bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limits of the adivasi category: Critical notes on writing the ‘indigenous’ in India
Authors: Nixon Ngoru
Published: January 2025

The recent writings on the communities and peoples hitherto known as ‘tribe’ or categorised under the constitutional-legal nomenclature of ‘Scheduled Tribe’ in India have witnessed a stride towards inaugurating a new scholarship and the concomitant envisioning of a distinctive field of study by way of privileging the category of ‘adivasi’ over the colonial nomenclature of ‘tribe’. As much as these academic/intellectual endeavours are projected as ‘disruptive’ enterprises which foreground the political alterity of the peoples in question, they tend to be beset with haphazard invocations and use contending categories such as tribes, adivasis and indigenous peoples without conceptual clarity. If the category of tribe is considered problematic due to its provenance in the colonial ideological scheme, the disentangling of the category of adivasi from its provincial mooring in the region of Central India in order to be articulated as a universal category encompassing highly discrete groups of peoples in India hitherto known as tribes is no less problematic. In grappling with these methodological and conceptual issues, the objective of this article is constitutive of a genealogical and deconstructive undertaking to underline the limits of the putative universality of the adivasi category. The article further argues that any attempt to conceive of a common epistemological grounding must reflexively engage with the usage of the category emanating from the subjects inhabiting different geographies and denoted by multiple historical and political imaginaries.
Trajectory tracking control of quadrotor UAV with uncertainties and actuator saturation: An event driven approach
Authors: Pal Madhumita , Mondal Sanjoy , Basu Arnab
Published: January 2025

This article presents an event driven mechanism in order to develop an altitude and attitude tracking controller for quadrotor type unmanned aerial vehicles (QUAV) with model uncertainties, disturbances and actuator saturation. A compensation system is introduced and implemented in order to overcome the input constraints and simplify the controller design process. Then, a nonsingular terminal sliding surface is defined to achieve finite time reaching to the desired trajectories in presence of unknown disturbances and uncertainties and motor angular speed limit. Additionally in order to avoid frequent periodic control signal transmission, event based triggering mechanism is implemented for the designed Terminal Sliding Mode Control (TSMC) law. The Lyapunov technique ensures tracking of the desired dynamics in finite time in case of event based TSMC implementation. It has been demonstrated that a positive lower constraint exists for the inter-sample time in order to prevent Zeno behavior. The efficiency of the control scheme is investigated using numerical simulations for quadrotor system. Simulation results show that the suggested control scheme ensure finite time trajectory tracking performance with less control update thus minimizing resource usage.
From Values to Codes: A computational text analysis of the codification of occupational ethics
Authors: Santana Jessica J. , Kim Seonghoon
Published: January 2025

The institutionalization of occupations tends to assume homogenization of occupational values. This study addresses the question of how members of an occupation with dissenting preferences reach consensus on a code of ethics. We build on prior theorization of occupational institutionalization and institutional discourse to theorize ethical codification as a dynamic discursive process of internal dissent and consensus culminating in a professional code of ethics. We use email data from the IEEE-ACM Software Engineering Ethics and Professional Practice Committee tasked with producing the 1997 Software Engineering Code of Ethics to show how ethical codification follows a process of initial competition followed by semantic convergence. This study demonstrates how natural language processing and semantic network analysis can contribute to discourse analyses of institutional processes.
Soil and Organization Studies: Unearthing a ‘more-than-relational’ ethics towards non-humans
Authors: Sage Daniel
Published: January 2025

Soil is being refigured across academia and society at large as a significant and lively yet fragile actor. Caring closely for soil appears increasingly vital to organizing sustainable and equitable economies, food systems and urban development. Soil is becoming a touchstone for a relational ethics of careful organizing with Earth’s non-human inhabitants, also encompassing animals, oceans and atmospheres. In this essay-style article I think with soil to problematize this wider relational ethics. My critique starts by explaining how soil has become central to this relational ethics and then recognizes that soil often does not fit within human narratives of attentive care. I read such soil refusals as an earthly invitation to explore forms of soil organizing that develop moral arguments for profound detachments and exclusions from non-humans. Exploring two such examples – Indigenous farming and proposals for soilless food production – I elaborate an alternative ‘more-than-relational’ ethics. This is an approach to non-human ethics where sometimes non-humans, like soil, are never known at all or become known only to then be ignored. Such a more-than-relational ethics acknowledges that while attentive care is preferable to ethical approaches that exploit non-humans, it is not sufficient to organize a more sustainable, prosperous and equitable planet. Thinking with a more-than-relational ethics instead acknowledges the moral case for profound exclusions and detachments of non-humans that do not serve attentive care but can help multi-species flourishing in a time of planetary ecological crises. This novel approach to ethics contributes to organizational theory by radically problematizing prevailing scholarship valorizing ever closer knowledge of non-humans and their practices of organizing. Instead, scholars should also explore knowledges and practices, including Indigenous ones, that can help us detach from and ignore some non-humans.
Days of Future Past: The tradition–novelty paradox and the endurance of heritage crafts
Authors: Fetzer Gregory T.
Published: January 2025

Heritage crafts – craft occupations with storied histories that provide value through connection to tradition – can be surprisingly resilient, often re-emerging despite periods of decline. However, this endurance is neither simple nor automatic and can seem puzzling in the face of modernizing forces, such as advancing technology. Using a paradox lens, I suggest that craftspeople’s responses to the tension between novelty and tradition are key to the endurance of heritage craft over time. Although the existing literature has begun to explore these tensions, we have lacked an overarching theoretical framework to explain how heritage crafts can overcome cycles of decline and resurgence. I present a conceptual framework for understanding how craft workers can effectively navigate tradition–novelty tensions, creating virtuous cycles which enable growth. I outline three strategies – preserving, segmenting and synthesizing – which are influenced by a variety of enabling factors (e.g. individual characteristics, environmental factors). Additionally, I theorize three factors – revaluing heritage, developing reputation and exposure to new domains – which dynamically shape how craftspeople move between strategies over time. My framework builds theory around the endurance of craft over time, stability and change in tradition, and creativity in highly traditional occupations.
Myelin Methods: A Mini-Review
Authors: Bolon Brad , Moser Amber , Chlipala Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is a suitable approach for detecting substantial structural changes in neural tissues but is less sensitive for identifying subtle alterations to subcellular structures and various chemical constituents, including myelin. Neurohistological methods to better evaluate myelin integrity by light microscopy include acidophilic dyes (eg, eriochrome cyanine R, toluidine blue [used with hard plastic sections]); lipoprotein-binding dyes (eg, Luxol fast blue [LFB], Weil’s iron hematoxylin); lipid impregnation with metals (eg, Marchi’s, which uses osmium tetroxide for en bloc staining before embedding); and immunohistochemical (IHC) methods to highlight various antigens (eg, myelin basic protein [MBP] and peripheral myelin protein 22 [PMP22]). Some IHC methods reveal enhanced marker expression in damaged myelin (eg, matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP9], S100). In neuropathology investigations, H&E is the first-tier screening method, whereas myelin stains (often LFB alone or in combination with dyes that highlight other structural elements) are second-tier procedures performed in combination with other neurohistological procedures to examine neuroaxonal injury and/or glial responses. The choice of myelin method depends on such considerations as cost, institutional preference, the procedure (fixation and embedding medium), and the study objective.
Set up to fail: Explaining systemic problems in the business model of in-home aged care
Authors: Lewis Rachael L , McAllister Gillian , Brown David A , Rawlings-Way Olivia , Sutton Nicole C , McEwen Celina , Parker Deborah , Ma Nelson
Published: January 2025

We seek to explain the role of external environmental constraints in embedding systemic problems within a dominant industry business model. Using qualitative data from the 2019–2021 Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, we show how three sector-wide constraints – channel constraints, revenue constraints and resource constraints – impinge on the business model for in-home aged care services, creating direct, first-order effects by embedding systemic problems directly within business model components. We also explain how second-order effects occur through interdependencies with other business model components. We discuss the consequences of our findings for value creation and value capture, and the implications for the delivery of quality care to older people. Through this analysis, we also contribute to the business models literature by extending our understanding of the impact of external factors on business model performance, innovation and managerial choice.

JEL Classification: L2 - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior, M4 - Accounting and Auditing, I11 - Analysis of Health Care Markets.
The Century Series: Pioneers John Flynn and the Psychological Effects of Lighting
Authors: Murdoch Joseph B. , Caughey Carol C.
Published: January 2025

The former Penn State and Kent State professor was ahead of his time in recognizing that lighting design should encompass not just task illuminance, but the occupant's perception of the entire room
Lighting is the Message Here
Authors: Kay Gregory
Published: January 2025

Design team touches a responsive cord
User Procures A Performance Lighting System
Authors: Gill Patrick
Published: January 2025

Design, specification, and installation at Cornell Center for Theatre Arts
Electronic Ballasts Improve Fluorescent Lamp Performance
Authors: Christiansen Bob
Published: January 2025

Office costs are reduced, and residences, too
Nor Gloom of Night
Authors: Dilks Martin
Published: January 2025

Lighting converts warehouse to workroom
Increasing incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium is driven by people living with HIV and PrEP users
Authors: Rossotti Roberto , Nava Alice , D’Amico Federico , Baiguera Chiara , Fanti Diana , Inglese Elvira , Raimondi Alessandro , Bana Nicholas Brian , Spelzini Federico , Bini Maurizio , Vismara Chiara , Puoti Massimo
Published: January 2025

Background

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is responsible for non-gonococcal urethritis. Our aim is to describe MG positivity rate and incidence in specific populations.

Methods

Retrospective, surveillance study included all samples collected from 2018 to 2022. All samples were tested with Anyplex II STI7 (Seegene). Incidence rate (IR) was calculated, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were assessed using Poisson regression model.

Results

The study included 13,504 samples belonging to 7,692 individuals. Overall positivity rate was 2.9% (95%CI 2.6–3.2). Subgroups showed significant differences: 13.6% in PrEP users, 5.2% in STI clinic, 4.6% in people living with HIV (PLWH), 1.2% in Gynecology/Obstetrics Department, 0.5% in Fertility clinic, and 0.5% in the “Other” group ( p < .001). A significant increasing temporal trend was registered for PLWH. Over a cumulative follow up of 2,554 years, 293 incident infections were registered with an IR of 11.5 per 100PYFU. Departments showed diverse IRs: 7.9 per 100PYFU for PLWH, 30.1 per 100PYFU for PrEP users, 22.7 per 100PYFU for STI clinic. Poisson regression model found a significant increase in incident rates over time in the overall study population driven by PLWH and PrEP users.

Conclusions

MG is uncommon in the general population with stable trends, while PLWH and PrEP users exhibit increasing positivity rate and incidence.
A contaminated regression model for count health data
Authors: Otto Arnoldus F , Ferreira Johannes T , Tomarchio Salvatore Daniele , Bekker Andriëtte , Punzo Antonio
Published: January 2025

In medical and health research, investigators are often interested in countable quantities such as hospital length of stay (e.g., in days) or the number of doctor visits. Poisson regression is commonly used to model such count data, but this approach can’t accommodate overdispersion—when the variance exceeds the mean. To address this issue, the negative binomial (NB) distribution (NB-D) and, by extension, NB regression provide a well-documented alternative. However, real-data applications present additional challenges that must be considered. Two such challenges are (i) the presence of (mild) outliers that can influence the performance of the NB-D and (ii) the availability of covariates that can enhance inference about the mean of the count variable of interest. To jointly address these issues, we propose the contaminated NB (cNB) distribution that exhibits the necessary flexibility to accommodate mild outliers. This model is shown to be simple and intuitive in interpretation. In addition to the parameters of the NB-D, our proposed model has a parameter describing the proportion of mild outliers and one specifying the degree of contamination. To allow available covariates to improve the estimation of the mean of the cNB distribution, we propose the cNB regression model. An expectation-maximization algorithm is outlined for parameter estimation, and its performance is evaluated through a parameter recovery study. The effectiveness of our model is demonstrated via a sensitivity analysis and on two health datasets, where it outperforms well-known count models. The methodology proposed is implemented in an R package which is available at https://github.com/arnootto/cNB .
Outcomes of Osteosynthesis of Os Subfibulare for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability With Large Os Subfibulare
Authors: Yoon Yeo Kwon , Park Kwang Hwan , Shim Dong Woo , Lee Wonwoo , Yoon Yong Hyun , Han Seung Hwan , Lee Jin Woo
Published: January 2025

Background:

Os subfibulare (OS) is commonly found in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). When performing lateral ligament reconstruction for CLAI, excision of a large OS can cause substantial lateral ligament defects making anatomic repair challenging. This study analyzed clinical and radiologic outcomes among patients who underwent osteosynthesis of the OS for chronic lateral ankle instability and a large OS.

Methods:

28 ankles with CLAI and a large OS (≥10 mm) that underwent osteosynthesis of the OS between June 2007 and July 2021 were included in the study and followed for ≥24 months. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Karlsson-Peterson ankle score, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey–36 physical component summary (SF-36 PCS), talar tilt angle, and anterior displacement of the talus were used to assess clinical and radiologic outcomes. All reoperations and complications were also evaluated.

Results:

The mean OS size was 15.4 mm (range, 12.2-21.0 mm). The mean follow-up period was 78.9 months (range, 24.0-177.0 months). Mean VAS score, Karlsson-Peterson ankle score, SF-36 PCS, talar tilt angle, and anterior displacement of the talus all improved significantly, from preoperative values of 5.3 ± 1.8, 38.4 ± 10.6, 45.6 ± 10.8 points, 11.1 ± 5.7 degrees, and 7.3 ± 1.9 mm, to 0.9 ± 1.4, 88.7 ± 12.6, 80.2 ± 12.3 points, 3.9 ± 2.0 degrees, and 4.8 ± 1.3 mm, respectively, by the last follow-up. The overall complication rate was 10.7% (3 ankles); the reoperation rate was 7.1% (2 ankles).

Conclusion:

Osteosynthesis of the OS produced satisfactory outcomes in patients with CLAI and a large OS. This method may be a viable surgical option for patients with this condition.
How does the metaverse tourism experience form tourists’ happiness: A mixed- methods study
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Guo Rui
Published: January 2025

Based on embodied cognition theory, this study employs a mixed-method approach of grounded theory and fsQCA and analyzes the influencing factors and configurational paths for tourists’ happiness in metaverse tourism. The results indicate that in metaverse tourism, tourists’ happiness is influenced by the three dimensions of body, perception and context. The body dimension includes factors such as body fatigue, the perception dimension includes factors like immersion and the context dimension includes factors such as gamification. No single factor alone can generate happiness for metaverse tourists; it is the result of a combination of various factors. A cross-national comparison reveals 20 sufficient configurational paths explaining the formation of happiness for Chinese and American tourists, with differences in paths attributed to social and cultural variances. The research findings not only broaden the perspective of metaverse tourism studies but also provide practical references for companies in constructing metaverse tourism spaces.
Putting an Ethics Training Program Online: It May Be More Complicated Than We Think
Authors: Stenmark Cheryl K.
Published: January 2025

This project evaluated the online implementation of a Responsible Conduct of Research/Professional Ethics Training for graduate students. The program was offered as a video-streamed remote, real-time training with an in-person option. Effectiveness of the remote program was evaluated using multiple measures: perceptions of ethical dilemmas, ethical decision-making, and reactions to the training. Pre-post training comparisons indicated participants’ scores were lower after training on some outcomes. Results comparing training modalities suggest post-training reductions in scores were largely driven by remote participants. In-person participants performed significantly better on several measures compared to remote participants. All participants had favorable reactions to the program. Results suggest that putting an ethics training online may require an innovative approach to program development, better planning and preparation by the training institution, and more research, to determine the most effective way to proceed.
Appropriate tourniquet use in surgery: A literature review
Authors: Fay Darcy , Fay Tayla , Hoskins Wayne , Bingham Roger
Published: January 2025

Background:

Tourniquet use is ubiquitous in the operating theatre. However, optimal tourniquet usage is unclear, including type, pressure, inflation time, or whether a tourniquet should be used at all. This study reports a literature review of tourniquet use, comparing type, pressure, duration, effectiveness, and the spectrum of complications in an adult surgical population.

Results:

Data regarding population size, surgery performed, tourniquet type, tourniquet location, total tourniquet inflation time, timing of inflation and deflation, pressure, and complications were recorded. Postoperative tourniquet-related pain was the commonest adverse event. Other complications included venous thromboembolism, wound healing issues, neuropathy, and abrasions. Findings suggest that most surgeons use standardised pressures.

Conclusion:

Tourniquets are associated with a spectrum of complications. It is unclear whether tourniquet use provides better surgical outcomes. If tourniquets are used, surgeons should minimise the application pressure and duration. This may be achieved through a patient-centred approach and careful use of padding.
What changes with machine learning, large language models, generative AI, and ChatGPT in search and discovery? EVERYTHING!
Authors: Kotula Heather
Published: January 2025

This paper provides a primer on the necessary basics of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system and how some of the systems approach certain methodologies. It also stresses data quality as input to AI systems and shows examples of some criteria of which to be aware when training an AI algorithm, such as the system keying in on anomalous parameters, loopholes in the logic when designing the system, and the origin of data sources.
Marching into the Leadership Pipeline: Gender, College Type, and ROTC Participation
Authors: Letzler Robert , Janoska-Bedi Signe , Penner Andrew
Published: January 2025

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is the largest single source of military officers in the United States and a major pipeline for Americans to enter military leadership. Although ROTC offers fairly standardized scholarships, curricula, and career paths, the gender composition of ROTC cadets varies substantially across the 323 four-year host campuses. Nine of the 10 ROTC campuses that have the highest percentages of women among their graduating ROTC officers are at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. By contrast, the vast majority of officers graduating from ROTC at senior military colleges such as the Citadel are men.
Optimized extraction and kinetic study of cholesterol oxidase from a newly isolated Escherichia fergusonii strain from local whey samples: insights through a combined experimental study and artificial neural network modeling
Authors: Khataee Simin , Dehghan Gholamreza , Rashtbari Samaneh , Marefat Arezu , Jamei Sina , Farzi-Khajeh Hamed
Published: January 2025

Background

Microbial cholesterol oxidase (ChoX) has wide clinical and industrial applications; therefore, many efforts are being made to identify promising sources. This study aimed to isolate a novel ChoX-producing bacterial strain from whey samples.

Results

The most efficient strain was selected based on extracellular ChoX-producing ability and characterized as Escherichia fergusonii (E. fergusonii) through molecular and biochemical analysis. The maximum production of ChoX was obtained at the optimum condition of 48 h of incubation under shaking conditions (130 rpm) at 35 °C in a basal medium adjusted to pH 6.5, including 1.4 g/L cholesterol as a sole carbon. The crude product was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and followed by ion exchange chromatography utilizing Q-Sepharose, resulting in 5.35-fold and 13.86-fold purification, respectively, with a final specific activity of 15.8 U/mg. Additionally, molecular weight was determined by SDS-PAGE to be 49.0 kDa. The optimum conditions required for the higher cholesterol decomposition ability of purified ChoX were suggested to be 30 °C and pH 7.5 in the presence of MgSo4 with a K

m
value of 0.71 mM. However, other case studies of metal ions showed an unfavorable effect on enzymatic performance. The enzyme retained almost 72.0% of its initial activity after 80 days of storage at 4 °C. Furthermore, the ChoX enzyme revealed acceptable stability at a pH value of 6.5 to 8.5, maintaining its initial activity of more than 50.0%. Finally, an artificial neural network (ANN) was designed to predict the most effective factor in the fermentation process for enzyme production and the purified ChoX activity.

Conclusions

Considering the properties of the extracted enzyme from E. fergusonii, it would be regarded as a potential ChoX source for commercial applications.
Exercise interventions to improve bone mineral density in athletes participating in low-impact sports: a scoping review
Authors: Florvåg Anders Gulbrandsen , Berg Øyvind Angelshaug , Røksund Ola Drange , Jorem Gøril Tvedten , Bogen Bård Erik
Published: January 2025

Background

Athletes participating in low-impact sports such as cycling and swimming are at increased risk for low bone mineral density, which may lead to long-term health issues. Exercise is known to increase bone mineral density, but there is little knowledge of the effects of this in athletes participating in low-impact sports. This review aims to identify potential exercise interventions that could improve bone health in these athletes.

Methods

There appears to be little research on this topic, and we addressed the research question using a scoping review to get a broad overview of the research literature. The scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of Arksey and O´Malley. A literature search was conducted May 2024 in SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cinahl, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template was used to evaluate the reporting of the exercise intervention(s).

Results

A total of 2528 studies were screened and assessed for eligibility. Five studies met the inclusion criteria reporting results of exercise interventions on bone mineral density in cyclists and swimmers. Different designs were applied, and study populations varied. Five populations were explored; one cohort of adolescent swimmers (both sexes), one cohort of female Olympic artistic swimmers, one cohort of elite road cyclists (both sexes), one cohort of male competitive amateur cyclists, and one cohort of trained to well-trained cyclists (both sexes).

Conclusion

This scoping review found that resistance training, plyometric exercises, whole-body vibration, and a combined jumping exercise with collagen supplementation show promising results in improving bone mineral density in athletes participating in cycling and swimming. However, there is limited evidence due to few identified studies, with varying study designs and inconsistent exercise reporting, highlighting the need of further research to better understand how different training approaches can improve bone health in these athletes.
Strengths use and thriving at work among nurses: a latent profile and mediation analysis
Authors: Wu Jing , Shen Zhenrong , Ouyang Zidan , Xiang Yuxuan , Ding Ru , Liao Yuan , Chen Li
Published: January 2025

Background

The ability to thrive at work has been demonstrated to be closely linked to the development of nurses.Effective utilization of strengths and maintaining hope are essential elements for clinical nurses’ ability to flourish in their roles. Nevertheless, the relationship between strengths use, hope, and thriving at work remains underexplored. This study aimed to identify distinct subgroups of clinical nurses based on their strengths use and to examine the mediating effect of hope between strengths use and thriving at work. The findings are intended to inform clinical managers on strategies to enhance nurses’ work performance and care quality.

Methods

A convenience sample of 568 clinical nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, was recruited between January and March 2024. The survey collected sociodemographic data and included the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale, Strengths Use Scale, and Thriving at Work Scale. Potential categories of nurse strengths use characteristics were identified using potential profile analysis, and potential relationships between variables were determined using Pearson correlation analysis, Bayesian factor robustness analyses, and Mediation analysis.

Results

LPA identified three distinct groups based on strengths use: low (30.8%), moderate (64.9%), and high (13.2%).The significant mediating effect of hope in the relationship between strengths use based on latent profile analysis and thriving at work was observed (SE = 0.61,95%CI = -10.01, -7.62; SE = 0.76,95%CI = -18.91, -15.91, respectively).

Conclusions

There exists heterogeneity in nurses’ strengths use. Hope plays a significant role in mediating the relationship between strengths use and thriving at work. It is recommended that nursing administrators or leaders pay attention to differences in individual levels of strengths use, encourage strengths-based practices and design interventions that foster hope, thereby promoting greater thriving in their professional roles.
From physical activity patterns to cognitive status: development and validation of novel digital biomarkers for cognitive assessment in older adults
Authors: Fan Ling-Jie , Wang Feng-Yi , Zhao Jun-Han , Zhang Jun-Jie , Li Yang-An , Tang Jia , Lin Tao , Wei Quan
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aims to investigate the associations between signal-level physical activity (PA) features derived from wrist accelerometry data and cognitive status in older adults, and to evaluate their potential predictive value when combined with demographics.

Methods

We analyzed PA data from 3,363 older adults (NHATS: n = 747; NHANES: n = 2,616), with each participant contributing a complete 3-day continuous activity sequence. We extracted the most relevant PA features associated with cognitive function using feature engineering and recursive feature elimination. Demographic characteristics were also incorporated, and multimodal data fusion was achieved through canonical correlation analysis. We then developed explainable machine learning models, primarily random forest, optimized with hyperparameters, to predict individual cognitive function status.

Results

Using recursive feature elimination, we identified the top 20 PA features from each dataset and combined them with demographic features for modeling. The models achieved AUCs of 0.84 and 0.80 for NHATS and NHANES. Change quantiles and FFT coefficients emerged as the consistently top-ranked PA features across datasets, ranking 1st and 2nd respectively in their predictive importance for cognitive function. Models based on the top 10 PA features common to both datasets, along with demographic features, achieved AUCs above 0.8.

Conclusions

This study identifies novel time-frequency domain features of physical activity that show robust associations with cognitive status across two independent cohorts. These features, particularly those capturing activity variability and rhythmicity, provide complementary information beyond traditional cumulative PA measures. Based on these findings, we developed a proof-of-concept application that demonstrates the feasibility of translating these PA analytics into practical monitoring tools in real-world settings.
A genomic strategy for precision medicine in rare diseases: integrating customized algorithms into clinical practice
Authors: Méndez-Vidal Cristina , Bravo-Gil Nereida , Pérez-Florido Javier , Marcos-Luque Irene , Fernández Raquel M. , Fernández-Rueda José Luis , González-del Pozo María , Martín-Sánchez Marta , Fernández-Suárez Elena , Mena Marcela , Carmona Rosario , Dopazo Joaquín , Borrego Salud , Antiñolo Guillermo
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite the use of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) as the gold standard for the diagnosis of rare diseases, its clinical implementation has been challenging, limiting the cost-effectiveness of NGS and the understanding, control and safety essential for decision-making in clinical applications. Here, we describe a personalized NGS-based strategy integrating precision medicine into a public healthcare system and its implementation in the routine diagnosis process during a five-year pilot program.

Methods

Our approach involved customized probe designs, the generation of virtual panels and the development of a personalized medicine module (PMM) for variant prioritization. This strategy was applied to 6500 individuals including 6267 index patients and 233 NGS-based carrier screenings.

Results

Causative variants were identified in 2061 index patients (average 32.9%, ranging from 12 to 62% by condition). Also, 131 autosomal-recessive cases could be partially genetically diagnosed. These results led to over 5000 additional studies including carrier, prenatal and preimplantational tests or pharmacological and gene therapy treatments.

Conclusion

This strategy has shown promising improvements in the diagnostic rate, facilitating timely diagnosis and gradually expanding our services portfolio for rare diseases. The steps taken towards the integration of clinical and genomic data are opening new possibilities for conducting both retrospective and prospective healthcare studies. Overall, this study represents a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve our understanding and clinical management of rare diseases, a crucial area of medical research and care.
Experiences of sexual and reproductive health screening and counseling in the clinical setting among adolescents and young adults with rheumatic disease
Authors: Huynh Brittany , Ott Mary A. , Tarvin Stacey E.
Published: January 2025

Background

Our objective was to describe differences among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with rheumatic disease using teratogens compared to non-users in receipt of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) counseling, teratogenicity knowledge, perceived importance of SRH topics, and preferences around counseling.

Methods

AYAs ages 14–23 years and assigned female at birth were recruited from pediatric rheumatology clinics at a Midwest tertiary care program. Participants completed a one-time online survey assessing SRH.

Results

One-hundred eight participants completed the survey, representing a range of rheumatic diseases. 24% reported ever having sex. 36% used a teratogen. Rates of screening and counseling regarding SRH topics were low. Notably, pregnancy prevention and emergency contraception (EC) counseling by rheumatologists were uncommon and not associated with teratogen use or sexual activity. Among AYAs on teratogens, only half reported screening for sexual activity or counseling on teratogenicity or pregnancy prevention. Gaps in pregnancy prevention and EC counseling remained even when accounting for counseling by other providers. Knowledge of medication teratogenicity was also low. AYAs reported SRH topics of high importance, and many reported recent concerns. They preferred to receive information from their rheumatologist, and most agreed it is important to talk to their rheumatologist regarding these topics.

Conclusions

AYAs with rheumatic disease report low levels of SRH screening and counseling by their rheumatologist yet report these topics are important and want to discuss them. Gaps in teratogenicity knowledge were identified. This study identifies a need for improved communication with AYAs regarding their SRH.
Preliminary study assessing the long-term surgical outcomes of TBX6-associated congenital scoliosis (TACS) patients using the propensity score matching method: exploring the clinical implications of genetic discoveries in congenital scoliosis
Authors: Lin Guanfeng , Yang Yang , Chen Zefu , Zhao Sen , Niu Yuchen , Du You , Zhao Yiwei , Wang Shengru , Wu Nan , Zhang Jianguo
Published: January 2025

Background

Compound inheritance of TBX6 accounts for approximately 10% of sporadic congenital scoliosis (CS) cases. Such cases are called TBX6-associated congenital scoliosis (TACS). TACS has been reported to have certain common clinical phenotypes. However, whether the surgical outcomes of TACS patients differ from those of other CS patients remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively searched for patients who were diagnosed with scoliosis. TACS was identified in genetic testing for CS. After propensity score matching, patients with TACS were matched with patients with NTACS according to sex, age, main curvature, classification, deformity location, surgical methods, fusion segment and number of fusions. We evaluated and compared the coronal and sagittal radiographic parameters before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the final follow-up. Surgical information, including surgical method, fusion segment, blood loss and complications, was also compared and analyzed.

Results

Twenty-eight TACS patients were propensity score matched with 28 NTACS patients among 473 CS patients. The preoperative matching parameters mentioned in the Methods section were similar between the TACS group and the NTACS group. In the TACS group, the correction rate of the cranial compensatory curve (64.9 ± 18.6% vs. 51.2 ± 24.0%, P = 0.014) and the correction rate of the caudal compensatory curve (77.4 ± 12.5% vs. 65.4 ± 22.7%, P = 0.011) were significantly greater than those in the NTACS group, and the loss rate of correction of the cranial compensatory curve in the TACS group (0.6 ± 19.2% vs. 26.7 ± 50.8, P = 0.002) was significantly lower than that in the NTACS group. The total complication rate (7.2% vs. 14.3%) and incidence of adding-on (0 vs. 7.1%) were lower in the TACS group than in the NTACS group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of blood loss, revision rate, other correction parameters, balance parameters or incidence of complications.

Conclusions

TACS patients had better surgical outcomes than NTACS patients, which means that genetic diagnosis of the TBX6 gene mutation in CS before surgery can help predict better surgical outcomes. The specific genetic mechanism is not yet clear and may be related to the relatively normal development of paravertebral tissues in TACS patients. Further research is needed.

Level of evidence

Leve: III.
The antihypertensive efficacy of a quadruple single-pill combination in patients with resistant hypertension: study protocol for a randomized, open-label, crossover trial
Authors: Yao Yuanyuan , Zhang Xin , Ye Runyu , Jia Shanshan , Yang Xiangyu , Chen Xiaoping
Published: January 2025

Background

Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) despite treatment with at least three or more antihypertensive agents. Compelling evidence has shown that such a population has a greater risk of cardiovascular events as well as mortality. Although mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been shown to be an effective fourth-line treatment for RH, a significant proportion of RH patients do not achieve their blood pressure target. Compound reserpine and triamterene tablets, a traditional Chinese quadruple single-pill combination, have been proven to have good antihypertensive effects as well as safety, and are promising effective antihypertensive drugs for treating RH.

Methods

A randomized crossover clinical trial will be conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of compound reserpine and triamterene tablets treatment regimen (two tablets of olmesartan/amlodipine (OA) + one tablet of compound reserpine and triamterene tablets) with those of a standard treatment regimen (two tablets of OA + indapamide 2.5 mg + spironolactone 20 mg) in patients with RH. Forty patients will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to 2 crossover groups. The two groups will receive different combination therapies for 6 weeks and will then switch to the other combination therapy for 6 weeks, with a 4-week wash-out. The primary outcome will be the reduction in average 24-h systolic blood pressure after 6 weeks of intervention between the two groups.

Discussion

This study aimed to evaluate whether the compound reserpine and triamterene tablets treatment regimen (A + C + 0) results in a greater reduction in blood pressure in RH patients than the standard treatment regimen (A + C + D + spironolactone).

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400081878. Registered on March 14, 2024 (http://www.chictr.org.cn).
Baicalein inhibits PRRSV through direct binding, targeting EGFR, and enhancing immune response
Authors: Wu Jing , Lu Qi , Hou Jing , Qiu Yueqin , Tian Min , Wang Li , Gao Kaiguo , Yang Xuefen , Jiang Zongyong
Published: January 2025

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) presents significant economic challenges to the global pork industry due to its ability to mutate rapidly. The current commercial vaccines have limited effectiveness, and there are strict restrictions on the use of antiviral chemical drugs. Therefore, it is urgent to identify new strategies for preventing and controlling PRRSV infections. Baicalein, a flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, has gained attention for its potential antiviral properties. However, there is little information about the effects and mechanisms of baicalein in relation to PRRSV. In this study, a network pharmacology analysis identified seven potential targets of baicalein against PRRSV, with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) emerging as the core target. The results of molecular docking and dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed that baicalein has a high binding affinity for EGFR, with a measured value of − 7.935 kcal/mol. Additionally, both in vitro (EC50 = 10.20 μg/mL) and in vivo (2.41 mg/kg) experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of baicalein against PRRSV. Notably, baicalein was found to inhibit various stages of the PRRSV replication cycle and could directly bind to PRRSV in vitro. Baicalein inhibited the entry of PRRSV by blocking EGFR phosphorylation and the downstream PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This was confirmed by a decrease in the expression of p-EGFR/EGFR, p-AKT/AKT, PI3K, and SRC following treatment with baicalein. Additionally, baicalein significantly enhanced the immune response in piglets infected with PRRSV. In conclusion, this study suggests that baicalein may be a promising pharmaceutical candidate for preventing and controlling PRRS, offering new insights into the antiviral potential of Chinese herbal medicine.
On a modified Bernstein operators approximation method for computational solution of Volterra integral equation
Authors: Ansari Khursheed J. , Usta Fuat
Published: January 2025

The main feature of this paper is an application of the modified Bernstein operator in the approximate and numerical solution of integral equations. The stability of the algorithm is discussed in the context of errors resulting from the numerical approximation of Volterra integral equations. The mechanism of the proposed method is explained in detail, including its main features. Furthermore, a comparison with an alternative numerical technique is made, and the superiority of the proposed solution is shown. Numerical experiments are also performed to verify the validity of the proposed method and to assess its accuracy. Finally, several conclusions are drawn from the results of the numerical experiments. The proposed method provides a powerful and efficient tool for the approximate solution of Volterra integral equations, and its results are promising. The results obtained from this algorithm are useful in the numerical analysis of integral equations.
Providing appropriate health and social care for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment in the criminal justice system of England and Wales: a thematic analysis of prisoner and staff interview data
Authors: O’Neill Adam , Heathcote Leanne , Archer-Power Laura , Ware Stuart , Shaw Jenny , Senior Jane , Forsyth Katrina
Published: January 2025

Background

The number of older adults entering the criminal justice system is growing. Approximately 8% of older prisoners in England and Wales have suspected dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and experience difficulties in everyday functioning, and disruption to their daily life. At present, no specific dementia/MCI care pathway has been implemented that is applicable and appropriate for use across different prisons in England and Wales. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of older adults with dementia/MCI in prison, and a range of key stakeholders, around the day-to-day issues faced by people with dementia/MCI and prison, healthcare, and third sector staff regarding the delivery of support for individuals with dementia/MCI.

Methods

Thirty-two semi structured interviews were conducted with prison, local authority, and healthcare staff; peer supporters; third sector care providers; and individuals with dementia/MCI themselves, across five establishments, to provide multidimensional perspectives of dementia/MCI in criminal justice settings. The data obtained during interviews were thematically analysed.

Results

From the data, six key themes emerged: (I) ethical concerns around trial, sentencing and detainment for people with dementia/MCI; (II) An unforgiving prison system, providing physical and social environments incompatible with supporting individuals with dementia/MCI; (III) An unprepared workforce requiring training in dementia/MCI. (IV) A lack of collaboration leading to sub-optimum management of the support needs of people with dementia/MCI in prison; (V) Peer support ‘plugging the gap’; and (VI) staff ‘hands tied behind back’.

Conclusions

Results point towards a pressing need to develop more appropriate support systems for individuals with dementia/MCI throughout the criminal justice system. Ethical concerns around the judicial process for individuals with diminished cognitive capacity must be considered. Prison governors should examine ways to make the living environment more appropriate for these individuals, and a joined-up collaborative approach to health and social care should be adopted. Staff must be appropriately trained to support and identify individuals with dementia/MCI. Peer support schemes require formal evaluation, and training/oversight of these schemes should be comprehensive.
The clinical observation of none-promyelocytic AML patients inducted with idarubicin or daunorubicin included standard regimens: a tertiary care center experience
Authors: Xu Jianhui , Song Chaoyang , He Yanjie , Huang Rui , Tu Sanfang
Published: January 2025

Background

Few Chinese study compared the impacts of idarubicin and daunorubicin based “3+7” intensive chemotherapies on early and long-term outcomes of AML patients through exploring their real-world data.

Patients and methods

Our none promyelocytic AML patients inducted with “3+7” regimens were studied to find out the factors relating with induction response and long term survival.

Results

Idarubicin induction was related with less chemotherapy refractory rate comparing with daunorubicin induction (10% vs 25%, P = 0.02). But cytogenetic molecular risk classification was the only independent factor relating with achieving CR after initial induction or chemotherapy refractory (P = 0.000 and 0.036). Both to overall survival (OS) and progress free survival (PFS), having transplantation and chemotherapy refractory were independent factors related, MLL rearrangement and DNA methylating related genes’ mutations as well. CR at time of transplantation and MLL rearrangement were independent factors relating both with OS after transplantation and relapse free survival after transplantation.

Conclusion

Traditional “3+7” chemotherapy regimen with idarubicin plays better in CR induction than that with daunorubicin. But the patient’s long-term survival related with clinical practice aspects, like having stem cell transplantation, as well as genetic alterations equally, like MLL rearrangement and DNA methylating related genes’ mutations.