bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“A Little Bit Like Psychological Torture”: A Grounded Theory of the Sociocultural Challenges Surrounding Expertise Development in an Emerging Esports Ecosystem
Authors: Williams J. Patrick , Johnson Mark R. , Kumar Vinay
Published: February 2025

Esports-relevant expertise extends beyond gameplay to encompass the cultivation of knowledge, skills, networks, and resources that support competitive success. Using a grounded theory approach and insights from 33 interviews with esports players in an emerging ecosystem, this study develops a sociocultural model that identifies four interrelated dimensions shaping expertise development, while paying special attention to the challenges players face. C ultures represent the layered structures of meanings, values, and norms that influence practices within and around esports. Social relations highlight families, schools, peers, and other social actors that support and/or inhibit gaming pursuits. Minds address social-psychological dispositions, mindsets, and the interpersonal dynamics that impact expertise. Finally, resources foreground how finances, space, time, and emotions enable or constrain players’ growth. Together, these dimensions reveal the multifaceted and interconnected ecology surrounding esports-relevant expertise development. The article highlights the value of an inductive approach for generating new and novel insights, and offers a valuable framework for understanding the sociocultural factors influencing esports-relevant expertise.
Predicting stroke in patients with infective endocarditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors
Authors: Jumah Ammar , Mohamedelkhair Ahmed , Elfaham Abdelrahman , Batista Savio , Ma Tianwen , Ngo Savannah L , Mashina Marwan , Mohn Dennis J , Vismara Thomas , Reardon Taylor , Chughtai Fatima , Sanchez Gustavo JS , Vilardo Marina , Camerotte Raphael , Ramadan Ahmad Riad
Published: February 2025

Background:

Neurological complications in patients with infective endocarditis (IE), such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, are well described; however, predicting which patients are most likely to experience stroke remains uncertain.

Aims:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the factors associated with the risk of stroke in patients hospitalized with IE.

Methods:

A systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to 27 June 2024 was conducted. Articles evaluating risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with IE were included. Meta-analysis of odds ratios was feasible for only some predictive factors due to study heterogeneity. Cochrane’s Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Exposure tool was used for risk-of-bias assessment.

Summary of Review:

Of 3538 studies identified, 35 were included: 9 prospective and 26 retrospective cohort. Staphylococcus aureus infection (odds ratio (OR) 3.05; 95% CI, 1.96–4.73, I2 = 77.2%; 9 studies) and 1-mm increment in vegetation size (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02–1.55, I2 = 90.1%; 3 studies) were associated with a higher risk of AIS, after adjusting for other covariates. High-intensity signals on transcranial Doppler, and comorbidities such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and hyperlipidemia were also found to be associated with a higher risk of AIS. The risk of ICH was increased by thrombocytopenia, mycotic aneurysms, prior ICH or AIS, and cerebral microbleeds.

Conclusion:

Our study has identified factors which are associated with increased stroke risk in IE and may help physicians predict risk. While echocardiographic and neuroimaging findings may be particularly informative, underlying comorbidities and various laboratory values may also contribute to predicting IE-associated strokes.
Performance lifestyle provision in a multi-disciplinary team: A qualitative investigation of current practice and future progression
Authors: Killoughery Iain , Yiannaki Christopher , Rhodes David
Published: February 2025

Performance Lifestyle (PL) services have the potential to make a novel contribution to athlete development, yet has limited research, notably examining the experiences of PL practitioners. This study explored PL practitioner perspectives to highlight current barriers and limitations in service delivery, whilst highlighting good practice. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted. Each participant supported athletes competing at professional, international, or Olympic levels. All participants were employed to deliver PL services with an average of 10.83 (±6.71) years’ experience. Reflexive thematic analysis was chosen to analyse the data with three main themes constructed. ‘Creating an informed environment’ illustrates environments that lack understanding regarding the nature, scope and value of PL services. ‘Optimising the role of PL practitioners’ seeks to identify best practice and explore common issues faced by practitioners. ‘Improving practitioner and coach education’ indicates a need for enhanced competencies and contemporary training for future practitioners and coaches. Findings provide unique insights into the experiences of practitioners and suggest that PL delivery, and its impact, is limited by several factors. This study discusses the contemporary implications of these issues and applied recommendations for future PL provision within high-performance sport environments.
Risk factors for urinary septic shock following ureteroscopy for stone disease
Authors: Nsair Ameer , Mullerad Michael , Goldin Oleg , Amiel Gilad E. , Reumi Michael , Malshy Kamil , Hoffman Azik
Published: February 2025

Objective:

We aimed to identify risk factors associated with urinary septic shock following ureteroscopy.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent ureteroscopy between 2010 and 2021. Data collected included demographics and preoperative variables. Septic shock was defined as the need for vasopressors for sepsis. A comparison was made between patients who developed septic shock and a randomly selected control group (N = 115). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors.

Results:

Of 5000 ureteroscopy procedures, 20 cases of septic shock were identified. These patients were older, had a higher median body mass index, more hypertension, higher preoperative urinary drainage, longer drainage duration and positive preoperative urine cultures. On multivariate analysis, age over 55 years, body mass index above 26 and positive preoperative urine culture were significant predictors of septic shock.

Conclusion:

Consistent with findings reported in previous studies, older age, higher body mass index and positive preoperative urine cultures are key risk factors for postureteroscopy septic shock. Enhanced safety measures are essential for high-risk patients.
The Utility of Smart Multiple Daily Injection Systems in Intensive Insulin-Treated People With Diabetes: An Italian Expert Consensus
Authors: Giorgino Francesco , Bonfanti Riccardo , Castaldo Filomena , Irace Concetta , Laurenzi Andrea , Maffeis Claudio , Pappagallo Giovanni , Pitocco Dario , Rabbone Ivana , Zarra Emanuela , Scaramuzza Andrea Enzo
Published: February 2025

Background:

Smart systems for multiple daily injections (Smart MDI) integrate continuous glucose monitoring, connected insulin pens, smartphone apps, and cloud-based data storage to provide bolus and corrective dose suggestions, reminders/alerts, automatic tracking and sharing of insulin therapy, and glycemic data to users, caregivers, and providers. This is an expert consensus on the clinical value of Smart MDI and critical points for implementation in adults and children/adolescents with diabetes.

Methods:

A nominal group technique combined with the estimate-talk-estimate approach was employed to achieve consensus among panel members from the Italian Intersociety Technology and Diabetes Study Group with expertise in pediatric and adult diabetes care.

Results:

The expert consensus indicated that glycemic profiles can be improved by using bolus dose suggestions based on glucose values, planned meals, the insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio, correction factors, and consideration of insulin-on-board. Automatic remote sharing of patient data on glycemia and insulin therapy allows clinicians to make more appropriate and timely therapeutic recommendations based on objective data. Dose tracking, bolus reminders/alerts, and reduced hypoglycemia and associated anxiety achieved through Smart MDI may improve adherence.

Conclusions:

Smart MDI can reduce treatment burden while improving the daily experiences and glycemic outcomes for adults and children/adolescents with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, high-quality clinical data are lacking, and more evidence is needed to compare the effects of Smart MDI and other advanced insulin delivery systems on glycemic and patient-reported outcomes.
The Media Trust Gap and Its Political Explanations: How Individual and Sociopolitical Factors Differentiate News Trust Preferences in Asian Societies
Authors: Guo Yufan , Lei Yuzhe
Published: February 2025

Despite the increasing reliance on online media for news consumption, people generally exhibit lower levels of trust in online news relative to traditional media. To explain the preference disparities in media trust and their potential cross-national variations, this article examines individuals’ trust gap between newspapers and Internet news across 14 countries and regions in East, South, and Southeast Asia. Drawing on nationally representative data and other country-level data (2018–2021), we test two underlying mechanisms, political trust transfer and alternative information orientation, that account for the media trust gap, as well as their boundary conditions. Multilevel analysis reveals that political trust positively correlates with people’s relative trust in newspapers, which is pronounced in societies with lower levels of polarization and limited press freedom. Besides, using the Internet and social media as the main channels of political information seeking may increase people’s relative trust in Internet news, especially in societies with higher levels of press freedom and political polarization. Our findings offer systematic explanations for news trust preferences by combining political characteristics and their contextual conditions, which have implications for understanding today’s media trust crisis.
“Before the After Comes the Fire”: Tarot Aesthetics as Feral Inquiry
Authors: McDermott McNulty Morna , Barros Sandro , Daspit Toby
Published: February 2025

In this article, we propose envisioning the tarot as an artful inquiry rooted in encounters with chaos and contingency. As a postfoundational approach to qualitative research, the tarot invites more questions than answers. The creation of tarot card art and card-readings together serve as a powerful heuristic of feral aesthetics. This article documents how creation and reading of a specific tarot deck unfolded at a conference and affected those who engaged in the process. Tarot-readings evoke posthuman affective processes that entangle the soul, thought, emotion, and action. The feral aesthetics of the tarot’s artful inquiry is marked by turbulence, uncertainty, and ambiguity. Tarot-as-inquiry articulated here blends archetypes, meanings, and assemblages of self and world into desirable fictions. As artful inquiry, tarot can thus shape perception of the present and future helping readers better navigate present desires and situate themselves in more desirable imagined futures.
Between Charybdis and Scylla—an Odyssey in AL amyloidosis: insights and learnings from a narrative review and case report series
Authors: Sabbour Hani , Alhuraiji Ahmad , Hanbali Amr , Khan Faraz , Alameri Jawahir , Alzaher Sultan , Mohty Dania , Palladini Giovanni
Published: February 2025

Being “between Scylla and Charybdis” is an idiom derived from Greek mythology to mean “between a rock and a hard place” and clinicians managing amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis often find themselves in this predicament. AL amyloidosis is caused by monoclonal light chains, most commonly produced by CD-38 positive plasma cells in target organs. The disease usually involves significant cardiac and/or renal involvement, but the systemic nature of the disease often leads to variable and non-specific manifestations that can critically delay early diagnosis and treatment. Here, we present a case series reflecting primarily the cardiologist and hematologist perspective to uniquely illustrate key learnings that we believe have the potential to improve diagnosis timelines, treatment initiation, and ultimately improve outcomes for this severe disease. Through our case series, we illustrate that to achieve an accurate diagnosis, a high degree of clinical suspicion is needed, and we stress the important requirement of substantial multi-disciplinary collaboration. Our experience strongly indicates that AL amyloidosis patients presenting with cardiac symptoms need to be identified and treated rapidly, prior to the development of irreversible cardiotoxicity. In addition, patients without significant cardiac involvement may benefit from rapid initial treatment with daratumumab along with cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone, which can render patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or in some instances means they can forgo ASCT completely. Increased awareness of the disease is needed among general cardiologists and hematologists, and specialized centers with the relevant expertise should be willing to accept patients for fast-track evaluation as part of their standard procedures, due to the unique contribution they can offer in the clinical management of this life-threatening disease.
Challenges Faced by Nurses in Transitioning Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Patients to Adult Care
Authors: Amoaku Gifty Enyonam , Wuaku Delali Adwoa , Senoo-Dogbey Vivian Efua
Published: February 2025

Background

Sickle-cell disease is a common genetic red blood cell disorder with global concern. Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, is most predominantly affected. Improvement in medicine has enhanced children's survival into adulthood; hence the need to transition them into adult care services. Well-transitioned patients manage the condition without undue disruptions in their quality of life.

Aim

To explore the challenges faced by nurses in transitioning pediatric patients to adult care.

Method

The study adopted a phenomenological descriptive qualitative design to describe and interpret the difficulties nurses encounter when providing transition care to adolescent patients. Purposive sampling and convenience sampling methods were used to select 15 professional nurses from the pediatric department. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. The interview transcripts were read to identify emerging themes and sub-themes and exported into Nvivo 12 software.

Results

Nurses working at the pediatric department of the regional health facility had no education on how to transition children from pediatric to adult care, leading to poor evidence-based transition care. In addition, there was a lack of transitional care protocol, staff training, care collaboration, transition planning, follow-up initiatives to track and monitor progress, difficulty in tracking the transition process, increased workload, and transition resource constraints.

Conclusion

Nurses at the regional health facility have inadequate education on transitional care of adolescent patients, in-service training and workshop on transitional care on the management of patients, and formulating a policy on transitional care to guide nurses at the pediatric unit.
Supporting societally impactful research is key to enhancing universities’ mission
Authors: Renick Jennifer , Jentleson Bruce W. , Ozer Emily J.
Published: February 2025

Universities in the United States face a challenging historic moment, as enrollment declines and trust in higher education decreases. One way universities can demonstrate their value is to enhance the generation, recognition, and visibility of societally impactful research, which addresses pressing large-scale challenges and often involves collaboration with stakeholders outside of academia. The path forward requires strong faculty incentives for conducting such research (which will require reforms in tenure and promotion criteria) and administrative structures that support these forms of scholarship. Fortunately, a range of universities, academic associations, and funding organizations are working to encourage such changes, providing models for advancing societally impactful research. Drawing on a recent report describing these efforts, the authors of this article highlight a range of emerging approaches for fostering societally impactful research and suggest strategies for making further progress in this area. By increasing their capacity to produce societally impactful research, universities can enhance how faculty bring their knowledge and expertise to bear on local, national, and global issues and can thereby more effectively fulfill their institutional missions.
Associations of oxidative balance score and cognition in US older adults: A cross-sectional study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011 to 2014
Authors: Jin Yue , Lin Huajian , Ye Zegen , Wang Huaqiang , Liu Yangkun , Qiu Weiwen , Liu Chunhua
Published: February 2025

Background

Oxidative stress is linked to cognitive decline in the elderly. Diet, as a key energy source, affects brain function and serves as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline.

Objective

This study investigates the relationship between the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), which reflects diet and lifestyle impact on oxidative stress, and cognitive function in older adults.

Methods

This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011–2014, including 2716 participants aged 60 and older. Cognitive outcomes measured were the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) Word Learning test, Animal Fluency test, and Digit Symbol Substitution test. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between the OBS and cognitive performance, with stratification and sensitivity analyses conducted to explore these associations further.

Results

Among 2716 participants, higher dietary OBS scores were linked to better cognitive test performance after adjusting for confounders. For example, the highest OBS quartile had a 4.35-point increase in CERAD immediate recall compared to the lowest quartile (OR: 4.35, 95% CI: 2.14–8.84, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed this positive association across age groups and genders, though it was stronger among non-Hispanic white participants compared to other racial groups.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate a positive correlation between OBS and cognitive function in older adults, suggesting that an antioxidant-rich diet and lifestyle may help prevent cognitive decline in this population. However, since this study is cross-sectional, further prospective research is needed to confirm these results.
Spatio-temporal distribution of COVID-19 cases and tuberculosis in four provinces of Sumatra Islands, Indonesia
Authors: Saputra Arif , Wichaidit Wit , Kesuma Zurnila Marli , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: February 2025

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted national tuberculosis programs in high-burden countries. We hypothesize that COVID-19 occurrence had a delayed effect on tuberculosis case reports from the Indonesia Ministry of Health, also known as the tuberculosis case notification. The objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the potential effect of the reported COVID-19 cases on the spatial distribution of tuberculosis in four provinces of Sumatra Islands (Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Riau Provinces), Indonesia; (2) to estimate the temporal lag effect of the occurrence of COVID-19 on tuberculosis case notifications.

Methods

We retrieved data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Indonesia COVID-19 Task Force. We also examined the monthly tuberculosis and COVID-19 case notifications. We identified time series clusters of tuberculosis case notifications and used lag non-linear model to assess the delayed effect of the occurrence of COVID-19 cases on tuberculosis case notifications.

Results

The secondary data included 217,593 tuberculosis case notifications (January 2019 to December 2022) and 373,671 reported COVID-19 cases (January 2020 to December 2022). Time series cluster analysis revealed 5 clusters each for monthly tuberculosis case notifications and monthly reported COVID-19 cases. There was a negative association with a 0-month lag in more than 10,000 reported COVID-19 cases (RR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91–0.98).

Conclusions

The findings suggested that Indonesia’s national tuberculosis program in four provinces of Sumatra Island was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lag analysis showed that COVID-19 case occurrence had an immediate effect on tuberculosis case notifications.

Clinical trial

Not applicable.
Assistive technologies in healthcare: utilization and healthcare workers perceptions in Germany
Authors: Sommer Domenic , Lermer Eva , Wahl Florian , Lopera G. Luis I.
Published: February 2025

Background

According to the WHO, assistive technology (AT) is defined as the superset of technologies that improve or maintain the functioning of different senses, mobility, self-care, well-being, and inclusion of patients. ATs also include technologies for healthcare workers (HCWs) to reduce workloads and improve efficiency and patient care outcomes. Software ATs for HCWs include communication software, artificial intelligence (AI), text editors, planning tools, decision support systems, and health records. Hardware ATs for HCWs can range from communication devices, sensors, and specialized medical equipment to robots.

Aims

With this indicative study, we explore HCW utilization, perceptions, and adoption barriers of ATs. We emphasize ATs role in enhancing HCWs’ efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare delivery.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted through August 2024 with HCWs in Bavaria via a network recruiting approach. We used convenience sampling but ensured that only HCWs were part of our study population. Our survey included (i) usage, (ii) usefulness, and (iii) perceptions regarding ATs. The survey comprised 11 close-ended and three open-ended questions, including story stems evaluated by a deductive qualitative template analysis. Our mixed-method evaluation also employed descriptive and bivariate statistics.

Results

Three hundred seventy-one HCWs (♂63.9 %, ♀36.1 %) participated in our survey, primarily 133 administrators, 116 nurses, and 34 doctors. More than half of the study participants (58.6 %) reported having advanced technical skills. Regarding usage, communication platforms (82.2 %) and communication devices (86 %) were the most commonly used ATs. Advanced ATs such as body-worn sensors, medical devices with interfaces, identification devices, and robots were underutilized in our sample. ATs were reported to be helpful in all job roles but need improvements in capacity and integration. Key barriers to adoption included outdated infrastructure, interoperability, and a lack of training.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that HCWs may want to incorporate ATs into their workflows as they see how, in theory, these technologies would improve HCW’s efficiency, resulting in better patient care. However, to realize this potential, efforts in ATs integration and accessibility are essential. Given this study’s modest sample size and generalizability limitations, further research is needed to explore the adoption, implementation, and impact of ATs in healthcare.
The development of emotional overeating: a longitudinal twin study from toddlerhood to early adolescence
Authors: Madhavan Vaishnavi K. , Nas Zeynep , Blissett Jacqueline , Llewellyn Clare , Herle Moritz
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous research has estimated the genetic and environmental contribution to individual differences in emotional overeating in toddlerhood and early childhood. However, little is known how this behaviour tracks into adolescence. Here, we aimed to replicated previous work and examine the aetiology of stability and change in emotional overeating across time.

Methods

Data were from the UK Gemini Twin Study, which includes 2402 twin pairs born in 2007. Parents reported on children’s emotional overeating at 16 months (n = 3784), 5 years (n = 2064), and 12 years (n = 964), using the Emotional Overeating Scale of the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) at 5 and 12 years, and the CEBQ-T (toddler version) at 16 months. A Cholesky Decomposition twin model was used to quantify the additive genetic, shared, and nonshared environmental influences on emotional overeating at each time point, partitioned into aetiological effects unique to each age and those carried across time.

Results

Additive genetic effects were minimal at 16 months and 5 years (9% and 7% respectively) but increased to 34% by 12 years. Shared environmental effects explained the majority of variance in emotional overeating at all three time points, but significantly less at 12 years (41%) than earlier (> 81%). The longitudinal phenotypic associations (r = 0.23–0.43) were explained by the shared environment.

Conclusion

The shared environment plays a major role in the development of emotional overeating in early life. Most aetiological influences on emotional overeating were unique to each age, indicating the need for family-based interventions targeted to each developmental stage.
A phase 2 randomized, double-blind trial of ART-001, a selective PI3Kα inhibitor, for the treatment of slow-flow vascular malformations
Authors: Ozeki Michio , Tanaka Akira , Kuniyeda Kanako , Nozaki Taiki , Fujino Akihiro , Nomura Tadashi , Uemura Naoto , Suenobu Souichi , Aramaki-Hattori Noriko , Hayashi Ayato , Kato Aiko , Kiyosue Hiro , Imagawa Kotaro , Nagao Munetomo , Shimizu Fumiaki , Ochi Junko , Horiuchi Saya , Ohyama Tetsuji , Ando Haruhi , Nagabukuro Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

Background

In patients with slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs) including venous malformations (VM), lymphatic malformations (LM) or Klippel–Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS), somatic gain-of-function mutations in genes encoding phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα, gene name PIK3CA) have been identified. A phase 2 study was conducted with the patients to assess the efficacy and safety of ART-001 (serabelisib), an orally available selective PI3Kα inhibitor.

Methods

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, proof-of-concept, phase 2 trial. Eligible participants were patients aged 2 years and older, diagnosed either with VM, LM or KTS. Participants were administered either 50 or 100 mg of ART-001 for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the response rate defined as the proportion of participants who achieved ≥ 20% reduction in lesion volume at week 24. Secondary endpoints include safety, pharmacokinetics, pain, and quality of life scores.

Results

Thirty-five patients (median age: 14 years old; VM, n = 17, KTS, n = 13 and LM, n = 5) were randomly assigned and received treatment (50 mg, n = 17 and 100 mg, n = 18). ART-001 showed a response rate: 29.4% (95% confidence interval 10.3–56.0%) at 50 mg and 33.3% (13.3–59.0%) at 100 mg. Mean lesion volume reductions at 50 mg and 100 mg were − 2.3% (95% CI − 14.3 to 9.6%) and − 12.6% (− 25.3 to 0.06%), respectively. No drug-related serious adverse events were observed. Treatment-emergent adverse events were generally mild to moderate and transient. Pharmacokinetic profiles were similar between pediatric and adolescent/adult patients except for lower Ctrough levels in pediatric patients.

Conclusion

ART-001 was effective and well-tolerated in patients with SFVMs. These results support the further development of ART-001 in SFVMs and other PIK3CA-related overgrowth syndromes to confirm clinical benefits and long-term safety.

Trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trial, jRCT2071210027. Registered May 25 2021,https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT2071210027
Evaluating the efficacy of vatiquinone in preclinical models of Leigh syndrome and GPX4 deficiency
Authors: Kayser Ernst-Bernhard , Mulholland Michael , Olkhova Elizaveta A. , Chen Yihan , Coulson Holly , Cairns Owen , Truong Vivian , James Katerina , Johnson Brittany M. , Hanaford Allison , Johnson Simon C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Genetic mitochondrial diseases are a major challenge in modern medicine. These impact ~ 1:4,000 individuals and there are currently no effective therapies. Leigh syndrome is the most common pediatric presentation of mitochondrial disease. In humans, patients are often treated with antioxidants, vitamins, and strategies targeting energetics. The vitamin-E related compound vatiquinone (EPI-743, α-tocotrienol quinone) has been the subject of at least 19 clinical trials in the US since 2012, but the effects of vatiquinone on an animal model of mitochondrial disease have not yet been reported. Here, assessed the impact of vatiquinone in cellular assays and animal models of mitochondrial disease.

Methods

The efficacy of vatiquinone in vitro was assessed using human fibroblasts and HEK293 cells treated with the ferroptosis inducers RSL3 and BSO + Fe(III)Citrate, the mitochondrial oxidative stress inducer paraquat, and the electron transport chain complex I inhibitor rotenone. The therapeutic potential of vatiquinone in vivo was assessed using the tamoxifen-induced mouse model for GPX4 deficiency and the Ndufs4 knockout mouse model of Leigh syndrome.

Results

Vatiquinone robustly prevented death in cultured cells induced by RSL3 or BSO/iron, but had no effect on paraquat induced cell death. Vatiquinone had no impact on disease onset, progression, or survival in either the tamoxifen-inducible GPX4 deficient model or the Ndufs4(-/-) mouse model, though the drug may have reduced seizure risk.

Conclusions

Vatiquinone prevents ferroptosis, but fails to attenuate cell death induced by paraquat or rotenone and provided no significant benefit to survival in two mouse models of disease. Vatiquinone may prevent seizures in the Ndufs4(-/-) model. Our findings are consistent with recent press statements regarding clinical trial results and have implications for drug trial design and reporting in patients with rare diseases.
ELK3-CYFIP2 axis-mediated actin remodeling modulates metastasis and natural killer cell responses in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Choi Seung Hee , Jang Hye Jung , Park Joo Dong , Ryu Ki Seo , Maeng Eunchong , Cho Seohyun , Park Hail , Jung Hae-Yun , Park Kyung-Soon
Published: February 2025

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, highly metastatic disease with a poor prognosis. E26 transformation-specific transcription factor (ELK3) is highly expressed in TNBCs, and functions as a regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune responses. Because metastatic migration and immune evasion by TNBC cells are critical factors for successful metastasis, unravelling the underlying mechanisms and developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies is urgent. Here, TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T were examined to determine the relationship between ELK3 expression and filopodia protrusion on the cell membrane, as well as actin accumulation at contact sites with natural killer (NK) cells. RNA-sequencing analysis and molecular experiments were conducted to identify and validate downstream target genes of ELK3 associated with migration and attachment of TNBC cells. The immune response of TNBC to NK cells was evaluated through imaging and flow cytometry analyses. Clinical significance was assessed through Kaplan–Meier analysis of survival outcomes of TNBC patients. Gene expression profiling and molecular analysis revealed that oncogenic ELK3 directly suppresses expression of cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein2 (CYFIP2), a repressor of actin accumulation. Further molecular and pharmacological analyses confirmed that the ELK3-CYFIP2 axis serves a dual role in TNBC cell lines by (1) controlling filopodia-mediated migration and adhesion by regulating actin accumulation, and (2) regulating sensitivity to NK cells by modulating actin accumulation at contact sites. Kaplan–Meier analysis suggested that ELK3-CYFIP2 axis is associated with survival of TNBC patients, and that ELK3 suppresses transcription of CYFIP2. Thus, the ELK3-CYFIP2 axis plays a pivotal role in regulating actin, emphasizing its significance in controlling both cancer cell migration and NK cell responses in TNBC.
Vitamin D status of pediatric epilepsy patients and evaluation of affecting factors
Authors: Bilge Serap , Taşkın Sema Nur
Published: February 2025

Background

The use of antiseizure medication in patients with epilepsy is one of the significant risk factors associated with abnormal vitamin D status. We aimed to identify risk factors related to hypovitaminosis D in pediatric patients treated with antiseizure medications.

Method

A cross-sectional retrospective cohort study was conducted on 127 pediatric epilepsy patients who received antiseizure drugs from December 2021 to December 2022. Demographic data, seizure types, diet, physical activity, duration, and types of antiseizure medications were analyzed.

Results

Among the 127 patients in this study, 53% were male, and the mean age was 9,1 ± 4,6 years (range: 2–17). The mean serum 25(OH)D level at baseline in winter/autumn was 24,2 ± 14,2 ng/mL; 47.0% of the patients were 25(OH) D deficient, 23% were 25(OH)D insufficient, and 30% had a vitamin D level within the normal range. The vitamin 25(OH) D level was 27,6 ± 12,2 in the epilepsy group with non-enzyme-induced antiseizure drugs, 21,76 ± 19,7 in the group with enzyme-induced antiseizure drugs, and 13,96 ± 7,9 in the group with combined antiseizure drugs (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The number of antiseizure drugs, treatment with enzyme-induced antiseizure drugs, duration of epilepsy, abnormalities in magnetic resonance imaging, and etiology play important roles in determining the vitamin D level.
Understanding depression in autism: the role of subjective perception and anterior cingulate cortex volume
Authors: Hao Yu , Banker Sarah , Trayvick Jadyn , Barkley Sarah , Peters Arabella W. , Thinakaran Abigaël , McLaughlin Christopher , Gu Xiaosi , Schiller Daniela , Foss-Feig Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Background

The prevalence of depression is elevated in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to the general population, yet the reasons for this disparity remain unclear. While social deficits central to ASD may contribute to depression, it is uncertain whether social interaction behavior themselves or individuals’ introspection about their social behaviors are more impactful. Although the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is frequently implicated in ASD, depression, and social functioning, it is unknown if it explains differences between ASD adults with and without co-occurring depression.

Methods

The present study contrasted observed vs. subjective perception of autism symptoms and social interaction assessed with both standardized measures and a lab task, in 65 sex-balanced (52.24% male) autistic young adults. We also quantified ACC and amygdala volume with 7-Tesla structural neuroimaging to examine correlations with self-reported depression and social functioning.

Results

We found that ASD individuals with self-reported depression exhibited differences in subjective evaluations including heightened self-awareness of ASD symptoms, lower subjective satisfaction with social relations, and less perceived affiliation during the social interaction task, yet no differences in corresponding observed measures, compared to those without depression. Larger ACC volume was related to depression, greater self-awareness of ASD symptoms, and worse subjective satisfaction with social relations. In contrast, amygdala volume, despite its association with clinician-rated ASD symptoms, was not related to depression.

Limitations

Due to the cross-sectional nature of our study, we cannot determine the directionality of the observed relationships. Additionally, we included only individuals with an IQ over 60 to ensure participants could complete the social task. We also utilized self-reported depression indices instead of clinically diagnosed depression, which may limit the comprehensiveness of the findings.

Conclusions

Our approach highlights the unique role of subjective perception of autism symptoms and social interactions, beyond the observable manifestation of social impairment in ASD, in contributing to self-reported depression, with the ACC playing a crucial role. These findings imply possible heterogeneity of ASD concerning co-occurring depression. Using neuroimaging, we were able to demarcate depressive phenotypes co-occurring alongside autistic phenotypes.
Systemic oxidative stress levels and their associations with the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and treatment response
Authors: Abe Maiko , Kunikata Hiroshi , Aizawa Naoko , Yasuda Masayuki , Nitta Fumihiko , Abe Toshiaki , Nakazawa Toru
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate the association between oxidative stress (OS) and both the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and the treatment response to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (anti-VEGF IVIs).

Methods

This retrospective study included 46 treatment-naïve nAMD eyes of 46 patients (26 male and 20 female) who received anti-VEGF IVIs with a “treat-and-extend” regimen following an initial loading phase for one year. The patients were divided into two groups according to the total number of anti-VEGF IVIs administered during the year: the “effective” group and the “resistant” group. OS was evaluated by diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), and skin autofluorescence (SAF) at baseline. For comparison, 54 control subjects were recruited.

Results

There were no significant differences in d-ROM or BAP levels between control subjects and nAMD patients, regardless of sex, whereas SAF levels were higher in nAMD patients overall and in male nAMD patients than in controls (P < 0.001 for both). The effective and resistant groups included 30 and 16 eyes, respectively. Among the male nAMD patients, the effective and resistant groups had similar baseline characteristics, including age, smoking history, visual acuity, and central macular thickness; however, the resistant group had higher SAF levels (effective vs. resistant: 2.3 vs. 2.6 arbitrary units [AU]; P = 0.02). This finding was further supported by a multiple logistic regression analysis, which showed that the odds ratio for SAF was 1.57 per 0.1 AU increase (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

SAF levels were significantly higher in nAMD patients than in controls. The total number of anti-VEGF IVIs required over one year in male nAMD patients depended on SAF levels, suggesting that the SAF levels may serve as a potential biomarker for the response to anti-VEGF IVIs in nAMD.
Influence of levothyroxine replacement on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and dyslipidemia in subclinical hypothyroidism: insights from a randomized controlled study
Authors: Mahran Zainab Gaber , Osman Salma Mokhtar , Abdelmawgod Amira , Makhlouf Nahed A. , Hassan Elham Ahmed , Moustafa Ehab F.
Published: February 2025

Background

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) linked to hypothyroidism. However, insufficient data exists on how levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy impacts MASLD. We aimed to assess the effects of LT4 treatment on dyslipidemia and MASLD in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).

Methods

In a randomized, controlled study, 230 patients with MASLD were screened for SCH, and 182 were diagnosed with SCH. Of these, 30 had significant SCH and 152 had mild SCH. All patients with significant SCH received LT4 therapy (significant SCH-LT4), while those with mild SCH were divided into two groups: 50 received LT4 treatment (mild SCH-LT4) and 102 did not (mild SCH-control).

Results

Significant improvements in hepatic steatosis severity were observed in the treated groups compared with the control. After LT4 treatment, MASLD prevalence decreased to 50% (p = 0.001) in the significant SCH-LT4 group and to 60% (p = 0.025) in the mild SCH-LT4 group. In the mild SCH-control group, MASLD prevalence improved slightly but non-significantly from 100 to 75% (p = 0.164). Compared to other groups, the significant SCH-LT4 group showed greater improvements in metabolic parameters, including weight, body mass index, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and C-reactive protein, emphasizing the notable impact of levothyroxine.

Conclusion

This study highlights that LT4 treatment can significantly improve MASLD, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation in MASLD patients with SCH, particularly in those with significant SCH. These findings support the clinical use of thyroxine for managing MASLD and dyslipidemia in SCH patients.
Glycated Hemoglobin: a promising biomarker for predicting acute exacerbation and short-term mortality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ali Asmaa , Wu Liang , Saleh Mai M. , Salem Heba , Aljarallah Ahmad , Lotfy Samah Mohamad , Elshormilisy Amr Aly , Elfeky Seham Ezzat Fathy
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory condition, often complicated by frequent exacerbations and increased mortality risk. COPD patients also had a higher risk for developing diabetes mellites. Recently, the studies showed promising utility of HbA1C in identifying patients at heightened risk of critical illnesses. This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in predicting COPD exacerbation and short-term mortality.

Methods

A prospective cohort study involved 184 COPD patients. Patients were categorized as either stable or experiencing an acute exacerbation. Demographic and laboratory data, including HbA1c levels, were collected.

Results

HbA1c levels were significantly elevated in COPD patients experiencing exacerbations. Factors influencing HbA1c levels included lower oxygen saturation upon admission, use of home oxygen, lymphocyte count, CRP levels, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease (IHD). HbA1c emerged as a strong predictor of both COPD exacerbation and short-term mortality. In the unadjusted model, HbA1c was associated with an increased risk of exacerbation (OR = 1.59, p = 0.001) and remained significant after adjusting for other variables (OR = 2.25, p = 0.03). Similarly, HbA1c was a significant predictor of mortality in both the unadjusted (OR = 1.44, p = 0.001) and adjusted models (OR = 1.66, p = 0.001). Notably, the use of home oxygen was associated with a lower risk of both exacerbation and mortality. Other risk factors for exacerbation included lower oxygen saturation, male sex, IHD, and a history of previous exacerbations. The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients who had experienced recent exacerbations.

Conclusion

Elevated HbA1c levels were consistently associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, even after adjusting for other significant factors. This highlights the importance of routine HbA1c monitoring in COPD management, particularly in patients with a history of exacerbations or comorbid conditions like diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Additionally, the protective effect of home oxygen therapy against exacerbations and mortality suggests it should be considered as a key component in the management strategy for high-risk COPD patients.
Lower Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Higher Food Addiction in Childhood Obesity: Associations With Stress and Dietary Parameters
Authors: de Moraes Rúbia Cartaxo Squizato , Viana Thallyta Alanna Ferreira , Pereira Joicy Karla Grangeiro , da Costa Paulo César Trindade , Duarte Davyson Barbosa , Toscano Lydiane de Lima Tavares , de Araújo Lima Manuel Francisco , Galdino Melyssa Kellyane Cavalcanti , de Souza Joelma Rodrigues , de Oliveira Júnior Francisco Antônio , de Arruda Neta Adélia da Costa Pereira , de Brito Alves José Luiz , Baccin Martins Vinícius José
Published: February 2025

Context

Obesity has been associated with changes in cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate concentrations and increased stress levels and food addiction.

Objectives

We explored changes in morning salivary cortisol and DHEA in childhood obesity and their associations with body composition, metabolic profile, food addiction, food consumption, and stress in a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Children aged 7 to 12 years of both sexes were allocated into 2 groups according to body mass index-for-age: control group (n = 60) or obesity group (n = 98). Anthropometric, body composition, serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and DHEA were measured. Saliva was collected at different times to measure morning salivary cortisol concentrations. Food addiction, food consumption, and stress were assessed using questionnaires.

Results

Lower DHEA [1.04 (0.87-1.25) ng/mL vs 1.65 (1.30-2.07) ng/mL, P = .002] and salivary cortisol (6:00 Am: 1.17 ± 0.89 vs 1.45 ± 0.82 nmol/L, 6:30 Am: 1.53 ± 0.68 vs 1.83 ± 0.70 nmol/L, 7:30 Am: 0.72 ± 0.99 vs 1.31 ± 0.94 nmol/L, P-value of time < 0.001 and P-value of group = .002) were observed in children with obesity compared to the control. DHEA correlated negatively with waist circumference (r = −0.20, P < .05), body mass index-for-age(BMI-Z) (r = −0.21, P < .01), and weight (r = −0.25, P < .01). DHEA showed a positive correlation with the cortisol area under the curve (r = 0.29, P = .002). Food addiction was positively correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.21, P < .01), BMI-Z (r = 0.22, P < .01), body weight (r = 0.20, P < .05), total energy intake (r = 0.20, P < .05), and lipids (r = 0.24, P < .01).

Conclusion

Children with obesity showed lower concentrations of salivary cortisol and DHEA and higher food addiction compared to control children. These changes may contribute to the development of chronic diseases over time.
The Efficacy of Stellate Ganglion and Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks in Management of a Rare Case of Glossodynia: Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Alseoudy Mahmoud M.
Published: February 2025

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a debilitating intraoral burning or dysesthesia sensation without any evident causative lesions on clinical examination and investigations. The etiopathogenesis of BMS remains uncertain, with proposed mechanisms including psychological, peripheral neuropathic, and central neuropathological factors. Management of BMS is generally symptomatic and often met with poor response. Published data on the successful pain management interventions are inadequate. This report describes the successful management of a 43-year-old patient with severe glossodynia, diagnosed as BMS, using ultrasound-guided suprazygomatic sphenopalatine ganglion block after poor response to the conventional therapies as well as stellate ganglion block.
“You Deserve, Baby!”
Authors: Failla Marcelitte
Published: February 2025

This chapter explores how Black witches engage the spiritual realm to create their desired lives. Many Black witches practice African-heritage religions like Haitian Voodoo, Yoruba Ifá, or African American Hoodoo, which shape their understanding of manifestation. However, these Black witches also value a Black feminist analysis that challenges the capitalism and individualism that often seeps into manifestation discourse—such as the “get rich quick” mentality. This chapter claims that Black witches produce a shared approach to material manifestation that combines Black feminist thought with Africana religious traditions. The author calls their approach spiritual co-creation and defines it as a system that prioritizes healing emotional trauma, maintaining a nuanced critique of capitalism, encouraging cooperative mutual aid initiatives, and fostering a sense of entitlement to resources traditionally denied to Black women and femmes.