bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inflammatory APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) antagonizes chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans to promote axonal growth and myelination
Authors: Ahmed Mashal Claude , Kakunuri Tejaswini , Peris Leticia , Meffre Delphine , Yilmaz Elif Nur , Grewing Laureen , Guerrero González Raquel , Manfroi Benoit , Gout Evelyne , Vivès Romain R , Fitzgerald Una , Schneider Pascal , Jafarian-Tehrani Mehrnaz , Kuhlmann Tanja , Huard Bertrand
Published: February 2025

Lesions in the CNS are frequently associated to a detrimental inflammatory reaction. In autoimmune neurodegenerative diseases, a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) produced by CNS-infiltrating inflammatory cells binds to chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs). The latter are well-established obstacles to neural regeneration and remyelination in the CNS by interacting with receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP) and Nogo receptor (NgR) families. Here, we are showing that APRIL blocks the interactions of RPTP and NgR with all types of chondroitin sulphate (CS). Functionally, APRIL neutralized the inhibitory effects of CS on mouse and human neuronal process growth. APRIL also blocked the inhibition of CS on mouse and human oligodendrocyte differentiation. Finally, APRIL increased myelination in an ex vivo organotypic model of demyelination in the presence of endogenous CSPG upregulation. Our data demonstrate the potential value for a recombinant form of soluble APRIL to achieve repair in the CNS.
Bifocal tACS over the primary sensorimotor cortices increases interhemispheric inhibition and improves bimanual dexterity
Authors: Lebihan Brooke , Mobers Lauren , Daley Shannae , Battle Ruth , Leclercq Natasia , Misic Katherine , Wansbrough Kym , Vallence Ann-Maree , Tang Alexander , Nitsche Michael , Fujiyama Hakuei
Published: February 2025

Concurrent application of transcranial alternating current stimulation over distant cortical regions has been shown to modulate functional connectivity between stimulated regions; however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated how bifocal transcranial alternating current stimulation applied over the bilateral primary sensorimotor cortices modulates connectivity between the left and right primary motor cortices (M1). Using a cross-over sham-controlled triple-blind design, 37 (27 female, age: 18 to 37 yrs) healthy participants received transcranial alternating current stimulation (1.0 mA, 20 Hz, 20 min) over the bilateral sensorimotor cortices. Before and after transcranial alternating current stimulation, functional connectivity between the left and right M1s was assessed using imaginary coherence measured via resting-state electroencephalography and interhemispheric inhibition via dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol. Additionally, manual dexterity was assessed using the Purdue pegboard task. While imaginary coherence remained unchanged after stimulation, beta (20 Hz) power decreased during the transcranial alternating current stimulation session. Bifocal transcranial alternating current stimulation but not sham strengthened interhemispheric inhibition between the left and right M1s and improved bimanual assembly performance. These results suggest that improvement in bimanual performance may be explained by modulation in interhemispheric inhibition, rather than by coupling in the oscillatory activity. As functional connectivity underlies many clinical symptoms in neurological and psychiatric disorders, these findings are invaluable in developing noninvasive therapeutic interventions that target neural networks to alleviate symptoms.
The Taxing Challenges of the State: Unveiling the Role of Fiscal and Administrative Capacity in Development
Authors: Braccioli Federica , Muñoz-Sobrado Esteban , Piolatto Amedeo , Zerbini Antoine
Published: February 2025

The growing emphasis on nation-states and their pivotal role in economic development has emerged as a central theme in contemporary economic discourse. This review examines the concept of state capacity as discussed in the economic literature, focusing on its practical implications. While the definition of state capacity remains multifaceted, this analysis delves into its economic implications. We focus primarily on the literature surrounding fiscal capacity, exploring how a state’s ability to raise and manage revenue impacts economic development and other critical economic outcomes. This review aims to shed light on the crucial role of fiscal capacity in shaping economic performance, inspiring further research and policy development in this area. (JEL codes: D72, D73, D74, E62, H11, H20, H77, and H83)
Non-invasive markers of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis following INSTI initiation in women with HIV
Authors: Yu Michael Andrew , Gerig Logan , Mehta C Christina , Musonge-Effoe Joffi , Alvarez Jessica A , Ofotokun Igho , Sheth Anandi N , Ali Mohammed K , Ziegler Thomas R , Yang Qian , Spence Amanda B , Alcaide Maria L , Dumond Julie B , Abraham Alison G , French Audrey L , Augenbraun Michael , Anastos Kathryn , Price Jennifer C , Tien Phyllis C , Lahiri Cecile D
Published: February 2025

Background

The impact of integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) on steatotic liver disease in women with HIV (WWH) is unknown.

Methods

Using data collected in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study from 2007-2020, change in Fibrosis-4 index (FIB4), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) over 5 years was compared between virologically-suppressed WWH who switched to or added an INSTI to their antiretroviral therapy (ART) and WWH remaining on non-INSTI ART. In participants with transient elastography (TE) measures, estimates of hepatic steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter, CAP), fibrosis (liver stiffness, LS), and steatohepatitis (FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase scores, FAST) were compared by group.

Results

A total of 872 WWH (323 INSTI, 549 non-INSTI) were included, and 280 (146 INSTI, 134 non-INSTI) had TE. Of these, 61% were Non-Hispanic Black; mean age was 47 years and body mass index was 31.4 kg/m2. Among non-obese women, those in the INSTI compared to the non-INSTI group had a greater increase in NFS (but not FIB4 or APRI) over time (study group*time, p=0.015). Those in the INSTI compared to non-INSTI group also had greater CAP (+25, 95%CI:0.28-49, p=0.048), LS (+1.23, 1.01-1.49, p=0.038), and FAST scores (+1.97, 1.17-3.31, p=0.011) and a 3.7 (1.2-11.4, p=0.021) greater odds of having hepatic steatosis (CAP≥248 dB/m) within 1 year of starting an INSTI.

Conclusions

Hepatic steatosis risk was increased only within the first year following INSTI initiation among WWH. Longitudinal hepatic assessments are warranted to evaluate whether these changes are associated with clinically significant liver disease.
A scoring system for diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction based on exercise echocardiography
Authors: Kagami Kazuki , Harada Tomonari , Yuasa Naoki , Tani Yuta , Murakami Fumitaka , Saito Yuki , Naito Ayami , Okuno Takahiro , Kato Toshimitsu , Takama Noriaki , Wada Naoki , Adachi Takeshi , Ishii Hideki , Obokata Masaru
Published: February 2025

Aims

Exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) is often used to identify heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in patients presenting dyspnoea. However, diagnostic criteria have not been standardized. Here, we sought to develop ESE-based criteria to diagnose HFpEF in dyspnoeic patients.

Methods and results

A total of 81 consecutive patients with dyspnoea who underwent exercise right heart catheterization and ESE were evaluated. Diagnosis of HFpEF was ascertained by directly-measured haemodynamics (61 HFpEF and 20 controls). Logistic regression analysis was applied to develop an ESE-based scoring system to diagnose HFpEF. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified resting left atrial reservoir strain < 20%, exercise septal E/e′ ratio > 13, and increases in ultrasound B-lines as independent predictors of HFpEF. A weighted score was created with these variables (the ESE score) ranging from 0 to 5. The ESE score accurately discriminated HFpEF from controls [area under the curve (AUC) 0.90, P < 0.0001], with a superior diagnostic ability to the ASE/ESCVI criteria (AUC comparison P < 0.0001). The ESE score classified the HFpEF probability into three categories (probabilities: low risk 28%, intermediate risk 59–83%, and high risk 95–99%). In a cohort of 620 dyspnoeic patients, the predictive ability of the derived score was assessed. A higher ESE score was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality or worsening HF events even after adjusting for confounders (hazard ratio; 1.17 per 1-point increase, 95% confidence intervals; 1.00–1.37, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The ESE score, which is based on three echocardiographic variables, may be an effective tool for diagnosing HFpEF on exercise echocardiography.
Low LDL cholesterol and risk of bacterial and viral infections: observational and Mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Benn Marianne , Emanuelsson Frida , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G
Published: February 2025

Aims

Low levels of LDL cholesterol may be associated with risk of infectious disease. We tested the hypothesis that low LDL cholesterol due to genetic variation in the LDLR, PCSK9, and HMGCR genes and a polygenic LDL cholesterol score is associated with risk of infectious diseases in the general population.

Methods and results

Using observational and Mendelian randomization designs, we examined associations of low plasma LDL cholesterol with risk of bacterial and viral infections in 119 805 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study/Copenhagen City Heart Study, 468 701 from the UK Biobank, and up to 376 773 from the FinnGen Research Project. Observationally, low LDL cholesterol concentrations were associated with risk of hospitalization for both bacterial and viral infections. In genetic analyses, a 1 mmol/L lower LDL cholesterol was associated with lower plasma PCSK9 {−0.55 nmol/L [95% confidence interval (CI): −1.06 to −0.05]; P = 0.03}, leucocyte count [−0.42 × 109/L (−0.61 to −0.24); P < 0.001], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [−0.44 mg/L (−0.79 to −0.09); P = 0.014]. Using an LDLR, HMGCR, and PCSK9 score, a 1 mmol/L lower LDL cholesterol was associated with risk ratios of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86–0.97; P = 0.002) for unspecified bacterial infection, of 0.92 (0.87–0.97; P = 0.004) for diarrhoeal disease, and of 1.15 (1.03–1.29; P = 0.012) for unspecified viral infections and 1.64 (1.13–2.39; P = 0.009) for HIV/AIDS. Using a polygenic LDL cholesterol score largely showed similar results and in addition a lower risk of 0.85 (0.76–0.96; P = 0.006) for bacterial pneumonia and 0.91 (0.82–0.99; P = 0.035) for sepsis.

Conclusion

Genetically low LDL cholesterol concentrations were associated with lower concentration of markers of inflammation; lower risk of hospitalization for unspecified bacterial infections, infectious diarrhoeal diseases, bacterial pneumonia, and sepsis; and higher risk of viral infections and HIV/AIDS.
Characterization of dynamic changes in cardiac microstructure after reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction by biphasic diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Rajakulasingam Ramyah , Ferreira Pedro F , Scott Andrew D , Khalique Zohya , Azzu Alessia , Molto Maria , Conway Miriam , Falaschetti Emanuela , Cheng Kevin , Hammersley Daniel J , Cantor Emily-Jane , Tindale Alexander , Beattie Catherine J , Banerjee Arjun , Wage Ricardo , Soundarajan Raj K , Dalby Miles , Nielles-Vallespin Sonia , Pennell Dudley J , de Silva Ranil
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Microstructural disturbances underlie dysfunctional contraction and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Biphasic diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT-CMR) quantifies dynamic reorientation of sheetlets (E2A) from diastole to systole during myocardial thickening, and markers of tissue integrity [mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA)]. This study investigated whether microstructural alterations identified by biphasic DT-CMR: (i) enable contrast-free detection of acute myocardial infarction (MI); (ii) associate with severity of myocardial injury and contractile dysfunction; and (iii) predict adverse LV remodelling.

Methods

Biphasic DT-CMR was acquired 4 days (n = 70) and 4 months (n = 66) after reperfused STEMI and in healthy volunteers (HVOLs) (n = 22). Adverse LV remodelling was defined as an increase in LV end-diastolic volume ≥ 20% at 4 months. MD and FA maps were compared with late gadolinium enhancement images.

Results

Widespread microstructural disturbances were detected post-STEMI. In the acute MI zone, diastolic E2A was raised and systolic E2A reduced, resulting in reduced E2A mobility (all P < .001 vs. adjacent and remote zones and HVOLs). Acute global E2A mobility was the only independent predictor of adverse LV remodelling (odds ratio .77; 95% confidence interval .63–.94; P = .010). MD and FA maps had excellent sensitivity and specificity (all > 90%) and interobserver agreement for detecting MI presence and location.

Conclusions

Biphasic DT-CMR identifies microstructural alterations in both diastole and systole after STEMI, enabling detection of MI presence and location as well as predicting adverse LV remodelling. DT-CMR has potential to provide a single contrast-free modality for MI detection and prognostication of patients after acute STEMI.
The telomere-to-telomere genome of flowering cherry (Prunus campanulata) reveals genomic evolution of the subgenus Cerasus
Authors: Jiang Dongyue , Li Yingang , Zhuge Fei , Zhou Qi , Zong Wenjin , Liu Xinhong , Shen Xin
Published: February 2025

Background

Prunus campanulata, a species of ornamental cherry, holds significant genetic and horticultural value. Despite the availability of various cherry genomes, a fully resolved telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assembly for this species has been lacking. Recent advancements in long-read sequencing technologies have made it possible to generate gap-free genome assemblies, providing comprehensive insights into genomic structures that were previously inaccessible.

Findings

We present the first T2T genome assembly for P. campanulata “Lianmeiren” (v2.0), achieved through the integration of PacBio HiFi, ultra-long Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Illumina, and Hi-C sequencing. The assembly resulted in a highly contiguous genome with a total size of 266.23 Mb and a contig N50 of 31.6 Mb. The genome exhibits remarkable completeness (98.9% BUSCO) and high accuracy (quality value of 48.75). Additionally, 13 telomeres and putative centromere regions were successfully identified across the 8 pseudochromosomes. Comparative analysis with the previous v1.0 assembly revealed 336,943 single nucleotide polymorphisms, 107,521 indels, and 1,413 structural variations, along with the annotation of 1,402 new genes.

Conclusions

This T2T genome assembly of P. campanulata “Lianmeiren” provides a critical reference for understanding the genetic architecture of the species. It enhances our ability to study structural variations, gene function, and evolutionary biology within the Prunus genus.
NHE3 Controls Proliferation and Migration of Colonic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bernardazzi Claudio , Saha Tultul , Gurney Michael A , Laubitz Daniel , Dey Pujarini Dutta , Masannat Tarek , Sheikh Irshad Ali , Midura-Kiela Monica T , Ghishan Fayez K , Kiela Pawel R
Published: February 2025

Background

In the gut, Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3; SLC9A3) plays important roles in pH regulation, absorption of Na+, and indirectly of other nutrients. NHE3-deficient mice develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like dysbiosis and spontaneous colitis, and rare mutations in the SLC9A3 gene may confer a risk factor for very early-onset IBD. However, the roles of NHE3 in the epithelial cell functions beyond the canonical ion transport, especially in the face of injury, remain poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of NHE3 in colonic epithelial cell proliferation and migration during wound healing.

Methods

Colonic organoids from NHE3+/+ and NHE3−/− mice and SK-CO-15 cells with shRNA-mediated NHE3 knockdown (NHE3KD) were used to assess the intrinsic role of NHE3 in cellular proliferation, migration, wound healing, adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), activation status of focal adhesion kinase (pFAKY397), and in gene transcription.

Results

NHE3−/− colonoids showed increased cell proliferation and reduced ECM adhesion. NHE3−/− colonoids and NHE3KD cells showed increased spontaneous motility, enhanced migration in serum gradient, and in 2 models of wound healing. This was associated with FAK and Src activation and modulation of genes associated with cell–cell interactions, cell–ECM interactions, and the formation of focal adhesions. Inhibition of FAK autophosphorylation eliminated the effect of NHE3 deficiency on cell migration.

Conclusions

Inhibition of NHE3, unconfounded by chronic inflammatory or microbial pressure, may represent a permissible mechanism beneficial to the host by modulating cellular plasticity and promoting epithelial wound healing. These unexpected results provide a novel insight into the pleiotropic roles of NHE3 in mucosal homeostasis.
Environment-driven trends in larval abundance predict fishery recruitment in two saltwater basses
Authors: Jarvis Mason Erica T , Watson William , Ward Eric J , Thompson Andrew R , Semmens Brice X
Published: February 2025

Environmental and biological factors influencing fish larvae can drive fishery cohort strength, yet larval abundance is typically a better indicator of spawning biomass. Under a changing ocean, studies that explore the relationships between environmental variables, larval abundance, and fishery recruitment remain valuable areas for ongoing research. We focus on a popular, recreational-only, multispecies saltwater bass fishery (genus Paralabrax) whose population status and recovery potential are uncertain. We resolved Paralabrax spp. larval data to species over a 54-year period (1963–2016) and used species distribution models to (i) generate and test species-specific standardized indices of larval abundance as indicators of adult stock status and fishery recruitment and (ii) evaluate long-term spatiotemporal trends in their population dynamics relative to environmental variables and climate forcing. Contrary to initial hypotheses, species-specific larval abundance predicted future catches, with higher recent larval abundances suggesting potential for fishery recovery. Temperature, zooplankton biomass, and isothermal depth were important predictors of bass larval abundance, indicating these variables could also be valuable for predicting fishery recruitment and anticipating population change. Our findings paint a path forward towards a more ecosystem-based fishery management approach for this important fishery and may serve as a template for data- or assessment-limited fisheries.
Misinterpreting retrospective patterns in fishery stock assessment
Authors: Cadrin Steven X
Published: February 2025

Estimates of stock size for a specific year change when a new year of data is added to a stock assessment model, and some assessments exhibit a unidirectional pattern to these retrospective differences. Assuming that the most recent stock assessment is the most reliable, retrospective patterns are often misinterpreted as a measure of estimation bias that can be corrected. The logical fallacy of this interpretation is exposed when another new year of data is added, and the estimates that were assumed to be true are now considered to be biased. True values of estimated parameters are needed to infer bias. For example, simulation-estimation experiments can produce retrospective patterns from misspecified estimation models that assume time-varying processes are stationary. These simulations show that retrospective patterns are not a reliable measure of bias, and retrospective adjustments may be further from true values. Therefore, the terminology of retrospective “bias” and “correction” is misleading. Retrospective patterns can be an informative diagnostic to identify and confront model misspecification, and if retrospective patterns cannot be reduced with respecified models, they can be communicated as measure of uncertainty for consideration in the precautionary management.
Scholactivism in the service of counter-populism: The case of constitutional overhaul in Israel
Authors: Bar-Siman-Tov Ittai , Hostovsky Brandes Tamar , Lieblich Eliav , Roznai Yaniv , Shinar Adam
Published: February 2025

This article examines the role that legal scholars in Israel played with respect to the constitutional overhaul promoted by Israel’s thirty-seventh government, during the period between November 2022 and September 2023. Members of the legal academia in Israel, including the authors of this article, took an active part in resisting the overhaul, engaging in a wide array of activities that draw on their professional knowledge and status. These activities included collective activism through the publishing of position papers, giving community talks, collaborating with other parts of the protest movement, providing media commentary, writing op-eds, taking part in political negotiations, and engaging in outreach to the international legal community and international institutions. The article examines this activity in the context of the scholarship on “scholactivism,” and addresses the critique that scholactivism may compromise the role of the scholar to disseminate knowledge and seek the truth. After reviewing the constitutional overhaul and the activities undertaken by legal scholars, the article argues that in the context of counter-populism, the activist goal of fighting populism aligns with, rather than contradicts, the scholarly goals of disseminating knowledge and seeking the truth. Furthermore, when constitutional law is the modus operandi of populist leaders, legal scholars have a unique role in identifying manipulations and threats and explaining them to the public. Nonetheless, the article also examines the risks associated with legal scholars’ activism, including potential threats to the integrity of scholarship and the status of scholars. It offers strategies for mitigating these risks and assessing them against the threats at hand.
Molecular Characterization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Elderly Patients During the 2023–2024 Season in the Era of Nirsevimab Introduction
Authors: Caillault Amandine , Softic Laurent , Bay Pierre , Ly Arnaud , Soulier Alexandre , Melica Giovanna , Rodriguez Christophe , de Prost Nicolas , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Fourati Slim
Published: February 2025

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe infections in elderly individuals. Nirsevimab is a novel prophylactic monoclonal antibody, widely used in infants in France during the 2023–2024 season. It may select for resistant RSV variants that, if transmitted in the community, could compromise vaccine efficacy in the elderly. In this study, we analyzed RSV full-length genomes (68% RSV-A, 32% RSV-B) from 125 patients aged >60 years during the 2023–2024 season. Genetic diversity of RSV-F site Ø was low, with no resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) detected. While no RASs were identified, ongoing monitoring is essential to prevent the emergence of resistant variants that could affect vaccine efficacy in the elderly.
Characterization of c-Src During Listeria monocytogenes Cell-to-Cell Spreading
Authors: McLeod Petra A , Dhanda Aaron S , Guttman Julian A
Published: February 2025

Listeria monocytogenes replicates within host cells and spreads from cell to cell using actin-based motility. Cell-to-cell movement of L. monocytogenes is achieved by creating actin-rich membrane protrusions (listeriopods), which generate corresponding invaginations in adjacent cells through caveolin-mediated endocytosis. We show that c-Src, a multifunctional tyrosine kinase, is enriched at invaginations and is crucial for efficient cell-to-cell spreading of the bacteria as cells expressing c-Src mutants that were either constitutively active or those that impeded the function of c-Src resulted in significantly more (or less) cell-to-cell spreading. This work demonstrates the importance of c-Src in influencing L. monocytogenes’ ability to spread intercellularly.
Prevalence and contributing factors of intravenous medication administration errors in emergency departments: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tan Shirlyn , Teh Lih Jiuan , Mohd Mokhtaruddin Safura , Henry Basil Josephine
Published: February 2025

Background

Medication administration in busy emergency departments (EDs) presents significant challenges due to the high-pressure environment and complexity of processes. Medication administration errors (MAEs) are a critical concern as they can severely impact patient safety and increase healthcare costs. Understanding the prevalence and underlying factors contributing to intravenous MAEs is essential for enhancing patient care and improving hospital services. This study aims to explore and measure the frequency of intravenous MAEs in EDs and identify factors contributing to these errors during their preparation and administration.

Methods

This prospective study utilized the direct observation technique where the preparation and administration of 222 intravenous medications were observed in the EDs of two hospitals in Malaysia. Information on medication preparation, administration, and other procedures was recorded. Error rates were calculated, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors contributing to intravenous MAEs.

Results

MAEs were detected in 83.3% (185/222) of the observed medications affecting 86.7% (124/143) patients. Among these, a total of 240 MAEs were identified, with the most common being wrong rate of administration (55.8%), wrong preparation technique (20.8%), and omission error (11.7%). Alimentary tract and metabolism medications accounted for the highest proportion of MAEs (52.0%), followed by anti-infective medications (21.7%) and nervous system medications (15.4%). Excluding wrong time errors reduced the error rate to 80.2% (178/222). Nonverbal orders and inadequate or absence of labelling were significantly associated with MAEs, while factors such as the complexity of preparations, working shift, experience, and high-alert medications showed no significant associations.

Conclusion

The study highlighted a high prevalence of intravenous MAEs in EDs. Nonverbal orders and inadequacy in labelling of medications were significant contributing factors to MAEs in the ED. Implementing an admixture labelling policy, comprehensive training programmes, strict enforcement of existing guidelines and protocols through regular audits, establishing nonpunitive error reporting system, and technological solutions where financially feasible are crucial for mitigating these errors to promote patient safety.
Developing and validating a Global Trigger Tool for assessing frequency, level of harm, and preventability of adverse drug events in pediatric inpatients units
Authors: Gutkind Amit , Toren Amos , Somech Raz , Bezalel Yael , Loebstein Ronen , Edden Yair , Oberman Bernice , Zimlichman Eyal
Published: February 2025

Background

Medications are a major cause of harm to patients in hospitals, and several studies have found that they cause approximately 20% of injuries that occur in medical institutions. It was found that the rate of adverse drug events (ADEs) in pediatric hospitalizations ranges from 11 to 40 events per 100 hospitalizations and 1% of cases caused death.

Objectives

This is a comparative and retrospective study. The overarching objective is to adapt the Pediatric Trigger Tool (PTT) of the “Child Health Corporation of America” to pediatric wards in Israel, with the intention of using it to assess the rate of adverse events that occur during medication given in pediatric wards. The study characterized ADEs and examined the ability of the PTT to identify ADEs in relation to those that were voluntarily reported by the staff.

Method

This study included internal and surgical pediatric wards at an academic pediatric medical center. The PTT was validated on medical record data from 700 hospitalizations between the years 2015 and 2017. The study also determined, among other things: the stage of drug administration at which the events occurred, the percentage of all events that could have been prevented, the degrees of damage the ADE caused and more.

Results

The Positive Predictive Value of the customized tool stands at 16.91%. The study found 108 ADEs in 78 hospitalizations. The ADE rate per 100 hospitalizations was 15.4, the ADE rate per 1000 drug doses was 3.9, and the ADE rate per 1000 hospitalization days was 22.8, of which 18.5% were preventable. The category of drugs that led to the highest number of ADEs was painkillers. Those ADEs led to a large number of adverse clinical effects: constipation, hypokalemia, vomiting, and rash. The most common reason for coming to the hospital was suspicion or treatment of a hematologic disease, followed by hospitalization due to a burn. The customized tool found 10.8 times more ADEs than those reported voluntarily-subjectively by the clinical staff.

Conclusions

The study found that, properly adapted, the PTT tool can be used to detect ADEs in internal and surgical pediatric wards.
Party Time: Entering the Lifeworlds and Career Trajectories of Chinese Transnational Professionals in Africa
Authors: Bunskoek Raoul , Hönke Jana
Published: February 2025

The literature on transnational professionals (TPs) focuses on transnational structures and practices that are professionally defined. In this article, we start with the observation that Chinese TP lifeworlds in Africa diverge significantly from the ones described in the TP literature. We argue that TP lifeworlds “beyond the Anglosphere” and the practices they produce require more attention to understand the future of transnational governance in a polycentric world. The article analyzes Chinese professionals who work in state-owned and private enterprises in Africa; what is considered competent practice and how promotions occur in this context; and discusses these professionals’ limited autonomy from the state—different from a core assumption on which theories about the power of professionals and their practices in international relations are based. It shows that Chinese TPs rarely advance model practices in their field. They find themselves in expert sectors in Africa because they are made to go there, and apart from (mixed) professional credentials must demonstrate modesty, loyalty and patriotism in order to fit in and advance their careers in global China. Thus more context-sensitive theorizing is needed that considers variation in the role and autonomy of professions and their expertise in constituting community and transnational practices. Theoretically, we bring together literatures on Chinese cadres and corporate professionals with the literature on TPs for the first time. Empirically, the analysis is based on interviews with Chinese corporate professionals in Zambia and East Asia, and an analysis of secondary literature on Chinese companies and professionals operating in Africa more broadly.
Entangled Narratives: Insights from Social and Computer Sciences on National Artificial Intelligence Infrastructures
Authors: Singh J P , Shehu Amarda , Dua Manpriya , Wesson Caroline
Published: February 2025

How do countries narrate their values and priorities in artificial intelligence infrastructures in comparative national and global contexts? This paper analyzes the policies governing national and regional artificial intelligence infrastructures to advance an understanding of “entangled narratives” in global affairs. It does so by utilizing artificial intelligence techniques that assist with generalizability and model building without sacrificing granularity. In particular, the machine learning and natural language processing big data models used alongside some process-tracing demonstrate the ways artificial intelligence infrastructural plans diverge, cluster, and transform along several topical dimensions in comparative contexts. The paper's entangled narrative approach adds to international relations (IR) theorizing about infrastructural narratives and technological diffusion. We provide patterned and granular results at various levels, which challenge and refine existing theories that attribute differences in infrastructures and technological adoption to geopolitical competition and imitation, top-down or linear international diffusion effects, and differences in political systems.
Different vitamin D supplementation strategies impact serum vitamin D concentrations and the mRNA expression of genes related to vitamin D metabolism, mitochondria respiration, redox balance, and immune system in weanling piglets
Authors: Dalto Danyel Bueno , Audet Isabelle , Roy Caroline , Villeneuve Geneviève , Matte J Jacques , Lapointe Jérôme
Published: February 2025

This study compared the effects of different vitamin D supplementation strategies to pre- and post-weaning piglets on vitamin D metabolism and health-related parameters. Sixty Yorkshire-Landrace × Duroc suckling piglets were selected at the first day of age and randomly assigned to one of two vitamin D supplementation strategies (n = 30 pigs per treatment): CTR – oral saline at days 2, 8 and 21 of age and, from weaning (day 21), in-feed supplementation with 2000 IU of vitamin D as cholecalciferol; and VD - oral 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) solution at days 2, 8 and 21 of age plus 15-minute exposure to UVB light every second day from day 14 until day 21 and, from weaning, in-feed supplementation with 2000 IU of vitamin D as 25(OH)D3. Piglets were slaughtered (n = 10 pigs per treatment/day) at days 21 (before start in-feed experimental diets), 28 and 35 and blood and tissues samples (jejunum, liver and kidney) were collected. Body weight, concentrations of serum 25(OH)D3 and jejunum, liver, and kidney mRNA expression of genes related to vitamin D, antioxidant system, and immune defense were measured. Body weight was not affected by treatments (P ≥ 0.34). Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were greater for VD piglets at day 21, 28 and 35 (P < 0.01). No effect of treatment was detected (P ≥ 0.14) for mRNA expression in the jejunum mucosa. In the liver of VD piglets, mRNA expressions of genes related to the antioxidant system were lower at day 21 (NDUFB2) and at day 28 (BNIP3, GPX4, and MSRA) (P ≤ 0.10). The mRNA analysis in kidney during the overall period detected higher expression of genes related to the mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation (COX17, NDUFB2, and NDUFB6) in VD groups compared to CTR (P ≤ 0.09). The expression of CYP27B1 in kidney was higher at day 28 and CYP24A1 was lower at day 21 but higher at day 35 for VD animals. In conclusion, during the pre-weaning period, dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation combined with UVB exposure was effective in increasing serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations at weaning whereas in the post-weaning period dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation at 2000 IU/kg was more efficient then dietary cholecalciferol at similar levels. The overall results indicate that 2000 IU of vitamin D/kg of diet, independently of source, may be enough to improve the vitamin D status of post-weaning piglets. However, the use of dietary 25(OH)D3 may promote a better modulation of vitamin D metabolism and redox balance.
On the bi-periodic (k,s)—Jacobsthal numbers via the Fibonacci–Hörner decomposition of matrix powers
Authors: Rachidi Mustapha , Yilmaz Fatih
Published: February 2025

In this paper we investigate a matrix formulation of the sequence of bi-periodic $(k,s)-$Jacobsthal numbers. The Fibonacci–Hörner and the Jordan form decompositions for computing the matrix powers are used for providing the linear and the combinatorial formulas, as well as the Binet formulas of the bi-periodic $(k,s)-$Jacobsthal numbers. Illustrative special cases are studied.
Time-of-day changes in permethrin susceptibility and metabolic gene expression in Florida Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Schluep Sierra M , Chen Tse-Yu , Whitehead Shelley A , Buckner Eva A
Published: February 2025

Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) is the principal mosquito vector for many of the most medically significant arboviruses that threaten global public health. A better understanding of time-of-day variation in insecticide resistance mediated by detoxifying enzymes in Ae. aegypti could allow for targeted insecticide applications when susceptibility is highest and the upregulation of detoxification enzymes is lowest. Using a susceptible and metabolically resistant field Ae. aegypti strain from Florida, we investigated simulated photoperiodic changes in permethrin susceptibility and upregulation of detoxification enzymes by measuring permethrin LD50 and expression of detoxification genes (GSTE7, GSTE2, CCEae3A, CYP9J28, and CYPBB2) for both strains every 4 h over a 24 h (12:12 h light: dark) cycle. We found that in both Ae. aegypti strains, permethrin susceptibility was lower during the day as compared to evening, with susceptibility lowest at dusk (18:00) and highest between 02:00 and 14:00. Although no significant changes in gene expression over time were observed in the susceptible Ae. aegypti strain, we documented increased expression of all investigated detoxification genes in the metabolically resistant field Ae. aegypti strain during the night (18:00 to 02:00) as compared to the day (06:00 to 14:00). These data suggest that permethrin applications made between midnight and dawn (06:00) may be more effective against Ae. aegypti as compared to applications made at dusk (approximately 18:00).
End-of-life care quality for American Indians with cancer
Authors: Emerson Marc A , Spees Lisa P , Jackson Bradford E , Fariman Soroush , Begay Joel , Morris Hayley N , Salas Ana I , Baggett Christopher D , Akinyemiju Tomi , Bell Ronny A , Wheeler Stephanie B
Published: February 2025

Background

American Indians experience disparities in cancer outcomes. Little is known about the quality of end-of-life care in American Indian patients with cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed end-of-life care for North Carolina patients who died (decedents) diagnosed with any cancer between 2003 and 2018 using the Cancer Information & Population Health Resource. Measures of end-of-life care quality were informed by existing literature and included in-hospital death, hospice use, and other health-care utilization within the last 30 days of life. Associations between race and ethnicity and end-of-life outcomes were evaluated to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs). Because within-group heterogeneity can influence health outcomes and intervention effectiveness, we also evaluated associations among American Indian individuals only.

Results

We identified 163 285 (1769 American Indian and 161 516 White) decedents. The majority (60%) of American Indian individuals lived in a geographic area characterized by non–federally recognized tribes. American Indian decedents had greater proportions of rural residence than White decedents (54.5% American Indian vs 30.4% White) and dual-Medicaid/Medicare enrollment (37.4% American Indian vs 17.7% White). Compared with White decedents, American Indian decedents had increased hospital admission (adjusted RR = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06 to 1.15), intensive care unit admission (adjusted RR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.32), and more than 1 emergency department visit (adjusted RR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.20 to 1.44) in the last 30 days of life. We observed statistically significant within-group variation in end-of-life care quality among American Indian patients.

Conclusions

Structural barriers to care and rurality may contribute to lower-quality end-of-life care among American Indian decedents compared with White patients. High-quality, culturally appropriate end-of-life care will require a better understanding of care decision-making and access.
Prognostic implications of risk definitions from the monarchE and NATALEE trials
Authors: Arecco Luca , Blondeaux Eva , Bruzzone Marco , Arpino Grazia , De Angelis Carmine , De Laurentiis Michelino , Caputo Roberta , Fabi Alessandra , Sanna Valeria , Gori Stefania , Puglisi Fabio , Boni Luca , Nardin Simone , Giannubilo Irene , Perachino Marta , Borea Roberto , Agostinetto Elisa , de Azambuja Evandro , Lambertini Matteo , Del Mastro Lucia
Published: February 2025

Background

The monarchE and NATALEE trials employed different high-risk inclusion criteria. Main objective is to assess prognostic differences based on their inclusion criteria.

Methods

Patients with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer enrolled in the phase III MIG1, GIM2, and GIM3 trials were categorized as high-risk cohort (HRC) and low-risk cohort (LRC) according to the inclusion criteria of monarchE and NATALEE trials. Subsequently, they were further classified in three different cohorts

concordant LRC (low-risk for both trials), discordant risk cohort (high-risk for only one trial), and concordant HRC (high-risk for both trials). Main outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Among 4,795 patients included, 1,343 (28.0%) and 2,689 (56.1%) were classified as HRC according to the monarchE and NATALEE, respectively.
Fuzzy labelling semantics for quantitative argumentation
Authors: Wang Zongshun , Shen Yuping
Published: February 2025

Abstract argumentation is a well-studied model for evaluating arguments. Recently, evaluating argument strength in quantitative argumentation has received increasing attention, in which arguments are evaluated through acceptability degree. However, argument strength solely defined on acceptability degree appears not sufficient in practical applications. In this paper, we provide a novel quantitative method called fuzzy labelling for fuzzy argumentation systems, in which a triple of acceptability, rejectability and undecidability degrees is used to evaluate argument strength. Such a setting sheds new light on defining argument strength and provides a deeper understanding of the status of arguments. Specifically, we investigate the postulates of fuzzy labelling, which present the rationality requirements for semantics concerning the acceptability, rejectability and undecidability degrees. We then propose a class of fuzzy labelling semantics conforming to the above postulates and investigate the properties. Finally, we demonstrate that fuzzy labelling semantics can be considered both a conservative generalization of classical labelling semantics and a labelling version of fuzzy extension semantics.
The responsibility function: symposium introduction
Authors: Pottage Alain
Published: February 2025

This article introduces a symposium with contributions from Hans-Jörg Rheinberger, Naomi Oreskes, Thomas Scheffer, Andreas Folkers and Nadine Marquardt, Paul N Edwards, and Andrew Lang.
UV Autofluorescence Microscopy of Jaw Ground Sections from Seymouria, Broili, 1904, Reveals Clots in Vascular Canals
Authors: Armitage Mark H
Published: February 2025

Blood clots found in 40-micron thick sections prepared from the jaws of several tetrapods collected from Richards Spur fissure fills deposits near Fort Sill, OK are described. Clots were examined with brightfield, polarized, and ultraviolet autofluorescence microscopy. Clots formed a tight junction with the hydroxyapatite walls of the bone and were often present in adjoining Volkmann canals. It is believed that the clots were formed by trauma related to asphyxiation, leading to death.
Use, Benefits, and Barriers to Financial and Credit Counseling Among Veterans According to Financial Counselors and Other Subject Matter Experts
Authors: Kinney Rebecca L , Hooshyar Dina , Tsai Jack
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Over a million U.S. veterans report an income below the poverty line. The Veterans Affairs (VA) offers financial literacy and money management education to promote veterans’ economic well-being. This study examined perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to economic resources among financial providers and experts serving veterans.

Methods

This study implemented a VA Redcap survey constructed of closed-ended and open-ended questions to examine perceptions of financial programs. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the close-ended responses; qualitative analysis was performed on the open-ended responses.

Results

A total of 269 subject matter experts responded to the survey. Fifty-nine percent (n = 158) of respondents reported that financial counseling and education for veterans takes place outside of their local VA. Most frequently used services included financial coaching (46%; n = 124), assistance in attaining other sources of income (44%; n = 118), establishing a bank account (25%; n = 67), group financial education (23%; n = 62), and providing representative payee or conservator (19%; n = 51). Barriers to financial counseling and education exist with a lack of program awareness (70%; n = 188) and eligibility (66%; n = 178) being most often reported.

Conclusion

Financial and money management interventions produce positive outcomes but should consider more effective modes in which to extend reach, education, and build trusting relationships in effort to increase financial stability and quality of life among low-income veterans.
The evolution of [O iii] + Hβ equivalent width from z ≃ 3−8: implications for the production and escape of ionizing photons during reionization
Authors: Begley R , McLure R J , Cullen F , McLeod D J , Dunlop J S , Carnall A C , Stanton T M , Shapley A E , Cochrane R , Donnan C T , Ellis R S , Fontana A , Grogin N A , Koekemoer A M
Published: February 2025

Accurately quantifying the ionizing photon production efficiency ($\xi _\mathrm{ion}$) of $z\gtrsim 6$ star-forming galaxies (SFGs) is necessary to fully understand their contribution to reionization. In this study, we investigate the ionizing properties of $N=279$ SFGs selected at $z\simeq 6.9-7.6$ from two of the largest JWST Cycle-1 imaging programmes; PRIMER (Public Release IMaging for Extragalactic Research) and JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES). We use bagpipes to consistently infer the equivalent widths ($W_{\lambda }$) of their [O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$ emission lines and their physical properties. To supplement this sample, we measure $W_{\lambda }$([O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$) photometrically for $N=253$$z_{\mathrm{spec}}=3.2-3.6$ SFGs selected from the VANDELS spectroscopic survey. Comparing these samples, we find a strong apparent redshift evolution in their median $W_{\lambda }$([O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$), increasing from $W_{\lambda }$([O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$)$=380\pm 30$ Å in VANDELS to $W_{\lambda }$([O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$)$=540\pm 25$ Å in PRIMER$+$JADES. Concentrating on the JWST sample ($z\gtrsim 7$), we find that $W_{\lambda }$([O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$) correlates with stellar mass and ultraviolet (UV) luminosity, with high-mass, $M_{\mathrm{UV}}$-faint galaxies producing systematically weaker emission lines. Moreover, we discover a departure from the standard lognormal shape of the $W_{\lambda }$([O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$) distribution, with a more pronounced tail towards lower $W_{\lambda }$([O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$), consistent with increasingly bursty star formation. Using $W_{\lambda }$([O iii] + $\mathrm{H\, \beta }$) as a proxy for $\xi _\mathrm{ion}$, and UV spectral slope as a proxy for Lyman-continuum escape ($f_\mathrm{esc}^\mathrm{LyC}$), we uncover a minority of galaxies with high $\xi _\mathrm{ion}$ and $f_\mathrm{esc}^\mathrm{LyC}$ (e.g. $\mathrm{log}(\xi _\mathrm{ion}/\mathrm{erg^{-1}Hz})\simeq 25.6$ and $f_\mathrm{esc}^\mathrm{LyC}$$\simeq 0.15$). However, we find the ionizing photon budget at $z\gtrsim 7$ is dominated by galaxies with more moderate output, close to the median values of $\mathrm{log}(\xi _\mathrm{ion}/\mathrm{erg^{-1}Hz})\simeq 25.3$ and $f_\mathrm{esc}^\mathrm{LyC}$$\simeq 0.05$. Our results are consistent with estimates for the number of ionizing photons required to power reionization at $z\gtrsim 7$, with no evidence for over or underproduction.