bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-Scouring of Jute Fiber for Enhancing Compatibility in Reactive Dyeing
Authors: Islam Khairul , Roy Manindra Nath , Islam Tarikul , Rokonuzzaman Md. , Bashar M Mahbubul , Khan Mubarak A.
Published: February 2025

Bio-scouring of jute fibers is one of the new green pretreatments for textile coloration. In this context, in the present study, the pectinase enzyme was used for the scouring of jute fiber and compared with conventional alkaline scouring. From the results obtained, enzymatic scouring was found to effectively remove natural oils and waxes along with minor impurities on the surface of the fibers. The weight loss, through bio-scouring samples of weight loss, was about 2.17%, absorbency as such was 7.33 seconds, and dye uptake-value (k/s) is slightly less than that obtained traditionally was 0.36 while 3.57%, 6 seconds, and 0.38 with conventional scouring. Bio-scouring was done in the presence of 30 g/L, 50 g/L, and 100 g/L enzymes at 55 ⁰C for 3 h, 6 h, and 9 h at pH 5, and traditional scouring was performed using 3 g/L of NaOH at 100°C for the same time against pH 12. 0.1% Remazol Red RR dye was used to dye the fiber for 60 mins at 60 ⁰C, and the material liquor ratio was 1:40. Samples weight was measured very carefully after 8 h oven dry treatment, and k/s value was measured after 1 h conditioning. After analysis of weight loss, absorbance, and dye uptake of both bio-scoured and traditional scoured jute fiber, it was observed that bio-scouring benefits more than traditional alkaline scouring in reactive coloration.
Time’s Witnesses
Authors: Lothe Jacob
Published: February 2025

Chapter 1 discusses the narrative ethics of four testimonies in the author’s edited volume, Time’s Witnesses: Women’s Voices from the Holocaust (2017). It finds that the first-person narratives by Maria Gabrielsen, Ella Blumenthal, Edith Notowicz, and Olga Horak are important testimonies that confirm the fact that the Holocaust did indeed happen. The survivors can assert this with confidence because they were inside the concentration camp, where almost everybody else was murdered. Linked to this common feature of testimony is a new role of the narrator because the witness’s function is related to, and constitutes, a mode of storytelling developed to cope with not just individual but also collective trauma after the Second World War and the Holocaust. As narration becomes an act of witnessing in a double sense – the first-person narrator’s “I” is entangled with a “we” since the narrator also speaks on behalf of those who perished – storytelling’s ethical dimension is accentuated.
PNL: a software to build polygenic risk scores using a Super Learner approach based on PairNet, a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Chen Ting-Huei , Lee Chia-Jung , Chen Syue-Pu , Wu Shang-Jung , Fann Cathy S J
Published: February 2025

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) hold promise for early disease diagnosis and personalized treatment, but their overall discriminative power remains limited for many diseases in the general population. As a result, numerous novel PRS modeling techniques have been developed to improve predictive performance, but determining the most effective method for a specific application remains uncertain until tested. Hence, we introduce a novel, versatile tool for building an optimized PRS model by integrating candidate models from multiple existing PRS building methods that use target population data and/or incorporating information from other populations through a trans-ethnic approach. Our tool, PNL is based on PairNet algorithm, a Convolutional Neural Network with low computation complexity through simple paring operation. In the case studies for asthma, type 2 diabetes, and vertigo, the optimal PRS model generated with PNL using only TWB data achieved AUCs that matched or improved the best results using other methods individually. Incorporating UKBB data further improved performance of PNL for asthma and type 2 diabetes. For vertigo, unlike the other diseases, individual method analysis showed that UKBB data alone generally produced lower AUCs compared to TWB data alone. As a result, incorporating UKBB data did not improve AUC with PNL, suggesting that increasing the number of candidate models does not necessarily result in higher AUC values, alleviating concerns about overfitting.

Availability and implementation

The python code for PairNet algorithm incorporated in PNL is freely available on: https://github.com/FannLab/pairnet. An archived, citable version is stored on: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14838227.

Contact

Correspondence should be addressed to corresponding authors.

Supplementary Information

Detailed implementation procedures can be found in the Supplementary Materials.
FMO-based interaction analysis on DEET/Icaridin - AgamOBP1 complex
Authors: Akisawa Kazuki , Sakuma Yurina , Tsukamoto Akiko , Doi Hideo , Okuwaki Koji , Hirano Yoshinori , Yamamoto Eiji , Yasuoka Kenji , Mochizuki Yuji
Published: February 2025

We performed statistical interaction analysis using fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations on the droplet models of complexes formed between two popular mosquito repellents (DEET and Icaridin) and the target odorant binding protein of Anopheles gambiae (AgamOBP1). These structure sets were generated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, taking into account structural fluctuations under hydration. The different binding situation for the two repellents was revealed; the phenyl ring with π-electrons plays a leading role for DEET, whereas multiple attractive interactions are involved for Icaridin.
Applicability of Multi-Component Quantum Mechanical Calculations for H/D Isotope Effects in Electronic Absorption Spectra
Authors: Inoue Mana , Ishimoto Takayoshi , Rocabado David S Rivera , Udagawa Taro , Tachikawa Masanori , Baba Masaaki , Kanematsu Yusuke
Published: February 2025

The applicability of multi-component quantum mechanical (MC_QM) approach was assessed by calculating the H/D isotope effect on the electronic absorption spectra of small molecules. The calculated excitation energy of the water molecule increased upon H/D substitution, a trend consistent with the experimentally observed peak shift in the absorption cross-section. This increase in excitation energy was primarily attributed to changes in the highest occupied molecular orbital, driven by a reduction in nuclear quantum fluctuations due to isotope substitution. Similar trends were observed in the absorption spectra of ethylene, hexatriene, and biphenyl, reinforcing the generality of these findings. These results suggest that MC_QM is an efficient method for evaluating H/D isotope effects on ultraviolet-visible spectra without requiring vibrational analysis. Furthermore, the approach provides a clear connection between spectral changes and alterations in molecular orbitals induced by isotope substitution.
Underrepresentation and Exclusion of Patients with Cardiovascular Disease in Intensive Care Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ali Tariq , Grimshaw Alyssa A , Thomas Alexander , Solomon Michael A , Ross Joseph S , Miller P Elliott
Published: February 2025

Background

The complexity of the contemporary cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) has increased due a growing prevalence of multisystem, noncardiac illnesses. Despite this increase, patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are often underrepresented from intensive care randomized controlled trials (RCT). We sought to quantify the representation of patients with cardiovascular disease comorbidities in intensive care RCTs.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE for trials published from 2007 to 2019 with the five highest journal impact factors in the disciplines of critical care medicine, general internal medicine, and cardiovascular disease. Prospective RCTs in the adult (age ≥18 years), intensive care setting with ≥50 individuals were included. Study characteristics, proportion of patients with CVD and cardiovascular exclusion criteria were extracted independently by two reviewers. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of cardiovascular exclusion and representation.

Results

A total of 412 eligible RCTs were identified for analysis, 132 (32.0%) of which included specific CVD-related exclusion criteria with history of heart failure (29.5%) and of ischemic heart disease (26.5%) being the most common exclusions. Exclusions were more likely in multicenter trials and varied substantially across study intervention categories. Representation of CVD, reflected by the reporting of any CVD history, was noted in 150 (36.4%) RCTs. Of those reporting, the prevalence of any CVD, ischemic heart disease and heart failure were 15.7%, 13.2% and 10.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Those with comorbid CVD are both frequently excluded and underrepresented in intensive care RCTs, limiting the application of RCTs to this physiologically complex patient population.
The Role of Multimodal Cardiac Imaging in Managing Electrical Storms in Severe Heart Calcifications – a Case Report
Authors: Lejeune Adrienne , Blommaert Dominique , Cosyns Bernard , Higny Julien , Luchian Maria-Luiza
Published: February 2025

Background

Intramyocardial calcifications are rare and associated with conditions such as myocardial infarction, rheumatic heart disease, and calcium metabolism disorders. These calcifications carry significant prognostic value, often leading to severe complications like ventricular arrhythmias, increased morbidity, and mortality. They can pose challenges for treatment, especially when ablation is ineffective due to the calcifications acting as physical barriers.

Case Presentation

A 43-year-old male with a history of extensive myocardial calcifications and recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) presented with a prolonged electrical storm, despite having an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Multiple ICD shocks and overdrive pacing temporarily restored sinus rhythm, but VT recurred. Initial management with Amiodarone and electrical cardioversions failed to control the arrhythmias. The patient required sedation and intubation for 36 hours.

High-dose Amiodarone and general anesthesia eventually stabilized the arrhythmia. Post-sedation, the patient was discharged with oral Amiodarone and Bisoprolol, without further arrhythmia.

Discussion

This case underscores the challenges in managing electrical storms in patients with extensive intramyocardial calcifications, which hinder ablation and contribute to persistent arrhythmias. Effective management of life-threatening arrhythmias in these patients requires a comprehensive approach, including multimodality cardiac imaging, collaborative decision-making by a multidisciplinary team, advanced antiarrhythmic therapy and sedation when necessary.
EchoNavigator®-guided transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve procedure to treat a degenerated radiolucent surgical bioprosthetic valve, a case report
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali J , Alkhawam Mustafa , Myla Madhura , Salama Amr , Ahmed Mustafa I
Published: February 2025

Background

Radiolucent valves present unique clinical challenges since interventions often depend on multiple imaging modalities to perform such procedures successfully. EchoNavigator® is novel imaging software that specializes in real-time merging ultrasound and fluoroscopy images. It addresses these limitations by simultaneously integrating the benefits of two imaging modalities.

Case Summary

An 85-year-old man with a history of bioprosthetic valve disease developed life-limiting symptoms. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed severe bioprosthetic mitral stenosis, prompting plans to perform a transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement. Using EchoNavigator® to mark the annulus on TEE, we were able to successfully deploy the valve using fluoroscopy to guide the successful deployment of the valve.

Discussion

The treatment of degenerated valves using transcatheter valve-in-valve procedures has increased in frequency recently due to increasing age and comorbidities associated with patients. Identifying the true annulus plays an integral role in ensuring the valve is deployed in the ideal location. However, the radiolucent nature of the valve prohibits performing a TMVIV under conventional methods. Utilization of fusion imaging, such as EchoNavigator®, provides an opportunity to visualize such valves using the strengths of both modalities simultaneously, simplifying such procedures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of using such fusion technology to facilitate the placement of a bioprosthesis within a failed radiolucent surgical valve. Application of such technologies can help improve the performance and outcomes of such procedures by allowing operators to use the advantages of both imaging for improved outcomes.
The behavioural, physiological and biochemical responses of Lumbriculus variegatus exposed to cannabidiol (CBD) and its metabolites
Authors: Williams Benjamin S , Jomy Georgeena , Flanagan Megan , Carriere Julanta J , Labdon Grace E , Hawkes Grace Stella , McRobbie-Aston James , Wallace Melisa J , Price Claire L , Davies Nia A , Seeley Aidan
Published: February 2025

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been detected in environmental samples, but the ecotoxicological effects remain unknown. In this study, Lumbriculus variegatus are exposed to CBD, and its metabolites 7-hydroxy-cannabidiol (7-OH-CBD) and 7-carboxy-cannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD). In this study, toxicity, tactile stimulation to elicit stereotypical behaviours and locomotor activity are measured after 24-hour exposure of L. variegatus to CBD and its metabolites. We also describe the impacts on dorsal blood vessel pulsation and oxygen consumption after 24-hour exposure to CBD and 7-OH-CBD, and the effects on regenerative capacity and total energy reserves after 72 hours of exposure to CBD and 7-OH-CBD. We observe CBD, 7-OH-CBD and 7-COOH-CBD display toxicity in 50% of test populations at 14.12 µM, 11.29 µM and 15.36 µM, respectively. 24-hour exposure to CBD decreases tactile stimulation response to elicit body reversal at ≥ 2.5 µM and helical swimming at ≥ 0.5 µM and reduces locomotor activity. L. variegatus oxygen consumption was not affected by CBD but ≥2.5 µM significantly reduced dorsal blood vessel pulse rate. We observe that exposure to 7-OH-CBD does not affect the regenerative capacity of L. variegatus while CBD is shown to reduce regeneration. Exposure to CBD also results in a significant decrease in carbohydrates, increased lipid, and no effect on protein levels in L. variegatus. We determined that CBD can reduce L. variegatus behaviours, decrease pulse rates and regenerative capacity, and disrupt energy reserves. Our findings show that CBD is toxic to this common aquatic organism and the increased availability and use of CBD, and related substances, warrants further study of their environmental impact.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Traditional Medicare Beneficiaries: Associations with Age
Authors: Ganz David A , Lai Julie , Cantor Jonathan H , Agniel Denis , Simon Kosali , Stein Bradley D , Taylor Erin A
Published: February 2025

Rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) have increased in older adults (age ≥ 50). Medications for OUD (MOUD) treat OUD effectively; however, limited data exist on whether older adults with OUD are provided MOUD. Using 2016-2020 claims data from Medicare beneficiaries with index events indicating a new episode of OUD, we calculated rates of MOUD initation (first dispensing within 14 days of index event), engagement (dispensing of a second MOUD within 34 days of initiation), and retention (receiving MOUD consistently over 180 days). Among beneficiaries with qualifying index events (N=40,336), 17%, 38% and 45% were ages 20-49, 50-64, and ≥ 65, respectively. 503 beneficiaries with a qualifying index event (1.3%) initiated MOUD, 461 (1.1%) reached engagement, and 309 (0.8%) were retained. Multivariable logistic regressions showed older age was associated with reduced MOUD initiation (compared to those age 20-49, adjusted odds ratios [aORs] were 0.79 [95% CI, 0.64-0.98] and 0.36 [95% CI, 0.25-0.51] for ages 50-64 and ≥ 65, respectively). Reduced MOUD initiation was associated with female sex (aOR=0.74; 95% CI, 0.61-0.89) and increasing comorbidity score (aOR=0.76 per 1-point increase; 95% CI, 0.72-0.80). These results suggest that in addition to general efforts to increase uptake of MOUD, age-specific strategies are needed.
Sonic-induced cellular vibrations unzip intertwined anther cone trichomes to trigger floral self-pollination and boost tomato fruit size
Authors: Anwar Sidra , Happy Happy , Dingley Angus , Vinoth Thailammai , Liang Weiguang , Sindel Brian M , George Laurel , Wang Chun H , Cazzonelli Christopher I
Published: February 2025

Artificial tomato pollination methods rely on cellular vibrations from air displacement, electric vibration wands and trellis tapping, which have potential to spread pathogens. Bioacoustic frequencies emitted from buzzing bees to ultrasonication can vibrate plant cells without physical contact. The effects of frequency-dependent sonication on the poricidal anther cone sheath, self-pollination, seed set, and fruit size remain unclear. We engineered devices to investigate the frequency-dependent power-law behaviour of floral living cells from greenhouse-grown tomato varieties - contrasting contact-induced oscillations from a vibrating wand and mechanical shaker arm with precision non-contact sonication emitted by a subwoofer speaker. The velocity and acceleration of vibrating flowers and impact on poricidal anther cone sheath cellular structures, self-pollination, and fruit development were assessed. Sonic frequencies ranging from 50 to 10 000 Hz increased pollination, fruit size, weight, and seed set in Sweetelle, Endeavour, Paulanca and Managua commercial varieties. Scanning electron microscopy revealed sonication separated the intertwined trichomes and unzipped their meshed network that locks the lobes of the anther cone sheath together thereby releasing pollen grains. Near ultra-sonic frequencies boosted fruit size, whereas seed set remained constant thereby challenging the floral cell power-law rheological characteristics under different frequency scales. Tomato flowers displayed a low power-law cell behaviour to frequency-dependent sonication enabling its effectiveness as a precision non-contact technology to boost pollination and tomato fruit size without a substrate-borne component.
Out of Africa: Genetic characterization and diversity of Mashona cattle in the United States
Authors: Ling A S , Hay E , Lozada-Soto EA , Hayes E , Browning R , Blackburn H D
Published: February 2025

Mashona is a Sanga breed believed to be an ancient Bos taurus and Bos indicus composite. Since importation to the United States producers with relatively small herds (<70 cows per herd) and located in hot-humid regions have found them useful in crossbreeding programs due to purported resistance to pests and heat stress. This study evaluated the genomic composition of US Mashona to better understand their population history and determine level of genetic diversity. Twenty-four Mashona from Tennessee State University were sampled and genotyped. A reference population of Bos taurus (Angus, Hereford, Wagyu, Romosinuano, and Florida Cracker) and Bos indicus (Brahman) breeds, as well as from an additional Sanga breed (Tuli) was obtained from the USDA-ARS gene bank. All individuals were genotyped using the 777k Illumina BovineHD panel. Genomic diversity across breeds was evaluated using measures of genetic distance, allelic frequency, inbreeding, and admixture analyses. The principal component analysis results revealed the first four principal components to explain 15.5, 4.3, 3.1, and 2.4% of the genetic variation in the genotyped animals. Mashona and Tuli did not overlap but tended to cluster near one another for all principal components, particularly along the 4th principal component (variation along European-African axis). The ADMIXTURE analysis revealed that the average proportion of Bos taurus genetics in Mashona was 0.81, with individual proportions ranging from 0.77 to 0.84. Additionally, the unsupervised ADMIXTURE analysis indicated that Mashona and Tuli form a distinct ancestry group, suggesting that Sanga breeds possess unique genetic diversity compared to the other breeds evaluated in this study. The evaluation of regions with high autozygosity or differentiated from other breeds revealed several selection signatures in the Mashona population. An ROH region on chromosome 6 contained genes associated with horn fly resistance. Additional ROH regions contained genes and QTL associated with calving ease, reproduction and maternal ability. Historical trends in Mashona effective population size (Ne = 28) align with known past demographic events and indicated a narrowing of its genetic base. With insights into Mashona’s unique level of genetic diversity but its relatively small population size, breeders will need to balance existing genetic diversity and selection for important traits.
Evaluating accuracy in artificial intelligence-powered serial segmentation for sectional images applied to morphological studies with three-dimensional reconstruction
Authors: Muro Satoru , Ibara Takuya , Sugiyama Yuzuki , Nimura Akimoto , Akita Keiichi
Published: February 2025

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is time-consuming owing to segmentation work. We evaluated the accuracy of the artificial intelligence (AI)-based segmentation and tracking model SAM-Track for segmentation of anatomical or histological structures and explored the potential of AI to enhance research efficiency. Images [obtained via computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)], anatomical sections from a Visible Korean Human open resource, and serial histological section images of cadavers were obtained. Six structures in the CT, MRI, and anatomical sections and seven in the histological sections were segmented using SAM-Track and compared with manual segmentation by calculating the Dice similarity coefficient. Segmented images were then reconstructed three dimensionally. The average Dice scores of CT and MRI results varied (0.13–0.83); anatomical sections showed mostly good accuracy (0.31–0.82). Clear-edged structures, such as the femur and liver, had high scores (0.69–0.83). In contrast, soft tissue structures, such as the rectus femoris and stomach, had variable accuracy (0.38–0.82). Histological sections showed high accuracy, especially for well-delineated tissues, such as the tibia and pancreas (0.95, 0.90). However, the tracking of branching structures, such as arteries and veins, was less successful (0.72, 0.52). In 3D reconstruction, high Dice scores were associated with accurate shapes, whereas low scores indicated discrepancies between the predicted and true shapes. AI-based automatic segmentation using SAM-Track provides moderate-to-good accuracy for anatomical and histological structures and is beneficial for conducting morphological studies involving 3D reconstruction.
Synergistic self-learning approach to establishing individualized treatment rules from multiple benefit outcomes in a calcium supplementation trial
Authors: Zhou Yiwang , Song Peter X K
Published: February 2025

In utero lead exposure poses risks to children’s neurobehavioral development. The Early Life Exposure in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants’ calcium supplementation trial studies the effect of calcium supplement in reducing maternal lead exposure to infants during pregnancy. An individualized treatment rule (ITR) is needed to guide pregnant women on taking calcium supplement. This article introduces a statistical learning method, synergistic self-learning (SS-learning), to tackle two challenges in deriving ITR with multiple outcomes, including heterogeneous multidimensional outcomes and complex missing data patterns. Applying SS-learning to the trial, important covariates were identified to form an ITR, expected to lead to higher lead reduction if implemented across the study population.
Correcting for bias due to mismeasured exposure in mediation analysis with a survival outcome
Authors: Cheng Chao , Spiegelman Donna , Li Fan
Published: February 2025

We investigate the impact of exposure measurement error on assessing mediation with a survival outcome modelled by Cox regression. We first derive the bias formulas of natural indirect and direct effects with a rare outcome and no exposure–mediator interaction. We then develop several calibration approaches to correct for the measurement error-induced bias, and generalize our methods to accommodate a common outcome and an exposure–mediator interaction. We apply the proposed methods to analyse the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986–2016) and evaluate the extent to which reduced body mass index mediates the protective effect of physical activity on risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Ethylene biosynthesis in legumes: gene identification and expression during early symbiotic stages
Authors: Gómez-Fernández Germán O , van Velzen Robin , Mun Jeong-Hwan , Cook Douglas R , Kohlen Wouter , Larrainzar Estíbaliz
Published: February 2025

The final steps of ethylene biosynthesis involve the consecutive activity of two enzymes, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO). These enzymes are encoded by small gene families, which, in the case of legumes, have not been systematically characterized at the level of gene family membership or phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, the absence of consensus nomenclature complicates comparisons within the scientific literature, where authors are addressing the roles of these genes in planta. In this study, we provide a framework in which the ACS and ACO family members of several legume species, including the two model legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus, were systematically annotated, named, and analyzed relative to genes from other dicot and monocot model species. A combination of phylogenetic and reciprocal BLAST analyses was used to identify evolutionary relationships among genes, including the identification of orthologous relationships that can inform hypotheses about function. Given the role of ethylene as a negative regulator of the legume-rhizobium symbiosis, we queried publicly available RNA-seq expression datasets to obtain an overview of the expression profiles of these genes in the interaction between M. truncatula and its nitrogen-fixing microsymbiont. The resulting evolutionary framework, as well as structural and expression analyses, are intended to facilitate ongoing functional studies in legumes.
Identification of Urinary Metabolic Biomarkers for H3K27M Mutation Diagnosis in Brainstem Gliomas
Authors: Li Xiaoou , Sun Wei , Guo Zhengguang , Qi Feng , Li Tian , Wang Yujin , Zhang Mingxin , Wang Aiwei , Jiang Zhuang , Xie Luyang , Mai Yiying , Wang Yi , Wu Zhen , Ji Nan , Zhang Yang , Zhang Liwei
Published: February 2025

Background

Brainstem gliomas (BSGs) harboring a histone 3 lysine27-to-methionine (H3K27M) mutation represent one of the deadliest brain tumors with a dismal prognosis, as they exhibit a much worse response to therapy compared to the wildtype BSGs. Early non-invasive recognition of the H3K27M mutation is paramount for clinical decision-making in treating BSGs.

Methods

Plasma and urine samples were prospectively collected from BSG patients before biopsy or surgical resection and were chronologically divided into discovery, test, and validation cohorts. Utilizing the discovery and test cohort samples, an untargeted metabolomic strategy was exploited to identify candidate metabolite biomarkers, related to the H3K27M mutation. The candidate biomarkers were validated in the validation cohort with a targeted metabolomic method.

Results

Differential metabolomic profiles were detected between the H3K27M-mutant and wild-type BSGs in both the plasma and urine, the metabolomic changes were more dramatic in urine than in plasma. After rigorous screening for candidate biomarkers and validation with a targeted metabolomic approach, three metabolites, nomilin, Lys-Leu, and hawkinsin, emerged as significantly elevated biomarkers in H3K27M-mutant BSG urine samples. The biomarker panel combining the three metabolites had a diagnostic area under the curve (AUC) of approximately 75%. Furthermore, the biomarker panel improved the prediction accuracy of radiomics/clinical models to an AUC value high as 93.38%.

Conclusions

A urinary metabolite biomarker panel that exhibited high accuracy for non-invasive prediction of the H3K27M mutation status in BSG patients was identified. This panel has the potential to improve the predictive performance of current radiomics models or clinical features.
Phenylalanine metabolism-dependent lignification confers rhizobacterium-induced plant resistance
Authors: Li Qi , Liu Zhuangzhuang , Jiang Zexuan , Jia Mingyun , Hou Zhaoqi , Dou Daolong , Yu Jinping
Published: February 2025

Phenylalanine metabolism serves as an important route for the production of diverse secondary metabolites including phenylpropanoids. The phenylpropanoid pathway is involved in plant immunity, but whether it can regulate rhizobacteria-induced resistance is poorly understood. In this study, we confirmed a growth-promoting rhizobacterium strain JR48 could induce resistance, strengthen salicylic acid (SA) signaling, and increase lignin content during Phytophthora capsici infection. We conducted transcriptome sequencing to analyze the effect of JR48 on the expression of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genes, generated transgenes and loss-of-function genetic materials to specify the function of peroxidase genes, and implemented metabolomics analysis to uncover the resistance-inducing metabolites of JR48. JR48 activated expression of several pepper peroxidase genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway during pathogen infection. These peroxidases positively regulated lignification-mediated pathogen resistance, and the phenylpropanoid pathway acted downstream of SA signaling to confer JR48-induced resistance. Further, JR48 was capable of producing phenylpyruvate to enhance phenylalanine accumulation, thereby reinforcing phenylalanine metabolism-dependent lignification and resistance. Our results revealed that JR48 produces phenylpyruvate to refuel phenylalanine metabolism and reinforces SA signaling to further activate expression of peroxidase genes. This study uncovers immune components previously hidden in metabolic pathways and a recent mechanism underlying rhizobacteria-induced plant resistance.
Giant cell arteritis mimics with severe consequences: a long-term monocentric inception cohort
Authors: Parreau Simon , Cayrou Cory , Dumonteil Stéphanie , Laburthe Sébastien , Bosphore Gregory , Desvaux Edouard , Ratti Nina , Lopez Jean-Guillaume , Margotonne Menfild , Couillard Florence , Bouquet Remy , Salvador Bastien , Palat Sylvain , Foré Romain , Gondran Guillaume , Bezanahary Holy , Fauchais Anne-Laure , Liozon Eric , Ly Kim-Heang
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To describe patients who underwent a temporal artery biopsy (TAB) for suspected GCA but were given a different diagnosis. We focused on a subset of alternate diagnoses mimicking GCA with ominous consequences of a delayed diagnosis or undue glucocorticoid treatment.

Methods

This was a single-centre retrospective study. All patients (n = 579) underwent a TAB for initially suspected GCA and were recruited from 2005 to 2023. Four groups were defined: GCA with a positive TAB (n = 248); GCA with a negative TAB (n = 135); rapid alternative diagnoses without ominous consequences (usual mimics, n = 177); and alternative diagnoses with severe consequences (ominous mimics, n = 19).

Results

Of the 19 ominous mimics (10% of all mimics), 9 had major diagnostic delays leading to severe outcomes and 12 patients suffered severe side effects from glucocorticoid treatment. The ominous mimics had higher ACR/EULAR 2022 scores than the usual mimics (6.9 vs 4.5), but they had scores similar to those with GCA and a negative TAB. The mean time to an alternative diagnosis was 66 days for the ominous mimics, and the average diagnostic delay of 145 days was much longer than that in the other groups, with a high mortality rate of 68%.

Conclusion

Misdiagnosing GCA has severe consequences in a few patients. Classification criteria often fail to differentiate mimics from true GCA. Clinician vigilance, histology proof and imaging tools are critical for ruling out GCA and should be used more widely. Reducing diagnostic delay is essential for improving patient survival in severe mimics cases.
Cut-off matters in the interpretation of myositis antibodies by line immunoassay
Authors: Wei Xiumei , Yun James , He Jianna , Sturgess Allan
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of a commercial line immunoassay (LIA) in cohorts of healthy controls (HC), disease controls (DC), and patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), and investigate whether different cut-offs would enhance the accuracy of myositis antibodies (MAs) by LIA.

Methods

Sera from patients with positive MAs (n = 118), DC (n = 124) and HC (n = 60), were analysed for MAs using EUROLINE Myopathies 16 Ag LIA (EUROIMMUN).

Results

The newly established MAs cut-offs resulted in significantly lower both false-positive and multiple positive rates compared with the manufacturer’s single cut-off, from 36.7% to 5.0% and 7.2% to 1.1% in controls, and 45.8% to 23.8% and 23.7% to 15.5% in patients with positive MAs cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, the positive predictive value (PPV) of MAs for IIMs or interstitial lung disease (ILD) increased significantly from 47.5% to 66.7%.

Conclusion

Establishment of local cut-offs and cross-reference ANA findings can significantly enhance the assay’s performance and increase the confidence in interpreting MAs results by LIA. It is important to be aware of the low PPV for most MAs in real-world cohorts, thus, the investigation of MAs should be approached as confirmatory or differential diagnosis rather than a screening tool in IIMs.
Urological cancer risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to matched controls: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lee Dagyeong , Jeon Keun Hye , Jung Jinhyoung , Han Kyungdo , Cho Mi Hee , Cho In Young , Shin Dong Wook
Published: February 2025

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with several comorbidities, including an increased risk of certain cancers. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between RA and increased risk of urological cancers—specifically kidney, bladder, prostate and testicular cancers—and the influence of RA serological status on this risk.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance System database (2010–2020), including patients with RA and a 1:5 matched non-RA population. RA patients were grouped according to serological status. The primary outcome was newly diagnosed urological cancer, and its association with RA was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

RA patients had an increased risk of kidney cancer compared with the non-RA population (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.34 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.78]). The risk of kidney cancer was even higher in women with RA (aHR 1.57 [95% CI: 1.10, 2.24]). However, the risk of bladder, prostate and testicular cancers was not associated with RA (bladder cancer, aHR 1.24, 95% CI 0.95–1.62; prostate cancer, aHR 1.13, 95% CI 0.94–1.35; testicular cancer, aHR 2.31, 95% CI 0.44–12.20). No significant difference in urological cancer risk was found according to serological status.

Conclusions

RA patients have a higher risk of kidney cancer than the general population. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the association between RA and kidney cancer to optimize cancer prevention and screening strategies.
Evaluation of increasing levels of mycotoxin-containing corn fines and mitigants on nursery pig growth performance
Authors: Paczosa D B , Chevalier T B , Adedokun S A , Zheng L , Lindemann M D
Published: February 2025

The effects of feeding corn fines (screenings) containing mycotoxin levels greater than the FDA guidance (fumonisins) and advisory (deoxynivalenol) levels were evaluated using 150 crossbred pigs (initial BW: 6.42 ± 0.06 kg; 90 barrows and 60 gilts) in an 8-week study by adding contaminated corn fines to create six diets. The corn fines used contained prestudy analyzed mycotoxin levels of 20,334 ppb total fumonisin, 1,499 ppb zearalenone, and 5,075 ppb total deoxynivalenol. The corn fines were added into a corn-soybean meal basal diet at 0, 20, 40, and 60% corn fines (Diets 1-4, respectively). Diet 5 was created by adding 40 ppm of boron (as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, 11.34% B) to Diet 4. Diet 6 was created by adding 0.25% Biofix Plus with FUMzyme (BPF; dsm-firmenich, Plainsboro, NJ) to Diet 4. Dietary treatments were fed for 6 weeks; after that, all pigs received a common corn-soybean meal basal diet without fines for about 2 weeks. The lightest, median, and heaviest pigs in a pen were selected at Wk 3, and serum was collected from those pigs on Wk 3, 6, and 8. Serum clinical chemistry and sphinganine:sphingosine ratio (SA:SO) were determined at Wk 6. Increasing fines linearly decreased ADG during Wk 1-6 (P = 0.03). Comparing Diets 4 and 5 to Diet 1 during Wk 1-6, there was a decrease in ADG (P < 0.05); subsequently, the difference in Diets 4 and 5 compared to Diet 1 was no longer significant for Wk 1-8. Comparing Diet 6 to Diets 1 and 4 during Wk 1-6, pigs fed Diet 6 were able to recover 57% of the lost ADG that occurred when corn fines were increased from 0 to 60%. During Wk 7-8 (all pigs on a common diet), pigs on Diets 5 and 6 had an increase in ADG compared to Diet 1. SA:SO linearly increased as fines in the diet increased (Diets 1-4; P = 0.001), but the addition of BPF ameliorated 95% of this increase. In conclusion, as mycotoxins increased, pigs exhibited negative effects in ADG, but the additive Biofix Plus with FUMzyme ameliorated a portion of these effects. Further, the recovery from Wk 7-8 from all pigs does show the importance of feeding clean corn to optimize ADG, ADFI, and gain/feed ratio.
Trends in Operative Timing for Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome
Authors: Gagliardi Thomas A. , Fleisher Ilan , Lapow Justin , Spirollari Eris , Sullivan Timothy , Carr Alexis , Berardino Kevin , Kinon Merritt , Patel Harshadkumar
Published: February 2025

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To analyze national trends in the management of acute traumatic central cord syndrome.

Summary of Background Data:

Acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) is the most common incomplete spinal cord injury. Initial management involves decompression and stabilization of the cervical spinal cord. On the basis of mixed literature regarding operative timing for ATCCS, we aimed to evaluate trends in early, late, and delayed surgery over the last 5–10 years and compare their respective outcomes.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) using specific ICD-10 codes. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were evaluated. These patients were grouped based on whether central cord syndrome (CCS) operative treatment was early (within 24h of admission), late (between 24 and 48h of admission), or delayed (after 48h of admission).

Results:

A total of 21,265 patients underwent operative management for ATCCS; 16.7% received early operative management, 35.6% received late operative management, and 47.6% received delayed operative management. Compared with the total cohort, the delayed operative management group was more likely to contain patients with obesity (7.1% vs. 6.3%, P<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (12.9% vs. 11.1%, P<0.001), and diabetes mellitus (28.1% vs. 26.1%, P<0.001). Early operative management was more likely in patients with plegia (24.7% vs. 17%, P<0.001) and bowel/bladder dysfunction (14.6% vs. 9.5%, P<0.001) and was independently associated with lower rates of prolonged length of stay (LOS) (OR=0.71) and acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR=0.696).

Conclusions:

Our analysis of the trends in operative timing for ATCCS demonstrated an overall increase in the rate of early operative management and a decrease in the rate of delayed operative management. These findings mirror the current evolution of the literature on the topic. Nuances in early versus late outcomes should be used to help decision making related to operative timing in ATCCS.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Technical Refinements of Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap With Submuscular Tunnel for Reconstruction of Remote Head and Neck Postburn Scars
Authors: Ellabban Mohamed A. , Steinvall Ingrid , Sjöberg Folke , Elmasry Moustafa
Published: February 2025

Background:

The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) has been used extensively to reconstruct postburn scars in the head and neck region. Its landmark and vascular supply from the supraclavicular artery have been demonstrated before. The aim was to assess its versatility following an increase in pedicle length to be supplied by the transverse cervical artery, along with tunneling the pedicle under the sternocleidomastoid muscle to reach distant sites that the classic SCAIF could not reach.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 25 consecutive patients in whom SCAIFs were performed to reconstruct remote head and neck postburn scars. Pedicle length, flap diameter, and complications were recorded with demographic and burn-related data.

Results:

The study included 18 (72%) men and 7 (18%) women. The mean age was 15.7 years, and the mean injury time was 15 months before flap transfer. Isolated neck injury was the most affected site (44%). The mean length and width of the SCAIF were 16.6 and 6.5 cm, respectively. The mean length of its extended vascular pedicle based on transverse cervical artery was 7.2 cm. The donor site was closed primarily in all cases. All flaps survived completely, except 2 (8%) that exhibited partial necrosis.

Conclusions:

The SCAIF is reliable for reconstructing postburn deformities in the head and neck region. Our results indicate that the increased pedicle length and the submuscular tunnel allow reliable distant flap transfer without the risk of excessive traction or vessel kinking.
Proposed Probabilistic Optimization of Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility Design Considering Long-term Uncertainty
Authors: Kuroda Kazuma , Nakabayashi Ryo , Sugiyama Daisuke
Published: February 2025

In the optimization of radioactive waste disposal facility design, it is important to compare multiple facility design options with the aim of reducing the effective dose as low as reasonably achievable. In this study, a methodology for optimizing the facility design using a probabilistic approach was proposed, and two case studies were provided the application of the methodology and interpretation of the dose distributions. This methodology incorporates the time integration of the 95th percentile value and the sum of coefficients of variation extracted from the probability distribution of dose profile over time as the indicators for relative comparison on the optimization. This methodology enables consideration of the dose with uncertainty for the entire long-term assessment period in the optimization. This allows a more multifaceted comparison of options and is expected to improve the ability to explain optimization with the consideration of long-term uncertainty. While various factors including economic, social, and possibly others are relevant to the decision process, this study focuses on the dose estimations as an indicator for optimization. In the case studies, intermediate-depth disposal in Japan, which is one of the disposal systems of low-level radioactive waste, is used as an example and the groundwater release scenario was the focus. The comparison of multiple options in low-diffusivity and low-permeability layers were assumed. These are the important factors in the migration of radioactive nuclides, while other parameters can also be considered in optimization by using the proposed methodology.
Pertussis Vaccination During Pregnancy: Regional Situation and Impact of Implementation on National Immunization Programs in Latin America
Authors: Gentile Angela , Castellano Vanesa E. , Ulloa-Gutierrez Rolando , Dueñas Lourdes , Torres Juan P. , Izquierdo Giannina , Mariño Ana Cristina , Pujadas Ferrer Mónica , Jarovsky Daniel , Ochoa Theresa J. , Araya Yampey Soraya A. , Díaz Ortega José L. , Norero Ximena , Sáez-llorens Xavier , Ávila-Agüero María L.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Infants face a high risk of morbidity and mortality from pertussis early in life, leading to the adoption of maternal vaccination. This study aimed to review the characteristics of the maternal pertussis vaccination in Latin American (LATAM) countries and evaluate their impact on pertussis absolute mortality and case fatality rate (CFR) in infants under 1 year old.

Methods:

LATAM countries with maternal tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination in their National Immunization Programs were included. Data on pertussis incidence, deaths and cases in <1-year-old; characteristics of Tdap vaccination in pregnancy; and third dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis and Tdap coverage rates were collected and analyzed. The impact on absolute mortality and CFR was assessed by comparing the percentage reduction between 4 years before and after (up to 2019) the Tdap introduction for each country.

Results:

The LATAM countries included were Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. Post-Tdap introduction, pertussis incidence declined notably, especially from 2020. The beginning of the maternal Tdap strategy varied, occurring between 2012 and 2019, with a common recommendation at 20 weeks gestation. In most countries, absolute mortality and CFR decreased, though variations ranged from −9.9% to 88.9% and −60.6% to 81.2%, respectively. Tdap and third dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis coverage rates declined by 2021, with rates ranging from 37% to 92% and 58% to 95%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The characteristics of maternal Tdap vaccination varied across LATAM countries. The vaccine implementation into the National Immunization Program has reduced pertussis cases, deaths and CFR in infants <1-year-old in most countries.