bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methamphetamine and HIV-1 Tat Synergistically Induce Microglial Pyroptosis Via Activation of the AIM2 Inflammasome
Authors: Miao Lin , Wang Haowei , Yang Xue , Xu Lisha , Xu Ruike , Teng Hanxin , Zhang Yue , Zhao Yingjie , Yang Genmeng , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals who abuse methamphetamine (METH) exhibit more severe neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment. Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death pathway mediated by the inflammasome, has been implicated in various neurological diseases. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the AIM2 inflammasome in METH- and HIV-1 Tat-induced pyroptosis in human brain tissue and in vitro models.

Methods
Postmortem brain tissue from HIV-infected individuals with a history of METH abuse was analyzed for pyroptosis markers and AIM2 inflammasome components using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. BV2 microglial cells were lentivirally transduced to knockdown AIM2 expression. DNA damage was assessed using Western blotting and the comet assay. Expression of pyroptosis-related proteins was evaluated by electron microscopy, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Cell viability was measured using the CCK8 assay.

Results
Elevated levels of pyroptosis markers and AIM2 inflammasome components were observed in brain tissue from HIV-infected METH users. METH and Tat synergistically induced pyroptosis in BV2 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by DNA damage and activation of the AIM2 inflammasome. Knockdown of AIM2 significantly reduced the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins.

Conclusion
METH and HIV-1 Tat proteins synergistically induce microglial pyroptosis by activating the AIM2 inflammasome through dsDNA damage. These findings suggest that targeting the AIM2 inflammasome may be a promising therapeutic strategy for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND).

Graphical abstract
Supply, Production, and Consumption in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia: The Ceramics of the Santo Domingo Convent (Sixteenth to Eighteenth Centuries)
Authors: Santos Beatriz Calapez , Araújo João Gonçalves , Martín Juan Guillermo , Teixeira André 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper studies the ceramics recovered during archaeological missions carried out between 2000 and 2004 at the Santo Domingo convent in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. We explore the morphotypological and chronological characteristics of the ceramics used during the Early Modern era, shedding light on their typological evolution over time. We analyzed the city's supply patterns within the context of the intensive interactions between Europe and the Americas. Finally, we examine the socio economic and cultural dynamics of the city, focusing on the relationship between the Native American population, European settlers, and enslaved Africans.
Development of a Questionnaire on Multilingual Students’ Beliefs about Equitable and Epistemic Use of Languages in Learning Science
Authors: Cheung Kason Ka Ching , Pun Jack K. H. , Xu Jiaqi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Science education researchers argue for encouraging multilingual students’ use of different linguistic and multimodal resources to make meaning of scientific practices. However, multilingual students need to internalize beliefs that they can freely draw on these asset forms of resources, so that they can consistently adopt sustainable multilingual and multimodal practices. Complementing the recent research efforts on measuring teachers’ beliefs about epistemic use of languages in science, we reported a study that develop and validate a Likert-scale instrument that measures students’ beliefs about equitable and epistemic use of languages in learning science. The instrument was initially piloted to 191 junior secondary students, and then was revised and administered to 981 junior secondary students in Hong Kong. Supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the instrument inherited four dimensions: beliefs about constitutive role of language in scientific practices, beliefs about multiple modalities in science learning, heteroglossic beliefs about language use in learning science and inclusive beliefs about use of multiple languages in collaborative discussion. The instrument inherited satisfactory content and construct validity, while we also provided evidence that such an instrument was sensitive to different linguistic contexts. Hence, we argue that the instrument can potentially measure the outcome of translanguaging-based science education intervention and comparing students’ beliefs under a range of linguistic contexts worldwide.
Motor Speed Control of Four-wheel Differential Drive Robots Using a New Hybrid Moth-flame Particle Swarm Optimization (MFPSO) Algorithm
Authors: Reda Mohamed , Onsy Ahmed , Haikal Amira Y. , Ghanbari Ali 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Speed control of DC motors is essential for automated vehicles and four-wheel differential drive (4WD) cars, which are distinct by their high level of maneuverability. The PID controller is one of the most popular techniques for controlling speed, but tuning its parameters is challenging. This paper presents a novel hybrid algorithm, the Moth-Flame Particle Swarm Optimization (MFPSO), which combines moth-flame optimization (MFO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to address the slow convergence of MFO and the premature convergence of PSO. The MFPSO is deployed for real-time interactive tuning of the PID controller to control the speed of DC motors in a 4WD car. Additionally, a novel practical procedure is proposed to build a robust four-wheel differential drive and maintain the synchronization of the four DC motors. Simulation results and statistical analysis demonstrate the superior performance of the MFPSO compared with the PSO, MFO, and other hybrid variants (HMFPSO and HyMFPSO), with MFPSO ranking first in the Friedman test on CEC2020/2021 and engineering optimization benchmark problems. Practical results and the transient response analysis of the speed control revealed that MFPSO significantly outperformed the traditional Ziegler-Nichols (ZN) method, MFO, PSO, HMFPSO, and HyMFPSO algorithms. Specifically, the MFPSO algorithm reduced settling time by 34.83%, 21.20%, 20.75%, 22.97%, and 31.59%, and overshoot by 86.11%, 64.99%, 71.02%, 74.37%, and 60.58% compared to the ZN, MFO, PSO, HMFPSO, and HyMFPSO algorithms, respectively. The source code of the proposed algorithm is available at https://github.com/MohamedRedaMu/MFPSO-Algorithm.
Artificial Intelligence Methods for Diagnostic and Decision-Making Assistance in Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reifs Jiménez David , Casanova-Lozano Lorena , Grau-Carrión Sergi , Reig-Bolaño Ramon 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Chronic wounds, which take over four weeks to heal, are a major global health issue linked to conditions such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, arterial diseases, and pressure ulcers. These wounds cause pain, reduce quality of life, and impose significant economic burdens. This systematic review explores the impact of technological advancements on the diagnosis of chronic wounds, focusing on how computational methods in wound image and data analysis improve diagnostic precision and patient outcomes. A literature search was conducted in databases including ACM, IEEE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering studies from 2013 to 2023. The focus was on articles applying complex computational techniques to analyze chronic wound images and clinical data. Exclusion criteria were non-image samples, review articles, and non-English or non-Spanish texts. From 2,791 articles identified, 93 full-text studies were selected for final analysis. The review identified significant advancements in tissue classification, wound measurement, segmentation, prediction of wound aetiology, risk indicators, and healing potential. The use of image-based and data-driven methods has proven to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency in chronic wound care. The integration of technology into chronic wound diagnosis has shown a transformative effect, improving diagnostic capabilities, patient care, and reducing healthcare costs. Continued research and innovation in computational techniques are essential to unlock their full potential in managing chronic wounds effectively.
The Association Between Longer Maternal Leukocyte Telomere Length in the Immediate Postpartum Period and Preterm Birth in a Predominately Latina Cohort of Mothers
Authors: Dutson Usah , Lin Jue , Jelliffe-Pawlowski Laura L. , Coleman-Phox Kimberly , Rand Larry , Wojcicki Janet M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
We investigated the association between maternal leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in the immediate postpartum period and moderate to late preterm birth (32– < 37 weeks) among Latinas, a population at high risk for preterm birth.

Methods
Maternal LTL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction at delivery in a prospective San Francisco primarily Latina birth cohort. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between postpartum maternal LTL and preterm birth. Maternal LTL was analyzed as a continuous predictor.

Results
Out of 194 participants, 23 (11.9%) had preterm delivery. Longer postnatal maternal LTL was associated with preterm birth (crude OR 4.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07, 20.6, p = 0.039; adjusted OR 12.8, 95% CI 1.83, 99.9, p = 0.010). Age-stratified analysis showed that being under 35 years increased the effect size of the association between maternal LTL and preterm birth (adjusted OR 32.5, 95% CI 2.58, 597, p < 0.01).

Conclusions for Practice
Latina mothers with moderate to late preterm infants had longer LTL in the immediate postpartum period compared to those with term infants. This association was stronger for mothers under the age of 35 years. LTL may serve as a biomarker to better understand the pathophysiology and risk of preterm birth and could inform targeted interventions for prevention and early detection. Future studies are needed to understand physiological changes in maternal LTL from the prenatal to postnatal period in relation to birth outcomes.
Tinnitus after treatment of vestibular schwannoma: a systematic review and comparative analysis of microsurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Govindaraj Ramkumar , Chambers Courtney , Kha Marcus , Sullivan Thomas , Chawla Sharad , Zacest Andrew , Gorayski Peter , Roos Daniel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare tinnitus outcomes following microsurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma.

Methods
The databases MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Ovid), SCOPUS, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science were searched for studies comparing microsurgery and radiosurgery treatment, and reporting tinnitus outcomes. Longitudinal tinnitus assessment with pre-treatment evaluation was required for inclusion. Fractionated radiotherapy treatment was excluded. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A separate random-effects meta-analysis was performed for the continuous, binary and ordinal tinnitus outcomes, with pooled effects described as a standardised mean difference or a log odds ratio as appropriate.

Results
Thirteen studies involving 5814 patients were included in the review; 4 were prospective studies, and the rest were retrospective cohort studies. The median follow-up duration in the microsurgery and radiosurgery groups was 39.5 months and 41.1 months, respectively. Studies were diverse with respect to inclusion criteria and method of tinnitus outcome assessment. Only 4 studies reported tinnitus scores using tinnitus questionnaires, while others used Likert scale, visual analogue scale, binary (present or absent) scale or ordinal (improved, same or worse) scale. Four studies reported better tinnitus outcomes after microsurgery than radiosurgery. However, the overall quality of the studies was low, and most did not control for important confounders, such as age, tumour characteristics, and hearing impairment. Meta-analysis of continuous and binary tinnitus outcomes showed no difference between the interventions (standardised mean difference = -0.04, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.28, p = 0.80; log odds ratio = 0.32, 95% CI -1.11 to 1.74, p = 0.66). Meta-analysis of tinnitus outcomes on an ordinal scale showed microsurgery increased the odds of reporting improved tinnitus compared to radiosurgery (log odds ratio = 0.83, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.64, p = 0.045). Heterogeneity between the studies was high for all outcome measures (I2 > 56%).

Conclusion
Meta-analyses of tinnitus outcomes were largely inconclusive, except when tinnitus was reported as an ordinal outcome, which favoured microsurgery. However, due to the low quality of studies and high heterogeneity, no definitive conclusions could be drawn favouring either treatment.
The impact of government financial aid and digital tools on firm survival during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Audretsch David Bruce , Aronica Martina , Belitski Maksim , Caddemi Davide , Piacentino Davide 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study explores the effect of bailout capital and digital diversification by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their propensity to survive during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a random sampling of 5469 SMEs from 16 European countries, collected by the World Bank Enterprise Survey in May 2020, January 2021, and May 2021, we conduct a two-stage estimation to examine factors that first affected the propensity of SMEs to access bailout capital, and second, factors that increased the propensity of SMEs to survive longer during and after crises. Two key findings emerge. Diversification of government financial aid and the adoption of various digital tools to leverage the effect of shock by SMEs increase their propensity to survive by sized firms. Moreover, government financial aid does not moderate the effect of digital tool adoption on the propensity to survive. Policy insights and implications are also discussed.
Bridging supersymmetry and the spin-statistics theorem: a quest for emergence
Authors: Cinti Enrico , Sanchioni Marco 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The coexistence of Supersymmetry (SUSY) and the Spin-Statistics Theorem (SST) poses a challenge, given their seeming incompatibility. While SUSY connects particles with distinct spins, SST links particle’s spin to their statistics. We propose a solution to this puzzle: both spin and SST may emerge as low-energy phenomena. To do so, we look at SUSY breaking at lower energy scales, exploring if this mechanism aligns with the concept of emergence. The paper presents a comprehensive review of the SUSY-SST tension, a philosophical introduction to SUSY-breakig, and an argument for spin and SST emergence within SUSY. Overall, our aim is to show how SUSY and SST can coexist in the same theory and thus deepen our understanding of SUSY quantum field theory.
The calibration challenge to philosophical intuitions
Authors: Irikefe Paul O. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
To several critics of the philosophical method of cases—Robert Cummins, Jonathan Weinberg and his colleagues, and Avner Baz—the fact that philosophical intuitions cannot be calibrated means that we cannot rule out the skeptical hypothesis that the outcome of our theorizing based on these intuitions is deeply distorted by our cognitive artifacts. Moreover, they take this hypothesis to license the negative conclusion that we are unable to have much of the armchair knowledge we typically attribute to ourselves when philosophizing based on appeal to philosophical intuitions. This paper addresses this skeptical argument and shows how this negative conclusion can be resisted.
Plasma homocysteine level and trajectories in association with longitudinal increase in plasma neurofilament light among urban adults
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Hooten Nicole Noren , Georgescu Michael F. , Beydoun Hind A. , Fanelli-Kuczmarski Marie T. , Weiss Jordan , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We tested whether homocysteine (Hcy) was linked to longitudinal change in plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) overall and differentially across sex and race in a sample of middle-aged urban adults. We used data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study [n = 690, Age at visit 1 (v1:2004–2009): 30-66y, 42.1% male, 55.4% African American] to evaluate relationships between NfL levels and both visit 1 Hcy (Hcyv1) and time-dependent Hcy concentrations (Hcytd). Specifically, we examined the relationship between these measures and visit 1 NfL (NfLv1) as well as annualized change in NfL (δNfL) over the study period of ~ 8y [2004–2009 (v1), 2009–2013 (v2) and/or 2013–2017 (v3)] using mixed effects linear regression models. Hcyv1 was positively associated with NfLv1, but not with δNfL. However, when Hcytd was considered along with time-dependent covariates on multiple-imputed data, both NfLv1 and δNfL were associated with Hcytd, with some significant sex difference in the longitudinal association, whereby this relationship was stronger among males. The Hcy exposure obtained from group-based trajectory models, indicated that individuals belonging to the "High increasing" group were consistently associated with both higher NfLv1 and faster increase in NfL (overall, fully adjusted, High vs. Low: γ0gbtm =  + 0.226 ± 0.058, P < 0.001; γ1gbtm =  + 0.022 ± 0.007, P < 0.010). Dynamic Hcy exposures (Hcytd and Hcygbtm) were associated with faster rate of increase in NfL over time, reflecting potentially faster rate of axonal degeneration. Further studies are needed in comparable populations to replicate our findings.
Integrating young refugees into VET: do German active labor market programs make a difference?
Authors: Meyer Franziska 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Lateral entry into the VET system can be considered a highly promising prospect for the socio-economic integration of young refugees in Germany. With this in mind, multiple active labor market programs (ALMPs) for refugees have been launched and expanded, the best known being the ESF-BAMF program and various measures provided by the Federal Employment Agency (FEA). Using data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees (2016–2021) (Brücker et al. 2016), this article applies a discrete-time hazard rate model (N = 6004) to examine whether participation in either of these ALMPs is associated with increased chances of refugees aged 18–30 transitioning to VET. The multivariate analyses indicate that participation in neither the ESF-BAMF program nor the FEA measures is associated with a significant change in the transition chances for refugees aged 18–24, yet both are associated with a significant increase in these chances for refugees aged 25–30. In view of the comparative disadvantage of older refugees in the German VET market, this result can be interpreted as a considerable success in terms of the effectiveness of the respective programs.
Modulating NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Review on Flavonoid-Based Interventions
Authors: Vithalkar Megh Pravin , Pradhan Shreya , Sandra K. S. , Bharath H. B. , Nayak Yogendra 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a severe, rapidly advancing disease that drastically diminishes life expectancy. Without treatment, it can progress to lung cancer. The precise etiology of IPF remains unknown, but inflammation and damage to the alveolar epithelium are widely thought to be pivotal in its development. Research has indicated that activating the NLRP3 inflammasome is a crucial mechanism in IPF pathogenesis, as it triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-18, and TGF-β. These cytokines contribute to the myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Currently, treatment options for IPF are limited. Only two FDA-approved medications, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are available. While these drugs can decelerate disease progression, they come with a range of side effects and do not cure the disease. Additional treatment strategies primarily involve supportive care and therapy. Emerging research has highlighted that numerous flavonoids derived from traditional medicines can inhibit the critical regulators responsible for activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. These flavonoids show promise as potential therapeutic agents for managing IPF, offering a new avenue for treatment that targets the core inflammatory processes of this debilitating condition.

Graphical Abstract
Preventie en gezondheid in het hoofdlijnenakkoord 2024: met de handen rechtzetten en met voeten weer omschoppen
Authors: Dierx J. A. J. 
Published: February 2025

Samenvatting
Er zijn inmiddels vele reacties gekomen op het hoofdlijnenakkoord van de nieuwe regerende partijen dat op 16 mei 2024 verschenen is. Waar de ene sector positief is, is de andere sector uiterst negatief. Tot die laatste behoort de (publieke) gezondheidszorg, wat te begrijpen is als je het hoofdlijnenakkoord alleen vanuit hoofdpunt 7 ‘Toegankelijke publieke voorzieningen, zorg en onderwijs’ beschouwt. Gezondheid wordt echter door vele factoren beïnvloed, waardoor er vanuit de andere hoofdpunten mogelijk compenserende maatregelen kunnen zijn. De conclusie van deze brede beschouwing is echter dat dit hoofdlijnenakkoord niet bijdraagt aan de gezondheid van de Nederlandse bevolking.
How do Regional Travelers Perceive Driverless Transit Services? Preliminary Insights from an Integrated Choice and Latent Variable Model
Authors: Patricio Anne S. , Santos Gonçalo Gonçalves Duarte , Antunes António Pais 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The emergence of driverless vehicles can fuel the diffusion of regional on-demand transit services by substantially decreasing their operating costs. However, these services will only be viable if a share of the population is willing to adopt them. This study investigates how regional travelers perceive driverless transit services. A survey including a stated preference experiment is developed and applied to collect data from residents in the Region of Coimbra, Central Portugal. In this experiment, respondents can choose to adopt a driverless taxi or a driverless demand-responsive transit (DRT) for a currently undertaken trip. The driverless taxi service offers private taxi trips while the driverless DRT one provides shared rides that can include a transfer to a different vehicle and a walk to a pick-up point. After the experiment, respondents are asked about their opinions on driverless vehicles and their socio-economic characteristics. The data collected is used to calibrate an Integrated Choice and Latent Variable model. The findings of this study are considered preliminary due to the limited sample size; however, they provide valuable preliminary insights on the user’s perceptions of regional driverless services. Results reveal that individuals with high income, high education, and living in municipalities with high population density are associated with a more enthusiastic perspective towards driverless vehicles. On the other hand, married people and individuals with lower incomes are more skeptical. Although passengers show interest in adopting driverless modes, they are only willing to pay one-third of what they currently pay for their current mode of transport.