bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oversized total talar prosthesis enhances the ankle stability after total talus replacement by finite element analysis
Authors: Li Hao , Xie Haitao , Kang Shujing , Xu Kuixue , Xie Meiming , Xie Haiqiong , Cai Xu , Wei Kai
Published: February 2025

Total talar replacement (TTR) with an additively manufactured personalized total talar prosthesis (TTP) is an emerging treatment for ankle disorders. However, how to enhance the ankle stability after TTR, which usually raises the ankle instability, has not been explored. this study constructed a set of specific numerical models to investigate the effects of TTR and oversized TTPs on the ankle stability, including inversion, eversion, and anterior stability. The oversized TTPs include TTP-FP1.5 and TTP-FP3 scaled the identical TTP0 by 1.5% and 3.0% along the frontal axis, and TTP-VP1.5 and TTP-VP3 scaled TTP0 by 1.5% and 3.0% along the vertical axis. The numerical results identify that under varus/valgus force, the TTP-FP1.5 and TTP-FP3 produce smaller talar tilt angles compared with that of TTP0, as the inversion and eversion stability are significantly enhanced. Furthermore, TTP-VP1.5 and TTP-VP3 can provide larger contact force to the tibia, providing better anterior stability under anterior drawer force. Additionally, the increased contact force of TTP-VP1.5 and TTP-VP3 with the tibial cartilage enhances the eversion stability. Besides, the increase of TTP size along the vertical axis will weaken the inversion stability under low loads, as this scaling might have compromised the stability of the subtalar joint. The present numerical study systematically investigates the effect of different ways of increasing TTP size on ankle stability after TTP.
A REVIEW OF SECONDARY COMBUSTION ON TURBINE BLADE COOLING
Authors: Ngwenya Tinashe , Nava Antonino , Ireland Peter
Published: February 2025

Film cooling is used extensively to cool the hot surfaces and extend the life of the gas turbine's hot end components. In some modern and future engines, the average turbine inlet temperature (TIT) is increased to about 2,400K and the length of the combustor is reduced. The TIT is increased to improve the thermal efficiency while the combustor is shortened to increase the thrust-to-weight ratio. Both developments are meant to reduce the fuel and operational costs of the power plant. Increasing TIT to above 1,850K CO2 dissociation starts to compete with CO oxidation. Shortening the combustor reduces the fuel residence time and increases the likelihood of UHCs entering the turbine. When CO and UHCs enter the turbine, they could react with the cooling air, potentially increasing the blade metal temperature. An increase of about 30K can reduce the blade life by half: secondary combustion of reactive species entering the turbine section could lead to serious durability concerns. In a review of the literature, it was found that an estimated 10% of fuel energy is available for combustion in the turbine section and a maximum heat flux augmentation of 18% due to secondary combustion occurs. Secondary combustion in the turbine components is reviewed through a discussion of the analysis of reactive film cooling, developments driving the need to develop an in-depth understanding of reactive film cooling, scaling of reaction kinetics and heat release potential, performance of cooling hole geometries and configurations and mitigation strategies.
Come together, right now
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: February 2025

The chaos, conflicting information, firings, and hurtful rhetoric of the Trump administration’s approach to science over the past month are causing anxiety, grief, and concern for the scientific community in the United States. The dramatic events are reverberating around the globe, especially among international scientific collaborators. Not surprisingly, scientists in the US and around the world do not agree on the best approach to preserve science during this onslaught. A diversity of thought has always been a strength of the scientific enterprise but at the same time, there are principles around which all scientists unite—those of evidence, independence, process, and inclusion. These common values must now propel everyone in the scientific community to work together as never before to stand up for science. Although the individual messages and actions of the various players might seem inadequate on their own, it is their collective power that matters.
Exploring the structure and assembly of seagrass microbial communities in rhizosphere and phyllosphere
Authors: Li Xinqi , Wang Hongzhen , Zang Yu , Xue Song , Xin Jiayi , Liu Lei , Tang Xuexi , Chen Jun
Published: February 2025

Microbial community assembly and interactions are pivotal research areas within microbial ecology, yet relevant studies in seagrass rhizospheres and phyllosphere remain relatively scarce. In this study, we utilized high-throughput sequencing technology to investigate the microbial communities in different periods and microhabitats (rhizosphere and phyllosphere) of two seagrass species (
Zostera marina
and
Phyllospadix iwatensis
). Our findings suggest that microhabitats have a more pronounced impact on the composition of seagrass-associated microbial communities compared to periods and species. Further investigations reveal that the phyllosphere microbial community exhibits a more intricate co-occurrence network and interactions than the rhizosphere microbial community. Keystone taxa show distinct functional roles in different microhabitats of seagrasses. Additionally, we observed that differences in seagrass microhabitats influence community assembly, with the rhizosphere microbial community being more influenced by deterministic processes (heterogeneous selection) compared to the phyllosphere. These findings contribute to our understanding of the intricate interactions between seagrasses and their associated microbial communities, providing valuable insights into their distribution patterns and microhabitat preferences.

IMPORTANCE

Studying the community structure and assembly of different microhabitats in seagrass beds contributes to revealing the complexity and dynamic processes of seagrass ecosystems. In the rhizosphere microhabitat of seagrasses, microbial communities may assist in disease resistance or enhance nutrient uptake efficiency in seagrasses. On the other hand, in the microhabitat on the surface of seagrass blades, microorganisms may be closely associated with the physiological functions and nutrient cycling of seagrass blades. Therefore, understanding the structure and assembly mechanisms of rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbial communities is crucial for exploring the interactions between seagrass and microbial communities, as well as for enhancing our comprehension of the stability and resilience of seagrass bed ecosystems.
Structural basis of receptor-binding adaptation of human-infecting H3N8 influenza A virus
Authors: Hao Tianjiao , Xie Yufeng , Chai Yan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Di , Qi Jianxun , Shi Yi , Song Hao , Gao George F.
Published: February 2025

Recent avian-origin H3N8 influenza A virus (IAV) that have infected humans pose a potential public health concern. Alterations in the viral surface glycoprotein, hemagglutinin (HA), are typically required for IAVs to cross the species barrier for adaptation to a new host, but whether H3N8 has adapted to infect humans remains elusive. The observation of a degenerative codon in position 228 of HA in human H3N8 A/Henan/4-10/2022 protein sequence, which could be residue G or S, suggests a dynamic viral adaptation for human infection. Previously, we found this human-isolated virus has shown the ability to transmit between ferrets via respiratory droplets, with the HA-G228S substitution mutation emerging as a critical determinant for the airborne transmission of the virus in ferrets. Here, we investigated the receptor-binding properties of these two H3N8 HAs. Our results showed H3N8 HAs have dual receptor-binding properties with a preference for avian receptor binding, and G228S slightly increased binding to human receptors. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of the two H3N8 HAs with avian and human receptor analogs revealed the basis for dual receptor binding. Mutagenesis studies reveal that the Q226L mutation shifts H3N8 HA’s receptor preference from avian to human, while the G228S substitution enhances binding to both receptor types. H3N8 exhibits distinct antigenic sites compared to H3N2, prompting concerns regarding vaccine efficacy. These findings suggest that the current H3N8 human isolates are yet to adapt for efficient human-to-human transmission and further continuous surveillance should be implemented.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza virus transmission remains a public health concern currently. H3N8 subtype influenza A viruses infect humans and their HAs acquire the ability to bind to both human and avian receptors, posing a threat to human health. We have solved and analyzed the structural basis of dual receptor binding of recently human-infecting H3N8 HA, and we demonstrate that the G228S enhances human receptor binding and adaptation. We also found that HN/4-10 H3N8 HA has distinct antigenic sites, which challenges vaccine efficacy. Taken together, our work is critical to the prevention and control of human H3 influenza virus infection.
(p)ppGpp and DksA play a crucial role in reducing the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics by modulating bacterial membrane permeability
Authors: Chawla Meenal , Verma Jyoti , Kumari Shashi , Matta Tushar , Senapati Tarosi , Babele Prabhakar , Kumar Yashwant , Bhadra Rupak K. , Das Bhabatosh
Published: February 2025

The key signaling molecules in the bacterial stress-sensing pathway, the alarmone (p)ppGpp and the transcription factor DksA, play a crucial role in bacterial survival during nutritional deprivation and exposure to xenobiotics by modulating cellular metabolic pathways. In
Vibrio cholerae
, (p)ppGpp metabolism is solely linked with the functions of three proteins: RelA, SpoT, and RelV. The effects of threshold or elevated concentrations of (p)ppGpp on cellular metabolites and proteins, both in the presence and absence of DksA, have not yet been comprehensively studied in
V. cholerae
or other bacteria. We engineered the genome of
V. cholerae
to develop DksA null mutants in the presence and absence of (p)ppGpp biosynthetic enzymes. We observed that the N16:Δ
relA
Δ
relV
Δ
spoT
Δ
dksA V. cholerae
mutant, which lacks both (p)ppGpp and DksA, exhibits higher sensitivity to different ꞵ-lactam antibiotics compared with the wild-type (WT) strain. Our whole-cell metabolomic and proteome analysis revealed that the cell membrane and peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathways are significantly altered in the N16:Δ
relA
Δ
relV
Δ
spoT
, N16:Δ
dksA
, and N16:Δ
relA
Δ
relV
Δ
spoT
Δ
dksA V. cholerae
strains. Furthermore, the mutant strains displayed enhanced inner and outer membrane permeabilities in comparison to the WT strains. These results correlate with
V. cholerae’s
tolerance and survival against β-lactam antibiotics and may inform the development of adjuvants that inhibit stringent response modulators.

IMPORTANCE

The (p)ppGpp biosynthetic pathway is widely conserved in bacteria. Intracellular levels of (p)ppGpp and the transcription factor DksA play crucial roles in bacterial multiplication and viability in the presence of antibiotics and/or other xenobiotics. The present findings have shown that (p)ppGpp and DksA significantly reduce the efficacy of ꞵ-lactam and other antibiotics by modulating the availability of peptidoglycan and cell membrane-associated metabolites by reducing membrane permeability. Nevertheless, the whole-cell proteome analysis of N16:Δ
relA
Δ
relV
Δ
spoT
, N16:Δ
dksA
, and N16:Δ
relA
Δ
relV
Δ
spoT
Δ
dksA
strains identified the biosynthetic pathways and associated enzymes that are directly modulated by the stringent response effector molecules. Thus, the (p)ppGpp metabolic pathways and DksA could be a potential target for increasing the efficacy of antibiotics and developing antibiotic adjuvants.
Conservation translocation of Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) to a depleted Arctic fjord ecosystem
Authors: Olsen Esben Moland , Strand Hans Kristian
Published: February 2025

Predators have important functional roles in coastal ecosystems. In cases where such species are locally depleted or extirpated, a proactive restoration strategy may include conservation translocation. This study reports on such translocations of Atlantic wolffish ( Anarhichas lupus) to fjord habitats in northern Norway where the species is currently severely depleted. A total of 20 pioneer individuals measuring 42–80 cm in length were captured in outer coastal habitats and subsequently tagged, released, and tracked within a fjord using acoustic telemetry. A first group of seven individuals were monitored for 14 months during 2017 and 2018, while a second group of 13 individuals were monitored for 4 months during 2019. Up to 40% of translocated wolffish remained inside their new fjord environment until the study was terminated, while the remaining 60% likely dispersed. Weekly home range size decreased substantially with time for larger fish, while this trend was weaker for smaller fish. Our study implies that there is reason for cautious optimism regarding the implementation of conservation translocation of wolffish in coastal ecosystems, while acknowledging the challenge of accounting for animal dispersal in aquatic systems.
GoBot: An Autonomous Assistive Robot Using Behavior Trees to Encourage Child Mobility
Authors: Helmi Ameer , Scheide Emily , Wang Tze-Hsuan , Logan Samuel W. , Hollinger Geoffrey A. , Fitter Naomi T.
Published: February 2025

In early motor interventions from clinical rehabilitation to physical activity encouragement, one major challenge is maintaining child engagement and motivation. Robots show unique promise for addressing this challenge, but providing robots with new types of autonomous functionality is vital for promoting robot integration and usefulness in the clinic and home spaces. To provide needed autonomy capabilities for GoBot, our assistive robot for child-robot motion interventions, we propose a behavior tree framework. Within our framework, we build two trees: one manually designed based on expert knowledge of the child-robot interaction domain, and a second automatically synthesized and requiring minimal human input and time to construct. We tested each behavior tree with
N
= 11 children who interacted with GoBot during two behavior tree phases and a stationary-robot control phase. Our results show that both behavior tree phases tended to yield more child motion and significantly higher parent perception of child engagement, compared to the control phase. We showed that GoBot, equipped with our framework, has the potential to encourage movement and interaction in children, and that a synthesized tree can be competitive with a manually-designed tree. The products of this work can benefit researchers of behavior trees and child-robot interaction.
A Review on Edge Large Language Models: Design, Execution, and Applications
Authors: Zheng Yue , Chen Yuhao , Qian Bin , Shi Xiufang , Shu Yuanchao , Chen Jiming
Published: February 2025

Large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized natural language processing with their exceptional understanding, synthesizing, and reasoning capabilities. However, deploying LLMs on resource-constrained edge devices presents significant challenges due to computational limitations, memory constraints, and edge hardware heterogeneity. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in edge LLMs, covering the entire lifecycle — from resource-efficient model design and pre-deployment strategies to runtime inference optimizations. It also explores on-device applications across various domains. By synthesizing state-of-the-art techniques and identifying future research directions, this survey bridges the gap between the immense potential of LLMs and the constraints of edge computing.
Progressive impairment in gastric and duodenal slow waves and autonomic function during progression of type 2 diabetes in rats
Authors: Wu Gaojue , Li Fei , Li Yan , Li Shiying , Alam Md Jahangir , Chen Jiande DZ
Published: February 2025

The abnormalities of gastrointestinal (GI) slow waves play key roles in the pathophysiology of diabetic gastroparesis that is highly prevent in type 2 diabetes (T2D). While relatively well-investigated in diabetic enteric neuropathy, abnormalities and progressive impairments of gastric slow waves (GSW) and duodenal slow waves (DSW) are under-investigated during the progression of T2D. The aim of this study was to explore alterations in GSW and DSW during the development of diabetes induced by high fat diet (HFD) followed with a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Weekly recordings of the slow waves from healthy, pre-diabetic to diabetes stages exhibited a progressively decreased percentage of normal slow waves (%NSW) starting after HFD feeding (pre-diabetic stage) in the fasting state and starting after STZ injection (diabetic stage) in the postprandial state. The postprandial increase in the power of slow waves observed in normal control rats was absent starting from 2 weeks after HFD and persisted after STZ. The mechanism might be attributed to both progressively increased blood glucose (BG) and the impaired autonomic function in view of the following results: 1) The %NSW was negatively correlated with the fasting BG; 2) During the oral glucose tolerance test, %NSW of DSW and BG exhibited a positive correlation in rats with HbA1C <5.0%, but a negative correlation in rats with HbA1C ≥ 5.0%; 3) In comparison with baseline (healthy stage) of the same cohort, plasma pancreatic polypeptide (reflecting vagal activity) was progressively decreased whereas, plasma norepinephrine (reflecting sympathetic activity) was progressively increased.
Excellent test-retest reliability of perturbation-evoked cortical responses supports feasibility of the balance N1 as a clinical biomarker
Authors: Mirdamadi Jasmine L. , Poorman Alexander , Munter Gaetan , Jones Kendra , Ting Lena H. , Borich Michael R. , Payne Aiden M.
Published: February 2025

There is a growing interest in measuring cortical activity during balance control for understanding mechanisms of impaired balance with aging and neurological dysfunction. The most well-characterized electrophysiological signal elicited by a balance disturbance is the perturbation-evoked N1 potential. We previously found associations between the N1 and balance ability, suggesting it may be a potential biomarker of balance health. However, a potential biomarker will be limited by its reliability and clinical feasibility, which has yet to be established. Here, we characterized the reliability of the balance N1 within and between sessions over a one-week interval in 10 younger and 14 older adults, and over a one-year interval in a subset of older adults (n=12). We extracted N1 amplitude and latency from the Cz electrode using an advanced, computationally-intensive approach (64 electrodes, many trials). Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was quantified by split-half reliability using the Spearman correlation coefficient. N1s varied across individuals, yet within individuals, showed excellent test-retest reliability (ICC>0.9) and internal reliability (r>0.9). N1 amplitude reliability generally plateaued within 6 trials, while more trials were needed to reliably measure latency. Similar results were obtained using a minimal approach (three electrodes, simple preprocessing) and at the component level (largest contributing N1 source). The N1’s stability, reliability, and feasibility make it well-suited for potential use as a clinical biomarker. Characterizing N1 reliability in different populations and contexts will be necessary to enhance our understanding, optimize experimental design, and determine its predictive validity (e.g., falls risk).
Turner Syndrome and Gender Incongruence: Considerations for Gender Affirming Hormonal Therapy
Authors: Urban Valerie , Bangalore-Krishna Kanthi
Published: February 2025

Estrogen and growth hormone have been well established in the management of patients with Turner syndrome (TS) to improve linear growth, body composition, lipid profile, and bone mineral density. The use of testosterone therapy, however, has not been well studied in patients with TS. Furthermore, there is only one other known case report of an adult patient with TS seeking masculinizing therapy. We present an adolescent with mosaicism 45X/46XX who successfully underwent masculinizing therapy and is thriving as a young adult transgender male. This case highlights the benefits of gender affirming care despite the challenges of treatment in a population not previously described.
Circulating Tumor Microenvironment in Metastasis
Authors: Tang Rui , Luo Shujuan , Liu Hui , Sun Yan , Liu Manran , Li Lu , Ren Haoyu , Angele Martin K. , Börner Nikolaus , Yu Keda , Guo Zufeng , Yin Guobing , Luo Haojun
Published: February 2025

Activation of invasion and metastasis is a central hallmark of cancer, contributing to the primary cause of death for cancer patients. In the multistep metastatic process, cancer cells must infiltrate the circulation, survive, arrest at capillary beds, extravasate, and form metastatic clones in distant organs. However, only a small proportion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) successfully form metastases, with transit of CTCs in the circulation being the rate-limiting step. The fate of CTCs is influenced by the circulating tumor microenvironment (cTME), which encompasses factors affecting their biological behaviors in the circulation. This liquid and flowing microenvironment differs significantly from the primary tumor microenvironment or the pre-metastatic niche. This review summarizes the latest advancements in identifying the biophysical cues, key components, and biological roles of the cTME, highlighting the network among biophysical attributes, blood cells, and non-blood factors in cancer metastasis. In addition to the potential of the cTME as a therapeutic target for inhibiting metastasis, the cTME could also represent as a biomarker for predicting patient outcomes and developing strategies for treating cancer.
Arginine Deprivation Induces Quiescence and Confers Vulnerability to Ferroptosis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lin Yanyun , Zhang Yanhong , Huang Tianze , Chen Junguo , Li Guanman , Zhang Bin , Xu Liang , Wang Kai , He Hui , Chen Hao , Liu Danling , Guo Shuang , He Xiaosheng , Lan Ping
Published: February 2025

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. Rewiring of amino acid metabolic processes provides the basis for amino acid deprivation therapies. In this study, we found that arginine biosynthesis is limited in colorectal cancer (CRC) due to the deficiency of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC). Accordingly, CRC cells met the demand for arginine by increasing external uptake. The addiction to environmental arginine resulted in the susceptibility of CRC to arginine deprivation, which dramatically decreased proliferation in CRC cells and promoted these cells to enter a reversible quiescence state. Arginine deprivation induced quiescence by activating the AMPK-p53-p21 pathway. RNA sequencing data indicated that CRC cells may be vulnerable to ferroptosis during arginine deprivation, and the combination of ferroptosis inducers and arginine deprivation strongly impeded tumor growth in vivo. These findings suggest that dietary modification combined with ferroptosis induction could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.
Longitudinal Profiling of Circulating Tumor DNA Reveals the Evolutionary Dynamics of Metastatic Prostate Cancer During Serial Therapy
Authors: Zhao Yuehui , Ramesh Naveen , Xu Ping , Sei Emi , Hu Min , Bai Shanshan , Troncoso Patricia , Aparicio Ana M. , Logothetis Christopher J. , Corn Paul G. , Navin Nicholas E. , Zurita Amado J.
Published: February 2025

Treatment decisions in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are mostly guided by clinical variables, but efforts to molecularly monitor the disease remain hampered by challenges in acquiring tumor tissue repeatedly. Here, we simultaneously profiled the genome copy number and exome in longitudinal plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) acquired before, during, and upon progression to serial treatments with androgen signaling inhibitors (ASI) and taxane chemotherapy from 60 mCRPC patients (2-10 samples per patient). The genomic data was used to delineate the clonal substructure and evolutionary dynamics of each patient, and an evolutionary dynamic index (EDI) was developed to measure the longitudinal changes of the tumor subclones. Treatment with ASI resulted in greater subclonal selection and population structure changes than taxane treatment. The subclones that emerged in association with serial therapy resistance harbored recurrent aberrations in previously identified and new candidate genes, with particular enrichment in genes related to PI3K-AKT signaling. These findings indicate that the integration of detailed clinical and genomics data can provide a framework for future unbiased genomic applications for ctDNA in the clinic to enable precision medicine.
Palmitic Acid Accumulation Activates Fibroblasts and Promotes Matrix Stiffness in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Deng Shenghe , Wang Jun , Zou Falong , Cheng Denglong , Chen Mian , Gu Junnan , Shi Jianguo , Yang Jia , Xue Yifan , Jiang Zhengxin , Qin Le , Mao Fuwei , Chang Xiaona , Nie Xiu , Liu Li , Cao Yinghao , Cai Kailin
Published: February 2025

Obstructions can occur during any stage of colorectal cancer (CRC) and correspond with poor prognosis. Obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC) is harder and exhibits increased tumor budding and proliferation of myofibroblasts compared to non-obstructive CRC, suggesting that the occurrence of obstruction may be related to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Here, we found that CRC and OCRC samples differed substantially in ECM composition, specifically in collagen (newly formed and mature) and proteoglycans (including glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate). OCRC also exhibited considerable changes in ECM biomechanics and collagen arrangement. Interestingly, OCRC samples presented a notable increase in matrix cancer-associated fibroblasts (mCAFs). The abundance of mCAFs correlated with the accumulation of palmitic acid (PA), and high concentrations of PA increased the secretion of ECM-related proteins by mCAFs. Additionally, PA did not directly affect normal fibroblasts (NFs) but rather activated the NF-κB pathway in tumor cells to stimulate secretion of CSF-1, TGF-β1 and CXCL8, which promoted the activation of NFs into mCAFs and exacerbated ECM stiffening. Drug screening with a natural compound library identified vanillylacetone as a potential inhibitor of PA-induced cytokine secretion and ECM stiffening. These findings highlight intratumoral PA accumulation as a key mechanism driving ECM alterations and OCRC progression and suggest that targeting this axis may be useful for treating CRC patients with risk of obstruction.
Biomarkers of toxicant exposure among youth in Canada, England and the United States who vape and/or smoke tobacco or do neither
Authors: Hammond David , Reid Jessica L. , Goniewicz Maciej L. , McNeill Ann , O'Connor Richard J. , Corsetti Danielle , Brose Leonie S. , Schurr Bradley , Robson Deborah
Published: February 2025

Background: Few studies examine biomarkers of exposure to vaping and tobacco products among youth. We compared biomarkers for toxicants between youth who vape, smoke, ‘dual-use’, or neither. Methods: Participants aged 16-19 in Canada, England, and the United States (US) completed surveys and self-collected urine samples between September 2019 and January 2022 (N=364). Urine was tested for metabolites of tobacco-specific nitrosamine NNK and six volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Regression models examined differences in biomarker concentrations by past-week tobacco smoking and vaping, adjusting for creatinine, age, sex, country, and cannabis use. Results: Compared to no vaping/smoking, exclusive vaping was associated with similar exposure to acrolein and acrylonitrile, but higher exposure to toluene (p=.04) and acrylamide (p=.034, only in sensitivity analysis using past-24-hour measure). Compared to dual-use or exclusive smoking, exclusive vaping was associated with lower exposure to NNK, acrolein, acrylamide, and acrylonitrile (p≤.01), but higher toluene exposure than dual use (p=0.012). Exposure was similar for dual-use and exclusive smoking. Benzene and xylene biomarkers were detected in <5% and not compared. Among those smoking, NNK exposure was higher in the US (geometric mean=25.4pg/mg creatinine) versus Canada (16.1pg/mg; p=0.006) and England (14.1pg/mg; p=0.018). Conclusions: Youth exclusively vaping had similar exposure as no vaping/smoking except for two VOCs, and lower exposure than smoking or dual use except toluene. Higher NNK levels among US youth who smoke likely reflect differences in tobacco blend. Impact: Findings are generally consistent with literature indicating lower toxicant exposure from vaping versus smoking, but elevated exposure versus no use for some.
Pembrolizumab with chemotherapy for patients with recurrent or metastatic nasal cavity and paranasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective phase ll study
Authors: Qian Yuquan , Tang Le , Yao Jiarui , Zhu Yiming , Zhang Ye , Lu Haizhen , Li Weihua , An Changming , Gui Lin
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Patients with recurrent or metastatic sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (R/M SNSCC) lack standardized systemic treatment and prospective studies. We evaluated the anti-tumor response and safety of pembrolizumab with nab-paclitaxel and platinum in R/M SNSCC. Patients and Methods: R/M SNSCC patients received pembrolizumab 200mg, nab-paclitaxel 260mg/m2 plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin at an area under the curve 5 on day 1 every 21 days for up to six cycles, followed by pembrolizumab maintenance until progression or unacceptable toxicity or 35 cycles. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Immunohistochemistry and high-resolution sequencing of the tumor samples were performed. Results: The ORR in 20 patients was 60.0% (95% CI: 36.1%-80.9%) and two patients (2/20, 10%) achieved CR. The DCR was 100%. Median follow-up was 18.1 months (range:5.2-31.7), the median PFS was 12.2 months (95% CI: 9.0 months-not estimated) and the median OS was not reached. Patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥20 exhibited better ORR (80.0% vs 28.6%, p=0.144), median PFS (not reached vs 7.0 months, p=0.0137), and median OS (not reached vs 17.8 months, p=0.0401) compared to those with PD-L1 CPS < 20. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (AE) accounted for 30.0% (6/20), and all come from hematologic toxicity. Hypothyroidism was the most common immune-related AE (12/20, 60.0%). Conclusions: Pembrolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel and platinum shows promising antitumor activity and manageable safety in first-line R/M SNSCC patients.
Identification of Causal Plasma Proteins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Two-sample Mendelian Randomization and Integrative Transcriptomic‒Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Tang Weihao , Ma Xiaoke
Published: February 2025

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a serious threat to human health. Identifying diagnostic and therapeutic targets from plasma proteins is essential for early HCC detection and treatment. Large-scale plasma proteomics data and Mendelian randomization (MR) offer opportunities for this type of research. Proteomic data from protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) were obtained from the UKB-PPP. Two-sample MR was used to evaluate the causal association between plasma protein levels and HCC. Sensitivity, directionality, and colocalization analyses were conducted to validate the causal associations identified by MR. Robustness was further tested through colocalization analysis. The single-cell dataset GSE166635 was used to assess the expression of genes corresponding to proteins identified via MR. Potential drugs targeting these proteins were evaluated using the DSigDB/DrugBank databases and molecular docking. Seven proteins with potential causal associations with HCC were identified: ASS1, B2M, FUOM, GABARAPL1, ST8SIA1, STOML2, and KRT8. Among these genes, ASS1, KRT8, and STOML2 presented the strongest effects in the colocalization analyses. In a single-cell liver cancer dataset, ASS1, KRT8, and STOML2 were expressed mainly in hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) and malignant cells, with KRT8 predominantly found in HPCs and playing a role in the oncogenesis of malignant liver cells. Potential drugs included ASS1 with arginine, aspartic acid, and citrulline; KRT8 with ambroxol, diltiazem, and amikacin; and STOML2 with chlortetracycline, chlorzoxazone, and dirithromycin. This study identified several novel causal plasma proteins, providing new insights into the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and Review
Authors: Shrestha Atul , Elliott Sarah , Abasszade Joshua Haron , Wu Kyle , Worland Thomas , Simpson Ian , Dev Anouk
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Turmeric is a common spice used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of purported health benefits. Recent concerns have arisen regarding turmeric-induced liver injury linked to formulations with enhanced bioavailability, often including piperine found in black pepper. Case Presentation: We explore a case of a 40-year-old female with increasing fatigue, pruritus, and dark urine following consumption of turmeric and black pepper “wellness shots” leading to a significant drug-induced liver injury. Conclusion: This case underscores the critical need to recognise herbal remedies, such as turmeric, as potential sources of hepatotoxicity. Despite a reputation of safety, limited regulation and testing of turmeric may mean potential adverse effects are under-recognised. Understanding the mechanisms behind turmeric and black pepper’s hepatotoxicity, including the role of potential genetic predispositions, requires further investigation for its safe use.
CED: Screening auf interstitielle Lungenerkrankung sollte Standard werden
Authors: Schnoy Elisabeth
Published: February 2025

Introduction: We aim to investigate the contribution of interstitial lung disease (ILD) to mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: We performed a comprehensive retrospective, population-based epidemiological study across the United States from 2001 to 2020, using the Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database. Mortality data were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, with the codes J84 for ILD, K50 for Crohn’s disease, and K51 for ulcerative colitis. To discern patterns, age-adjusted mortality rates (AMR) were computed, stratified by sex, geographic census region, and racial/ethnic demographics. Results: From 2001 to 2020, there were 57,967 reported deaths among patients with IBD with an AMR per million significantly rising from 10.989 in 2001–2005 to 11.443 in 2016–2020 (P < 0.0001). ILD was a contributor to death in 1.19% (692/57,967) of these cases, with AMR rising from 0.092 to 0.143 per million (P = 0.010). The percentage of ILD-related deaths in the IBD population increased from 1.02% to 1.30% over 2 decades. ILD was a more common cause of death in patients with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis (54.6% vs 45.4%), with a significant increase for both conditions from 2001 to 2020 (P < 0.05). An upward trend in ILD-related mortality was observed in both sexes (P < 0.05) and within the White population (P = 0.010).
Repetitive DNA Mapping Reveals Multiple Sex Chromosomes X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y in Pseudotylosurus microps (Günther 1866) (Beloniformes, Teleostei) from the Amazon
Authors: Guimarães Erika Milena Corrêa , Viana Patrik Ferreira , Pinheiro-Figliuolo Vanessa Susan , Marajó Leandro , de Sousa e Souza José Francisco , Feldberg Eliana
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Needlefish (Belonidae family) comprises 44 known species distributed worldwide. These species are predominantly marine but include estuarine representatives and 12 freshwater species. Among the recognized species, eight are endemic to South American rivers. Cytogenetic studies of Belonidae are scarce and mostly limited to describing the diploid chromosome number (2n) and karyotypic structure. Methods: We used classical and molecular cytogenetic markers to karyotypically characterize Pseudotylosurus microps to understand the evolutionary processes of Belonidae species in the Amazon basin. Results: P. microps exhibited different diploid numbers between males (2n=47, 3m+3sm+41st/a FN=53) and females (2n=48, 4m+4sm+40st/a FN=56). Our study revealed the first case of multiple sex chromosomes in the Belonidae family. Conclusions: These findings describe a multiple sex chromosome system of the type X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y. The C-banding pattern and 5S rDNA mapping suggest that this system likely resulted from a tandem fusion between a homolog of pair 1 and a homolog of pair 3, producing a large acrocentric Y chromosome. We propose that karyotypic changes due to internal chromosomal rearrangements, as observed in P. microps, can lead to species diversification and, in some cases, the emergence of a heteromorphic and multiple sex chromosome system.
Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance- and mindfulness-based treatments in adults with bodily distress – a network-meta-analysis
Authors: Maas genannt Bermpohl Frederic , Martin Alexandra
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Many physical complaints cause long-term bodily distress. Meta-analyses show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance- and mindfulness-based treatments (AMBT) reduce somatic symptom severity, but evidence on differential efficacy is limited.
Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of CBT and AMBT for bodily distress (e.g., somatoform disorders, functional somatic syndromes, and related disorders).
Methods: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on adults with bodily distress compared CBT and AMBT either directly or with non-specific control groups. Cohen’s d based on between-group effect sizes was aggregated using a random effects model. Primary outcome was somatic symptom severity; secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and perceived health status.
Results: Based on 74 studies (N = 8,277), CBT (d = -0.50, 95%CI -0.70 to -0.29; between-group effect sizes vs. wait-list) and AMBT (d = -0.55, 95%CI -1.06 to -0.23; between-group effect sizes vs. wait-list) were equally effective in reducing somatic symptoms at post-treatment. AMBT were more effective than CBT in reducing depression (d = -0.31, -0.58 to -0.04; between-group effect sizes) and anxiety (d = -0.42, -0.73 to -0.11; between-group effect sizes) post-treatment. At long-term follow-up, effects were partly maintained; AMBT remained more effective than CBT for anxiety, with no differential effects for other outcomes.
Conclusions: Both treatments showed benefits compared to various controls. Evidence suggests potential differential treatment effects, indicating some patient groups may benefit more from AMBT. Clinicians should view CBT as foundational but remain open to variations, especially for comorbid pathology.
Effects of lateralization of language on cognition among left-handers
Authors: Cano-Melle Cristina , Villar-Rodríguez Esteban , Baena-Pérez María , Parcet María-Antonia , Avila César
Published: February 2025

Atypical language lateralization is associated with a different organization of the entire brain. However, it remains unknown whether this cerebral organization is linked to differences in cognitive task performance. In this study, several neuropsychological tests requiring fast processing speed were administered to left-handed participants, classified based on their language lateralization: left language dominance (N = 48), bilateral (N = 15), and right language dominance (N = 23). A factor analysis was conducted to derive three cognitive function dimensions: reading, articulation and verbal reasoning, spatial processing, and interference/inhibition. The results showed that right language dominance was associated with poorer overall performance, particularly on tasks related to spatial processing, reading, articulation and verbal reasoning. We conclude that the atypical development of language lateralization is accompanied by lower cognitive skills in tasks requiring speed of processing and interhemispheric connectivity.
The Double Standard of Ownership
Authors: Washington Zofia , Friedman Ori
Published: February 2025

Owners are often blamed when their property causes harm but might not receive corresponding praise when their property does good. This suggests a double standard of ownership, wherein owning property poses risks for moral blame that are not balanced with equal opportunities for credit. We investigated this possibility in three preregistered experiments on 746 US residents. Participants read vignettes where agentic property (e.g., animals, robots) produced bad or good outcomes, and judged whether owners and the property were morally responsible. With bad outcomes, participants assigned owners more blame than property (Experiments 1 and 2) or similar blame (Experiment 3). But with good outcomes, participants consistently assigned owners much less praise relative to their property. The first two experiments also examined if the double standard arises in two other relationships between authorities and subordinates; participants showed the double standard when assessing moral responsibility for parents and children, but not for employers and employees. Together, these findings point to a novel asymmetry in how owners are assigned responsibility.
Experience in Psychological Research of A.S. Pushkin’s Early Reading Biography
Authors: Borisenko N.A.
Published: February 2025

Background. Addressing the issue of the birth of Pushkin as a reader is relevant in many aspects. In the historical and cultural aspects, it can be considered as the approach to identifying the genesis of his work. In the historical psychological and general psychological aspects, this issue is addressed as a way to clarify and expand the factors involved in the formation of a genius. In the pedagogical aspect, it needs research in order to overcome the reading crisis of the late 20th — early 21st centuries.
Objective. The aim is to present the experience of psychological analysis of Pushkin's early reading biography and identify the role of reading as one of the factors contributing to the development and formation of a genius.
Methods. Retrospective and historical-biographical methods as well as the analysis of the poet’s creative products are applied.
Results. In the early reader's biography of Pushkin, three periods are distinguished: 1) 1799–1803. (“pre-reading”) — infancy and early childhood, during which the child Pushkin gains the experience of listening to folklore small genres and mastering speech as a prerequisite for future reading skills; 2) 1804–1806 — early learning to read and first independent experiences in reading; 3) 1807–1811 — “a hunt for reading” (A. Pushkin), the role of his father’s library in the poet’s reading biography. The main features of Pushkin's reading development in childhood have been identified: accelerated development, bilingualism, breadth of reading interests, initiative, obsession with reading, connection with early poetic experiences.
Conclusions. The understanding of social factors influencing the development and realization of the personality of a genius in the early years has been expanded. Such factors, in particular, include the “reading factor”, which, together with others (favourable historical and cultural context, the role of the literary gifted Pushkin family and their immediate environment) and with the obligatory action of a genetic factor, participates in the formation of Pushkin’s genius.
A new species of Olethreutes Hübner, 1822 (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae, Olethreutinae) from Korea, with diagnosis of four allied species
Authors: KIM JEONG-NAM , BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , LEE TAK-GI , CHA YEONG-BIN , KIM HANUL , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: February 2025

A new species of Olethreutes Hübner, 1822, O. palbongensis Kim & Bae, sp. nov. from Korea is described as new to science. We provide diagnostic features of four allied species, O. arcuella (Clerck, 1759), O. captiosana (Falkovitsh, 1960), O. oculata Kim, Byun & Bae, 2022, and O. subtilana (Falkovitsh, 1959), along with a redescription of the female genitalia of O. captiosana. Additionally, illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided for all known species.
Endovenous Glue Induced Venous Thrombosis: Single Center Outcomes and Meta-analysis
Authors: Skeik Nedaa , Thao Kiahltone , Musallam Rami , Hurreh Mahdi , Walser-Kuntz Evan , Manunga Jesse
Published: February 2025

Chemical adhesive closure (CAC) has comparable efficacy to thermal ablation but with faster recovery. Endovenous glue-induced thrombosis (EGIT) is a rare complication after CAC with lacking data regarding the prevalence and potential associations with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). A retrospective chart analysis of patients treated with CAC at our institution between January 2018 and May 2022 was completed. Data collected included demographics, site and severity of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), procedure details and outcomes at follow up visit. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane was then conducted on December 2022, to include all studies that reported EGIT cases. The search generated 19 previous studies with a total of 2101 patients treated using CAC. The pooled prevalence rate of EGIT across these studies was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.3%–2.1%, I2 = 61.1%). There were two reported cases of CAC-related DVT and no related cases of PE. In our patient cohort, age, treated vein size or procedure complexity were not significantly associated with increased risk of EGIT. CAC is an effective treatment for CVI with a low prevalence of EGIT. There were two reported cases of CAC-related DVT and no PE.
How the Pandemic Impacted Resource Utilization in Hospitalized Children With Bacterial Infections
Authors: McKinney Christina M. , Mitchell Michelle L. , Preloger Erin , Graff Kelly , Pan Amy Y. , Liegl Melodee , Bushee Glenn , McCarthy Patrick J. , McFadden Vanessa , Bauer Sarah C.
Published: February 2025

We compared the quantity of labs ordered in selected hospitalized children throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilization of X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms (ECG), length of stay (LOS) and timing of antibiotics were secondary outcomes. Retrospective cohort study of patients >60 days to <22 years with cellulitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections discharged from hospital medicine March 2018 to February 2020 (pre-) March 2020 to February 2022 (peak) and March 2022 to April 2023 (post peak). Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test was performed for categorical variables. Kruskal-Wallis test compared continuous variables. Patients admitted peak pandemic incurred more labs and ECGs and fewer MRIs and X-rays. There were no differences in echocardiograms, LOS, or timing of antibiotics. While lab utilization returned to pre-pandemic levels, increased ECG use continued. Increased lab and ECG utilization was observed in patients with certain bacterial infections during the peak of the pandemic, likely reflective of diagnostic uncertainty.