bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A health systems approach to more effective decentralised HIV prevention: development of Malawi’s Blantyre Prevention Strategy
Authors: Kawalazira Gift , Kamgwira Yohane , Allinder Sara M , Mablekisi Chimwemwe , Nyirenda Rose , Hoege Deborah , Mbewe Alinafe , Likumbo Suzike , Smith Tyler , Kumwenda Grace , Igbinosun Betha O , Holmes Charles B
Published: February 2025

Achieving global targets to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 and beyond requires enhanced health system capacity for HIV prevention at national and subnational levels. Specifically, this system’s capacity must enable countries to reach high-risk populations effectively, systematically engage communities to generate demand for HIV prevention services, build diverse delivery channels to meet this demand and address structural barriers that undermine prevention programmes. Integrating these capacities at the local level is especially critical to creating sustainable uptake and impact of emerging highly efficacious prevention options, such as long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis. Decentralised, locally led approaches that reflect the local context—yet are linked to national systems and policies—are needed to embed these capacities and strengthen the ability of local governments to coordinate and implement HIV prevention. Within this framework, the Government of Malawi is developing a district-based approach to enhance local institutional capacity for more effective and sustainable HIV prevention, starting in Blantyre—a large urban district noted for its high HIV incidence. This article provides the conceptual basis for, and early implementation experience of, the Blantyre Prevention Strategy (BPS), a health systems-based approach to HIV prevention that directs investments towards embedding essential functions within Blantyre City and District. The approach includes developing district-led systems and capabilities in effective disease surveillance and data-driven targeting, demand generation, quality service delivery and promoting the sustained use of HIV prevention interventions. Early learnings from BPS offer lessons for other low- and middle-income countries seeking to implement HIV prevention strategies that bolster their health system capacity and integrate with broader health responses.
CSF oligoclonal bands in neurological diseases besides CNS inflammatory demyelinating disorders
Authors: Ren Jingru , Wang Jianchun , Liu Ran , Guo Jing , Yao Yan , Hao Hongjun , Gao Feng
Published: February 2025

Objective

To understand the distribution characteristics and clinical significance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in different nervous system diseases besides typical central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory demyelinating disorders.

Material

A total of 2259 patients who underwent CSF examination for OCBs at Peking University First Hospital from January 2011 to December 2023 were tested. A cohort of 257 patients presenting with various types of OCBs but without CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases was included in the analysis. Relevant medical history was collected from all patients.

Results

OCBs were most common in patients with autoimmune encephalitis. OCB types II and III were most common in patients with autoimmune encephalitis and CNS infection, whereas OCB types IV and V were present in immune-mediated neuropathy mostly. The distribution of OCBs also varied among different disease subtypes. Other CSF characteristics varied between diseases with different OCBs.

Conclusions

In addition to CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases, OCBs also appear in other neurological diseases including cerebral angiopathy and neurodegenerative conditions, informing the potential immune background. Further research is still needed to determine the significance of OCBs in these diseases.
Length of hospital stays after caesarean section delivery and associated factors in Northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zewdie Segenet , Kefale Bereket , Yalew Melaku , Adane Bezawit , Kassa Assefa Andargie
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to assess the length of hospital stay after caesarean delivery and the associated factors from 15 March to 15 May 2021.

Design

We conducted an institution-based, cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted at a government hospital in Northeast Ethiopia.

Participants

The study was conducted among 405 mothers who delivered by caesarean section. All mothers who delivered by caesarean section at the hospital during the study period and who consented to participate were included in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome

The primary outcome of this study was length of hospital stay following caesarean section delivery. The secondary outcomes were factors associated with length of hospital stay.

Results

The overall mean length of hospital stay after caesarean delivery was 2.81 (±1.72) days. Gestational age at birth less than 38 weeks (B=0.547), being hypertensive (B=1.235) and having postoperative complications (B=0.909) were significantly associated with length of hospital stay following caesarean delivery at a 0.05 level of significance.

Conclusion

In this study, the mean length of hospital stay following caesarean delivery was 2.8 days. Women with hypertension, gestational age at birth less than 38 weeks and postoperative complications have prolonged length of hospital stay. Healthcare professionals should identify those mothers at risk of prolonged length of hospital stay following caesarean delivery and implement preventive strategies to reduce the clinical as well as economic burden posed by prolonged length of hospital stay. Moreover, researchers should conduct further multicentre longitudinal follow-up studies.
Health workers’ conceptualisationand experiences of common mental symptoms and work-related psychosocial stressors in Central and Southern Ethiopian regions: a qualitative study
Authors: Habtu Yitagesu , Kumie Abera , Selamu Medhin , Harada Hidenori , Girma Eshetu
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Despite the growing recognition of mental health challenges among health workers, limited information regarding their self-identification of common mental symptoms (CMSs) and their perceptions of causal pathways to work-related psychosocial stressors exists. This study aimed to explore how health workers recognise CMSs, perceive their exposure to work-related psychosocial stressors, conceptualise causal pathways, evaluate the impact of these stressors on the professional quality of life (PQoL), employ coping strategies and encounter barriers to mitigating stressors and seeking support.

Design and settings

Our study employed an interpretive and descriptive phenomenological approach, informed by theoretical frameworks. We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with purposely selected health workers between January and February 2023. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Data was processed and analysed using MAXQDA 2020 software, with thematic findings supported by illustrative participants’ quotations.

Participants

The study included 34 health workers who participated in 10 IDIs and three FGDs.

Results

Five themes emerged from the study, guided by combined theoretical frameworks: (1) conceptualisation of occupational stress, anxiety and depression symptoms; (2) exposure to work-related stressors; (3) perceived impact of work-related stressors on PQoL; (4) experiences with coping strategies; and (5) barriers to mitigating stressors and seeking support. Accordingly, our findings revealed a low self-identification with CMSs (SICMSs), an increased perception to link work-related stressors with CMSs and their negative impact on PQoL, limited use of adaptive coping strategies and the presence of multiple barriers to effective coping and support-seeking practices among health workers across the respective themes.

Conclusions

The findings of this study highlight the need for targeted interventions, including updated training on CMSs, addressing resource-related stressors, improving workplace communication and conflict resolution, enacting policy reforms to ensure equitable compensation and promoting adaptive coping strategies to enhance health workers’ mental well-being and their PQoL. Furthermore, we advocate for a more robust exploration of the perceived causal link supported by lived experiences of health workers with chronic occupational stress, occupational depression and occupational anxiety to provide stronger evidence using longitudinal qualitative and quantitative studies.
Efficacy and safety of balneotherapy in rheumatology: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aribi Ikram , Nourredine Mikail , Giroudon Caroline , Massy Emmanuel , Lega Jean-Christophe , Kassai Behrouz , Grenet Guillaume
Published: February 2025

Objective

The efficacy of balneotherapy in rheumatology remains unclear. We aimed to estimate its benefits and risks in rheumatology.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of randomised trials assessing any European balneotherapy for a rheumatological indication in adults versus any control, on clinical outcomes. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase andhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/(up to 28 November 2023). We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2, funnel plot and asymmetry tests. We used a random effects model with an inverse-variance weighting method for standardised mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR). We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach for two primary outcomes, pain and quality of life (QoL) at 3 months, and two safety outcomes, withdrawal and any adverse event (AE).

Results

We included 29 trials in mechanical disorders, 9 in inflammatory diseases and 4 in fibromyalgia. The synthesis suggested a decrease in pain of a very low level of certainty (SMD: −0.72 (95% CI (−1.00; −0.44)), very serious risk of bias and of inconsistency, publication bias strongly suspected); an increase in QoL of a very low level of certainty (SMD: 0.56 (95% CI (0.37; 0.75)), very serious risk of bias and serious risk of inconsistency); inconclusive results regarding the risk of withdrawal (RR: 0.75 (95% CI (0.46; 1.20)), very serious risk of bias and serious risk of imprecision) and of AE (RR: 0.80 (95% CI (0.43; 1.50)), serious risk of bias and of inconsistency and very serious risk of imprecision).

Conclusion

The certainty of the effect of balneotherapy in rheumatology was very low.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023448206.
CD47 as a potential predictive biomarker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Stebbing Justin , Bullock Andrea
Published: February 2025

In this week’s Journal for ImmunoTherapy for Cancer, Arai and colleagues analyzed next-generation sequencing data for DNA and RNA from 14,287 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) categorized by median CD47 expression level, and showed that CD47, a key component of innate immunity in deflecting phagocytosis, is associated with molecular subtypes of CRC, cell damage-associated molecular pattern-related genes, major oncogenic pathways, and adaptive immune checkpoint genes. Taken together, they concluded that CD47 expression is associated with activation of oncogenic pathways and an immune-engaged tumor microenvironment. Clinical outcomes data also demonstrated that high CD47 is associated with prolonged survival in patients treated with antiangiogenic and checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Biomarker studies such as this will enable broader application of immuno-oncology to patients with CRC and other malignancies.
Catheterization complications of intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma
Authors: Schreiber Craig , Kocharian Gary , Kharas Natasha , Knopman Jared , Francis Jasmine H , Abramson David H , Gobin Y Pierre
Published: February 2025

Background

Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is a growing method of therapy for retinoblastoma (Rb). There is an absence of data to support the safety of catheterization with intra-arterial infusion in this pediatric population

Objective

To focus on the non-ocular catheter/procedural-related complications that our practice has experienced in order to lay a foundation for practices interested in performing these procedures and hopefully, to help prevent them from occurring.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of the patient population with Rb treated in our center from May 2006 through May 2024. Every procedure performed was reviewed for non-ocular catheterization-related complications. This review included complications of access, the distal vessel (thrombosis, stenosis, and dissection), and non-ocular infarcts.

Results

There were 2281 vascular access events, and 2681 distal catheterization procedures were performed for IAC infusion on 623 pediatric patients with Rb. Mean age of the population was 18.9 months. There were 31 complications directly related to catheterization: 7 (0.3%) related to femoral artery access and 24 (0.9%) were distal vessel injuries. Two (0.07% of total catheterizations) of the distal vessel injuries were asymptomatic cerebral infarcts diagnosed on follow-up MRI.

Conclusion

Catheterization with IAC can be performed safely in this young pediatric population. There is a trend for fewer complications when using the smallest catheter system possible for procedures.
Hydroxychloroquine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: how much is enough?
Authors: Ruiz-Irastorza Guillermo , Paredes-Ruiz Diana , Arizpe Fernando , Campos-Rodriguez Valerio , Moreno-Torres Victor , Amo Laura , Ruiz-Arruza Ioana , Martin-Iglesias Daniel
Published: February 2025

Objective

To assess the daily and weight-adjusted dosages of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and the effects on long-term remission in the Lupus-Cruces cohort.

Methods

Observational study of routine clinical care data. We selected inception patients treated with HCQ with at least 5 years of follow-up. Prolonged remission was achieved when patients fulfilled deﬁnitions of remission in systemic lupus erythematosus remission criteria in five consecutive yearly visits. The associations between the weight-adjusted dose of HCQ during 5 years and prolonged remission were analysed. We also investigated the associations between prednisone doses, immunosuppressives (IS) and other antimalarial use with HCQ doses.

Results

150 inception patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean starting dose of HCQ was 206 mg/day. The mean weight-adjusted starting dose of HCQ was 3.1 mg/kg/day with no patients treated with doses ≥5 mg/kg/day. Treatment with HCQ was maintained during the whole 5-year follow-up time in 147 patients (98%). The mean dose of HCQ during the 5-year follow-up was 194.6 mg/day (2.9 mg/kg/day). 108 patients (72%) were in prolonged remission. The mean weight-adjusted dose of HCQ per patient did not differ between those who did and did not achieve prolonged remission (2.9 vs 3 mg/kg/day, p=0.5). The dose of prednisone per patient (mean 2.3 mg/day during the 5-year follow-up) did not differ according to the weight-adjusted dose of HCQ. The mean weight-adjusted HCQ dose during the whole follow-up was the same in patients treated or not with IS or with mepacrine.

Conclusions

With the use of HCQ at stable doses of 200 mg/day (or 3.0–3.5 mg/kg/day) as the background therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, the majority of patients achieved prolonged remission.
Development and evaluation of a Register-Based Organ Damage Index in systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide, population-based study from Sweden
Authors: Gomez Alvaro , Parodis Ioannis , Saleh Muna , Simard Julia F , Sjöwall Christopher , Arkema Elizabeth V
Published: February 2025

Objective

To develop a Register-Based Organ Damage Index (RBODI) in SLE, and evaluate its accuracy in estimating Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index (SDI) scores. Additionally, to describe organ damage accrual and associations with mortality in a Swedish population-based nationwide cohort.

Methods

SDI items were translated into diagnosis, treatment and procedural codes retrieved from Swedish health registers. RBODI was calculated using the same rules as the SDI and its accuracy was evaluated using SDI data from theClinical Lupus Register in North-Eastern Gothiacohort as the gold standard. Among newly diagnosed patients with SLE from Sweden (2005–2021), we estimated 5-year risks of organ damage, and adjusted HRs of first RBODI-based organ damage accrual associated with patient characteristics. Lastly, we estimated the association between RBODI-based organ damage within 5 years of diagnosis and mortality.

Results

The evaluation cohort included 271 prevalent cases (65.3% developed organ damage). RBODI had a positive predictive value of 90%, sensitivity 80% and specificity 83%. Among 4441 newly diagnosed patients with SLE, 40% developed organ damage within 5 years. Males had a 30% higher risk of developing damage compared with females (HR 1.3) and older individuals (>45 years old compared with younger) had more than threefold higher risk (HR 3.3). Early development of organ damage was associated with a 2.1-fold higher risk of mortality.

Conclusion

Our novel RBODI accurately estimates SDI scores and describes long-term trends in damage accrual in the largest cohort of incident SLE to date. The strong association between early damage accrual and mortality highlights the need for efficient prevention strategies.
Association of peripheral CD8+T cell activation with disease activity and treatment resistance in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fujita Yuya , Nakayamada Shingo , Kubo Satoshi , Miyazaki Yusuke , Sonomoto Koshiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: February 2025

Objective

Various immune-cell subsets intricately mediate the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the role of CD8+T cells in SLE remains unclear. We investigated the proportions and characteristics of peripheral CD8+T cells and their association with clinical manifestations of SLE.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 211 patients with SLE and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Peripheral CD8+T cells were analysed using flow cytometry. The primary endpoint was the comparison of peripheral CD8+T cell subset characteristics between patients and HCs.

Results

Patients with SLE (mean age, 42.3 years; women, 89% and mean disease duration, 112.8 months) had significantly higher proportions of naïve CD8+T cells (CCR7+CD45RA+), CD8+terminally differentiated effector memory cells (CCR7−CD45RA+) and activated CD8+T cells (CD38+HLA-DR+) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells than HCs (p<0.001). Activated CD8+T cells produced granzyme B and interferon-γ, which correlated with serum double-stranded (ds) DNA antibodies (rs=0.3146, p<0.0001) and 50% haemolytic unit of complement (rs=−0.3215, p=0.0003), and were significantly increased in patients with active systemic, renal or haematological involvement (p<0.05). Cluster analysis-based subgroup classification based on CD8 cell differentiation and activation revealed a group with high numbers of activated CD8+T cells, highly active SLE and organ damage, including active nephritis and persistently high cell counts after a 24-week treatment, indicating treatment resistance (high anti-dsDNA antibody titres and high glucocorticoid doses).

Conclusion

In SLE, greater proportions of highly cytotoxic and proinflammatory activated CD8+T cells in peripheral blood-modulated disease activity, organ damage and residual treatment resistance, presenting a potential treatment target.
Stability of the constant states in the augmented Born–Infeld system
Authors: Anjolras Philippe
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we consider the Born–Infeld system, arising as a nonlinear model of electromagnetism, and its extension introduced by Brenier [Hydrodynamic structure of the augmented Born–Infeld equations, Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 172(1) (2004) 65–91] the so-called “augmented Born–Infeld system”. We show that this system enjoys a non-resonance structure and prove global existence and linear asymptotic behavior of small (admissible) perturbations of arbitrary constant states.
Enacting Asymmetric Passenger Experiences Using Disparate Immersive Devices in Transit
Authors: Bajorunaite Laura , Brewster Stephen , Williamson Julie R.
Published: February 2025

Immersive technologies allow us to personalize our reality while traveling; however, widespread adoption remains limited. This study investigates the challenges of adopting immersive devices in transit, particularly when passengers encounter
asymmetric experiences
using disparate devices. These situations arise as co-located passengers adopt devices with varying levels of immersion, environmental information, and interactive capabilities. Using an enactment methodology in a transit scenario involving disparate devices, our study (N=21) reveals that asymmetric passenger experiences create a sense of disconnection among passengers, especially with varying device immersion capabilities. When interactions require more than a basic response, for example complex verbal exchanges relying on social cues like gaze, adoption is further hindered. The incorporation of cues from reality addresses safety concerns but requires further refinement to support interactions that require complex or extended user involvement. This research advances the understanding of asymmetric passenger dynamics, contributing to the design of immersive technologies for transit settings.
A methodology for enhancing the accessibility of scientific museum’s collections (SCAMP)
Authors: Grillo Remo , Morelli Caterina , Rubano Vincenzo , Vitali Fabio
Published: February 2025

Museums are full of beautiful objects with high historical value. Sometimes such objects are static in their nature (e.g., statues), but often they are interactive (e.g., tools or manipulable artifacts). Very often they are accompanied by the classic sign “do not touch, just watch” or are enclosed in glass cases, hindering the full experience of their intended use. Due to high restoration and preservation costs, some of these artifacts are also relegated to storage, limiting access to the public.

This poses a dual accessibility issue: the general public cannot interact with these objects as originally intended, and blind or visually impaired individuals must rely solely on textual descriptions or audio guides. Additionally, certain artifacts still hold significant societal value if they could be interactively experienced again.

To address this, we propose the SCAMP (Scientific Collections Accessibility Making Process) methodology. By leveraging 3D printing and digital technologies, SCAMP is a robust, generic framework to “make accessible again” interactive museum objects. It creates accurate replicas and a multimodal experience centered around the recreated artifacts. Specific guidelines ensure that the replica and the interactive user experience maintain fidelity to the original objects, enhancing (rather than altering) their characteristics. Unlike many single-case discussions in the literature, SCAMP focuses on a scalable, theoretical basis that can be applied to similar artifacts. Beyond accurately reproducing shapes and colors, SCAMP also emphasizes tactile fidelity, conveying sensations close to those provided by the original item.

By applying the SCAMP methodology, interactive objects of high historical value can be made accessible to everyone—both the general public and individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Accessibility in SCAMP is essentially about ensuring an inclusive user experience for the interactive content, for which specific design rules are provided. We demonstrate SCAMP through two Brendel Models from the University of Bologna, concluding with user testing. While there is room for improvement, results show that SCAMP successfully meets its accessibility and fidelity goals, with users expressing enthusiasm for the final outcome.
LitTLS: Lightweight Thread-Level Speculation on Little Cores
Authors: Cheng Xin , Ye Jinpeng , Deng Haoyu , Zhang Tingting , Liu Tianyi , Wang Jian
Published: February 2025

Thread-Level Speculation (TLS) utilizes speculative parallelization to accelerate
hard-to-parallelize
serial codes on multi-cores. As the heterogeneous multi-core architecture is becoming ubiquitous, it presents an opportunity for TLS to reorganize little cores for the acceleration of these serial codes instead of a big core with similar or more area and power. However, previous TLS designs significantly suffer from extended hardware overhead and costly speculative forwarding.

We present LitTLS, a lightweight TLS design with versioning caches to eliminate significant extended hardware overhead by storing versions in caches without speculative write buffers and memory undo-logs. Additionally, LitTLS introduces the Speculative Address Table, a novel component to accelerate speculative forwarding with a central structure to trace memory dependencies. Evaluations on four little cores show that LitTLS achieves an average performance speedup of 2.87 × compared to a little core, outperforming a big core by 94% with similar area and less power. The extended area size is only 0.07 mm
2
, and the maximum increase in dynamic power consumption is limited to 0.3%, compared to four little cores.
Microfluidics with Machine Learning for Biophysical Characterization of Cells
Authors: Jeon Hyungkook , Han Jongyoon
Published: February 2025

Understanding the biophysical properties of cells is essential for biological research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Microfluidics enhances biophysical cell characterization by enabling precise manipulation and real-time measurement at the microscale. However, the high-throughput nature of microfluidic systems generates vast amounts of data, complicating analysis. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) methods, including machine learning and deep learning, with microfluidic technologies addresses these challenges. AI excels at analyzing large, complex datasets, improving the accuracy and efficiency of microfluidic experiments and facilitating new biological discoveries. This review examines the synergy between microfluidics and machine learning for biophysical cell characterization, categorizing existing methods based on the types of input data used for machine learning analysis, highlighting recent advancements, and discussing challenges and future directions in this interdisciplinary field.
Predicting Oil Price Trends During Conflict With Hybrid Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Boussatta Hicham , Chihab Marouane , Chiny Mohamed , Chihab Younes
Published: February 2025

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has introduced significant volatility into the global oil markets, highlighting the need for robust forecasting models to understand and anticipate price fluctuations during such geopolitical events. This study presents a comprehensive hybrid modeling approach to predict oil prices in the context of Russia and Ukraine across three distinct periods: before the war, during the war, and the immediate aftermath of the conflict. Using advanced machine learning techniques, we developed a hybrid system combining Random Forest, ElasticNet, K‐Nearest Neighbors, Gradient Boosting, and Support Vector Regressor models. These models were integrated through a Voting Regressor to enhance prediction accuracy. Our analysis revealed varying levels of predictive performance across the different periods. Prior to the war, the models showed strong predictive capabilities, evidenced by low mean‐squared error (MSE) values and high coefficients of determination (R2). However, during the war, the models struggled to capture extreme volatility, resulting in significantly increased MSE and negative R2 values. Predictions for the immediate aftermath of the conflict demonstrated improvements, with a reduction in MSE and positive R2 values, indicating a return to relatively more stable market conditions. Notably, combining data from both before the war and war periods could further improve predictive accuracy, as it would reduce the impact of the conflict’s volatility on model performance. These results emphasize the challenges of forecasting oil prices in periods of geopolitical instability and underscore the importance of hybrid modeling approaches to adapt to rapidly changing market dynamics.
Study the Effect of Intraperitoneal Dexamethasone, Dexmedetomidine, and Their Combination on PONV After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Triple‐Blind Trial
Authors: Bauiomy Hany , Kohaf Neveen A. , Saad Mohammed , Rashed Zaky Ftouh , Abosakaya Ahmed M.
Published: February 2025

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are major adverse consequences following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Several drugs have been used to combat its occurrence.

Objective: This study aimed to show the efficacy of the intraperitoneal route and compare different antiemetic effects of dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine, and their combination on PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia in a tertiary care hospital.

Design: Prospective randomized triple‐blind study.

Setting: The trial was conducted at Benha University Hospitals. The trial was done from August 2023 to April 2024.

Patients: Two hundred and forty patients aged 20–50 years, Apfel Score 1, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status Classification I or II who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Exclusion criteria were a history of psychotic illnesses, Parkinson’s disease, motion disorder, and a history of chemotherapy.

Interventions: Patients were randomized equally into four groups. Group I (control group) received 20 mL normal saline, Group II (dexamethasone group) received 8 mg dexamethasone, Group III (dexmedetomidine group) received dexmedetomidine 1mic/kg, and Group IV (combination group) received the combination of both dexamethasone (8 mg) + dexmedetomidine (1mic/kg). The medications were diluted in 20 mL normal saline.

Main Outcome Measures: The incidence of PONV encountered by patients in the first 24 h following surgery was recorded.

Results: Nausea was reported in 26 (43.33%), 10 (16.67%), 11 (18.33%), and 6 (10%) in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Vomiting was observed in 25 (41.67%), 11 (18.33%), 10 (16.67%), and five (8.33%) in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Antiemetic medication was required for 24 (40%), 11 (18.33%), 12 (20%), and eight (13.33%) in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Nausea, vomiting, and antiemetics requirements differed significantly among the four groups (p value < 0.05).

Conclusions: Intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine either alone or in combination decreased the incidence of PONV among patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05988671
Pedestrian‐Vehicle Conflict Identification Method and Safety Evaluation Model Based on an Improved TAdv: An Example of Signal Intersections in China
Authors: Sheng Lin , Cheng Guozhu , Li Tianyi , Wang Haoyu
Published: February 2025

Due to the high incidence of pedestrian collisions at intersections and the vulnerable status of pedestrians, an increasing number of researchers are focusing on pedestrian safety. Currently, researchers tend to apply surrogate safety measures (SSMs) in pedestrian safety analysis, with Time to Collision (TTC) and Post Encroachment Time (PET) being the most widely used. However, their application is subject to certain conditions and limitations. Therefore, this study proposes a novel traffic conflict indicator called improved Time Advantage (improved TAdv), designed to identify pedestrian‐vehicle conflicts without collision trajectories. A conflict model for right‐turning vehicles and pedestrians at signalized intersections is developed to analyze the impact of various factors on the probability of pedestrian‐vehicle conflicts. The results indicate that the improved TAdv offers advantages over traditional traffic conflict indicators. Meanwhile, the findings emphasize the spatial disparities of right‐turning pedestrian‐vehicle conflicts and analyze the impact of vehicle speed at different locations on the likelihood of such conflicts, offering new insights into pedestrian safety analysis.
Safety of Early Mobilization in Adult Neurocritical Patients: An Exploratory Review
Authors: Arzayus-Patiño Leonardo , Estela-Zape José Luis , Sanclemente-Cardoza Valeria
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Early mobilization has shown significant benefits in the rehabilitation of critically ill patients, including improved muscle strength, prevention of physical deconditioning, and reduced hospital length of stay. However, its safety in neurocritical patients, such as those with strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and postsurgical brain surgeries, remains uncertain. This study aims to map and examine the available evidence on the safety of early mobilization in adult neurocritical patients.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA‐SCR guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The research question focused on the safety of early mobilization in neurocritical patients, considering adverse events, neurological changes, hemodynamic changes, and respiratory changes. A comprehensive search was performed in databases such as PubMed, BVS–LILACS, Ovid MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect, using specific search strategies. The selected studies were assessed for methodological quality using JBI tools.

Results: Of 1310 identified articles, 25 were included in the review. These studies comprised randomized controlled trials, prospective observational studies, retrospective studies, and pre‐ and postimplementation intervention studies. The review found that early mobilization in neurocritical patients is generally safe, with a low incidence of severe adverse events, and does not increase the risk of vasospasm, and most complications were manageable with protocol adjustments and continuous monitoring.

Conclusion: Early mobilization in neurocritical patients has been shown to be potentially safe under specific conditions, without a significant increase in severe complications when properly monitored. However, the available evidence is limited by the heterogeneity of protocols and study designs, emphasizing the need for further research. The importance of tailoring mobilization protocols to each patient and ensuring continuous monitoring is highlighted. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to fully understand the associated risks and optimize mobilization strategies.
A Prospective Clinical Study on Postoperative Complications of Prostate Biopsy Following COVID‐19 Infection at a Tertiary Hospital in Taizhou, China
Authors: Zhang Dong-sheng , Chen Yu-yi , Zhu Jia-jia , Wang Rong , Sun Liang-xue
Published: February 2025

Background: Postoperative complications in individuals with a prior history of COVID‐19 infection have been insufficiently investigated. This study is conducted to explore the postoperative complications of prostate biopsy in patients following a COVID‐19 infection.

Materials and Methods: Data from individuals who underwent a prostate biopsy at a tertiary hospital in Taizhou city from 1 February to 15 November 2023 were collected, including a history of COVID‐19 infection, a history of chronic disease, and postoperative complications of prostate biopsy.

Results: A total of 526 participants were enrolled in the study, with 325 individuals having a prior history of COVID‐19 infection. The interval between infection and prostate biopsy was 29.25 ± 12.75 weeks, with a fluctuation range from 0.71 to 87.57 weeks. In individuals with a history of COVID‐19 infection, 72 were asymptomatic, 110 experienced respiratory symptoms, and 145 had fever. In total, 198 patients reported postoperative complications, which showed no statistically significant difference with a history of COVID‐19 infection (p = 0.217). The top three reported postoperative complications were hematuria, perineal pain, and urinary retention, which tended not to be related to a history of COVID‐19 infection (p = 0.448, p = 0.991, and p = 0.277, respectively).

Conclusion: The incidence of postoperative complications of prostate biopsy in post‐COVID‐19 patients, who currently have no symptoms of COVID‐19 infection, was comparable to patients with no history of COVID‐19 infection. In clinical practice, for males with a history of controlled COVID‐19 infection, the risk of postoperative complications from prostate biopsy should not be a major concern.
University Students’ Understanding and Utilization of Food Labels: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: AlBlooshi Sharifa , Smail Linda , Aldayyani Asya , Zeb Falak , Ibrahim Alia
Published: February 2025

Introduction: This study is aimed at investigating Zayed University students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding food labels and at identifying key predictors of food label use through logistic regression analysis.

Methods: This quantitative cross‐sectional study used a validated questionnaire to elicit data on KAPs regarding the use of nutritional information and food labels. This study was conducted from January to May 2023 in the UAE among students from Zayed University. A total of 1153 students aged 18 and above from Zayed University participated in the study. They were recruited using snowball sampling. Descriptive statistics were obtained using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.

Results: We found a positive level of knowledge regarding food labeling (89.9%). Over half the participants viewed food labels positively as around 55.6% reported checking labels and 58.6% replaced food based upon labels while 67.0% checked calories, and 49.7% checked nutritional value. Approximately 60% made their choices based on cost. Over 80% reported checking expiry dates and avoiding expired items. Marital and employment status was the only variables to influence attitudes toward food labeling and checking labels.

Conclusion: Our findings show that there is great potential for education regarding food labels to be effective in improving dietary practices.
Mathematical Simulation of Optimal Control Measures to Avoid Chickenpox Infection
Authors: Al-Muallem Nada A. , Ali Hegagi Mohamed , Elsaid Essam M. , Eid Mohamed R. , Hassanin W. S.
Published: February 2025

This work presents a comprehensive mathematical analysis of the chickenpox transmission model, including positivity, existence, invariant region, and uniqueness of the solution. We enhance the model by introducing optimal control measures using two time‐dependent control variables: prevention measures like vaccination and movement constraints, and isolation measures like quarantine. The study evaluates the basic reproduction number , equilibrium points, and stability. New contributions include the analysis of the model’s bifurcations and the proof of the existence of optimal control using Fleming’s theorem. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of optimal control strategies in reducing infection. These results highlight the practical importance of the proposed model in mitigating chickenpox outbreaks and provide a basis for future extensions to fractional systems and additional control variables. The results led us to conclude that, to reduce the danger of catching the chickenpox virus, it is imperative to apply suggested control measures.
Fused Filament Fabrication of Poly(l‐Lactic Acid): A Thermal Analysis Approach to Optimize Processing Conditions
Authors: Di Lorenzo Maria Laura , Liparoti Sara , Cavallo Dario , Hashemi Targol , Pantani Roberto
Published: February 2025

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an inexpensive and flexible additive manufacturing technology, widely used for thermoplastic polymers to produce parts with complex geometry. However, some thermoplastics may undergo thermal degradation upon FFF, with loss of material properties. This is the case of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA), a biodegradable and bio‐based semicrystalline polyester, largely used in FFF. For the temperature‐sensitive polymers, FFF processing should be optimized, to limit as much as possible thermal degradation. In this work, the minimum temperature and time needed to melt PLLA, thus the best conditions to limit thermal degradation, have been determined by calorimetry. The attained results were used to produce 3D printed parts using a PLLA filament: the analysis of the effect of nozzle temperature and extrusion rate (the main processing parameters linked to polymer melting kinetics) on the thermal properties of the printed parts confirmed the need of proper setting of the melting conditions to optimize properties of FFF 3D printed products. Modeling and simulation of flow and temperature fields inside the liquefier, accounting for the filament melting, are also proposed and used to evaluate the molten fraction in several printing conditions.
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Bentho‐Demersal Communities From Bottom Trawl Across the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast in Relation to Environmental Conditions: Implications for Fisheries Management
Authors: Slimani Douaa , Abdellaoui Souad , El Ouamari Najib , Kasmi Khaoula , Mouedden Rajae , Ouebdil Imade , Kaddouri Nassir , Settih Jamal , Layachi Mostafa , Fadili Mohamed , Chaabane Khalid
Published: February 2025

Understanding the temporal and spatial patterns, as well as habitat preferences, of marine communities is crucial for interpreting ecosystem functioning and effectively protecting marine organisms’ resources. In this paper, we investigated the changes in marine communities in the Moroccan Mediterranean (20–620 m depth) over both space and time. Using data from trawl scientific surveys conducted by the National Fisheries Research Institute from 2018 to 2021, we conducted a quantitative analysis to (1) assess the seasonal spatial patterns of bentho‐demersal communities, including both economically important species and those not directly targeted by fisheries, and (2) explore the interactions between these communities and environmental factors to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of communities structure. We selected several environmental characterizations including depth, sea surface temperature, bottom temperature, salinity, chlorophyll‐a, dissolved oxygen, pH, and bottom seabed nature. Depth was the predominant factor responsible for most of the variation observed in both ecological parameters and the composition of bentho‐demersal species. The study largely confirms that bentho‐demersal communities along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast respond to their environment, displaying a structural pattern shaped by an offshore to inshore environmental gradient, and exhibiting low seasonal variations. These results have significant implications for fisheries management, offering crucial insights into the parameters influencing the distribution of bentho‐demersal communities. This is particularly relevant for mixed‐species fisheries, just like those operating in the Moroccan Mediterranean trawl fishery.
Anterior segment anatomic parameters based on the scleral spur and cornea for risk profiling of primary angle-closure glaucoma
Authors: Fu Yue , Jiang Bin , Liu Yang , Li Lufan , Li Yuting , Chang Zhaohui , Zeng Wen , Ke Min
Published: February 2025

Introduction: To investigate the anterior segment anatomical parameters associated with the scleral spur and cornea for risk profiling of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, collecting parametric measurements obtained using CASIA 2 and IOLMaster 700. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to compare ocular parameters between the narrow angle (NA) group and PACG group, as well as identify risk factors for PACG. The predictive performance of each parameter was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).
Results: A total of 84 patients with PACG (48 with PACG and 36 with chronic PACG) and 84 patients with NA were included in this study. In the multivariable model, it was demonstrated that individuals with a smaller trabecular scleral-spur angle (TSA; OR = 0.810, per 1 degree increase, p < 0.001, AUROC =0.738) and larger relative lens vault (rLV: OR = 1.112, per 1 percent increase, p < 0.001, AUROC =0.720) had an increased risk of developing PACG. Furthermore, combining TSA with rLV yielded an improved AUROC value of 0.807 (p<0.001).
Conclusion: AS-OCT is a valuable tool for early assessment of progression risk in NA patients at risk for developing PACG. Our findings suggest that both TSA and rLV are significant risk factors for PACG. Moreover, the novel parameter TSA demonstrates promising potential as a predictive tool for early PACG screening.
Palmoplantar Pustulosis During Pregnancy Was Successfully Treated with Tofacitinib：A case report
Authors: Dong Bingyan , Meng Fanzhang , Wei Jinian , Lin Zhimin , Li Weizhong , Li Chen , Hou Xiujuan
Published: February 2025

Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic recurrent dermatological condition of unknown aetiology, and available clinical experience suggests that symptoms tend to diminish during pregnancy, but we report a case of a 31-year-old woman whose condition worsened after pregnancy, which prompted us to focus on this problem and cure her disease with a new treatment regimen, tofacitibi.
Sphaeroma taborans sp. nov., a new species of wood-boring isopod (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidae) from Munroe Island, Ashtamudi Estuary, Kerala, India
Authors: M.S. Arya  , A. Biju  , Dani Benchamin
Published: February 2025

Sphaeroma taborans sp. nov. is described from Munroe Island, part of Ashtamudi Estuary, Kerala, India. This wood-boring species can be distinguished from all other congeners by its dorsal surface with three longitudinal bands between eyes, a prominent blackish tubercle on the anterior band, and scattered weak tubercles. Epistome subtriangular and nontruncated. Pleon and pleotelson bearing appressed hair layers. Pleotelsonic dorsal surface with six stout tubercles in a transverse row near the anterior followed by three pairs of median prominent blunt tubercles. Apex curved triangle, slightly curved upwards. Uropodal exopod with 4–5 external teeth and an acute apex thorn-like setae along lateral margins with acute apex extending beyond pleotelsonic apex.
Morphological characterization and ecological insights of Pseudonapaeus cf. candelaris (L. Pfeiffer, 1846) in the Pir Panjal Range of western Himalaya
Authors: Ahmed Hilal , Ahmed Imtiaz , N.A. Aravind
Published: February 2025

Pseudonapaeus cf. candelaris is a terrestrial snail species belonging to the Enidae family, specifically inhabiting the Pir Panjal Range of the western Himalaya. This species displays a unique shell morphology with prominent features including deep furrows, a smooth outer surface, cylindrical form, gradually tapering apex, spiral bands and axial ribs. This study examines the morphometric characteristics of shell and distinct structural patterns observed in specimens from various sites within the region. By documenting these morphological attributes, the research enhances our taxonomic understanding of P. cf. candelaris, addressing aspects of its classification and ecological role. The findings present critical information for conservation efforts aimed at protecting this regionally significant, endemic snail species.
Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F.Macbr. (Lythraceae) — a new non-native plant record for the Eastern Ghats of India
Authors: Das Prabhat Kumar , Majhi Bishal Kumar , Hansda Shashi Sourav , Samarendra Narayan Mallick  , Panda Purnendu , Panda Pratap Chandra
Published: February 2025

The wild occurrence of Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F.Macbr. (Lythraceae), a native of South America and so far known from the northeastern region of India is reported from the higher hills of Koraput District of Odisha. The collection of the species in southern Odisha is interesting in view of its wild occurrence, invasiveness, and the range expansion to the Eastern Ghats of India. The nomenclature, description, notes on distribution, and citations of specimens studied are provided along with colour photographs for easy identification.