bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Molecular Network‐Based Cancer Driver Gene Prediction Using Machine Learning Approaches: Current Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zhang Hao , Lin Chaohuan , Chen Ying'ao , Shen Xianrui , Wang Ruizhe , Chen Yiqi , Lyu Jie
Published: January 2025

Cancer is a complex disease driven by mutations in the genes that play critical roles in cellular processes. The identification of cancer driver genes is crucial for understanding tumorigenesis, developing targeted therapies and identifying rational drug targets. Experimental identification and validation of cancer driver genes are time‐consuming and costly. Studies have demonstrated that interactions among genes are associated with similar phenotypes. Therefore, identifying cancer driver genes using molecular network‐based approaches is necessary. Molecular network‐based random walk‐based approaches, which integrate mutation data with protein–protein interaction networks, have been widely employed in predicting cancer driver genes and demonstrated robust predictive potential. However, recent advancements in deep learning, particularly graph‐based models, have provided novel opportunities for enhancing the prediction of cancer driver genes. This review aimed to comprehensively explore how machine learning methodologies, particularly network propagation, graph neural networks, autoencoders, graph embeddings, and attention mechanisms, improve the scalability and interpretability of molecular network‐based cancer gene prediction.
Determinants of Problem‐Solving Skills of Nursing Students: Solution‐Focused Thinking Skills and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Selçuk Tosun Alime , Akgül Gündoğdu Nurcan , Avci Dilek , Gündüz Emine Selda
Published: January 2025

Background

Problem‐solving skills are some of the leading strategies for dynamism in the content and quality of nursing care.

Aim

The present study is aimed at determining nursing students' problem‐solving, solution‐focused thinking, and emotional intelligence levels and investigating the relationship between their problem‐solving skills and these variables.

Methods

The study comprised 305 nursing students in Turkey. Data were collected between May and June 2021, using the personal information form, problem‐solving inventory, solution‐focused inventory and Schutte emotional intelligence scale. One‐way ANOVA, t‐test and multiple regression were used for data analysis.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 21.81 ± 5.93 years, 75.7% of them were women, 35.1% were senior students and 58.0% perceived their academic achievement as moderate. The mean scores from the overall problem‐solving inventory, solution‐focused inventory, and emotional intelligence scale were 92.93 ± 19.30, 50.26 ± 8.43 and 128.22 ± 14.11, respectively. Variables such as sex, perceived academic achievement, emotional intelligence and solution‐focused thinking levels affected problem‐solving skills (p < 0.01). The effective predictive factors accounted for 50.2% of the change in participants' problem‐solving skill levels.

Conclusion

For this reason, revising the national nursing curriculum with programmes that develop emotional intelligence and solution‐focused thinking skills will enable nursing students to better manage the nursing process in clinical and field practices.
Prenatal Valproic Acid Induces Autistic‐Like Behaviors in Rats via Dopaminergic Modulation in Nigrostriatal and Mesocorticolimbic Pathways
Authors: Cezar Luana C. , da Fonseca Caio Cesar N. , Klein Marianne O. , Kirsten Thiago B. , Felicio Luciano F.
Published: January 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder characterized by several behavioral impairments, especially in socialization, communication, and the occurrence of stereotyped behaviors. In rats, prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) induces autistic‐like behaviors. Previous studies by our group have suggested that the autistic‐like phenotype is possibly related to dopaminergic system modulation because tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression was affected. The objective of the present study was to understand the dopaminergic role in autism. Wistar rats on gestational day 12.5 received VPA (400 mg/kg) and behaviors related to rat models of ASD were evaluated in juvenile offspring. Neurochemical and genetic dopaminergic components were studied in different brain areas of both juvenile and adult rats. Prenatal VPA‐induced autistic‐like behaviors in comparison to a control group: decreased maternal solicitations by ultrasonic vocalizations, cognitive inflexibility and stereotyped behavior in the T‐maze test, decreased social interaction and play behavior, as well as motor hyperactivity. Prenatal VPA also decreased dopamine synthesis and activity in the striatum and prefrontal cortex, as well as dopamine transporter, D1 and D2 receptors, and TH expressions. Moreover, prenatal VPA increased TH+ immunoreactive neurons of the ventral tegmental area–substantia nigra complex. In conclusion, the dopaminergic hypoactivity associated with the behavioral impairments exhibited by the rats that received prenatal VPA suggests the important role of this system in the establishment of the characteristic symptoms of ASD in juvenile and adult males. Dopamine was demonstrated to be an important biomarker and a potential pharmacological target for ASD.

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Poststroke Translocator Protein Expression Dynamics and Correlations to Chronic Infarction: A [123I]‐CLINDE‐SPECT Study
Authors: Jensen Per , Ozenne Brice , Meden Per , Feng Ling , Thomsen Gerda , Knudsen Lars , Steglich‐Arnholm Henrik , Møller Kirsten , Thomsen Carsten , Svarer Claus , Beliveau Vincent , Mikkelsen Jens , Knudsen Gitte , H Pinborg Lars
Published: January 2025

Background and Purpose

This study aims to investigate the longitudinal changes in translocator protein (TSPO) following stroke in different brain regions and potential associations with chronic brain infarction.

Methods

Twelve patients underwent SPECT using the TSPO tracer 6‐Chloro‐2‐(4ʹ‐123I‐Iodophenyl)‐3‐(N,N‐Diethyl)‐Imidazo[1,2‐a]Pyridine‐3‐Acetamide, as well as structural MRI, at 10, 41, and 128 days (median) after ischemic infarction in the middle cerebral artery. TSPO expression was measured in lesional (MRI lesion and SPECT lesion), connected (pons and ipsilesional thalamus), and nonconnected (ipsilesional cerebellum and contralesional occipital cortex) regions. Correlations were explored between the volume of chronic infarction and TSPO expression in nonconnected regions of interest (ROIs) at 128 days

Results

Throughout the study period, TSPO levels decreased by 24%–33% in lesional ROIs, while levels increased in connected ROIs by 35%–69% and in nonconnected ROIs by 53%–77%. At 128 days poststroke, TSPO expression in ipsilesional cerebellum positively correlated with chronic infarction volume (p = 0.002, r2 = 0.72).

Conclusions

This study expands the current knowledge of spatial and temporal TSPO expression in humans by quantifying TSPO changes in lesional, connected, and nonconnected brain regions at three time points after cerebral infarction as well as correlating late‐stage TSPO upregulation and chronic infarction volume.
Utilizing Quantitative Analysis of CSF Volume from Clinical T1‐Weighted MRI to Predict Thrombectomy Outcomes
Authors: Kawas Mohammad I. , Shamulzai Ahmad , Atcheson Kyle M. , Horn Alex C. , Ma Renate , Kittel Carol , Curry Brian , Lipford Megan , Kim Jeongchul , Solingapuram Sai Kiran K. , Wolfe Stacey Q. , Whitlow Christopher T.
Published: January 2025

Background and Purpose

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard for acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion, but post‐EVT functional independence varies. Brain atrophy, linked to higher cerebrospinal fluid volume (CSFV), may affect outcomes. Baseline CSFV could predict EVT benefit by assessing brain health. We aimed to quantify total CSFV from clinical T1‐weighted (w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess global brain atrophy and its association with functional outcomes following successful EVT.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients achieving thrombolysis‐in‐cerebral‐infarction ≥2b revascularization via prospectively maintained single‐institution stroke thrombectomy registry (n = 432) between 2015 and 2021. We included 214 patients (mean age 67.5 ± 14.6, 49% female) with acceptable quality MRI within 14 days of EVT and available modified Rankin‐scale (mRS) at 90 days post EVT. Clinical T1w images were transformed into high‐resolution images using the convolutional neural‐network SynthSR. FreeSurfer software was then used to estimate total cranial CSFV. To correct for head size, percentage of CSFV to intracranial volume was used.

Results

Baseline CSFV% significantly predicted 90‐day mRS in an ordinal regression model adjusted for baseline mRS (p < 0.001). Further modeling was performed to account for age, sex, 24‐h National‐Institutes‐Health‐Stroke‐Scale (NIHSS), smoking history, prior stroke, hypertension, congestive heart failure, hemoglobin‐A1c, atrial fibrillation, and Alberta‐Stroke‐Program‐Early‐CT‐Score (ASPECTS). Total CSFV% remained an independent predictor of 90‐day mRS (p = 0.012). CSFV% did not significantly predict the occurrence of any type of hemorrhagic transformation in a logistic regression model.

Conclusions

Increased CSFV% correlates with poorer functional outcomes post EVT. Total CSFV% may serve as a useful imaging biomarker for clinicians determining patient prognostication prior to EVT.
Identification, cellular localization, and function analysis of a novel toll‐like receptor (PtToll4) in Portunus trituberculatus
Authors: Liu Hao , Shu Feng‐Ling , Zhang Dan‐Feng , Yin Fei , Zhou Su‐Ming
Published: January 2025

Toll‐like receptor (TLR) is one of the most important pattern recognition receptors in both invertebrate and vertebrate animals. In previous study, three different kinds of TLR cDNAs (PtToll1‐3) have been cloned from Portunus trituberculatus. In this study, a novel PtToll4 cDNA sequence was identified in this crab. The PtToll4 ORF is predicted to encode 894 peptides with an initiating signal peptide, an extracellular LRRs domain, a transmembrane region, and an intracellular toll‐interleukin‐1 receptor domain. Based on the sequence and phylogenetic analysis, PtToll4 distinctly clustered with almost all crustacean tolls, which mostly clustered with some shrimp TLRs and Eriocheir sinensis Toll 2 (EsToll 2). The real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the transcript of PtToll4 was constitutively expressed in tissues. In hemocytes, the transcript of PtToll4 in large granulocytes is approximately threefold higher than in small granulocytes and hyalocytes. Moreover, the expression of PtToll4 could be moderately and shortly upregulated by Vibrio alginolyticus or lipopolysaccharide challenge in the primary cultured hemocytes. In HEK 293T cell model, over‐expressed PtToll4 was not able to activate the mammal NF‐κB, compared with a positive plasmid. In the Drosophila S2 cell model, over‐expressed PtToll4 distributed mainly in cell membrane and could affect the activation of some Drosophila antimicrobial peptides promoters. The RNA interference experiment showed that the expressions of PtToll4 was significantly inhibited by its specific double‐stranded RNA in the crab hemocytes and accompanied by the suppressed expressions of the anti‐lipopolysaccharide factor 4 (ALF4), ALF7, hyastatin3, crustin1, and crustin3.
Morphology and Reproductive Biology of Blue Perch Badis assamensis Ahl 1937 Recorded From a Hill Stream in Assam, India
Authors: Hussain Jafrin Farha , Bordoloi Sabitry
Published: January 2025

A badid, Badis assamensis Ahl, 1937, was recorded for the first time from the intermediate zone of a semi‐torrential stream called Basistha in Assam, which is a small tributary of the river Brahmaputra. The fish species Badis assamensis is currently listed in the data deficient (DD) category of IUCN. The species has previously been reported in swampy wetlands in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra valley in Assam; with no detail description on its biology however. The current work redescribes morphology and presents detail reproductive biology of this species based on fresh collection of 377 individuals from the Basistha. length‐weight relationships (LWR) analysed in this species indicated an isometric growth; and condition factor (K) indicated a suitable habitat for this species. Badis assamensis exhibits a non‐seasonal breeding behaviour twice a year, as analysed from the Gonado‐somatic and ovarian indices. During certain period of the year, local people use unscientific ways of fish collection thereby resulting in a steep decline in fish population. The study is believed to lay an insight into this species' geographical range from a swampy wetland habitat in upper reaches of the Brahmaputra basin; to a semi‐torrential hill stream habitat in the lower Brahmaputra sub‐basin; thereby providing baseline information on this DD species. Analysis of morphometric and reproductive parameters of this species not reported earlier is the major highlight of the present study.
Predicting Elevated Postvoid Residual Urine Volume Following OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Overactive Bladder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Franco Israel , Schwartz Marc , Cline Kevin , Glazier David , Patel Anand
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To evaluate possible predictors of elevated postvoid residual volume (PVR) following onabotulinumtoxinA administration in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB), a condition that may include urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia, without any identifiable cause or underlying neurological or metabolic condition.

Methods

Adults who had been treated with 100–200 U onabotulinumtoxinA for OAB and had previous failure of other OAB treatments were identified by retrospective review of medical chart data from three urology clinics in the United States treating patients with a variety of urological conditions. A total of 211 patients were allocated to cohorts based on posttreatment PVR < 200 mL (n = 173) and ≥ 200 mL (n = 38). Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate potential predictors of posttreatment PVR ≥ 200 mL, including pretreatment peak urine flow rate (Qmax), average urine flow rate (Qavg), and Modified Liverpool Qmax and Qavg flow index (FI), and to determine whether patient age and baseline PVR were associated with the likelihood of PVR ≥ 200 mL. Patients were excluded if symptoms of OAB were secondary to a neurological condition, they had a PVR > 200 mL within 2 weeks prior to the index therapy or had been treated with other botulinum toxin formulations for a urinary condition.

Results

In the predictor analyses, neither Qmax nor Qavg alone was a likely predictor. Odds ratios of PVR ≥ 200 mL for Modified Liverpool Qmax FI and Qavg were 0.30 (95% CI: 0.08–0.91; p = 0.0488) and 0.07 (95% CI 0.01–0.40; p = 0.0045), respectively. When patient age and baseline PVR were incorporated into the analyses, results suggested that Qmax, Qavg, Qmax FI, and Qavg FI, as well as increased age and baseline PVR, were likely predictors of elevated posttreatment PVR.

Conclusions

Patients who are older, have high pretreatment PVR values, and have lower pretreatment urine flow indexes and flows may be at increased risk of developing elevated PVR after receiving onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for OAB.
From division to ‘divergence’: to understand wood growth across timescales, we need to (learn to) manipulate it
Authors: Buttò Valentina , Peltier Drew M. P. , Rademacher Tim
Published: January 2025

Wood formation is the Rosetta stone of tree physiology: a traceable, integrated record of physiological and morphological status. It also produces a large and persistent annual sink for terrestrial carbon, motivating predictive understanding. Xylogenesis studies have greatly expanded our knowledge of the intra‐annual controls on wood formation, while dendroecology has quantified the environmental drivers of multi‐annual variability. But these fields operate on different timescales, making it challenging to predict how short (e.g. turgor) and long timescale processes (e.g. disturbance) interactively influence wood formation. Toward this challenge, wood growth responses to natural climate events provide useful but incomplete explanations of tree growth variability. By contrast, direct manipulations of the tree vascular system have yielded unexpected insights, particularly outside of model species like boreal conifers, but they remain underutilized. To improve prediction of global wood formation, we argue for a new generation of experimental manipulations of wood growth across seasons, species, and ecosystems. Such manipulations should expand inference to diverse forests and capture inter‐ and intra‐specific differences in wood growth. We summarize the endogenous and exogenous factors influencing wood formation to guide future experimental design and hypotheses. We highlight key opportunities for manipulative studies integrating measurements from xylogenesis, dendroanatomy, dendroecology, and ecophysiology.
The Reliability and Validity of Intraoral Photographs in Assessing Orthodontic Treatment Need
Authors: Göranson Emma , Sonesson Mikael , Gullbrand Malin , Isberg Per‐Erik , Dimberg Lillemor
Published: January 2025

Background

Orthodontic treatment need has commonly been assessed using treatment need indices during clinical examinations or using photographs in combination with plaster casts. Recently, the use of intraoral photographs alone to screen malocclusions has increased.

Objective

This study aimed to validate intraoral photographs for the assessment of orthodontic treatment need.

Materials and Methods

The study sample consisted of case files from 30 pre‐orthodontic patients aged 12–19 years. Each case file included intraoral photographs and casts. The cases were consecutively recruited from two orthodontic treatment waiting lists: 15 from the Department of Orthodontics at Folktandvården Eastmaninstitutet, Stockholm, Sweden and 15 from the Center for Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Norrköping, Public Dental Service Östergötland. Their orthodontic treatment need was assessed by four raters (calibrated orthodontists) using the indices IOTN‐AC, IOTN‐DHC, ICON, and DAI. The four raters individually assessed the 30 cases on three occasions: (1) photos only, (2) photos and casts, and (3) photos only. Finally, the four raters jointly made a consensus assessment using both photos and casts. For IOTN‐AC and IOTN‐DHC, interrater agreement was assessed with Fleiss' kappa, and validity with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. For ICON and DAI, interrater agreement was assessed with Intra Class Correlation (ICC) (1, 2) and validity with a paired t‐test.

Results

Interrater agreement for IOTN‐AC was slight (0.14–0.18) and moderate for IOTN‐DHC (0.51–0.57), regardless of whether photographs were used alone or combined with casts. ICON demonstrated moderate interrater agreement (0.57–0.72), while DAI showed moderate to excellent (0.70–0.91), similarly unaffected by the use of photographs alone or in combination with casts. The validity analysis, which compared the individual assessments to the consensus one, revealed equivalent differences whether the assessment involved intraoral photographs alone or in combination with casts.

Conclusion

Intraoral photographs are sufficient for assessing orthodontic treatment need because interrater agreement and validity are similar whether photos are used alone or with casts. However, interrater variability was substantial for both assessment methods.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrial.gov. identifier: NCT05038865
Systematic review and meta‐analysis on probiotics as treatment for food allergies among pediatric patients: A 2024 update
Authors: Tan‐Lim Carol Stephanie C. , Esteban‐Ipac Natasha Ann R.
Published: January 2025

This systematic review updated the available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of probiotics as treatment of food allergy among pediatric patients. We conducted a systematic search for all randomized controlled trials available until March 13, 2024 that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of probiotics for treating pediatric food allergy. Two authors independently conducted the search, screening, and data extraction. Data analysis and synthesis were done using Review Manager 5.4 software. We included 13 articles involving 1608 pediatric patients with food allergy. Probiotics probably has no effect on reducing eczema scores among infants with CMA (MD −1.29 points, 95% CI −4.14, 1.56; moderate certainty of evidence), based on two studies. Probiotics may reduce eczema scores for children with various types of allergy (MD −23.08 points, 95% CI −27.55, −18.61; low certainty of evidence), based on one study. It is uncertain whether probiotics may lead to tolerance acquisition among infants with CMA (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.34, 1.00) due to very low certainty of evidence. Subgroup analysis based on time period showed significant benefit in inducing tolerance after at least 2 years (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.29, 0.67; moderate certainty of evidence), suggesting a duration‐dependent effect of probiotic usage. Subgroup analysis by probiotic preparation showed significant benefit for the LGG strain (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28, 0.62). Probiotics were generally well tolerated by the study participants. Further well‐designed RCTs focusing on specific types of food allergy, as well as the use of standardized probiotic strains, outcome measurement, and longer follow‐up periods are needed to draw clinically relevant conclusions on the role of probiotics in treating children with food allergy.
Beta‐Blockers and Cutaneous Melanoma Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Random‐Effects Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Muller Nicholas M. , Tan Samuel X. , Vipulaguna Nisal , Zhou Chenhao , Hughes Maria Celia B. , Soyer H. Peter , von Schuckmann Lena , Khosrotehrani Kiarash
Published: January 2025

Beta‐blockers have generated an exciting discourse for their potential as a cheap, safe, and effective adjunctive therapy for cutaneous melanoma patients, but the field remains murky. This systematic review investigates the association between beta‐blocker use and survival outcomes in cutaneous melanoma patients. We reviewed 12 studies with 21,582 patients in a network meta‐analysis and found a benefit between beta‐blocker use and disease‐free survival but no other significant association for melanoma‐specific or overall survival. However, some evidence suggests that pan‐selective beta‐blockers, rather than cardio‐selective ones, may have a protective effect. We conclude that the current evidence is insufficient to recommend beta‐blockers for melanoma treatment but suggest further research focusing on pan‐selective beta‐blockers to clarify their potential benefits.
Perspectives on Abortion Services, the Pre‐Abortion Visit, and Telemedicine Abortion: A Qualitative Study in Sweden
Authors: Jar‐Allah Tagrid , Edalat Mina , Nyman Viola , Milsom Ian , Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina , Rydelius Johanna , Hognert Helena
Published: January 2025

Context

According to Swedish law, abortion treatment should be carried out at an approved healthcare facility. All persons seeking medication abortions are obliged to attend an in‐person visit, which includes a gynecological examination, an ultrasound scan, and administration of mifepristone at a hospital/clinic. However, some countries have implemented telemedicine abortion services without the requirement of in‐person visits during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to (1) describe abortion seekers' experience of currently available abortion care; (2) explore abortion seekers' suggestions for improving medication abortion care; and (3) explore abortion seekers' views on an abortion care model that omits an in‐person appointment and examination.

Methods

We interviewed 20 participants who sought early medication abortion at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, from March to April 2023. Systematic text‐condensation of qualitative semi‐structured interviews was used to explore abortion seekers' experience of the pre‐abortion visit, including the gynecological and ultrasound examinations, thoughts about abortion care services, and telemedicine abortion.

Results

Three main findings emerged (1) The participants found it easy to contact the abortion clinic, but experienced undesired waiting time (2) Most participants appreciated the gynecological examination, but some found it distressing and uncomfortable (3) Participants considered telemedicine and taking mifepristone at home to be a good option in addition to in‐person abortion care.

Conclusion

Offering both telemedicine and in‐person consultations enhances abortion seekers' autonomy, reduces delays, and minimizes stress in abortion care.
Enhancing Psychophysiological Well‐Being Through Nature‐Based Soundscapes: An Examination of Heart Rate Variability in a Cross‐Over Study
Authors: Kumpulainen Susanne , Esmaeilzadeh Samad , Pesonen Markus , Brazão Catarina , Pesola Arto J.
Published: January 2025

Stress and psychological disorders are substantial public health concerns, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the psychophysiological benefits of nature‐based soundscapes, drawing on the biophilia hypothesis. Using a randomized, acute cross‐over design, 53 healthy participants experienced either a nature‐based or a reference soundscape for 10 min, with a 2‐min washout period. The nature‐based soundscape integrated nature sounds with elements of music to create an immersive nature experience. A calm coffee shop soundscape without discernible speech was selected as a reference to represent a typical urban relaxation environment. Heart rate variability (HRV) was the primary outcome, with exploratory outcomes including heart and respiratory rates, and questionnaires assessing affective well‐being, creativity, and belonging. Results showed that the nature‐based soundscape significantly improved HRV and reduced heart and respiratory rates, indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity. Participants reported lower feelings of anxiety and depression and increased feelings of comfort, enthusiasm, creativity, and belonging. This study highlights the multifaceted benefits of nature‐based soundscapes, suggesting they could serve as easily accessible therapeutic options for promoting immediate recovery and reducing daily stress in healthy individuals.
Heterogeneity of reduced FEV1 in early adulthood: A looking forward, looking backwards analysis
Authors: Olvera Nuria , Agusti Alvar , Vonk Judith M. , Wang Gang , Hallberg Jenny , Boezen H. Marike , van den Berge Maarten , Melén Erik , Faner Rosa
Published: January 2025

Background

Some individuals never achieve normal peak FEV1 in early adulthood. It is unknown if this is due to airflow limitation and/or lung restriction.

Methods

To investigate this, we: (1) looked forward in 19,791 participants in the Dutch Lifelines general population cohort aged 25–35 years with 5‐year follow‐up; and (2) looked backwards in 2032 participants in the Swedish BAMSE birth cohort with spirometry at 24 years of age but also at 16 and/or 8 years.

Results

(1) In Lifelines 8.5% of participants had reduced FEV1 at 25–35 years, 68% due to Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (‘PRISm’) and 32% to airflow limitation (‘low‐limited’); besides, 3.8% participants with normal FEV1 showed airflow‐limitation (‘normal‐limited’). Low‐limited and normal‐limited, but not PRISm, reported higher smoking exposures and asthma diagnosis than normal (p < 0.05). At 5‐year follow‐up, 91.2% of participants remained in the same group, and FEV1 decline was similar in normal and normal‐limited participants, but statistically smaller (p < 0.05) in PRISm and low‐limited; (2) these observations were largely reproduced in BAMSE at 24 years of age; and, (3) in BAMSE, low‐limited or PRISm individuals were already identifiable at 8–16 years of age.

Conclusion

Low peak FEV1 in early adulthood is most often due to PRISm and results in a significant burden of respiratory symptoms. Only low‐limited and normal‐limited, but not PRISm, associate with a doctor diagnosis of asthma, and FEV1 decline was statistically different in PRISm indicating a need for differentiated clinical approaches. These spirometric abnormalities can be already identified in childhood and adolescence.
Reforming Long‐Term Care Provision and Work in Post‐Pandemic Times: Scope and Drivers of Policy Change in the Spanish Decentralised System
Authors: Perna Roberta , Hernández‐Moreno Jorge , Cruz‐Martínez Gibrán
Published: January 2025

The COVID‐19 pandemic unveiled and magnified structural challenges of long‐term care (LTC) provision and work across Europe, bringing the need for reforms on the quality‐of‐care provision and work to the fore in several countries. Focusing on the case of Spain, this paper analyses to what extent the window of opportunity opened by the pandemic resulted in structural LTC reform, focusing on the scope and drivers of policy change/continuity. Relying on a multidimensional framework to analyse policy change, we performed qualitative policy analysis to assess our expectations on the mechanisms facilitating/hindering policy change in the country, where a reform process on LTC provision and work took place between July 2021 and June 2022. Our findings reveal that the pandemic fostered a radical policy change; yet, its scope was constrained by the opening of veto points, partisan incongruence, and financial limitations. The reform led to the introduction of a new care model and a new configuration of service provision. However, results were mixed, with some areas only seeing incremental adjustments due to resistance from vested interests and institutional veto players operating along the country's multi‐level governance of LTC. Our findings contribute to understanding welfare policy change beyond the ‘expansion–retrenchment’ debate, delving into the complexities of pursuing crisis‐induced reforms on LTC provision and work in decentralised welfare systems.
Estimation of zero‐inflated proportional odds regression with missing covariates
Authors: Lee Shen‐Ming , Li Chin‐Shang
Published: January 2025

A zero‐inflated proportional odds (ZIPO) regression model is proposed as an alternative for analyzing ordinal categorical response data characterized by an excess of zeros beyond what a proportional odds regression model accounts for. To address the challenge of parameter estimation in the ZIPO regression model when covariates are missing at random, we recommend the use of the inverse probability weighting method and the nonparametric multiple imputation method. Variance estimation is conducted through Rubin‐type and two proposed bootstrap methods. Simulations are carried out to assess the finite‐sample performances of the Rubin‐type method and the two proposed bootstrap methods. The results of the simulations suggest that the performances of the two proposed bootstrap methods are comparable and generally superior to the Rubin‐type method, as indicated by the agreement between empirical standard deviation and empirical (or mean) asymptotic standard error. To illustrate the practical application of the proposed estimation methods, we utilize a survey data set capturing violations of traffic rules among motorcyclist respondents in Taiwan.
Omitting continuous covariates in binary regression models: Implications for sensitivity and mediation analysis
Authors: Gasparin Matteo , Scarpa Bruno , Stanghellini Elena
Published: January 2025

In statistical analysis, Cochran's formula plays a crucial role in disentangling the relationships between marginal and conditional regression coefficients. However, its results and implications are valid only within the linear case. Despite this, due to its simplicity and interpretability, practitioners often continue to use Cochran's formula also outside linear models. With reference to binary outcome models, we derived the approximated expression of the marginal regression coefficient when marginalization is performed over a continuous covariate and show that it mimics Cochran's formula under certain simplifying assumptions. We initially postulate a logistic link function and then show how it can be generalized. We then explore the implications of this formula in the context of sensitivity analysis and causal mediation analysis, thereby enlarging the number of circumstances where explicit parametric formulations can be used to evaluate causal direct and indirect effects, otherwise computed via numerical integration. Simulations show that our proposed estimators perform equally well as others based on numerical methods and that the additional interpretability of the explicit formulas does not compromise their precision.
Integrating plant growth microorganisms in potato farming reduce soil CO2 emissions and improve crop quality
Authors: Ollio Irene , González Rosado Manuel , Lloret Eva , Martínez‐Martínez Silvia , Egea‐Gilabert Catalina , Calviño David Fernández , Zornoza Raúl , Fernández Juan A.
Published: January 2025

Current horticultural practices typically require high demands of fertilizers, leading to significant environmental impacts and increased production costs. Alternatives based on microbial inoculants have garnered considerable interest owing to their potential to enhance soil quality whilst reducing external inputs and costs, all without compromising productivity. This study aimed to compare the impact of four fertilizer application strategies, including mineral fertilizers and microbial inoculants, on crop yield, soil fertility and functionality and soil greenhouse gas emissions in potato production in Southern Spain. Four treatments were tested: (i) mineral fertilizers added to meet the crop's nutritional needs (F100); (ii) a 50% reduction of the F100 rate (F50); (iii) a 50% reduction of the F100 rate combined with the application of a formulation containing nutrient‐solubilizing bacteria, nitrogen‐fixing bacteria and non‐mycorrhizal fungi (BAI+FU) and (iv) a 50% reduction of the F100 rate combined with a formulation of N, P and K solubilizing bacteria (BAII). Results showed that crop yield was unaffected by the different fertilizer application treatments. However, the mean tuber weight and firmness were significantly higher under the BAI+FU treatment, indicating improved product quality. CO2 release rates decreased by 25%, 34% and 42% with F50, BAI+FU and BAII treatments, respectively, compared with F100. The N2O and CH4 emissions or soil nutrient contents were not affected by treatments, except for ammonium content, which was highest under the BAI+FU treatment. Additionally, whilst overall soil bacterial and fungal abundance was not significantly affected, the BAI+FU treatment resulted in a higher number of nirK (denitrification) and cbbL (carbon fixation) gene copies. Therefore, combining biofertilizers with reduced chemical fertilizer rates could represent a sustainable strategy for mitigating climate change whilst enhancing crop quality in potato production.
Oxygenated subsurface drip irrigation and organic fertilizer increase the yield and quality of P. notoginseng by improving soil microenvironment
Authors: Wei Mingze , Shi Yuzhe , Yang Qiliang , Liang Jiaping
Published: January 2025

Yunnan Province has the most extensive planting of Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen, comprising more than 90% of the country's area. Many traditional cultivators employ outdated water and fertilizer management practices, which lead to inefficient utilization of these resources, a higher incidence of diseases, and a decrease in both yield and quality. Therefore, this study hopes to propose a new planting scheme with irrigation and fertilizer application to improve the yield and quality of P. notoginseng. The study focused on 5‐year‐old P. notoginseng, employing three irrigation techniques: oxygenated subsurface drip irrigation (OI), micro‐sprinkler irrigation (SI), and surface drip irrigation (DI). Additionally, four fertilizer application rates were examined: low (F1: 75 kg ha−1), medium (F2: 100 kg ha−1), medium‐high (F3: 125 kg ha−1), and high (F4: 150 kg ha−1). The results showed that oxygenated subsurface drip irrigation significantly increased the soil water content in the 0–40 cm soil layer. In addition, with the increase of organic fertilizer application, the fertilizer use efficiency (PFP) showed a downward trend. Under the interaction of different irrigation methods and fertilizer application amount, OIF3 treatment significantly promoted root growth, enhancing root hydraulic conductivity, and the root‐shoot ratio led to a reduction in the incidence of root rot (5.72%), the highest yield (4649.70 kg ha−1), and the best irrigation water utilization efficiency (9.69 kg m−3), fertilizer utilization efficiency (1.55 kg kg−1) and total saponin content (12.50%). The TOPSIS model was utilized to perform an all‐encompassing assessment of P. notoginseng yield, irrigation water utilization efficiency, fertilizer utilization efficiency, and total saponin content; it was found that OIF3 treatment was optimal. This combination can create higher yield and improve the quality of P. notoginseng, which provides a new scientific planting mode and reduces the planting cost.
Investigation of Water Quality in Izmir Bay With Remote Sensing Techniques Using NDCI on Google Earth Engine Platform
Authors: Yılmaz Osman Salih , Acar Ugur , Sanli Fusun Balik , Gülgen Fatih , Ateş Ali Murat
Published: January 2025

In this study, the effects of algal blooms occurring in Izmir Bay in the summer of 2024 on marine ecosystems were investigated using remote sensing techniques on Google Earth Engine platform. The normalized difference chlorophyll index (NDCI) was calculated from January to the end of September and the chlorophyll‐a density was analyzed. Additionally, an NDCI time series analysis was conducted between September 2018 and 2024 at the designated points. The values, which fluctuated narrowly until 2022, showed a sharp increase in 2024. NDCI, which vary between −0.4 and 0.2 in January 2024 and increase up to 0.8 toward the summer months, indicate that algal blooms are occurring, concentrated in critical areas such as Karşıyaka, Bayraklı, and Alsancak Port. These findings revealed a connection between the sudden fish deaths in the bay during the summer of 2024 and algal blooms, as well as the deterioration of water quality.
Cooperative Eco-Driving for an All-Electric and Mixed Two-Vehicle Platoon Based on Pontryagin's Minimum Principle
Authors: Su Zifei , Chen Pingen
Published: January 2025

Cooperative eco-driving (Co-ED) is a promising technology for improving vehicle efficiency through appropriate coordination. Additionally, platooning can significantly improve the vehicle's energy efficiency by reducing aerodynamic resistance. The optimal trajectory of the Co-ED vehicles in a platoon will be challenging to derive due to the high nonlinearity of the aerodynamic drag coefficient. Furthermore, although the electrification of vehicles has made rapid progress, the traffic on the road will still tend to be a mix of conventional vehicles (CVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) for a long time. It is critical to take the energy consumption characteristics of different vehicle types into account for a mixed platoon during Co-ED. This paper considers the platooning effects and heterogeneity of leading vehicles in two-vehicle platoons and utilizes Pontryagin's Minimum Principle (PMP) to derive the optimal speed trajectories for both homogeneous (all-electric) platoon and heterogeneous platoons (with different fuel types of vehicle). Simulation results from the proposed PMP-based Co-ED strategy show that the platooning effect has a noticeable impact on the Co-ED driving behaviors (particularly the intervehicle space and the transient performance). Simulation results also demonstrate that the same following EV will result in less energy consumption by 4.8% in an EV-led platoon under urban/suburban scenario and approximately the same energy consumption under an interstate scenario compared in a CV-led platoon.
Hydro Power Generation
Authors: Rao K. R.
Published: January 2025

Hydro power generation, once upon a time considered as the primary source for domestic and industrial power is considered today as the secondary source of power generation, mostly because of the natural causes, in addition to the shifting population trends. In chapter one. Steven B Spain elaborately discussed the history of power generation, both in the global as well as the US perspective in Chapter 1 of this publication.

Hydro and Wave power generation was discussed in the 2011 Handbook in four chapters by Spain, Jacobson, Thareja, and Gamble et al which have been updated in this current book. Steven Spain stated that the hydropower was considered as “a safe, reliable and renewable energy source. The coverage in this chapter are aspects of hydropower (HP), shown in the parenthesis are sections where these topics are addressed - Vision (5.2), Resources - Dams and Lakes (5.3), Storage and Hybrid Hydro Energy (5.4), Monitoring (5.5), Population Accessibility (5.6), Climate Impact (5.7), Functionality Indicators (5.8), Hydraulic Power Quality and Delivery System (5.9), Hydraulic Engineering Problems and Prospects. - Pros and Cons (5.10), Modernizing HP (5.11), Why and How Can US HP be Modernized? (5.12), How are other US Enterprises handling this crucial HP Modernization Problem? (5.13), HP Modernization Needs in Asia (5.14), HP modernizing in Europe (5.15), HP Modernization in Canada (5.16), Global Hydropower Potential and Future Usage (5.17), Rapid Changes Coming for HP (5.18), Objectives of Standard Modular HP (5.19), Are Modular Systems the Future for Hydropower? (5.20), and finally Sustainable HP Projection (5.21).
Could Sports Coaching Contexts Learn From Planning Models in Physical Education Contexts? Exploring the Parallels and Divergences Regarding Planning Between Both Contexts
Authors: Facchini Maurício , Afonso José , Ramos Ana , Coutinho Patrícia , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Mesquita Isabel , Ribeiro João
Published: January 2025

Planning is essential for organising learning content in sports coaching and physical education (PE) contexts but depends on multiple and mutable circumstances in each context. Although learning and performance are present in both contexts, planning in PE is typically more centred on learning, while coaching tends to focus more on performance. Nonetheless, sports coaching planning also requires ongoing learning to support performance, with coaches outlining pedagogical strategies in their daily training plans to achieve both short- and long-term goals. From this perspective, planning models used in PE contexts may offer valuable insights for sports coaching contexts, helping coaches develop various pedagogical approaches to plan their learning tasks effectively. Therefore, this article explored the parallels and divergences between planning in sports coaching and PE contexts, encompassing the pedagogical goals and planning structures, alongside opportunities, barriers, remediation strategies, and practical implications potentially transferable to sports coaching. The article highlighted the importance of flexible planning structures to accommodate the nonlinear nature of learning. Specifically, coaching contexts can learn from PE how to plan sessions for athletes with diverse motivations and skill levels, as well as how to design learning tasks that develop psychosocial and psychological skills.
Electromyography-Informed Estimates of Joint Contact Forces Within the Lower Back and Knee Joints During a Diverse Set of Industry-Relevant Manual Lifting Tasks
Authors: Davenport Felicia R. , Leestma Jennifer K. , Staten Adriana , Bhakta Krishan , Fernandez Joshua , Mazumdar Anirban , Young Aaron J. , Sawicki Gregory S.
Published: January 2025

Repetitive manual labor tasks involving twisting, bending, and lifting commonly lead to lower back and knee injuries in the workplace. To identify tasks with high injury risk, we recruited N = 9 participants to perform industry-relevant, 2-handed lifts with a 11-kg weight. These included symmetrical/asymmetrical, ascending/descending lifts that varied in start-to-end heights (knee-to-waist and waist-to-shoulder). We used a data-driven musculoskeletal model that combined force and motion data with a muscle activation-informed solver (OpenSim, CEINMS) to estimate 3-dimensional internal joint contact forces (JCFs) in the lower back (L5/S1) and knee. Symmetrical lifting resulted in larger peak JCFs than asymmetrical lifting in both the L5/S1 (+20.2% normal [P < .01], +20.3% shear [P = .001], +20.6% total [P < .01]) and the knee (+39.2% shear [P = .001]), and there were no differences in peak JCFs between ascending versus descending motions. Below-the-waist lifting generated significantly greater JCFs in the L5/S1 and knee than above-the-waist lifts (P < .01). We found a positive correlation between knee and L5/S1 peak total JCFs (R2 = .60, P < .01) across the task space, suggesting motor coordination that favors sharing of load distribution across the trunk and legs during lifting.
Draft genome sequence of
Listeria monocytogenes
BDSA strain isolated from ready-to-eat chicken product in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Afrin Sunjida , Netherland Michael , Habib Halima , Hasan Nur , Ahmed Sangita
Published: January 2025

We present the genome of
Listeria monocytogenes
BDSA isolated from ready-to-eat (RTE) meat collected in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The genome displays the Listeria pathogenicity island 1 and virulence, stress response, and antimicrobial resistance genes. It was phylogenetically classified as ST7, and clustered with serotype 1/2a belonging to lineage II.
Whole-genome sequences of six
Borrelia recurrentis
strains obtained via PacBio sequencing
Authors: Gaber Alhussien M. , Blazier John C. , Rogovskyy Artem S.
Published: January 2025

Provided are whole-genome sequences of six
Borrelia recurrentis
strains that had been earlier isolated from louse-borne relapsing fever patients. The sequences of each genome presented here included one linear chromosome and 5 linear plasmids, whose average size was 1,284,895 bp with the mean GC content being 27.5%.