bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereoelectroencephalographic thermocoagulation in FLNA‐positive heterotopia: Is it an effective treatment?
Authors: De Clerck Lucie , Pelliccia Veronica , Carron Romain , Trébuchon Agnès , Tassi Laura , Bartolomei Fabrice , Pizzo Francesca 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPeriventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH) is a neuronal migration disorder often associated with drug‐resistant epilepsy. The epileptogenic zone network (EZN) in PVNH is generally large, contraindicating surgery. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) can be proposed to map the EZN and perform radiofrequency thermocoagulation (THC) with an efficacy rate of approximately 65%. There are genetic forms of PVNH, particularly with mutations in the filamin A gene (FLNA). However, data on SEEG‐guided THC in these patients still have not been described. We report four patients with FLNA‐positive PVNH who underwent SEEG‐guided THC. All were women with several types of seizures and psychiatric comorbidities. EZN was extensive and often bilateral, including a part of the heterotopias. The outcomes of SEEG‐guided THC varied; two patients experienced significant seizure reduction and improvement in psychiatric symptoms (Engel class I–II), one showed partial improvement (Engel class III), and one had no significant benefit (Engel class IV). Psychiatric comorbidities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, were present in all cases, with some patients showing symptom improvement alongside seizure reduction. Despite genetic origin, SEEG‐guided THC can be proposed in FLNA‐positive PVNH‐related epilepsy, although outcomes vary. The presence of FLNA mutations should not contraindicate surgical intervention but may influence the therapeutic response. Further research is needed to understand the impact of genetic variants on epilepsy outcome.
European defence integration after Trump's re‐election: A proposal to revive the European Defense Community Treaty and its legal feasibility
Authors: Fabbrini Federico 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDonald Trump's re‐election as President of the United States and Russia's aggression of Ukraine pose unprecedented challenges to transatlantic relations and European security. The EU as it is is unprepared to take care of its defence. This article explores how the law can be activated creatively to achieve defence integration in Europe and proposes to revive the 1952 European Defence Community (EDC) Treaty. Specifically, the article claims that, in strictly legal terms, the EDC can be brought into operation today—simply with the ratification by two states: France and Italy—and provides comprehensive arguments from public international law, comparative law and domestic constitutional law to make the point. Needless to say, legal feasibility does not equate with political feasibility, and the article mentions several of the obstacles and challenges along this path. Yet, shedding light the EDC has two advantages. On the one hand, the article emphasises how the EDC—with a common army, funded by a common budget and governed by supranational institutions—constituted an articulated response to the problem of securing European security. On the other hand, it identifies a differentiated path to achieve greater European defence integration.
Identifying determinants of physical activity in older patients with musculoskeletal disorders undergoing rehabilitation: Comparison of two distinct models using structural equation modeling
Authors: Kanai Masashi , Yoshida Kazuki , Okada Hiroki , Ohtsubo Takuro , Ueno Katsuhiro , Nozoe Masafumi 
Published: December 2024

AimMobility restrictions cause older adults with musculoskeletal disorders to have lower levels of physical activity. However, the determinants of their physical activity during hospitalization are unclear. We aimed to compare two conceptual frameworks using structural equation modeling to identify factors influencing physical activity in older patients with musculoskeletal disorders.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included older patients with musculoskeletal disorders at a single convalescent rehabilitation hospital. Physical activity was objectively measured using a triaxial accelerometer. We utilized structural equation modeling to contrast two conceptual frameworks: (i) the sarcopenia/nutrition/activities of daily living model, and (ii) the age‐related deconditioning/activities of daily living model. The models' goodness‐of‐fit was evaluated, including root mean square approximation error, goodness‐of‐fit index (GFI), adjusted GFI and Akaike information criterion.ResultsWe enrolled 274 older patients (age 78.0 years; 42 men, 232 women) with musculoskeletal disorders. Among them, 123 (44.9%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia and 69 (25.2%) with malnutrition. The goodness‐of‐fit of the (ii) model (root mean square approximation error = 0.068, GFI = 0.958, adjusted GFI = 0.909, Akaike information criterion = 5780.875) was superior to the (i) model (root mean square approximation error = 0.080, GFI = 0.953, adjusted GFI = 0.887, Akaike information criterion = 5791.429).ConclusionsWe discovered that the age‐related deconditioning/activities of daily living model effectively explained physical activity in hospitalized older patients with musculoskeletal disorders. A comprehensive approach considering age‐related changes, such as sarcopenia and malnutrition, might offer a simpler and more effective framework for understanding and promoting physical activity in this demographic. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 160–166.
The Symphony of Evolution: Unraveling Infrastructure Public–Private Partnerships Collaboration Networks Through Participant Characteristics
Authors: Wu Guangdong , Zhou Kejia , Hu Zhibin , Wang Ge , Liu Bingsheng , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTUsing collaborative governance theory and stochastic actor‐oriented models (SAOMs), this study examines the co‐evolution of networks and participant characteristics in 1505 infrastructure PPP projects involving 3225 participants across 35 large and medium‐sized Chinese cities. The results show that collaborative networks are highly structured and exhibit small‐world characteristics. Furthermore, in the evolving landscape of China's PPPs, the collaboration network has shifted into three governance patterns: government‐SOEs (State‐owned enterprises) driven, SOEs‐consulting driven, and SOEs dominant. In addition, results reveal that network evolution is promoted by transitive triads, the similarity of organizational size, and geographic proximity, while it is hindered by outdegree, similarities of organizational age and type. The findings provide insights for partner selection and the involvement of governments in public service delivery and the development of governance strategies.
Bleed treatment with eptacog beta (rFVIIa) results in a low incidence of rebleeding in adult and adolescent patients with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors
Authors: Dunn Amy , Dargaud Yesim , Abajas Yasmina , Carcao Manuel , Castaman Giancarlo , Giermasz Adam , Hermans Cédric , Jiménez‐Yuste Victor , Lewandowska Magdalena , Mahlangu Johnny , Meeks Shannon , Miesbach Wolfgang , Recht Michael , Salinas Vanessa , Chrisentery‐Singleton Tammuella , Bonzo Daniel , Mitchell Ian S. , Wilkinson Thomas A. , Young Guy 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionEptacog beta is a novel human recombinant FVIIa approved for use in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and Mexico for the treatment and control of bleeding in patients with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors (≥12 years). It is also indicated for perioperative care in the same patient population in Europe and the United Kingdom.AimTo assess the incidence of rebleeding and review treatment outcomes in subjects with haemophilia with inhibitors enrolled in the phase 3 PERSEPT 1 clinical trial.MethodsTo treat mild/moderate bleeding episodes (BEs), subjects administered an initial 75 or 225µg/kg dose of eptacog beta, followed (if necessary) by additional 75µg/kg doses at predefined intervals until bleed control. This analysis used subject‐reported rebleeding to determine a rebleeding incidence for the first 24 h. Rebleeding through later timepoints was an exploratory, intention‐to‐treat analysis of bleed treatment data.ResultsFour hundred and sixty‐five BEs were analysed. Through 24 h, the proportion of rebleeds was 0% (initial 75µg/kg dose) and 0.5% (initial 225µg/kg dose). Through 48 h, the proportion of rebleeds was 3.2% (75µg/kg initial dose) and 5.6% (225µg/kg initial dose); the difference between initial dose strategies was not statistically significant. The majority of rebleeds were controlled with a single dose of eptacog beta and no subject who treated a rebleed required hospitalization.ConclusionSubjects with haemophilia with inhibitors who used eptacog beta to treat mild/moderate BEs experienced a low incidence of rebleeding. Rebleeds that did occur were effectively controlled with eptacog beta (median, one dose) without the need for hospitalization.
The Use of Arts‐Based Methods to Enhance Patient Engagement in Health Research
Authors: Phillips Emily K. , Chudyk Anna M. , Monnin Caroline , Schultz Annette S. H. , Arora Rakesh C. , Duhamel Todd A. , O'Keefe‐McCarthy Sheila 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionPatient and care partner engagement in research (PER) is important in generating knowledge to improve healthcare. Arts‐based methods (ABM) use art in the research process to share aesthetic knowledge, which is knowledge that may be too complex to share only verbally. Together, PER and ABM are potentially synergistic, as both are participatory, problem‐focused, dialogic, and collaborative; yet little is known of the utility of ABM for PER.MethodsA narrative review was performed to identify, collate, and summarize the ways ABM has been used with PER and share the impacts of ABM on PER. The databases CINAHL, Scopus, and PubMed were searched, and 15 articles were included.ResultsA wide variety of ABM were used for PER, with some studies using multiple ABMs. The use of ABM for PER was reported to be decolonizing, shifted power from researchers to people with lived experience, and reduced tokenism. People with lived experience shared their knowledge directly through their art, deepening the understanding of their emotions, feelings, and relationships.ConclusionResearchers should consider the benefits of the participatory nature of ABM and explore how to engage people with lived experience in their work beyond data collection. Researchers engaging people with lived experience should consider using ABM as a way to operationalize PER to elicit aesthetic knowledge and strengthen power equalization.Patient or Public ContributionNo patients or members of the public contributed to this review due to a lack of funding to support their meaningful involvement.
Perinatal exposure to lead alters male reproductive behaviour and immunoreactivity of androgen and oestrogen receptors in the brain
Authors: Arteaga‐Silva Marcela , Vigueras‐Villaseñor Rosa María , Guillen‐Herrera Gustavo , Landero‐Huerta Daniel Adrian , Contreras‐García Itzel Jatziri , Montes Sergio , Ríos Camilo , Limón‐Morales Ofelia , Rojas‐Castañeda Julio César 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLead (Pb) exposure during perinatal development alters testosterone (T) concentrations and delays puberty in children and laboratory rodents. In addition, exposure to the metal during adult life decreases T and libido in men and affects male reproductive behaviour (MRB) in rats. MRB is regulated by various brain nuclei including the medial preoptic area (MPOa) and the medial amygdala (MeA), in which T and oestradiol (E2) act through their respective androgen (AR) and oestrogen (ER) receptors. However, the mechanism by which MRB is affected by Pb exposure is not known. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate whether perinatal Pb exposure affects MRB and the number of cells immunoreactive to AR and ERα in the MPOa and the MeA. Male Wistar rats exposed to Pb (320 ppm) in drinking water from the beginning of pregnancy until weaning were used. The experimental group experienced significant alterations in MRB, an important decrease in T and E2 concentrations, and a significant increase in Pb concentrations in the blood, MPOa (hypothalamus) and MeA. In addition, in the studied areas the number of cells immunoreactive to AR and ERα, or detected using the Nissl technique, decreased significantly. These results show that perinatal exposure to Pb alters MRB. This event may be related to a decrease in both the concentrations of sex hormones and the number of cells that express their receptors as well as in the neuronal Nissl staining population. This ultimately affects the quality of life of the individual.
Proposing a new integrated MEREC‐NDEA algorithm for assessing and selecting the optimal sustainable suppliers: a case study
Authors: Eydi Alireza , GholamAzad Maedeh 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn recent decades, choosing sustainable suppliers (SS) within a supply chain (SC) has posed a significant challenge for management. The evaluation and selection of the optimal SS from a pool of suppliers in the SC stands as a pivotal factor in maintaining competitiveness in the market. Hence, decision‐makers must seek the most effective method to identify key selection criteria for SS. This study aims to introduce a novel hybrid algorithm for the selection and assessment of the best SSs, encompassing varied criteria such as economic, environmental, sustainability, and human health considerations. The innovative algorithm combines the MEthod based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) technique with network data envelopment analysis (NDEA). The enhanced NDEA model incorporates undesirable outputs and environmental emissions like CO2. Initially, leveraging the MEREC approach, criteria weights are determined in two distinct groups: cost and benefit. Subsequently, inputs, intermediate products, and outputs are defined based on these weights, with NDEA models devised accordingly. The NDEA models effectively identify top suppliers based on efficiency. An efficient supplier is considered the best choice. The NDEA model highlights areas for improvement for inefficient suppliers while also leveraging insights from efficient ones. This leads to a comprehensive ranking of all suppliers, from which the best are selected. A case study at Shahriar Plast Company involving 10 suppliers and 11 criteria demonstrates the methodology's effectiveness. Results indicate that this hybrid algorithm is a reliable solution for supplier selection across various SCs. A comparative analysis with existing models further confirms the stability and reliability of the proposed algorithm, yielding consistent outcomes.
Influence of skin hydration level on the occurrence of blisters on the foot during hiking
Authors: Gracia‐Sánchez Alba , Martínez‐Nova Alfonso , Moya‐Cuenca Coral , Zúnica‐García Sara , Chicharro‐Luna Esther 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFriction blisters are common among outdoor enthusiasts, yet their causes remain uncertain. This study aimed to compare foot hydration in long‐distance hikers with and without blisters, and to assess variability based on age and sex. An observational case–control study involving 86 hikers was conducted. Skin hydration was measured using a corneometer on various foot zones. Data on blister count, footwear, sex, age, and temperature were recorded. The most hydrated zones were the digital area, forefoot, and heel. Higher hydration was found in the blister group (61.6%) compared to the control group (38.4%). A significant relationship between hydration and blisters was observed in the left foot (p = 0.032). Total foot hydration was higher in women (p = 0.007) and inversely related to age (r = −0.333; p = 0.002). Hydration values above 30.40 a.u. in the right foot and 27.37 a.u. in the left foot were linked to blisters with 80% sensitivity. This study highlights the variability in foot hydration and its relationship with blisters. The influence of age and wet socks underscores the complexity of blister formation, emphasizing the need for future research on effective prevention.
A review on toxic epidermal necrolysis‐like superficial wound lesions: Issue and challenge on 10 clinical entities
Authors: Abtahi‐Naeini Bahareh , Pourmahdi‐Boroujeni Mahsa , Rastegarnasab Fereshte , Emamjomeh Ali 
Published: December 2024

AbstractToxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe skin reaction caused by extensive epidermal and mucosal necrosis. This clinical phenomenon is known as an acute syndrome of apoptotic pan‐epidermolysis (ASAP). The ASAP phenomenon is observed in conditions that mimic TEN, highlighting the challenge in distinguishing these conditions. While TEN is a well‐recognized entity, distinguishing it from other TEN‐like conditions presents significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. These conditions include drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), TEN‐like methotrexate toxicity, mustard gas toxicity, pseudoporphyria, mycoplasma‐induced rash and mucositis (MIRM), multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C), graft versus host disease (GVHD), and acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. This review explores these ten separate entities and debates their clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management.
Pyrolysis synthesis and microstructure of yttrium modified hafnium carbide from polymer precursor
Authors: Zhang Huifeng , Sun Xiaoming , Lan Hao , Ge Min , Yu Shouquan , Sun Qian , Zhang Hao , Zhang Weigang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this work, a novel polymer precursor for yttrium modified hafnium carbide (HfC) was prepared by blending polyhafnium carboxane, yttrium acetylacetonate with xylene. The pyrolysis behavior and structural evolution of the precursor were comprehensively investigated, along with a thorough examination of the microstructure and composition of the synthesized HfC particles. The results showed that Y element was introduced into the ceramics to form c‐HfO2, with Hf, Y, C and O elements well distributed. The pyrolysis of the polymer precursor at 1600°C produced HfC nanocrystallites with an average grain size of 43 nm, encapsulated by an amorphous carbon shell. The synthesized HfC ceramics exhibited distinct nanostructures that varied from amorphous structure to almost spherical morphology under different pyrolysis temperatures. The underlying formation mechanisms were also discussed.
Perils of Using Range Maps in Macroecological Models of Species Richness
Authors: Thonis Anna , Akçakaya H. Resit 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimAs range maps do not imply the continuous presence of species across their extents—and are commonly developed with species conservation in mind—their underlying assumptions unsurprisingly lead to richness overpredictions for a given area. Despite this expectation, species richness extracted from overlapping species range maps continues to be used in macroecological models (MEMs) of species richness. In this paper, we demonstrate the various implications of using range map richness in MEMs.LocationPuerto Rico.TaxonAnolis lizards.MethodsWe used random forests to build two MEMs of Puerto Rico Anolis species richness: (a) using richness extracted from superimposed species range maps and (b) using biodiversity surveys conducted by the Puerto Rico non‐profit, Para la Naturaleza. We then compare richness predictions, variable importance and evaluation metrics between the two models.Results and Main ConclusionsWe demonstrate how (1) using range map richness in MEMs results in richness overprediction, (2) variable importance taken from MEMs built with range map richness may be unreliable or indicative of variable importance at a coarser spatial scale and (3) correlation metrics used for evaluating MEMs are potentially misleading. Through this work, we shed light on the implications of using range map species richness in MEMs.
Pharmacological Network Analysis of the Functions and Mechanism of Quercetin From Jisuikang (JSK) in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Authors: Dong Lini , He Haoyu , Chen Zejun , Wang Xiaoxiao , Li Yunchao , Lü Guohua , Wang Bing , Kuang Lei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTNeuroinflammation, especially microglia/macrophage activation, is a hallmark of spinal cord injury (SCI). Jisuikang (JSK) is a clinical experiential Chinese herbal formula for SCI therapy containing Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Danggui (Angelica sinensis Radix), Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Dilong (earthworm, Pheretima aspergillum), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Taoren (Persicae Seman) and Honghua (Carthami Flos). Eighteen active ingredients in 6 herbs of JSK were found to be correlated with inflammation, spinal injury and other diseases. These 18 active ingredients target 5464 genes according to the PubChem database. Through comparing differentially expressed genes between SCI and normal samples using GSE datasets, 50 hub genes were identified. These hub‐genes were enriched in oxidative stress response and inflammation response. The herb‐compound‐target, herb‐compound‐signalling and compound‐target‐signalling networks were generated and quercetin was identified as the hub compound. A concentration of 25 μM quercetin showed no cytotoxicity but significantly protected microglial cells from LPS‐induced inhibition of cell viability. LPS stimulation elevated the levels of iNOS, IL‐1β and TNF‐α but decreased IL‐10 levels, whereas quercetin significantly attenuated LPS‐induced alterations in these factors. Moreover, quercetin targeted gene, IL1R1 was reduced by quercetin as predicted. Overexpression of IL1R1 further increased LPS‐induced inflammation, which could be partly reversed by quercetin treatment. In vivo, quercetin improved histopathological alterations, inflammation and promoted M2 macrophage polarisation post‐injury, whereas IL1R1 overexpression partially attenuated the beneficial effects of quercetin on the rat SCI model. Collectively, quercetin, the main ingredient compound of JSK, protects against LPS‐induced cell viability inhibition and cellular inflammation, which could be partially attenuated by IL1R1 overexpression.
Sex Differences in Ependymoma Methylation by Methylation‐Defined Subgroup
Authors: Mestnik Shelby , Sorajja Natali , Lu Zhanni , Mills Lauren J. , Williams Lindsay 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTEpendymoma is the second most common malignant paediatric brain tumour composed of nine methylation‐defined, clinically relevant subgroups. It is unclear if there are sex differences in methylation profiles within these subgroups which could guide future treatment options. We obtained available methylation data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially methylated probes (DMPs) between sexes were identified in each ependymoma sample and mapped to genes. Reactome pathways resulting from genes were identified. Survival was estimated for each sex within molecular subgroups. There were 492 cases included in the main analysis: PF‐EPN‐A (n = 238) PF‐EPN‐B (n = 52), PF‐SE (n = 34), SP‐MPE (n = 26), SP‐EPN (n = 21), ST‐EPN‐RELA (n = 87), ST‐EPN‐YAP1 (n = 13) and ST‐SE (n = 21). Females were observed to have better, but statistically nonsignificant, 5‐year overall survival (OS) and better, marginally significant 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) than males. One subgroup, ST‐EPN‐RELA, showed significantly better OS in females. There was a difference in immune cell composition within tumour subgroups. One gene, RFTN1, was consistently differentially methylated by sex among all subgroups. There were biologic pathways identified from genes with differential methylation by sex in the following subgroups: PF‐EPN‐B, PF‐SE, ST‐EPN‐RELA and ST‐EPN‐YAP1. Many of the identified pathways may be options for potential therapeutic targets.