bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering human-like walking with a bio-inspired gait controller for an under-actuated torque- driven human model
Authors: Amini Samane , Kardan Iman , Seth Ajay , Akbarzadeh Alireza
Published: February 2025

Human gait simulation plays a crucial role in providing insights into various aspects of locomotion, such as diagnosing injuries and impairments, assessing abnormal gait patterns, and developing assistive and rehabilitation technologies. To achieve more realistic gait simulation results, it's essential to use a comprehensive model that accurately replicates the kinematics and kinetics of human movement. The human skeletal models in OpenSim software provide anatomically accurate and anthropomorphic structures, enabling users to create personalized models that accurately replicate individual human behavior. However, these torque-driven models encounter challenges in stabilizing unactuated degrees of freedom of pelvis tilt during forward dynamic simulations. Adopting a bio-inspired strategy that ensures human balance with a minimized energy expenditure during walking, this paper addresses a gait controller for a torque-deriven human skeletal model to achieve a stable walking. The proposed controller employs a nonlinear model-based approach to calculate a balance-equivalent control torque and utilizes the hip-ankle strategy to distribute this torque across the lower-limb joints during the stance phase. To optimize the parameters of the trajectory tracking controller and the balance distribution coefficients, we used a forward dynamic simulation interface established between MATLAB and OpenSim. The simulation results show that the torque-driven model achieves a natural gait, with joint torques closely aligning with the experimental data. The robustness of the bio-inspired gait controller is also assessed by applying a range of external forces on the skeletal model to investigate its response to disturbances. The robustness analysis demonstrates the quick and effective balance recovery mechanism of the proposed bio-inspired gait controller.
Fabrication of CoPcMWCNTs nanocomposite for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Balogun Sheriff A , Thole Dina , Teffu Daniel M , Masekela Daniel , Modibane Kwena D
Published: February 2025

The advancement of sophisticated materials for supercapacitors is essential for improving energy storage efficiency, especially in scenarios that demand high power density and extended cycle life. In this study, we synthesized CoPcMWCNTs nanocomposite and investigated its supercapacitive properties. The nanomaterials fabrication was successfully confirmed using EDX, XRD, SEM, FTIR, and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques. Electrochemical techniques such as galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to determine the power density, specific capacitance, cycling stability, and energy density of the fabricated materials. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of CoPc and fMWCNTs, the hybrid supercapacitor exhibited a lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 0.11 kΩ, high specific capacitance of 508.67 F cm−2, lower phase angle of 32°, high power density of 700 mW cm−2, and high energy density of 138.48 mWh cm−2. The findings emphasize the potential of CoPcMWCNTs nanocomposite for high-energy applications and long-term cycling performance, hence contributing to the advancement of next-generation supercapacitors.
High-rate continuous-variable measurement device-independent quantum key distribution with finite-size security
Authors: Hajomer Adnan A E , Andersen Ulrik L , Gehring Tobias
Published: February 2025

Building scalable and secure quantum networks requires advanced quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols that support multi-user connectivity. Continuous-variable (CV) measurement-device-independent (MDI) QKD, which eliminates all detector side-channel attacks, is a promising candidate for creating various quantum network topologies-such as quantum access networks and star-type topologies-using standard technology and providing high secure key rates. However, its security has so far only been experimentally demonstrated in asymptotic regimes with limited secret key rates and complex experimental setups, limiting its practical applications. Here, we report an experimental validation of a CV MDI-QKD system, achieving a secure key rate of 2.6 Mbit s−1 against collective attacks in the finite-size regime over a 10 km fiber link. This is achieved using a new system design, incorporating a locally generated local oscillator, a new relay structure, a real-time phase locking system, and a well-designed digital-signal-processing pipeline for quantum state preparation and CV Bell measurements at a symbol rate of 20 MBaud. Our results set a new benchmark for secure key exchange and open the possibility of establishing high-performance CV MDI-QKD networks, paving the way toward a scalable quantum network.
Hybrid-Trefftz finite element model of smart doubly curved laminated composite shells
Authors: Ray M C , Dwibedi Subhasankar
Published: February 2025

A novel smart hybrid-Trefftz finite element (HTFE) model has been developed for the analysis of smart doubly curved (DC) laminated composite shells integrated with a

d

31

macro fiber composite piezoelectric layer acting as the distributed actuator. The substrates of these smart shells include symmetric and antisymmetric spherical, paraboloid, and hyperboloid laminated shells. This HTFE model avoids the complex task of deriving the particular solutions for simultaneous governing partial differential equations (PDEs) of the element domain. The Trefftz functions here are constructed in straightforwardly manner from a finite number of free-field exact solutions of the homogeneous simultaneous governing PDEs of the element domain, without transforming them into a single governing equation. Exact solutions for the smart DC shells have also been derived here for validating the HTFE model. It is found that the HTFE model of smart DC shells accurately predicts the passive and active responses of the substrate DC laminated composite shells.
A survey on classifying hyperbolic actions of groups
Authors: Balasubramanya Sahana
Published: February 2025

This paper is a survey of results proved in recent years that pertain to classifying cobounded hyperbolic actions of any group

G
G

. In other words, we discuss results that allow us to describe the partially ordered set

H

(
G
)

\mathcal {H}(G)

, first introduced in by Abbott-Balasubramanya-Osin. In certain cases, a complete classification of the poset is possible. In cases where this seems out of reach, we provide descriptions of large subsets of the poset. This covers a wide range of groups, including acylindrically hyperbolic groups, nilpotent groups, many solvable groups and “Thompson-like” groups. We also cover the range of strategies utilized to obtain these classification results. As a result, we produce some new examples of groups with interesting

H

(
G
)

\mathcal {H}(G)

structure.
Le Conte de la Mesure sur les Complexes Cubiques CAT(0)
Authors: Fernós Talia
Published: February 2025

We revisit the topic of probability measures on CAT(0) cube complexes and prove that an amenable group acting on a CAT(0) cube complex, regardless of dimension, necessarily preserves an interval in the Roller compactification. In the finite dimensional case, we prove that there must be an orbit of cardinality

2
N

2^N

, where

N
N

is bounded by the dimension. This is a slight extension of the author’s previuos Tits Alternative.
A generalized theory of expansions and collapses with applications to 𝒵-compactification
Authors: Guilbault Craig , Gulbrandsen Daniel
Published: February 2025

We generalize the dual notions of “expansion” and “collapse” so they can be applied to arbitrary metric spaces. We also expand the theory to allow for infinitely many such moves. Those tools are then employed to prove a variety of compactification theorems. We are particularly interested in

Z

\mathcal {Z}

-set compactifications, which play an important role in geometric group theory and in algebraic and geometric topology.
One-endedness of outer automorphism groups of free products of finite and cyclic groups
Authors: Lyman Rylee
Published: February 2025

The main result of this paper is that the outer automorphism group of a free product of finite groups and cyclic groups is semistable at infinity (provided it is one ended) or semistable at each end. In a previous paper, we showed that the group of outer automorphisms of the free product of two nontrivial finite groups with an infinite cyclic group has infinitely many ends, despite being of virtual cohomological dimension two. We also prove that aside from this exception, having virtual cohomological dimension at least two implies the outer automorphism group of a free product of finite and cyclic groups is one ended. As a corollary, the outer automorphism groups of the free product of four finite groups or the free product of a single finite group with a free group of rank two are virtual duality groups of dimension two, in contrast with the above example. Our proof is inspired by methods of Vogtmann, applied to a complex first studied in another guise by Krstić and Vogtmann.
On the convergence of the discontinuous Galerkin scheme for Einstein-scalar equations
Authors: Chen Yuewen , Shu Chi-Wang , Yau Shing-Tung
Published: February 2025

We prove the stability and convergence of the high order discontinuous Galerkin scheme to spherically symmetric Einstein-scalar equations for a class of large initial data that ensures the formation of a black hole. Having chosen the Bondi coordinate system, we achieve

L
2

L^2

stability and obtain the optimal error estimates.
NMFProfiler: a multi-omics integration method for samples stratified in groups
Authors: Mercadié Aurélie , Gravier Éléonore , Josse Gwendal , Fournier Isabelle , Viodé Cécile , Vialaneix Nathalie , Brouard Céline
Published: February 2025

Motivation

The development of high-throughput sequencing enabled the massive production of “omics” data for various applications in biology. By analyzing simultaneously paired datasets collected on the same samples, integrative statistical approaches allow researchers to get a global picture of such systems and to highlight existing relationships between various molecular types and levels. Here, we introduce NMFProfiler, an integrative supervised NMF that accounts for the stratification of samples into groups of biological interest.

Results

NMFProfiler was shown to successfully extract signatures characterizing groups with performances comparable to or better than state-of-the-art approaches. In particular, NMFProfiler was used in a clinical study on atopic dermatitis (AD) and to analyze a multi-omic cancer dataset. In the first case, it successfully identified signatures combining known AD protein biomarkers and novel transcriptomic biomarkers. In addition, it was also able to extract signatures significantly associated to cancer survival.

Availability and implementation

NMFProfiler is released as a Python package, NMFProfiler (v0.3.0), available on PyPI.
Beyond the Diagnosis: A Skin of Color Patient's Journey with Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
Authors: Lopez Sharon , Thakker Sach , Minkis Kira
Published: February 2025

This article explores a patient's experience with acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), highlighting the challenges of diagnosis and treatment in individuals with darker skin tones. The patient narrative emphasizes the emotional and physical toll of the disease, while the clinician's perspective underscores the importance of early detection, comprehensive care, and awareness of racial disparities in ALM outcomes. The piece advocates for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers and the need for multidisciplinary approaches to optimize patient care and support.
Biallelic variants in GTF3C3 encoding a subunit of the TFIIIC2 complex are associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes in humans and zebrafish
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S , Paimboeuf Adeline , Zaki Maha S , Figueiredo Fernanda , Abdel-Ghafar Sherif F , Maher Sabrina , Friðriksdóttir Rún , Sulem Patrick , Högnason Hákon Björn , Hallgrímsdóttir Sigrún , Rojas Catarina Falleiros N , Kok Fernando , Suri Mohnish , Alves César Augusto P F , Houlden Henry , Maroofian Reza , Patten Shunmoogum A
Published: February 2025

POLR3 (RNA polymerase III) transcribes essential non-coding RNAs, a process regulated by transcription factors TFIIIB and TFIIIC. Although germline variants in TFIIIC subunit genes have been described in a few patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, the associated pathogenesis and clinical spectrum are not yet well defined. Herein, we describe the identification of biallelic variants in GTF3C3, which encodes a key component of the TFIIIC subunit, in four patients from three unrelated families of different ethnicities collected through GeneMatcher. The patients exhibited microcephaly, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and distinctive dysmorphic facies that appear recognizable in very young children. Their brain imaging showed brain atrophy with predominant cerebellar involvement, as well as hypoplasia of the frontal lobes and one patient had moderate to severe simplified gyral pattern. Seizures were observed in half of the patients. Exome/genome sequencing revealed four different GTF3C3 variants including three missense (p.Cys172Gly, p.Val427Phe, p.Ala509Thr) and one nonsense variant (p.Arg717Ter). Missense variants were not present in known genetic databases and occurred in highly conserved residues. Knockout (KO) of the GTF3C3 ortholog in zebrafish recapitulated the key clinical symptoms including microcephaly, brain anomalies, and seizure susceptibility. We also observed reduced POLR3 target gene expression in the zebrafish KO model. This study describes a new neurodevelopmental syndrome in humans and zebrafish associated with biallelic GTF3C3 variants and underscores the need for further research into the biological impacts of variants in TFIIIC-linked genes and their contribution to POLR3-related pathologies.
Endovascular management of a giant aortic arch aneurysm diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Sultan Sherif , Acharya Yogesh , Ibrahim Riyad , Parodi Juan Carlos , Wijns William , Soliman Osama
Published: February 2025

Background

Thoracic aortic diverticulum, or Kommerell’s aneurysm, is a developmental outpouching at the anteromedial aspect of the thoracic aorta, specifically at the site of the aortic isthmus, with an incidence of up to 9% in adults. It represents a notable anatomical variation that, over time, undergoes aneurysmal dilatation, posing the risk of rupture.

Case summary

We present a 66-year-old male initially referred with a 7.35 cm giant thoracic aortic arch diverticulum (TAD). It was initially discovered incidentally as a 2.1 cm type 3 Salomonowitz; however, it subsequently increased to 7.36 cm following the third COVID-19 infection with cytokine storm. He underwent a right-to-left carotid necklace C-shaped configuration cross-over bypass using an 8 mm ringed Dacron silver graft. Six weeks post-bypass, the patient underwent a successful repair of TAD using the NEXUS-Endospan-Artivion system (Artivion™, GA 30144, USA), employing a double inner branch to the innominate and left subclavian artery through a single groin approach. Postoperatively, he recovered fully without any neurological or cardiovascular issues with no signs of endoleaks, graft migration, or separation.

Discussion

The saccular nature of the aneurysm at the arch reveals a distinctive set of challenges, mainly the low wall shear stress, which exposes their malignant potential, emphasizing the crucial need for intervention, especially when surpassing the critical 30 mm threshold. This premiere marks a significant milestone by introducing the ‘IDEALIST’ Artivion/Endospan Nexus, which pioneers a total endovascular approach post-CE marking, ushering in a new era in aortic arch interventions.
Comparison of machine learning and conventional criteria in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy and prognosis with electrocardiography
Authors: Huang Jui-Tzu , Tseng Chih-Hsueh , Huang Wei-Ming , Yu Wen-Chung , Cheng Hao-Min , Chao Hsi-Lu , Chiang Chern-En , Chen Chen-Huan , Yang Albert C , Sung Shih-Hsien
Published: February 2025

Aims

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is clinically important; current electrocardiography (ECG) diagnostic criteria are inadequate for early detection. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm to improve the accuracy and prognostic value of ECG criteria for LVH detection.

Methods and results

A total of 42 016 patients (64.3 ± 16.5 years, 55.3% male) were enrolled. LV mass index was calculated from echocardiographic measurements. Left ventricular hypertrophy screening utilized ECG criteria, including Sokolow–Lyon, Cornell product, Cornell/strain index, Framingham criterion, and Peguero–Lo Presti. An AI algorithm using CatBoost was developed and validated (training dataset 80% and testing dataset 20%). F1 scores, reflecting the harmonic mean of precision and recall, were calculated. Mortality data were obtained through linkage with the National Death Registry. The CatBoost-based AI algorithm outperformed conventional ECG criteria in detecting LVH, achieving superior sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, F1 score, and area under curve. Significant features to predict LVH involved QRS and P-wave morphology. During a median follow-up duration of 10.1 years, 1655 deaths occurred in the testing dataset. Cox regression analyses showed that LVH identified by AI algorithm (hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.587, 1.309–1.924), Sokolow–Lyon (1.19, 1.038–1.365), Cornell product (1.301, 1.124–1.505), Cornell/strain index (1.306, 1.185–1.439), Framingham criterion (1.174, 1.062–1.298), and echocardiography-confirmed LVH (1.124, 1.019–1.239) were all significantly associated with mortality. Notably, AI-diagnosed LVH was more predictive of mortality than echocardiography-confirmed LVH.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence-based LVH diagnosis outperformed conventional ECG criteria and was a superior predictor of mortality compared to echocardiography-confirmed LVH.
A model of elastic softening and displacive phase transitions in anisotropic phases, with application to stishovite and post-stishovite
Authors: Myhill R
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for modelling both instantaneous and time-dependent elastic softening in anisotropic materials at high pressure and temperature. This framework employs Landau Theory, minimizing the Helmholtz energy by varying isochemical parameters (q) that capture structural changes, atomic ordering, and/or electronic spin states. This allows for internally consistent predictions of volume, unit cell parameters, the elastic tensor, and other thermodynamic properties, while allowing large symmetry-breaking strains. The formulation is validated using the stishovite-to-post-stishovite transition. It is demonstrated that, near this transition, both stishovite and post-stishovite exhibit auxetic behaviour in several directions, with post-stishovite also displaying negative linear compressibility along the long axis of its unit cell (either the a or b axis). The new formulation is implemented in the open-source BurnMan software package.
Reduced-order modelling for complex three-dimensional seismic wave propagation
Authors: Rekoske John M , May Dave A , Gabriel Alice-Agnes
Published: February 2025

Elastodynamic Green’s functions are an essential ingredient in seismology as they form the connection between direct observations of seismic waves and the earthquake source. They are also fundamental to various seismological techniques including physics-based ground motion prediction and kinematic or dynamic source inversions. In regions with established 3-D models of the Earth’s elastic structure, such as southern California, 3-D Green’s functions can be computed using numerical simulations of seismic wave propagation. However, such simulations are computationally expensive, which poses challenges for real-time ground motion prediction and uncertainty quantification in source inversions. In this study, we address these challenges by using a reduced-order model (ROM) approach that enables the rapid evaluation of approximate Green’s functions. The ROM technique developed approximates three-component time-dependent surface velocity wavefields obtained from numerical simulations of seismic wave propagation. We apply our ROM approach to a 50 km $\times$ 40 km area in greater Los Angeles accounting for topography, site effects, 3-D subsurface velocity structure, and viscoelastic attenuation. The ROM constructed for this region enables rapid computation ($\approx 0.0001$ CPU hr) of complete, high-resolution (500 m spacing), 0.5 Hz surface velocity wavefields that are accurate for a shortest wavelength of 1.0 km for a single elementary moment tensor source. Using leave-one-out cross validation, we measure the accuracy of our Green’s functions for the CVM-S velocity model in both the time domain and frequency domain. Averaged across all sources, receivers, and time steps, the error in the rapid seismograms is less than 0.01 cm s−1. We demonstrate that the ROM can accurately and rapidly reproduce simulated seismograms for generalized moment tensor sources in our region, as well as kinematic sources by using a finite fault model of the 1987 $M_\mathrm{ W}$ 5.9 Whittier Narrows earthquake as an example. We envision that rapid, accurate Green’s functions from reduced-order modelling for complex 3-D seismic wave propagation simulations will be useful for constructing real-time ground motion synthetics and source inversions with high spatial resolution.
Cohen–Lenstra Distribution for Sparse Matrices with Determinantal Biasing
Authors: Mészáros András
Published: February 2025

Let us consider the following matrix $B_{n}$. The columns of $B_{n}$ are indexed with $[n]=\{1,2,\dots ,n\}$ and the rows are indexed with $[n]^{3}$. The row corresponding to $(x_{1},x_{2},x_{3})\in [n]^{3}$ is given by $\sum _{i=1}^{3} e_{x_{i}}$, where $e_{1},e_{2},\dots ,e_{n}$ is the standard basis of $\mathbb{R}^{[n]}$. Let $A_{n}$ be random $n\times n$ submatrix of $B_{n}$, where the probability that we choose a submatrix $C$ is proportional to $|\det (C)|^{2}$. Let $p\ge 5$ be a prime. We prove that the asymptotic distribution of the $p$-Sylow subgroup of the cokernel of $A_{n}$ is given by the Cohen–Lenstra heuristics. Our result is motivated by the conjecture that the first homology group of a random two dimensional hypertree is also Cohen–Lenstra distributed.
Receipt of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis is not associated with development of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus colonization during pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Murphy Catherine R , Liu Chunyan , Courter Joshua , Griffin Cameron , Scaggs Huang Felicia , Miller-Handley Hilary , Grimley Michael S , Danziger-Isakov Lara , Otto William R
Published: February 2025

Fluoroquinolones are used to prevent bloodstream infections in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. We performed a retrospective cohort study in 799 pediatric HCT patients to evaluate the association between fluoroquinolone prophylaxis and VRE colonization. Propensity score analyses were performed. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis was not associated with VRE colonization.
Article 74: A General Overview
Authors: Zeller Bruno
Published: February 2025

This chapter focuses on Article 74 of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), which allows the aggrieved party to claim damages for any breach of a contract. Four general points need to be addressed to understand the consequences of a breach. The first point to note is that Article 74 does not specify what types of losses are included in a claim of damages except loss of profit. Second, damages can be claimed only if a promisee is not in breach of any of the rules of the Convention. Third, consideration must be given to the fact that Article 74 is in competition with other remedies pursuant to Article 45. The fourth point is that Article 74 contains what appears to be a simple formula for calculating damages. Under Article 74, the calculation of damages can ‘only be based on maintenance and performance of the contract’.
Tailoring explanations through conversation
Authors: Luo Jieting , Studer Thomas , Dastani Mehdi
Published: February 2025

The increasing applications of AI systems require personalized explanations for their behaviors to various stakeholders since the stakeholders may have various backgrounds. In general, a conversation between explainers and explainees not only allows explainers to obtain explainees’ background, but also allows explainers to tailor their explanations so that explainees can better understand the explanations. In this paper, we propose an approach for an explainer to tailor and communicate personalized explanations to an explainee through having consecutive conversations with the explainee. We prove that the conversation terminates due to the explainee’s justification of the initial claim as long as there exists an explanation for the initial claim that the explainee understands and the explainer is aware of.
Genome Assembly of a Living Fossil, the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab Limulus polyphemus, Reveals Lineage-Specific Whole-Genome Duplications, Transposable Element-Based Centromeres, and a ZW Sex Chromosome System
Authors: Castellano Kate R , Neitzey Michelle L , Starovoitov Andrew , Barrett Gabriel A , Reid Noah M , Vuruputoor Vidya S , Webster Cynthia N , Storer Jessica M , Pauloski Nicole R , Ameral Natalie J , McEvoy Susan L , McManus M Conor , Puritz Jonathan B , Wegrzyn Jill L , O’Neill Rachel J
Published: February 2025

Horseshoe crabs, considered living fossils with a stable morphotype spanning ∼445 million years, are evolutionarily, ecologically, and biomedically important species experiencing rapid population decline. Of the four extant species of horseshoe crabs, the Atlantic horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, has become an essential component of the modern medicine toolkit. Here, we present the first chromosome-level genome assembly, and the most contiguous and complete assembly to date, for L. polyphemus using nanopore long-read sequencing and chromatin conformation analysis. We find support for three horseshoe crab-specific whole-genome duplications, but none shared with Arachnopulmonata (spiders and scorpions). Moreover, we discovered tandem duplicates of endotoxin detection pathway components Factors C and G, identify candidate centromeres consisting of Gypsy retroelements, and classify the ZW sex chromosome system for this species and a sister taxon, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda. Finally, we revealed this species has been experiencing a steep population decline over the last 5 million years, highlighting the need for international conservation interventions and fisheries-based management for this critical species.
LoVis4u: a locus visualization tool for comparative genomics and coverage profiles
Authors: Egorov Artyom A , Atkinson Gemma C
Published: February 2025

Comparative genomic analysis often involves visualization of alignments of genomic loci. While several software tools are available for this task, ranging from Python and R libraries to stand-alone graphical user interfaces, a tool is lacking that offers fast, automated usage and the production of publication-ready vector images. Here we present LoVis4u, a command-line tool and Python API designed for highly customizable and fast visualization of multiple genomic loci. LoVis4u generates vector images in PDF format based on annotation data from GenBank or GFF files. It is capable of visualizing entire genomes of bacteriophages as well as plasmids and user-defined regions of longer prokaryotic genomes. Additionally, LoVis4u offers optional data processing steps to identify and highlight accessory and core genes in input sequences. Finally, LoVis4u supports the visualization of genomic signal track profiles from sequencing experiments. LoVis4u is implemented in Python3 and runs on Linux and MacOS. The command-line interface covers most practical use cases, while the provided Python API allows usage within a Python program, integration into external tools, and additional customization. The source code is available at the GitHub page: github.com/art-egorov/lovis4u. Detailed documentation that includes an example-driven guide is available from the software home page: art-egorov.github.io/lovis4u.
Genetically predicted basal metabolic rate and infectious diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Zhanbin , Ma Yicheng , Xuan Qiuhui , Yao Zhenyu , Liu Qiaoran
Published: February 2025

Background

The causal relationship between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and infectious diseases remains elusive. This study aims to clarify this association.

Methods

This study analyzed genome-wide association studies (GWASs) data from the UK Biobank and FinnGen cohorts to investigate the association between BMR and infectious diseases in European populations. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was initially employed, followed by multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) to account for potential confounders. Mediation analysis further confirmed significant relationships. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the study findings.

Results

Using two sample MR, genetically predicted BMR was positively linked to skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.18–1.47, P < .001), osteomyelitis (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.36–2.80, P < .001) (1.36 ± 2.80), all-cause infections (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.26–1.48, P < .001) and sepsis (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.23–1.51, P < .001). MVMR analysis confirmed BMR's direct causal effect on SSTIs, osteomyelitis, all-cause infections, and sepsis, except for BMI and other factors affecting osteomyelitis. Mediation analysis revealed VAT as a mediator in the linkage between BMR and SSTIs and all-cause infections. HbA1c mediated the path from BMR to osteomyelitis, while CRP and BMI exhibited mediation effects in the BMR-all-cause infections relationship.

Conclusion

The study revealed a significant link between increased BMR and elevated risks of SSTIs, osteomyelitis, and bacterial infections, highlighting the intricate BMR-immune connection and its implications for disease control.

Key message What is already known on this topic:  High BMR is positively correlated with COVID-19 and associated with proinflammatory and immunological activation, but the relationship between BMR and other infectious diseases remains largely unexplored. What this study adds:  Higher BMR significantly raises the risk of SSTIs, osteomyelitis, all-cause infections, and sepsis. VAT, HbA1c, CRP, and BMI may mediate the BMR-infection relationship. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy:  A higher BMR may be a valuable indicator associated with an increased risk for SSTIs, osteomyelitis, and sepsis. Modulating BMR might hold promise as a clinically relevant intervention to prevent specific infectious diseases.
Genetic diversity, phylogeography, and sexual dimorphism in the extinct giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus)
Authors: Salis Alexander T , Schubert Blaine W , Bray Sarah C E , Heiniger Holly , Meachen Julie , Cooper Alan , Mitchell Kieren J
Published: February 2025

Giant short-faced bears (Arctodus simus) were the largest carnivoran of Pleistocene North America and are one of the most extensively studied extinct megafaunal species from the continent. Smaller and larger forms of A. simus have previously been recognized and are sometimes considered subspecies (A. s. simus and A. s. yukonensis, respectively). However, researchers have also proposed that this size variation is primarily the result of sexual dimorphism. We sequenced 31 mitogenomes of A. simus from locations ranging from Alaska to New Mexico. Our results revealed a lack of phylogeographic structure in A. simus, as well as low genetic diversity and relatively recent mitochondrial diversification. These observations may either represent population bottlenecks during the Late Pleistocene or simply a naturally low effective population size resulting from a dispersed population and low population density. We found no evidence for genetic differences among our samples, which were compatible with the previously proposed A. simus subspecies. In contrast, all large specimens to which we could assign a sex using genetic data were male, whereas the small specimens in our dataset were all female, supporting the hypothesis that A. simus size variation can be explained by sexual dimorphism.
Test-Retest Reliability of a Timeline Follow-back Method to Assess Opioid Use and Treatment
Authors: McCann Nicole C. , Yan Shapei , McMahan Vanessa M. , Pope Emily , Rolles Andrew , Brennan Sarah , Marti Xochitl Luna , Kosakowski Sarah , Coffin Phillip O. , Walley Alexander Y.
Published: February 2025

Background

Calendar-based timeline follow-back (TLFB) instruments have been used to assess alcohol use, smoking, and other behaviors. We assessed test-retest reliability of an adapted TLFB addressing opioid-related outcomes over 120 days among opioid overdose survivors using nonprescribed opioids.

Methods

The Repeated-dose Behavioral intervention to reduce Opioid Overdose Trial utilized a TLFB that collected data over the preceding 120 days. A subset of participants was administered a retest TLFB 3–21 days after their TLFB assessment. The test and retest assessed days of opioid and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) use, hospitalization, residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, incarceration, and overdose during overlapping time periods. For outcomes reported by ≥15% of the sample, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated between test and retest. ICC > 0.9 was considered “very high” reliability. For outcomes reported by <15%, frequencies were described; statistical tests were not conducted.

Results

Seventy-seven participants completed a retest. On the test/retest, most participants reported opioid (87%/83%) and MOUD (58%/60%) use. Median (IQR) number of days of opioid and MOUD use on the test/retest was 71 (25–117)/86 (23–108) and 4 (0–72)/5 (0–79) days. ICC between test and retest was >0.9 for both opioid and MOUD use. On test/retest, few participants reported hospitalization (8%/9%), residential SUD treatment (3%/3%), incarceration (5%/7%), or overdose (4%/3%).

Discussion

The adapted TLFB had very high reliability for self-reported opioid and MOUD use over 120 days. For less frequent outcomes, including overdose, a higher frequency or larger sample size is needed to assess reliability.
Impact of Sensitive Circulating Tumor DNA Monitoring on CT Scan Intervals During Postoperative Colorectal Cancer Surveillance
Authors: Sasaki Tomoko , Iwaya Takeshi , Yaegashi Mizunori , Idogawa Masashi , Hiraki Hayato , Abe Masakazu , Koizumi Yuka , Sasaki Noriyuki , Yashima-Abo Akiko , Fujisawa Ryosuke , Endo Fumitaka , Tange Shoichiro , Otsuka Koki , Sasaki Akira , Masuda Mari , Fujita Masashi , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Takahashi Fumiaki , Sasaki Yasushi , Tokino Takashi , Nishizuka Satoshi S.
Published: February 2025

Objective:

This study investigated whether digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR)-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring can allow longer intervals between computed tomography (CT) scans during postoperative surveillance of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Background:

Practical guidelines still recommend intensive postoperative surveillance of CRC using periodical CT scans and serum carcinoembryonic antigen testing.

Methods:

The longitudinal dynamics of ctDNA for 52 patients with CRC as measured by dPCR using probes targeting 87 individual tumor-specific mutations (1–5 per patient) were compared with results from conventional (ie, clinical) surveillance using serum tumor markers and CT.

Results:

A total of 382 CT procedures were carried out for the patient cohort (3.3/year per patient) and the median lead time from ctDNA relapse to clinical relapse was 182 days (range, 0–376 days). If the CT interval was annual, potential delays in the detection of clinical relapse would have occurred for 7 of the 10 patients who experienced clinical relapse (9 of 13 events), with a median delay of 164 days (range, 0–267 days). If annual CT surveillance was performed together with ctDNA monitoring, 218 (57.1%) CTs would not have been needed to detect the first clinical relapse. In addition, the ctDNA monitoring would have provided a lead time of 339 days for detection of clinical relapse (range, 42–533 days).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that the ctDNA monitoring as part of postoperative surveillance and clinical relapse detection for patients with CRC could allow the CT interval to be lengthened.

Trial Registration:

This trial was registered with University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000045114).
The Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Postoperative Pain Management and Emergency Room Visits in Pediatric Patients With Surgically Treated Lower Extremity Fractures: A Propensity-matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Momtaz David , Jahn Jacob , Eskenazi Jordan , Peterson Blaire , Lawand Jad , Ghali Abdullah , Hosseinzadeh Pooya
Published: February 2025

Background:

Anxiety and depression (AD) are prevalent comorbidities in pediatric patients and may influence postoperative outcomes. The impact of AD on postoperative pain medication use and emergency room (ER) visits in children with surgically treated lower extremity fractures has not been well-documented. This study aimed to evaluate the association between AD and outpatient postoperative pain medication requirements as well as ER visits in this population.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records from 2000 to 2023 in a large national database of health care organizations across the United States. Pediatric patients (age below 18) with surgically treated lower extremity fractures were included. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with AD and those without (No-AD). Patients were further dichotomized into 2 groups based on fracture location: femur (femur) versus tibia or ankle (tibia/ankle). Outcomes of interest included the use of intravenous (IV) opiates within 3 days postoperatively, the number of outpatient oral (PO) opiate prescriptions, and the proportion of patients with at least one ER visit within 1 year postsurgery. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:

A total of 25,658 patients with either femur or tibia/ankle fractures were included. After matching, 735 patients were included in the AD femur cohort, and 945 in the AD tibia/ankle cohort. Each cohort was matched 1:1 with their control counterparts. In the femur fracture cohort, 49.80% of AD patients and 46.53% of No-AD patients required IV opiates within the first 3 days after surgery (HR, 1.09; P=0.21). Outpatient PO opiate use was significantly higher in AD patients (55.78% vs. 38.50%, HR, 1.64; P<0.001). In addition, AD patients had a higher proportion of ER visits (20.3% vs. 11.7%, HR, 1.68; P<0.001). In the tibia/ankle fracture cohort, 55.2% of AD patients and 48.3% of No-AD patients required IV opiates within the first 3 days (HR, 1.18; P<0.001). Outpatient PO opiate use was also higher in AD patients (46.35% vs. 32.06%, HR, 1.55; P<0.001). ER visits were more frequent in AD patients (21.26% vs. 9.63%, HR, 2.08; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients with AD undergoing surgery for lower extremity fractures have increased postoperative pain medication requirements and higher rates of ER visits compared with those without AD. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as the use of preoperative counseling or multimodal pain regimens, to manage postoperative pain and reduce ER visits in this vulnerable population.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic level III.
PETS (Percutaneous Epiphysiodesis Using Transphyseal Screws) in the Proximal Tibia: Deep Peroneal Nerve Proximity
Authors: Cha Myung-Jin , Avendano John P. , Buchanan Brienna K. , Zastrow Ryley K. , Ahlawat Shivani , Lee Rushyuan J.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Percutaneous epiphysiodesis with transphyseal screws (PETS) is commonly used to treat limb-length discrepancy and angular knee deformity in children. PETS carries a small but serious risk of nerve injury from mechanical and/or thermal damage caused by instrumentation near the deep peroneal nerve (DPN). Our goals were to (1) characterize the location of the DPN to an ideally placed PETS screw in pediatric patients undergoing medial proximal tibia hemiepiphysiodesis; and (2) describe the optimal PETS screw trajectory in this location.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of lower-extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pediatric patients at our institution between January 2017 and July 2024. MRIs were excluded for incomplete visualization of the proximal tibia or the presence of tumors or fractures. Multiplanar reformations were generated to simulate the ideal medial proximal tibia PETS trajectory, defined as a screw crossing the medial 1/6 of the proximal tibia physis at a 55 degrees angle relative to the physis. Distances between the DPN and the ideal PETS trajectory were measured at the lateral cortical entry site on the proximal tibia, the point nearest the nerve, and the superficial fascia.

Results:

Of the 56 MRIs identified, 19 were included (mean patient age, 10.8 y, 68% female). Mean±SD distance from the DPN to the lateral cortical entry site of the tibia was 1.4±0.4 cm. The closest mean distance between the screw and DPN was 1.0±0.5 cm. Mean distance between the DPN and the superficial fascia was 2.4±0.7 cm. The screw trajectory was always anterior to the DPN.

Conclusions:

Given the proximity of transphyseal screws to the DPN during percutaneous epiphysiodesis of the medial proximal tibia, correct screw trajectory and a thorough understanding of the neurovascular anatomy in relation to bony landmarks is crucial to prevent nerve injury. In addition, biasing the screw path anteriorly can assist in maintaining a “safe zone” between the instrumentation and the DPN.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective cohort study.
Large L5–S1 Lordosis is an Independent Risk Factor for recurrENCE AFTER BOne Union of Pediatric Lumbar Spondylolysis at L5
Authors: Kuroshima Kohei , Miyazaki Shingo , Hiranaka Yoshiaki , Ryu Masao , Inoue Shinichi , Yurube Takashi , Kakutani Kenichiro , Tadokoro Ko
Published: February 2025

Study Design:

Retrospective case-control study.

Objective.

To determine risk factors for recurrence of pediatric lumbar spondylolysis at L5 after return to sport in patients who achieved bone union with conservative treatment.

Summary of Background Data.

Pediatric lumbar spondylolysis is a stress fracture commonly observed in adolescent athletes, particularly at the L5 vertebra. Because some patients experience a recurrence of spondylolysis after bone fusion with conservative treatment, identifying risk factors for recurrence may help athletes continue sports activities, maintain performance levels, and preserve mental health.

Methods.

Of the 375 pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who received conservative treatment for lumbar spondylolysis at L5 between 2015 and 2021, 296 patients who achieved bone fusion and returned to their original sports activities were analyzed. Recurrence rate, sports, pathological stage of spondylolysis at initial examination, presence of spina bifida occulta (SBO), duration of conservative treatment for initial spondylolysis, and radiological parameters including lumber lordosis, L5–S1 lordosis, and sacral slope were examined. Recurrence and non-recurrence groups were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate risk factors for recurrence. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to determine cut-off values of the parameters to predict spondylolysis recurrence.

Results.

Recurrence was observed in 52 out of 296 patients (17.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a large L5–S1 lordosis was a significant independent risk factor for recurrence. ROC analysis demonstrated a cut-off value of 24.5° for L5–S1 lordosis. Age, sex, SBO, and duration of conservative treatment for initial spondylolysis were not significant predictors of recurrence.

Conclusion.

We identified large L5–S1 lordosis as an independent risk factor for recurrence of pediatric lumbar spondylolysis at L5 following conservative treatment. Intensive athletic rehabilitation to prevent recurrence and follow-up measures to monitor and detect recurrence are recommended for patients with large L5–S1 lordosis.
Computer-aided diagnosis based on 3D deep convolutional neural network system using novel 3D magnetic resonance imaging sequences for high-grade prostate cancer
Authors: Oka Ryo , Li Bochong , Kato Seiji , Utsumi Takanobu , Endo Takumi , Kamiya Naoto , Nakaguchi Toshiya , Suzuki Hiroyoshi
Published: February 2025

Background

With the rising incidence of prostate cancer (PCa), there is a global demand for assistive tools that aid in the diagnosis of high-grade PCa. This study aimed to develop a diagnostic support system for high-grade PCa using innovative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI).

Materials and methods

We examined image sequences of 254 patients with PCa obtained from diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted imaging, using novel MRI sequences before prostatectomy, to elucidate the characteristics of the 3-dimensional (3D) image sequences. The presence of PCa was determined based on the final diagnosis derived from pathological results after prostatectomy. A 3D deep convolutional neural network (3DCNN) was used as the AI for image recognition. Data augmentation was conducted to enhance the image dataset. High-grade PCa was defined as Gleason grade group 4 or higher.

Results

We developed a learning system using a 3DCNN as a diagnostic support system for high-grade PCa. The sensitivity and area under the curve values were 85% and 0.82, respectively.

Conclusions

The 3DCNN-based AI diagnostic support system, developed in this study using innovative 3D multiparametric MRI sequences, has the potential to assist in identifying patients at a higher risk of pretreatment of high-grade PCa.