bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Movements Assessment and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination for early diagnosis of cerebral palsy in infants born at term treated with therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Moss Sara N. , Keene Jennifer C. , Winter Sarah L. , Baserga Mariana , Ayala Lauren , Evans Wendy G. , Ostrander Betsy E.
Published: February 2025

Aim

To establish if the General Movements Assessment (GMA) and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) support the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) in a cohort of infants who have undergone therapeutic hypothermia.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study from a large single center between 2018 and 2022. Sample size included surviving 112 infants with follow‐up (68 males, 44 females) with a mean gestational age of 39 weeks (interquartile range 38–40), diagnosed with moderate or severe neonatal encephalopathy who underwent therapeutic hypothermia. Groups were compared using Fisher's exact and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

The absence of normal fidgety movements at the 3‐month GMA was highly associated with CP (p < 0.001, sensitivity 89%, specificity 89%). HINE scores were associated with CP at 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months (p < 0.001; sensitivity 82%–90%, specificity 95%–100%). The HINE scores, which optimally differentiated those with and without CP, were less than 47 at 3 months, less than 51 at 6 months, and less than 64 at the 9‐month follow‐up.

Interpretation

The GMA and HINE were predictive of CP in infants born at term with neonatal encephalopathy who had undergone therapeutic hypothermia. Atypical (absent or abnormal) fidgety movements on the GMA at 3 months and the HINE score at 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months were all highly associated with CP diagnosis with more than 80% sensitivity and more than 90% specificity. The optimal HINE cutoff score for predicting CP may differ from infants born preterm and will benefit from further analysis.
Feasibility of a multidisciplinary pilot intervention for parent/caregiver diabetes distress
Authors: Alkhatib E. H. , Segawa M. , Danner A. , Kasper H. , Frymark E. , Roberts S. , Clary L. , Streisand R. , Majidi S.
Published: February 2025

Aims

Caregiver diabetes distress (DD) consists of negative emotions about a child's T1D diagnosis and has been associated with increased child haemoglobin A1c and family conflict. The primary aim was to identify the feasibility and acceptability of a multidisciplinary pilot intervention for caregiver DD in a diverse academic pediatric diabetes centre. Another primary aim was to determine the percentage of local caregivers with DD. A secondary aim was to determine if the intervention affected caregiver DD. We also explored potential associations between caregiver DD and demographic and diabetes‐related characteristics.

Methods

Individual interviews with five caregivers with DD (who did not participate in the intervention) were held pre‐intervention, in order to gather qualitative, open‐ended feedback on prepared educational materials. As a pilot feasibility study, we held 3 monthly, one‐hour educational and support group virtual sessions per cohort (6–8 caregivers) on Nutrition, Fear of Hypoglycemia and Parent/Child Collaboration. Sessions were attended by an endocrinologist with leaders from other disciplines including dietician, diabetes educator and/or social worker. Target enrollment was 30 caregivers with DD (PAID‐PR/Problem Areas in Diabetes—Parent Revised score of ≥56/100) of children 5–17 years old with T1D for ≥6 months. Data include demographic information, pre‐/post‐ PAID‐PR scores, caregivers' session satisfaction ratings and open‐ended written feedback. We also examined data from 26 parents of children who did not have elevated scores on DD (the comparison group) and were not invited to attend the intervention sessions.

Results

Caregiver participants were 85% women, ages 42.5 ± 11.3 years; children's characteristics: 38% girls, ages 11.1 ± 2.1 years, 47.6% Black, 33.3% Caucasian, 9.5% Hispanic, 9.6% other, 43% public insurance, mean diabetes duration 4.3 ± 0.18 years and A1c 8.5 ± 0.7% (69.4 mmol/mol). Pre‐ and post‐intervention PAID‐PR scores improved from 68 to 51 (p < 0.05). This was sustained 3 months post‐intervention with a mean PAID‐PR of 42 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The pilot intervention was feasible, with two‐thirds of caregivers attending ≥2 sessions. Reported DD improved over time. Limitations include a small initial sample. Future directions include expanding this study to a larger population and ultimately incorporating a similar support program into the clinical setting as part of routine outpatient diabetes care.
Anti‐VEGF monotherapy versus anti‐VEGF therapy combined with laser or intravitreal glucocorticoid therapy for diabetic macular edema: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Cao Yang , Cao Xiaoming , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Xiaoxia , Zhang Zengyu , Zai Xinyu , Yan Zheyi
Published: February 2025

Aims

To conduct a network meta‐analysis (NMA) comparing the efficacy of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy versus anti‐VEGF therapy combined with laser or intravitreal glucocorticoid therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME).

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials comparing anti‐VEGF monotherapy with anti‐VEGF therapy combined with laser or intravitreal glucocorticoid therapy for DME. The primary outcomes included the mean best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) changes from the baseline. A NMA for continuous outcomes was conducted using a fixed‐effects model, with mean difference (MD) and corresponding 95% credible interval (CI) reported.

Results

The NMA included 21 randomized controlled trials involving 1798 eyes. Anti‐VEGF monotherapy and anti‐VEGF combined with laser or intravitreal glucocorticoid therapy did not significantly change the mean CMT and BCVA at 6 and 12 months from the baseline. Simulation‐based ranking results for mean BCVA changes suggested that anti‐VEGF therapy combined with laser therapy was likely the most effective at 6 (70.7515%) and 12 (70.9315%) months. Similar results were observed in the simulation‐based ranking of mean CMT changes, suggesting that anti‐VEGF therapy combined with laser therapy was likely the most effective at 6 (83.6350%) and 12 (74.7730%) months.

Conclusions

Anti‐VEGF monotherapy and anti‐VEGF therapy combined with laser or intravitreal glucocorticoid therapy exerted comparable effects. However, the ranking chart recommends anti‐VEGF therapy combined with laser therapy. Meanwhile, anti‐VEGF therapy combined with intravitreal glucocorticoid therapy did not demonstrate significant benefits.
Are your students “Wired That Way?”: Integrating personality types into the administration of group projects
Authors: Taylor Lorraine L. , Butler Madeleine A.
Published: February 2025

Compared to more complex personality assessments, Wired That Way by Marita Littauer, presents four personality types that students find easy to understand and internalize: Popular Sanguine, Powerful Choleric, Perfect Melancholy, and Peaceful Phlegmatic. Students’ awareness of their own and their peers’ classification in this comprehensive personality plan can be useful in the administration of group projects and other classroom activities. The understanding and application of the innate strengths and weaknesses of each personality type in a group setting provides tools and language that enable students to navigate challenges. This Teaching Brief presents the benefits and process of incorporating Wired That Way into the administration of group projects. Recommendations are based on analyzing the outcomes of a group project over 6 years for 402 students in 125 groups in 18 sections of an upper‐division undergraduate Business Administration course in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Analysis results demonstrate that the personality makeup of individuals in a group can influence project component grades, most notably how the personalities in each group influence creativity, group cohesion, and overall project performance.
Resources Allocated for Undergraduate Education in Oral Radiology in European Dentistry Programmes: A Survey Study
Authors: Ahlqvist Jan , Levring Jäghagen Eva , Friedlander‐Barenboim Silvina , Clarkson Rosalyn , Ferreira Da Costa Jorge , Fisekcioglu Erdogan , Mitsea Anastasia , Szopinski Kazimierz , Lindh Christina
Published: February 2025

Aims

The Education Committee of the European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology should ‘encourage and support high levels of graduate and postgraduate education in dentomaxillofacial radiology (DMFR) all over Europe’. For this reason, the committee aimed to formulate a document describing resources allocated for undergraduate education within oral radiology in Europe today that can serve as a benchmark against which dental schools and/or countries with dentistry programmes can relate their undergraduate education.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire addressing resources allocated for learning oral radiology was distributed to colleagues involved in oral radiology education in 117 dental schools in 29 countries in Europe.

Results

The answers represent approximately 13% of the dental schools in 40% of the countries providing dental education in Europe. There was a large variation regarding qualifications among teachers. There were also large differences in reported time dedicated to oral radiology courses, within some parts the allocated time differed by a factor 16.

Discussion

An ambition to achieve high standards in oral radiology all over Europe should, based on the results of this survey, start with an effort to attain consensus regarding the role of oral radiology in dental education. The involvement of dentists with DMFR specialist training, would support high levels of undergraduate education.

Conclusion

The results of this survey include information that educators and authorities can relate to in planning and implementation of new or revised curriculum. The ambition should be to increase teachers' competence and to work towards more harmonised and extensive courses in oral radiology.
The Desire for Desire: Hegel's Constitutive Model of Rationality in Chapter IV
Authors: Suther Jensen
Published: February 2025

A longstanding interpretive issue concerning Chapter IV of the Phenomenology of Spirit is how to understand the singularly difficult discussion of the role of life in the development of self‐consciousness. Some readers hold that self‐consciousness consists in the recognition of one's independence from the demands of life, while others have argued that self‐consciousness is both life and more than life at once. This paper rejects these readings and contributes to the ongoing discussion surrounding “additive” versus “transformative” models of rationality by arguing that Hegel develops a third way in Chapter IV, what I call the constitutive model of rationality (CMR). I argue that the master–slave dialectic in Chapter IV vindicates the CMR by attempting to deny it. On my reading, Hegel shows that organic desire in creatures like us cannot be satisfied as such in the absence of the reciprocal recognition of the rationality of desire.
Prospective randomised comparison of different antimicrobial protocols for the prevention of surgical site infections in horses undergoing emergency exploratory celiotomy
Authors: Christie Katharine D. , Epstein Kira L. , Tyma Jesse F. , Afonso Tiago , Fultz Lisa E. , Giguère Steeve
Published: February 2025

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) is an important complication following emergency celiotomy in the horse. Judicious antimicrobial use is important for the prevention of antimicrobial resistance and the limitation of antimicrobial‐associated complications. Previous studies in horses have found no association between SSI and perioperative antimicrobial duration, but the ideal duration of antimicrobial administration in horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy remains unclear.

Objective

To compare SSI and describe post‐operative complications, survival, duration and cost of hospitalisation in horses receiving one of two antimicrobial protocols following clean or select clean‐contaminated emergency exploratory celiotomy.

Study Design

Prospective randomised clinical study.

Methods

Adult horses undergoing clean or selected clean‐contaminated emergency celiotomy at The University of Georgia Teaching Hospital (2013–2019) were prospectively enrolled and randomised to protocol A (pre‐ and intra‐operative antimicrobials only, n = 39) or protocol B (antimicrobials continued for 72 h of post‐operative administration, n = 37). Incisional closure and protection were standardised. The prevalence of SSI was compared between protocols for horses surviving beyond day five of hospitalisation and additional clinical outcomes were described.

Results

Horses in protocol A had an increased prevalence of SSI during hospitalisation compared with protocol B (6/37 [16%] vs. 0/35 [0%]; p = 0.03). The difference was of borderline significance at 4 weeks post‐operatively (7/32 [22%] vs. 1/31 [3%]; p = 0.05).

Main Limitations

Planned enrolment was not met, providing only enough data for a small study. Numbers were limited by inclusion criteria as well as difficulties regarding owner consent and surgeon‐determined enrolment. In light of the low statistical power of the study, results should be used to direct further research, and caution must be taken in applying them to clinical practice.

Conclusions

The difference in hospitalised SSI between groups and the low prevalence of SSI, particularly in the 72‐h post‐operative group, supports the need for continued research to determine optimal antimicrobial duration and protocols to reduce SSI in horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy.
Ecological Differentiation Among Nitrous Oxide Reducers Enhances Temperature Effects on Riverine N2O Emissions
Authors: Zhang Sibo , Yang Meijuan , Xia Xinghui , Gu Qinyuan , Gao Qun , Wang Junfeng , Liu Shaoda , Li Xiaokang , Li Yingjie , McDowell William H. , Yang Zhifeng
Published: February 2025

Nitrous oxide (N2O) reductase, the sole natural microbial sink for N2O, exists in two microbial clades: nosZI and nosZII. Although previous studies have explored inter‐clade ecological differentiation, the intra‐clade variations and their implications for N2O dynamics remain understudied. This study investigated both inter‐ and intra‐clade ecological differentiation among N2O reducers, the drivers influencing these patterns, and their effects on N2O emissions across continental‐scale river systems. The results showed that both nosZI and nosZII community turnovers were associated with similar key environmental factors, particularly total phosphorus (TP), but these variables explained a larger proportion of variation in the nosZI community. The influence of mean annual temperature (MAT) on community composition increased for more widespread N2O‐reducing taxa. We identified distinct ecological clusters within each clade of N2O reducers and observed identical ecological clustering patterns across both clades. These clusters were primarily characterized by distinct MAT regimes, coarse sediment texture as well as low TP levels, and high abundance of N2O producers, with MAT‐related clusters constituting predominant proportions. Intra‐clade ecological differentiation was a crucial predictor of N2O flux and reduction efficiency. Although different ecological clusters showed varying or even contrasting associations with N2O dynamics, the shared ecological clusters across clades exhibited similar trends. Low‐MAT clusters in both the nosZI and nosZII communities were negatively correlated with denitrification‐normalized N2O flux and the N2O:(N2O + N2) ratio, whereas high‐MAT clusters showed positive correlations. This contrasting pattern likely stems from low‐MAT clusters being better adapted to eutrophic conditions and their more frequent co‐occurrence with N2O‐producing genes. These findings advance our understanding of the distribution and ecological functions of N2O reducers in natural ecosystems, suggesting that warming rivers may have decreased N2O reduction efficiency and thereby amplify temperature‐driven emissions.
GGR Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis Chapter 6 (Part 2) Principles and Practice of X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry – 2: Wavelength Dispersive and Energy Dispersive Instrumentation
Authors: Turner Kenneth E. , Webber Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

This chapter (Principles and Practice of X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry – 2: Wavelength Dispersive and Energy Dispersive Instrumentation) is a contribution to the Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis – an online textbook that is a fully revised and updated edition of A Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis (P. J. Potts, 1987, Blackie, Glasgow).

Chapter 6, Part 2 (from Section 2 of the handbook devoted to techniques for the determination of major and trace elements) deals with XRF wavelength dispersive and energy dispersive spectrometry. Dealing first with WD‐XRF, Part 2 discusses its instrumentation, spectrum analysis and routine operating conditions. The following sections on ED‐XRF discuss its detectors and their characteristics,  the associated (pulse‐processing) electronics, and X‐ray interaction with these detectors. Consideration is then given to procedures for ED‐XRF spectra analysis, as well as its analysis of silicate rock and mineral materials under routine operating conditions. Further sections cover total reflection XRF (TRXRF) and field portable (PXRF) instrumentation, and statistical procedures relevant to XRF analysis. The chapter also includes a comparison of the WD and ED spectrometer types and of their analytical performance, with emphasis on silicate rock analysis.
The puzzling Spitz tumours: is artificial intelligence the key to their understanding?
Authors: Launet Laëtitia , Colomer Adrián , Mosquera‐Zamudio Andrés , Monteagudo Carlos , Naranjo Valery
Published: February 2025

Since their first description in 1948, Spitz tumours remain one of the most challenging diagnostic entities in dermatopathology due to their complex histological features and ambiguous clinical behaviour. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions have demonstrated significant potential across a wide range of medical applications, including computational pathology, for decision‐making in diagnosis, along with promising advances in prognosis and tumour classification. However, the application of AI to Spitz tumours remains relatively underexplored, with few studies addressing this field. Yet in this evolving technological landscape, could AI provide the insights needed to help resolve the diagnostic uncertainties surrounding Spitz tumours? How could this technology be leveraged to bridge the gap between histopathological uncertainty and clinical accuracy? This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of AI applications in Spitz tumour analysis, identify existing research gaps, and propose future directions to optimize the use of AI in understanding and diagnosing these complex tumours.
Effects of Civil War on Young Women in Somalia: Exploring the Relationships Between Death Anxiety, Meaning in Life and Self‐Esteem
Authors: Çuvadar Ayşe , Özcan Handan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Wars have had many negative effects on societies, particularly on women, for centuries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between fear of death, meaning of life and self‐esteem among young women living in Somalia, where the civil war has continued for many years.

Methods

The study sample consists of 120 female students studying in Mogadishu, Somalia. Data were collected using the ‘Personal Information Form’, ‘Meaning in Life Questionnaire’, ‘Thorson‐Powell Fear of Death Scale’ and ‘Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale’.

Results

It was determined that women had a moderate level of fear of death, a low level of self‐esteem and a moderate level of life satisfaction. However, the score on the ‘search for meaning’ dimension was slightly lower. The majority of women reported that war had negative effects on women, affecting their pregnancy, childbirth and access to healthcare. They also stated that it affected women's participation in the workforce and social life and that they were subjected to physical, emotional and sexual violence. These findings may pave the way for the development of targeted psychosocial intervention strategies to support the mental health of women living in conflict zones. One particularly noteworthy result is that women experiencing future anxiety tend to have more positive scores in terms of the meaning of life and self‐esteem. This result makes an important contribution towards understanding the complex dynamics that affect women's psychological health by emphasizing the novelty of the positive relationship between future anxiety and self‐esteem.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the stress, anxiety and traumatic experiences women endure can have significant effects on psychological factors such as the meaning of life, fear of death and self‐esteem. As a remarkable result, women experiencing future anxiety tend to have more positive scores in terms of the meaning of life and self‐esteem. This result may reflect the complexity of the effects of war. It also suggests that future anxiety can shape individuals' coping mechanisms.
Leading with paradox: Promoting self‐leadership and positive work behaviours through leader‐member exchange
Authors: Kamil Nurul Liyana Mohd , Zhao Kai , Nordin Wan Noor Azreen Wan Mohamad , Idris Mohd Awang
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the role of self‐leadership in mediating the relationship between paradoxical leadership and innovative work behaviour, with emphasis on the moderating impacts of leader‐member exchange (LMX). Study 1 featured 307 service industry employees in a 6‐month longitudinal survey, whereas Study 2 included 288 employees in an experimental design. The results indicate that paradoxical leadership significantly enhances innovation by balancing directive and empowering behaviours, with self‐leadership and high‐quality LMX relationships serving as critical mediators and moderators. Employees demonstrate higher innovation levels when they feel empowered and supported by their leaders. Empowering leaders with paradoxical skills and nurturing strong LMX relationships can spark innovation, boost employee creativity, and fuel a competitive advantage. This study adds compelling empirical support to the leadership and innovation literature regarding the transformative impact of combining seemingly contradictory leadership behaviours to foster an innovative and dynamic organizational culture.
Beyond the Moderating Role of Neuroticism on Evaluative Conditioning: Threat Appraisal
Authors: Faur Darian , Sava Florin Alin
Published: February 2025

Objective

Reality perception is often altered by general dispositional factors that are associated with emotional vulnerability, both inherited and acquired, that emerge in a specific learning context. The current study will examine whether neuroticism and looming cognitive style, factors that account for emotional vulnerability, interact in a manner that influences the evaluative conditioning effect (the magnitude of valence change in a conditioned stimulus due to pairing with an unconditioned stimulus).

Method

To achieve this, we will implement an evaluative conditioning procedure that pairs positive stimuli, nonthreatening negative stimuli, and threatening negative stimuli with neutral stimuli. Participants will also provide measures of valence and threat characteristics for the unconditioned stimuli, along with assessments of neuroticism and looming cognitive style.

Results

We expect that the evaluative conditioning effect will be mediated by threat and valence evaluations of unconditioned stimuli. We also expect that neuroticism will moderate the valence and threat values of unconditioned stimuli, whereas cognitive looming will moderate the magnitude of valence transfer from unconditioned stimuli to conditioned stimuli.

Conclusions

We presume that neuroticism will explain the reactivity to valenced and threatening stimuli, while looming cognitive style will account for the negative bias in the conditioned stimuli evaluation.
A web calculator based on hydrodynamic modeling of impacts of cosmic objects from 20 m to 3 km in diameter
Authors: Svetsov Vladimir , Shuvalov Valery , Glazachev Dmitry , Popova Olga , Artemieva Natalia , Podobnaya Elena , Khazins Valery
Published: February 2025

We completed numerical simulations of a number of asteroid and comet impacts on Earth to predict related shock wave and thermal radiation effects and to estimate seismic effects, as well as ionospheric disturbances. Using interpolation of the results, we were able to estimate these effects for arbitrary impact parameters. In addition, we used previously developed models to estimate the size of the impact crater and ejecta thickness. Finally, we developed a user‐friendly web‐based calculator (https://asteroidhazard.pro/) that quickly estimates shock wave pressure and radiation exposure at a given location, as well as crater size and average ejecta layer thickness, if any, seismic magnitude, change in ionospheric density, and some other values. The input parameters of the calculator are the impactor diameter and density, its speed and inclination angle of the trajectory above the atmosphere, and the coordinates of the observer (the point on the ground where it is necessary to determine the impact consequences). This paper describes the methods of numerical simulations and techniques for approximating the results. We present a few examples of how to assess the impact hazard, in particular, overpressure and wind speed on the surface, thermal radiation, and seismic shaking after a crater‐forming impact or an airburst in the atmosphere.
Categorising drivers of curriculum renewal in entry‐to‐practice health professional education: A scoping review
Authors: Kok David L. , Xu Mary , Trumble Stephen , Matthews Kristie , Wright Caroline
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Renewing a health professional education (HPE) curriculum is a significant undertaking, requiring substantial effort and resourcing. However, the factor(s) that should initiate a curriculum renewal remain contentious, and the methods to best assess them are unclear. To begin answering these questions, a comprehensive view of the scope of potential renewal drivers is needed, thus enabling structured inquiry into these (and their interactions) while ensuring no driver categories are being inadvertently overlooked. It would similarly serve as an important checklist for individual institutions undergoing renewal. However, no such list has ever been formulated in a data‐driven way. Thus, this scoping review aimed to document the full range of real‐world drivers of HPE curricular renewal and create an overarching categorisation of these.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted of the Embase, Medline/PubMed, Global health and CINAHL databases for studies published between 2013 and 2023 describing a completed single‐institution curriculum renewal of an entry‐to‐practice HPE degree. Following independent screening, articles were reviewed and ‘extent of renewal’, ‘renewal characteristics’ and the ‘initiating driver(s)’ of renewal were extracted. Descriptive statistics were generated, and qualitative content analysis performed to generate a categorisation of renewal‐initiating drivers.

Results

The search identified 1408 potential manuscripts, and 239 publications describing 247 renewals were analysed. Forty percent were whole‐of‐degree renewals. Institutions from all continents were represented. Seventy‐seven initiating drivers were identified and grouped into 10 categories: ‘Regulatory reasons’, ‘Pedagogical improvements’, ‘Community/patient needs’, ‘Learner experience/satisfaction’, ‘Exceptional events’, ‘Learner outcomes’, ‘Industry benchmarking/reputation’, ‘Practical/business factors’, ‘Knowledge/skill issues’ and ‘Periodic renewals’. ‘Regulatory reasons’ were the most common reason for whole‐of‐degree renewals and ‘knowledge/skill issues’ for part‐of‐degree renewals.

Conclusions

HPE curricula renewals have a wide range of initiating drivers. The proposed categorisation of these should serve as a useful scaffold for institutional curricular review processes and also for directing future scholarly inquiry into curricular renewal.
Future Directions of the Prokaryotic Chromosome Field
Authors: Abbondanzieri E. A. , Badrinarayanan A. B. , Barillà D. , Bell S. D. , Blombach F. , Bouet J. Y. , Bulgheresi S. , Cao Q. A. D. , Dame R. T. , Dekker C. , Demuysere M. , Espéli O. , Fogg P. C. M. , Freddolino P. L. , Ganji M. , Gerson T. M. , Grainger D. C. , Hamoen L. W. , Harju J. , Hocher A. , Hustmyer C. M. , Kaljevic J. K. , Karney M. K. , Kleckner N. , Laloux G. , Landick R. , Lioy V. S. , Liu W. L. , Liu C. L. , Mäkelä J. , Meyer A. S. , Noy A. , Pineau M. P. , Premrajka K. , Racki L. R. , Rashid F‐Z. M. , Schnetz K. , Schwab S. , Tišma M. , van der Sijs A. I. , van Heesch T. , van Raaphorst R. , Vreede J. , Walker A. W. , Walter J‐C. , Weber S. C. , Wiggins P. A. , Wing H. J. , Xiao J. , Zhang Z.
Published: February 2025

In September 2023, the Biology and Physics of Prokaryotic Chromosomes meeting ran at the Lorentz Center in Leiden, The Netherlands. As part of the workshop, those in attendance developed a series of discussion points centered around current challenges for the field, how these might be addressed, and how the field is likely to develop over the next 10 years. The Lorentz Center staff facilitated these discussions via tools aimed at optimizing productive interactions. This Perspective article is a summary of these discussions and reflects the state‐of‐the‐art of the field. It is expected to be of help to colleagues in advancing their own research related to prokaryotic chromosomes and inspiring novel interdisciplinary collaborations. This forward‐looking perspective highlights the open questions driving current research and builds on the impressive recent progress in these areas as represented by the accompanying reviews, perspectives, and research articles in this issue. These articles underline the multi‐disciplinary nature of the field, the multiple length scales at which chromatin is studied in vitro and in and highlight the differences and similarities of bacterial and archaeal chromatin and chromatin‐associated processes.
Multiple Neuropathologies Underly Hippocampal Subfield Atrophy in a Case With a Slowly Progressive Amnestic Syndrome: Challenging the Notion of Pure LATE‐NC
Authors: Youssef Hossam , Gatto Rodolfo G. , Pham Nha Trang Thu , Jones David , Petersen Ronald C. , Machulda Mary M. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, marked by abnormal protein buildup (beta‐amyloid and tau) resulting in neuronal loss, especially in the medial temporal lobe and other limbic regions. The presence of transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) immunoreactive inclusions in medial temporal lobe regions has also been associated with neuroimaging changes in limbic regions. It has been proposed that hypometabolism in limbic regions on [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in a patient with a slowly evolving amnestic syndrome may be a signature of the presence of TDP‐43. In this context, we observed an 86‐year‐old Caucasian female with dementia characterized by a slowly evolving amnestic syndrome, along with focal medial temporal atrophy evident on MRI and hypometabolism in limbic regions on FDG‐PET. The patient subsequently died and underwent an autopsy. We performed detailed neuroimaging and digital neuropathological analyses of the hippocampal subfields to better understand the relationship between clinico‐imaging findings and histopathology. In addition to TDP‐43, we identified three other pathological processes in the medial temporal lobe: sequestosome‐1/p62, argyrophilic grain disease (AGD), and primary age‐related tauopathy (PART). Hippocampal subfield volumes and rates of atrophy were no different from those of matched healthy controls, except for the atrophy rate in cornu ammonis 1 (CA1). Digital histopathology revealed the relative highest burden of pathology for p62, followed by TDP‐43, AGD, and PART in CA1. Multiple pathological processes appear to have contributed to the hippocampal atrophy and hypometabolism in our patient with a slowly progressive amnestic syndrome.
Use of mechanical insufflation–exsufflation devices among intensive care units in Brazil
Authors: Vieira Rodrigo Souza , Reboredo Maycon Moura , Netto Cristiane Bastos , Nunes Leonardo Vieira , Carvalho Erich Vidal , Pinheiro Bruno Valle
Published: February 2025

Despite its potential benefits, it is unclear how professionals use mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI‐E) in Brazilian intensive care units (ICUs). This survey aimed to describe MI‐E use among health care professionals registered with the Brazilian Association of Intensive Care. Cross‐sectional electronic survey of health care professionals (physicians, physiotherapists and nurses) registered with the Brazilian Association of Intensive Care. A total of 232 surveys were returned. An MI‐E device was available in 20.9% of ICUs. Even in these ICUs, the use of MI‐E was infrequent (daily, 12.9%; weekly, 22.6%; monthly or less, 64.5%). Lack of knowledge, inadequate resources and lack of scientific evidence were reported as barriers to the regular use of MI‐E. MI‐E was not widely adopted in Brazilian ICUs, and the range of reported barriers warrants further investigation. Results of this study highlighted the low utilization of MI‐E by health care professionals, including nurses, working in ICUs in Brazil. Lack of knowledge and supportive scientific evidence were identified as significant barriers to implementation and use. These barriers can be addressed through controlled clinical trials and team training.
Leta Semadeni's Romansh‐German poetry: Poetic praxis between languages
Authors: McClelland Richard
Published: February 2025

Swiss poet Leta Semadeni's award‐winning literary work is shaped in and through her bilingualism. Her poetry combines her ‘mother tongue’, the Romansh idiom Vallader, and her ‘first great love’, German. Her writing is shaped by a linguistic terseness and a layering of images of everyday experience with meditations on the deeper realities underpinning contemporary life. In this study, I explore the self‐translational dynamics that shape Semadeni's bilingual writing and consider how these dynamics are manifest in and shape her writing. This is explored in relation to a thematisation of the writing process that Semadeni presents in a series of poems in the collection In mia vita da vuolp/In meinem Leben als Fuchs (In My Life as a Fox, 2010). As I propose, because Semadeni works dialectically across Vallader and German, her poems should be understood and read as a bilingual whole with a dual linguistic and cultural origin. This results in poetry that explores both the multilingualism that marks life in Semadeni's native Engadin valley and the hybrid creativity that this precipitates.
Differential impact of 0.01% and 0.05% atropine eye drops on visual performance in young adults
Authors: Luo Yifan , Yin Ziang , Zhang Jiali , Cui Zaifeng , Huang Yingying , Li Xue , Chen Hao , Lu Fan , Bao Jinhua
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The onset and progression of myopia can occur during adulthood, suggesting that myopia should be managed in young adults. Low‐concentration atropine eye drops have shown promising efficacy in myopia control. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of 0.01% and 0.05% atropine eye drops on the visual performance of university students.

Methods

Twenty‐six myopic students aged 18–30 years received 0.01% and 0.05% atropine in random order. Atropine eye drops were administered once a night in both eyes for 14 days, with a minimum 14‐day washout period between concentrations. Visual assessments, including the modulation transfer function (MTF) cut‐off, Strehl ratio (SR), objective scattering index, contrast sensitivity (CS) and glare disability, were conducted 1, 2, 7 and 14 days after atropine administration and corresponding time points after cessation. A questionnaire was used to evaluate ocular and general symptoms.

Results

After 1 day of treatment with 0.05% atropine, the MTF cut‐off (β = −8.75, p < 0.001) and SR (β = −0.05, p < 0.001) decreased significantly to their lowest levels. The area under the log CS function also decreased significantly (all p < 0.05) during administration of the 0.05% eye drops, especially in the mesopic with glare condition, and reached its lowest point 1 day after administration (β = −0.20, p < 0.001). However, all parameters returned to baseline levels 2 weeks after 0.05% atropine was stopped (all p > 0.05). Additionally, 40.91% of the young adults reported experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness and nocturnal glare during 0.05% atropine use. Treatment with 0.01% atropine had minimal effects on both visual performance and subjective symptoms.

Conclusions

Administration of 0.05% atropine had a significant but temporary effect on the visual performance of young adult myopic patients, whereas 0.01% atropine had a minimal effect.
Topical Trametinib for Agminated Spitz Nevi Harboring HRAS Mutation
Authors: Parsons Lauren , Chen Alice , Bertus Brooke , Beatty Colleen , Stashower Julian , Tomboc Patrick , Brooke Sebastian , Zinn Zachary
Published: February 2025

The treatment of agminated Spitz nevi can be challenging due to the potential for disfigurement in cosmetically sensitive areas. We report the case of a pediatric patient with progressive agminated Spitz nevi arising from a nevus spilus  on the face with an associated pathogenic HRAS p.G13R mutation revealed on next‐generation sequencing (NGS). The patient was treated with compounded topical trametinib 1% cream and demonstrated significant clinical improvement following 12 weeks of twice‐daily treatment. Our case highlights the potential role of MEK inhibition as a targeted, non‐surgical treatment for HRAS‐mutated agminated Spitz nevi and adds to the growing understanding of their genetic etiology.
The Desirability of Automizing Labor: An Overview
Authors: Waelen Rosalie A.
Published: February 2025

The debate about the impact and desirability of automizing labor is one that emerges alongside every major technological development. In recent years, attention for the potential ethical and social implications of automizing labor increased once again, in response to the successes and promises of artificial intelligence (AI) and other modern technologies. The aim of this article is, first and foremost, to introduce the reader to recent work on the desirability of automizing labor. The article distinguishes two philosophical debates about replacing human jobs with AI systems or robots. The first debate has to do with questions of distributive justice, in light of the prospect of structural technological unemployment. The second debate has to do with questions about the relation between a job and a meaningful life. In addition to sketching these debates, the article highlights environmental concerns regarding automation as a possible future direction for research on the future of work.
Carbohydrate and hormone regulatory networks driving dormancy release of Cardiocrinum giganteum (Wall.) Makino bulbs induced by low temperature
Authors: Li Rongchen , Cai Zian , Huang Xiaolu , Liao Jianming , Huang Liyun , Liu Dan , Zhao Zhiheng , Chen Yuzhen , Lu Cunfu
Published: February 2025

Bulb physiological dormancy significantly limits the development and utilization of Cardiocrinum giganteum (Wall.) Makino, a valuable medicinal, edible and ornamental plant. In the current study, to break the dormancy and reveal its mechanism, metabolome and transcriptome analyses using bulbs stored at 4°C for 0, 30, and 60 days (d) were conducted. Results revealed that bulb dormancy release and development were linked to hormones such as ABA, IAA, GA and ZR, as well as sucrose and starch. Total soluble sugars initially increased and then decreased within 60 days of low temperature treatment, contrary to the behaviour of starch content. Dormancy release predominantly relied on GA accumulation and ABA degradation. Additionally, genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, including HK, SPS, BGLU, and SuSy, were up‐regulated in the later stage. The energy production during carbohydrate metabolism mainly depended on the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis pathway. Hormone‐mediated regulation and hormone signal transduction metabolism pathways were also obviously changed. Co‐expression analysis indicated that key genes, such as NCED, PP2C and DELLA, related to the ABA signal transduction pathway, and GA2ox, ARF and SAUR, related to the IAA and GA signal transduction pathway, played a crucial role in dormancy release. Moreover, ZR signal transduction genes such as CRE, ARR‐B, ARR‐A and TRIT1 involved in cell division were up‐regulated in bulbs treated at 4°C for 30 or 60 d. This study provides evidence for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying bulb dormancy release and is a guide for industry development and utilization of Cardiocrinum giganteum (Wall.) Makino.
Caught Between Privacy and Surveillance: Explaining the Long‐Term Stagnation of Data Protection Regulation in Liberal Democracies
Authors: Bocquet Nicolas
Published: February 2025

This article pursues two objectives. First, it aims to trace the genealogy of data protection regulation in major liberal democracies. To do so, it examines the evolution of this regulation in the United States, France, and Germany, among others, and relies on the policy actors' triangle framework. Second, the article provides an explanation for the paradox that emerges from this diachronic analysis: a long‐term stagnation of data protection regulation despite the radical transformation of the information environment and surveillance practices over the last three decades. The article finds that this long‐term regulatory stagnation can be explained by a constant trade‐off between competing and sometimes irreconcilable policy goals and, especially since 9/11, an overlap between state and private interests. Despite post‐Snowden reforms, this conflict of interest continues to shape the regulation, raising many democratic concerns.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐B*44:417 Allele by Sequencing‐Based Typing
Authors: Pajot Thibault , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Labalette Myriam
Published: February 2025

HLA‐B*44:417 differs from HLA‐B*44:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon −6 in exon 1.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐C*01:283 Allele by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: de Lima Ana Paula Sokolowski , Molinari Isabella Fantini , Massi Fernanda Pelisson , Hirata Bruna Karina Banin , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila
Published: February 2025

The novel HLA‐C*01:283 allele differs from C*01:02:01:01 by change of C → T in exon 4.
Spatio‐Temporal Disparity in the Inequality and Determinants of Disability‐Related Multiple Deprivation between 2010 and 2020 in Tianjin Municipality, China
Authors: Qiu Ning , Zhang Tianjie , Cheng Jianquan , Lv Yulan
Published: February 2025

Inclusive development in the Global South encounters challenges from a growing disability and development gap amid increasing education, employment and social participation, accompanied by higher expectations and resource consumption. This study aims to analyse the spatio‐temporal disparity of the Index of Disability‐Related Multiple Deprivation (IDMD) across 313 sub‐districts in Tianjin Municipality from 2010 to 2020 and identify the socioeconomic factors and their heterogeneous effects. Results show persistent urban–rural disparities but decreasing intra‐municipality disparities. Deprivation inequality varies across regions – decreasing in urban fringe and rural areas but increasing in the urban centre. Economic growth initially reduces IDMD until a certain point, beyond which it increases. The growth of migrant and elderly populations decreases IDMD. Urbanization's impact is limited, mainly affecting middle quantiles. Considering rapid economic development, urbanization and ageing, prioritizing disability‐inclusive development is imperative. Further research should focus on health equality, particularly addressing rural individuals with disabilities, informal employment and ageing effects.
Modeling Susceptibility to Illegal Land Occupation in Cape Town, South Africa: A Random Forest Approach
Authors: Bailey C. J. , Loggenberg K.
Published: February 2025

Illegal land occupation is a pervasive challenge in South Africa, particularly in urban landscapes such as Cape Town. Despite numerous studies investigating its causes, spatial distribution, and impacts, there is a scarcity of research focused on predicting its occurrence. This study addresses this gap by developing a machine learning model to identify areas susceptible to illegal land invasion within the Cape Town Metropole. A random forest (RF) regression model was built utilizing samples of prevalence and pseudoabsence. A total of 1070 samples were collected (535 points per class), with 70% used for training and 30% used for validation. The RF model demonstrated accurate predictive performance with an R2 of 0.809. The study's findings indicate that areas bordering existing informal settlements are most at risk of future illegal land occupation. The developed RF model can be a valuable tool for urban planners and policymakers in developing more effective strategies to prevent and manage illegal land occupation.
Composition Restrictedness and Bruteness Revisited
Authors: Zhang Ruoyu
Published: February 2025

In metaphysics, ‘brutal composition’ is supported by few philosophers except Ned Markosian, however, the detailed meaning of composition bruteness, and the related notion of restrictedness, has not been seriously discussed. I offer a novel and systematic account of composition restrictedness and bruteness, in which different senses of ‘restricted’ and ‘bruteness’ are explored, and I argue this can help to understand some interesting but neglected positions about composition, like ‘restricted universalism’.
Toll‐like receptor 2 activation induces C‐C motif chemokine ligand 5 production in canine keratinocytes
Authors: Takahashi Kaho , Yoshimatsu Rina , Kaida Yuzuki , Hasegawa Takehiro , Ohmori Keitaro
Published: February 2025

Background

Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) in keratinocytes can be activated by Staphylococcus spp. that are frequently detected on the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). C‐C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) produced by keratinocytes has been considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of canine AD (cAD). However, whether TLR2 activation induces CCL5 production in canine keratinocytes remains unclear.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To elucidate the effect of TLR2 agonists on CCL5 production in canine keratinocytes, possible synergy with interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐13 or IL‐4 and underlying mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

Canine progenitor epidermal keratinocyte (CPEK) cells were stimulated with TLR2 agonists with or without inhibitors of the TLR2 signalling pathway or IFN‐γ, a T‐helper (Th)1‐type cytokine and/or IL‐13 or IL‐4, a Th2‐type cytokine. CCL5 protein concentrations in the culture supernatant were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, TLR2 mRNA expression was measured by real‐time PCR in CPEK cells stimulated with IFN‐γ.

Results

TLR2 agonists increased CCL5 production in CPEK cells. Inhibitors of the TLR2 signalling pathway suppressed CCL5 production. IFN‐γ, but not IL‐13 or IL‐4, synergistically enhanced TLR2 agonist‐induced CCL5 production. IFN‐γ partially increased TLR2 mRNA expression in CPEK cells.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

TLR2 activation by Staphylococcus spp. may produce CCL5 in canine keratinocytes, thereby recruiting immune cells into the skin of dogs with AD. During the Th1‐activated chronic phase of cAD, where TLR2 expression may be partially upregulated, Staphylococcus spp. may exacerbate skin inflammation. Further studies are warranted to determine the clinical significance and mechanisms of skin bacteria‐mediated CCL5 production in keratinocytes.