bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INF-γ/TGF-β1-primed umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells boost the T-lymphocytes activity: Modulation of CD25 expression and IL-6 secretion
Authors: Almaeen Abdulrahman H , Saad-Eldien Heba M , Gabr Hala
Published: February 2025

Background:

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have potent immunomodulatory abilities, particularly in a milieu of hyperactive immune system, through secreting a number of cytokines, growth factors, bioactive compounds and peptides, and by cell-cell contact. During viral infection, failure of immuno-neutralization of the viral particles, recruits T-lymphocytes (T-cells) that clear the virally-infected cells. MSCs greatly potentiate T-cells anti-viral activity.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to assess the ability of the cytokine-primed MSCs to activated T-cells, towards an antiviral application.

Method:

Human umbilical cord MSCs (UC-MSCs) were isolated from Wharton Jelly of a consented donor. UC-MSCs were primed with interferon (INF)-γ and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Peripheral blood T-cells were isolated using mini-max and CD3+ population was purified using anti-CD3 immuno-magnetic beads. Naïve or primed MSCs were co-cultured with naïve and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activated CD3+ T-cells. T-cell activation was evaluated by changes in their rate of proliferation by cell count, flowcytometric immuno-phenotyping for CD25 expression, and IL-6 secretion in the conditioned medium.

Results:

The findings revealed that CD3+ T-cells count nonsignificant differed comparing the five experimental groups; Naïve MSCs, Naïve T cells, coculture with naïve MSCs, coculture with primed MSCs, and upon phytohemagglutinin-activation, despite a nonsignificant reduction of proliferation in the last two groups’ coculture. Only the coculture with the primed MSCs showed significant activation of T-cells assessed as CD25 expression compared to the other groups ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). The undetectable levels of IL-6 in the conditioned medium of naïve MSCs, turned markedly high after their cytokine-priming ( p < 0.001), reaching nonsignificant difference compared to naïve T-cells. Compared to naïve MSCs, naïve T-cells secreted considerable amounts of IL-6 ( p < 0.001). Incubation of naïve MSCs with phytohemagglutinin-activated T-cells further the secretion of IL-6, to a level significantly higher than all of the aforementioned three groups; naïve MSCs, naïve T-cells and primed MSCs ( p < 0.001, p = 0.0194, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, coculture of the cytokine-primed MSCs with phytohemagglutinin-activated T-cells dampened IL-6 secretion to a level that was significantly lower than that observed with naïve MSCs-phytohemagglutinin-activated T-cells coculture ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The cytokine-primed UC-MSCs significantly upregulated CD25+ expression on T-cells, while hindering IL-6, without affecting their proliferation rate. This may point to potentially stronger antiviral effects, while alleviating the viral infection-induced cytokine storm.
The Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Critically ill Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Farley Christopher , Oliveira Ana , Brooks Dina , Newman Anastasia N. L.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The onset of diaphragmatic weakness begins within hours of commencing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), which may contribute to the physical disability that can persist at five years after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has the potential to alleviate the negative effects of IMV.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with an approach consistent with Cochrane methods. We registered our review a priori (PROSPERO: CRD 42023451809) and published our protocol. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which enrolled adults (≥18 years) admitted to ICU who required IMV for ≥24 h were eligible if they delivered an IMT intervention using an external device that provided airway resistance (eg, threshold device, tapered flow resistive device) compared to usual care. Our primary outcome was physical function. Secondary outcomes included respiratory muscle strength, mortality, length of stay, IMV weaning time, reintubation rate, dyspnea and endurance. We searched Medline, Embase, Emcare, AMED, CINAHL, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov from inception and used the Covidence platform for study selection and data extraction. We reported results as standardized mean difference (SMD) if outcome measures were similar. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results

We screened 12 945 studies and 18 met the inclusion criteria. Three studies reported the effects of IMT on physical function. IMT may have no effect on physical function (SMD = −0.05, 95% confidence interval: −0.46 to 0.36) however results are very uncertain.

Conclusion

Our results suggest physical function is not impacted by IMT; however, our results are based on a limited number of studies with small samples sizes. High quality, appropriately powered RCTs are needed to improve the precision of the effect estimate.
Knowledge About HIV/AIDS and its Transmission and Misconception Among Women in Thailand: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Bhowmik Jahar , Gunarathne Lakma , Bhar Sunil , Bhowmik Udayan , Apputhurai Pragalathan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Asian and pacific region countries are considered to be high risk countries for Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV). There is little literature quantifying the relationship between education of HIV/AIDS and its principal socioeconomic determinants through a spatial analysis. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness about HIV among the women in Thailand, and its direct and indirect association with sociodemographic factors including sexual education, level of education, area of living and wealth index through a structural equation modelling approach.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis using data from the 2022 UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).

Setting

Thailand.

Subjects

A total of 3671 women from the 2022 MICS dataset.

Measures

Key variables included knowledge and misconceptions about HIV, sexual education, education level, area of residence, marital status, and wealth index.

Analysis

Structural equation modeling was used to assess direct and indirect effects of sociodemographic factors on HIV-related knowledge and misconceptions.

Results

The direct effect of sexual education on knowledge, transmission and misconception about HIV/AIDS is significant (β = 0.051, P = .002). The mediation effect test found that the sexual education and education indirectly affected knowledge, transmission and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS through the mediation effect of women’s marital status (β = −0.068, P = .018) and wealth index (β = 0.007, P = <.001).

Conclusion

Sexual education alone is insufficient to improve health literacy on HIV/AIDS, as other mediating factors such as education level, wealth index, marital status and area of residence are also key drivers. To achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 by 2030, it is essential to enhance HIV/AIDS related health education for women through multifaceted intervention programs that address these mediating factors.
Development and characterization of Putranjiva roxburghii with addition of SiO2 and graphene nanoparticles for using it as a cutting fluid
Authors: Sharma Deepak Kumar , Singh Purushottam Kumar , Sharma Faladrum , Dixit Uday Shanker
Published: February 2025

Cutting fluids are used in the machining to lubricate and cool the tool-workpiece combination. Recent trend is to use vegetable oils as cutting fluid in place of synthetic oils to ensure sustainability. This work explores the lubrication ability of Putranjiva roxburghii vegetable oil by adding suitable proportions of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and graphene nanoparticles for achieving the goal of sustainable machining. Pure base oil was obtained from the seeds of the Putranjiva roxburghii tree by the conventional extraction process. Nanoparticles of SiO2 and graphene were mixed separately in different weight percentage, viz., 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% to prepare the nanofluids. Nanofluids with equal proportions of SiO2 and graphene nanoparticles were also prepared. Characterization techniques were employed to properly examine the structure and composition of nanoparticles. Thermal, rheological, and wettability tests were conducted for prepared nanofluids. The properties of the nanofluids were superior to those of the base oil. It was noted that no single concentration of nanoparticles is the best for all properties. For example, the highest thermal conductivity was obtained for 0.75 wt.% of graphene-dispersed nanofluids. On the other hand, the wettability on inconel 718 was the highest for graphene plus SiO2 nanofluids at concentrations of 0.5 wt.%. Hence, the optimum composition of cutting fluids can be obtained by solving a multi-objective problem depending on the need of machining. The efficacy of the developed bio-based nanofluids was tested during the milling of Inconel 718 by evaluating surface roughness and temperatures. The results were compared against dry machining and base oil-wetted conditions to assess its performance. Putranjiva roxburghii based hybrid (SiO2 + graphene) oil performed better.
Common Cause (A Regd. Society) v. Union of India [2018] INSC 223: End-of-life care in India
Authors: James Ranjit I. , Kumaran Senthil , Devnath Gerard P. , Mani Raj K.
Published: February 2025

The discourse on the right to die and end-of-life care autonomy, advocating for a dignified and humane end, has gained significant traction globally, including in India. Emphasizing individual choice and autonomy, this debate spans various health spectrums as individuals seek control over their deaths to avoid unnecessary suffering and alleviate family burdens, particularly in intensive care unit settings. However, concerns about potential abuse and the need for stringent safeguards if passive euthanasia, that is withdrawal and withholding of life support, were legalized have emerged, especially regarding the medical profession’s role and individual vulnerability. In India, where end-of-life legal frameworks are evolving, the Supreme Court recognized the right to die with dignity as a fundamental right (it only includes the right to refuse treatment) under Article 21 of the Constitution. This commentary will critically examine the landmark judgement in line with end-of-life care in India to argue that while the judgement is progressive in principle, it does not go far enough in procedural simplification.
STARLINE India Limited: Operating Challenges for a Typical Courier Company
Authors: Prakash Anand , Bagul Avinash , Phadtare Milind
Published: February 2025

This case pertains to the functioning of STARLINE India Limited (SIL), one of India’s small but known courier companies. It was founded in 2013 and continues to be a key player in the courier industry. SIL books a wide range of consignments, from small parcels to full truck/air-load, for both domestic and international movements. The case provides a post-facto detailed note on operations at SIL focusing on multifaceted problems related to booking, handling and deliveries of packages. The case is suitable for postgraduate students of project management programmes, specializing in operations management and also for the participants of management development programmes in project management.
Marriage Market Responses in the Wake of a Natural Disaster in India
Authors: Das Shreyasee , Dasgupta Shatanjaya
Published: February 2025

This article examines the impact of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake on age at marriage and other marital matching outcomes. Using the 2004–2005 wave of the India Human Development Survey and employing a difference-in-differences strategy, we document that the earthquake reduced the age at marriage for both men and women and decreased the likelihood of women marrying into wealthier households. Additionally, we find no changes in matching by educational status or in the likelihood of intra-caste and within-village marriages. The age-at-marriage results are driven by districts that were severely affected by the earthquake in terms of deaths and destruction. We provide suggestive evidence that the negative economic shock induced by the earthquake pushed parents to marry off their daughters early to save on dowry expenditures. Overall, our results highlight how the institution of marriage can induce long-lasting demographic changes after a natural disaster.
Detlaff’s Response to Pryce’s “Child Welfare System Change: An Evolutionary/Revolutionary Approach” (Point-Counterpoint)
Authors: Dettlaff Alan J.
Published: February 2025

This article is temporarily under embargo.
The Plagiarism Pandemic—Confronting Cheating in the Tech Era: Rejoinder to “The Next Generation of Pedagogy: Reflections from EdTech Leaders”
Authors: Sharma Arpit , Bauman Antonina
Published: February 2025

This rejoinder extends the dialog initiated by Ritter et al. on Educational Technology (EdTech) by exploring its dual nature, framed through the Yin-Yang philosophy. While EdTech offers transformative opportunities for enhancing student engagement and learning, it also poses challenges, notably academic dishonesty fueled by Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The rejoinder examines the ethical and practical implications of these technologies, emphasizing the blurred lines between collaboration and plagiarism. It highlights strategies for educators, institutions, and policymakers to foster academic integrity while maximizing EdTech’s potential. This balanced approach ensures students develop both technological proficiency and ethical responsibility, preparing them for an increasingly digital academic and professional landscape.
Acceptability of Telerehabilitation Among Stroke Survivors in Nigeria
Authors: Olaleye Olubukola A. , Abiodun Adesola Oyinkansola , Adepoju Ayomide Daniel
Published: February 2025

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telerehabilitation as a tool to overcome geographical barriers, scarcity of care providers, and improve access to rehabilitation services. However, limited studies exist on its acceptability among care recipients particularly in low-and-middle-income countries.

Objective

This mixed-methods study explored the perception and acceptability of telerehabilitation among stroke survivors in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods

A convenient sample of 44 stroke survivors was surveyed, and six participated in a focus group discussion (FGD). Quantitative data was analyzed using inferential statistics at p < 0.05. Qualitative data was thematically analysed.

Results

Participants (61.4% males) were aged 60.93 ± 13.10 years. 19(43.3%) of them were favorably disposed to receiving treatment via telerehabilitation. Acceptability differed significantly across marital status, level of education, and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings indicated positive perceptions, although participants preferred telerehabilitation as an adjunct to face-to-face physiotherapy. Barriers included unstable internet connectivity, high costs of data, and lack of personal contact with physiotherapists. Facilitators included using telerehabilitation for additional or missed sessions, and the provision of necessary equipment and data by the government.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed limited acceptability of telerehabilitation among stroke survivors in Ibadan, Nigeria. This underscores the need to address the identified concerns and barriers, to enhance acceptability. A contextualized and multifaceted approach can help create awareness about the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and improve its acceptability.
Patient Decisional Preferences: A Systematic Review of Instruments Used to Determine Patients’ Preferred Role in Decision-Making
Authors: Neshan Mahdi , Padmanaban Vennila , Fareed Naleef , Ruff Samantha M. , Kelly Elizabeth Palmer , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: February 2025

Decision control preferences (DCPs) refer to the degree of control patients’ desire over their medical treatment. Several validated tools exist to evaluate a patient’s DCPs, yet there is no universally used instrument and their use in clinical settings is lacking. We provide a systematic comparative summary of available DCP tools. Following a systematic database search, English language studies across medical contexts and patient populations were eligible if a validated assessment tool to evaluate patient DCPs was reported. Among the 15 tools that met inclusion criteria, the autonomy preference index (API) and the control preference scale (CPS) were the most used tools (API: 40%, CPS: 26.6%). Most studies ( n = 9) sought to identify the information-seeking preferences of patients as a critical component of decision-making. Only few studies evaluated providers’ perceptions of patient preferences. Considering the variety of patients’ DCPs, implementation of DCP tools can optimize shared decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
Effects of Microdose Fertilizers and Irrigation Depth on Onion (Allium cepa L.) Growth Under Drip Irrigation in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Wale Aemro , Abera Messay , Asmelie Tesfa , Beza Gashaw
Published: February 2025

The variables that most significantly affect bulb yield in Ethiopia’s irrigated agricultural onion production systems are the amount of irrigation water and the irrigated fertilizer application rates. North Ethiopia has gradually adopted drip irrigation for onion farming due to significant water savings and improved water and fertilizer use efficiencies. However, the optimal irrigation water (I) and fertilizer application rates (F) for drip irrigation are still unknown; field experiments using a random complete block design in factorial arrangement were conducted during summer season of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 to explore the effects of irrigation water and fertilizer application rates on onion production and productivity. The trials were carried out at four recommended microdose fertilizer rates for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P2O5; F1-125%, F2-100%, F3-75%, and F4-50%) and three different irrigation water levels (I1-100%, I2-75%, and I3-50%). The interaction effect of water amount and microdose fertilizer application rate significantly ( p ⩽ .05) affected onion yield, yield-related components, and water productivity. A combined analysis of variance using SAS software 9.0 revealed that the interaction between irrigation depth and fertilizer rate had a significant ( p ⩽ .05) impact on yield, yield-related components, and water productivity. Onion production and water use efficiency (WUE) increased significantly with increasing irrigation water and microdose fertilizer application rates. However, irrigation water less than 100% were not beneficial to the above parameters. In the two-season study, a maximum onion yield of 39.22 t ha−1 was obtained at F1I1, with a WUE of 8.20 kg m−3. All the factors related to growth, yield, and yield-related components, the combination of a microdosing fertilizer application of 172.5 N and 86.25 P2O5 kg ha−1 and 100% water per irrigation was the best drip irrigation pattern for onion. These findings provide a scientific basis for drip irrigation and microdosing fertilizer management of onions in northern Ethiopia.
Assessment of Management Factors Influencing Vaccination Against Cholera in the Health District of Katana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Ntererwa-Nsimire Irène , Irenge Leonid M , Mutombo Paulin B , Mafuta Eric M , Gala Jean-Luc , Ngo-Bebe Dosithée
Published: February 2025

Cholera remains a major healthcare issue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with recurrent cholera outbreaks in its eastern provinces since 1994. Cholera cases and deaths increased from 18 403 and 302 in 2022 to 52 570 and 470 in 2023. From October 1st to December 31st, 2022, we conducted a mixed descriptive study to analyze the management process underpinning the cholera vaccination campaign in the Katana health district, South Kivu province, DRC. The survey targeted households (n = 404) with 1 adult person per household responding on behalf of all the members of the household and key informants (KI) who were health workers (n = 6) in 5 health areas of the Katana health district. The overall cholera prevalence in the surveyed households was 4.7% (95% CI 2.9-7.3), and the overall vaccination rate was 25.0% (95% CI 20.9-29.5). Most interviewed household respondents (54.5%) were eager for their household members to get vaccinated, and 61% had to walk for more than 1 hour to reach the vaccination center. Cholera vaccine for children under 2 years was available in all the 5 health areas investigated, only 2 out of 5 health areas had enough vaccine stockpiles. Only 33.3% of KI administering vaccines were trained at least once during the past 3 years. All the KI (100%) complained about delays or absence of payment for their services which negatively impacted their implication. Our findings highlight weaknesses in the planning of the last cholera vaccination campaign in the health district of Katana.
A new distance measure for single-valued neutrosophic set and an improved method based on TOPSIS and TODIM to multi-attribute decision-making
Authors: Xu Dongsheng , Zhao Yihui
Published: February 2025

In venture capital, fuzzy information can be effectively represented using single-valued neutrosophic sets, and TOPSIS and TODIM are commonly used methods in multiattribute decision making. Distance measurement plays a crucial role in these methods. This paper introduces a novel parameter distance measure for single-valued neutrosophic sets and an improved method based on TODIM and TOPSIS. First, the proposed distance measure addresses limitations of existing metrics and is rigorously proven to satisfy axiomatic distance definitions. Secondly, to consider the decision-maker’s risk attitude and simplify the calculation process, we propose a new method with the known parameter of risk attitude based on TODIM and TOPSIS. Finally, a case study of venture capital application is provided to showcase the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed distance measure and decision-making method in addressing multi-attribute decision-making problems within SVNS environments. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis of the distance measure parameters demonstrates consistent ranking results across various parameter values, thereby validating the robustness of the proposed approach. Comparative evaluations with other decision-making methods in identical scenarios underscore the rationality and superiority of our proposed methodology. The proposed distance measure and decision-making method offer significant contributions to the theory of single-valued neutrosophic sets and the resolution of venture capital problems.
The scales of ecological care: Reflections from Harvard Forest
Authors: Barnett Joshua Trey
Published: February 2025

In this essay, I explore the scalar and rhetorical dimensions of care. On one hand, I argue, care can be calibrated to different scales, and caring at one scale often involves neglect or harm at another. On the other hand, I claim that decisions to care at one scale rather than another emerge in particular rhetorical ecologies within which certain things are made to matter more than others. Scale and rhetoric productively, if also frustratingly, complicate our understanding of care. While the notion of scale forces us to front the unsettling fact that acts of care at one scale often require acts of violence at another, the notion of rhetoric invites us to face the fact that decisions to care for this rather than that – at this scale rather than that one – are inevitably forged amid a rhetorical ecology that moves us to care in some ways and not others. To demonstrate the utility of these insights, I dwell at length on the rhetorical ecology in which Harvard Forest researchers arrived at and articulated their decision to ‘do nothing’ to save an imperiled native species. This article is part of the special issue ‘Re-creating Care as Mattering Practices’.
Association of body weight and serum uric acid with Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and cognitive impairment
Authors: Tian Qing , Dong Qing , Su Zhumin , Liu Yingying , Ma Lili , Dong Huimin , Xu Yiru , Ma Zhan , Chen Xiaohong , Ma Xiaomeng
Published: February 2025

Background

Given the limited effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD), obesity and serum uric acid (SUA) levels which are considered modifiable risk factors for dementia are of interest. However, research indicates conflicting results.

Objective

We aimed to further investigate the association of body weight (BW) and SUA with AD biomarkers and cognitive impairment.

Methods

Clinical data were collected from 139 adults (mean age 66.9 years) with chronic cognitive impairment. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and PET imaging were used to assess amyloid-β (A) and Tau (T) tangles load, classifying participants into AT profiles based on the results. The association of BW and SUA with AT profiles was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, and their relationship with cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores) were analyzed using multivariable linear regression.

Results

Lower BW levels significantly influenced the presence of Aβ positive state (A+) (p = 0.007), while SUA levels did not (p = 0.263). Higher dementia proportion (p = 0.021), lighter BW (p = 0.019), and lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) levels (p = 0.025) were associated with AD pathological progress (A-T-→A+T-→A+T+), but SUA was not observed statistically significant. Among all participants regardless of Aβ state, high education levels (p < 0.001), high BW (p = 0.010), and high SUA (p=0.036) were associated with high MMSE scores, and high serum creatinine (p = 0.003) was associated with low MMSE scores.

Conclusions

Lower BW may accelerate AD pathology and cause cognitive impairment, while SUA is not linked to AD pathological progression but protects cognitive function.
Applications of simulated annealing algorithm in mathematical modelling for scheduling problems
Authors: Zhu Ling , Zhu Yuhui
Published: February 2025

Scheduling problems are common in many fields, with project planning, industrial, operations management, and service establishment. These problems involve the advanced distribution of resources across tasks to exploit exact objectives within predetermined bounds. This study examines an enhanced simulated annealing (ESA) algorithm for addressing dynamic scheduling challenges in job shops, particularly in the context of random job arrivals frequently encountered in manufacturing environments. This programming methodology seeks to minimize three primary targets: the machine sequence variation, the make-span divergence from the original schedule, and the discontinuity rate of newly delivered tasks during processing. In the rescheduling horizon, the ongoing processes are handled as dynamic resource allocation (DRA). Tactics involved in the ESA algorithm include a modified cooling schedule, adaptive temperature regulation, and a solution approval criterion that considers DRA. The experimental results indicate that the ESA algorithm effectively solves job shop scheduling problems. The proposed ESA has a high job completion rate of 95%, task acceptance rate of 92%, job arrival predictability of 85%, discontinuity rate of 8%, and return on investment of 25%. The results highlight the effectiveness of the ESA algorithm in achieving optimal scheduling solutions, underscoring its potential for practical applications in dynamic manufacturing settings.
Clinical Outcomes of Operative Management for Radial Tunnel Syndrome According to Surgical Approach: A Systematic Review
Authors: Raymond Brittany , Cueto Robert J. , Mazudie Ndjonko Laura C. , Hao Kevin A. , Pfaehler C. David , Buchanan Timothy R. , Phillips Tammy , Wright Thomas W. , King Joseph J. , Hones Keegan M.
Published: February 2025

The diagnosis and optimal management of radial tunnel syndrome (RTS) is controversial with little consensus among the many possible pathophysiological mechanisms and surgical approaches. Thus, we performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines on studies reporting outcomes of surgical treatment for RTS. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were queried. Patient demographics, surgical approach, intraoperative findings, postoperative patient-reported outcomes, and complications were recorded and synthesized. We included 11 studies comprising 401 upper extremities (381 patients). Of the included forearms, 54% (n = 155) were approached dorsally, and 46% (n = 130) were approached volarly. Studies that utilized a dorsal approach between the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum communis had the most favorable Roles and Maudsley scores and patient satisfaction when compared with volar approaches. However, volar approaches identified a greater number of constrictions at the arcade of Frohse (19% vs 7%) when compared with dorsal approaches. Wide variability of surgical approaches used for treatment of RTS is present in the literature. Compared with volar approaches, dorsal approaches are associated with favorable reported outcomes. However, in RTS secondary to vascular constriction, volar approaches may be better suited for release.
Depression and anxiety in Chinese patients hospitalized with primary headache: A cross-sectional multicenter study
Authors: Jia Zhihua , Wan Dongjun , Yin Ziming , Fan Zhiliang , Xu Peng , Yuan Xueqian , Chen Min , Wang Dan , Wang Hebo , Wang Shengshu , Zhang Shuhua , Liu Ruozhuo , Wang Xiaolin , Wang Rongfei , Su Hui , Han Xun , Yu Zhe , Li Yingji , Yu Shengyuan , Dong Zhao
Published: February 2025

Background:

Primary headache and psychiatric diseases are bidirectional correlated. The real-world data of depression and anxiety in Chinese patients hospitalized for primary headache, considering all subtypes, remain unclear.

Methods:

This study enrolled patients attending eight Chinese headache centers from October 2022 to September 2023. A WeChat mini-program was designed to collect data. Headache was diagnosed and confirmed by two headache specialists. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to assess depression and anxiety.

Results:

Overall, 1963 patients with primary headache were analyzed; the prevalence of depression and anxiety was 20.1% (396/1963) and 14.8% (290/1963), respectively. Of the 1963 patients, 217 (11.1%) had history of anxiety or depression and 184 (9.4%) had undergone assessments. Patients with both primary headache and depression were more likely to be women (77.8% vs 71.9%), experience more severe headache (numerical rating scale; 6.2 ± 1.9 vs 5.7 ± 1.9) and greater impacts on quality of life (Headache Impact Test-6; 65.3± 8.5 vs 58.1 ± 11.5). Those with both primary headache and anxiety exhibited similar results and were less educated. Depression and anxiety were more prevalent in chronic migraineurs (CM) than in episodic migraineurs (36.8% vs 16.9% and 28.9% vs 12.3%, respectively) and in those with chronic (CTTH) than in those with episodic tension-type headache (30.6% vs 15.1% and 20.1% vs 12.8%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Depression and anxiety are inadequately diagnosed and strongly associated with sex, severe headache, chronification and disability in patients with primary headache in China. To improve the health of patients with primary headaches, early screening for depression and anxiety is important.
EXPRESS: The role of arousal and subjective significance in the perception of warmth and competence in abstract stimuli and human faces
Authors: Imbir Kamil , Wielgopolan Adrianna
Published: February 2025

Meeting unknown people is inevitably linked with evaluating them, and many factors can influence this evaluation. The aim of our two experiments was to study the relationships between emotional (arousal, subjective significance) and social cognition dimensions (warmth, competence). The participants were asked to evaluate how warm and competent neutral stimuli were. Before the presentation of the neutral stimuli there were always emotional words differing in arousal and subjective significance. It was observed that higher levels of subjective significance intensified the ratings, similarly to moderate arousal, while lower and higher arousal decreased the ratings for abstract stimuli. Nevertheless, for human faces lower and moderate arousal increased ratings compared to high arousal. Finally, Higher subjective significance increased the ratings of competence (but not warmth). The results confirm the influence of emotions on social cognition and the relationship between subjective significance and competence.
Perturbations in Badminton – why avoiding bad shots is more important than executing good ones
Authors: Hammes Fabian , Link Daniel
Published: February 2025

This study examines how perturbations in badminton singles are created. Therefore, we analyzed the shots that create an advantage for one player, the so-called Impulse. We explore four aspects, including the quality—Positive vs. Negative—of the Impulse, the technique used, the Shot Number, and the conversion rate, all according to the factors of Gender and Age. Our sample comprises 60 matches spanning U15, U19, and Elite levels, with an equal distribution between Men's and Women's matches. Results indicate that Impulses were 64.8% Negative and 35.2% Positive, with no significant Gender or Age differences. Positive Impulses mainly comprise Net shots (Women: 30.1%, Men: 29.8%, Elite: 31.4%, U19: 27.6%, U15: 30.8%), while Negative Impulses predominantly involve Lobs (Women: 26.3%, Men: 29.5%, Elite: 26.0%, U19: 27.4%, U15: 30.3%). In contrast to male players, poor Clears play an essential role in losing a rally in Women's badminton (Women: 21.3%, Men: 13.1%). Temporally, Impulses occur later in Men's and Elite matches than in Women's and Youth's matches (Women: 6.8 (± 5.8), Men: 8.9 (± 8.2), Elite: 10.2 (± 8.8), U19: 7.4 (± 6.3), U15: 5.7 (± 4.8)). For Positive Impulses the conversion rate to point gain is 70.7%, for Negative Impulses the conversion rate to point loss is 86.7%. We conclude that success in badminton singles seems more reliant on avoiding bad shots than executing good ones. Gender and Age differences in shot techniques and timing of Impulses likely stem from the different physical abilities of Men and Elite players compared to the other examined categories.
Gastrointestinal side effects in hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving transarterial chemoembolization: a meta-analysis of 81 studies and 9495 patients
Authors: Arendt Nathalie , Kopsida Maria , Khaled Jaafar , Sjöblom Markus , Heindryckx Femke
Published: February 2025

Background:

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a widely used treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), combining targeted chemotherapy and embolization. While effective, TACE can be associated with significant gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, impacting a patient’s quality of life.

Objectives:

Quantify the prevalence of key GI complications (diarrhea, nausea, GI toxicity, abdominal pain) following TACE.

Design:

Systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, focusing on studies that reported side effects of TACE. Studies not involving cTACE or drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE), non-HCC studies, meta-analyses or systematic reviews, and inaccessible publications were excluded.

Data sources and methods:

A PubMed search for clinical and randomized trials was conducted. Extracted data included study identifiers, demographics, TACE details, and GI side effect prevalences. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool assessed study quality and bias.

Results:

The analysis included data from 81 studies with 121 individual study arms and 9495 patients. Diarrhea was reported in 38 studies, with a mean prevalence of 23.46% (2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 18.39–28.544) and a weighted prevalence of 23.5%. Nausea was most frequently reported, mentioned in 67 studies, with a mean prevalence of 34.66% (2.4; 95% CI: 29.89–39.44) and a weighted prevalence of 32.5%. Abdominal pain was reported in 59 studies, with the highest mean prevalence of 48.07% (2.9; 95% CI: 42.20–53.93) and a weighted prevalence of 46.1%. GI toxicity was reported in 32 studies, with a mean prevalence of 8.85% (1.4; 95% CI: 5.99–11.70) and a weighted prevalence of 9.9%. DEB-TACE generally led to slightly higher rates of nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and GI toxicity compared to conventional TACE. The type of chemotherapy agent influenced prevalence of GI-side effects, with high prevalences observed for agents such as zinostatin and cisplatin.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis synthesizes current evidence on managing GI side effects in TACE. Standardizing reporting and developing effective management strategies are crucial to improving patient outcomes.
Effective utilization of academic coaches for instructional support in online courses
Authors: Forman Tracia M , Sanchez Jessica M
Published: February 2025

Quality course management is integral to establishing a thriving online learning environment. Increasing demand for online learning has resulted in different approaches to online course management. The academic coaching model is an approach that provides instructional support for learners within online courses. This research examines the attributes, behaviors, preferences, and attitudes of online faculty who use academic coaches as members of an instructional support team. The aim was to identify effective strategies or best practices for successfully integrating the academic coach team model within online courses. A sequential exploratory mixed method research design was employed, and seven themes emerged: coach selection process, coach-student ratio, communication between coaches and faculty, responsibilities of coaches, student communication, grading, and benefits and risks of using a coach. Results are presented herein that offer interested faculty guidance about using academic coaches as members of an online instructional support team.
Cerebral hypoperfusion due to rapid blood pressure control in a patient with type B aortic dissection: A case report
Authors: Zhao Yikun , Li Heng , Guo Yuanyuan
Published: February 2025

Type B aortic dissection represents a life-threatening cardiovascular event, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach that includes anti-impulse therapy for blood pressure and heart rate control, movement restriction, analgesia, sedation, and consideration of subsequent endovascular or open surgery. Management of acute aortic dissection involves stringent blood pressure control to prevent extension of the dissection, which is critical in both surgical preparation and conservative treatment strategies. While the treatment regimen is relatively well-established, and early and long-term follow-up results are promising, there have been reports of adverse events during treatment. In this context, we present a case of a 40-year-old male with acute type B aortic dissection who developed cerebral hypoperfusion as a consequence of rapid blood pressure reduction, underscoring the need for balanced hemodynamic management. Following thoracic endovascular aortic repair surgery and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient fully recovered 6 months later with no lingering sequelae. While current guidelines emphasize specific numerical values for blood pressure control in type B aortic dissection, the case underscores the potential need for a more individualized approach tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient.
Performing Not-Not-Me in SoMe: A New Theatrical Typology of Self-Presentation Online
Authors: Gran Anne-Britt
Published: February 2025

Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical model in The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (1959) is frequently used to analyze online self-presentations in social media (SoMe) and other social network sites (SNS). The term “self-presentation” seems to be here to stay. We argue that Goffman’s dramaturgical model belongs to another era, and that online self-presentation needs new theoretical approaches and new content. Compared to its predominant usage in SoMe research, our approach involves a perspective shift from what do SoMe users present (e.g., social role, identity/identities, idealized self, authentic self, brand) to how they perform it, concerning the style of acting and dressing, the use of props, makeup, symbols and signs, emotions, and expressions. Since participation on SoMe platforms is largely about how SoMe users present themselves and how they want to be received, theatricality and performing arts theories can inform this how with a new and nuanced conceptual apparatus. Therefore, we create a theory-based typology on the concepts of theatricality, simple and complex acting, not-acting, not-not-me, imagined audience awareness, and absorption. We present six types of theatrical self-presentations and conditions, types suitable for analysis of SoMe performances.
Exploring the dynamics of data sharing in open science among Chinese scholars: An integrated PMT and TPB approach
Authors: Zhang Rukun , Li Bingcan
Published: February 2025

Data sharing is request under open science policy. The inconsistent juxtaposition of positive attitudes toward open communication science (OCS) with low levels of commitment to data sharing is underinvestigated. This study explores the factors influencing data sharing by integrating protection motivation theory (PMT) with the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Specifically, this research draws attention to (1) the influence of six predicting variables (perceived benefit, perceived threat, response cost, OCS efficacy, subjective norm, and attitude) on behavioral intention and (2) the role of behavioral intention as a mediator in the relationships between these predicting variables and actual behaviors. Our survey of 351 Chinese communication scholars showed that the integrated PMT and TPB model successfully explained how individuals commit themselves to data sharing, and six predicting variables proposed can provide insights for research institutes and policy-makers to promote data sharing in the future.
Multi-layered electrospun grafts for surgical repair: Biomimicking physiological ascending aortic compliance
Authors: Krammer Julia , Pichlmaier Maximilian , Stana Jan , Hagl Christian , Peterss Sven , Grab Maximilian , Grefen Linda
Published: February 2025

Commercially available Dacron (woven polyester) grafts are used for routine open surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Despite durable and biocompatible, these grafts do not reproduce the natural mechanical properties of the aorta. Therefore, the aim of this project was to develop an innovative graft that additionally exhibits physiological aortic compliance. To achieve this result, multi-layered tubular aortic grafts were created by electrospinning of a thermoplastic polyurethane. To reduce permeability, a gelatin-coating was added. Three groups (G1–3; n = 5) with varying layer designs were evaluated regarding the main mechanical properties of vascular grafts such as suture retention strength, permeability and static and dynamic compliance. G3, which combined electrospinning with a stable silicone-coated inlay was chosen for the fabrication of medical grade thermoplastic polyurethane grafts (Gm; n = 6). Dynamic compliance values of 19.68 ± 11.5%/100 mmHg (50–90 mmHg), 15.18 ± 8.7%/100 mmHg (80–120 mmHg) and 14.56 ± 7.4%/100 mmHg (110–150 mmHg) were achieved. The compliance was higher than for Dacron and ePTFE grafts and comparable to the normal sized ascending aorta of around 16%/100 mmHg in a healthy human and porcine aortic compliance of 14.3%/100 mmHg. Static compliance was successfully tested up to 350 mmHg. No significant changes in graft diameter or delaminations of the graft layers were detected after compliance testing. Therefore, by combining electrospinning with a durable inlay, both elasticity and recoverability are obtained, resulting in a promising alternative to the gold-standard in open-surgical treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies.
Beyond WEIRD: Can synthetic survey participants substitute for humans in global policy research?
Authors: Shrestha Pujen , Krpan Dario , Koaik Fatima , Schnider Robin , Sayess Dima , Binbaz May Saad
Published: February 2025

Researchers are testing the feasibility of using the artificial intelligence tools known as large language models to create synthetic research participants—artificial entities that respond to surveys as real humans would. Thus far, this research has largely not been designed to examine whether synthetic participants could mimic human answers to policy-relevant surveys or reflect the views of people from non-WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) nations. Addressing these gaps in one study, we have compared human and synthetic participants’ responses to policy-relevant survey questions in three domains: sustainability, financial literacy, and female participation in the labor force. Participants were drawn from the United States as well as two non-WEIRD nations that have not previously been included in studies of synthetic respondents: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. We found that for all three nations, the synthetic participants created by GPT-4, a form of large language model, on average produced responses reasonably similar to those of their human counterparts. Nevertheless, we observed some differences between the American and non-WEIRD participants: For the latter, the correlations between human and synthetic responses to the full set of survey questions tended to be weaker. In addition, although we found a common tendency in all three countries for synthetic participants to show more positive and less negative bias (that is, to be more progressive and financially literate relative to their human counterparts), this trend was less pronounced for the non-WEIRD participants. We discuss the main policy implications of our findings and offer practical recommendations for improving the use of synthetic participants in research.
Visual Outcomes and Complications: Staged vs Simultaneous Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Scleral-Sutured Intraocular Lens Placement
Authors: Day H. Russell , Nair Archana A. , Finn Avni P.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes and postoperative complications after simultaneous scleral-sutured intraocular lens (IOL) placement and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (simultaneous group) with those of IOL implantation staged after PPV (staged group). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, cases of scleral-sutured IOL placement were reviewed between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2022. All patients had scleral-sutured Akreos AO60 IOL placement using 4-point fixation. Results: Of the 98 eyes, 83.7% had simultaneous surgery and 16.3% had staged surgery. The mean preoperative visual acuity (VA) was similar between the staged group and simultaneous group (1.8 logMAR [Snellen equivalent, 20/1262] vs 1.3 logMAR [Snellen equivalent, 20/400]; P = .104]. The mean logMAR VA improved to 0.98 (Snellen equivalent, 20/191) and to 0.50 (Snellen equivalent, 20/63), respectively. The median logMAR improvement was 0.93 (Snellen equivalent, 20/170) in the staged group and 0.80 (Snellen equivalent, 20/126) in the simultaneous group ( P = .49). The overall transient postoperative hypotony rate was 8.2%, with all cases occurring in the simultaneous group ( P = .194). Conclusions: Both staged surgery and simultaneous PPV with scleral-sutured Akreos AO60 IOL placement are safe and efficacious procedures for visual rehabilitation in patients with dislocated IOLs, retained lens material, and aphakia resulting from other causes. Staged scleral-sutured Akreos AO60 IOL placement after PPV may offer a safe approach for eyes with significant ocular comorbidities and decrease the risk for transient postoperative hypotony.