bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards uterine cervical cancer screening in Egyptian females: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Behery Mostafa Behery , Bahbah Ammar Ayman , Mohamed Shawqi Mohamed , El-Said Yara Mohammed , Sherif Leenah Naser , Ataallah Hager Abdelaziz , Adwy Enas Sherif , Ageez Reem El-Sayed , Helmi Abo Elwafa Asmaa , Ahmed Noor Maged Badrawy , Elsaadany Reem , El-Bary Naser Abd
Published: February 2025

Background

Cervical cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide; it is ranked the 4th most common cancer among women globally. The current recommendation for cervical cancer (CC) screening involves the use of cytology examination methods like Pap smear. However, there is a lack of data on the practice of Pap smear screening in Egypt. Furthermore, understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to cervical cancer screening among potential participants is crucial.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we conducted interviews with female patients aged 21 years or more who visited outpatient clinics in six university hospitals across Egypt. The survey aimed to assess participants’ compliance with CC screening guidelines, their knowledge of and attitude toward CC screening, and their perception of potential barriers.

Results

A total of 897 participants from the six study centers completed the survey. Only a small percentage (1.1%) of participants had undergone CC screening, although only (0.8%) of the participants were referred to do CC screening. The referral rate was more likely to be higher in participants who had one of their first-degree relatives or the surrounding people with a history of CC compared to those who have no one with CC (37.5% vs. 0.4%, P < 0.001; 5% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.035 respectively). Moreover, the referral rate was higher among participants who discussed CC and CC screening with their physicians (15.8% vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001; 23.5% vs. 0.3%, P < 0.001 respectively). Knowledge of CC screening was limited, with only 2.7% of respondents demonstrating good actual knowledge. However, after introducing the concept of CC screening to all participants, the majority (74.6%) showed a positive attitude towards undergoing the procedure. Lack of knowledge about the procedure, its tool, the place to do it, and financial burden were cited as the most common barriers to CC screening (79.8%, 65.9%, 64.2%, and 53.2%, respectively).

Conclusion

Despite inadequate knowledge about CC screening, there is a positive attitude toward it among eligible participants in Egypt. This lack of knowledge likely contributes to low compliance with current CC screening guidelines and calls for national-level efforts to address this issue.
Age- and sex-specific differences in repetitive sprinting in 9-14-year-olds living in Turkey
Authors: Can İbrahim , Ataş Bilgin , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien C. M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Since children’s daily activities are mostly anaerobic, it is important to assess anaerobic performance as part of the physical assessment. Therefore, running speed, power, and heart rate during repetitive sprints were investigated.

Method

A total of 118 children participated (mean age:11.5 range 9-14y; 48% boys, 52% girls) and performed the children’s repetitive and intermittent sprinting performance (CRISP) test, which consists of six sprint runs performed at maximal speed over 30-meter with short recovery periods (10 s) between each run. GLM Repeated Measures were used to examine the effect of runs (within-subject factor) and age and sex (between-subject factor) and as well as possible interactions for running time, power, and heart rate.

Results

Running times increased significantly across runs (p < 0.001, large effect size), showing a non-linear slowdown (p = 0.013). Also, a main effect of age, [p < 0.033] and sex [p < 0.011, medium effect size] emerged. However, interaction effects showed that girls fatigued more in the second half of the test, which led to larger differences with the boys in the later runs of the CRISP. Moreover, the interaction effect of age-by-run-by-sex was found. Eleven-year-old children had the longest running times. At the same time, young children, predominantly boys, showed less fatigue, as their last runs were comparable in time to the first ones. Analysis of the power showed a main effect of age, indicating more power in older children [p < 0.001, large effect size], especially after 11 years. No differences between sexes were found for power. Heart rate increased significantly during the repetitive sprinting [p < 0.001, large effect size]. No differences for age or sex were found for mean or peak heart rate.

Conclusion

The CRISP test is sensitive to running fatigue [large effect size] and distinguishes between the performance characteristics of children according to age and sex. Running speed and power go up between 12 and 14 years. Girls run slower but generate comparable power over the runs. Yet they fatigue more in the second half of the test than boys.
Multifunctional hyaluronic acid-based biomimetic/pH-responsive hybrid nanostructured lipid carriers for treating bacterial sepsis
Authors: Elhassan Eman , Omolo Calvin A. , Gafar Mohammed A. , Ismail Eman A. , Ibrahim Usri H. , Khan Rene , Lesouhaitier Mathieu , Kubes Paul , Govender Thirumala
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The application of biomimetic and stimuli-responsive nanocarriers displays considerable promise in improving the management of bacterial sepsis and overcoming antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the study aimed to synthesize a novel hyaluronic acid-lysine conjugate (HA-Lys) and to utilize the attributes of the synthesized HA-Lys with Tocopherol succinate (TS) and Oleylamine (OLA) in the formulation of multifunctional biomimetic pH-responsive HNLCs loaded with vancomycin (VCM-HNLCs), to combat bacterial sepsis.

Methods

A novel hyaluronic acid-lysine conjugate (HA-Lys) was synthesized and characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Vancomycin-loaded hybrid nanosystems (VCM-HNLCs) were prepared through hot homogenization ultrasonication and evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). In vitro biocompatibility was assessed via MTT assay and red blood cell hemolysis test. The binding affinity to TLR2 and TLR4 was measured using microscale thermophoresis (MST). Drug release was evaluated using the dialysis bag method. Antimicrobial activity against MRSA and efflux pump inhibition were also determined. Efficacy was demonstrated in an MRSA-induced sepsis mice model.

Results

The VCM-HNLCs, produced via hot homogenization ultrasonication, exhibited particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of 110.77 ± 1.692 nm, 0.113 ± 0.022, − 2.92 ± 0.210 mV, and 76.27 ± 1.200%, respectively. In vitro, biocompatibility was proven by hemolysis and cytotoxicity studies. The VCM-HNLCs demonstrated targetability to human Toll-like receptors (TLR 2 and 4) as validated by microscale thermophoresis (MST). VCM-HNLCs showed a twofold reduction in MIC values at physiological pH compared to the bare VCM against S. aureus and MRSA for 48 h. While at pH 6.0, MIC values were reduced by fourfold in the first 24 h and by eightfold in the subsequent 48 and 72 h against tested strains. Furthermore, VCM-HNLCs showed inhibitory effects against MRSA efflux pumps, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hyperinflammation. In an MRSA-induced sepsis mice model, VCM-HNLCs demonstrated superior efficacy compared to free VCM, significantly eliminated bacteria and improved survival rates.

Conclusions

Overall, these results highlight the potential of VCM-HNLCs as novel multifunctional nanocarriers to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and enhance sepsis outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Populist attitudes and belief in conspiracy theories: anti-elitist attitudes and the preference for unrestricted popular sovereignty reduce the positive impact of an analytical thinking style on conspiracy beliefs
Authors: Mehl Stephanie , Rief Winfried , Soll Daniel , Pytlik Nico
Published: February 2025

Objective

Populist attitudes and the tendency to believe in specific conspiracy theories (conspiracy beliefs) are often exploited by extremist or populist parties. However, more scientific research is needed to scrutinize this association. Consequently, the present non-preregistered exploratory online study assessed whether and how conspiracy beliefs and populist attitudes are associated and whether populist attitudes moderate the association between the preference for an analytical or intuitive thinking style and conspiracy beliefs.

Results

We assessed 483 nonclinical individuals regarding their conspiracy beliefs, populist attitudes, and thinking styles and found a moderate correlation between populist attitudes and conspiracy beliefs. Conspiracy beliefs were significantly predicted by three facets of populist attitudes (anti-elitism, preference for unrestricted popular sovereignty, and belief in the homogeneity and virtuousness of the people). Anti-elitist attitudes and a preference for unrestricted popular sovereignty significantly moderated (reduced) the impact of an analytical thinking style on conspiracy beliefs. Anti-elitism and a preference for popular sovereignty might enhance a person’s vulnerability to conspiracy beliefs. We assume that these populistic attitudes reduce a person’s motivation to use a more effortful thinking style to reinterpret ideology-inconsistent information to protect existing conspiracy beliefs. Our results provide new insights into the interplay between conspiracy beliefs, populism, and a preference for an analytical/more effortful thinking style.
Moisturizer induced contact anaphylaxis
Authors: Jeffrey Bronte , Gardner Logan , Le Michelle , Frost Julie , Lin Ming Wei
Published: February 2025

Background

Contact allergens typically trigger localised reactions, but systemic Type I hypersensitivity from skin contact reactions are rare.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 69-year-old non-atopic male who developed anaphylaxis following the application of moisturizer to an area of chemical burns. Skin testing showed a strong positive result to moisturizer. Whilst not all ingredients were available for testing, phenoxyethanol was thought to be the likely culprit agent based on literature review and a weakly positive skin test result.

Conclusion

Products such as moisturizers can rarely trigger anaphylaxis, especially when applied to damaged skin which may favor systemic absorption. This case highlights the need for careful consideration of cosmetic application when discerning culprit allergens.
Development of a novel chimeric lysin to combine parental phage lysin and cefquinome for preventing sow endometritis after artificial insemination
Authors: Li Xin-xin , Hong Zi-qiang , Xiong Zhi-xuan , Zhang Li-wen , Wang Shuang , Tao Pan , Chen Pin , Li Xiang-min , Qian Ping
Published: February 2025

Sow endometritis is usually caused by multiple species of pathogenic bacteria. Numerous isolates from endometritis patients have developed antimicrobial resistance. Thus, novel antibacterial agents and strategies to combat endometritis are needed. A total of 526 bacteria, including Staphylococcus spp. (26.3%), Streptococcus spp. (12.3%), E. coli (28.9%), Enterococcus spp. (20.1%), Proteus spp. (9.5%), and Corynebacterium spp. (2.8%), were isolated from sows with endometritis. We constructed a novel chimeric lysin, ClyL, which is composed of a cysteine- and histidine-dependent amidohydrolase/peptidase (CHAP) catalytic domain from the phage lysin LysGH15 and a cell wall-binding domain (CBD) from the prophage lysin Lys0859. The activities of ClyL and Lys0859 were most pronounced for the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus strains isolated from sow endometritis and bovine mastitis, respectively. ClyL and Lys0859 were combined to create a phage lysin cocktail, which demonstrated a synergistic effect against the coinfection of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the combination of phage lysin cocktail and cefquinome had a synergistic bactericidal effect on boar semen that did not influence the activity of sperm. Remarkably, the incidence rate of sow endometritis was 0% (0/7) when the combination of phage lysin cocktail and cefquinome was used in semen via artificial insemination compared with 50% (3/6) when PBS was administered. Overall, the administration of a phage lysin cocktail and cefquinome in semen via artificial insemination is a promising novel strategy to prevent sow endometritis after artificial insemination.
The intestinal microbiome and metabolome discern disease severity in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 deficiency
Authors: Chandrasekaran Prabha , Krausz Máté , Han Yu , Mitsuiki Noriko , Gabrysch Annemarie , Nöltner Christina , Proietti Michele , Heller Theo , Grou Caroline , Calderon Virginie , Subramanian Poorani , Jones Drew R. , Siu Yik , Deming Clayton , Conlan Sean , Holland Steven M. , Segre Julia A. , Uzel Gulbu , Grimbacher Bodo , Falcone Emilia Liana
Published: February 2025

Background

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 deficiency (CTLA4-D) is an inborn error of immunity (IEI) caused by heterozygous mutations, and characterized by immune cell infiltration into the gut and other organs, leading to intestinal disease, immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. While regulatory T-cell dysfunction remains central to CTLA4-D immunopathogenesis, mechanisms driving disease severity and intestinal pathology are unknown but likely involve intestinal dysbiosis. We determined whether the intestinal microbiome and metabolome could distinguish individuals with severe CTLA4-D and identify biomarkers of disease severity.

Results

The genera Veillonella and Streptococcus emerged as biomarkers that distinguished CTLA4-D from healthy cohorts from both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center, USA (NIH; CTLA-D, n = 32; healthy controls, n = 16), and a geographically distinct cohort from the Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany (CCI; CTLA4-D, n = 25; healthy controls, n = 24). Since IEIs in general may be associated with perturbations of the microbiota, a disease control cohort of individuals with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID, n = 20) was included to evaluate for a CTLA4-D-specific microbial signature. Despite common IEI-associated microbiome changes, the two bacterial genera retained their specificity as biomarkers for CTLA4-D. We further identified intestinal microbiome and metabolomic signatures that distinguished patients with CTLA4-D having severe vs. mild disease. Microbiome changes were associated with distinct stool metabolomic profiles and predicted changes in metabolic pathways. These differences were impacted by the presence of gastrointestinal manifestations and were partially reversed by treatment with abatacept and/or sirolimus.

Conclusions

Loss of intestinal microbial diversity and dysbiosis causing metabolomic changes was observed in CTLA4-D. Albeit some of these features were shared with CVID, the distinct changes associated with CTLA4-D highlight the fact that IEI-associated microbiome changes likely reflect the underlying immune dysregulation. Identified candidate intestinal microbial and metabolic biomarkers distinguishing individuals with CTLA4-D based on severity should be studied prospectively to determine their predictive value, and investigated as potential therapeutic ta.
Small molecule treatment alleviates photoreceptor cilia defects in LCA5-deficient human retinal organoids
Authors: Athanasiou Dimitra , Afanasyeva Tess A. V. , Chai Niuzheng , Ziaka Kalliopi , Jovanovic Katarina , Guarascio Rosellina , Boldt Karsten , Corral-Serrano Julio C. , Kanuga Naheed , Roepman Ronald , Collin Rob W. J. , Cheetham Michael E.
Published: February 2025

Bialleleic pathogenic variants in LCA5 cause one of the most severe forms of Leber congenital amaurosis, an early-onset retinal disease that results in severe visual impairment. Here, we report the use of gene editing to generate isogenic LCA5 knock-out (LCA5 KO) induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and their differentiation to retinal organoids. The molecular and cellular phenotype of the LCA5 KO retinal organoids was studied in detail and compared to isogenic controls as well as patient-derived retinal organoids. The absence of LCA5 was confirmed in retinal organoids by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. There were no major changes in retinal organoid differentiation or ciliation, however, the localisation of CEP290 and IFT88 was significantly altered in LCA5 KO and patient photoreceptor cilia with extension along the axoneme. The LCA5-deficient organoids also had shorter outer segments and rhodopsin was mislocalised to the outer nuclear layer. We also identified transcriptomic and proteomic changes associated with the loss of LCA5. Importantly, treatment with the small molecules eupatilin, fasudil or a combination of both drugs reduced CEP290 and IFT88 accumulation along the cilia. The treatments also improved rhodopsin traffic to the outer segment and reduced mislocalisation of rhodopsin in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). The improvements in cilia-associated protein localisation and traffic were accompanied by significant changes in the transcriptome towards control gene expression levels in many of the differentially expressed genes. In summary, iPSC-derived retinal organoids are a powerful model for investigating the molecular and cellular changes associated with loss of LCA5 function and highlight the therapeutic potential of small molecules to treat retinal ciliopathies.
Taxonomy of digital curation activities that promote critical thinking
Authors: Gadot Rivka , Tsybulsky Dina
Published: February 2025

Critical thinking (CT) consists of a deliberate and reflective process that can lead to informed decisions. It involves scrutinizing the trustworthiness and consistency of underlying assumptions, the sources of data, and the validity of other information. CT embodies deliberate, self-regulated judgment incorporating cognitive abilities such as analysis, evaluation, and inference. In this follow-up study to Gadot & Tsybulsky (2023), we confirm the role of Digital Curation (DC) as a catalyst for CT and present a structured taxonomy of DC practices that enhance CT. This taxonomy is designed to act as a systematic framework for categorizing DC tasks while capturing the personal and social facets of curation activities. The curation workflow is broken down into the acquisition and assimilation stages and incorporates the level of complexity. This classification can thus be harnessed by educators and practitioners to define the aims and competencies that are critical to fostering CT skills through DC practices.
SGLT2 inhibitors for prevention and management of cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity: a review of potential mechanisms and clinical insights
Authors: Simela Carl , Walker J Malcolm , Ghosh Arjun K. , Chen Daniel H.
Published: February 2025

More evidence-based strategies are needed for preventing and managing cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT). Owing to the growing body of evidence supporting their cardioprotective role in several cardiac injury scenarios, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may be beneficial for preventing and treating CTR-CVT. In October 2024, a search was conducted of the PubMed database to review full studies investigating the cardioprotective role of SGLT2i against CTR-CVT. We identified 44 full published/pre-print studies and 3 ongoing randomised controlled trial across eight types of cancer treatment (anthracyclines, platinum-containing therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, HER2-targeted therapies, kinase inhibitors, androgen deprivation therapies, multiple myeloma therapies and 5-fluorouracil). Most studies used animal models and focussed on primary prevention. 43 of the 44 studies found some cardioprotective effect of SGLT2i against CTR-CVT, which in some cases included preventing ejection fraction decline and aberrations in cardiac electrophysiological parameters. Some studies also observed beneficial effects on mortality. A central triad of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms likely underlie SGLT2i-mediated cardioprotection against CTR-CVT. Overall, this growing body of research suggests that SGLT2i may be a promising candidate for preventing CTR-CVT either as monotherapy or in combination with other cardioprotective drugs. However, the literature is limited in that no prospective randomised controlled trials investigating SGLT2i for the prevention and management of CTR-CVT exist and most existing human retrospective data is based on diabetic populations. Future work must focus on addressing these limitations of the current literature.
Deciphering single-cell genomic architecture: insights into cellular heterogeneity and regulatory dynamics
Authors: Kang Byunghee , Lee Hyeonji , Roh Tae-Young
Published: February 2025

Background

The genomic architecture of eukaryotes exhibits dynamic spatial and temporal changes, enabling cellular processes critical for maintaining viability and functional diversity. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have facilitated the dissection of genomic architecture and functional activity at single-cell resolution, moving beyond the averaged signals typically derived from bulk cell analyses.

Main body

The advent of single-cell genomics and epigenomics has yielded transformative insights into cellular heterogeneity, behavior, and biological complexity with unparalleled genomic resolution and reproducibility. This review summarizes recent progress in the characterization of genomic architecture at the single-cell level, emphasizing the impact of structural variation and chromatin organization on gene regulatory networks and cellular identity.

Conclusion

Future directions in single-cell genomics and high-resolution epigenomic methodologies are explored, focusing on emerging challenges and potential impacts on the understanding of cellular states, regulatory dynamics, and the intricate mechanisms driving cellular function and diversity. Future perspectives on the challenges and potential implications of single-cell genomics, along with high-resolution genomic and epigenomic technologies for understanding cellular states and regulatory dynamics, are also discussed.
Prenatal Testosterone Exposure Is Linked to Sexually Dimorphic Changes in Body Composition in 7-Year-Old Children
Authors: Palm Camilla Viola Buskbjerg , Grøntved Anders , Jensen Dorte Møller , Hansen Freja Pelck , Jørgensen Jan Stener , Christesen Henrik Thybo , Glintborg Dorte , Andersen Marianne Skovsager
Published: February 2025

Context

Maternal free testosterone (FT) increases during the third trimester and FT is higher in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to women without PCOS. Higher prenatal androgen exposure has previously been associated with increased catch-up growth in boys.

Objective

This work aimed to examine associations between maternal third-trimester testosterone and body composition in boys and girls.

Methods

This study comprised 1008 mother-child pairs (boys, n = 520) in the Odense Child Cohort (maternal PCOS, n = 101). Maternal FT was calculated from total testosterone (TT) analyzed by mass spectrometry at gestational week 28. Body composition assessments were performed in 7-year-old children by whole-body dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA, n = 897) measuring body fat (fat mass index [FMI = fat mass(kg)/height(m)2]), percentages of total fat mass, gynoid, and android fat mass) and lean body mass, body weight, body mass index (BMI and BMI z scores), and abdominal circumference. The main outcome was body fat at age 7 years.

Results

In boys, a doubling in FT was associated with a 4.2% increase in FMI (P = .04) and an increase in BMI and BMI z score of 0.2 and 0.1 (P = .05 and .04), respectively. In girls, no statistically significant association was observed between maternal FT and body composition.

Conclusion

Boys exposed to higher prenatal levels of FT had higher fat mass, whereas no relation was seen in girls, suggesting a sex-specific susceptibility to prenatal testosterone exposure on child body composition.
Global Burden of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in At-Risk Populations: Estimates of Prevalence From 35 Countries Between 1993 and 2023
Authors: D’Souza Ryan S. , Klasova Johana , Saini Chandan , Chang Albert , Music Stephen , Shah Jay D. , Elmati Praveen Reddy , Chitneni Ahish , To Jimmy , Prokop Larry J. , Hussain Nasir
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating and painful condition accompanied by sensory, autonomic, trophic, and/or motor abnormalities. Although CRPS is rare in the general population, the prevalence among individuals at higher risk, particularly posttraumatic and postsurgical patients, remains unknown. This study aims to provide a benchmark that quantifies CRPS prevalence in high-risk groups, and offers insights on potential predictors of developing CRPS.

METHODS:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify studies reporting prevalence of CRPS after an inciting event (eg, fracture, surgery), specifically 12-month and 24-month prevalence (primary outcomes), as well as 3-month and 6-month prevalence (secondary outcomes). Estimates from individual studies were transformed using double-arcsine transformation, and the resulting estimates with 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

RESULTS:

We included 214 articles with data from 2491,378 participants worldwide (35 countries), of which 16,873 had CRPS. The pooled 12-month and 24-month global prevalence was 3.04% (95% CI, 2.64–3.48) and 6.46% (95% CI, 5.46–7.53), respectively. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to understand the impact of population-dependent (mechanism of injury, type of CRPS), contextual-dependent (socioeconomic status), and methodological-dependent (study design, publication year) factors. The 12-month prevalence was higher in countries with a high human development index (HDI) compared to those with a medium or very high HDI, was higher in participants with a traumatic inciting injury only versus those with surgical injury only or traumatic/surgical injury, and was higher in prospective versus retrospective studies. Meta-regression analysis showed that publication year was a significant moderator, with more recent articles reporting lower 12-month prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provides a benchmark of the global prevalence of CRPS, which anesthesiologists and pain specialists can use to prioritize early diagnosis and identify those at the highest risk for CRPS.
What Had Happened Was
Authors: Pickens Therí Alyce
Published: February 2025

In her debut poetry collection, What Had Happened Was, Therí Alyce Pickens investigates the complex structures of Black storytelling. Addressing topics ranging from Black life, popular culture, and history to individual encounters with emotion, love, and chronic disability, Pickens crafts and questions the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and who we want to be. Throughout, Pickens mines the formal structures and the play of Black English within the lives and afterlives of Harriet Tubman, Mary J. Blige, Lil' Kim, Breonna Taylor, and figments of our collective imagination. Her singular poetic voice effortlessly flows between what she knows and what she’s heard and between everyday Black conversation and her work in cultural criticism and disability studies. Traveling at the speed of thought, Pickens explores a praxis of storytelling governed by the places where truths and fables kiss.
Plant-like heliotropism in a photosymbiotic animal
Authors: Lintnerova Eliska , Shaw Callum , Keys Matthew , Brownlee Colin , Modepalli Vengamanaidu
Published: February 2025

As in plants, photosynthesis also represents a key energy source in photosymbiotic cnidarians bearing microalgae. We observed that the cnidarian sea anemone Anemonia viridis, commonly known as the snakelocks anemone, displayed heliotropism or solar tracking in their natural habitats. When exposed to sunlight, A. viridis point their tentacles towards the sun while remaining sessile, facing east at dawn and west at dusk as they track the sun's relative position through the day. This phenomenon was previously only observed in plants. Solar tracking movements in A. viridis are driven by peak wavelengths that prompt photosynthesis in their endosymbionts. The heliotropic response was absent in both bleached (aposymbiotic) A. viridis and in symbiotic A. viridis with chemically inhibited photosynthesis. We revealed a direct correlation between heliotropism and symbiont oxygen production in A. viridis and showed how photosymbiotic A. viridis utilises this mechanism to modulate exposure to solar irradiation. Our study exemplifies how photosynthetic organisms such as plants and symbiotic sea anemones, display similar behaviour in response to similar environmental pressures.
Body Composition, Not Body Mass Index, Is Associated with Clinical Outcomes Following ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Buck Ashley N. , Moore Sam R. , Smith-Ryan Abbie E. , Schwartz Todd A. , Nelson Amanda E. , Davis-Wilson Hope , Blackburn J. Troy , Pietrosimone Brian
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Determine the associations of body mass index (BMI) and body composition (lean and fat mass) with i) patient-reported outcomes, ii) quadriceps strength, and iii) physical performance in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) patients.

Methods

Thirty-four individuals participated (56% female; 22 ± 4 years; % body fat: 22.9 ± 6.7%). Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure percent lean (%LM) and fat (%FM) mass for the whole-body, and the whole-limb and thigh region of the ACLR limb. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) subscales were used to evaluate patient-reported outcomes. Isometric quadriceps strength (MVIC) was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer with the knee flexed at 90 degrees. Single-leg hop (SLH) distance was used to evaluate physical performance. Spearman rank correlations were used to separately evaluate the associations between BMI and body composition with KOOS, MVIC, and SLH.

Results

BMI was not significantly associated with KOOS, MVIC, or SLH (p > 0.05). Greater whole-body %LM associated with greater MVIC and SLH, while greater whole-body %FM associated with worse KOOS ADL, MVIC, and SLH (p < 0.05). Greater whole-limb %LM associated with greater MVIC, while greater whole-limb %FM associated with worse KOOS Symptoms, Pain, QoL, and MVIC (p < 0.05). Greater thigh %LM associated with better KOOS Symptoms and MVIC, and greater thigh %FM associated with worse KOOS Symptoms, Pain, QoL, and MVIC (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Body composition characteristics of higher %LM and lower %FM associated with better clinical outcomes in ACLR patients of normal BMI status, thereby elucidating a potential modifiable target to mitigate poor ACLR-related outcomes. Future research should further evaluate mechanistic links between body composition and ACLR-related outcomes to inform clinical practice and rehabilitation frameworks.
Η επίδραση ενός συνδυαστικού προγράμματος ιπποθεραπείας και άσκησης στα άτομα με Σκλήρυνση κατά Πλάκας
Authors: Κούτρα Χριστίνα
Published: February 2025

Η Σκλήρυνση κατά Πλάκας (ΣκΠ) αποτελεί μία από τις πιο συχνές, μη τραυματικές νευρολογικές παθήσεις, ακόμα και σε νεαρές ηλικίες. Οι δομές του κεντρικού νευρικού συστήματος είναι αυτές που πλήττονται κατά την εκδήλωση της νόσου με αποτέλεσμα η συμπτωματολογία με την οποία έρχονται αντιμέτωπα τα άτομα με ΣκΠ να αφορά πολλούς τομείς (κινητικό, σωματο-αισθητικό, γνωστικό, ψυχολογικό κ.α.), ενώ παράλληλα η ένταση, η διάρκεια και η πορεία των συμπτωμάτων είναι εξατομικευμένη. Η δημιουργία ολοκληρωμένων θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων έγκειται στην δυνατότητα διαχείρισης της πλειοψηφίας των συμπτωμάτων. Η ιπποθεραπεία αποτελεί, για τα ελληνικά δεδομένα, μια σχετικά καινούρια προσθήκη στη φαρέτρα των εργαλείων των θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων, έχοντας ως βασικό της πυρήνα τη χρήση της κίνησης του αλόγου, η οποία προσφέρει ποικιλία ερεθισμάτων. Τα ερευνητικά δεδομένα που αφορούν την εφαρμογή της ιπποθεραπείας στη ΣκΠ είναι σχετικά λίγα σε αριθμό, ενώ παράλληλα υπάρχουν πτυχές που δεν έχουν ακόμα ερευνηθεί. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν να εξεταστεί η επίδραση ενός συνδυαστικού προγράμματος ιπποθεραπείας και άσκησης ως προς την αποτελεσματικότητά του στη βελτίωση της ισορροπίας σε κατάσταση ηρεμίας και κόπωσης, τη βάδιση, το ενεργειακό κόστος βάδισης, την αντιλαμβανόμενη κόπωση, την καταστασιακή κόπωση και την ποιότητα ζωής σε άτομα με ΣκΠ, καθώς και τη διατήρηση των αποτελεσμάτων 6 εβδομάδες μετά το τέλος της παρέμβασης. Το δείγμα της έρευνας (n=20) χωρίστηκε σε 2 ομάδες: την ομάδα παρέμβασης (n=11, ηλικία 43,82±9,09 έτη, EDSS 3,27±0,93 και διάρκεια νόσου 20,09±8,72 έτη ) και την ομάδα ελέγχου (n=9, ηλικία 47,56±14,21, EDSS 2,78±1,61 και διάρκεια νόσου 15,11±9,25 έτη). Η παρέμβαση διήρκησε 2 μήνες, με συχνότητα 2 φορές την εβδομάδα και διάρκεια συνεδρίας 40 min. H ομάδα ελέγχου δεν συμμετείχε σε κάποιο πρόγραμμα ή δραστηριότητα. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα, η ομάδα παρέμβασης παρουσίασε στατιστικά σημαντική βελτίωση στην ισορροπία σε κατάσταση ηρεμίας και κόπωσης, την αντιλαμβανόμενη κόπωση καθώς και την ποιότητα ζωής, ενώ τα περισσότερα από αυτά τα αποτελέσματα διατηρήθηκαν και μετά τις 6 εβδομάδες από το τέλος της παρέμβασης. Η ομάδα ελέγχου δεν παρουσίασε καμία βελτίωση. Συμπερασματικά, η συμπερίληψη της ιπποθεραπείας ως θεραπευτική προσέγγιση στα άτομα με ΣκΠ μπορεί να προσφέρει πολύπλευρα θετικά αποτελέσματα, τόσο στη λειτουργία όσο και στην ποιότητα ζωής τους, παρέχοντας μια διαφορετική προοπτική θεραπείας μέσα σε ένα περιβάλλον συμπερίληψης.
Analysis of prescription pattern and adverse drug reactions of drugs used in Urinary Tract Infection in reproductive age group (15-44 years) women in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India: An observational retrospective study
Authors: Patil Gayatri , Varma Sushil
Published: February 2025

Background Urinary tract infection is considered a common bacterial infection. Nowadays there is an increase in the irrational and inappropriate use of drugs. Adverse drug reactions have been reported to be a main cause of morbidity, hospital admission, and sometimes death. For this, it is very important to do the analysis of prescriptions and to see the adverse drug reactions due to the prescribed drugs. Objective 1. To analyze the prescribing pattern of drugs used in urinary tract infections of the reproductive age group (15-44). 2. To analyze adverse reactions due to drugs used for UTI of reproductive age group (15-44). 3. To analyze the pattern of combination therapy for urinary tract patients of reproductive age group. 4. To analyze the Fixed Drug Combination. Methods It is a retrospective observational study. This study will include prescriptions for UTIs for females of reproductive age (15-44 years). Data will be collected from 47 prescription papers from the medical record section. Then we will review the available data for analysis of prescription patterns and adverse drug reactions.
Gender aspects in parenthood conceptions of young Europeans. A critical reflection on the European Project B2-InF
Authors: Struyf Joke , Hens Kristien , Rozée Virginie , Vialle Manon , López-Toribio María , Carrasco José Miguel , Dimitrievska Vera , Meloska-Petrova Jana , De Bayas Sanchez Anna , Fuller Michaela , Güell Francesco
Published: February 2025

The European research project “Be Better Informed about Fertility” (B2-InF) maps what young people understand about infertility and medically assisted reproduction (MAR) and the information they want or need. One part of this project were interviews with young people in eight European countries, which were analysed on legal, sociocultural and gender aspects. In this paper we present the gender analysis results focusing on gender differences in perceptions regarding the desire to become parents, social expectations versus parenthood as a choice, family/career issues and the division of care tasks, infertility, and the meaning of parenthood. The results demonstrate clear gender differences in parenthood responsibilities and appreciations. Traditional parenthood conceptions are strong: women are held responsible for reproductive issues, male infertility is a taboo and gender differences in care roles are distinct. Nevertheless, young Europeans often do not agree with these norms. Furthermore, while many participants are seeing increased social acceptance about LGBTQ+ parenthood, prejudices and legal obstacles continue to make LGBTQ+ parenthood difficult.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SOFTWARE PLATFORM FOR MAKING RATIONAL MANAGEMENT DECISIONS IN INDUSTRIAL BEEKEEPING
Authors: Kuzmenko Vladimir V. , Troshkov Aleksandr M. , Kuzmenko Irina P. , Glotova Irina I.
Published: February 2025

Background. Beekeeping is one of the agricultural sectors where digital technology is not widely utilized. This results in high proportion of manual labor used in production of honey and related products, low productivity of bee colonies and decline in production efficiency in general.
Purpose. To create a methodology leveraging software platforms to help automate and optimize agricultural workplaces. This will bring substantial information and visibility to agricultural specialists/workers which will allow them to predict inventory and other outputs from beekeeping farms and infrastructure. The methodology includes the calculation of indicators, which considers the influence of external factors on the apiaries’ performance depending on the terrain and weather conditions.
Materials and methods. The developed methods were derived by making calculations based off environmental variables such as terrain and weather conditions. It is these variables that affect the movement and migration of bees. During the process of environmental monitoring, honey collection and production were observed and noted as the initial array of research materials. The software platform was designed and optimized leveraging methods of mathematical and data modeling, along with various algorithms were used.
Results. The new software solution was successfully tested and validated in several agricultural organizations of Stavropolsky region.
Conclusion. The obtained quantitative characteristics such as increase of the higher-quality honey and decrease in production costs confirmed the usefulness of applying the newly created technological solution, which will further provide support and propel the beekeeping industry to a higher level of development and advancement.
ONTOGENETIC PROFILE OF THE GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE ACTIVITY IN MUSCA DOMESTICA L.
Authors: Maslakova Kseniya Yu. , Yangirova Liana Ya. , Silivanova Elena A.
Published: February 2025

Background. Musca domestica L. can transmit pathogens, and therefore poses serious threats to human and animal health. M. domestica is known as a model organism for studying the physiology and biochemistry of insects, the mechanisms of insecticidal resistance, as well as the development and testing of insecticides. The issue of insecticide resistance in insects is a concern all over the world; therefore, the study of insect enzymes is very important for a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying resistance to insecticides.
Purpose. To study the ontogenetic profile of glutathione-S-transferase activity in Musca domestica L.
Materials and methods. The glutathione-S-transferase activity was determined in M. domestica of laboratory (TY and UF) and field (Nov and Nik) strains at different ontogenetic stages. 1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was used as the substrate and the optical density was recorded at 340 nm in kinetic mode. Specific activity was calculated taking into account the non-enzymatic transformation of the substrate, the dilution factor of the homogenate, and the protein content in the sample and was expressed as the change in optical density in 1 minute per mg of protein.
Results. The results obtained indicate changes in glutathione-S-transferase activity during the life cycle of M. domestica, both in laboratory and in field strains. Differences are observed between different stages of ontogenetic development. The enzyme activity in insects of the Lab TY strain was higher than that of the UF strain at almost all stages of the insect life cycle. For field strains, the GST activity was higher in specimens of the Nov strain compared to that of the Nik strain.
Conclusion. The differences of the GST activities in flies between two field strains may be due to differences in insecticidal load in the insect catching locations. The identified differences between flies of the laboratory and field strains may be associated with different genetic information. This may be related to the expression of certain enzyme isoforms, since the expression of enzymes can be influenced by various factors, including environmental factors, so that qualitatively different forms can be selected at the genetic level and differentially expressed. The results can be applied to the design of insect population management programs.
THE SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL PHENOMENON OF "REJECTED TATIANA" AND ASPIRATION TO AN UNATTAINABLE STANDARD OF BEAUTY IN WOMEN WHO HAVE DECIDED TO UNDERGO PLASTIC SURGERY
Authors: Gurieva Svetlana D. , Keplat Diana V. , Yumkina Ekaterina A.
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to the study of the characteristics of women who, in pursuit of an unattainable standard of beauty, manage their appearance and body through the services of plastic surgeons.
Purpose. To reveal the internal conflict of ideas about beauty, the gap between the real and ideal image of the "I" on the materials of a survey of women who have had plastic surgery and plan to do it in the future. This conflict is manifested in the opposition between imposed external standards of beauty and internal dissatisfaction with one's own appearance.
Materials and methods. Diagnostics of 106 female respondents (18-42 years old) was carried out. They made up two groups: experimental (women who made a decision about plastic surgery) and control (women who had no desire to change something in their appearance by surgery). Methods: Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI); Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) test, Multidimensional Self-Relationship Inventory (MSI); Dembo-Rubinstein's "Self-Esteem" method.
Results. Women who decide to have plastic surgery are characterized by more pronounced defensive reactions (isolation), greater rigidity of the self-image, displacement of emotional reactions into the unconscious, external control of emotions, and vindictiveness. The attitude to their own appearance is more alienated: not feeling that their inner world is of interest to anyone, they prefer to bet on improving their appearance. Depressive manifestations are mediated by compensatory links with the feeling of unrecognized, incomprehensible, and the need to be "the mistress of one's life" contributes to the growth of depression.
Orthorexia in Athletes: A Comprehensive Review of its Causes, Impact on Health, and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Fuczyło Kamila , Stankevič Karolina , Chernysh Anna-Mariia , Dusińska Aleksandra , Waszczyński Jakub , Woźniak Justyna , Kmieć Justyna Weronika , Biesiada Wiktor , Kopczyńska Ewelina , Kulej Piotr
Published: February 2025

Aim: This review aims to explore the prevalence, causes, health impacts, and management strategies for orthorexia nervosa (ON) in athletes, with a focus on the challenges posed by the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and the demands of sports that emphasize weight control, physique, and performance.
Materials and Methods: The analysis is based on a synthesis of existing literature from medical and sports journals, focusing on studies that examine the relationship between ON and factors such as gender, BMI, athletic discipline, and the duration of physical activity. Special attention is given to studies evaluating multidisciplinary approaches to treatment and prevention.
Results: Athletes, especially those in weight-sensitive and aesthetic sports, exhibit a higher prevalence of ON compared to non-athletes, with female athletes being particularly vulnerable. ON is driven by societal, cultural, and sports-specific pressures, leading to restrictive dietary practices that can cause nutrient deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, energy depletion, and psychological distress. Research findings on the relationship between ON, BMI, and gender are inconclusive, but athletes engaging in over 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, particularly endurance sports, are at higher risk.
Conclusions: ON poses significant risks to both health and performance in athletes. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary treatment approach that integrates psychotherapy, dietary counseling, and nutritional education are critical for managing ON. Preventive measures at the organizational level, emphasizing balanced nutrition and collaboration among coaches, dietitians, psychologists, and physicians, are essential to reducing the prevalence of ON and promoting athlete well-being.
Enabling Conversations About Privilege and Discrimination in Engineering Classrooms Through an Inequitable Decision-Making Activity
Authors: Nock Destenie
Published: February 2025

Having conversations in the classroom about privilege, discrimination, prejudice, and how these issues impact decision making can be difficult. This article presents an activity designed to simulate voter and voice suppression in the classroom. The activity, titled “The Energy Table Who Didn’t Get a Seat,” started by asking students to use concepts from class to decide where to invest money to mitigate the effects of a winter storm on vulnerable communities. Then, the instructor simulated voice suppression, discrimination, macroaggressions, and prejudice in class by excluding certain groups from being able to submit their proposals for consideration. Throughout the class, students were given opportunities to advocate for themselves, yet they rarely did. At the beginning of the activity, students voted for which of their classmates’ proposals they believed was the best. However, by the end of the voter and voice suppression activity, 24%–46% of the students abstained from voting, highlighting the frustration they felt during the simulation. The class concluded with a discussion about how biases impact decision making. After the instructor revealed that the discrimination was part of a simulation, many expressed shock and surprise that they had not advocated for themselves during the activity.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grants 2121730 and 2315029], the Wimmer Faculty Fellowship from Carnegie Mellon University, and the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation [Grant 2053856].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ited.2023.0053 .