to least effective. Notably, teprotumumab showed the highest efficacy in reducing CAS (MD -1.57, 95%CI -3.81 to 0.68) and proptosis (MD -2.29, 95%CI -2.73 to -1.86). For diplopia improvement, teprotumumab and IVGCs were effective compared to no treatment.

Conclusion

Teprotumumab emerges as potentially the most effective treatment for reducing inflammation and increasing overall response rates when compared to no treatment, oral mycophenolate combined with intravenous glucocorticosteroids appears to be the best one in improving proptosis. While some treatments raise safety concerns due to reported adverse events, oral methotrexate combined with intravenous glucocorticosteroids appear to offer a favorable balance between efficacy and safety among the evaluated treatments.
Examining the NEUROG2 lineage and associated gene expression in human cortical organoids
Authors: Vasan Lakshmy , Chinchalongporn Vorapin , Saleh Fermisk , Zinyk Dawn , Ke Cao , Suresh Hamsini , Ghazale Hussein , Belfiore Lauren , Touahri Yacine , Oproescu Ana-Maria , Patel Shruti , Rozak Matthew , Amemiya Yutaka , Han Sisu , Moffat Alexandra , Black Sandra E. , McLaurin JoAnne , Near Jamie , Seth Arun , Goubran Maged , Reiner Orly , Gillis Jesse , Wang Chao , Okawa Satoshi , Schuurmans Carol
Published: December 2024

Proneural genes are conserved drivers of neurogenesis across the animal kingdom. How their functions have adapted to guide human-specific neurodevelopmental features is poorly understood. Here, we mined transcriptomic data from human fetal cortices and generated from human embryonic stem cell-derived cortical organoids (COs) to show that NEUROG1 and NEUROG2 are most highly expressed in basal neural progenitor cells, with pseudotime trajectory analyses indicating that NEUROG1-derived lineages predominate early and NEUROG2 lineages later. Using ChIP-qPCR, gene silencing and overexpression studies in COs, we show that NEUROG2 is necessary and sufficient to directly transactivate known target genes (NEUROD1, EOMES, RND2). To identify new targets, we engineered NEUROG2-mCherry knock-in human embryonic stem cells for CO generation. The mCherry-high CO cell transcriptome is enriched in extracellular matrix-associated genes, and two genes associated with human-accelerated regions: PPP1R17 and FZD8. We show that NEUROG2 binds COL1A1, COL3A1 and PPP1R17 regulatory elements, and induces their ectopic expression in COs, although NEUROG2 is not required for this expression. Neurog2 similarly induces Col3a1 and Ppp1r17 in murine P19 cells. These data are consistent with a conservation of NEUROG2 function across mammalian species.
CFI-1 functions unilaterally to restrict gap junction formation in C. elegans
Authors: Wu Zan , Pang Lin , Ding Mei
Published: December 2024

Electrical coupling is vital to neural communication, facilitating synchronized activity among neurons. Despite its significance, the precise mechanisms governing the establishment of gap junction connections between specific neurons remain elusive. Here, we identified that the PVC interneuron in Caenorhabditis elegans forms gap junction connections with the PVR interneuron. The transcriptional regulator CFI-1 (ARID3) is specifically expressed in the PVC but not PVR interneuron. Reducing cfi-1 expression in the PVC interneuron leads to enhanced gap junction formation in the PVR neuron, while ectopic expression of cfi-1 in the PVR neuron restores the proper level of gap junction connections in the PVC neuron, along with the normal touch response. These findings unveil the pivotal role of CFI-1 in bidirectionally regulating the formation of gap junctions within a specific neuronal pair, shedding light on the intricate molecular mechanisms governing neuronal connectivity in vivo.
The Association between Movement Behaviours and Mental Health Issues in Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Dastamooz Sima , Ho Rainbow T. H. , Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly , Wong Stephen H. S. , Sit Cindy H. P.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To examine movement behaviour with stress-related biomarkers alongside self-reported mental health issues in adolescents with Neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methods

One hundred fifty-one adolescents with clinically diagnosed NDD and aged between 12-17 years were recruited in Hong Kong secondary schools. Salivary cortisol as a stress-related biomarker and self-reported mental health variables including anxiety, depression, and stress were collected. PA levels (light PA [LPA], moderate PA [MPA], moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], and vigorous PA [VPA]) and sedentary behaviour [SB] were measured using a tri-axial waist-worn accelerometer. Data were analyzed using bootstrapping regression models (bias-corrected method), adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

A significant negative association between MPA and MVPA with self-reported stress and a negative association between MVPA and self-reported anxiety were observed in adolescents with ADHD. A significant positive association between SB and salivary cortisol and a negative association between VPA and salivary cortisol in adolescents with comorbid ASD-ADHD was observed.

Conclusions

Study results demonstrated the association of PA levels and SB with mental ill-being including stress-related biomarkers in both adolescents with ADHD and comorbid ASD-ADHD. Participation in PA, in particular at MVPA intensity, may be essential for mitigating mental health issues in this population. Alternatively, our results could show that mitigating stress and mental health issues is critical for PA participation in adolescents with NDD.
Λειτουργικός χαρακτηρισμός των ισομορφών της πρωτεΐνης Tau in vivo
Authors: Πασπαλιάρης Βασίλης
Published: December 2024

Η συσσώρευση των μετα-μεταφραστικά τροποποιημένων ισομορφών της πρωτεΐνης Tau αποτελεί ορόσημο των νευροεκφυλιστικών ασθενειών γνωστών ως Tauπάθειες, με πιο γνωστή από αυτές τη νόσο Alzheimer. Αν και εκφράζονται έξι ισομορφές στον ενήλικο ανθρώπινο εγκέφαλο, η πλειοψηφία των πειραματικών μοντέλων των Tauπαθειών εξετάζουν μία ισομορφή, θεωρητικά αντιπροσωπευτική των ασθενειών. Όμως, οι Tau ισομορφές εμπλέκονται διαφορετικά στην εκάστοτε Tauπάθεια. Αυτές οι παρατηρήσεις οδηγούν στην υπόθεση ότι οι Tau ισομορφές έχουν ξεχωριστές λειτουργίες τόσο σε φυσιολογικό όσο και σε παθολογικό επίπεδο. Για τον έλεγχο αυτής της υπόθεσης χρησιμοποιήθηκε το πειραματικό μοντέλο Drosophila melanogaster. Έξι στελέχη που έφεραν τα ανθρώπινα cDNA διαγονίδια κάθε ισομορφής ελέγχθηκαν, μέσω της έκφρασής τους σε όλο το νευρικό σύστημα, για να διαπιστωθεί ο τρόπος με τον οποίο επηρεάζονται λειτουργιές όπως η απόδοση βραχύχρονης και μακρόχρονης μνήμης, το προσδόκιμο ζωής και η τοξικότητας στους νευρώνες. Επιλέχθηκαν αυτοί οι φαινότυποι διότι στις Tauπάθειες επηρεάζονται κυρίως οι γνωστικές λειτουργίες, εμφανίζεται νευροτοξικότητα, και επέρχεται τελικά ο θάνατος. Επίσης, οι παραπάνω λειτουργίες ελέγχθηκαν σε δύο γενετικά υπόβαθρα, στα οποία το ενδογενές ορθόλογο γονίδιο dTau έφερε τα αλληλόμορφα αγρίου τύπου ή ένα εκμηδενιστικό αλληλόμορφο σε ομοζυγωτία. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι οι φαινότυποι των στελεχών σχετίζονται με την εκάστοτε ισομορφή, και εξαρτώνται κυρίως από τον αριθμό των επαναλήψεων πρόσδεσης στους μικροσωληνίσκους, που φέρουν εγγενώς οι Tau ισομορφές. Έτσι, η παρούσα διατριβή αποτελεί θεμέλιο για την προσπάθεια αποσαφήνισης των λειτουργιών των έξι ανθρώπινων Tau ισομορφών στο ΚΝΣ του ανθρώπου.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT IN MODERN SOCIETY: HOW TO INVEST IN YOURSELF AND YOUR FUTURE
Authors: Laas N.
Published: December 2024

One of the main tasks of modern society is to increase the level and quality of human capital. Human capital influences not only the competitiveness of a particular person, but also the level of well-being of the entire country, the competitiveness of the economy and the prospects for its development. Globalization and digitalization not only influence the formation of human capital, but also determine new components of its development. In accordance with this, the subject of research is current trends in the development of human capital. The purpose of the study is to determine the opportunities and limitations for the development of human capital in the modern labor market. In accordance with the stated goal, the article examines the features of the formation and development of human capital, identifies factors influencing the transformation of labor functions in modern conditions and determines the prospects for the development of human capital.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF MANAGERS ON THE BASIS OF COMPETENCY-BASED APPROACH
Authors: Ashurbekov R. , Badikova Yu.
Published: December 2024

The article considers the features of professional training of managers based on competencies. At the present stage of the development of organizations competence approach to training is used most actively applied. The relevance of using the approach is explained by the fact that knowledge and skills are now not as important as the internal characteristics of a person required for effective performance of work duties. The article presents various approaches to the definition of the concept of «competence», describes the features of professional training of managers and the relationship between training and the competence approach. In addition, one of the variants of the competence model for managers was developed and a competency training program was described step by step. In modern conditions, a manager is required to be goal-oriented, to be able to effectively allocate working time to adjust to the variability of the external environment, as well as to be able to build and lead a team of like-minded people. This, in turn, leads to higher requirements for senior positions, which should be viewed as the correspondence of a manager’s specialized training to the level of development of managerial competencies and the quality of work performance. At the present stage, the competence approach is the basis for professional training and promotion of managers, as it proceeds from the strategic goals of the organization, assumes flexibility in relation to external conditions and the presence of constant feedback on the effectiveness of management activities.
La última entrevista. Una biografía intelectual de Antonio Fernández Alba.
Authors: Prieto González Eduardo
Published: December 2024

En esta última entrevista se explora la vida y pensamiento del arquitecto español Antonio
Fernández Alba. Desde su niñez en Salamanca, marcada por figuras como el maestro Atilano
Coco y la influencia de Unamuno, hasta sus años de formación en Madrid, Fernández Alba forjó
una visión arquitectónica comprometida, rica en referencias literarias y filosóficas. La influencia
de Unamuno, Kierkegaard y Hölderlin lo acompañó en sus proyectos iniciales, los cuales reflejaban
su arraigo con la tierra y el paisaje castellano, y su evolución estuvo marcada por encuentros con
arquitectos como José Luis Fernández del Amo y Louis Kahn. Su obra abarcó desde un organicismo
modesto hasta el diseño de edificios públicos emblemáticos durante la Transición española, como
la Escuela de Arquitectura de Valladolid y el Centro de Datos del Instituto Geográfico. En su
última etapa, se dedicó a intervenciones en patrimonio histórico, revelando su interés por la
historia y la conservación. Fernández Alba siempre rechazó el culto a los “arquitectos estrella” y
defendió una arquitectura humanista y cívica, enriquecida por la literatura y la filosofía. A lo largo
de su vida, cultivó una intensa relación con las ideas, los libros y la crítica, lo cual lo llevó a
replantear su papel más como lector curioso que como arquitecto consagrado, una humildad que
reflejaba su profundo compromiso intelectual y cultural.
Destilada caligrafía arquitectónica. Artes del escribir y el proyectar.
Authors: Fernández Roberto
Published: December 2024

Se presenta en estas líneas un análisis íntimo y exhaustivo de la obra del arquitecto Antonio
Fernández Alba, explorando diversos aspectos literarios que van más allá de su contribución
arquitectónica. Se resalta su enfoque innovador y racional en el diseño arquitectónico, evidenciado
por la escritura en obras como “Libro de fábricas y visiones”, que revela su capacidad para fusionar
arte y técnica. Además, se examina su obra poética en textos como “Antipoemas del lugar y
papeles del espacio”, que combina dibujos y poemas, mostrando su habilidad para explorar nuevas
formas de expresión creativa. Se destaca su compromiso con la preservación del patrimonio
arquitectónico y su preocupación por la memoria histórica, lo que lo sitúa como un arquitecto
comprometido con la identidad cultural. También se analiza su crítica a la sociedad contemporánea
y al impacto del mercado en la arquitectura, lo que demuestra su conciencia social y su compromiso
con la ética profesional. En conjunto, el artículo presenta a Fernández Alba como un arquitecto
multidisciplinario que trasciende los límites de su disciplina, explorando nuevas formas de
pensamiento y acción en el campo de la arquitectura y la cultura.
Antonio Fernández Alba como figura de la Arquitectura.
Authors: Fernández-Galiano Luis
Published: December 2024

Antonio Fernández Alba, figura de renombre en la arquitectura española, representa un legado
arraigado tanto en la historia de España como en la evolución arquitectónica del siglo XX. Nacido
en Salamanca en 1927, su vida transcurre entre el contraste de la monumentalidad de su ciudad
natal y los paisajes castellanos. En Madrid, influido por el arquitecto José Luis Fernández del
Amo y el círculo cultural de la posguerra, se formó como arquitecto, vinculándose a movimientos
artísticos vanguardistas como El Paso. Durante los años 50 y 60, sus proyectos, como el Convento
del Rollo y el Colegio Nuestra Señora Santa María, integraron arquitectura moderna y materiales
vernáculos, logrando un enfoque innovador. En los 70, influido por Louis Kahn, desarrolló una
monumentalidad sobria en obras públicas, entre ellas el Colegio Mayor Hernán Cortés. Fernández
Alba fue también un destacado restaurador del patrimonio, interviniendo en edificios históricos
como el Observatorio Astronómico en Madrid. Su compromiso con la enseñanza y el urbanismo
culminó con campus universitarios que combinan la claridad geométrica y el clasicismo
posmoderno. En los últimos años, recibió distinciones como la Medalla de Oro de la Arquitectura
y su ingreso en la Real Academia Española. Su partida, en 2023, deja un legado de proyectos y
textos críticos que subrayan su nobleza espiritual y su amor por la arquitectura y la palabra.
Antonio Fernández Alba. Un arquitecto y profesor enormemente estimado.
Authors: Capitel Antón
Published: December 2024

El autor recuerda su época como estudiante de arquitectura bajo la enseñanza de Antonio
Fernández Alba en la asignatura de Elementos de Composición, influenciado también por su
padre y la revista “Nueva Forma”. La escuela experimentaba una transición entre métodos
tradicionales y modernos, donde Fernández Alba se encargó de transformar la enseñanza con un
enfoque innovador y proyectos prácticos que combinaban teoría y práctica. El curso, compuesto
por ejercicios complejos y creativos, incluía desde el diseño de carteles hasta proyectos de espacios
funcionales como cocinas y baños, y culminaba en proyectos arquitectónicos completos. La
influencia de su profesor marcó a una generación de estudiantes, incluyendo la suya propia, en la
que destaca el desarrollo de proyectos en maquetas y un riguroso proceso de evaluación. A pesar
de su exitosa pedagogía, Fernández Alba renunció debido a conflictos con el director de la escuela,
lo que derivó en un ambiente de protesta que vinculaba la enseñanza con la oposición al
franquismo. Posteriormente, Fernández Alba, junto a sus colaboradores, alcanzó renombre en la
academia, destacando por su capacidad para evaluar y promover el talento, especialmente al
recomendar a figuras futuras en la arquitectura como Juan Navarro Baldeweg y Manuel de las
Casas. Este legado pedagógico y profesional de Fernández Alba dejó una profunda huella en la
arquitectura española y fue celebrado con un homenaje tras su fallecimiento en 2024.
Espacios de intervalo y de multiculturalidad
Authors: Garbatzky Irina
Published: December 2024

El diario berlinés escrito por latinoamericanos desde finales de siglo XX se ha vuelto un género en sí mismo, dada la abundante cantidad de producciones que se sumaron a lo largo del tiempo hasta hoy. ¿Cuál es la particularidad que lo impulsa? ¿Qué leen los escritores de América Latina en esa ciudad? ¿Qué estrategias adoptan para dialogar con su trama histórica? ¿Fue la experiencia del Este y de la Guerra Fría, con aquellos intervalos y sus zonas de contacto, una marca reapropiada por estas escrituras hacia dentro de su propia tradición? Este artículo presenta algunas hipótesis para el abordaje en conjunto de dos relatos latinoamericanos escritos en Berlín: También Berlín se olvida, de Fabio Morábito y Berlín ‘86, de Matilde Sánchez. La situación intervalar (Gruzinsky 2000) generada por la experiencia de la frontera y caída del Muro le permitió a estos autores encontrarse con cuestiones muy íntimas de su propia literatura. Esa Berlín en vías de desvanecerse, pero aún no totalmente; fantasmagórica respecto de su pasado, y sobre todo híbrida, notablemente multicultural, resultó elocuente para varios escritores respecto de las propias subjetividades de fin de siglo, también percibidas mediante ausencias, interrupciones, y espectralidades sin rumbo. La escritura se convierte en un espacio de zozobra y creación que el escenario berlinés con su sensibilidad fragmentada potencia.
Receção da obra de Olga Tokarczuk em Portugal e no Brasil e o problema da intraduzibilidade cultural com base no romance Prowadź swój pług przez kości umarłych
Authors: Wojnowska Marta
Published: December 2024

O artigo consiste na análise da receção da prosa de Olga Tokarczuk em Portugal e no Brasil, bem como na análise comparativa do romance Prowadź swój pług przez kości umarłych nas traduções para o português no padrão europeu e no brasileiro, efetuadas por Teresa Fernandes Świątkiewicz e Olga Bagińska-Shinzato.