bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy at Cell Surfaces to Study Physical Properties of Heparan Sulfate Chains and Protein‐Heparan Sulfate Interactions
Authors: Grossdorf Alexandra , Obser Tobias , Wang Yuanyuan , Gorzelanny Christian
Published: January 2025

Heparins and heparan sulfates (HS) are highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans that contribute to various physiological and pathophysiological processes such as coagulation, signal transduction, and extracellular matrix organization. In addition to its use as an anticoagulant, HS is therefore considered a promising compound for various biomedical applications such as tissue engineering. The wide range of different biological activities is facilitated by the large structural diversity of HS. At the molecular level, the biological properties of HS are linked to the interaction with HS‐binding proteins, which is controlled by a complex code of sulfation. A comprehensive understanding of the HS structure and associated biological properties is essential for the effective exploitation of HS in biomedical applications. In the present study, we used super‐resolution microscopy in combination with single‐molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) to characterize HS on cell surfaces. Following our previous studies, we used melanoma cells as a model system. We found punctate accumulations of HS on the surface of melanoma cells in colocalisation with nanometric cellular protrusions. These protrusions were less prominent on surfaces of HS‐deficient melanoma cells. Applying SMFS experiments, we characterized the apparent length and flexibility of single HS chains and discussed the impact of HS‐binding proteins on the structural configuration of HS. Melanoma cells with an altered sulfation after knockout of the HS 6‐O sulfotransferase 1, were used as reference. Our data analysis suggests that the apparent median length of single HS chains was 137 nm, whereas chain segments of approximately 50 nm were involved in HS‐protein interactions. In conclusion, we have successfully applied super‐resolution microscopy and SMFS to study the distribution and structural configuration of HS on the surface of mammalian cells. In the future, genetic engineering of mammalian cells may allow the production of defined HS tailored for specific biomedical applications, such as anticoagulation or tissue regeneration.
Tracheobronchitis in Noncritically Ill Children With Tracheostomy: Can Quantitative Tracheal Cultures Assist in the Management?
Authors: García‐Boyano Miguel , Climent Alcalá Francisco José , Rodríguez Alonso Aroa , García Fernández de Villalta Marta , Zubiaur Alonso Oihane , Rabanal Retolaza Ignacio , Quiles Melero Inmaculada , Calvo Cristina , Escosa‐García Luis
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Bacteria in tracheal aspirate samples from children with tracheostomy can indicate infection or colonization. Our study aimed to determine whether bacterial counts > 104 or > 105 CFU (colony forming units)/mL are more frequently associated with tracheobronchitis. Additionally, we aimed to examine the association between bacterial count and variables distinguishing colonization from infection in tracheobronchitis, along with clinical severity indicators.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of children with tracheostomy at La Paz University Hospital, Madrid (June 2018–April 2023). Inclusion criteria were tracheal aspirate cultures with bacterial growth in noncritical patients under 18. For multiple cultures within the same episode, the first showing bacterial growth was considered; when multiple isolates were present, the highest bacterial count was used.

Results

We analyzed 552 tracheal aspirate cultures from 62 children. Among the 447 cultures with bacterial growth (81%), 113 (25.3%) were related to episodes of tracheobronchitis. No significant differences were found in bacterial counts > 104 or > 105 CFU/mL between tracheobronchitis episodes and those not meeting criteria for tracheobronchitis or pneumonia (p = 0.405, p = 0.485) or when compared to pneumonia (p = 0.553, p = 0.552). Similarly, in tracheobronchitis episodes, no differences were observed in the bacterial count for variables distinguishing colonization from infection or in clinical severity indicators, except for antibiotic prescriptions, which were significantly higher with bacterial counts > 105 CFU/mL (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

We were unable to demonstrate an association between higher bacterial counts in tracheal aspirate and tracheobronchitis in children with tracheostomy. This raises doubts about the reliability of bacterial count as a diagnostic tool for tracheobronchitis.
Farming Technologies, Migration and Left‐Behind Women in China: A Socio‐Technical Perspective
Authors: Kaufmann Lena , Tao Han
Published: January 2025

This article sheds new light on the connection between agriculture and rural‐urban migration in contemporary China. Focusing on migrants' places of origin and the case of paddy rice fields, it investigates how rural families cope with the dual challenges of migrating to cities for employment and preserving their fields as safety net resources. In the absence of the middle generation, and especially men, due to migration, it is especially older women who face a double burden of caring not only for the fields but also for their grandchildren. This article is based on multi‐sited ethnographic fieldwork in rural and urban China, including participant observation and interviews with migrating and left‐behind farmers, as well as the analysis of local gazetteers, media reports, agricultural reports and statistics. Taking a socio‐technical perspective on migration, which is also relevant beyond China, the article discusses three exemplary land‐use strategies with a focus on the gendered implications of these strategies. It demonstrates how women who stay draw strategically on available manual and industrial farming technologies and knowledge to actively deal with their households' predicament. It argues that paying more attention to those who stay and their material world enables a better understanding of migration processes and the specific agency of left‐behind women. Moreover, this provides insights into subtly changing family and gender dynamics, including challenging the binary division of technologies used for productive or reproductive labour. In so doing, this article contributes an original, qualitative exploration of the understudied rural side of migration.
Correlation between Crystalline Defects and Electrical Characteristics of In Situ Boron‐Doped Epitaxial Si0.8Ge0.2 Films
Authors: Shin Hyungchul , Eom Deokjoon , Yoon Dongmin , Kim Kangwon , Yoo Hyung Keun , Ko Dae‐Hong , Kim Hyoungsub
Published: January 2025

While B‐doped epitaxial Si1–xGex films play a crucial role in advanced semiconductor devices, the correlation between crystalline defects and the electrical properties of these films has not been extensively explored. Herein, crystalline defects are intentionally induced by varying the thicknesses of epitaxial p+–Si0.8Ge0.2 films with different B concentrations on Si. Their effects on electrical characteristics are investigated using unit devices, including p+–Si0.8Ge0.2/n–Si (p+–n) diodes and metal/p+–Si0.8Ge0.2 contacts. The characteristics of the p+–n diodes, including forward and reverse currents, ideality factors, and activation energies, are significantly influenced by the presence of strain‐induced defects in the p+–Si0.8Ge0.2 films. In particular, the ideality factor increases while the activation energy decreases with rising strain energy in the strained films and their subsequent relaxation. This behavior suggests that these parameters are highly sensitive indicators of the impact of crystalline defects in both strained and relaxed films. While the specific contact properties in metal–p+ contacts are mainly dependent on the doping concentration in strained p+–Si0.8Ge0.2 films, they also serve as an effective indicator for identifying crystalline defects in relaxed films.
Identifying early warning signals of cancer formation
Authors: Yu Chong , Li Wenbo , Fang Xiaona , Wang Jin
Published: January 2025

It is increasingly clear that cancer is a complex systemic disease and one of the most fatal diseases in humans. Complex systems, including cancer, exhibit critical transitions in which the system abruptly shifts from one state to another. However, predicting these critical transitions is difficult as the system may show little change before the tipping point is reached. Models for predicting cancer are generally not accurate enough to reliably predict where these critical transitions will occur. Additionally, there is often a gap between theoretical results and clinical practice. To address these issues, we conducted a study using gastric cancer as a representative to reveal the tipping point of cancer and develop a feasible method for clinical monitoring. We used gene regulatory networks and a landscape framework to quantify the formation of gastric cancer. Since the dissipation cost of cancer cells is different from that of normal cells, we calculated the entropy product rate (EPR) and mean flux to quantify the thermodynamic cost and dynamical driving force in predicting critical transitions of cancer, which can serve as early warning signals. Both the EPR and mean flux change sharply near the point when the cancer state is about to emerge and/or the normal state is about to disappear. Moreover, the peak or sharp upward trends of the signals occur much earlier than critical slowdown and flickering frequency. These significant variations can be used as early warning signals for cancer. To further explore early warning signals in clinical and experimental trials, we calculated the difference in cross correlations (ΔC) forward and backward in time for the stochastic gene expression time series. This time‐irreversible measure gives a rise to peak before the bifurcation points, which can help detect precancerous and metastatic early warning signals in clinical practice rather than just theoretical calculation. This study is crucial for effectively identifying early warning signals for cancer in clinical and experimental settings.
Estimation of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Without Gold Standards
Authors: Sun Ao , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: January 2025

The ideal evaluation of diagnostic test performance requires a reference test that is free of errors. However, for many diseases, obtaining such a “gold standard” reference is either impossible or prohibitively expensive. Estimating test accuracy in the absence of a gold standard is therefore a significant challenge. In this article, we introduce and categorize existing methods for evaluating diagnostic tests without a gold standard, considering factors such as the type and number of tests, as well as the structure of the observed data. For each method, we provide a comprehensive introduction and analysis of its underlying assumptions, model architecture, identifiability, estimation techniques, and inference procedures. We use R to conduct simulations for widely applicable models, validating assumptions, comparing models, and assessing their reliability. Additionally, we present real‐world examples along with the corresponding R code for these models, enabling readers to better understand how to apply them effectively. Beyond diagnostic medicine, we underscore that the issue of imperfect gold standards affects other fields, drawing parallels to the noisy label problem in machine learning. By highlighting similarities and differences across these domains, we open pathways for further research. The primary aim of this article is to consolidate existing methods for assessing test accuracy in the absence of a gold standard and to provide practical guidance for researchers seeking to apply these methods effectively.
A Bayesian Multivariate Model With Temporal Dependence on Random Partition of Areal Data for Mosquito‐Borne Diseases
Authors: Pavani Jessica , Quintana Fernando Andrés
Published: January 2025

More than half of the world's population is exposed to mosquito‐borne diseases, leading to millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Analyzing this type of data is complex and poses several interesting challenges, mainly due to the usually vast geographic area involved, the peculiar temporal behavior, and the potential correlation between infections. Motivation for this work stems from the analysis of tropical disease data, namely, the number of cases of dengue and chikungunya, for the 145 microregions in Southeast Brazil from 2018 to 2022. As a contribution to the literature on multivariate disease data, we develop a flexible Bayesian multivariate spatio‐temporal model where temporal dependence is defined for areal clusters. The model features a prior distribution for the random partition of areal data that incorporates neighboring information. It also incorporates an autoregressive structure and terms related to seasonal patterns into temporal components that are disease‐ and cluster‐specific. Furthermore, it considers a multivariate directed acyclic graph autoregressive structure to accommodate spatial and inter‐disease dependence. We explore the properties of the model through simulation studies and show results that prove our proposal compares well to competing alternatives. Finally, we apply the model to the motivating dataset with a twofold goal: finding clusters of areas with similar temporal trends for some of the diseases and exploring the existence of correlation between two diseases transmitted by the same mosquito.
A Template‐Based Colloidal Synthesis of Composition‐Tunable Bi2Sex Nanocrystals
Authors: Bauer Christoph , Anger Felix , Wollmann Philipp , Hiekel Karl , Hübner René , Lesnyak Vladimir , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: January 2025

Bismuth selenide‐based nanomaterials are promising candidates for the use as thermoelectrics, and, in addition to this, are currently studied with respect to their topological insulating behavior. Herein, it is reported on the facile synthesis of composition‐tunable colloidal Bi2Sex nanocrystals by reacting selenium precursor in dodecanethiol and oleylamine with presynthesized Bi nanoparticles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a wide Bi‐to‐Se ratio‐tunability with simultaneous control over morphology has been achieved in the nanocrystalline Bi2Sex system with an average crystal size below 40 nm. This method is proved to be successful in producing Bi2Se3 compared to employing the coordinating ligand n‐trioctylphosphine (TOP). It is observed that Se can be extracted from Bi2Se3 using TOP, which can result in an approach to induce a holey structuring into sheet‐like Bi2Se3. The final products are characterized with respect to their crystal structure, morphology, and composition. Furthermore, their optical characterization reveals a broad absorption in the visible‐near‐infrared range attributed to a localized surface plasmon resonance.
An Ordinal Collaboration Network Model With Zero Truncated Poisson Latent Variables and Its Application
Authors: Qi Yang , Yu‐Zhu Tian , Yi‐Jing Zhang , Yue Wang , Zhi‐Bao Mian
Published: January 2025

Link prediction has traditionally been regarded as a binary classification problem, aiming to predict whether a link exists between two nodes in a given network. However, this binary framework fails to account for the cooperation intensity or the diversity of relationships. For example, in collaboration networks, the cooperation intensity often varies depending on the number of collaborations. Therefore, building on the premise of existing collaborations, this study models the relationships between authors as an ordinal multiclass problem to more accurately characterize varying levels of cooperation intensity. Then, the ordinal collaboration network model with zero‐truncated Poisson latent variables is constructed. The maximum likelihood estimation method is used to estimate the model parameters, and the performance of the model is evaluated by numerical simulation. Finally, this paper applies the ZTP‐OCN model to the collaboration network of statistical journals to verify its validity in predicting the cooperation intensity. The results show that the model can describe the cooperation relationship with different intensity well.
Production and assembly of ultra‐thin concrete shells using prefabrication
Authors: Fernandes Paulo , Elbashir Douaa , Cavaco Eduardo , Almeida Nuno , Henriques Pedro
Published: January 2025

This paper outlines the structural solutions and methodology developed for (1) the industrial production of an ultra‐thin double‐curvature shell prototype, prefabricated in ultra‐high performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) modules, and (2) the on‐site assembly of the shell structure, involving prestressing and dry connections, and fixing to the foundations. To address the different challenges, including the double‐curvature shape, ultra‐thin thickness leading to high slenderness, the use of UHPFRC, small tolerances, precise dry indented connections, and the positioning of prestressing strands, a steel formwork, and vertical concreting were chosen. A support apparatus was developed to ensure structural integrity, working both as anchor plates of the prestressing strands and as connecting devices between the superstructure and the foundation. The methodology was developed using a realistic 3D digital model and validated (molds, production, assembly, and supports) in producing a reduced‐scale shell model, used to characterize the shell structural response under seismic loads on the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering's seismic table. The scale‐up of the process was made with the construction of a 15‐m full‐scale prototype of the shell structure.
Bond behavior and cyclic stress–slip relationship of the posttensioned strand at precast concrete beam–column joints
Authors: Shi Hai‐Rong , Feng De‐Cheng , Zeng Bin , Wang Chun‐Lin
Published: January 2025

The seismic and progressive collapse resistances of bonded prestressed precast concrete structures are significantly impacted by the bond behavior between the strand and grout. Pullout tests were conducted on 10 uncoated single‐strand specimens, each with a diameter of 15.2 mm and an embedment length of 1500 mm. The bond behavior of specimens with various prestress levels under monotonic or cyclic loading protocols was investigated. The test results revealed that strain penetration occurred at the embedded strand when additional tensile stress was applied on the loaded end. The bond stress at the strain penetration depth was almost linearly distributed, with a mean value of 1.15 MPa. Additionally, the bond behavior was observed to be consistently constant under different prestress levels and loading protocols. The envelope of the cyclic stress–end slip curve closely resembled the corresponding monotonic result. To model the strain penetration effect, a strand stress–end slip model was established based on the bond–slip relationship between the strand and grout. Its accuracy was confirmed by comparison against test results and reported data, particularly from the perspectives of the hysteresis behavior as well as the end slips corresponding to the yield and rupture of the strand.
Integrating Systems Methodologies for Australian Undersea Surveillance: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Milledge Timothy J. , Pradhan Biswajeet , Shukla Nagesh
Published: January 2025

Australia is a maritime nation, relying on access to its surrounding oceans for its economy and security. The Royal Australian Navy conducts undersea surveillance to monitor this vital maritime environment and gain insight into activities beneath the ocean's surface. Australia's maritime jurisdiction is vast, with the world's third‐largest Economic Exclusion Zone, but its resources are constrained, with only 5% of the United States’ defense budget and navy personnel. Fortunately, advancements in unmanned vehicles and networked sensors can address this disparity by increasing the capacity of Australia's naval fleet at a fraction of the cost of manned platforms. However, current applications of unmanned systems only address simplified scenarios without defining how the plethora of unmanned systems should be applied across the full spectrum of surveillance operations. A new naval fleet architecture must be designed using systems methodologies to integrate unmanned systems into this holistic “system of systems”. Systems engineering, systems architecture, system modeling, system dynamics, operations research, and design for Six Sigma are complementary methodologies with unique techniques to solve this complex problem. This systematic literature review critically analyzed current unmanned systems and the utility of systems methodologies to design their application in undersea surveillance. It contributes insights into the benefits and challenges of unmanned systems in Australia's maritime context, whilst demonstrating shortcomings with the currently disparate application of methodologies to design unmanned fleet architectures. Further research is justified to design an integrated framework of systems methodologies that designs fleet architectures for Australian undersea surveillance.
Taxonomy in the light of incongruence: An updated classification of Malvales and Malvaceae based on phylogenomic data
Authors: Colli‐Silva Matheus , Pérez‐Escobar Oscar Alejandro , Ferreira Carlos D.M. , Costa Maria T.R. , Gerace Samuele , Coutinho Thales Silva , Yoshikawa Vania N. , Antonio‐Domingues Higor , Hernández‐Gutiérrez Rebeca , Bovini Massimo G. , Duarte Marília C. , Cheek Martin , Chase Mark W. , Fay Michael F. , Christenhusz Maarten J.M. , Dorr Laurence J. , Schoeplein Cleo , Corcoran Marcella , Roy Shyamali , Cable Stuart , McLay Todd , Maurin Olivier , Forest Félix , Baker William J. , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Malvales is a diverse order of flowering plants, economically and ecologically relevant, and it is known for its broad morphological variability. Recent phylogenomic studies have revealed a complex evolutionary history for the order, including localised phylogenetic discordances among nuclear loci. However, since the late 1990s, Malvales classification has largely been neglected. This study aims to address this gap by revisiting the classification of Malvales, with a focus on its largest family, Malvaceae. By integrating phylogenomic and morphological datasets, our primary goals are to provide an updated phylogeny for the order and to map key traits supporting a revised suprageneric classification, while accounting for gene and species tree conflicts. Our molecular dataset included 194 genera and 309 nuclear genes, obtained through target sequence capture using Angiosperms353 probes. This dataset covers approximately half of the known genera in the order, representing all families and subfamilies, as well as nearly all tribes, and all subtribes. A coalescent approach utilising nuclear gene trees was used to infer phylogenetic relationships. A morphological matrix with 50 characters relevant for suprageneric classification was compiled, and character‐state distributions for selected traits were mapped against the phylogenetic tree to identify and discuss diagnostic features for clades. Phylogenetic relationships and the monophyly of most groups aligned closely with previous studies. Morphological traits that define key clades varied significantly across Malvales, with differences observed in growth habit, leaf structure, pollen type, floral features, and fruit/seed morphology. In Malvaceae, we resolved uncertainties in the early Malvoideae lineages, and we describe a new tribe, Pentaplareae tr. nov., which clarifies the taxonomic placement of a previously uncertain genus. Additionally, we propose the recognition of a new subfamily, Matisioideae subfam. nov., elevated from its former status as a tribe, and positioned as the sister group to Malvoideae. This study highlights how taxonomic frameworks can be refined even in the face of conflicting phylogenomic data, demonstrating the importance of integrating molecular and morphological evidence in revising classifications.
Research on a Novel Online Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm in an Asymmetric Teleoperation
Authors: Chen Hua , Shi Baoyu
Published: January 2025

Teleoperation robots are being used more and more widely. The safety issues of robots during operation are increasingly attracting people's attention; In actual dangerous environments, during the operation of the teleoperation control system, the real‐time presence of obstacles com‐presses the robot's safe workspace, leading to the failure of planned paths. This study is mainly about a robot online obstacle avoidance algorithm based on offline trajectory, aiming at the problems that ensure that the slave–robot is not affected during operation. Besides, this algorithm achieves the goal of avoiding obstacles by selecting obstacle avoidance parameters and allowing the robot to switch between primary and secondary movements in real‐time. Two robot motion scenarios were selected in the article. One is obstacle avoidance with a single arm of slave–robot and the other is coordinated obstacle avoidance with a dual‐arm robot for simulation experiments. The simulation experiment results showed that the algorithm proposed in this article is suitable for the designed asymmetric teleoperation system, the slave–robot can actively avoid obstacles under the control of the main robot. The algorithm perfectly satisfied the industry standards, and meet the design requirements of the teleoperation control system. © 2025 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A novel quantitative trait locus for barley yellow dwarf virus resistance and kernel traits on chromosome 2D of a wheat cultivar Jagger
Authors: Bian Ruolin , Liu Na , Xu Yuzhou , Su Zhenqi , Chai Lingling , Bernardo Amy , St. Amand Paul , Rupp Jessica , Pumphrey Michael , Fritz Allan , Zhang Guorong , Jordan Katherine W. , Bai Guihua
Published: January 2025

Barley yellow dwarf (BYD) is one of the most serious viral diseases in cereal crops worldwide. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlining wheat resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is essential for breeding BYDV‐tolerant wheat cultivars. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from the cross between Jagger (PI 593688) and a Jagger mutant (JagMut1095). A linkage map of 3106 cM consisting of 21 wheat chromosomes was developed using 1003 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the RIL population and was used to identify QTLs for BYDV resistance and yield‐related traits, including 1000‐kernel weight (TKW), kernel area (KA), kernel width (KW), and kernel length (KL). QByd.hwwg‐2DL, a QTL on chromosome arm 2DL for BYDV resistance, was consistently identified in three field experiments and explained 11.6%–44.5% of the phenotypic variation. For yield‐related traits, six major and repeatable QTLs were identified on 1AS (QKa.hwwg‐1AS), 2DL (QTkw.hwwg‐2DL, QKa.hwwg‐2DL, QKw.hwwg‐2DL, and QKl.hwwg‐2DL), and 5AL (QKw.hwwg‐5AL). The major QTLs on chromosome 2DL for TKW, KA, KW, and KL were mapped between 621 and 643 Mb, overlapping with QByd.hwwg‐2DL with all the favorable alleles from Jagger. This study reports the first native BYDV resistance QTL (QByd.hwwg‐2DL) originating from common wheat and tightly linked markers to the QTL for improvement of wheat BYDV resistance in wheat breeding.
Pattern of injury in polytrauma compared to single limb related Lisfranc joint fractures
Authors: Orji Chijioke , Airey Grace , Myatt Darren , Greasley Lauren , Jeyaseelan Lucky , Drummond Isabella , Mangwani Jitendra , Boksh Khalis , Kyaw Htin , Tanaka Hiro , Elbannan Mamdouh , Mason Lyndon
Published: January 2025

Background

Midfoot fractures in polytrauma patients are often an underappreciated injury relative to their other major injuries sustained. In this study, our aim was to explore the mechanisms and patterns of injury in polytrauma related midfoot fractures as compared to single limb injuries.

Setting

Multicentre observational study.

Methods

Data was retrospectively collected from four centres (two major trauma centres and two trauma units) on surgically treated midfoot fracture dislocations between 2011 and 2021. Polytrauma was defined as a patient presenting with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) threshold of 15 or greater. Radiographs were analysed using departmental PACS. All statistics were performed using SPSS 26.

Results

A total of 410 cases were included in the study. The rate of unstable midfoot injury was similar to simple falls, falls from height, crush injury, assault, sport and seizure. The only mechanisms that differ are a higher rate of midfoot injury in non-polytrauma patients undergoing a simple fall (19.71% vs. 6.78%) and higher rates of midfoot injury in polytrauma patients following motor vehicle collision (16.86% vs. 33.90%). Regarding patterns of injury, there was a significant increase in number of columns injured in polytrauma patients (polytrauma patient 3 column injury 77.97%, non-polytrauma patient 3 column injury 34.00%). There was no difference in the prevalence of central column injury (p = .623), although there were significantly more medial and lateral column injuries in the polytrauma group (p < .001 for both).

Conclusion

Polytrauma related Lisfranc joint midfoot injuries have a higher prevalence of medial and lateral column injury than non-polytrauma Lisfranc joint midfoot injuries. Non-polytrauma injuries can, however, have an equally significant force involved as polytrauma patients, with over 50% occurring as the result of high velocity injury. A high index of suspicion should be maintained for midfoot injuries in high velocity mechanisms, regardless of other injuries sustained.
Predictors of prolonged hospitalization among geriatric trauma patients using the modified 5-Item Frailty index in a Middle Eastern trauma center: an 11-year retrospective study
Authors: Abdelrahman Husham , El-Menyar Ayman , Consunji Rafael , Khan Naushad Ahmad , Asim Mohammad , Mustafa Fouad , Shunni Adam , Al-Aieb AbuBaker , Al-Thani Hassan , Rizoli Sandro
Published: January 2025

Background

Using a validated tool, we explored the prevalence, risk factors, and predictors of longer hospitalization among hospitalized geriatric patients.

Methods

Retrospective and comparative analyses of age groups (55–64 vs. ≥ 65 years), gender, survival status, and frailty index categories were performed. The Modified 5-Item Frailty Index was assessed, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to predict prolonged hospitalization (> 7 days).

Results

There were 17,600 trauma hospitalizations with a mean age of 32 ± 15 years between 2010 and 2021; of them, 9.2% were geriatrics at ≥ 55–64 years (n = 935) and ≥ 65 years (n = 691). The female/male ratio was 17.5%/82.5%, and the mean injury severity score was 13 ± 9. The injury rate for age ≥ 65 was 24 per 10,000 compared to 10 per 10,000 in the younger group age (≥ 55–64). 35% of injuries occurred at home due to falls. Overall mortality was 8%, with a higher rate among males than females (9% vs. 4%). The deceased were three years older at the time of death compared to the survivors. Higher frailty grades were associated with home-related falls and head injuries. Patients 65 years or older were likely to have higher frailty scores, as indicated by higher percentages in the mFI-5. Among the older group, 25% were moderately frail, and 18% severely frail. In the younger group, 50% were frail. Higher frailty scores correlated with increased acute kidney injury, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and longer hospital stays. Severe frailty significantly predicted longer hospitalization (odds ratio 1.83, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

One out of eleven trauma admissions was aged > 55. Head injury and bleeding were the leading causes of mortality in the study cohort. There was a significant decrease in the trend of geriatric trauma over the years. The modified FI-5 performs well as a predictive tool of prolonged hospitalizaion in trauma patients with different age groups.
Long-term results of staged management of complex lisfranc and chopart injury: a retrospective cohort study and systematic literature review
Authors: Engelmann Esmee W. M. , Halm Jens A. , Schepers Tim
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The aim was to assess the long-term functional outcome and quality of life after staged surgical treatment of complex Lisfranc and Chopart injuries in a patient cohort, and to perform a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of all trauma patients with complex Lisfranc and/or Chopart injuries treated at our level 1 trauma center between July 1, 2010, and July 1, 2020 with ≥ 3 years follow-up was analyzed in terms of management, complications, and patient-reported outcomes (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society midfoot score, AOFAS and Foot Function Index, FFI). A systematic review of the literature (according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines) was performed of studies published between January 2000 to April 2024. Inclusion criteria were acute, complex Lisfranc and/or Chopart injury, staged treatment, age ≥ 17 years, patient-reported outcome measures and ≥ 1 year follow-up.

Results

Fifteen patients with a median follow-up of 6.6 years (interquartile range 4) were included. First stage treatment involved temporary K-wire fixation (n = 11), debridement (open fractures, n = 4), external fixation (n = 4) and decompression fasciotomy (n = 3). Second stage included primary arthrodesis (n = 4), open reduction and internal fixation (n = 7) or external fixation (n = 1). The median number of surgeries was 3 (2–13). Infection was seen in 5/15 patients; 7/11 patients underwent secondary arthrodesis and one patient underwent amputation due to chronic pain. Overall AOFAS was fair (54.5) and five patients had poor outcome (AOFAS < 49). Three full-length articles were included in the systematic review, reporting fair to good outcome. Risk of bias was serious and certainty of evidence very low.

Conclusion

Surgical management of complex Lisfranc and Chopart injuries is challenging, functional outcome was poor to fair, postoperative complication rates are high, and secondary salvage arthrodesis was required in two thirds of ORIF patients.

Level of evidence

IV
Surgical stabilisation of rib fractures in non-ventilated patients: a retrospective propensity-matched analysis using the data from the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society (TraumaRegister DGUⓇ)
Authors: Huelskamp Michael D. , Duesing Helena , Lefering Rolf , Raschke Michael J. , Rosslenbroich Steffen ,   TraumaRegister DGU
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Severe thorax trauma including multiple rib fractures and flail chest deformity are leading causes of death in trauma patients. Increasing evidence supports the use of surgical stabilisation of rib fractures (SSRF) in these patients. However, there is currently a paucity of evidence for its use in non-ventilator-dependent patients.

Methods

A retrospective propensity-matched analysis of the data of the TraumaRegister DGU® for non-ventilator-dependent patients with severe rib injury (abbreviated injury score ≥ 3) was performed. Subgroup analyses with respect to injury severity score, American society of anaesthesiologists physical status classification and age were performed. Furthermore, the effect of time to surgery was analysed.

Registration

TR-DGU project ID 2023-007; ClinicalTrials.gov protocol ID: NCT06464289.

Results

SSRF led to reduced mortality compared to conservative treatment (1.6% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.002) and in comparison to the mortality prognosis of the revised injury severity classification II (RISC II) of 5.2%. Interestingly, SSRF was associated with increased length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, higher rates of organ failure and secondary intubation. The patients with organ failure received SSRF later than those without organ failure.

Conclusion

Here we report on the largest currently published dataset of non-intubated patients receiving SSRF, which showed reduced mortality in the SSRF cohort. The data indicates that SSRF is a viable treatment option for non-intubated patients. The observed late surgical time points, which may be due to cross over after failed conservative treatment, might be the cause for the observed increased rate of organ failure.
Effects of osteosynthesis of the bony thorax in the context of polytrauma compared to conservative treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Dahms Karolina , Volmerig Jan , Dormann Julia , Steinfeld Eva , Ansems Kelly , Janka Heidrun , Metzendorf Maria-Inti , Benstoem Carina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Osteosynthesis seems to have effects regarding clinical outcomes in trauma patients. However, current knowledge on chest wall osteosynthesis in polytrauma patients is insufficient, leaving its potential unanswered. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to assess the safety and effects of chest wall osteosynthesis compared to conservative treatment on clinical outcomes in adult polytrauma patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed to identify completed and ongoing studies from inception of each database to May, 2022. We included systematic reviews including RCTs comparing chest wall osteosynthesis to conservative treatment in adult polytrauma patients.

Results

We included one RCT with 50 patients (nosteosyntheses = 25, ncontrol = 25, median age 37.4 years, 82% male). We found that surgical rib fixation makes little or no difference to in-hospital mortality compared to conservative treatment (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.40 to 9.95; RD 80 more per 1,000, 95% CI 48 fewer to 716 more; 1 study, 50 participants, low quality of evidence). We found that surgical rib fixation makes little or no difference to the need for mechanical ventilation compared to conservative treatment (RR 0.90, 95% CI -0.66 to 1.23; RD 80 fewer per 1,000, 95% CI 272 fewer to 184 more; 1 study, 50 participants, low certainty of evidence).

Conclusion

There is limited evidence regarding chest wall osteosynthesis compared to conservative treatment in polytrauma patients. One RCT shows no effect of surgical rib fixation compared to conservative treatment regarding mortality and clinical status, but a potential benefit regarding ICU length of stay.
More Than Meets the Eye: Unraveling the Interactions Between Skin Microbiota and Habitat in an Opportunistic Amphibian
Authors: Lucia Zanovello , Giulio Galla , Matteo Girardi , Stefano Casari , Irene Lo Presti , Paolo Pedrini , Giorgio Bertorelle , Hauffe Heidi C.
Published: January 2025

With amphibians still holding the record as the most threatened class of terrestrial vertebrates, their skin microbiota has been shown to play a relevant role in their survival in a fast-changing world. Yet little is known about how abiotic factors associated with different aquatic habitats impact these skin microorganisms. Here we chose the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), a small anuran that colonizes a wide range of wetland habitats, to investigate how the diversity and composition of both its bacterial and fungal skin communities vary across different habitats and with water characteristics (temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen) of these habitats. Skin microbiota was sampled from 14 sites in the Province of Trento (Italy), including natural pools, ephemeral ponds, irrigation tanks, and farm ponds. Interestingly, the diversity of the two microbial components was also highly correlated. Close associations between both the diversity and composition of water and skin communities were noted for each habitat and sampling site, suggesting that water bodies actively contribute to the skin microbiota assemblage. In addition, water pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen affected both bacterial and fungal diversity of skin. We confirmed the presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in skin samples of animals collected from eight waterbodies, as well as more than 60 microbial taxa previously associated with resistance to this pathogen. We concluded that both skin bacterial and fungal communities appear to be influenced by each other as well as by environmental communities and conditions, and these relationships connecting the whole ecosystem should be considered in future research concerning amphibian conservation.
Early-phase 18F-Flortaucipir tau-PET as a proxy of brain metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease: a comparison with 18F-FDG-PET and early-phase amyloid-PET
Authors: Boccalini Cecilia , Peretti Debora Elisa , Mathoux Gregory , Iaccarino Leonardo , Ribaldi Federica , Scheffler Max , Perani Daniela , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Garibotto Valentina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As dual-phase amyloid-PET can evaluate amyloid (A) and neurodegeneration (N) with a single tracer injection, dual-phase tau-PET might be able to provide both tau (T) and N. Our study aims to assess the association of early-phase tau-PET scans and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET and their comparability in discriminating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and differentiating neurodegenerative patterns.

Methods

58 subjects evaluated at the Geneva Memory Center underwent dual-phase 18F-Flortaucipir-PET with early-phase acquisition (eTAU) and 18F-FDG-PET within 1 year. A subsample of 36 participants also underwent dual-phase amyloid-PET (eAMY). Standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were calculated to assess the correlation of eTAU and their respective 18F-FDG-PET and eAMY scans. Hypometabolism and hypoperfusion maps and their spatial overlap were also evaluated at the individual level visually and semiquantitatively. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to compare the discriminative power of eTAU, FDG, and eAMY SUVR between A-/T- and A+/T + participants.

Results

Strong positive correlations were found between eTAU and FDG SUVRs (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) and eTAU and eAMY SUVRs (r > 0.87, p < 0.001). Clusters of significant hypoperfusion with good correspondence to hypometabolism topographies were found at the individual level, independently of the underlying neurodegenerative patterns. Both eTAU and FDG SUVRs significantly distinguished A+/T + from A-/T- individuals (AUCeTAU=0.604, AUCFDG=0.748) with FDG performing better than eTAU (p = 0.04). eAMY and eTAU SUVR showed comparable discriminative power.

Conclusion

Early-phase 18F-Flortaucipir-PET can provide perfusion information closely related to brain regional glucose metabolism and perfusion measured by early-phase amyloid-PET, even if less accurate than FDG-PET as a biomarker for neurodegeneration.
Upper Blepharoplasty for Dermatochalasis With or Without Resection of the Orbicularis Oculi Muscle, Preaponeurotic and Nasal Fat Pads: A Comparative Study
Authors: Viscardi Juan A. , Giordano Salvatore
Published: January 2025

Objective

Upper blepharoplasty is the gold standard procedure for upper eyelid dermatochalasis. Upper blepharoplasties procedures include removing the skin, orbicularis oculi muscle, preaponeurotic, or nasal fat pad. The purpose of this study is to report surgical outcomes and compare them to the most common techniques.

Material and Methods

A retrospective review of 386 consecutive patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty at Turku University Hospital from January 1st, 2015 to June 30th, 2017 was conducted. Data collected include patient demographics, surgical details, and details regarding the type and frequency of complications.

Results

During the study period, 51 upper blepharoplasties with orbicularis oculi muscle excision, skin, preaponeurotic and nasal fat pads removal (study group) and 335 upper blepharoplasties with skin only removal (control group) were performed. Non-parametric tests showed that operative time (M=60.2min; SD=11.7min) and return to work (M=8.0days; SD=3.1days) were significantly shorter in the control group. No significant differences in the total amount of complications were detected (7.8% vs 2.4%, p=0.075). Subjective patients' satisfaction was significantly higher in the study group (from 0-10, mean 8.3 vs 7.0, p=0.034).

Conclusions

When compared to skin-only blepharoplasty, upper blepharoplasty with orbicularis oculi muscle excision, removal of skin, preaponeurotic and nasal fat pad appears to be a safe surgery with improved patient satisfaction and without carrying on additional complications.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
A user’s guide to coral reef restoration terminologies
Authors: Suggett David J. , Goergen Elizabeth A. , Fraser Megan , Hein Margaux Y. , Hoot Whitney , McLeod Ian , Montoya-Maya Phanor H. , Moore Tom , Ross Andrew M. , Vardi Tali
Published: January 2025

Global coral reef restoration efforts continue to diversify in approach, location, and socio-ecological context. In parallel, vocabulary has evolved such that practitioners, scientists, policy makers, communicators, and investors must navigate an increasingly confusing set of terms that are inconsistently defined. Precision around terms and definitions is an important attribute underpinning the rate and extent with which restoration can scale. However, in contrast with more established ecological restoration fields, coral reef restoration lacks a formal lexicon for its core approaches and processes. Here we synthesize, distill, and clarify a core lexicon proposed for coral reef restoration. We navigate readers systematically through terms used for various coral reef restoration approaches, project planning and intent, process workflows, and biological material. We also consider vague terms commonly used that present challenges to singularly define. While we expect this proposed lexicon to continue to evolve, we offer an important first step toward more integrated communications around coral reef restoration.
Which Spaces can be Embedded in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces?
Authors: Schölpple Max , Steinwart Ingo
Published: January 2025

Given a Banach space E consisting of functions, we ask whether there exists a reproducing kernel Hilbert space H with bounded kernel such that

$$E\subset H$$

E
⊂
H

. More generally, we consider the question, whether for a given Banach space consisting of functions F with

$$E\subset F$$

E
⊂
F

, there exists an intermediate reproducing kernel Hilbert space

$$E\subset H\subset F$$

E
⊂
H
⊂
F

. We provide both sufficient and necessary conditions for this to hold. Moreover, we show that for typical classes of function spaces described by smoothness there is a strong dependence on the underlying dimension: the smoothness s required for the space E needs to grow proportional to the dimension d in order to allow for an intermediate reproducing kernel Hilbert space H.