bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nudging Hospital Visitors Towards Stair Use, in Greece
Authors: Tzikas Alexandros , Koulierakis George , Athanasakis Konstantinos , Merakou Kyriakoula
Published: February 2025

Stair use is a physical activity that can be easily incorporated into daily routines, offering numerous health benefits. Nudges are increasingly adopted in public health interventions to promote healthy behaviours, such as physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of nudge-based posters in increasing stair use among hospital visitors in Athens, Greece. The posters were placed at the point-of-choice between stairs and elevators. Hospital visitors using either the stairs or elevators were observed across five phases, namely, baseline, two intervention phases, and two post-intervention phases, each lasting four days. A total of 3,071 choices between the stairs and the elevator were recorded during the study. The differences in proportions of stair users between stages was assessed using the Chi-square test. The results showed that the posters significantly increased stair use from 22.6% at baseline to 37.3% during the first intervention phase. Stair use dropped back to 22.2% during the first post-intervention phase. During the second intervention, stair use rising to 37.8%, followed by a decrease to 22.8% in the second post-intervention phase. These findings suggest that posters placed at the point-of-choice can effectively promote immediate behavioural changes, increasing stair use among hospital visitors. However, their long-term effect has yet to be verified. The simplicity, low cost, and easy applicability of posters make them a promising nudge-based intervention within hospital settings. These characteristics also support the generalization of this approach to other environments as part of public health policies aimed at promoting physical activity and improving overall population health.
Applications of unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) in landscape ecology: a review of recent research, challenges and emerging opportunities
Authors: Villarreal Miguel L. , Bishop Tara B. B. , Sankey Temuulen Ts. , Smith William K. , Burgess Matthew A. , Caughlin T. Trevor , Gillan Jeffrey K. , Havrilla Caroline A. , Huang Tao , LeBeau Raymond L. , Norton Cynthia Libantino , Sankey Joel B. , Scholl Victoria M. , von Nonn Joshua , Yao Erika H.
Published: February 2025

Context

Unoccupied aerial systems/vehicles (UAS/UAV, a.k.a. drones) have become an increasingly popular tool for ecological research. But much of the recent research is concerned with developing mapping and detection approaches, with few studies attempting to link UAS data to ecosystem processes and function. Landscape ecologists have long used high resolution imagery and spatial analyses to address ecological questions and are therefore uniquely positioned to advance UAS research for ecological applications.

Objectives

The review objectives are to: (1) provide background on how UAS are used in landscape ecological studies, (2) identify major advancements and research gaps, and (3) discuss ways to better facilitate the use of UAS in landscape ecology research.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines using key search terms that are unique to landscape ecology research. We reviewed only papers that applied UAS data to investigate questions about ecological patterns, processes, or function.

Results

We summarize metadata from 161 papers that fit our review criteria. We highlight and discuss major research themes and applications, sensors and data collection techniques, image processing, feature extraction and spatial analysis, image fusion and satellite scaling, and open data and software.

Conclusion

We observed a diversity of UAS methods, applications, and creative spatial modeling and analysis approaches. Key aspects of UAS research in landscape ecology include modeling wildlife micro-habitats, scaling of ecosystem functions, landscape and geomorphic change detection, integrating UAS with historical aerial and satellite imagery, and novel applications of spatial statistics.
Cauchy–Schwarz-type inequalities for solutions of Levi-Civita-type functional equations
Authors: Páles Zsolt , Shihab Mahmood Kamil
Published: February 2025

The main goal of this paper is to show that if a real-valued function defined on a groupoid satisfies a certain Levi-Civita-type functional equation, then it also fulfills a Cauchy–Schwarz-type functional inequality. In particular, if the groupoid is the multiplicative structure of a commutative ring, then we can establish the existence of nontrivial additive functions satisfying inequalities connected to the multiplicative structure.
Nonlinear wave propagation in a two-dimensional lattice model of textile metamaterials
Authors: Arena Andrea , Lepidi Marco
Published: February 2025

An original parametric lattice model is formulated to describe the propagation of harmonic elastic waves in two-dimensional textile metamaterials. Within a weak nonlinear regime, the free undamped motion of the textile metamaterial, starting from a spatially periodic pretensioned configuration, is governed by nonlinear differential difference equations. Quadratic and cubic nonlinearities arise from the elastic contact between plain woven yarns. By applying the asymptotic method of multiple scales, the nonlinear dynamics of the periodic cell are governed by an ordered hierarchy of linear perturbation equations. Therefore, by virtue of the linearity and spatial periodicity, the Floquet-Bloch theory is recursively applied at each order of the perturbation equations to study the linear and nonlinear dispersion properties. Specifically, the lowest order solutions return the linear dispersion diagram characterizing the free undamped propagation of small-amplitude harmonic waves. Within the technical range of the parameters, the dispersion diagram shows the coexistence of two passbands, separated by a large mid-frequency stopband. By virtue of an energy-based classification criterion, the different polarizations of the waves propagating in the low-frequency and high-frequency bands are disclosed. The higher orders allow to determine analytically the combined effects of the nonlinearities on the dispersion properties, in the absence of internal resonances. In particular, the wavefrequencies exhibit a quadratic dependence on the wave oscillation amplitude, characterized by a systematic softening behavior. Moreover, the amplitudes of the damped nonlinear response induced by the external excitation due to a harmonically oscillating pretension are analyzed in the frequency domain and the instability regions of the primary resonance are obtained in the whole range of feasible mechanical parameters. Finally, analytical results are successfully validated by numerical simulations in the time domain.
Machine learning models for segmentation and classification of cyanobacterial cells
Authors: Huffine Clair A. , Maas Zachary L. , Avramov Anton , Brininger Christian M. , Cameron Jeffrey C. , Tay Jian Wei
Published: February 2025

Timelapse microscopy has recently been employed to study the metabolism and physiology of cyanobacteria at the single-cell level. However, the identification of individual cells in brightfield images remains a significant challenge. Traditional intensity-based segmentation algorithms perform poorly when identifying individual cells in dense colonies due to a lack of contrast between neighboring cells. Here, we describe a newly developed software package called Cypose which uses machine learning (ML) models to solve two specific tasks: segmentation of individual cyanobacterial cells, and classification of cellular phenotypes. The segmentation models are based on the Cellpose framework, while classification is performed using a convolutional neural network named Cyclass. To our knowledge, these are the first developed ML-based models for cyanobacteria segmentation and classification. When compared to other methods, our segmentation models showed improved performance and were able to segment cells with varied morphological phenotypes, as well as differentiate between live and lysed cells. We also found that our models were robust to imaging artifacts, such as dust and cell debris. Additionally, the classification model was able to identify different cellular phenotypes using only images as input. Together, these models improve cell segmentation accuracy and enable high-throughput analysis of dense cyanobacterial colonies and filamentous cyanobacteria.
Corruption: A situational action view
Authors: Uhl Andrzej , Herrmann Christoph , Treiber Kyle H.
Published: February 2025

This article presents an integrative, analytic, and interactive approach to explaining corruption. We find that extant research, while empirically rich, often lacks grounding on the micro level of analysis, operates on unspecified or implausible decision-making models, does not clearly distinguish between proximal and distal causes, and does not attempt to study the interactions between individual propensities and corruption-conducive settings (situational analysis). The theoretical traditions of rational choice and culture provide insight into some but not all corrupt acts, and are limited in the extent to which they explain why and how an individual chooses to act corruptly. Drawing on analytic criminology, we propose situational action theory (SAT) as an alternative explanation of corruption as moral action that forefronts rule guidance, conditional relevance of controls, and the interplay of people and settings. This conceptual framework will allow researchers to build on existing empirical work while distinguishing causes of corruption from its mere correlates. The article concludes with some reflections on bridging the gap between situational theory and empirical research into corruption.
Understory vegetation can promote bird sounds and reduce traffic noise in urban park soundscapes
Authors: Uebel Konrad , Bonn Aletta , Marselle Melissa , Dean Angela J. , Rhodes Jonathan R.
Published: February 2025

Natural soundscapes commonly experienced in parks are increasingly valued as an important cultural ecosystem service with the potential to promote greater mental well-being for people. Yet the quality of urban park soundscapes can differ, containing varying proportions of natural sounds, such as bird calls, and anthropogenic noise, such as vehicle traffic. These soundscapes are linked to underlying landscape features yet their role in shaping both beneficial natural sounds and unwanted anthropogenic noise remains unclear. We address this gap by analysing the influence of park and surrounding landscape characteristics on a range of urban park soundscapes in Brisbane, Australia, with respect to bird sounds and traffic noise. We recorded audio in 67 parks in Brisbane, Australia and quantified bird call volume, bird call diversity and traffic noise volume for each recording. We then used multiple linear regression analyses to determine the influence of land cover classes, vertical vegetation density and distance to a main road on each of these dimensions. We show that greater vegetation density in the understory has a positive influence on the loudness and diversity of bird calls within park soundscapes and a negative influence on traffic noise. Traffic noise was also associated with greater proximity to a main road and higher canopy height, whilst greater impervious surface appeared to increase the dominant sound type (i.e. either bird sounds or traffic noise) within the soundscape. These findings highlight the importance of managing the landscape features of urban parks to promote higher quality soundscapes. Results suggest that greater vegetation density and complexity, particularly in the understory, has potential as a nature-based solution to enhance the diversity of bird calls within park soundscapes whilst also mitigating traffic noise.
Urban gradient resolution matters! Avian diversity patterns in a boreal green city
Authors: García-Arroyo Michelle , Gómez-Martínez Miguel A. , Back Meri , Setälä Heikki , MacGregor-Fors Ian
Published: February 2025

Urbanization is a prominent driver of environmental change worldwide, profoundly impacting biodiversity dynamics. While much research has originated from large urban areas in temperate regions, medium-sized boreal cities remain relatively understudied. By following a citywide survey approach, we studied the impact of urbanization intensity gradient resolution on bird diversity in Lahti, Finland, a green boreal city. While one of the urbanization intensity gradients (four-category gradient) showed no significant differences in species richness, the more detailed resolution (ten-category gradient) revealed a decline in species richness within the most urbanized categories, albeit such decline was not pronounced, probably due to the extensive green cover of the city. Species identity analyses confirmed distinct bird community compositions at 50% built cover threshold for both gradient resolutions. Our analyses identified key variables related to bird species richness on the site level, highlighting the positive correlation with tree cover and negative correlations between built cover and noise level with recorded bird species richness. These findings expose the intricate interplay of habitat variables in shaping bird diversity in urban environments. Moreover, the results of this study emphasize the importance of detailed resolutions when assessing urbanization gradients, particularly in less biodiverse regions. Finally, we show the pivotal role of citywide surveys in providing a comprehensive understanding of urban biodiversity, allowing for precise categorization and comparison of conditions within the city. This approach provides valuable insights for urban planning and conservation efforts in boreal climatic regions.
Impact of nasal modifications on sinonasal function after maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Poupore Nicolas S. , Abdelwahab Mohamed
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To assess sinonasal function after preservation maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), as initial reports have shown it may decrease postoperatively.

Methods

This prospective study was performed at a tertiary referral center starting January 2023. MMA was performed with previously published nasal modifications to help mitigate negative sinonasal outcomes. Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Survey (NOSE) were collected preoperatively, and one and three months postoperatively. Repeated measures ANOVAs with a Bonferroni adjustment were performed for total score, total sinonasal score (sum of questions 1–12), and each symptom. Both p-values and partial eta squared (np
2) were reported.

Results

Twenty patients were included. Median age was 50.7 years (range 31–65), with 20.0% being female. Preoperative AHI (65.1 ± 28.9) and SpO2 Nadir (78.0% [69.0–82.0]) improved to 12.1 ± 12.1 and 86.0 ± 3.2%. NOSE significantly decreased at one month (55.9 ± 28.4 vs. 8.11 ± 12.0, p < 0.001). Total score and total sinonasal scores significantly decreased postoperatively (49.0 ± 21.6 vs. 18.1 ± 17.4 vs. 12.5 ± 14.1, p < 0.001; 17.3 ± 12.5 vs. 9.2 ± 9.3 vs. 6.3 ± 7.3, p = 0.003) with MMA having large effects on both variables (np
2=0.72 and 0.35, respectively). MMA had large significant effects on improvement in need to blow nose, nasal blockage, sneezing, runny nose, cough, post-nasal discharge, dizziness, and ear pain at one and three months postoperatively. Facial pain/pressure significantly worsened at one-month but then improved to baseline at three months postoperatively ((1.2 ± 1.4 vs. 1.9 ± 1.5 vs. 1.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Patients who underwent preservation MMA did not show evidence of worsening sinonasal function, with some evidence that sinonasal function may improve after MMA at three months postoperatively. Long-term follow-up with more patients is needed to support these findings.
Intraoperative adaptive eye model based on instrument-integrated OCT for robot-assisted vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Briel Marius , Haide Ludwig , Hess Maximilian , Schimmelpfennig Jan , Matten Philipp , Peter Rebekka , Hillenbrand Matthias , Tagliabue Eleonora , Mathis-Ullrich Franziska
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is the most common surgical procedure performed by retinal specialists, highlighting the need for model-based assistance and automation in surgical treatment. An intraoperative retinal model provides precise anatomical information relative to the surgical instrument, enhancing surgical precision and safety.

Methods

This work focuses on the intraoperative parametrization of retinal shape using 1D instrument-integrated optical coherence tomography distance measurements combined with a surgical robot. Our approach accommodates variability in eye geometries by transitioning from an initial spherical model to an ellipsoidal representation, improving accuracy as more data is collected through sensor motion.

Results

We demonstrate that ellipsoid fitting outperforms sphere fitting for regular eye shapes, achieving a mean absolute error of less than 40 

$$\upmu \hbox {m}$$

μ
m

in simulation and below 200 

$$\upmu \hbox {m}$$

μ
m

on 3D printed models and ex vivo porcine eyes. The model reliably transitions from a spherical to an ellipsoidal representation across all six tested eye shapes when specific criteria are satisfied.

Conclusion

The adaptive eye model developed in this work meets the accuracy requirements for clinical application in PPV within the central retina. Additionally, the global model effectively extrapolates beyond the scanned area to encompass the retinal periphery.This capability enhances PPV procedures, particularly through virtual boundary assistance and improved surgical navigation, ultimately contributing to safer surgical outcomes.
Achieving sustainability transformations for multi-species justice: assessing the potential of diverse legal pathways and societal struggles
Authors: Banwell Stacy , Nelson Valerie , Dehbi Fatimazahra
Published: February 2025

This article explores the transformative potential of legal pathways and societal struggles to conserve biodiversity and achieve sustainability transformations toward multi-species justice. Exploring contemporary discourse on sustainability transformations, including emerging attention to relationality and critical perspectives, we analyse a range of legal instruments and measures to assess their transformative potential drawing upon their capacity to overcome rigid Cartesian dichotomies between humans and nature, to challenge capitalist accumulation imperatives and hence to contribute to a new societal sustainability goal of pluriversal, multi-species justice. Ranging from mainstream approaches in existing biodiversity and environmental instruments and supply chain instruments, such as environmental and deforestation due diligence, to newly emerging, more radical propositions of Rights of Nature, Ecocide and Restorative Justice, we review existing literature and empirical cases to interrogate and reflect upon their transformative potential, and to identify potentially effective combinations of socio-legal pathways.
Comparison between low molecular weight heparin and apixaban (direct oral anticoagulant) in the prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Abdelsalam Ahmed , Fikry Michael , Fahmy Ahmed , Hegazy Tarek , Hamdy Afaf , Refaat Ahmed , Elansary Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Background

Like any major operation, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has its reported postoperative complications. Among them are venous thromboembolic complications (VTE) that may predispose to mortality. Despite the proven efficacy of the traditional anticoagulants, such as low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) for VTE management, they have their limitations. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been currently adopted for the management of VTE. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apixaban against VTE after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in comparison with LMWH.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial that included 100 adult patients who underwent SG and received LMWH (Group A) or apixaban (Group B) for VTE prophylaxis. We recorded and analyzed the postoperative events up to the 30th day after surgery.

Results

This study included Group A (n = 50) and Group B (n = 50). No VTE occurred in either group (0%). Postoperative bleeding was encountered in one patient of each group (2%). The follow-up venous Doppler study was unremarkable in the two groups.

Conclusion

Apixaban was shown to be comparable to LMWH for the prevention of VTE after LSG with similar efficacy and safety making it a promising alternative to LMWH in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Spatial distribution of mRNA transcripts of chitinases class VII and beta-1,3-glucanases class II in flax zygotic and somatic embryo development
Authors: Petrovská Beáta , Libantová Jana , Salaj Terézia , Matušíková Ildikó , Mikitová Veronika , Klubicová Katarína , Salaj Ján
Published: February 2025

Key message

The accumulation of mRNA transcripts of chitinases class VII and beta-1,3-glucanases class II decreases as embryo development progresses. In later stages, it occurs mainly in actively proliferating meristems.

Besides being considered pathogenesis-related proteins, chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases are involved in many physiological and developmental processes. In this study, we investigated the potential role of specific β-1,3-glucanases class II and chitinases class VII in zygotic and somatic embryogenesis using in situ hybridization (ISH). The ISH experiments revealed that the mRNA transcripts of LuChitVII and LuGlucII, along with closely related chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases, accumulated during zygotic embryo development. In the earlier stages of embryo development, both probes showed uniform and relatively strong hybridization signals throughout the embryo. However, as development progressed, the signal intensity decreased. In the cotyledonary stage, the studied mRNA transcripts were more abundant in the meristems, with predominant accumulation in the basal part of the embryo. These structures are known for their high proliferation rates, suggesting the involvement of chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases in cell division. A similar expression pattern of both hydrolases was observed during somatic embryo development.
Phenolic Compounds: Investigating Their Anti-Carbonic Anhydrase, Anti-Cholinesterase, Anticancer, Anticholinergic, and Antiepileptic Properties Through Molecular Docking, MM-GBSA, and Dynamics Analyses
Authors: Akkus Musa , Kirici Mahinur , Poustforoosh Alireza , Erdogan Mehmet Kadir , Gundogdu Ramazan , Tüzün Burak , Taslimi Parham
Published: February 2025

Phenolic compounds are a new class of Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs). Despite numerous advancements in treatment approaches, cancer continues to be a growing health problem worldwide. In our study, we tested the effects of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone (1), doxycycline hydrochloride (2), 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (3), methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (4), 2-hydroxy-4-methylacetophenone (5), 6-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (6), and 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (7) on Achetylcholynesterase (AChE), Butrycholynesterase (BChE), and Human Carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I) enzymes. The U2OS human osteosarcoma cell line was used to determine the anticancer potential of these phenolic compounds. The effects of the compounds on proliferation and colony formation were analyzed using the Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) assay and the clonogenic assay. The Ki values of arachidonoyl dopamine, 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde, and 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid were 203.80, 1170.00, and 910.00 mM, respectively, for hCA I, and 75.25, 354.00, and 1510.00 mM, respectively, for Human Carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II). Additionally, IC50 values from in vivo studies were found to range from 173.25 to 1360.00 mM for CA I and CA II, respectively, using CO2-hydratase activity methods. The NRU assay results revealed that the compounds had a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on U2OS cells. The IC50 values of the compounds in U2OS osteosarcoma cells were determined to be > 100, 93.7, 81.4, 26.9, > 100, 53.1, and > 100 µM, respectively. Notably, methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (4), the compound with the lowest IC50 value, significantly suppressed colony formation at 5 and 10 µM concentrations. These results demonstrated that the phenolic compounds used in in vivo studies could inhibit approximately 30% of the CO2-hydratase activity of the total CA enzyme of rat erythrocytes. Furthermore, the anticancer potential of the tested compounds suggests that these molecules could pave the way for the development of new approaches in cancer treatment. The activities of the seven molecules studied were compared against AChE (PDB ID: 4M0E), BChE (PDB ID: 5NN0), hCA I (PDB ID: 2CAB), and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (PDB ID: 4HG7) proteins. The binding free energy of the molecule with the highest docking score is computed using MM/GBSA techniques. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations were performed between 6-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and the 4M0E protein over a 0–200 ns interval.

Graphical abstract
The patients’ perspective of bedside teaching in the post-Covid era
Authors: Kearns Angela , Lennon James , Hurley Lucy
Published: February 2025

Background

Bedside teaching with real patients is vital to the education of medical students. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, all student-patient interactions were suspended in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Research has previously focussed on the medical professional and medical student views concerning bedside teaching, with less of a focus on patient insights.

Aims

The purpose and aims of this study were to explore the patient’s perspectives of encountering medical students and contributing to their learning in the clinical setting, beyond the Covid restrictions.

Methods

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out with a cohort of Mayo University hospital inpatients, who had participated in a bedside teaching session. An interview guide was employed to facilitate consistent and analogous data. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used for data analysis yielding a number of themes.

Results

Participants recognised the value of their involvement in the clinical education of future doctors, in addition to the positive impacts of such contributions for their own future healthcare. Participants had no concerns about partaking in bedside teaching sessions relating to Covid infection.

Conclusions

This study assessed the opinions of hospital inpatients with regards to participating in clinical teaching sessions and found that they do not perceive their role as passive.
Metacognitive behaviour when working on modelling problems in small groups
Authors: Vorhölter Katrin
Published: February 2025

The use of metacognitive strategies when working on modelling problems in small groups is assumed to lead to goal-oriented and effective processing of the problems. Based on the analysis of eight group processes of grade 9 students working on a modelling problem, this article takes a detailed look at the initiation of metacognitive behaviour by individual students in the group process. For this purpose, videos were coded using a deductive category system in accordance with structuring qualitative content analysis, which was enriched inductively. As a result, the metacognitive strategies initiated by individual students were classified according to two criteria: the time of occurrence (during or between modelling phases) and if they relate to the content of task processing and to the behaviour of group members. Furthermore, seven aims were identified, three of which were related to different areas of metacognitive strategies, and four of which arose from the level of collaborative and socioemotional engagement in the groups. Additionally, the latter could be linked to the extent to which the groups worked together cooperatively or collaboratively and to the extent to which the individual members were included and valued in the work process.
Digital Pathology Allows for Global Second Opinions for Urologic Malignancies
Authors: Shepherd Daniel J. , Gordetsky Jennifer B.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Digital pathology, the use of digital images for histopathologic diagnosis, is transforming the practice of pathology. This review discusses the ability of digital pathology to assist with second opinions for challenging cases in genitourinary pathology worldwide.

Recent Findings

While traditional pathology is limited by physical hardware such as microscopes and glass slides, digital pathology creates opportunities for the rapid sharing of diagnostic materials with colleagues and experts worldwide. This technology can greatly facilitate sharing challenging cases from low-resource areas where pathology services or subspecialty expertise are not available.

As the incidence of kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer continues to increase in both high-income and developing countries, digital pathology may be the solution for expert opinions in diagnosing urologic disease worldwide.
Evaluating the benefits of immunotherapy in metastatic cervical cancer: an observational retrospective analysis
Authors: Martín-Quesada Ana Isabel , Pérez-Mendez Lina , Pérez-Rodríguez Natalia Dolores
Published: February 2025

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in women globally. Recent advances in immunotherapy have demonstrated promising results. This study analyses the real-world impact of adding immunotherapy for patients with stage IV cervical carcinoma.

Material and methods

This longitudinal retrospective observational study included patients with stage IV cervical carcinoma in the first metastatic setting treated between 2010 and 2023 at the University Hospital Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Tenerife, Spain. To evaluate the primary objective, patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they had received immunotherapy with pembrolizumab or not. The primary endpoint was 12-month progression-free survival in patients receiving immunotherapy compared to those not receiving it.

Results

A total of 56 patients were analyzed, of whom 31 were tested for PD-L1. Among those tested, 25 patients (84%) were PD-L1 positive, and 18 of them (72%) received immunotherapy. The objective response rate was significantly higher, being 94% in the group that received immunotherapy, compared to 32% in the group that did not (p < 0.001). At 12 months, the cumulative probability of progression-free survival was estimated at 94.4% for the immunotherapy group versus 59.7% in the non-immunotherapy group (p = 0.009), with a hazard ratio of 0.116 (CI95%: 0015 – 0.883; p = 0.038). Immunotherapy alone or combined with bevacizumab showed similar progression-free survival probabilities. However, these outcomes were significantly different when compared to patients who received neither therapy (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that immunotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival and objective response rates in metastatic cervical carcinoma, aligning with the results from the KEYNOTE-826 trial. The implementation of PD-L1 testing and the addition of immunotherapy whenever possible are challenges to be achieved in clinical practice.
An Intersectional Approach to the Understandings of Well-being of Latin American Adolescent Migrants Living in Barcelona-Spain
Authors: Carrillo Gisela , Carmona Moisés , Alfaro Jaime
Published: February 2025

Research on adolescent migrants has prioritized deficit- and adaptation-based approaches, with scarce attention to non-pathologizing perspectives. Faced with this challenge, the study of this population’s understanding of well-being was articulated as a framework capable of strengthening the available knowledge. Qualitative studies on understandings of well-being have contributed to its perception as contextual, multifaceted and changing (Fattore et al., 2021). However, as Hunner-Kreisel and März (Child Indicators Research, 12(2), 425–442, 2019) posit, progress is still required in integrating critical perspectives. Considering this gap, incorporating the intersectional approach allowed the present study to learn about the understandings of well-being from a critical perspective, with a focus on the experiences in the new local space, elaborated by Latin American adolescent migrants living in Barcelona. These understandings were analyzed and articulated following the proposal of Winker and Degele (European Journal of Women’s Studies, 18(1), 51–66, 2011), organized in the levels: identity constructions, symbolic representations and social structures. For the case of adolescent migrants, exploring understandings of well-being from this critical analytical approach strengthens a contextual and historically situated understanding by making oppressions and agencies visible. A qualitative design was used that included semi-structured interviews and the use of photographs as triggers for dialogue with 10 participants between 11 and 18 years of age. The results identify and describe four central understandings of well-being that Latin American adolescent migrants, participants in the study, construct around their new local space: (1) Process of transformations (new identifications, differentiations, belongings) and facing challenges as experiences that enhance a positive sense of self, by perceiving capabilities and growth; (2) Nuclear and extended family as a space of continuity and emotional support; (3) Development of reflective capacity, in terms of comparative analysis between the territory of origin and the new one, generating a sense of understanding of the world and evaluations of present and future living conditions; and (4) Practices that challenge social asymmetry: agency, oriented to include difference; recognition of the relevance of bonds and social support, of linguistic integration and of the inclusive functioning of the school system. This study contributes to advancing critical perspectives on well-being, challenging universalist and psychologistic approaches. The findings offer practical insights for the design of psychosocial interventions and inclusive policies that strengthen adolescents’ agency, promote their inclusion, and address the complex challenges faced by migrant youth in transnational contexts.
Going deep into Parazoanthus axinellae (Anthozoa: Zoantharia) complex: description of two species in the Alboran Sea based on an integrative approach
Authors: Rosales Ruiz Alfredo , Ocaña Oscar , de la Herrán Roberto , Navajas-Pérez Rafael , Ruiz Rejón Carmelo , Congil Ross Ander , Robles Francisca
Published: February 2025

Parazoanthus axinellae Schmidt, 1862 (Anthozoa: Zoantharia) has been historically divided into different taxa at various levels (varieties, morphotypes, or subspecies) and is considered a species complex by some authors. This species has a wide distribution, is a key part of coralligenous habitats, and constitutes one of the main ecosystems in the Alboran and Mediterranean Seas. In this work, we propose the reclassification of one subspecies and a new species of Parazoanthus: Parazoanthus brevitentacularis stat. nov. and Parazoanthus franciscae sp. nov. The first was described as a morphotype (named “stocky”) and as the subspecies P. axinellae brevitentacularis, while the second is described here for the first time. An integrative approach, combining morphological, ecological, histological, and genetic analyses, allowed us to detect enough variability to establish this new species and led us to better understand the diversity of this group. Morphological and ecological analyses have been performed in situ by observing the main different features of the species. Histological examinations to propose the systematics of the species and the main diagnostic characters to identify them were performed based on the macro-anatomy, micro-anatomy, and the features of the cnidome. Genetic analyses were performed using common molecular markers (COI and ITS) and mitochondrial genome sequencing (MGS). The COI region was limited in establishing informative relationships within the species. MGS was a powerful tool to assess diversity, although somewhat limited due to the small number of genome sequences available, and the slow evolution of mitochondrial genomes in Anthozoa. Ribosomal ITS showed wider distances between taxa, resulting in the phylogenetic trees being most congruent with the ecological, morphological, and histological analyses.
Mitochondrial genome of Amphiglena cf. mediterranea IV, a small and cryptic polychaete (Annelida: Sabellidae)
Authors: Putignano Matteo , Tilic Ekin
Published: February 2025

The genus Amphiglena, comprising minute sabellid worms, is known for its cryptic diversity in the Mediterranean region. This study presents the first complete mitochondrial genome for the genus, corresponding to Amphiglena cf. mediterranea “clade IV” sensu Tilic et al. (2019). The mitogenome features 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs, totalling 16,401 base pairs. Notably, a novel gene order was identified, distinct from previously reported mitochondrial gene arrangement in annelids. This work provides essential genetic data for investigating mitochondrial genome evolution within Sabellidae and for understanding the evolutionary relationships within Amphiglena.
Single-molecule magnetic tweezers to unravel protein folding dynamics under force
Authors: Tapia-Rojo Rafael
Published: February 2025

Single-molecule magnetic tweezers have recently emerged as a powerful technique for measuring the equilibrium dynamics of individual proteins under force. In magnetic tweezers, a single protein is tethered between a glass coverslip and a superparamagnetic bead, and by applying and controlling a magnetic field, the protein is mechanically stretched while force-induced conformational changes are measured by tracking the vertical position of the bead. The soft trap created by the magnetic field provides intrinsic force-clamp conditions, which makes magnetic tweezers particularly well-suited to measure protein conformational dynamics. Traditionally employed to study DNA due to their initially low spatial and temporal resolutions, magnetic tweezers instrumentation has experienced significant progress in recent years. The development of high-speed cameras, stronger illumination sources, advanced image analysis algorithms, and dedicated chemical functionalization strategies, now allow for high-resolution and ultra-stable experiments. Together with their ability to apply and control low forces, magnetic tweezers can capture long-term equilibrium protein folding dynamics, not possible with any other technique. These capabilities have proven particularly valuable in the study of force-sensing protein systems, which often exhibit low mechanical stabilities that are challenging to measure with other techniques. In this review, we will discuss the current status of magnetic tweezers instrumentation for studying protein folding dynamics, focusing on both the instrumental aspects and methodologies to interpret nanomechanical experiments.
Who Wants to be Mindful? Personality Predictors of Meditation Practice
Authors: Ryakhovskaya Yana , Van Dam Nicholas T. , Smillie Luke D.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Meditation has received increasing interest from scientists and the public for potential benefits to mental health and well-being. We examined personality predictors and expectancies of meditation to understand who engages with meditation. We also investigated whether personality traits predict interest in information relating to meditation and well-being activities, and self-selection into meditation research.

Method

Across two studies (n = 377 and n = 667), participants completed a range of personality and meditation-related questionnaires. To examine selection effects, two versions of the study advertisement were used: The first described the study as focused on meditation whereas the second omitted this wording. Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlations, logistic and linear regression models.

Results

We found that increased openness and agreeableness were associated with increased likelihood of having tried meditation. Whereas openness, agreeableness, and curiosity predicted positive expectancies of meditation, neuroticism predicted higher perceived barriers. Finally, we found little evidence that personality predicts self-selection into studies advertised as focussing on meditation.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings shed new light on personality traits that predict engagement in meditation practice and may help explain why different people seek out meditation. This knowledge may inform the development of tailored (and thereby more effective) meditation programs.

Preregistration

Both studies were preregistered on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/y32tk (Study 1), and https://osf.io/2qk64 (Study 2).
Modulation of test anxiety-induced salivary protein secretion by ovarian steroid hormones: a preliminary study
Authors: Zallocco Lorenzo , Ronci Maurizio , Pantalone Andrea , Mazzoni Maria Rosa , Ramoretti Eleonora , Lucacchini Antonio , Giusti Laura , Sebastiani Laura
Published: February 2025

In women the menstrual cycle influences mood and anxiety. Aim of this study was to preliminarily investigate whether different ovarian steroid hormone levels may modulate the psychophysiological responses elicited by test anxiety. Specifically, we compared the secretion of anxiety-induced salivary proteins of healthy women in the early follicular (Pre-Ov group) (low ovarian steroid hormones levels) and mid-luteal (Post-Ov group) (medium/high ovarian steroid hormones levels) phase of the menstrual cycle, during the simulation of an oral examination. Saliva samples were collected before and after a relaxation period and at two post-simulation times and analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and western blot. Proteins corresponding to spots differentially expressed in the two groups across the session were identified through mass spectrometry and most of them corresponded to acute stress and/or oral mucosa immunity biomarkers. The task induced an increase in alpha-amylase, carbonic anhydrase and cystatin S, and a decrease in immunoglobulin light/J chains in both groups. Analogous changes in these proteins have previously been linked to psychological or physical stress. However, specific spots corresponding, for example, to cystatins and 14-3-3 protein, changed exclusively in the Pre-Ov group, while prolactin-inducible protein, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, fragments of alpha-amylase and immunoglobulins only in the Post-Ov group, indicating a potential modulation of their secretion by ovarian steroid hormones. Overall, the results provide preliminary evidence that ovarian steroid hormones may be a driving factor for differences in physiological responses induced by test anxiety. The results are promising, but further validation in a larger sample is needed.
Navigating towards strengthened climate service processes
Authors: Wiréhn Lotten , Strandberg Gustav
Published: February 2025

Despite the importance of salient, credible, and legitimate climate information for climate action, studies demonstrate a persistent usability gap between the information provided and what users find relevant and useful. Drawing from scientific literature and our experiences working with a Swedish national climate service, we explore and reflect on challenges and barriers with climate services using an analytical framework of four pillars. Based on this, we provide four overarching recommendations (and fundamental needs): (i) Advancing data production and analysis, (ii) Establishing a climate service collaboration forum, (iii) Fostering active users, and (iv) Prioritising long-lasting funding. These recommendations are directed to policymakers and the climate service community to transition the production and use of climate information from short-term studies and initiatives to long-lasting processes. We argue that adopting these recommendations can support climate-resilient development through strengthening climate service infrastructure and enhancing capabilities and skills of the actors involved.
LapAppendectomy4all: validation of a new methodology for laparoscopic appendectomy simulation and training
Authors: Gonçalves Mário Rui , Marinho Ricardo , Reis Sofia Gaspar , Viveiros Ricardo , Teixeira Manuel Moutinho , Andrade Ana Kam , do Carmo Girão Maria , Rodrigues Pedro Pina-Vaz , Castelo-Branco Sousa Miguel
Published: February 2025

Appendectomy, whether open or minimally invasive (MIS) is one of the most frequent procedures performed by young residents. We designed and tested a new methodology and a new inexpensive silicone model for Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LA) simulation. This study aimed to assess their fidelity, usefulness and educational value in an introduction to laparoscopy course. The course was open to first-year general surgery residents. The group was divided in two and one of the groups watched a video of the procedure before the simulation. Individual performances were assessed directly on the models, using a specific assessment scale. Participants answered a questionnaire at the end of the course for evaluation. Thirty-five residents participated in this study. Execution, quality, and global performance were higher in the group that had more experience with the model. Thirty-two trainees (91%) answered the questionnaire. There was a strong agreement that the model was adequate for this type of course and face and content validity was considered high/very high. Participants strongly agreed that this model gives more confidence to perform a real LA and almost 97% (n = 31) considered they have learned solid foundations about LA. This study shows face, content and construct validation and also educational value for this new low-cost, laparoscopic appendectomy model. The integration of this model in an introduction to laparoscopy course showed good results in regard to an increase of confidence among first-year surgery residents. It can be a valuable tool for learning and training laparoscopic appendectomy.
Lessons from COVID-19 patient visitation restrictions: six considerations to help develop ethical patient visitor policies
Authors: Høeg Tracy Beth , Knudsen Benjamin , Prasad Vinay
Published: February 2025

Patient visitor restrictions were implemented in unprecedented ways during the COVID-19 pandemic and included bans on any visitors to dying patients and bans separating mothers from infants. These were implemented without high quality evidence they would be beneficial and the harms to patients, families and medical personnel were often immediately clear. Evidence has also accumulated finding strict visitor restrictions were accompanied by long-term individual and societal consequences. We highlight numerous examples of restrictions that were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including some that continue to be in place today. We outline six specific concerns about the nature and effects of the visitor restrictions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. These considerations may help provide both an ethical and science-based framework, through which healthcare workers, families and government entities can work towards safeguarding patient and family rights and well-being.