bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource elements of the national blue economic system and their development mechanisms: a case study of China
Authors: Qi Xiaofei
Published: February 2025

As a complex system involving intra- and interrelevance among multiple economic entities, the core of blue economic development consists of identifying key entities and their relevance structures that play a significant role in resource allocation within the system. The structural adjustment of blue industries, the enrichment of blue product baskets, the management decisions of blue firms, and the export positioning of blue provinces will make the system drive dynamic changes. Therefore, from the perspective of relevance theory, this paper first analyzes the key factors affecting the stability of the national blue economic system based on blue industry relevance, blue product relevance, blue firm relevance, blue province relevance, and cross-agent relevance. Second, the development mechanism of the national blue economic system is qualitatively explored based on the intra-agent relevance at a single level and the interagent relevance at a cross level. Finally, an example from China is used to guide its blue economy in practice. This example can serve as the premise and foundation for a country to achieve blue growth, promote the common development of key agents in the blue economy, and provide a scientific basis for a country to systematically formulate blue economic development policies.
Unveiling the diversity of macrobenthic crustaceans on sandy beaches of the eastern Mexican coast: new records and an updated checklist
Authors: Muciño-Reyes María R. , Guerra-Castro Edlin , Castillo-Cupul Raúl E. , Paz-Ríos Carlos E. , Simões Nuno
Published: February 2025

Despite the ecological importance of sandy beaches, the diversity and distribution of macrocrustacean communities in the eastern Mexican coast (Mexican coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea) remain understudied. As the first large-scale sampling effort along the eastern Mexican coast, this study aimed to estimate macrocrustacean diversity and evaluate sampling methodologies, while providing historical context for macrocrustacean research in the region. Two sampling designs using sediment cores (4 versus 6 cores per transect) were implemented across 15 sandy beaches. A total of 3,352 organisms were collected, representing 22 species from 17 genera, spanning 14 families, 7 suborders, 5 orders, and 2 superorders. Amphipoda and Isopoda exhibited the highest species richness and abundance. The study yielded seven new geographical records (Haustorius jayneae, Rhepoxynius epistomus, Americorchestia salomani, Heterodina mosaica, Cassidinidea ovalis, Exosphaeroma diminutum, and Sphaeroma walkeri). Results demonstrated that the 6-core sampling design provided better diversity representation. An updated checklist comprising 77 species/taxa for the eastern Mexican coast was compiled, integrating historical and new data. This comprehensive assessment enhances our understanding of these vulnerable ecosystems and emphasizes the need for broader temporal and spatial scale studies to inform effective conservation strategies.
New findings into the genetic population structure of two commercially valuable and threatened sharks, Mustelus mustelus (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. punctulatus (Risso, 1827), allow refining management strategy in the Central Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Barbato Matteo , Bonanomi Sara , Borme Diego , Ćetković Ilija , Colloca Francesco , Di Lorenzo Manfredi , Marino Ilaria A. M. , Mazzoldi Carlotta , Pešić Ana , Sala Antonello , Zane Lorenzo , Mezzavilla Massimo
Published: February 2025

Elasmobranch species are the direct or accidental catch of fisheries and can have a commercial importance. In the Mediterranean Sea, a long-term period of overfishing brought several demersal elasmobranchs to be depleted and threatened by extinction, due to vulnerability related to their life history traits. In such exploited species, information on genetic diversity and connectivity is lacking and should be collected to identify management units. In this study, we focused on two threatened smooth-hound species, Mustelus Mustelus (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. punctulatus (Risso, 1827), whose abundance and distribution showed a decline at the Mediterranean regional level in the last century. Thanks to an opportunistic yet extensive sampling, we obtained the largest subregional collection of specimens for genetic analysis so far. In total, 86 and 214 specimens of M. mustelus and M. punctulatus were collected between 2016 and 2020 in the Adriatic Sea and the Strait of Sicily. We assessed the population genetic structure typing 17 microsatellites and sequencing part of the mitochondrial control region in both species. We observed a substantial nuclear and mitochondrial genetic structure when accounting for the geographical sampling area for both species. Our results indicate the presence of at least two genetic stocks for each of the two species: one in the Strait of Sicily and the other in the Adriatic Sea. This study provides valuable data that should be integrated into a broader approach to define management units, improving the development of an effective management strategy for these threatened species in the Central Mediterranean Sea.
Attitudes of medical students in Croatia toward rural medicine education and practice
Authors: Mrduljaš-Ðujić Nataša , Radić Ivana , Bašić Marković Nina , Vrgoč Toni , Buljubašić Maja
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Recruiting and retaining doctors in rural areas is challenging. In Croatia, medical school curricula lack content on rural medicine and specialized training for rural practice. This study explores the opinions and attitudes of first- and sixth-year medical students in all four medical schools in Croatia regarding working in rural areas.

Methods

An online questionnaire was administered to Croatian medical students in their first and final years between January 2022 and February 2023. Responses were obtained from 690 participants from the Universities of Osijek, Rijeka, Split, and Zagreb. The cross-sectional study included 13 questions, with 5 on socio-demographic data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (chi-square) to assess group differences.

Results

Compared to first-year students, final-year students feel less prepared by their education for rural practice (χ2 = 84.287; P = 0.000) but are more interested in working in rural areas (χ2 = 26.810; P = 0.000). Most students believe rural doctors need additional financial incentives, with this belief significantly stronger among final-year students (χ2 = 14.192; P = 0.000). Both groups agree that rural doctors face poor working conditions (χ2 = 1.524; P = 0.217). No statistically significant differences were found regarding job interest outside city centers (χ2 = 2.041; P = 0.564) or choosing rural medical practice (χ2 = 4.795; P = 0.187) among medical students from the Universities of Osijek, Rijeka, Split, and Zagreb. Students from rural settlements were more often interested in jobs outside the city center (72.1%) compared to those from smaller towns (60.6%), [χ2(1) = 5.142, p = 0.023] and larger cities (44.1%), [χ2(1) = 28.978, p = 0.000].

Conclusion

Although Croatian medical students show interest in working in rural areas, their education lacks sufficient preparation for the unique challenges of rural practice. They view the current conditions for rural doctors as inadequate and believe that additional financial incentives are necessary. Interest in rural practice is consistent across medical faculties in Croatia, with students living in rural areas showing a higher interest in working there.
Characterization of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma patients with specific skin lesions in a tertiary dermatological service in Brazil
Authors: Valente Mariana , Sanches José Antonio , Nukui Youko , Cury-Martins Jade , Souza Bruno Castro , Pereira Juliana , Miyashiro Denis
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is endemic in some countries, including Brazil. HTLV-1 is the etiological agent of adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATLL), a rare and aggressive CD4+ T-lymphocyte malignancy. ATLL affects 1–5% of virus carriers. Dermatological involvement occurs in 40–70%. Diagnosis is based on clinicopathologic correlation and HTLV-1 serology. There are few therapeutic options so far.

Methods

This is an observational retrospective cohort study with ATLL patients followed in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected at diagnosis. Survival curves using the Kaplan–Meier method were analyzed with log-rank test, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Forty-four patients were studied, 24 females (54.5%), and 20 males (45.5%). The median age at diagnosis was 59.4 years. Classification at diagnosis was: 16 (36.4%) chronic (93.7% unfavorable, 6.2% favorable), 14 (31.8%) acute, 10 (22.7%) smoldering, four (9.1%) lymphoma, and none with primary cutaneous tumoral. Regarding skin lesions, 18 (40.9%) had plaques; 15 (34.1%) nodules/tumors; 11 (25.0%) papules; 10 (22.7%) erythroderma; seven (15.9%) patches; two (4.5%) ichthyosis; one (2.3%) purpuric lesions. Epidermotropism/exocytosis of lymphocytes was observed in 25 patients (62.5%), and Pautrier microabscesses in three (7.3%). Four patients (10.0%) had subcutaneous involvement, two (5.0%) folliculotropism, two (5.0%) angiocentrism, and one (2.5%) perineural involvement. Ten patients (25.0%) presented a lichenoid pattern. Thirty-four patients (79.1%) had increased lactate dehydrogenase; 20 (45.5%) lymphocytosis; six (13.6%) flower cells in peripheral blood; six (14.6%) hypercalcemia; five (12.2%) hypoalbuminemia. Beta-2 microglobulin was increased in all 24 cases investigated. Monoclonal T-lymphocytes were observed in the blood of 23 patients (76.7%) and the skin of 19 (76.0%). Thirty patients (68.2%) died. Median overall survival was 32.3 months. Acute and chronic unfavorable forms had worse prognoses, with median overall survival of 23.3 and 34.1 months, respectively (p = 0.0011). After multivariate analysis, Shimoyama classification (acute) and urea levels were associated with poorer prognoses.

Conclusion

We described a large Brazilian cohort of ATLL with cutaneous involvement. Description of clinical, pathology, laboratory, and follow-up data, and factors associated with poorer survival is essential to provide better care and to improve the quality of life of these patients.
Exogenous cystine increases susceptibility of drug-resistant Salmonella to gentamicin by promoting oxidation of glutathione metabolism and imbalance of intracellular redox levels
Authors: Du Junyuan , Wu Zhiyi , Zhu Chunyang , Yang Heng , Zhao Feike , Fang Binghu
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Antibiotic overuse has caused the development of bacterial resistance, which is a major threat to public health. Intracellular metabolic processes are essential for maintaining the normal physiological activities of bacteria, and an increasing body of research has demonstrated a significant association between metabolic alterations and the development of drug resistance. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the addition of adjuvants can counteract bacterial antibiotic resistance.

Method

Cystine treatment was verified in vitro to promote the lethal effect of gentamicin on Salmonella using in vitro bactericidal counting methods. The metabolic differences in Salmonella enterica Typhimurium standard strain ATCC 14028 with or without the addition of cystine were analyzed via untargeted metabolomics. The multifunctional electronic enzyme marker was used to determine intracellular reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), ferrous iron on (Fe2+), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The expression of glutathione and stress genes was determined using real-time quantitative PCR.

Result

We confirmed that exogenous cystine increased the lethal effect of gentamicin against strain S. enterica Typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and other clinically resistant Salmonella serotypes. Exogenous cystine stimulated the metabolism of the cell and activated the glutathione pathway while altering the GSH/GSSG ratio, which placed bacteria in a state of redox imbalance with increased Fe2+ and ROS levels. Our results suggest that when bacterial redox levels are reprogrammed, bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics can also change.

Discussion

This study confirms that cystine enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of gentamicin against drug-resistant Salmonella. Through the application of metabolomics, the underlying metabolic mechanisms by which cystine exerts its effects on Salmonella have been elucidated, offering a novel perspective in the domain of metabolic reprogramming aimed at counteracting drug resistance. Furthermore, these findings reinforce the potential role of small-molecule metabolites as effective adjuvants to enhance antibiotic action.
Defining the high-risk category of patients with cutaneous melanoma: a practical tool based on prognostic modeling
Authors: Dudin Oleksandr , Mintser Ozar , Gurianov Vitalii , Kobyliak Nazarii , Kozakov Denys , Livshun Sofiia , Sulaieva Oksana
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Although most cutaneous melanoma (CM) in its early stages is treatable, the risk of recurrence remains high and there is a particular ambiguity on patients prognosis. This drives to identification of prognostic biomarkers for predicting CM recurrence to guide appropriate treatment in patients with localized melanoma.

Aim

This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for assessing the risk of recurrence in patients with CM, enabling prompt prognosis-driven further clinical decision-making for high-risk patients.

Materials and methods

This case-control study included 172 patients with CM recurrence (high-risk group) and 30 patients with stable remission (low-risk group) 3 years after primary diagnosis. The impact of sex, age at diagnosis, anatomical site, histological characteristics (the histological type, pathological stage, ulceration; the depth of invasion, mitotic rate, lymphovascular invasion, neurotropism, association with a nevus, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density, tumor regression and BRAF codon 600 mutation status) on CM recurrence was evaluated.

Results

Five independent variables, including nodal status, a high mitotic rate, Breslow thickness, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion and regression features were identified as the most significant. A 5-factor logistic regression model was developed to assess the risk of melanoma recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 86.1% and 72.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

The developed model, which relies on routine histological features, allows the identification of individuals at high risk of CM recurrence to tailor their further management.
Brain compensatory activation during Stroop task in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Fan Chenyu , Li Hanfei , Chen Ke , Yang Guohui , Xie Hongyu , Li Haozheng , Wu Yi , Li Meng
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study investigated the disparities in brain activation patterns during the Stroop task among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and those without any cognitive impairments (healthy controls, HCs) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Methods

We analyzed the cortical activation patterns of 73 patients with MCI and 63 HC individuals as they completed the Stroop task, employing fNIRS. The regions of interest (ROIs) included the dorsal prefrontal cortex (dPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and parietal lobe (PL). The Stroop task is divided into early stage (0–15 s) and late stage (15–30 s). We also measured participants’ behavior during the Stroop task, analyzed variations in cortical activation intensity at different experiment stages, and performed correlation analysis between Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, Stroop performance, and oxygenation levels.

Results

Our analysis revealed that individuals with MCI and HC demonstrated elevated cortical activation in the dPFC, VLPFC, and PL areas while performing the Stroop task (q < 0.05, FDR-corrected). The MCI group displayed longer response latencies compared to the HC group while demonstrating comparable accuracy performance across both congruent and incongruent Stroop trials. The MCI group showed compensatory activation in the VLPFC, and PL regions compared to the HC group during the late stage of the Stroop task (q < 0.05, FDR-corrected). Correlational analysis revealed a negative association between MoCA scores and oxygenation levels in the dPFC, VLPFC, and PL regions during the late stage of the Stroop task (p < 0.05). However, no correlation was found with behavioral performance.

Conclusion

Mild cognitive impairment patients demonstrated effective compensation for their cognitive impairments at a partial behavioral level by engaging compensatory activation in the prefrontal, and parietal regions while performing the Stroop task.
Conscious and unconscious processes in vision and homeostasis
Authors: Fokas Athanassios S. , Logothetis Nikos K.
Published: February 2025

The central and autonomic communications affecting cognition, emotions, and visceral functions, are determined by the interaction of unconscious and conscious processes. In this regard, we discuss two basic hypotheses. First, unconscious and conscious processes form a dynamic organizational continuum. Second, emotions, which are unconscious forms of feeling, characterize the response of an organism to any internal change disturbing homeostasis or to any change in the exterior of the organism detected via specialized sensory probes. The former hypothesis is illustrated by discussing aspects of visual perception. The validity of the second hypothesis is supported by discussing interactions between unconscious and conscious process necessary for maintaining energy and water balance.
The impact of headache specialist density and the introduction of gepants and lasmitidan on prescriptions for acute migraine treatments: a regression and interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Moskatel Leon S. , Linfield Rebecca Y. , Zhang Niushen
Published: February 2025

Background

Understanding all factors that affect a patient’s acute migraine treatment care is crucial. We sought to determine the impact of headache specialist density and the introduction of the gepants and lasmiditan on the prescription of acute treatments for migraine.

Methods

We analyzed three scenarios: first, we performed linear regression analysis with the percentage of patients with migraine prescribed an acute medication in 2023, obtained via Epic Cosmos, and the density of headache specialists at the state level. Second, we conducted interrupted time-series analysis examining the change in patients prescribed the triptans before (2016–2019) and after (2020–2023) the introduction of the gepants and lasmiditan. Finally, we used regression analysis to look at the association of one pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, payments to physicians with prescriptions for that company’s gepant, rimegepant.

Results

We included 6,559,854 patients with migraine and found that increased headache specialist density was associated with increased eletriptan, almotriptan, and naratriptan; there was no association with the other queried acute medications. In our interrupted time-series analysis, the introduction of the gepants and lasmiditan was linked to decreases in triptan utilization, except for eletriptan which remained stable, and rizatriptan which rose at a slower rate. Finally, increased Pfizer payments to physicians were associated with a higher percentage of patients prescribed rimegepant.

Conclusion

Our study suggests increased headache provider availability is associated with more prescriptions for naratriptan, eletriptan, and almotriptan. Additionally, the introduction of the gepants and lasmiditan broadly decreased the utilization of triptans. Critically, there was a strong association between a pharmaceutical company’s, Pfizer, payments to physicians and utilization of their medication, rimegepant.
Relationship between regional relative theta power and amyloid deposition in mild cognitive impairment: an exploratory study
Authors: Park Jaesub , Kim Woo Jung , Jung Han Wool , Kim Jae-Jin , Park Jin Young
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities, such as increased theta power, have been proposed as biomarkers for neurocognitive disorders. Advancements in amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging have enhanced our understanding of the pathology of neurocognitive disorders, such as amyloid deposition. However, much remains unknown regarding the relationship between regional amyloid deposition and EEG abnormalities. This study aimed to explore the relationship between regional EEG abnormalities and amyloid deposition in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

We recruited 24 older adults with MCI from a community center for dementia prevention, and 21 participants were included in the final analysis. EEG was recorded using a 64-channel system, and amyloid deposition was measured using amyloid PET imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were used to create individualized brain models for EEG source localization. Correlations between relative theta power and standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) in 12 brain regions were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

Significant positive correlations between relative theta power and SUVR values were found in several brain regions in the individualized brain model during the resting eyes-closed condition, including right temporal lobe (r = 0.581, p = 0.006), left hippocampus (r = 0.438, p = 0.047), left parietal lobe (r = 0.471, p = 0.031), right parietal lobe (r = 0.509, p = 0.018), left occipital lobe (r = 0.597, p = 0.004), and right occipital lobe (r = 0.590, p = 0.005). During the visual working memory condition, significant correlations were found in both cingulate lobes (left: r = 0.483, p = 0.027; right: r = 0.449, p = 0.041), left parietal lobe (r = 0.530, p = 0.010), right parietal lobe (r = 0.606, p = 0.004), left occipital lobe (r = 0.648, p = 0.001), and right occipital lobe (r = 0.657, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The result suggests that regional increases in relative theta power are associated with regional amyloid deposition in patients with MCI. These findings highlight the potential of EEG in detecting amyloid deposition. Future large-scale studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings and explore their clinical applications.
Classification of peripheral vitreoretinal interface lesions using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with guidance of ultrawide field imaging
Authors: Zheng Weiwei , Huang Ying , Qian Shanshan , Lin Bing , Huang Shenghai
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to classify peripheral vitreoretinal interface (VRI) lesions using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to compare these findings with those obtained by ultra-widefield (UWF) pseudocolor imaging.

Method

Peripheral OCT images of VRI lesions were obtained using spectral domain OCT system with a steerable probe guided by UWF images. Two independent investigators categorized the OCT images into four groups based on the extent of vitreoretinal traction and the presence of retinal breaks. Differences in OCT-based categorization between the same lesion types visualized by UWF imaging were also compared.

Results

Of the total 82 patients, 105 peripheral lesions were included in this study. The inter-observer agreement for the classification of UWF and OCT images demonstrated good consistency, with kappa values of 0.949 ± 0.025 and 0.836 ± 0.042, respectively. In the OCT classification of VRI lesions, 18 (17.1%) cases were category A, 28 (26.7%) cases were category B1, 30 (28.6%) cases were category B2, and 29 (27.6%) cases were category C. Of the 37 vitreoretinal tuft lesions, 32.4% were classified as category B2 and 16.2% as category C, according to peripheral OCT classification. Similarly, 37.8% of 40 snail track and lattice degeneration lesions were classified as category B2, and 16.2% as category C.

Conclusion

The VRI lesions can demonstrate considerable variability when visualized with peripheral OCT among the same lesion types visualized through UWF imaging. Classification of peripheral OCT images may provide a more effective evaluation of the risk of lesion progression.
Sex disparity in the association between alcohol consumption and sarcopenia: a population-based study
Authors: Yang Longbao , Ran Qiuju , Yeo Yee Hui , Wen Zhang , Tuo Shuyue , Li Yong , Yuan Jia , Dai Shejiao , Wang Jinhai , Ji Fanpu , Tantai Xinxing
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous studies have shown inconsistent findings regarding the association of alcohol consumption with sarcopenia. Therefore, this study comprehensively investigated the association of alcohol consumption with sarcopenia in a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Methods

This population-based study included adults aged 18 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III. Alcohol exposure was defined as daily alcohol intake, alcohol drinking history, number of drinking days per week, and frequency of binge drinking days per month. Weighted logistic regressions were used to determine associations.

Results

Four cohorts were selected from the NHANES III: cohort 1 (n = 7,592), cohort 2 (n = 12,060), cohort 3 (n = 7,608), and cohort 4 (n = 7,649), corresponding to alcohol exposure categories of daily alcohol intake, drinking history, number of drinking days per week, and frequency of binge drinking days per month. In the full model, the risk of sarcopenia was significantly associated with mild (odds ratio [OR]: 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–2.51), moderate (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.12–3.71), and heavy drinkers (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.17–4.97) compared to nondrinkers. There was an association between the development of sarcopenia and current drinkers (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.12–2.56) but not former drinkers (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.88–1.66). Compared to nondrinkers, an increased risk of developing sarcopenia was observed in participants who consumed alcohol 2 days (OR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.40–3.99) or > 2 days (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.10–3.07) per week, and those who engaged in binge drinking for ≤1 day per month (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.09–2.60) or > 1 day per month (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.10–4.01). Sensitivity analyses based on different definitions of sarcopenia yielded similar results. Stratified analyses revealed that these associations were present in females but not males.

Conclusion

Alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in all individuals, with this association being primarily observed in females rather than males.
Comparison study of bioelectrical impedance analyzers for measuring lower limb muscle mass in middle-aged and elderly adults
Authors: Huang Ai-Chun , Lu Hsueh-Kuan , Liang Chien-Wei , Hsieh Kuen-Chang , Tsai Yi-Sung , Lai Chung-Liang
Published: February 2025

Objective

Lower limb muscle mass (LLMM) accounts for more than 50% of the total body skeletal muscle mass. Assessing leg muscle mass in middle-aged and elderly individuals is crucial for the prevention and diagnosis of sarcopenia. Current bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) devices are capable of measuring LLMM, but validation studies are limited. This study compares the accuracy of BIA devices with different frequencies for measuring LLMM in middle-aged and elderly populations.

Methods

LLMM measurements were obtained using the following devices: foot-to-foot dual-frequency (StarBIA201, 5, 50 KHz), multi-segment single-frequency (Tanita BC418, 50 KHz), dual-frequency (InBody270, 20, 100 KHz), triple-frequency (Tanita MC780MA, 5, 50, 250 KHz), and six-frequency (InBody770, 1, 5, 50, 250, 500, 1,000 KHz). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) served as the reference standard. Comparisons were conducted using the following metrics: (1) mean difference (bias), (2) limits of agreement (LOA), (3) Pearson correlation coefficients, and (4) ordinary least product (OLP) regression analysis.

Results

A total of 153 community-dwelling individuals aged over 55 years (102 females, 51 males) were recruited. The average age of participants was 67.5 ± 8.9 years, with a BMI of 23.9 ± 3.9 kg/m2 and a body fat percentage of 35.8 ± 6.5%. The correlation coefficients of StarBIA201, BC418, InBody270, MC780, and InBody770 with DXA were 0.902, 0.903, 0.917, 0.925, and 0.928, respectively. Their mean differences were −0.141, −2.731, −0.587, −1.613, and −0.625 kg, with LOAs of 4.3, 5.7, 4.0, 5.1, and 3.8 kg, respectively. StarBIA201 and InBody270 showed no fixed or proportional biases.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the four-electrode foot-to-foot BIA method shows significant practicality and potential in assessing LLMM. Compared to multi-frequency BIA and DXA, this method is simpler to operate and more convenient, making it particularly suitable for preliminary screening and assessment of sarcopenia in clinical and community settings.
Comparison of intensity normalization methods in prostate, brain, and breast cancer multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Duenweg Savannah R. , Bobholz Samuel A. , Lowman Allison K. , Winiarz Aleksandra , Nath Biprojit , Barrett Michael J. , Kyereme Fitzgerald , Vincent-Sheldon Stephanie , LaViolette Peter
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Intensity variation in multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) is a confounding factor in MRI analyses. Previous studies have employed several normalization methods, but there is a lack of consensus on which method results in the most comparable images across vendors and acquisitions. This study used MP-MRI collected from patients with confirmed prostate, brain, or breast cancer to examine common intensity normalization methods to identify which best harmonizes intensity values across cofounds.

Materials and methods

Multiple normalization methods were deployed for intensity comparison between three unique sites, MR vendors, and magnetic field strength. Additionally, we calculated radiomic features before and after intensity normalization to determine how downstream analyses may be affected. Specifically, in the prostate cancer cohort, we tested these methods on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and additionally looked at a subset of patients who were scanned with and without the use of an endorectal coil (ERC). In a cohort of glioblastoma (GBM) patients, we tested these methods in T1 pre- and post-contrast enhancement (T1, T1C), fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Finally, in the breast cancer cohort, we tested methods on T1-weighted nonfat-suppressed images. All methods were compared using a two one-sided test (TOST) to test for equivalence of mean and standard deviation of intensity distributions.

Results

While each organ had unique results, across every tested comparison, using the Z-score of intensity within a mask of the organ consistently provided an equivalent distribution (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that intensity normalization using the Z-score of intensity within prostate, breast, and brain MR images produces the most comparable intensities between sites, MR vendors, magnetic field strength, and prostate endorectal coil usage. Likewise, Z-score normalization provided the highest percentage of radiomic features that were statistically equal across the three organs.
Biological functions of 5-methylcytosine RNA-binding proteins and their potential mechanisms in human cancers
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Zhang Zhe , Chen Zhuo , Xu Guozheng , Wang Yongxi , Wang Fang
Published: February 2025

The 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification is a crucial epigenetic RNA modification, which is involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of genes. It plays an important role in various biological processes, including cell metabolism, growth, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. By affecting the proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug sensitivity of tumor cells, m5C methylation modification plays a vital part in the initiation and progression of tumors and is closely associated with the poor tumor prognosis. m5C-related proteins are categorized into three functional groups: m5C methyltransferases (m5C writers), m5C demethylases (m5C erasers), and m5C methyl-binding proteins (m5C readers). This paper introduces several common methodologies for detecting m5C methylation; and reviews the molecular structure and biological functions of m5C readers, including ALYREF, YBX1, YBX2, RAD52, YTHDF2, FMRP, and SRSF2. It further summarizes their roles and regulatory mechanisms in tumors, offering novel targets and insights for tumor treatment.
Advances in preclinical and clinical studies of oncolytic virus combination therapy
Authors: Du Wenlong , Na Jintong , Zhong Liping , Zhang Pumin
Published: February 2025

Oncolytic viruses represent a distinct class of viruses that selectively infect and destroy tumor cells while sparing normal cells. Despite their potential, oncolytic viruses encounter several challenges as standalone therapies. Consequently, the combination of oncolytic viruses with other therapeutic modalities has emerged as a prominent research focus. This paper summarizes the tumor-killing mechanisms of oncolytic viruses, explores their integration with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T, and CAR-NK therapies, and provides an overview of related clinical trials. By synthesizing these advancements, this study seeks to offer valuable insights for the clinical translation of oncolytic virus combination therapies.
Infectious scleritis: a review of etiologies, clinical features, and management strategies
Authors: Sharma Supriya , Sheth Jay U. , Murthy Somasheila I.
Published: February 2025

Infectious scleritis is a severe and potentially vision-threatening inflammation of the sclera caused by microbial invasion. Unlike autoimmune scleritis, infectious scleritis is less common with a prevalence of 5%–10% of all cases of scleritis. The initial clinical presentation may often resemble autoimmune scleritis, thus resulting in a delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes. A high level of suspicion is required in such cases and risk factors such as with a history of trauma or surgery and worsening or refractory to immunosuppressive medications as these may well be infectious. While in established cases, the classical clinical features enable us to diagnose as infectious etiology without much difficulty, the management remains a challenge. Majority of these cases require an aggressive approach with a combination of antimicrobial therapy and surgical treatment. Poor prognostic factors include delayed diagnosis, fungal etiology, and the presence of keratitis or endophthalmitis. In this review, the authors have summarized the prevalence, clinical and microbiological profile, and management strategies of infectious scleritis and their outcomes.
Relativistic nonlinear Thomson scattering of excited electron in ultra-tightly focused circularly polarized laser pulses with different beam waist radius
Authors: Zheng Qianmin , Li Jiachen , Wang Zi , Tian Youwei
Published: February 2025

Based on Thomson scattering classical theory and single-electron model, we explore the influence of variations in the laser beam waist radius on the interaction between an ultra-tightly focused (UTF) laser and off-axis electron. In practical experiments, off-axis collisions predominate, and our study specifically addresses this scenario. Under UTF conditions (b0=2 λ0), electron experience significant asymmetric forces, leading to deviations in axial trajectories, acceleration, and oscillations in energy. Simultaneously, observable asymmetries emerge in the electron’s radiated power and spectrum, gradually diminishing as the beam waist radius increases. These findings are pivotal for generating ultrashort pulses, particularly in ultrashort optics, and hold significance for applications leveraging nonlinear inverse Thomson scattering radiation.
Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and enzyme inhibitory activities of bean pear (Pyrus calleryana fruit)
Authors: Zhao Huan , Wang Qinqin , Yang Lanlan , Ran Yuanquan , Hu Qiong , Hong Yi , Tian Minyi
Published: February 2025

Pyrus calleryana fruit (bean pear) is processed into fruit wine and used in traditional Chinese medicine. The present study reported phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory activities of P. calleryana fruit water extract (WE) and ethanol extract (EE). In the P. calleryana fruit WE and EE, 63 compounds were identified using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS analysis, including 23 phenols, 13 flavonoids, 14 terpenoids, and 13 other types of compounds. In the antioxidant activity, WE and EE showed marked free radical scavenging effects on both ABTS (2.33 ± 0.15 μg/mL and 2.23 ± 0.15 μg/mL, respectively) and DPPH (5.93 ± 0.55 μg/mL and 7.07 ± 0.23 μg/mL, respectively), especially, their scavenging effects on DPPH free radicals were superior or equivalent to that of BHT (7.47 ± 0.47 μg/mL). In LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, P. calleryana fruit WE and EE remarkably inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors, and the inhibitory effect of WE on the release of IL-6, NO, and PGE2 was superior or equivalent to that of EE. Interestingly, P. calleryana fruit WE and EE exhibited potent inhibition on α-glucosidase (0.60 ± 0.09 μg/mL and 0.48 ± 0.09 μg/mL, respectively) and tyrosinase (210.11 ± 2.59 μg/mL and 45.35 ± 0.96 μg/mL, respectively), which were superior to their respective positive controls acarbose (302.57 ± 22.09 μg/mL) and arbutin (243.07 ± 15.91 μg/mL). Our findings suggested that P. calleryana fruit WE and EE possess significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase inhibitory properties. Thus, P. calleryana fruit has great potential for application in functional food products.
Two birds, one stone: can Nigeria have the best of both worlds internationally while chasing regional leadership?
Authors: Magdin Radu
Published: February 2025

The main aim of the paper is to analyze how Nigeria is navigating local West African ambitions while playing a more determined role in international politics. The changes in the global dynamics offer Nigeria an unexpected opportunity to choose how to play its foreign policy game onward. On the one hand, there is a long-lasting relationship with the Western nations, particularly with the United States. On the other hand, BRICS’s newly regained vitality appeals to the African country as an alternative to having more ownership of the important decisions involving itself, the region and even international politics. In this context, the main question that arises is if Nigeria is on the path to choose one of the two ideological-economic blocks already mentioned or if is it able to elegantly balance between them to pursue its national and regional interests while getting the best of both worlds.
The influence of team reflexivity on employee’s feedback-seeking behavior: a multi-level perspective
Authors: Liu Mengli , Liu Bing , Sun Qihui , Wang Huijuan , Zhang Yixin
Published: February 2025

The dynamism and uncertainty of the work environment increasingly emphasize the importance of employee’s feedback-seeking behavior. Based on transactive memory system theory, the current study explores the multi-level effect of team reflexivity on team member’s feedback-seeking behavior. Survey data collected from 197 participants in 56 teams in China showed that team reflexivity had a positive indirect effect on team member’s feedback-seeking behavior, and team transactive memory system (TMS) mediated such effect. In addition, results also indicated that team shared mental models (SMMs) moderated the effect of team reflexivity on TMS. The research findings can help organizations recognize the importance of team reflexivity, TMS, and SMMs in promoting employees’ feedback-seeking behavior. Based on this understanding, organizations can better formulate strategies to leverage team reflexivity, TMS, and SMMs to enhance team member’s feedback-seeking behavior, which will also be beneficial for the sustainable development of the organization.
Validity and measurement invariance of abbreviated scales of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) in a population of Italian young adults
Authors: Valente Giuseppe , Diotaiuti Pierluigi , Corrado Stefano , Tosti Beatrice , Zanon Alessandra , Mancone Stefania
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study evaluates the validity and measurement invariance of the 8-item scales of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) across gender and age. Originally developed by Spielberger (STAI-Y), these scales have been shortened to create more efficient versions without compromising psychometric robustness.

Methods

A sample of Italian young adults, aged between 18 and 36 years, completed the abbreviated scales. The scales were assessed for internal consistency, convergent validity with the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS), and measurement invariance across gender and age.

Results

The results demonstrated excellent internal consistency and significant correlations with the EMAS, supporting the convergent validity of the STAI-S-8 and STAI-T-8. Both scales retained balanced factorial structures and robust anxiety measurement capabilities. Measurement invariance was confirmed across gender and age, indicating the scales' reliability for anxiety assessment in young adults regardless of demographic differences.

Discussion

While the findings underscore the practical utility of the 8-item STAI scales for rapid anxiety assessment in clinical and research settings, limitations include the absence of a clinical sample and reliance on self-report measures, which may introduce biases. Future research should include clinical populations and explore cultural differences in anxiety manifestation. Despite these limitations, the 8-item STAI scales offer valid, reliable, and efficient tools for measuring anxiety, with significant implications for timely interventions and enhanced psychological assessment.
Understanding basic and social emotions in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Sola Carlotta , Zanelli Vanessa , Molinari Maria Angela , Casadio Claudia , Ricci Francesco , Carpentiero Omar , Tondelli Manuela , Lui Fausta , Nichelli Paolo Frigio , Benuzzi Francesca
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Recent developments in the field of social cognition have led to a renewed interest in basic and social emotion recognition in early stages of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and FrontoTemporal Dementia (FTD). Despite the growing attention to this issue, only few studies have attempted to investigate emotion recognition using both visual and vocal stimuli. In addition, recent studies have presented conflicting findings regarding the extent of impairment in patients in the early stages of these diseases. The present study aims to investigate emotion understanding (both basic and social emotions), using different tasks with visual and auditory stimuli, to identify supramodal deficits in AD and FTD to provide a reliable tool to better outline their behavioral and emotional profile and useful instruments for their management.

Methods

Eighteen patients with AD and 15 patients with FTD were included in the study. Healthy control (HCs) subjects were recruited to obtain normative data for basic emotion recognition tests and social emotion recognition tasks. To evaluate basic emotion recognition, the Facial Emotion Recognition Battery (FERB) and the Emotional Prosody Recognition Battery (EPRB) were administered. To evaluate social emotion recognition, the Faux Pas (FP), Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RME), and Reading the Mind in the Voice (RMV) tests were employed.

Results

FTD patients performed significantly worse than HCs in most of the subtests of the basic emotion recognition batteries, where, instead, AD patients were significantly impaired only when required to match emotional facial expression in different individuals (subtask of the FERB). Moreover, FTD patients scored significantly lower in RME and RMV tests compared both to AD patients and to HCs. In addition, ADs were selectively impaired in RMV as respect to HCs.

Discussion

FTD patients showed deficits in emotion recognition, affecting both basic and social emotions, whether conveyed through facial expressions or prosody. This result may explain the well-known social behavioral difficulties observed in FTD patients from the early stages of the disease. The fewer and specific deficits in AD patients with comparable MMSE scores may be attributed to the mild degree of impairment, as these deficits may appear later in the progression of AD.
25 years of providing evidence on road safety interventions at the city level
Authors: Pérez Katherine , Santamariña-Rubio Elena , López Maria José , Artazcoz Lucia , Ferrando Josep , Pastor Carlos , Hyder Adnan A. , Borrell Carme
Published: February 2025

Road traffic injuries are a significant public health concern, ranking among the leading causes of mortality and disability-adjusted life years lost globally, especially among the young population. Traditionally, road safety has been approached predominantly from a healthcare standpoint, with limited interventions from a comprehensive public health perspective. In Barcelona, the Agència de Salut Pública (Public Health Agency) has been monitoring road traffic injuries and evaluating road safety interventions since the late 1990s. This paper explores how Barcelona has addressed road safety over more than two decades through a public health lens, emphasizing the evaluation of intervention effectiveness, highlighting key success factors, and addressing the challenges encountered. First, we describe the road traffic surveillance system, providing insights into the context of mobility and road safety interventions in the city since the late 1990s. Since then, 10 interventions have been evaluated, encompassing legislation policies (helmet law, motorcycle driving license, and the penalty points system) and infrastructure measures (speed radars, advanced stop lines for motorcycles, safe routes to school, 30 km/h zone, and red-light cameras), as well as a cost–benefit study of speed radars. Next, the paper quantifies the overall impact of road safety interventions by estimating the difference between the observed number of road traffic injuries and the expected number if no interventions had been implemented from January 2008 to December 2023, stratified by gender, injury severity, and mode of transport. Since 2008, injuries were prevented in more than 34,800 individuals, including approximately 1,000 severe injuries. Mode-specific analysis revealed that more than 4,700 pedestrians, 12,300 car users, and 3,200 moped users benefited from injury prevention measures, while the number of injuries among motorcyclists was 5,200 higher than expected. This article discusses key success factors, the pivotal role of public health in road safety, and outlines future challenges, providing valuable insights for cities aiming to adopt a comprehensive public health approach to address road safety concerns.