bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilinear Interpolation Augmented Deep Feature Extraction with an Improved Remora Optimization-Based Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Skin Lesion Classification
Authors: Sahoo Madhusmita Priyadarshini , Sridhar Rajeswari
Published: January 2025

The study introduces a novel approach for skin lesion classification that leverages bilinear interpolation-based feature extraction and an enhanced Remora Optimization Algorithm (ROA). This research is motivated by the high prevalence of skin cancer globally and the necessity for early detection, particularly in underserved areas where access to dermatological expertise is limited. Traditional dermoscopic datasets, typically captured in controlled clinical environments, do not adequately represent the variability of real-world smartphone images, which often suffer from issues like varied lighting and motion blur. The proposed method refines visual details by integrating multi-scale spatial information, significantly enhancing classification accuracy. The enhanced ROA optimizes parameter selection, addressing challenges of high-dimensional data and hyper-parameter tuning in deep learning models. This innovative combination surpasses existing classification methods, offering a promising early screening tool, especially beneficial in rural areas. The results demonstrate the proposed architecture’s effectiveness, achieving accuracies of 83.71%, 97.21%, and 95.6% on the PAD-UFES-20, ISIC 2016, and ISIC 2017 datasets, respectively, highlighting the potential of advanced computational techniques in augmenting the diagnostic process for skin cancer.
Modeling the Causal Effects of Drought Disasters
Authors: NASERI Khadijeh
Published: January 2025

Introducing a causal model to study the drought disaster around the world is the need of the planet today. There are many causes and effects of drought disasters around the world. These parameters, by affecting and being influenced by each other, cause the formation of processes that can make the experience of this event unpleasant. By planning and formulating appropriate strategies based on the results of this model, this event can be properly treated. For this purpose, in this research, the causal model of drought disasters is introduced. First, effective criteria or parameters in the occurrence of drought are identified. The tool used in this research is the modified fuzzy DEMATEL model. After responding to the direct relations matrix and defuzzification of this matrix, the causes and effects of the drought disaster are finally realized. The results of this study indicate that the criteria of global warming, mismanagement, and war are causal parameters or causes and the criteria of climate change, deforestation and soil degradation, dam construction, agriculture and livestock, and additional water needs are the parameters of the effect. Therefore, by establishing the conditions of each of the causal parameters, drought occurs or intensifies, and with the occurrence of drought, the effect parameters are created and show their effect on the causal parameters in the occurrence of drought.
Meta’s Hyperscale Infrastructure: Overview and Insights
Authors: Tang Chunqiang
Published: January 2025

A look at Meta's planetary-scale computing infrastructure, including some key lessons from its development, as the company pursues its vision of “all global datacenters as a computer.”
Temporal Boundary Awareness Network for Repetitive Action Counting
Authors: Zhang Zhenqiang , Li Kun , Tang Shengeng , Wei Yanyan , Wang Fei , Zhou Jinxing , Guo Dan
Published: January 2025

Repetitive Action Counting (RAC) is a critical and challenging task in video analysis, aiming to count the number of repeated actions in videos accurately. Existing methods typically generate a Temporal Self-similarity Matrix (TSM) as an intermediate representation to predict the number of repetitive actions. While this simplifies the process, it often overlooks the variable lengths between action cycles and the phenomenon of motion interruptions. The period inconsistency problem caused by the change in the action period and the motion interruption problem resulting from the motion pause are the two main challenges that affect the accuracy of RAC in complex scenes. To address these challenges, we propose a novel framework. First, we construct a boundary-aware encoder equipped with a temporal pyramid structure to build multi-scale video features, capturing the period information of different lengths of repetitive actions to solve the period inconsistency problem. Next, a cycle and boundary attention module is followed by each layer in the pyramid to enhance these multi-scale features with periodic and event boundary information. Finally, we design a gated density estimator to generate the actionness score for each frame that reflects the probability of the corresponding time point being within the motion cycle. These scores are used to weight features to reduce the impact of noise frames without actions present and solve the motion interruption problem for better density prediction. Extensive experiments conducted on public datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. The source code will be available at
https://github.com/zqzhang2023/TBANRAC
.
Endovascular versus Best Medical Treatment for Acute Carotid Occlusion BelOw Circle of Willis (ACOBOW): The ACOBOW Study
Authors: Meyer Lukas , Broocks Gabriel , Alexandrou Maria , Lüttich Álex , Larrea José Ángel , Schwindt Wolfram , Krähling Hermann , Naziri Weis , Behme Daniel , Thormann Maximilian , Styczen Hanna , Deuschl Cornelius , Kabbasch Christoph , Zaeske Charlotte , Weyland Charlotte , Hernández Petzsche Moritz Roman , Maegerlein Christian , Zimmermann Hanna , Ernst Marielle , Jamous Ala , Moreu Gamazo Manuel , Pérez-García Carlos , Navia Pedro , Fernández Prieto Andrés , Yeo Leonard , Tan Benjamin , Gopinathan Anil , Siebert Eberhard , Miszczuk Milena , Schob Stefan , Sporns Peter , Zamarro Parra Joaquín , Parrilla Guillermo , Arnberg Fabian , Andersson Tommy , Zeleňák Kamil , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Psychogios Marios , Möhlenbruch Markus , Kemmling André , Dorn Franziska , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Fiehler Jens , Stracke Christian Paul
Published: January 2025

For patients with symptomatic acute occlusions of the internal carotid artery below the circle of Willis, endovascular and best medical treatment were both effective and safe therapeutic options.
Data from Targeting PRMT1 Reduces Cancer Persistence and Tumor Relapse in EGFR- and KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Kumbier Karl , Gayathri Savitha , Steri Veronica , Wu Lani F. , Altschuler Steven J.
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Incomplete killing of cancer cells undermines oncogene-targeting therapies and drives disease relapse. Eliminating cancer cells that persist during treatment is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. Here, we discovered that a specific isoform of type I protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT), namely, PRMT1, enables lung cancer cells with EGFR or KRASG12C driver mutations and high STAT1 activity to persist through targeted drug treatments. PRMT1 knockdown, combined with EGFR or KRASG12C inhibitors, decreased persistence and delayed cancer cell regrowth across cell line models and significantly prolonged tumor regression in xenograft models. In contrast, we found that knockdown of two other type I PRMT isoforms, PRMT4 and PRMT6, increased persistence. Finally, we found that targeting PRMT1 to reduce persistence is more effective in lung cancer models with intact versus deleted chromosome 5q31.1, a region enriched with JAK-STAT pathway genes, suggesting a potential stratification criterion. Together, our study pinpoints the PRMT1 isoform as a critical vulnerability of cancer persistence in EGFR- or KRASG12C-targeted therapies.
Significance:
Eliminating “persisters” before relapse is crucial for achieving durable treatment efficacy. This study provides a rationale for developing PRMT1-selective inhibitors to target cancer persisters and achieve more durable outcomes in oncogene-targeting therapies.
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Bidirectional Relationship with Clinical and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Leite Ana Rita , Dias João , Godinho Tiago , Correia-Chaves Joana , Borges-Canha Marta , Lourenço Inês Mariana , Leite-Moreira Adelino , Neves João Sérgio
Published: January 2025

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly prevalent and is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the western world. It is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and ultimately leads to cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) appears to be a complication of MASLD and, conversely, seems to exacerbate its severity. This review focuses on the pathophysiological association between MASLD and HFpEF, as well as their clinical and therapeutic implications. Summary: The connection between MASLD and HFpEF is intricate and bidirectional, involving several pathophysiological mechanisms, such as insulin resistance, overactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems, systemic and hepatic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. MASLD is an independent risk factor for diastolic dysfunction and HFpEF, increasing the risk of hospitalization and death in those with established heart failure. Conversely, HFpEF exacerbates the severity of MASLD. Screening for MASLD and liver fibrosis should be conducted in stable and euvolemic patients with HFpEF, utilizing liver ultrasonography and the Fibrosis-4 index. Screening for heart failure in MASLD patients should be performed with the measurement of natriuretic peptides; however, these may have a lower sensitivity in these patients and echocardiography may be needed. Therapeutic strategies for both MASLD and HFpEF are limited, but certain interventions studied for MASLD may also benefit the cardiovascular system. Lifestyle interventions, such as adherence to a Mediterranean diet and weight loss, have proven beneficial for both diseases. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and incretin mimetics show promise in treating patients with both conditions and may have synergistic effects. Key Messages: MASLD increases the risk of incident HFpEF and worsens the prognosis of patients with HFpEF. Given the high prevalence of MASLD in patients with stable HFpEF, screening for MASLD is crucial. Screening for heart failure in MASLD should begin with the measurement of natriuretic peptides when there is clinical suspicion. Therapeutic interventions such as SGLT2i and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may offer synergistic benefits for patients with both diseases.
Epidemiological Characterization of Diabetes in Portugal 2024: Nationwide trends and public health implication - Report of the National Program for Diabetes
Authors: Esteves César , Dinis Isabel , Dores José , Pedro Eugénia , Alves Isabel , do Vale Sónia ,   On behalf of the National Program for Diabetes
Published: January 2025

World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14th, was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Directorate-General of Health will promote a commemorative event, in the current year with a focus on Innovation in Diabetes. The National Program for Diabetes will present its annual report on the current state of diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Diabetes remains one of the most prevalent health conditions worldwide, with high morbidity and socio-economic impact. Portugal has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates in Europe, underscoring the urgent need to intensify preventive strategies. Strategies to improve the prevention and treatment of diabetes need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of the NHS and actively involve the public, social, and private sectors. These strategies should be patient-centered, focused on promoting equitable access to quality healthcare and enhancing both health and social value for patients and the community.
Descolonizando o liberalismo através de uma antropologia queer
Authors: Figueiredo Tiago Sales de Lima
Published: January 2025

O livro “Minoritarian Liberalism: A Travesti Life in a Brazilian Favela” de Moisés Lino e Silva, lançado em 2022 pela The University of Chicago Press, nos apresenta o desafio de compreender a liberdade da ideologia liberal além das representações cristalizadas no senso comum, permeada pelo liberalismo eurocêntrico. Nesse sentido, o liberalismo minoritário não é nem obrigatoriamente individualista, nem baseado na propriedade privada, mas sim, em uma abordagem estratégica de desidetinficação. Essa desvinculação se encontra na relação entre as forças dominantes e as subalternas, no intuito desses últimos produzirem suas próprias lógicas sobre a liberdade. Para construir sua argumentação, o autor nos levará para a favela da Rocinha, no Rio de Janeiro. Propondo-se a fazer uma antropologia queer, o livro nos conduz através de uma etnografia cativante e profunda, fruto de anos de observação e de dedicação aos seus interlocutores.
Sexualidade e paisagens do desejo no interior da Amazônia Paraense
Authors: Erick Igor
Published: January 2025

O ensaio tem como objetivo apresentar ou (re)pensar, a partir dos resultados oriundos da minha dissertação de mestrado, outros contextos de espaços de sociabilidade homossexual que serão definidos aqui como paisagens do desejo. A ideia é trabalhar com os sentidos e sensações relacionados às paisagens (igarapés, rios, matas e praias de água doce) e com outras formas de se conectar com esses espaços através dos corpos, dos usos das encantarias e do processo de inter-relação, como sendo também, elementos que constituem a territorialização no interior da Amazônia Paraense.
“Casa de homem/ homem macho, sim, senhor!”: a produção de masculinidades em repúblicas estudantis
Authors: Estevão-Rezende Yuri Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Há pelo menos cem anos e, sobretudo, a partir da criação da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, no fim da década de 60, homens e mulheres têm se dedicado à construção e manutenção da "tradição republicana" em moradias estudantis de Ouro Preto (MG). Essas territorialidades, predominantemente configuradas como repúblicas masculinas e femininas, são casas definidas pela divisão de gênero. Através de relatos de interlocutores e outras fontes, argumento, neste artigo, como a noção que circula neste meio social de "perfil de morador" pode ser instrumental para entender a relação das masculinidades com esses perfis, ou melhor, do “republicano” idealizado, e suas interseções com gênero, raça, classe e sexualidade.
Intimidades (quase)públicas: o uso do urbano nas pegações do Jardim de Alah em Salvador, Bahia
Authors: Rosário Marlon Araújo do
Published: January 2025

O presente artigo analisa a interseção entre espaço urbano, práticas sexuais e mecanismos de controle da sexualidade, com foco na praia do Jardim de Alah, localizada no bairro nobre da capital baiana, Costa Azul. A pesquisa busca compreender como homens que frequentam esse local público articulam formas de apropriação do espaço para a busca de prazeres sexuais. A partir de relatos etnográficos, o estudo propõe uma reflexão sobre as noções de privacidade e exposição que se configuram nesse contexto urbano específico. No Jardim de Alah, a prática da pegação gera uma dinâmica complexa, marcada por mecanismos de controle e autoproteção, que coexistem com a busca por prazer e a necessidade de lidar com a visibilidade.
O território da antropologia
Authors: Varjão João Victtor Gomes , Macedo Victor Miguel Castillo de
Published: January 2025

A 33ª edição da Revista Cadernos de Campo destaca o dossiê “Territorializando corpos, gêneros e sexualidades”, organizado por João Victtor Gomes Varjão, Anne Alencar Monteiro e Maiara Damasceno da Silva Santana. O dossiê examina como o território, entendido como construção social, impacta as dinâmicas de gênero, sexualidade e corpo, com enfoque interseccional. A edição inclui artigos sobre rituais funerários de animais, o conceito de sociedade em Adam Smith e Émile Durkheim, crítica ao liberalismo eurocêntrico e relações entre humanos e não-humanos. Com contribuições diversificadas, a revista reafirma seu compromisso com a produção de conhecimento crítico nas Ciências Sociais.
On the Disparity of Penalties in Deuteronomy 22:13–21*
Authors: Park Sung Jin
Published: January 2025

Deuteronomy 19:16–21 states that a false accuser should face the same punishment intended for the accused. In Deut 22:20–21, if the groom’s charge is true, his bride’s penalty would be death. However, if his charge is false, in Deut 22:18–19, instead of the death penalty, the groom receives three penalties: 1) flogging, 2) payment, and 3) inability of divorcing her. Thus, most scholars have suggested that there is an apparent discrepancy of penalties between the groom and the bride in Deut 22:13–21. This article argues that the most essential element to satisfy the requirements of Deut 19:16–21 is intentionality, and that Deut 22:13–21 is not about the husband’s false accusation with evil intent to harm his wife; rather, it is a legitimate accusation of the husband concerning the wife’s virginity. Thus, the emphasis shifts from punitive measures to the intention behind the accusation, elucidating the underlying principles governing these laws.
The Rights of Victims to Justice in the Iraqi Criminal Justice System
Authors: Al-Anaibi Faris K.
Published: January 2025

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi citizens have become victims of acts of violence by non-state actors, specifically in the aftermath of the 2003 controversial occupation of the country by the United States and its allies, and the atrocities committed by so-called ISIS, due to the incompetence, corruption and ethno-sectarian policies of the state authorities. Alongside the lack of protection, vast numbers of Iraqi victims are denied justice in their state’s criminal justice system. This paper argues that the Iraqi criminal justice system (ICJS) fails to comply with international standards, as the rights of victims have been ignored, despite remarkable recent developments by international bodies to require states to acknowledge the rights of victims of crime, both in theory and practice. Iraq has struggled with multiple institutional and legislative problems which have greatly limited its ability to respond with due diligence to the widespread acts of violence by non-state actors.
How Did the Embedding of a Shared Read within a Programme of Outward Bound Activity Impact on Cohort Bonding?
Authors: Baverstock Alison , Steinitz Jackie , Thow Georgina , Gordon Hattie , Harsham Jane
Published: January 2025

This UK project monitors and measures the addition of an opportunity for shared reading before a course of outside exploration. Twenty 10–12-year-olds from military families, who did not already know each other and were preparing to take sponsored places on an Outward Bound course on the Welsh coast, were sent a copy of an age-appropriate book. Copies were also sent to the rest of the cohort they would be joining and to staff members who would be working with them. The book was embedded in pre-course information, transition, and welcome activities. The outcomes were measured through questionnaires sent to individuals, both students and staff, after the course. Overall, those sent the book were pleased to receive it, a high number of them read it, and it offered common ground around which relationships could be formed. Recommendations for how similar activities may be developed in future are discussed.
Rhytomus Génier & Saxton: A new dung beetle genus from New Guinea with five new species and phylogenetic insights (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: GÉNIER FRANÇOIS , GUNTER NICOLE L. , SAXTON NATALIE A.
Published: January 2025

In this study, we utilize both morphological and molecular data of Australasian dung beetles to establish Rhytomus Génier & Saxton, new genus. Using ultra-conserved element (UCE) data, we reconstruct the relationships between Rhytomus and related genera within the Australasian endemic clade. We provide a comprehensive revision for all mainland New Guinea species including the description of five new species: R. fervidus Saxton & Génier, new species, R. larseni Saxton & Génier, new species, R. latidentatus Saxton & Génier, new species, R. sodalis Saxton & Génier, new species, and R. vanus Saxton & Génier, new species. We transfer seven species originally described within the genus Tesserodon Hope, 1837; Rhytomus heurni (Paulian, 1937), new combination, Rhytomus howdeni (Paulian, 1985), new combination, Rhytomus papuanus (Paulian, 1985), new combination, Rhytomus seramicus (Krikken & Huijbregts, 2009), new combination, Rhytomus setulosus (Balthasar, 1965), new combination, Rhytomus waigeoensis (Ochi, Kon & Hartini, 2017), new combination. Furthermore, we designate a lectotype for Tesserodon elongatum van Lansberge, 1885, correct name bearing type data for Tesserodon howdeni Paulian, 1985 and provide both a traditional dichotomous and an online illustrated interactive identification key for mainland New Guinea species.
New species of Neanuridae (Collembola) from Wuyunjie National Nature Reserve, China
Authors: JIANG JI-GANG , WANG YI , ZHU PEI-TING
Published: January 2025

Two new species of Neanuridae are recorded and described from Wuyunjie National Nature Reserve, Taoyuan County, Changde City, Hunan Province, China. Paralobella sensilla sp. nov. is characterized by body tubercles well differentiated; 3+3 eyes; cephalic chaeta O present; cephalic tubercles Dl separate from tubercle L+ So; mandible with 2 basal teeth and four apical teeth; maxilla with only one tooth; tubercle De fused to Dl on Abd. V; and dorsal body chaetae s clavate. Vitronura clavata sp. nov. is characterized by 2+2 eyes; cephalic chaeta O present; body tubercles well differentiated; cephalic tubercles Dl, L and So fused; mandible with one basal, one middle and four apical teeth; maxilla with two lamellae, each with one tooth; dorsal body macrochaetae usually clavate; and unguis with an inner tooth. All species of both genera are also listed and their distribution is provided.
Accessibility of Public Health Knowledge: The Presence of Public Health Courses in General Education Programs at US Public Universities
Authors: Roberts-Dobie Susan , Cornish Disa , Schraffenberger Jeremy
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

In 2003, the Institute of Medicine released the report Who Will Keep the Public Healthy?, in which the authors recommended that “all undergraduates have access to education in public health.” The objective of this study was to explore the current status of that recommendation in public institutions in the United States with schools or programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Methods:

We used a systematic qualitative content analysis approach, specifically a manifest analysis strategy, focusing on data that were available, tangible, and observable. To provide a snapshot of public health coursework in the general education curriculum, we reviewed the spring 2023 curriculum posted in online catalogs at US public colleges and universities with CEPH-accredited schools or programs of public health.

Results:

Of the 132 institutions represented in the analysis, 100 (75.8%) offered at least 1 public health course in their general education course offerings in the spring 2023 term and 32 (24.2%) offered no public health–related courses. None of the institutions required a public health course to graduate.

Conclusion:

The recommendation for all students to have access to public health education in undergraduate programs was a timely and relevant imperative in 2003, and it is increasingly so today. We encourage colleges and universities with schools and programs accredited by CEPH to lead a renewed effort to expand access to public health education for undergraduates in the United States through general education programs.
Glucocorticoid signaling mediates lymphopoiesis impairment after cardiac arrest in mice
Authors: del Águila Ángela , Dang Lihong , Zhang Ran , Zhang Jin , Rehman Ata Ur , Xu Feng , Dhar Ashis , Zhong Xiao-Ping , Sheng Huaxin , Yang Wei
Published: January 2025

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Considerable advances in resuscitation have led to an increasing number of patients who survive the initial arrest event. However, among this growing patient population, morbidity and mortality rates remain strikingly high. This has been attributed to post-CA syndrome of which an imbalanced immune response is a crucial component. Using a murine CA model, we have shown that a profound immunosuppressive phase, characterized by severe lymphopenia, ensues following the initial pro-inflammatory response after CA. In the current study, we found that T and B lymphopoiesis was greatly impaired, as evidenced by the rapid and marked depletion of double-positive T cells and pre-B cells in the thymus and bone marrow, respectively. Our data then demonstrated that pharmacologic suppression of glucocorticoid signaling after CA significantly attenuated lymphopoiesis impairment, thereby mitigating post-CA lymphopenia. Lastly, we showed that specific deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor in T or B cells largely prevented the CA-induced depletion of immature lymphocyte populations in the thymus or bone marrow, respectively. Together, our findings indicate that glucocorticoid signaling mediates post-CA impairment of lymphopoiesis, a key contributor to post-CA immunosuppression.
Advanced glycation end products and breast cancer risk in a sample of the ORDET cohort
Authors: Agnoli Claudia , Perlino Federico , Guerra Giulia , Quartiroli Martina , Vener Claudia , Mauri Pierluigi , de Palma Antonella , Venturelli Elisabetta , Sieri Sabina
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for breast cancer, especially postmenopausal breast cancer. We evaluated the role of the advanced glycated end products (AGEs) levels contributing to the association between MetS and breast cancer risk.

Methods

Plasma AGEs were measured in a case-control study nested within the Hormones and Diet in the Etiology of Breast Tumors (ORDET) cohort, including 40 incident postmenopausal breast cancer cases (20 with MetS and 20 without) and 40 postmenopausal controls (20 with MetS and 20 without). The association between AGEs and breast cancer was analyzed using Bayesian logistic regression models. An informative prior for the exposure coefficient, modeled as a normal distribution, centered on the natural logarithm of an odds ratio ((OR)=1.635) derived from prior evidence, was employed alongside weakly informative priors (WIPs). Bayesian linear regression with WIPs was used to examine the association between MetS and AGEs. Estimates were reported with SDs and 90% and 95% credible intervals (CI).

Results

AGEs were associated with higher breast cancer risk both with the informative prior (OR = 1.745, SD):0.362; 90% CI:1.218–2.390; 95% CI:1.137–2.548) and the WIP (OR = 1.861, SD = 0.661; 90% CI:1.026–3.082; 95% CI:0.924–3.528) specification. Although the difference in plasma AGEs in women with and without MetS was not significant, we found a suggestion of higher levels in women with MetS (mean difference in standardized AGEs between individuals with and without MetS = 0.155, SD = 0.245; 90% CI:−0.246 to 0.553; 95% CI:−0.322 to 0.625).

Conclusions

These data, although from a small sample of women, support a role of endogenous AGEs in the pathological pathways underlying the association between MetS and breast cancer development.
Prognostic performance of bedside tests for predicting ulcer healing and wound healing after minor amputation in patients prone to medial arterial calcification: A systematic review
Authors: Willems Siem A , Nieuwstraten Jelle A , Schepers Abbey , van Schaik Jan , van den Hoven Pim , van der Vorst Joost R , Hamming Jaap F , Brouwers Jeroen JWM
Published: January 2025

Foot ulceration is a significant and growing health problem worldwide, particularly due to rises in diabetes mellitus (DM) and peripheral artery disease. The prediction of ulcer healing remains a major challenge. In patients with foot ulcers, medial arterial calcification (MAC) can be present as a result of concomitant DM or chronic kidney disease and is a prognostic factor for unfavorable outcome. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prognostic reliability of bedside tests to predict ulcer healing and wound healing after minor amputation in patients prone to MAC, following PRISMA guidelines. Primary endpoints were the positive and negative likelihood ratios for ulcer healing. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the QUIPS-tool. A total of 35 studies were included, predominantly investigating transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), followed by ankle–brachial index and toe pressure. None of these bedside tests effectively provided an acceptable trade-off between predicting healing and nonhealing. A TcPO2 below 30 mmHg was most closely associated with nonhealing of an ulcer. The same applied to wound healing after minor amputation, in which none of the bedside tests was able to sufficiently predict healing or nonhealing. To conclude, currently used bedside tests lack acceptable prognostic performance for ulcer healing and healing after minor amputation in patients prone to MAC. Future prospective studies should establish a clear definition of ulcer healing, utilize a standardized wound classification system, and minimize patient heterogeneity. A combined assessment of microvascular and macrovascular perfusion status could improve the prediction of wound healing.
Long live the hyphen and the exclamation mark! On the trait-d’union as inter-ship
Authors: Bal Mieke
Published: January 2025

This first session after the inaugural lecture establishes the concept of ‘semiosphere’ through a discussion of the minimal signs in the European semiosphere that facilitate understanding without knowledge of the languages concerned as well as the integration of writing with the tones of spoken language. The author also discusses the short film that makes use of such signs, It’s About Time! Reflections on Urgency, with the exclamation mark in the title as the meaning-shifter. This film, spoken in Polish, stages the figure of Cassandra and her lover Aeneas as main characters of the mythical birth of Europe, the problematic of fictional time, the necessary skill and willingness of listening, and the idea of beginning. To make a useful distinction between identity as in-born features and identification as a willingness to affiliate, the article brings the French term trait-d’union to an English non-existing word, inter-ship.
Factors Influencing Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination During the Omicron Surge
Authors: Rosen Brittany L. , Lee Melody R. , Chandler Emmanuel L. , Meisman Andrea , Kahn Jessica A. , Klein Melissa D. , Real Francis J.
Published: January 2025

While most adolescents experience mild-COVID-19 infection, those with underlying medical conditions have an increased risk of severe health outcomes. Furthermore, compared with other pediatric populations, adolescents have experienced higher rates of COVID-19–associated hospitalization. COVID-19 vaccine decision-making in adolescents during COVID-19 surges is not well understood. Our objective was to explore factors influencing parental and adolescents’ COVID-19 vaccine decision-making during the Omicron winter 2021/2022 surge. Participants were recruited from an academic pediatric primary care clinic. Eligible adolescents (aged 12–17 years) who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine between December 2021 and February 2022 were recruited to participate in a semistructured interview with their parent. Perspectives were illuminated through thematic analysis of the data that included coding and pattern identification. Ten parent–adolescent dyads’ interview data were analyzed and classified into three principal themes influencing vaccine acceptance during the Omicron surge: perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, family member influence, and clear, two-way communication with a clinician. Despite widespread COVID-19 vaccine availability for adolescents, vaccination rates remain suboptimal even during times of increased disease prevalence. Using health promotion practices to emphasize perceived risk of infection while navigating family dynamics through two-way communication during COVID-19 surges may support vaccine uptake.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on UK social workers working with people with learning disabilities: A mixed methods study
Authors: MacLochlainn Justin , Manthorpe Jill , McFadden Paula , Naylor Rachel , Schroder Heike , McGrory Susan , Nicholl Patricia , Currie Denise , Kirby Karen , Mallett John
Published: January 2025

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and wellbeing of social workers working with people with learning disabilities has not been fully explored. This paper reports findings from a large United Kingdom study that surveyed health and care workers in six phases of the pandemic and shortly thereafter (2020-23) relating to 310 social workers who worked with people with learning disabilities. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed that these social workers experienced a decline in wellbeing over the pandemic period, but this lessened as time passed. Logistic regression showed that social worker wellbeing predicted intentions to leave their profession. This study offers an evidence-based foundation to guide retention policies in learning disability social work, aiming to stabilise the sector and preserve essential experience for workforce planning.
EXPRESS: Vocal and musical emotion perception, voice cue discrimination, and quality of life in cochlear implant users with and without acoustic hearing
Authors: Harding Eleanor , Gaudrain Etienne , Tillmann Barbara , Maat Bert , Harris Robert , Free Rolien , Baskent Deniz
Published: January 2025

This study aims to provide a comprehensive picture of auditory emotion perception in cochlear implant (CI) users by (1) investigating emotion categorization in both vocal (pseud-ospeech) and musical domains, and (2) how individual differences in residual acoustic hearing, sensitivity to voice cues (voice pitch, vocal tract length), and quality of life (QoL) might be associated with vocal emotion perception, and, going a step further, also with musical emotion perception. In 28 adult CI users, with or without self-reported acoustic hearing, we showed that sensitivity (d’) scores for emotion categorization varied largely across the participants, in line with previous research. However, within participants, the d’ scores for vocal and musical emotion categorization were significantly correlated, indicating similar processing of auditory emotional cues across the pseudo-speech and music domains and robustness of the tests. Only for musical emotion perception, emotion d’ scores were higher in implant users with residual acoustic hearing compared to no acoustic hearing. The voice pitch perception did not significantly correlate with emotion categorization in either domain, while the vocal tract length significantly correlated in both domains. For QoL, only the subdomain of Sspeech production ability, but not the overall QoL scores, correlated with vocal emotion categorization, partially supporting previous findings. Taken together, results indicate that auditory emotion perception is challenging for some CI users, possibly a consequence of how available the emotion-related cues are via electric hearing. Improving these cues, either via rehabilitation or training, may also help auditory emotion perception in CI users.
Phytoplankton Community and Physico-chemical Parameters Influence on the Seasonal Visits of Lesser Flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) in Chelekleka Wetland, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrekidan Mebrat Teklemariam , Bekele Afework , Tsegaye Diress , Tilahun Hailu , Beyene Getacher , Bogale Bezawork Afework
Published: January 2025

Background and Research Aims

Lesser flamingo ( Phoeniconaias minor) is an intra-African migratory bird species recorded mainly in alkaline lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Temporal patterns of Lesser flamingo visits may be related to the abundance and availability of their primary phytoplankton food items, and phytoplankton growth and composition may also be influenced by water quality parameters. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Lesser flamingo abundance and the physico-chemical characteristics of the wetland and its phytoplankton community dynamics.

Methods

We measured the abundance of Lesser flamingos using the ground vantage point counting method. We assessed water physico-chemical characteristics using field measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity and turbidity, and laboratory sample analyses for phosphorus, ammonia, nitrate, silica, alkalinity and chlorophyll a. We also measured phytoplankton diversity and abundance in the laboratory.

Results

The physico-chemical characteristics of the Chelekleka wetland showed a favorable environment for biological productivity and physiological activities of aquatic organisms. High phytoplankton richness (83 taxa) and abundance were recorded in the wetland. Lesser flamingo abundance varied significantly in response to the abundance of preferred phytoplankton prey items, which could be attributed to the effect of aquatic grazers and changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the wetland.

Conclusion

Water physico-chemical characteristics influence the abundance and availability of phytoplankton in the seasonally flooded wetland, which in turn influences the seasonal visitation and abundance of Lesser flamingos foraging on phytoplankton prey.

Implications for Conservation

We recommend that the local government and other relevant stakeholders implement integrated wetland conservation practices to alleviate wetland degradation and conserve the ecosystem and its associated wildlife.
Understanding game data work
Authors: Tyni Heikki , Sotamaa Olli , Myöhänen Taina
Published: January 2025

The game industry's content production, maintenance of live games, and processes of acquiring production funding increasingly rely on various kinds of data and its rigorous analysis. These new needs and functions have generated emerging forms of work, such as those of the data analyst, data engineer, and data scientist. Through in-depth interviews with 20 Finnish game industry professionals and an analysis of game industry job advertisements, this paper examines the work and identity of game industry data workers. Drawing from scholarship focused on game production, game work, and data labour, this article argues that organisational practices surrounding data professionals reveal the centrality of high-level data work in game studios focused on live service games and that data work is now performed not just by data analysts, but by the entire staff and management. As a precursor to the wider creative industries, we argue that creative work and data work in game companies are gradually converging, due to the datafied work environment facilitating datafied game work and the work of data professionals increasingly intertwining with creative tasks. Complicating the previous game studio hierarchy is the data analyst's dual role as both a subservient support function and a central broker of data. Adding nuance to this, the article argues that an important aspect of the work of bespoke data professionals in game companies is communication, in contrast to the high-level quantitative tasks often associated with analysis.
High-risk pulmonary embolism in a post-operative patient
Authors: Talan Jordan , Reuland Brian , Kaufman Brian , Andriotis Anthony
Published: January 2025

Despite a rapidly evolving role for advanced therapeutic interventions, the majority of patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) are still undertreated. Due to complex diagnosis and management, along with a high associated mortality rate, high-risk PE offers an excellent opportunity for simulation training. We present a simulated case of high-risk PE in a post-operative patient that is designed to teach key principles of diagnosis and management. The script is widely adaptable to many institutions and customisable to diverse learner populations.
Developments in the field of respiratory nursing in Türkiye
Authors: Oğuz Erdem Gamze , Çevik Akyil Rahşan , Taşkin Yilmaz Feride
Published: January 2025

Nursing plays a critical role in delivering healthcare services. It is a health discipline encompassing both science and art, designed to support people from birth to the end of life, in health and illness. Nurses are required to identify the physical and psychological needs of individuals, families and society with a comprehensive, human-oriented approach and to meet these needs. Nursing provides essential services at every stage of healthcare, from health protection and improvement to disease treatment and rehabilitation. In Türkiye, nursing education is offered at high school, associate and undergraduate levels. Specialisation in a specific branch is possible through Master's and doctoral studies. However, there is no specialised branch or recognised certificate programme in respiratory nursing. Nurses specialising in respiratory diseases typically work in respiratory or intensive care units. Respiratory nurses play a crucial role in care and treatment management within the multidisciplinary team. This viewpoint provides information about the historical development of nursing, nursing education, and the status and development of respiratory nursing in Türkiye, as well as the efforts by the International Coalition for Respiratory Nursing to recognise respiratory nursing as a specialty worldwide.
Reflections of a paediatric pulmonologist: strategies for optimising lung function tests in preschool children
Authors: Gheorghiu Radu Marian , Stan Iustina Violeta
Published: January 2025

In recent years, our clinical practice as paediatric pulmonologists has focused on refining strategies to optimise pulmonary function tests (PFTs) for preschool children, particularly those aged as young as 2 years and 5 months. This viewpoint reflects on our experience conducting over 7000 spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS) tests, sharing practical insights into achieving high success rates with young children. We emphasise the importance of creating a child-friendly, minimally stimulating environment, tailored communication using familiar and engaging language, and leveraging gamification and positive reinforcement. In particular, we highlight the use of role-playing as an effective engagement strategy, allowing children to teach a stuffed toy how to perform the test. Furthermore, we differentiate the approaches required for spirometry, which demands active cooperation, and IOS, which allows for tidal breathing and is more suitable for younger or less cooperative children. Through these strategies, we have achieved consistent, technically acceptable results in preschool-aged children, aligning with the latest standardisation guidelines. Our findings demonstrate the value of adaptability, patience and creativity in paediatric PFTs, suggesting that these approaches improve not only test accuracy but also the overall experience for both children and caregivers. Future research should further investigate these techniques to enhance paediatric pulmonary testing protocols.
Clinical characteristics of Plasmodium vivax malaria infection in children and adolescents in the Republic of Korea during the period 2000 to 2016: a retrospective study
Authors: Lee Jung Ah , Song Je Eun , Park Seong Yeon , Park Yoon Soo , Park Yoonseon , Kwak Yee Gyung , Lee Sang-Eun , Shin Hyun-Il , Yeom Joon-Sup
Published: January 2025

Background

Although Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria is in the pre-elimination phase in the Republic of Korea (ROK), it continues to affect children and adolescents, who account for approximately 4–6% of the 300 to 500 annual cases. Despite this, research focusing on P. vivax malaria in this particular population remains limited. This study investigates the clinical characteristics of pediatric P. vivax malaria in the ROK from 2000 to 2016.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients aged 0–18 years, diagnosed with P. vivax malaria in five hospitals in Goyang City and Seoul. Data on demographics, clinical presentations, treatment regimens, and outcomes were collected. Statistical analyses were performed for comparisons between severe and non-severe cases, across age groups, and assessing trends over time.

Results

A total of 156 pediatric cases of indigenous P. vivax malaria were diagnosed. The median patient age was 13 years (men: 64.7%). Severe malaria occurred in 13.5% patients, predominantly in adolescents aged 15–18 years. The most common severe manifestations were jaundice (57.1%) and anemia (33.3%). In the ROK, the treatment regimen for pediatric P. vivax malaria involves oral administration of chloroquine at a dose of 25 mg base/kg divided over 3 days, followed by primaquine at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg for 14 days. Although all patients received chloroquine, a higher proportion of younger patients received a dose less than 25 mg/kg (87.5%, 85.5%, and 58.6% of those aged 0–4, 5–14, and 15–18 years, respectively; p < 0.001). Parasite clearance time (PCT) increased over the years, suggesting a potential decline in the chloroquine sensitivity of P. vivax. No deaths or significant long-term complications were reported.

Conclusions

Pediatric P. vivax malaria showed a low incidence of severe cases and no mortality in the ROK. Underdosing of antimalarial drugs was observed, underscoring the need for educating healthcare providers to ensure appropriate dosing. Increasing PCT highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of drug efficacy in this population. Further research on the evolving sensitivity of P. vivax and improved treatment protocols is thus essential.