bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BCL11A-deficient human erythropoiesis is impaired in vitro and after xenotransplantation into mice
Authors: Jang Yoonjeong , Feng Ruopeng , Palmer Lance E , Mayuranathan Thiyagaraj , Yao Yu , Mayberry Kalin , Zhou Sheng , Xu Jian , Gossett Jeffrey Michael , Kang Guolian , Cheng Yong , Yen Jonathan S , Weiss Mitchell J.
Published: February 2025

Genetic depletion of the transcriptional repressor BCL11A in red blood cell precursors alleviates b-hemoglobinopathies by inducing the fetal g-globin genes. However, additional erythroid genes are regulated by BCL11A and the effects of its deficiency on erythropoiesis are insufficiently described. We discovered that Cas9 disruption of the BCL11A intron 2 erythroid enhancer in CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using a clinically approved strategy caused impaired expansion and apoptosis of erythroid precursors in vitro and reduced repopulation of the erythroid compartment after xenotransplantation into immunodeficient mice. Mutant colony-forming unit erythroid cells, proerythroblasts and basophilic erythroblasts exhibited dysregulation of 94 genes (> 2-fold change, FDR < 0.05), 25 of which are likely direct targets of BCL11A. Differentially expressed genes were associated with a range of biological pathways that impact cell expansion and survival. Our findings show that BCL11A regulates additional aspects of erythropoiesis beyond g-globin gene repression, with unknown clinical consequences.
The impact of sleeve gastrectomy on pulmonary function tests and physical activity one-year after surgery
Authors: Abbasi Mohammadmahdi , Mohammadzadeh Narjes , Shahi Mohammad Hossein Pourgharib , Soroush AhmadReza , Eslamian Reza , Mir Ali , Elyasinia Fezzeh , Talebpour Mohammad , Najjari Khosrow , Mahmoudabadi Hossein Zabihi , Pourfaraji Seyed Morteza
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Obesity can adversely impact respiratory function and limit physical activity (PA). Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an essential and uptrend treatment option for weight loss. However, the effect of SG on pulmonary function and PA in patients with obesity is still debated.

Method

This is an observational study of 32 cases with obesity (BMI 43.86 ± 4.39) who underwent SG in a single center. Spirometry was performed before and 12 months after SG to investigate the pulmonary function of individuals. The main variables were forced expiratory volume (1s) (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). The correlation of weight loss variables with findings was evaluated.

Result

One year after surgery, patients lost an average of 23.42 kg (P <.001). The FEV1 and FVC were increased by 0.22 ml and 0.38 ml, respectively (p <.001). The absolute changes in FEV1 and FVS were significantly correlated with Total weight loss percentage (TWL). The 6-minute walking test (6MWT) results were significantly increased after surgery by 53.71 m (p <.001), and changes were correlated with TWL.

Conclusion

More than significant weight loss, the SG can also significantly improve the respiratory function and PA of individuals with obesity 12 months after surgery. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between weight loss and modification in lung function tests. The findings required studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times to confirm and clarify.
The gender gap in academic surgery: the electronic health record
Authors: Bessen Sarah Y. , Tackett Sean , Jenks Carolyn M. , Stewart C. Matthew , Oliva-Hemker Maria , Lee Jennifer K.
Published: February 2025

Background

The electronic health record (EHR) contributes to burnout, and excessive EHR work impedes productivity. The scope of potential gender discrepancies in EHR burden among surgeons is unclear. Because clinical operations and workflow vary by institution, EHR research must be conducted at multiple centers. Identifying modifiable factors that influence how surgeons use the EHR would support strategies that mitigate gender discrepancies. We hypothesized that gender differences in EHR use would be related to EHR support from clinical team members, patient message volume, and documentation length.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated EHR use by surgeons from multiple specialties in eight departments at a large academic center from January to December 2023. Data about clinical and EHR workload were collected using a provider efficiency tracking tool. These data included the amount of time surgeons spent working in the EHR outside of regular work hours overall and on individual tasks such as responding to messages, clinical review, and orders; the number of messages received and their source; proficiency with documenting in the EHR; and receipt of assistance with EHR documentation and orders from clinical team members.

Results

EHR use was analyzed from 323 surgeons (32% women). After adjusting for specialty, women spent more time than men working in the EHR outside of scheduled clinical hours (mean difference: 7.8 min/day; p = 0.001) and 7 AM to 7 PM (3.8 min/day; p = 0.007) despite no difference in clinical workload. Women spent more time on notes (1.8 min/appointment; p < 0.001), messages (0.7 min/appointment; p = 0.004), and clinical review (0.6 min/appointment; p = 0.032) than men. However, there were no surgeon gender differences in clinical support for EHR work, number of patient messages, note length, or proficiency with the EHR.

Conclusion

Women surgeons had a greater EHR burden than men at our institution. Assuming 16 clinical days/month, 8 min/day of additional EHR work outside of scheduled clinical hours for women translates to approximately 26 h/year of lost time relative to men. Unequal EHR work may increase the gender gap in career advancement and exacerbate burnout for women. Future research should include prospective multi-center trials to clarify the extent of the surgical EHR gender gap.
Effects of robot-assisted gait training within 1 week after stroke onset on degree of gait independence in individuals with hemiparesis: a propensity score-matched analysis in a single-center cohort study
Authors: Kato Daisuke , Hirano Satoshi , Imoto Daisuke , Ii Takuma , Ishihara Takuma , Matsuura Daisuke , Maeda Hirofumi , Wada Yoshitaka , Otaka Yohei
Published: February 2025

Background

Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is an effective method for treating gait disorders in individuals with stroke. However, no previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of RAGT in individuals with acute stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RAGT initiation within 1 week after onset on degree of gait independence in individuals with hemiparetic stroke.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used propensity-score matching. Individuals admitted to Fujita Health University Hospital after stroke onset and underwent RAGT between March 2017 and June 2023 were enrolled. Ninety-two individuals were eligible and grouped into the acute (≤ 7 days after the onset) and subacute groups (8–90 days after onset). RAGT was conducted using Welwalk, primarily comprising a knee–ankle–foot orthosis type robot worn on one paralyzed lower extremity, with training sessions lasting approximately 40 min/day, occurring 3–7 days/week. The primary outcome was the gait under supervision within 90 days of onset, which was compared between groups using the log-rank test.

Results

After propensity-score matching, 36 individuals were included in the analysis, including 18 each in the acute and subacute groups; the participant demographics were not significantly different between the groups. RAGT was initiated at a median of 6 and 25 days after onset in the acute and subacute groups, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier curves after the log-rank test showed a significantly higher percentage and shorter median days to achieve gait under supervision in the acute group than in the subacute group. The cumulative incidence of gait under supervision events at 90 days after onset was 82.2% and 55.6% in the acute and the subacute groups, respectively. Half of the individuals achieved gait under supervision within 49 days and 75 days in the acute and subacute groups, respectively (p = 0.038). No significant differences were observed in the dose of rehabilitation program and gait training per day from onset to achieving gait under supervision.

Conclusion

Initiation of RAGT within 1 week after stroke onset in individuals with hemiparesis may reduce the number of days required to achieve gait under supervision and increase the percentage of gait under supervision.
Decoding chromosomal instability insights in CRC by integrating omics and patient-derived organoids
Authors: Papaccio Federica , Cabeza-Segura Manuel , García-Micó Blanca , Gimeno-Valiente Francisco , Zúñiga-Trejos Sheila , Gambardella Valentina , Gutiérrez‐Bravo María Fernanda , Martinez‐Ciarpaglini Carolina , Rentero‐Garrido Pilar , Fleitas Tania , Roselló Susana , Carbonell-Asins Juan Antonio , Huerta Marisol , Moro-Valdezate David , Roda Desamparados , Tarazona Noelia , Sánchez del Pino Manuel M. , Cervantes Andrés , Castillo Josefa
Published: February 2025

Background

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is involved in about 70% of colorectal cancers (CRCs) and is associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance. From a clinical perspective, a better knowledge of these tumour’s biology will help to guide therapeutic strategies more effectively.

Methods

We used high-density chromosomal microarray analysis to evaluate CIN level of patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and their original mCRC tissues. We integrated the RNA-seq and mass spectrometry-based proteomics data from PDOs in a functional interaction network to identify the significantly dysregulated processes in CIN. This was followed by a proteome-wGII Pearson correlation analysis and an in silico validation of main findings using functional genomic databases and patient-tissues datasets to prioritize the high-confidence CIN features.

Results

By applying the weighted Genome Instability Index (wGII) to identify CIN, we classified PDOs and demonstrated a good correlation with tissues. Multi-omics analysis showed that our organoids recapitulated genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic CIN features of independent tissues cohorts. Thanks to proteotranscriptomics, we uncovered significant associations between mitochondrial metabolism and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in CIN CRC PDOs. Correlating PDOs wGII with protein abundance, we identified a subset of proteins significantly correlated with CIN. Co-localisation analysis in PDOs strengthened the putative role of IPO7 and YAP, and, through in silico analysis, we found that some of the targets give significant dependencies in cell lines with CIN compatible status.

Conclusions

We first demonstrated that PDO models are a faithful reflection of CIN tissues at the genetic and phenotypic level. Our new findings prioritize a subset of genes and molecular processes putatively required to cope with the burden on cellular fitness imposed by CIN and associated with disease aggressiveness.
Shared environments complicate the use of strain-resolved metagenomics to infer microbiome transmission
Authors: Debray Reena , Dickson Carly C. , Webb Shasta E. , Archie Elizabeth A. , Tung Jenny
Published: February 2025

Background

In humans and other social animals, social partners have more similar microbiomes than expected by chance, suggesting that social contact transfers microorganisms. Yet, social microbiome transmission can be difficult to identify based on compositional data alone. To overcome this challenge, recent studies have used information about microbial strain sharing (i.e., the shared presence of highly similar microbial sequences) to infer transmission. However, the degree to which strain sharing is influenced by shared traits and environments among social partners, rather than transmission per se, is not well understood.

Results

Here, we first use a fecal microbiota transplant dataset to show that strain sharing can recapitulate true transmission networks under ideal settings when donor-recipient pairs are unambiguous and recipients are sampled shortly after transmission. In contrast, in gut metagenomes from a wild baboon population, we find that demographic and environmental factors can override signals of strain sharing among social partners.

Conclusions

We conclude that strain-level analyses provide useful information about microbiome similarity, but other facets of study design, especially longitudinal sampling and careful consideration of host characteristics, are essential for inferring the underlying mechanisms of strain sharing and resolving true social transmission network.
Career choice motivation, academic and social integration, and their relationship with intention to drop out of vocational teacher training
Authors: Stellmacher Anne , Franz Sebastian , Paetsch Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Not every student who enrolls in a teacher training program completes it and obtains a degree. Students dropping out of vocational teacher training is a particularly concerning trend in Germany, where there is a significant shortage of vocational education and training (VET) teachers. Against this backdrop, it is crucial to understand why students fail to complete their teacher training programs. Using data from the student cohort of the National Educational Panel Study in Germany, this study examines the career choice motivation, academic and social integration, and their relationship with the intention to drop out of 114 students in a VET teacher training program. Additionally, the study explores whether the relationship between career choice motivation and dropout intention of VET teacher training is mediated by academic and social integration, which are established predictors of drop out. We found that extrinsic motivation was positively linked to dropout intention, while intrinsic motivation showed a negative association with dropout intention. No significant relationships were found between academic or social integration and dropout intention.
Preoperative diagnosis of meningioma sinus invasion based on MRI radiomics and deep learning: a multicenter study
Authors: Gui Yuan , Hu Wei , Ren Jialiang , Tang Fuqiang , Wang Limei , Zhang Fang , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2025

Objective

Exploring the construction of a fusion model that combines radiomics and deep learning (DL) features is of great significance for the precise preoperative diagnosis of meningioma sinus invasion.

Materials and methods

This study retrospectively collected data from 601 patients with meningioma confirmed by surgical pathology. For each patient, 3948 radiomics features, 12,288 VGG features, 6144 ResNet features, and 3072 DenseNet features were extracted from MRI images. Thus, univariate logistic regression, correlation analysis, and the Boruta algorithm were applied for further feature dimension reduction, selecting radiomics and DL features highly associated with meningioma sinus invasion. Finally, diagnosis models were constructed using the random forest (RF) algorithm. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of different models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and AUC values of different models were compared using the DeLong test.

Results

Ultimately, 21 features highly associated with meningioma sinus invasion were selected, including 6 radiomics features, 2 VGG features, 7 ResNet features, and 6 DenseNet features. Based on these features, five models were constructed: the radiomics model, VGG model, ResNet model, DenseNet model, and DL-radiomics (DLR) fusion model. This fusion model demonstrated superior diagnostic performance, with AUC values of 0.818, 0.814, and 0.769 in the training set, internal validation set, and independent external validation set, respectively. Furthermore, the results of the DeLong test indicated that there were significant differences between the fusion model and both the radiomics model and the VGG model (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The fusion model combining radiomics and DL features exhibits superior diagnostic performance in preoperative diagnosis of meningioma sinus invasion. It is expected to become a powerful tool for clinical surgical plan selection and patient prognosis assessment.
openSSS: an open-source implementation of scatter estimation for 3D TOF-PET
Authors: José Santo Rodrigo , Salomon André , W. A. M. de Jong Hugo , Stute Simon , Merlin Thibaut , Beijst Casper
Published: February 2025

Background

Scatter correction is essential for quantitative and accurate time-of-flight (TOF) PET imaging. It is implemented by an accurate scatter estimation algorithm, to calculate the statistical distribution of scattered photons among the measured coincidences. However, to our knowledge, scatter estimation algorithms that account for TOF and that are compatible with custom geometries are not available in open-source reconstruction libraries, such as CASToR and STIR. To this end, we have developed an open-source implementation of the TOF-aware single-scatter-simulation (SSS) algorithm: openSSS.

Results

openSSS is validated on NEMA phantoms and patient data, for three PET geometries, compared to Monte-Carlo simulations and two proprietary vendor-specific reconstruction platforms. The reconstructed images have similar contrast recovery and background variability, deviating by up to 3.7%-point on contrast recovery and 1.8 on background variability and looking visually similar.

Conclusion

We have developed and validated an open-source scatter estimation library to complement reconstruction frameworks. By enabling vendor-independent clinical-grade reconstructions on custom scanner geometries, openSSS represents a crucial step in transparent research on quantitative PET and novel PET scanner designs.
Delay in detection of urethral catheter misplacement in the vagina of an older adult patient due to urinary outflow during catheterization: a case report
Authors: Shio Hisashi , Setsu Takao , Takagaki Tomonobu , Adachi Hiroshi , Kiuchi Makoto , Tsubokura Hideyuki
Published: February 2025

Background

To our knowledge, no previous case report explicitly shows that urethral catheter misplacement in the vagina cannot be ruled out even if urinary outflow is observed during catheterization.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old female underwent urethral catheterization during induction of general anesthesia for hemiarthroplasty using a bipolar hip prosthesis. Although the urethral meatus could not be visualized, urinary outflow was observed. However, drainage subsequently stopped, and the catheter was eventually found to have been misplaced in the vagina. Detection of the catheter misplacement was delayed because of the assumption that no urinary outflow occurs when the catheter is misplaced in the vagina.

Conclusion

Even if urinary outflow is observed during female urethral catheterization, catheter misplacement in the vagina cannot be ruled out; therefore, catheter misplacement in the vagina must be verified in patients for whom the urethral meatus cannot be identified for catheter insertion or when drainage stops.
Breast, Colorectal, and Pancreatic Cancer Mortality With Pathogenic Variants in
ATM
,
CHEK2
, or
PALB2
Authors: Veenstra Christine M. , Abrahamse Paul , Hamilton Ann S. , Ward Kevin C. , Gomez Scarlett L. , Liu Lihua , Katz Steven J. , Hofer Timothy P. , Kurian Allison W.
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Oncologists encounter patients with pathogenic variants (PVs) in
ATM
,
CHEK2
, or
PALB2
, but little is known about their cancer mortality.

METHODS

Patients who were 20 years or older, diagnosed in 2013-2019 with breast, colorectal, or pancreatic cancer, and reported to SEER registries in California and Georgia were linked to germline genetic testing results from four clinical laboratories and followed through 2021. Multivariable models of cancer mortality were fit; for each cancer, the reference group was the average hazard across all genetically tested patients with that diagnosis. Each cancer was modeled separately, followed by a single model that interacted the cancer type with all covariates. In addition to fixed effects models, random effects models were used as a regularization approach to reduce overfitting.

RESULTS

A total of 70,272 tested patients with breast (48,473 estrogen receptor–/progesterone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative; 9,957 HER2-positive; 11,842 triple-negative) cancer, 5,822 with colorectal cancer, and 1,861 with pancreatic cancer were analyzed; the mean follow-up was 3.9 years. Patients with
ATM
,
CHEK2
, or
PALB2
PVs had no differences in breast, colorectal, or pancreatic cancer mortality. Patients with
ATM
PVs in triple-negative breast cancer appeared to have higher mortality in fixed effects models (hazard ratio [HR], 3.7 [95% CI, 1.8 to 7.8]), but not in random effects models (HR, 1.2 [95% CI, 0.8 to 1.6]) that reduce overfitting. Patients with
BRCA1
/
2
PVs had lower triple-negative breast cancer mortality in both models (fixed HR, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.5 to 0.9], random HR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.6 to 0.8]). Patients with Lynch syndrome gene PVs had lower colorectal cancer mortality in both models (fixed HR, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.4 to 0.8], random HR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.5 to 0.9]).

CONCLUSION

Patients with
ATM
,
CHEK2
, or
PALB2
PVs had similar breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer mortality to the average genetically tested patient with their cancer type.
Challenging Conventional Diagnostic Methods by Comprehensive Molecular Diagnostics: A Nationwide Prospective Comparison in Children With ALL
Authors: Boer Judith M. , Koudijs Marco J. , Kester Lennart A. , Sonneveld Edwin , Hehir-Kwa Jayne Y. , Snijder Simone , Waanders Esme , Buijs Arjan , de Haas Valérie , van der Sluis Inge M. , Pieters Rob , den Boer Monique L. , Tops Bastiaan B.J.
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Treatment stratification in ALL includes diverse (cyto)genetic aberrations, requiring diverse tests to yield conclusive data. We optimized the diagnostic workflow to detect all relevant aberrations with a limited number of tests in a clinically relevant time frame.

METHODS

In 467 consecutive patients with ALL (0-20 years), we compared RNA sequencing (RNAseq), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), karyotyping, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for technical success, concordance of results, and turnaround time.

RESULTS

To detect stratifying fusions (
ETV6
::
RUNX1
,
BCR
::
ABL1
, ABL-class,
KMT2A
r,
TCF3
::
HLF
,
IGH
::
MYC
), RNAseq and FISH were conclusive for 97% and 96% of patients, respectively, with 99% concordance. RNAseq performed well in samples with a low leukemic cell percentage or low RNA quality. RT-PCR for six specific fusions was conclusive for >99% but false-negative for six patients with alternatively fused exons. RNAseq also detected gene fusions not yet used for stratification in 14% of B-cell precursor-ALL and 33% of T-ALL. For aneuploidies and intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21, SNP array gave a conclusive result in 99%, thereby outperforming karyotyping, which was conclusive for 64%. To identify deletions in eight stratifying genes/regions, SNP array was conclusive in 99% and MLPA in 95% of patients, with 98% concordance. The median turnaround times were 10 days for RNAseq, 9 days for FISH, 10 days for SNP array, and <7 days for MLPA and RT-PCR in this real-world prospective study.

CONCLUSION

Combining RNAseq and SNP array outperformed current diagnostic tools to detect all stratifying genetic aberrations in ALL. The turnaround time is <15 days matching major treatment decision time points. Moreover, combining RNAseq and SNP array has the advantage of detecting new lesions for studies on prognosis and pathobiology.
Quadroiliac Plane Block for Postoperative Pain Management in a Patient Undergoing Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Turan Engin İhsan , Güler Halil , Özen Volkan , Şahin Ayça Sultan
Published: February 2025

Opioid-free analgesia is crucial for high-risk patients, such as those with upper airway malignancies, to prevent respiratory complications. The Quadroiliac Plane Block (QIPB) offers an effective alternative. A 43-year-old female with base of tongue cancer underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) under spinal anesthesia. Postoperatively, a unilateral QIPB with 50 mg of 0.25% bupivacaine provided pain control. Pain levels, measured with the Numeric Rating Scale, decreased steadily over 24 hours without opioid use. QIPB effectively provided opioid-free analgesia for this high-risk patient, indicating its potential in perioperative pain management for similar cases.
Strength Training Improves Running Economy Durability and Fatigued High-Intensity Performance in Well-Trained Male Runners: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Zanini Michele , Folland Jonathan P. , Wu Han , Blagrove Richard C.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Strength training improves running economy (RE) in a non-fatigued state and performance after prolonged exercise at moderate intensity. However, it is unknown if strength training improves RE durability at marathon race intensity, or high-intensity performance akin to the final stages of a competitive race. This study quantified the effect of a supplementary 10-week strength training program on RE throughout 90 min of running in the heavy-intensity domain, and subsequent fatigued performance in runners.

Methods

Twenty-eight well-trained male runners (maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) 58.6 ml·kg-1·min-1; 10 km 39:02 mm:ss) were performance-matched and randomly assigned to a habitual running-only control (E; n = 14) or supplementary strength training group (E + S; n = 14) that performed maximal strength and plyometric training twice weekly for 10 weeks. Before the training, participants performed a 90 min run at 10% Δ between lactate threshold 1 and 2 (13.1 ± 1.4 km/h, 79.7% V̇O2max). RE, quantified as oxygen cost (ml·kg-1·km-1), was recorded at 15 min intervals during the run, immediately thereafter, participants ran a time to exhaustion (TTE) at 95% pre-test V̇O2max (16.1 ± 1.6 km/h). The 90 min run and TTE were repeated after the training intervention.

Results

A large interaction effect of training x group x run time was found for RE (p = 0.003, ηp
2 = 0.13), with E + S improving vs E at 90 min (-2.1% vs +0.6; p = 0.04). For TTE, a large group x training interaction effect was detected (p = 0.004, ηp
2 = 0.28), changing by +35% in E + S and -8% in E.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that adding strength and plyometrics training to a programme of endurance running improved RE durability and substantially increased high-intensity TTE at the end of a 90 min run in the heavy intensity domain in well-trained male runners.
Effects of Resistance and Speed on Electromyographic Activity of Thigh and Gluteal Muscles in Elite Athletes throughout Resisted Sprint Running
Authors: Macchi Robin , Hegyi András , Giroux Caroline , Rabita Giuseppe , Nordez Antoine , Hollville Enzo , Couturier Antoine , Fornasier-Santos Charly , Slawinski Jean , Morin Jean-Benoit , Lacourpaille Lilian , Guilhem Gaël
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The application of horizontal resistance is key in sprint training to modulate velocity and promote adaptations. However, the interaction between velocity and resistance on muscle excitation remains insufficiently studied. This study assessed the electromyographic (EMG) activity of thigh and gluteal muscles in response to varying velocity and resistance during sprinting.

Methods

Thirty-seven elite athletes (27 females and 10 males) performed two trials under three conditions: a 40-meter maximal sprint without resistance and two resisted sprints applied by a robotic device with resistive forces equivalent to 25% and 75% of body mass in a sled condition. EMG activity was recorded from eight muscles in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscle groups for both lower limbs. Generalized mixed models were used to analyze average EMG changes with increasing velocity as a function of resistance. Statistical parametric mapping was used to assess the changes within the stance and swing phases as a function of sprint phase and resistance.

Results

Hamstring EMG activity increased with increasing velocity (+17.9% in stance phase without resistance) and decreased as resistance increased, with opposite effects observed in quadriceps muscles. Higher gluteal EMG activity was found during the late swing phase with increasing velocity and decreasing resistance. The biceps femoris long head exhibited the largest EMG increase with velocity (+23% in the stance phase) among hamstrings, while the semitendinosus showed the highest increase with reduced resistance (+27% in the stance phase).

Conclusions

External resistance and running speed influence thigh muscle activity differently, even within the same muscle group, likely due to distinct muscle architecture and function. These insights should be considered when designing sprint training programs to target specific muscle groups, avoid muscle overloading, and account for inter-individual differences to optimize performance and reduce injury risk.
Internationalizing Like China
Authors: Clayton Christopher , Dos Santos Amanda , Maggiori Matteo , Schreger Jesse
Published: February 2025

We empirically characterize how China is internationalizing its bond market by staggering the entry of different types of foreign investors into its domestic market and propose a dynamic reputation model to explain this strategy. Our framework rationalizes China’s strategy as trying to build credibility as a safe issuer while reducing the cost of capital flight. We use our framework to shed light on China’s response to episodes of capital outflows. (JEL E44, F38, G12, G15, G23, O16, P34)
The use of vortioxetine in the treatment of depression following the failure of therapy with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Authors: Wichniak Adam , Iwański Marcin , Mitrić Matija
Published: February 2025

Nawet 40% pacjentów z depresją nie reaguje na lek pierwszego wyboru, a w grupie pacjentów, którzy reagują na leczenie, tylko około połowa osiąga stan remisji. Z tego powodu wytyczne dotyczące leczenia depresji koncentrują się w dużej mierze na tym, jak postępować w przypadku niepowodzenia lub tylko częściowego powodzenia terapii. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie badań oceniających skuteczność wortioksetyny w leczeniu chorych na depresję po niepowodzeniu leczenia lekiem z grupy SSRI/SNRI. Wortioksetyna jest skutecznym lekiem przeciwdepresyjnym, który po niepowodzeniu leczenia depresji lekiem z grupy SSRI/SNRI umożliwia osiągnięcie remisji u 32-55% pacjentów. Oceniany schemat dawkowania wortioksetyny odbiegał jednak od stosowanego w pierwszej terapii przeciwdepresyjnej, tzn. już w drugim tygodniu (8. dniu) terapii dawkę zwiększano do maksymalnej - 20 mg/d, a okres oceny skuteczności leczenia wynosił 8-12 tygodni. Jest to zatem schemat dawkowania bardziej zbliżony do sposobu stosowania leków przeciwdepresyjnych w leczeniu zaburzenia obsesyjno-kompulsyjnego niż depresji. Stosowanie wysokiej dawki wortioksetyny nie powodowało pogorszenia tolerancji leczenia, nawet w grupach pacjentów o wysokim ryzyku działań niepożądanych (osoby starsze, współwystępowanie lęku). Najczęstszym działaniem niepożądanym były nudności, nie obserwowano jednak, aby szybkie zwiększanie dawki powodowało ich nasilenie. Wynika to najprawdopodobniej z profilu receptorowego wortioksetyny.
Arthroscopic scaphocapitate fusion with lunate preservation without autologous bone grafts for Lichtman stage III Kienböck disease: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Min Kyoung-Tae , Park Ji-Kang
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic scaphocapitate fusion with lunate preservation, without autologous bone grafts, in stage III Kienböck disease, which causes significant wrist dysfunction due to lunate necrosis.Methods: Nine patients with stage III Kienböck disease underwent arthroscopic scaphocapitate fusion with lunate preservation from 2017 to 2022. Bone substitutes were used instead of autologous bone grafts: demineralized bone matrix, allogenic cancellous bone chips, and a bone substitute composed of hydroxyapatite combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2. The clinical outcomes assessed were pain visual analogue scale (VAS), grip strength, wrist range of motion (ROM), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores. Radiological assessments included bone union and modified carpal height ratio (MCHR).Results: At a mean follow-up of 22.7 months, all patients achieved bone union, with an average time to union of 8 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in wrist ROM (mean increase from 58.3° to 75.6°, p=0.001), grip strength (29.4% to 71.8% of the contralateral side, p<0.001), DASH scores (43.9 to 17.5, p<0.001), PRWE scores (45.2 to 18.0, p<0.001), and pain VAS (5.7 to 2.9, p<0.001). The mean MCHR decreased slightly from 1.41 to 1.39 (p<0.001).Conclusion: Arthroscopic scaphocapitate fusion with lunate preservation, without autologous bone grafts, effectively improved pain, function, and anatomical outcomes in stage III Kienböck disease. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
Profiling professional identity among translation students: A binational study
Authors: Jamoussi Rafik , Khadim Kais , Al Zahran Aladin , Alaqad Mohammed
Published: February 2025

The construct of professional identity (PI) is gaining prominence in the exploration of graduate employability, which has traditionally been approached from a skills-based perspective. Despite this shift in focus, the investigation of PI formation in translator training programs remains limited. This paper examines the self-reported PI profiles of translation trainees nearing the completion of their university studies. An online survey was administered to students from two different educational settings, utilizing the Professional Identity Five-Factor Scale (PIFFS). Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the collected data. Results indicate that PI among the two investigated student groups is moderately developed, highlighting the limited success of curricula in fostering PI when it is not explicitly integrated as a key objective. Profiling of the identified PI reveals that the dimension of experience with the profession is particularly lacking. The study concludes that when designing translation curricula, educators need to consider PI as an essential objective rather than an incidental by-product. The research underscores the necessity for activities beyond standard classroom practices to further enhance PI. These activities should increase industry engagement within the curriculum through work-integrated learning, such as apprenticeships, internships, field placements, and practicum experiences.
Exploring municipal translation policies in Canada: The cases of Calgary and Edmonton
Authors: Rao Sathya
Published: February 2025

This article applies the concept of “translation policy” to two of Canada’s most multicultural cities, Calgary and Edmonton. Following Meylaerts (2017), this study adopts a complexity perspective to account for the “chaotic” (Backhaus, 2012) nature of translation policy in a municipal context. The study draws on a close reading of municipal documents, interviews with municipal employees, and an analysis of the websites of each of the two cities. In so doing, the study reveals the hidden complexity of Calgary’s and Edmonton’s translation policies and questions the relevance of the concept of translation policy in a municipal setting.
Rural College Students’ Academic, Financial, and Health-Related Obstacles During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Academic Advisors
Authors: Soria Krista M. , Vakanski Stacey E.
Published: February 2025

We examined whether the odds of experiencing academic, financial, or health-related obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly (p < .05) different between students attending rural and suburban/urban colleges. We used data from a multi-institutional survey of 31,575 four-year college/university students attending seven rural and 62 suburban/urban colleges/universities in our analyses. Controlling for additional demographic, collegiate, and institutional variables in 19 logistic regressions, the results suggested that the odds of experiencing academic obstacles (e.g., lacking access to instructors), financial obstacles (e.g., losing wages from employment), and health-related obstacles (e.g., hospitalization from COVID-19) during the pandemic were significantly (p < .001) higher for rural college students compared to suburban/urban students.
A Transparent Ultra-wideband Antenna Fed by CPW Based on Characteristic Mode Theory
Authors: Ren Wanying , Wang Zhonggen , Nie Wenyan , Mu Weidong , Li Chenlu , Wang Mingqing
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a high isolation transparent ultra-wideband (UWB) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna based on characteristic mode theory. The antenna consists of four coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed UWB monopoles, each of which is hollowed out into a mesh structure guided by feature mode theory with metal and substrates, with an excitation added at the feed point to successfully excite modes 1, 3, 5, and 7. These excited modes cover a frequency range of 1.7-13 GHz. An orthogonal layout is adopted to make the antenna structure more compact. Ultimately, a transparency of 76.3% and a radiation efficiency of over 85% are achieved, with an effective frequency band coverage of 1.32-12.15 GHz. A fan-shaped metal mesh (MM) decoupling structure is printed on the mesh structure of the antenna substrate, achieving isolation greater than 20 dB between any two components without reducing the antenna’s transparency. Across the entire operating frequency band, the gain of the antenna varies from 1.3 to 5.5 dBi within the effective bandwidth, and the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) is less than 0.001. Additionally, the antenna exhibits good radiation characteristics. It can be easily manufactured at a low cost using traditional printed circuit board (PCB) and laser cutting techniques.
Effects of Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Flows
Authors: Lavdari Frans , Lavdari Xhulio
Published: February 2025

This paper assesses how ISDS mechanisms have impacted FDI flows, using quantitative data from more than 100 countries between 2000 and 2020. By applying a differences-in-differences approach combined with a gravity model, it finds that ISDS disputes immediately reduce FDI because of the uncertainty created. At the same time, favorable awards to investors produce a strong, long-term investment rebound. Sectoral and regional imbalances have been underlined, with extractive industries and developing regions even more adversely affected. Findings like these raise some concerns about the ‘chilling effect’ on state regulatory autonomy and imply the need for reform of ISDS to strike a balance between investor protection and public policy objectives.
The early origins of socioeconomic inequalities in inflammation: a scoping review and recommendations for life course and longitudinal studies
Authors: Gamage Kavindi , Burgner David , Mansell Toby , Priest Naomi
Published: February 2025

Inflammation is a key mechanism underpinning socioeconomic inequalities in health. In adults, lower socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with higher inflammation levels. Early life is an important period for the biological embedding of the social environment, with implications for life course health trajectories. There is therefore increasing interest in the relationship between SEP and inflammation in children and adolescents. We conducted a scoping review to summarise and critically appraise existing evidence. Studies were included if they had exposures of any SEP indicator and outcomes of any inflammatory biomarker. Community and population studies were considered. Twenty-seven of 41 studies identified showed that lower SEP was associated with higher inflammation in childhood or adolescence. Associations were most evident in high-income countries. However, interpretation and translation of findings were restricted by a limited range of SEP indicators and inflammatory biomarkers, and inconsistent or arbitrary timing of exposures and outcomes. Drawing from this review, we make five recommendations for future work in this important domain. We suggest that future studies endeavour to: (1) measure structural and social conditions more comprehensively across early life; (2) use a broader range of inflammatory biomarkers and related measures; (3) investigate effects on long-term immune phenotype; (4) expand study settings globally and across more diverse population groups; and (5) leverage multidisciplinary teams of social and biological scientists to triangulate evidence. Implementation of these recommendations may facilitate an expansion of evidence that better informs specific and timely interventions to address the root causes of socioeconomic inequalities in health.
‘Business as usual’: are Hong Kong faith communities supportive to Christian women with sexual harassment trauma?
Authors: Yih Caroline
Published: February 2025

Sexual violence, encompassing harassment, abuse and coercion, is a pervasive issue that leaves profound psychological and social scars on survivors. For Christian women, faith communities can serve as crucial sources of support in recovery; however, these communities often fail to provide trauma-informed care. This study investigates the lived experiences of eight Christian women in Hong Kong who sought support from their faith communities after enduring sexual harassment, abuse or violence. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and grounded in Practical Theology, the research explores themes of secondary traumatisation through silencing, rushed healing and expulsion. Participants reported victim-blaming, minimisation of their experiences, and a lack of safe spaces for healing within their faith communities. Instead of finding solace, they experienced re-traumatisation that deepened their sense of abandonment, anger and alienation. The findings highlight the urgent need for faith communities to adopt trauma-informed practices that foster safety, trust and empowerment. This research contributes to the understanding of the intersection between sexual trauma and religious support systems in a Hong Kong context, offering insights for better intervention strategies. Future studies should address other marginalised groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, to expand the understanding of faith communities’ roles in trauma recovery.
Medelacide: the intentional and systematic destruction of healthcare infrastructure
Authors: Mueller Jason C.
Published: February 2025

When analysing recurrent global social problems, new theories and concepts often emerge. This is the outcome of not only needing a vocabulary to identify and document problems as they unfold, but to label the specific problem as one in need of solving. Once a term is developed and popularised it allows scholars, lawyers and human rights advocates to demand answers or redress from those responsible for generating such societal ills. Examples of this include the development of scholarly and legal concepts like genocide, ecocide and scholasticide. This article proposes we establish a new concept: medelacide. Medelacide describes the intentional and systematic destruction of healthcare infrastructure. After outlining a clear sociological and legal rationale for why developing this concept is necessary, I show how other concepts that address widespread human rights issues should inform our development of medelacide as an identifiable act. After providing a preliminary way to conceptualise medelacide, I offer a demonstrative case study. The case study illustrates how the act of medelacide may be identified during the first year of the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza, Palestine. It documents how the Israeli military’s mode of assault demonstrated a pattern of intentional and systematic targeting of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, from October 2023 to October 2024. I conclude by offering comments on why medelacide is worth considering as a stand-alone concept, as well as one that can inform studies and analyses of structural and long-term social problems.
Fullmetal Alchemist and the hero’s journey: Decoding the monomyth in Hiromu Arakawa’s shōnen masterpiece
Authors: Debnath Kunal , Kumar Nagendra
Published: February 2025

Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese shōnen manga that is written as well as illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The story follows the journey of Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric as they try to regain their original physical bodies, which were altered due to a fatal alchemical procedure to revive their deceased mother. Existing critical studies on Fullmetal Alchemist primarily focus on structural elements, gender, trauma and war. However, no study has been done on the monomyth aspect of the story, and the present study aims to bridge that research gap. Joseph Campbell originally conceived the hero’s journey or ‘Monomyth’ template. However, the present article utilizes Christopher Vogler’s twelve-stage revised version of the Campbellian monomyth as the primary theoretical framework to analyse Edward Elric’s journey in the story. Moreover, critical comments from critics like Angela Drummond-Mathews, Vladimir Propp, Stuart Voytilla and others have been incorporated. Shōnen manga typically follow the hero’s journey structure, but there are exceptions as well. The present study attempts to decode whether Fullmetal Alchemist follows the hero monomyth or negates it.
Progression on Water Supply Issues in Nigeria: Implications, Workable Management and Sustainability
Authors: Fayomi Gloria U. , Onyari Ednah K. , Simon Funsho R.
Published: February 2025

Water safety for domestic purposes remains a vital necessity for healthy living and human survival. Clean water is a non-negotiable requirement for direct consumption and other potential uses needed for ecosystem existence. The global world is facing with the challenge of pollutants that continuously affect water supply sources. The pollutants compromise water quality, making it unsuitable for drinking and domestic purposes. Water supply situation in Nigeria is expanding with different complications without any effort by the Government to resolve the menace. The various state water agencies in Nigeria responsible for potable water supply have remained inactive in the aspect of general delivery of piped water supply for all. The Federal Government that is responsible for funding this sector seems to be hiding in ignorance on this basic need of portable water demand. This has resulted to diverse sources of water supply by different people for their daily survival. This review focused on assessing the advancements related to resolve the water supply challenges in Nigeria. The objectives focused on simplifying the undermining implications and workable management practices towards sustainability. Sustainable practices that will accommodate green growth and green infrastructures is hereby recommended. This review further highlighted the role of integrating urban water management strategies as an option.