bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the shape of the lumbar curve during growth
Authors: Pelleg-Kallevag Ruth , Borgel Sarah , Kedar Einat , Peled Nathan , May Hila 
Published: January 2025

AimsThe development of lumbar lordosis has been traditionally examined using angular measurements of the spine to reflect its shape. While studies agree regarding the increase in the angles during growth, the growth rate is understudied, and sexual dimorphism is debated. In this study, we used a novel method to estimate the shape of the lumbar curve (LC) using the landmark-based geometric morphometric method to explore changes in LC during growth, examine the effect of size and sex on LC shape, and examine the associations between angular measurements and shape.MethodsThe study population included 258 children aged between 0 and 20 years (divided into five age groups) who underwent a CT scan between the years 2009 and 2019. The landmark-based geometric morphometric method was used to capture the LC shape in a sagittal view. Additionally, the lordosis was measured via Cobb and sacral slope angles. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were carried out to examine differences in shape between males and females and between the age groups.ResultsThe overall shape of the LC overlapped between males and females in most age groups, except for the nine- to 12-year age group. However, size did not affect LC shape. LC shape changed significantly during growth from straight to curved, reaching its mature shape earlier in females. This corresponded with the results obtained by the lordosis and sacral slope angles. A significant positive correlation was found between the LC shape and angles, although the angles demonstrated poor distinction between age groups, as opposed to the LC shape.ConclusionNew insights into LC shape development were achieved using the geometrical morphometric method. The LC shape was sex-independent in most age groups. However, the LC reached its mature shape earlier in females than males. The method and data of this study are beneficial for future studies examining aetiological factors for spinal pathologies and maldevelopment.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2025;14(1):58–68.
A comprehensive review of biological and genetic control approaches for leishmaniasis vector sand flies; emphasis towards promoting tools for integrated vector management
Authors: Kumari Yasoda , Gunathilaka Nayana , Amarasinghe Deepika 
Published: January 2025

Background
Leishmaniasis is a health problem in many regions with poor health and poor life resources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 700,000–1 million new cases arise annually. Effective control of sand fly vector populations is crucial for reducing the transmission of this disease. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively examine and evaluate the current methods for controlling sand fly populations, focusing on biological and gene drive techniques.

Methods and findings
A detailed, comprehensive literature search was carried out using databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the National Library of Medicine (NIH). These searches were done using specific keywords related to the field of study. This current review identified several promising methods, including genetically modified sand flies, using transgenic approaches by taking advanced gene editing tools like Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) and genetic modification of symbiotic microorganisms for controlling sand fly populations, which appeared to be proven under laboratory and field settings.

Conclusion
Genetic control approaches have many benefits over chemical control, including long-lasting effects on targets, high specificity, and less environmental impact. Advances in genetic engineering technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, sterile insect techniques, and gene drive insect modification, offer new avenues for precise and efficient sand fly management. Future research should prioritize optimizing rearing and sterilization techniques, conducting controlled field trials, and fostering collaboration across disciplines to realize the potential of genetic control strategies in combating leishmaniasis.
Data quality in centenarian research: The proxy-centenarian relationship and item nonresponse in the SWISS100 study
Authors: Zaccaria Daniele , Falciola Justine , Masotti Barbara , von Gunten Armin , Herrmann François , Jopp Daniela S. , Cavalli Stefano 
Published: January 2025

Background
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the investigation of very old individuals. However, various challenges arise when collecting data from this age group. Given potential health and cognitive impairments and the difficulty of retrieving accurate self-reported data, involving individuals knowledgeable of the target person as proxy respondents are an invaluable solution. The primary goal of this study is to explore the association between proxy-centenarian relationship and item nonresponse, a pivotal data quality measure.

Data and methods
We used data from the phone study conducted within SWISS100, a study on centenarians in Switzerland, focusing on a subsample of 94 centenarians and 75 proxy respondents. We compared characteristics of centenarians who provided self-reports with those interviewed through proxy respondents using descriptive analyses, and Firth’s regression models to investigate the association of different types of proxies (children, other relatives, and non-relatives) with item nonresponse.

Results
We noted differences between centenarians participating themselves in interviews and those represented by proxies, observing higher proportions of men and private home residents in the self-report group. There was a low prevalence of item nonresponse among proxy respondents. Proxy type significantly impacted item nonresponse, particularly with non-relatives showing notably higher unanswered question rates. A robust association between non-relatives as proxies and increased item nonresponse persisted even when controlling for potential confounding factors.

Discussion and conclusions
This study enhances the understanding of data quality, particularly item nonresponse, and highlights the impact of the proxy-centenarian relationship when studying the oldest-old. The findings stress the importance of carefully choosing proxy respondents, preferably children, to improve data quality and inclusivity for those individuals hard to reach or to interview. Future research should investigate various data quality indicators and rely on larger samples to enhance the representation and methodological rigour in the study of the oldest-old.
Deep learning based analysis of G3BP1 protein expression to predict the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Linshan , Yang Mu , Luo Jiadi , Zang Hongjing , Fan Songqing , Zhan Yuting 
Published: January 2025

Background
Ras-GTPase-activating protein (GAP)-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) emerges as a pivotal oncogenic gene across various malignancies, notably including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The use of automated image analysis tools for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of particular proteins is highly beneficial, as it could reduce the burden on pathologists. Interestingly, there have been no prior studies that have examined G3BP1 IHC staining using digital pathology.

Methods
Whole-slide images (WSIs) were meticulously collected and annotated by experienced pathologists. A model was intricately designed and rigorously tested to yield the quantitative data regarding staining intensity and extent. The collective output data was subjected multiplicative analysis, exploring its correlation with the prognosis.

Results
The G3BP1 molecular marker scoring model was successfully established utilizing deep learning methodologies, with a calculated threshold staining scores of 1.5. Notably, patients with NPC exhibiting higher expression levels of G3BP1 proteins displayed significantly lower for overall survival rates (OS). Multivariate analysis further validated that positive expression of G3BP1 stood as an independent poorer prognostic factors, indicating a poorer prognosis for NPC patients.

Conclusion
Computational pathology emerges as a transformative tool capable of substantially reducing the burden on pathologists while concurrently enhancing and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The positive expression of G3BP1 protein serves as valuable, independent biomarker, offering predictive insights into a poor prognosis for patients with NPC.
Implementing psychosocial interventions for teachers’ mental health: Protocol for integrating scoping review with teachers lived experiences in LMICs
Authors: Malik Kanika , Reddy Sadananda , Shilla Yasmine A. , Khanna Aditi , Kaurr Ranya R. , Boban Abbey 
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Teachers are pivotal in shaping educational environments and student development but face significant occupational stress and high rates of mental problems. Despite the availability of various psychosocial interventions, comprehensive evidence of their effectiveness and implementation is limited for this occupational group, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This mixed methods study aims to conduct a scoping review of characteristics, effectiveness, and implementation outcomes of psychosocial interventions for teachers’ mental health and mental problems, integrating these with teachers’ lived experiences to inform the implementation of mental health interventions in LMICs.

Methods
The study combines a scoping review with insights from an advisory group of teaching professionals with relevant lived experiences (PWLEs). The review will focus on examining psychosocial interventions studies promoting mental health or addressing mental problems among grade 1–12 school teachers of all genders, ages and contexts, except those working in specialized settings, such as special education centers, or disaster- or crisis-stricken zones. Intervention studies exclusively focusing on physical health or job-related outcomes will be excluded. Using pre-defined search terms, quantitative and qualitative research studies, including unpublished literature, will be searched across multiple databases. Titles and abstracts of identified studies will be screened against inclusion criteria, and the potentially relevant sources will be retrieved in full. Data will be extracted using a data extraction sheet developed for the study covering variables related to participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, study context, effectiveness and implementation outcomes.
A purposively selected sample of 10 PWLEs will form the study advisory group and participate in four online workshop-group discussions. The meetings will include a presentation of the scoping review findings, followed by discussions on the relevance of these intervention packages for LMICs, adaptations needed to make them acceptable among school teachers and feasible for delivery in low-resourced settings like India. The synthesis of the data will employ narrative and thematic approaches to generate actionable insights for implementing psychosocial interventions in LMICs.

Discussion
This study will provide comprehensive evidence on the characteristics and outcomes of psychosocial interventions for teachers’ mental health and mental problems. By integrating insights from teachers with relevant lived experiences, the study will provide practical guidelines for adapting and implementing psychosocial interventions among school teachers in LMICs.

Trial registration
Review registration number: Open Science Framework, doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GF59J.
Navigating the shots: Parental willingness to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia explored through a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hegazi Moustafa Abdelaal , Sayed Mohamed Hesham , Butt Nadeem Shafique , Alahmadi Turki Saad , Zubairi Nadeem Alam , Elson Wesam Abdelaziz 
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Although COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended for children and adolescents since 2021, suboptimal vaccination uptake has been documented. No previous systematic review/meta-analysis (SRMA) investigated parents’ willingness to administer COVID-19 vaccines for their children in Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, this SRMA aimed to estimate parents’ willingness to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia and to identify reasons and determinants influencing parents’ decisions.

Methods
This SRMA adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023492760). An extensive systematic search was performed across electronic databases including Pub Med, Pub Med Central, ISI Web of science, Web of Science Core Collection, Medline, KCI-Korean Journal Database, ProQuest, and SciELO, to identify relevant studies published from January 1, 2020 to October 30, 2023. A random-effects model was utilized to estimate the pooled effects considering the expected variability across studies. Heterogeneity, risk of bias, publication bias and quality of studies were considered and evaluated by relevant appropriate tests to ensure robust results.

Results
Twenty-five studies with 30,844 parents were included. The overall pooled rate of parents who intended to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines was 48.0% (95% CI: 41.0–54.0%) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.42%). The main reason for parents to vaccinate children was to protect child, family and community from COVID-19. Perceived efficacy/safety of vaccines were the most significant determinants associated with parents’ willingness to vaccinate children.

Conclusion
This was the first SRMA from Saudi Arabia which emphasized the priority to focus on vaccine-related factors as main/key strategy of COVID-19 vaccines’ drivers to convince parents in a logical way based on accurate cumulative and emerging scientific data about efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines to optimize their uptake by children/adolescents. This SRMA can provide valuable insights for development of evidence-based policies to improve parental willingness to vaccinate children, which is crucial for controlling SARS-CoV-2 spread and promoting herd immunity in the community particularly if the virus continues to pose a major threat.
The cellular response of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in keratoconus human corneal fibroblasts to RB-PDT: Insights into cytokines, chemokines and related signaling pathways
Authors: Chai Ning , Stachon Tanja , Häcker Sabrina , Berger Tim , Li Zhen , Amini Maryam , Suiwal Shweta , Seitz Berthold , Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Rose Bengal Photodynamic Therapy (RB-PDT) offers dual therapeutic benefits by enhancing corneal stiffness and providing antibacterial activity, presenting significant potential for patients with keratoconus complicated by keratitis. Our purpose was to assess the effect of rose bengal photodynamic therapy (RB-PDT) on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as on extracellular matrix (ECM)-related molecules, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of keratoconus human corneal fibroblasts (KC-HCFs). Additionally, the involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways which are downstream of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway were examined.

Methods
KC-HCFs were stimulated with varying concentrations of LPS (0–10 μg/ml), which was followed by RB-PDT. The expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, interferon alpha 2 (IFNA2), IFNB1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL-4), collagen I, collagen V, lysyl oxidase (LOX), transforming growth factor β 1(TGF-β1) were measured using qPCR, ELISA, or western blot. The activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways was assessed using qPCR and western blot.

Results
In LPS-induced inflammation of KC-HCFs, the expression of IL-6 was further amplified by the treatment with RB-PDT (p = 0.001). However, the activation of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways did not increase following RB-PDT. Additionally, RB-PDT reduced the transcription of collagen I and collagen V (p≤0.03), while the transcription of LOX and TGF-β1 secretion remained unchanged in KC-HCFs exposed to LPS.

Conclusion
In LPS-induced inflammation of KC-HCFs treated with RB-PDT, despite the increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathways is lacking. RB-PDT may have no adverse effects on corneal scar formation of keratoconus corneas in the short term.
Assessment of health behaviors of primary school teachers based on their nutritional knowledge and physical activity: A cross-sectional study in the Asir Region
Authors: Alhazmi Amani , Ali Maha , Dawria Adam , Narapureddy Bayapa Reddy , Hawash Manal Mohammed 
Published: January 2025

Background
Primary school teachers play a critical role as educators in imparting healthy eating behaviour and the importance of physical activity to prevent health issues. However, the teachers’ health behaviors have not been studied much, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Understanding these factors is essential to developing interventions that enhance teachers’ well-being and their ability to influence students positively. This study aims to assess nutritional knowledge and physical activity; to determine correlations between health behaviour factors and Body Mass Index (BMI), and evaluate BMI status concerning demographic factors among primary school teachers in the Asir Region, KSA.

Methods
A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 370 primary school teachers. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that covered sociodemographic details, anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, and nutritional knowledge. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square tests, with significance at p < 0.05.

Results
Among the participants, 38.6% were overweight, and 33.5% were obese, with 76% of married teachers classified as overweight or obese. Only 9.0% exhibited excellent nutritional knowledge, while 25.0% demonstrated poor knowledge. The majority (84.0%) engaged in low or minimal physical activity. A weak but significant correlation was observed between nutritional knowledge and BMI (p < 0.05), whereas no significant associations were found between physical activity levels and either BMI or nutritional knowledge.

Conclusion
The study highlights critical gaps in nutritional knowledge and physical activity among teachers, emphasizing the need for targeted school-based health education programs. Improving teacher health behaviors could enhance their well-being and enable them to act as positive role models for their students.
Thinking through “in-betweenness”: a conversation with Suresh Canagarajah on decolonizing language education and research in South Asia
Authors: Shah Waqar Ali 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This article is based on a scholarly interview with Suresh Canagarajah about decolonizing language education and research in South Asia. The interview is focused on several themes, such as Canagarajah’s personal life trajectory as a decolonial scholar, colonial knowledge structures, English fever, and ethnolinguistic response to the hegemony of English, translingual university and transepistemic education in South Asia, decolonization through English, decolonizing research practices and negotiating norms in academic writing, and the responsibilities of applied linguists in South Asia. The article concludes by suggesting transepistemic language education, countering Eurocentric ontoepistemology (e.g., logocentrism, cognitivism and humanism), globalectics and decoloniality as alternatives to rethink ELT, applied linguistics and research in colonized contexts, such as South Asia.
X-ray emission from hot gas and XRBs in the NGC 5846 galaxy
Authors: Kyadampure Anil , Vagshette Nilkanth , Patil Madhav 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This article presents X-ray emission characteristics of the brightest member of a G50 galaxy group NGC 5846 based on analysis of high resolution of 30 ks and 90 ks Chandra X-ray data. X-ray imaging analysis revealed the presence of 90 discrete X-ray point sources, spectral study of which depicted that the majority of them are LMXBs with a neutron star accretor. Among 90, only one source exhibits an X-ray luminosity greater than

1

0

39

erg

s

−
1

1{0}^{39}\hspace{0.33em}{\rm{erg}}\hspace{0.33em}{{\rm{s}}}^{-1}

, exceeding the Eddington limit for a canonical mass of a neutron star and occupies a position in the hard region of the X-ray color–color plot. The cumulative X-ray luminosity function plot for all resolved XRBs exhibits a knee at

L

X

=
6.6
×

1

0

38

erg

s

−
1

{L}_{X}=6.6\times \hspace{0.33em}1{0}^{38}\hspace{0.33em}{\rm{erg}}\hspace{0.33em}{{\rm{s}}}^{-1}

, corresponding to the Eddington limit of 2.8 solar mass neutron star. The most dominant source of the observed X-ray luminosity of NGC 5846 happens to be the diffusely distributed plasma, making its contribution up to 85% of its total value, while the contribution from resolved and unresolved point sources is up to 15%. The surface brightness distribution of the X-ray emitting gas in this galaxy exhibit structures in the form of discontinuities due to the presence of a pair of cold fronts at

∼
20

\sim 20

kpc. The presence of these cold fronts were confirmed in the azimuthally averaged surface brightness profile and sectorial temperature profiles and may have formed due to minor mergers. The larger values of emission line flux density ratio log([N II]H

α

\alpha

) and floor in the entropy profile of the plasma collectively point toward a nonthermal ionization source of gas heating like a low-level AGN activity.
Hairpin in a haystack: In silico identification and characterization of plant-conserved microRNA in Rafflesiaceae
Authors: Wicaksono Adhityo , Meitha Karlia , Wan Kiew-Lian , Mat Isa Mohd Noor , Parikesit Arli Aditya , Molina Jeanmaire 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Rafflesiaceae is a family of endangered plants whose members are solely parasitic to the tropical grape vine Tetrastigma (Vitaceae). Currently, the genetics of their crosstalk with the host remains unexplored. In this study, we use homology-based in silico approaches to characterize micro-RNAs (miRNAs) expressed by Sapria himalayana and Rafflesia cantleyi from published omics data. Derived from secondary structures or hairpins, miRNAs are small regulators of gene expression. We found that some plant-conserved miRNA still exists in Rafflesiaceae. Out of 9 highly conserved miRNA families in plants, 7 families (156/157, 159/319, 160, 165/166, 171, 172, 390) were identified with a total of 22 variants across Rafflesiaceae. Some miRNAs were missing endogenous targets and may have evolved to target host miRNA, though this requires experimental verification. Rafflesiaceae miRNA promoters are mostly inducible by ethylene that mediates stress response in the host but could be perceived by the parasites as a signal for growth. This study provides evidence that certain miRNAs with ancient origins in land plants still exist in Rafflesiaceae, though some may have been coopted by parasites to target host genes.