bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interdisciplinary strategies for establishing a trusting relation as a pre-requisite for existential conversations in palliative care: a grounded theory study
Authors: Lagerin Annica , Melin-Johansson Christina , Holmberg Bodil , Godskesen Tove , Hjorth Elin , Junehag Lena , Hagelin Carina Lundh , Ozanne Anneli , Sundelöf Johan , Udo Camilla
Published: February 2025

Background

Communication is central to implementing palliative care (PC) and effective interdisciplinary team functioning. Communication about existential issues is often urgent in PC, yet interdisciplinary teams frequently lack the time and education to meet these communication needs. Thus, more knowledge of existential conversations in different PC contexts is required.

Aim

This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experiences of existential conversations with patients with PC needs and their next-of-kin by generating a theoretical model.

Method

Seven focus-group interviews that included 26 HCPs who worked with PC patients in different care settings were carried out in 2020 and 2022. The grounded theory method was used to analyse and compare data from the interview transcripts.

Results

The HCPs’ primary concern in daily work was establishing a trusting relationship, a prerequisite for enabling existential conversations with a person with PC needs and/or their next-of-kin. The main concern was characterised by the core category maintaining presence and four categories describing interdisciplinary strategies that the HCPs used to achieve a trusting relationship and enable existential conversations in the late phase of life. Several potential barriers also hindered existential conversations. The theoretical model ‘meaningful existential conversations in PC’ was constructed.

Conclusions

The interdisciplinary strategies used to establish existential conversations, the potential barriers to these conversations and the model we present can be used as a basis for reflection in professional collaborative learning in PC, as a tool for teachers in educational PC programmes and as a guide for HCPs in PC.
Limitations of SpO2 / FiO2-ratio for classification and monitoring of acute respiratory distress syndrome—an observational cohort study
Authors: Erlebach Rolf , Pale Una , Beck Tilman , Markovic Sasa , Seric Marko , David Sascha , Keller Emanuela
Published: February 2025

Background

The ratio of pulse-oximetric peripheral oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2) has been proposed as additional hypoxemia criterion in a new global definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study aims to evaluate the clinical and theoretical limitations of the SpO2/FiO2-ratio when using it to classify patients with ARDS and to follow disease progression.

Methods

Observational cohort study of ARDS patients from three high-resolution Intensive Care Unit databases, including our own database ICU Cockpit, MIMIC-IV (Version 3.0) and SICdb (Version 1.0.6). Patients with ARDS were identified based on the Berlin criteria or ICD 9/10-codes. Time-matched datapoints of SpO2, FiO2 and partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) were created. Severity classification followed the thresholds for SpO2/FiO2 and PaO2/FiO2 of the newly proposed global definition.

Results

Overall, 708 ARDS patients were included in the analysis. ARDS severity was misclassified by SpO2/FiO2 in 33% of datapoints, out of which 84% were classified as more severe. This can be partially explained by imprecision of SpO2 measurement and equation used to transform SpO2/FiO2 to PaO2/FiO2. A high dependence of SpO2/FiO2-ratio on FiO2 settings was found, leading to major treatment effect and limited capability for tracking change in ARDS severity, which was achieved in less than 20% of events.

Conclusions

The use of SpO2/FiO2 interchangeably with PaO2/FiO2 for severity classification and monitoring of ARDS is limited by its inadequate trending ability and high dependence on FiO2 settings, which may influence treatment decisions and patient selection in clinical trials.
Enpp1 ameliorates MAFLD by regulating hepatocyte lipid metabolism through the AMPK/PPARα signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Chen Shuai , Liu Xing , Wu Xianxian , Jiang Xiaoliang , Li Yuhan , Yang Zhiwei
Published: February 2025

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become the leading chronic liver disease globally, and there are no approved pharmacotherapies to treat this disease. Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (Enpp1) has been found to be related to insulin resistance and lipid accumulation. However, the role and mechanism of Enpp1 in the development of MAFLD remain unknown.

Results

Here we discovered that Enpp1 is lowly expressed in the liver of MAFLD patients by clinical investigation. Knocking out Enpp1 in the liver of mice aggravated obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, and these effects were reversed by liver-specific Enpp1 overexpression. Through transcriptomic data mining and experimental validation, we demonstrated that Enpp1 deficiency inhibited the expression of AMPK (energy receptor) and PPARα (nuclear transcription factor for lipid metabolism), thereby promoting the transcription of lipid synthesis factors and mediating the progression of MAFLD. Mechanistically, Enpp1 enhanced the activity of AMPK by increasing the AMP-to-ATP ratio, which in turn raised PPARα levels and promoted the transcription of its downstream lipid metabolism factors. Pharmacological inhibition of AMPK activity abolished the promoting effect of Enpp1 on PPARα protein expression.

Conclusions

This study indicate that Enpp1 can effectively ameliorate MAFLD through effects on AMPK/PPARα signaling pathway-mediated lipid metabolism, revealing the significance of Enpp1 as a promising therapeutic target against MAFLD.
Examining maladaptive eating behaviors and psychological difficulties among women with compulsive eating and obesity: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Maltais-Lévesque Charlie , Legendre Maxime , Bégin Catherine
Published: February 2025

Background

Maladaptive eating behaviors are central to weight gain and are influenced by various psychological determinants associated with obesity. While some studies have established profiles based on different maladaptive eating behaviors using medical samples of individuals with obesity, no studies have focused on all patients with overweight or obesity seeking psychological help for compulsive eating. The objective was to identify eating behaviors profiles using maladaptive eating behaviors (disinhibition, susceptibility to hunger, and restraint) among women patients with compulsive eating and overweight or obesity, and to compare those profiles with each other on socio-demographic, clinical, psychological, and eating-related variables.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-eight women patients with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) completed online questionnaires and participated in an eating disorders diagnosis interview. Profiles were created using latent profile analysis and compared with a MANOVA with Tukey adjusted post-hoc comparisons and a chi-square analysis.

Results

Three profiles emerged from the latent profile analysis. The Highly disinhibited profile includes women with high scores for disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger and a low score of restraint. The Moderate sensitivity to eating cues profile includes women with moderate scores of disinhibition, susceptibility to hunger, and restraint. The Perceived control over food profile includes women with the highest restraint score and the lowest levels of disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger. Group comparisons showed significant differences between profiles. The Highly disinhibited profile included women with higher levels of depressive symptoms and impulsivity as well as lower scores of self-directedness and cooperation. This profile also showed the highest level of binge eating, food craving, and food addiction symptoms. The Moderate sensitivity to eating cues profile showed more body esteem and greater cooperation. The Perceived control over food profile had less impulsivity and depressive symptoms as well as a higher level of self-directedness.

Conclusion

These results highlighted mechanisms that seem to prevail in different profiles of patients with compulsive eating which offer intervention targets that should be prioritized when offering psychotherapeutic treatment.
The impact of a personality trait rooted in Chinese confucian culture—Junzi personality—on loneliness and subjective well-being among chinese individuals: the mediating role of self-reflection and self-control
Authors: Zhao Boqiang , Zhang Yuhan
Published: February 2025

Reducing loneliness and enhancing subjective well-being are key topics in psychological research. However, few studies have explored the impact of cultural factors on loneliness and subjective well-being from a cultural perspective. Moreover, there has been few research examining the underlying mechanisms through which sociocultural factors influence individual loneliness and well-being. This study aims to explore the influence of a personality trait rooted in Chinese Confucian culture—Junzi personality—on subjective well-being among Chinese, specifically examining the mediating roles of self-reflection and self-control. A sample of 693 Chinese college students were surveyed on their Junzi personality, self-reflection, self-control, loneliness, and subjective well-being in three stages over 6 months. Correlation analysis and a multiple mediation model were conducted using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0. Results revealed that Junzi personality positively predicted subjective well-being and negatively predicted loneliness. Additionally, self-reflection, self-control, and loneliness sequentially mediated the effect of Junzi personality on subjective well-being. This study highlights the significant role of cognitive factors in the process through which sociocultural factors influence well-being.
A decade of research contributions and emerging trends in the International Journal of STEM Education
Authors: Chiu Thomas K. F. , Li Yeping , Ding Meixia , Hallström Jonas , Koretsky Milo D.
Published: February 2025

In this editorial, we review 400 articles and reviews published in the International Journal of STEM Education during its first decade (2014–2023). Using bibliometric analysis, we examine these publications to assess the journal’s major contributions to STEM education research and identify emerging trends over the years. The results present a dynamic picture of the growth of STEM education, highlighting key topics, such as STEM integration, equity, and emerging technologies. These findings also reveal evolving “hot topics” that reflect the shifting interests of researchers in the field. This review suggests that many areas of STEM education research are still in the growth phase. We encourage readers to use these insights as a foundation for developing future research agendas and advancing STEM education globally.
No disadvantages for women in acute stroke care in Germany: an analysis of access to stroke treatment services in Germany from 2017 to 2022
Authors: Ungerer Matthias N. , Bartig Dirk , Tunkl Christine , Richter Daniel , Katsanos Aristeidis , Krogias Christos , Hacke Werner , Gumbinger Christoph
Published: February 2025

Background

Several publications have raised concerns that female stroke patients may be at a disadvantage when accessing stroke treatment services. These publications have found significant regional differences in the provision of stroke treatment to male and female patients. In this study, we provide current nationwide data on stroke management differences between men and women in Germany.

Methods

This large retrospective cohort study used national datasets from the German Federal Statistical Office for 2017–2022. We examined differences between female and male stroke patients in terms of case volume, intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), mechanical thrombectomy (MTE), stroke unit (SU) treatment, intrahospital mortality, and prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Results

Data from more than 1.3 million hospitalised stroke patients were included. Forty-seven percent of the patients were female. Female patients were older and more frequently ≥ 80 years old (50.3% versus 29.4%). Rates of IVT (16.3% versus 16.3%) were similar for both sexes but higher in females when adjusted for age. MTE rates (8.2% versus 6.3%) were consistently higher in female patients across all age groups. Female patients had higher rates of intrahospital mortality (9.1% versus 6.2%), and admission to SUs (73.6% versus 76.0%) was less common. Treatment rates in intensive care units were similar (10.6% versus 10.5%). AF, a surrogate for embolic (and more severe) strokes, was more prevalent in females (32.6% versus 25.4%).

Conclusions

We found no evidence that female stroke patients in Germany face any disadvantage in accessing stroke treatment services. Acute stroke treatment rates were generally similar or higher when compared to males. Higher intrahospital mortality and lower SU rates were attributed to greater age, comorbidities, and stroke severity. However, the differences were not fully explained when adjusting for AF and age. Further research is needed on sex differences in stroke mechanisms and outcomes.
Developing a one health data integration framework focused on real-time pathogen surveillance and applied genomic epidemiology
Authors: Oltean Hanna N. , Lipton Beth , Black Allison , Snekvik Kevin , Haman Katie , Buswell Minden , Baines Anna E. , Rabinowitz Peter M. , Russell Shannon L. , Shadomy Sean , Ghai Ria R. , Rekant Steven , Lindquist Scott , Baseman Janet G.
Published: February 2025

Background

The One Health approach aims to balance and optimize the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems, recognizing that shared health outcomes are interdependent. A One Health approach to disease surveillance, control, and prevention requires infrastructure for coordinating, collecting, integrating, and analyzing data across sectors, incorporating human, animal, and environmental surveillance data, as well as pathogen genomic data. However, unlike data interoperability problems faced within a single organization or sector, data coordination and integration across One Health sectors requires engagement among partners to develop shared goals and capacity at the response level. Successful examples are rare; as such, we sought to develop a framework for local One Health practitioners to utilize in support of such efforts.

Methods

We conducted a systematic scientific and gray literature review to inform development of a One Health data integration framework. We discussed a draft framework with 17 One Health and informatics experts during semi-structured interviews. Approaches to genomic data integration were identified.

Results

In total, 57 records were included in the final study, representing 13 pre-defined frameworks for health systems, One Health, or data integration. These frameworks, included articles, and expert feedback were incorporated into a novel framework for One Health data integration. Two scenarios for genomic data integration were identified in the literature and outlined.

Conclusions

Frameworks currently exist for One Health data integration and separately for general informatics processes; however, their integration and application to real-time disease surveillance raises unique considerations. The framework developed herein considers common challenges of limited resource settings, including lack of informatics support during planning, and the need to move beyond scoping and planning to system development, production, and joint analyses. Several important considerations separate this One Health framework from more generalized informatics frameworks; these include complex partner identification, requirements for engagement and co-development of system scope, complex data governance, and a requirement for joint data analysis, reporting, and interpretation across sectors for success. This framework will support operationalization of data integration at the response level, providing early warning for impending One Health events, promoting identification of novel hypotheses and insights, and allowing for integrated One Health solutions.
The long-term effect of SiO2 nanoparticles in drinking water inducing chronic kidney disease in a mouse model with modern dietary habits
Authors: Ye Tzung Cheng , Chao Shu-Ju , Huang Chihpin
Published: February 2025

SiO2 nanoparticles (SNPs), which reportedly have low potential side effects, are used in various applications, for example, as food additives, for drug delivery, and as semiconductors, but these NPs are a growing concern because a few studies have shown potential risks to human health, such as fatty liver formation. In recent years, dietary habits have changed, and more refined foods, sugary beverages, and fast food are being increasingly consumed during daily life; therefore, the dietary habits have changed toward increasing consumption of high-fat diets, which may increase the incidence of liver and kidney disease. Our in vivo study demonstrated that the administration of SNPs in drinking water in combination with a high-fat diet was associated with the accumulation of SNPs and triglycerides in renal tissue; elevations in the blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and creatinine levels in serum; the formation of basophilia and tubular cell sloughing; abnormal renal parenchyma, cysts, and hyaline casts; the induction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and markers for chronic kidney disease such as vimentin, lipocalin 2, kidney injury molecule; the activation of fibrosis and inflammation; increased oxidative stress; and the development of chronic kidney disease. The evidence showed that long-term treatment of SNPs in drinking water might induce renal injury in individuals with modern dietary habits and provided important results for evaluating the safety of SNPs, especially for human health.
Protein disulfide isomerase in Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: a case–control study
Authors: Mohammed Marwa Salah , Alnaggar Alaa , Tawfik Nehad , Morad Mohamed Abdelkader , Abdelaziz Eman Ahmed , Yasser Nagham , Soliman Lamyaa H. , Elshenoufy Mai Galal
Published: February 2025

Background

Classic Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), such as polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF), are defined by the unregulated production of bone marrow components resulting from the clonal expansion of multipotent bone marrow progenitors. Thrombotic complications represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in BCR-ABL-negative MPNs. Multiple factors have been identified as potential contributors to thromboembolism in MPN patients, yet the exact pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Also, the current risk stratification systems lack early predictors of thromboembolic risk, mandating the need to identify new surrogate thrombotic markers. Despite the use of cytoreductive therapy and antithrombotic drugs, unfortunately, the incidence rate of thrombosis remains high, which advocates for further research to discover novel antithrombotic therapeutic targets. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), an endoplasmic reticulum protein that is critical for protein folding, is released by stimulated platelets and endothelial cells and was found to play a regulatory role in thrombosis. Inhibitors of PDI have been shown to prevent thromboembolic events in cancer patients. We aimed to study the PDI level in MPN patients and assess its role as a marker of increased thromboembolic risk in MPN patients, which might shed light on a new area of investigation in the prognosis and prevention of thromboembolism in MPN patients.

Methods

This is a case–control study where we investigated the serum level of PDI in a cohort of MPN patients in comparison to a control group. Serum PDI level was measured using ELISA to assess if PDI level is pathologically elevated in MPN patients; we also correlated the PDI level with either history/recent thrombotic events or the presence of silent thrombosis screened for by venous and arterial duplex.

Results

PDI levels were found to be pathologically elevated in MPN patients when compared to the control group. As a secondary outcome, we aimed to correlate the level of PDI to different clinical and imaging parameters, but no significant association could be found.

Conclusion

PDI may have a possible role in the underlying pathogenesis of thrombotic events in Philadelphia-negative MPN patients and may have a role in predicting a higher risk of developing thromboembolic events, and this may shed light on the possible future use of PDI as a therapeutic target for prevention of thrombosis in MPN patients.
High ionized calcium in the general population and risk of primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kobylecki Camilla J , Nordestgaard Børge G , Afzal Shoaib
Published: February 2025

Background

Although it is generally held that in otherwise healthy individuals, primary hyperparathyroidism is the most likely cause of persistent hypercalcemia, solid research supporting this assumption is absent. We aimed to examine the relative and absolute risk of primary hyperparathyroidism associated with an incidental high ionized calcium in the general population.

Methods

We used the Danish Copenhagen General Population Study, a prospective cohort study with inclusion in 2003-2015, to investigate the association of ionized calcium on continuous and categorical scales with primary hyperparathyroidism using Cox regression and competing-risk regression. Hazard ratios and absolute 10-year risks of primary hyperparathyroidism were calculated.

Results

In 106,588 individuals, 2,497(2.5%) had moderately high (1.33-1.40 mmol/L) or high (>1.40 mmol/L) plasma ionized calcium at baseline and 441(0.4%) were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism during follow-up. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for primary hyperparathyroidism for moderately high and high plasma ionized calcium versus low normal ionized calcium were 65(95%CI: 46‒92) and 350(251‒ 489). Stratified on sex, the corresponding hazard ratios were 63(42‒95) and 326(221‒482) for women and 73(37‒145) and 490(256‒935) for men. For women and men above 65 years, absolute risks of primary hyperparathyroidism were 7.9% and 3.3% in those with moderately high plasma ionized calcium, and 44% and 21% in those with high plasma ionized calcium.

Conclusions

High ionized calcium found in 1:40 in the general population conferred absolute 10-year risks of primary hyperparathyroidism of up to 44%. These findings support further diagnostic work-up following an incidentally observed high plasma ionized calcium in otherwise healthy individuals.
Prevalence and Management of Complications of Laser Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-analysis
Authors: Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Di Martino Nicole , Ferrazzano Pamela , Maiorino Maria Ida , Caruso Paola , Volatile Alessandra , Longo Miriam , Docimo Giovanni , Iervolino Eduardo , Trimboli Pierpaolo , Esposito Katherine , Bellastella Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Context

Percutaneous laser ablation (LA) is today regarded as a valuable therapy for symptomatic, benign solid (non-cystic) thyroid nodules.

Objective

We assessed the prevalence of complications from laser ablation (LA) for benign and solid thyroid nodules (STNs) and their management.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of data from published studies on LA of STNs, in addiction to author’s institution. A random effects meta-analysis was performed on the prevalence rates.

Results

The literature search yielded 1351 studies, of which 38 studies were included, in addition to our institutional experience (4745 STNs in total). The overall quality of each included study was judged as fair. The prevalence of “Overall” complications of LA was 23% ([CI 17–30%], I2 93.7%, 1208 of 4702 thyroid nodules [TNs]). The prevalence of “Minor” complications of LA was 21% ([CI 15–27%], I2 93.7%, 1159 of 4702 TNs). The prevalence of “Major” complications of LA was 2% ([CI 1–3%], I2 54.0%, 49 of 4745 TNs). Sensitivity analyses did not modify the results, except for dysphonia whose pooled prevalence was higher when using local anesthesia (2%, CI [1-3], I2 25.2, p-value 0.010) or conscious sedation (2%, CI [1-4], I2 27.2, p-value 0.014). The pooled prevalence rate of local pain was 15% (CI [12-20], I2 89.3). Local pain was transient and typically mild to moderate, sometimes severe requiring analgesics for 1-5 days up to one month. The pooled prevalence rate of dysphonia was 2% (CI [1-2], I2 30.3). All cases of dysphonia were transient except for one permanent case.

Conclusion

LA for benign and solid (non-cystic) thyroid nodules could be considered a generally safe technique. Major complications were rare.
Ανάπτυξη και εφαρμογές τρισδιάστατα εκτυπωμένων ηλεκτροχημικών βιοαισθητήρων
Authors: Κουκουβίτη Ελένη
Published: February 2025

Στη συγκεκριμένη διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματοποιήθηκε η ανάπτυξη χαμηλού κόστους φορητών ηλεκτροχημικών (βιο)αισθητήρων, αξιοποιώντας την καινοτόμο τεχνολογία της τρισδιάστατης εκτύπωσης. Οι αισθητήρες που κατασκευάστηκαν εφαρμόστηκαν για την ανίχνευση και τον ποσοτικό προσδιορισμό βιοδεικτών, καθώς και βαρέων μετάλλων, που σχετίζονται τόσο με τον κλινικό και περιβαλλοντικό έλεγχο όσο και με την ασφάλεια των τροφίμων. Συγκεκριμένα, κατασκευάστηκαν τρισδιάστατα εκτυπωμένοι ηλεκτροχημικοί (βιο)αισθητήρες για τον προσδιορισμό πέντε βιοδεικτών (γλυκόζη, αιθανόλη, γαλακτικό οξύ, ουρικό οξύ και καφεΐνη) στον ανθρώπινο ιδρώτα, με την προοπτική ενσωμάτωσής τους σε έναν φορητό πολυπλεξικό αισθητήρα με τη μορφή βραχιολιούγια έξυπνα ρολόγια (smart watches). Ακόμη, σχεδιάστηκαν και δημιουργήθηκαν δύο ολοκληρωμένες βιοδιατάξεις 4-ηλεκτροδίων, μέσω μιας διαδικασίας τρισδιάστατης εκτύπωσης ενός βήματος: μία για τον ταυτόχρονο ενζυματικό προσδιορισμό δύο καρδιακών βιοδεικτών (χολίνη και χοληστερόλη) στο αίμα, και μία για τον ταυτόχρονο ενζυματικό προσδιορισμό δύο δεικτών ποιότητας του οίνου (γλυκόζης και αιθανόλης). Επιπλέον, κατασκευάστηκε ένας αισθητήρας και μία ολοκληρωμένη μικροδιάταξη για τον μη ενζυματικό βολταμμετρικό προσδιορισμό της γλυκόζης στον ιδρώτα, χρησιμοποιώντας μη τοξικά και υδρόφοβα συνθετικά βιομιμητικά υλικά. Αυτά τα υλικά ήταν το βασικό βενζοϊκό σύμπλοκο Fe(III) και μία μεταλλο-οργανική κατασκευή Fe(II). Τέλος, πραγματοποιήθηκε η σύνθεση ενός νέου εύκαμπτου και αγώγιμου νήματος με ενσωματωμένους δύο διαφορετικούς τύπους μεταλλικών νανοσωματιδίων (Bi2O3 και CuO) με σκοπό την τρισδιάστατη εκτύπωση έτοιμων προς χρήση, πολυλειτουργικών ηλεκτροχημικών αισθητήρων. Οι εκτυπωμένοι αισθητήρες χρησίμευσαν για τον άμεσο, εκλεκτικό και ευαίσθητο προσδιορισμό δύο βαρέων μετάλλων (Pb και Cd), που ποσοτικοποιήθηκαν βολταμμετρικά μέσω δημιουργίας κραμάτων με τα νανοσωματίδια Bi που παράγονται από το Bi2O3, και δύο βιοδεικτών (γλυκόζη και ουρικό οξύ), οι οποίοι προσδιορίστηκαν μη ενζυματικά. Ο προσδιορισμός της γλυκόζης εκμεταλλεύτηκε τις ηλεκτροκαταλυτικές ιδιότητες του CuO, ενώ το ουρικό οξύ οξειδώθηκε απευθείας στον αισθητήρα.
The genome sequence of Hornet Plumehorn hoverfly, Volucella zonaria (Poda, 1761)
Authors: Wolton Robert J. , Sivell Olga , Woodcock Katie J. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Volucella zonaria (Hornet Hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 1,262.78 megabases. Most of the assembly (89.25%) is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.82 kilobases in length.
Clinicians' experiences of using a sterile non-woven surgical dressing on 394 patients
Authors: Roes Claas , Erfurt-Berge Cornelia , Praeder Michael , Eberlein Thomas , Abel Martin
Published: February 2025

Surgical wounds and periwound skin require protection to prevent complications, which affect clinical outcomes and patient quality of life. This study surveyed 45 health professionals treating 394 patients to elicit their experiences of the performance, quality, ease of application and usability of the sterile surgical wound dressing Curapor under routine conditions. Most (90%) wounds were acute, including postoperative wounds, lacerations, cuts and abrasions. The average wear time per dressing was 2.08 days; 94% of patients experienced no dressing slippage and 98% experienced no tape blisters. Curapor was rated good at absorbing exudate. All health professionals reported that their patients thought the dressing was soft or very soft and 98% said that patients found its comfort to be good or very good. The results of the study suggest that Curapor meets the performance requirements for a post-surgical dressing.
Are child field student nurses psychologically prepared for their first-year clinical placements?
Authors: Couzens Chloe , Osewa Afusat
Published: February 2025

Background:

The impact of the first-year clinical placement on the mental health and wellbeing of nursing students remains under-researched, with limited information on how well students are initially prepared for clinical placement both mentally and emotionally, specifically child field student nurses (CFSN).

Aim:

Understand the psychological preparedness of CFSNs for their first-year clinical placements.

Method:

Using a phenomenological approach, this study aims to understand the experiences of CFSNs in the context of their psychological preparedness for their first-year clinical placements.

Findings:

Psychological preparedness concerning clinical placement is not a singular concept, but comprises feeling both practically and emotionally ready for the opportunities, challenges and overall experiences that clinical areas offer.

Conclusion:

Higher education institutions need to better prepare and protect the psychological wellbeing of CFSNs in their first year. This can be achieved through an enhanced curriculum and developing simulated practice sessions that better reflect the clinical environment.
“Los Orígenes de la Tebaida Berciana”: Un proyecto para conocer el paisaje monástico tardoantiguo y altomedieval del Bierzo (León)
Authors: Martínez Tejera Artemio M. , Muñoz Sánchez-Miguel Marcos O.
Published: February 2025

Gracias a un proyecto concedido por National Geographic en 2016, se pudieron llevar a cabo, un año más tarde, excavaciones arqueológicas en uno de los pocos monasterios tardoantiguos conocidos por las fuentes documentales de la época: el monasterium ruphianense, actualmente conocido como San Pedro de Montes, situado en la localidad berciana de Montes de Valdueza. Este monasterium fue fundado por una de las grandes personalidades eclesiásticas de época goda: el noble Fructuoso.El proyecto y los resultados del mismo lograron captar la atención de las administraciones públicas, especialmente del Ayto. de Ponferrada y de la Junta de Castilla y León, de manera que no solo las excavaciones arqueológicas en San Pedro de Montes continúan hasta el día de hoy sino que desde 2018, la búsqueda de los orígenes de la Tebaida Berciana se ampliaron a la no muy lejana localidad de Compludo, lugar en el que la tradición —y alguna que otra “actuación” arqueológica— sitúa el coenobium complutense, la primera fundación de Fructuoso en Bergidum Flavium, de la que también hay constancia documental.Nuestra intención es informar a la comunidad científica de las actuaciones realizadas hasta este momento en ambos espacios, fundados en el siglo VII.
Pràctiques religioses i devocionals en espais assistencials durant la baixa Edat Mitjana: curar-se amb Crist i altres maneres de consolar l’ànima
Authors: Gracià Castejón Helena
Published: February 2025

Si bé és evident la influència dels valors cristians en la configuració de les institucions assistencials, així com la coexistència de pràctiques sanitàries i religioses, cal reconèixer que sovint s’ha relegat a un segon pla l’estudi d’aquestes darreres. Partint de la base que, en un context de malaltia física, la cura de l’esperit a través de la devoció pot ésser considerada com un remei per afrontar la mort, aquest article vol donar una visió global de les diferents maneres que les persones convalescents tenien de rebre assistència espiritual en els hospitals medievals, utilitzant un ventall ampli de testimonis.Arran de la valorització epistemològica de la percepció sensorial i la creença que el pacient havia d’implicar-se activament en el procés de guarició, la visualització d’imatges devocionals i el fet d’oir els oficis litúrgics hi jugaren un rol essencial. A fi de comprendre la virtut terapèutica d’aquestes activitats i dels objectes involucrats, s’ha plantejat l’estudi des de dues perspectives diferents: en primer lloc, s’analitza a través d’ordinacions com les administracions hospitalàries gestionaven l’àmbit oficial dels serveis espirituals que oferien; en segon lloc, es tracta la relació entre l’aparat artístic desplegat en un hospital i l’estimulació visual de la devotio.
Quantifying infectious disease epidemic risks: A practical approach for seasonal pathogens
Authors: Kaye Alexander R , Guzzetta Giorgio , Tildesley Michael J , Thompson Robin N
Published: February 2025

For many infectious diseases, the risk of outbreaks varies seasonally. If a pathogen is usually absent from a host population, a key public health policy question is whether the pathogen’s arrival will initiate local transmission, which depends on the season in which arrival occurs. This question can be addressed by estimating the “probability of a major outbreak” (the probability that introduced cases will initiate sustained local transmission). A standard approach for inferring this probability exists for seasonal pathogens (involving calculating the Case Epidemic Risk; CER) based on the mathematical theory of branching processes. Under that theory, the probability of pathogen extinction is estimated, neglecting depletion of susceptible individuals. The CER is then one minus the extinction probability. However, as we show, if transmission cannot occur for long periods of the year (e.g., over winter or over summer), the pathogen will most likely go extinct, leading to a CER that is equal (or very close) to zero even if seasonal outbreaks can occur. This renders the CER uninformative in those scenarios. We therefore devise an alternative approach for inferring outbreak risks for seasonal pathogens (involving calculating the Threshold Epidemic Risk; TER). Estimation of the TER involves calculating the probability that introduced cases will initiate a local outbreak in which a threshold number of cumulative infections is exceeded before outbreak extinction. For simple seasonal epidemic models, such as the stochastic Susceptible-Infectious-Removed model, the TER can be calculated numerically (without model simulations). For more complex models, such as stochastic host-vector models, the TER can be estimated using model simulations. We demonstrate the application of our approach by considering chikungunya virus in northern Italy as a case study. In that context, transmission is most likely in summer, when environmental conditions promote vector abundance. We show that the TER provides more useful assessments of outbreak risks than the CER, enabling practically relevant risk quantification for seasonal pathogens.
Compression-enabled interpretability of voxelwise encoding models
Authors: Kamali Fatemeh , Suratgar Amir Abolfazl , Menhaj Mohammadbagher , Abbasi-Asl Reza
Published: February 2025

Voxelwise encoding models based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are widely used as predictive models of brain activity evoked by natural movies. Despite their superior predictive performance, the huge number of parameters in CNN-based models have made them difficult to interpret. Here, we investigate whether model compression can build more interpretable and more stable CNN-based voxelwise models while maintaining accuracy. We used multiple compression techniques to prune less important CNN filters and connections, a receptive field compression method to select receptive fields with optimal center and size, and principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality. We demonstrate that the model compression improves the accuracy of identifying visual stimuli in a hold-out test set. Additionally, compressed models offer a more stable interpretation of voxelwise pattern selectivity than uncompressed models. Finally, the receptive field-compressed models reveal that the optimal model-based population receptive fields become larger and more centralized along the ventral visual pathway. Overall, our findings support using model compression to build more interpretable voxelwise models.
Temporal trends in the incidence and case severity of COVID-19 cases among the Syrian refugees in Azraq camp in Jordan: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Zghool Ahmad Waleed , Alrawashdeh Ahmad , Alkhatib Zaid I. , Nasser Sara A. , Kostandova Natalya , Perera Shiromi M. , Alsulaiman Jomana W. , Khassawneh Adi H. , Al-Mistarehi Abdel-Hameed W. , Abu-Shanab Amer , Kheirallah Khalid A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Azraq Syrian refugee camp, located in Jordan, is where the challenges of managing the COVID-19 epidemic meet the vulnerabilities of displaced people. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of COVID-19 among Azraq camp residents.

Methods

COVID-19 data from Azraq camp were collected by International Medical Corps clinics and analyzed retrospectively from August 1, 2020, to August 31, 2022. Data included demographics, risk factors, testing history, contact tracing, and vaccination profiles. We estimated COVID-19 incidence and analyzed risk factors using Poisson and multilevel logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2,468 confirmed COVID-19 cases were identified, with a prevalence of 5.6 per 100 residents. The camp’s monthly incidence rate was more than 50% lower than the national rate, with a 1.7% monthly decrease. Females had a higher incidence than males (6.4% vs. 4.9%, p < 0.001), while the elderly bore the greatest disease burden. Home-based isolation was the main strategy, except during the second wave. Vaccination coverage reached 31.6%, primarily with Pfizer (49.8%). Symptomatic cases made up 44.0% of confirmed cases, with 10.4% requiring hospitalization. Factors independently associated with hospitalization included age, comorbidity, and vaccination status.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for robust surveillance, targeted healthcare interventions, equitable resource allocation, and vaccination campaigns to manage COVID-19 and future epidemics in refugee camps.
The impact of digital industry development on regional economic resilience: Evidence from China
Authors: Tian Sui , He Yiran
Published: February 2025

With the outbreak of the global public health crisis in 2019, enhancing the resilience of regional economies has become the current focal point. Existing studies have mostly focused on the region itself, lacking exploration of regional economic resilience from the aspects of dynamics, multiple perspectives, and multidimensional integration. At the same time, the digital industry, as an emerging sector, should not only consider its impact on economic development itself, but also focus on whether it can continuously and effectively enhance the level of regional economic resilience, in order to cope with crises that may arise at any time. Therefore, through empirical methods, we conducted a detailed study of the spatial correlation and internal driving factors between the digital industry and regional economic resilience, aiming to build a more valuable theoretical framework based on existing research findings and explore a regional resilience development strategy centered around the digital industry. This paper, combining conclusions and methods from existing literature, attempts to expand the definition of regional economic resilience, evaluation index system, and the relationship with the digital industry from the perspective of evolutionary economic geography. This article empirically examines data from 30 provinces in China from 2014 to 2022 (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan due to lack of data). Firstly, this paper employs a two-way fixed effects model to examine the direct relationship between digital industry development and regional economic resilience. The research results indicate that the development of the digital industry can effectively enhance regional economic resilience. Secondly, the role of spatial location, as an important aspect of evolutionary economic geography, is also considered in this paper. The spatial Durbin model is used to discover spatial spillover effects of digital industry development on regional economic resilience under different spatial location relationships. Finally, this paper considers environmental regulations as a threshold variable to study the impact of the digital industry on regional economic resilience under different levels of environmental regulation. The results indicate that when the degree of environmental regulation is less than 0.0011, the digital industry can more effectively empower the enhancement of regional economic resilience levels. In conclusion, this paper finds that while emphasizing the role of the digital industry in the resilient development of regional economies, it is also essential to promote regional cooperation for mutual benefit and win-win results. This will accelerate the transformation of digital enterprises, optimize industrial structures, and achieve green development.
Sodium propionate decreases implant-induced foreign body response in mice
Authors: do Carmo Deivenita Juliana Alves Carvalho , Lazari Marcela Guimarães Takahashi , dos Santos Letícia Cristine Cardoso , Costa Pedro Augusto Carvalho , Jesus Itamar Couto Guedes , Guatimosim Silvia , Guimaraes Pedro Pires Goulart , Andrade Silvia Passos , Campos Paula Peixoto
Published: February 2025

The short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) propionate, beyond its actions on the intestine, has been able to lower inflammation and modulate angiogenesis and fibrogenesis in pathological conditions in experimental animal models. Its effects on foreign body reaction (FBR), an abnormal healing process induced by implantation of medical devices, have not been investigated. We have evaluated the effects of sodium propionate (SP) on inflammation, neovascularization and remodeling on a murine model of implant-induced FBR. Polyether-polyurethane sponge discs implanted subcutaneously in C57BL/6 mice provided the scaffold for the formation of the fibrovascular tissue. Fifteen-day old implants of the treated group (SP, 100 mg/kg for 14 days) presented a decrease in the inflammatory response as evaluated by cellular influx (flow cytometry; Neutrophils 54%; Lymphocytes 25%, Macrophages 40%). Myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α levels and mast cell number were also lower in the treated group relative to the control group. Angiogenesis was evaluated by blood vessel number and VEGF levels, which were downregulated by the treatment. Moreover, the number of foreign body giant cells HE (FBGC) and the thickness of the collagenous capsule were reduced by 58% and 34%, respectively. Collagen deposition inside the implant, TGF-β1 levels, α-SMA and TGF-β1 expression were also reduced. These effects may indicate that SP holds potential as a therapeutic agent for attenuating adverse remodeling processes associated with implantable devices, expanding its applications in biomedical contexts.
Structures of two lyssavirus glycoproteins trapped in pre- and post-fusion states and the implications on the spatial-temporal conformational transition along with pH-decrease
Authors: Yang Fanli , Lin Sheng , Yuan Xin , Shu Siqi , Yu Yueru , Yang Jing , Ye Fei , Chen Zimin , He Bin , Li Jian , Zhao Qi , Ye Haoyu , Cao Yu , Lu Guangwen
Published: February 2025

Lyssavirus glycoprotein plays a crucial role in mediating virus entry and serves as the major target for neutralizing antibodies. During membrane fusion, the lyssavirus glycoprotein undergoes a series of low-pH-induced conformational transitions. Here, we report the structures of Ikoma lyssavirus and Mokola lyssavirus glycoproteins, with which we believe that we have trapped the proteins in pre-fusion and post-fusion states respectively. By analyzing the available lyssaviral glycoprotein structures, we present a sequential conformation-transition model, in which two structural elements in the glycoprotein undergo fine-modulated secondary structural transitions, changing the glycoprotein from a bended hairpin conformation to an extended linear conformation. In addition, such conformational change is further facilitated, as observed in our surface plasmon resonance assay, by the pH-regulated interactions between the membrane-proximal region and the pleckstrin homology and the fusion domains. The structural features elucidated in this study will facilitate the design of vaccines and anti-viral drugs against lyssaviruses.
The Representation of American Culture in EFL Textbooks in Hungary
Authors: Bálint Dorina
Published: February 2025

In today’s globalized world, it is gradually becoming more and more important to learn languages. In order to do that effectively, teachers and students need appropriate materials, tools and teaching aids to achieve their language learning goals. That is why textbook analysis has gained more and more importance throughout the past years, textbooks being among the most important teaching and learning aids. It is common knowledge that students are more inclined to acquire a foreign language if they are exposed to materials which interest them. The topics that pupils usually find interesting are cinema, technology, and culture. That is why this paper aims at analysing the various types of American cultural representation in two textbook series that are commonly used in Hungarian schools: the English File and the Pioneer series. They are analyzed in terms of vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension from the perspective of American cultural representation. The findings are the following: although one way or another both series include certain elements of American culture, texts and tasks – in terms of vocabulary and syntax – tend to stay neutral, utilizing vocabulary that may represent all English standard varieties at once. It suggests a lack of cultural diversity, which is a serious shortcoming in terms of pluricentricity, but can be interpreted as an advantage in terms of contextual and grammatical coherence.