bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Patterns of Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension: A Descriptive Study in Colombia
Authors: Machado‐Duque Manuel , Gaviria‐Mendoza Andrés , Valladales‐Restrepo Luis Fernando , Pacheco Manuel , Franco Juan Sebastián , del Rosario Forero María , Suarez Rubiela , Peñuela Oscar , Machado‐Alba Jorge E.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease characterized by a progressive rise in pulmonary artery blood pressure. The objective was to describe the treatment patterns among ambulatory patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in a real‐world setting.

Methods

This is a longitudinal cohort follow‐up study characterizing the treatment patterns of patients diagnosed with PAH or CTEPH, with secondary data from a population‐based drug‐dispensing database between 2022 and 2023, which includes sociodemographic, diagnosis, prescribing specialty, and treatment (drugs, persistence of use, and concomitant medications).

Results

In total, 1045 patients with a diagnosis of PH were identified, with mean age of 62.9 ± 18.2 years, and 72.3% of females; of which 947 (90.6%) received monotherapy, and 98 (9.4%) received combination therapy at the beginning of follow‐up. The most frequently used drugs for the treatment of PH were calcium channel blockers (58.1%), followed by phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (41.1%), endothelin receptor antagonist (32.5%), and guanylate cyclase stimulants (9.7%). The schemes used most frequently were monotherapy with amlodipine (31.0%), sildenafil (19.2%), or nifedipine (10.0%), but the main combination were sildenafil with nifedipine (2.5%). The mean of persistence of use was 161 ± 123 days during 1 year of follow‐up.

Conclusions

This group of patients with PH from Colombia were treated predominantly with monotherapy of calcium channel blockers and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. However, current clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of combined therapy. The average persistence of the use of drugs for treatment for less than 6 months may be associated with difficulties in follow‐up, adherence, effectiveness, tolerability, and access.
Association between diabetes self‐management education attendance, hospital admissions and mortality in type 2 diabetes: A cohort analysis protocol
Authors: Lewis Gemma A. , Hughes David M. , Irving Greg , Wilding John , Hardy Kevin
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes is associated with excess hospital admissions and increased mortality. Structured diabetes self‐management education (DSME) is recommended internationally and is associated with improved self‐management skills, well‐being and minor improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c), but does it reduce hospital admissions or prevent premature mortality? Our aim is to examine the relationship between DSME attendance, hospitalisations, mortality and 3‐point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with type 2 diabetes to inform future healthcare policy and diabetes care.

Methods and Analysis

This protocol details a 10‐year retrospective open cohort study of patients aged over 18 years old who have a clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and were registered to an English GP practice from 29 March 2011 to 29 March 2021 and have attended DSME. Patients in the 'ever' cohort will be matched at baseline for age, sex, age at diagnosis and diabetes duration, to those who have 'never' attended DSME. Data will be identified via the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink and linked to Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care data, Office for National Statistics death registrations and patient Index of Multiple Deprivation deciles. Patients will be followed‐up through serial cross‐sections. Multiple imputation will be considered to manage covariates where data are >12‐months from baseline or are not expected to be missing at random. Cox proportional hazard regression and time to event modelling adjusted a priori for cofounding during multivariate analysis will be used.

Ethics and Dissemination

This study was approved by CPRD (24_003744). Study findings will be disseminated through peer‐reviewed publications and international conferences.
Genetic Mapping of Orofacial Traits Reveals a Single Genomic Region Associated With Differences in Multiple Parameters of Jaw Size Between Astyanax mexicanus Surface and Cavefish
Authors: Powers Amanda K. , Amaismeier Alleigh , Thiel Kathryn , Anyonge William , McGaugh Suzanne E. , Boggs Tyler E. , Tabin Clifford J. , Gross Joshua B.
Published: February 2025

The regulation of bone size is a poorly understood and complex developmental process. Evolutionary models can enable insight through interrogation of the developmental and molecular underpinnings of natural variation in bone size and shape. Here, we examine the Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus), a species of teleost fish comprising of an extant river‐dwelling surface fish and obligate cave‐dwelling fish. These divergent morphs have evolved for thousands of years in drastically different habitats, which have led to diverse phenotypic differences. Among many craniofacial aberrations, cavefish harbor a wider gape, an underbite, and larger jaws compared to surface‐dwelling morphs. Morphotypes are inter‐fertile, allowing quantitative genetic analyses in F2 pedigrees derived from surface × cavefish crosses. Here, we used quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to determine the genetic basis of jaw size. Strikingly, we discovered a single genomic region associated with several jaw size metrics. Future work identifying genetic lesions that explain differences in jaw development will provide new insight to the mechanisms driving bone size differences across vertebrate taxa.
Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma: Current Advances and Emerging Perspectives
Authors: Caridà Giulio , Martino Enrica Antonia , Bruzzese Antonella , Caracciolo Daniele , Labanca Caterina , Mendicino Francesco , Lucia Eugenio , Olivito Virginia , Rossi Teresa , Neri Antonino , Vigna Ernesto , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Morabito Fortunato , Gentile Massimo
Published: February 2025

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a prevalent indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) characterized by a relapsing course and eventual refractoriness to therapy. Despite advancements in treatment, FL remains incurable, necessitating ongoing research into novel therapeutic strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current standard treatments for relapsed or refractory (R/R) FL, including chemoimmunotherapy and stem cell transplantation, and delves into emerging therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. We discuss the efficacy and safety profiles of these innovative treatments, their integration into existing treatment paradigms, and the potential they hold in altering the natural history of FL. Additionally, we explore the challenges associated with these therapies, including accessibility, cost, and long‐term management of adverse effects. By examining the evolving therapeutic landscape, this review aims to provide insights into future directions for achieving sustained remission and improving the quality of life in patients with R/R FL.
Determinants of Professional Commitment Among Nurses in Turkey: The Role of Workplace Incivility
Authors: Konuk Tuğba Gözütok , Koçak Mine Yılmaz
Published: February 2025

Aim

To measure workplace incivility and professional commitment among nurses, explore how these factors relate to nurses' individual and professional characteristics, and identify the key factors influencing professional commitment.

Design

Cross sectional, descriptive correlational design.

Methods

This study was conducted with 479 nurses working at a public university hospital in Turkey between May 2023 and June 2023. This study followed the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Guideline.

Results

In this study, nurses reported experiencing a moderate level of workplace incivility (120.44 ± 32.09), with patients and visitors identified as the primary sources. Nurses also demonstrated moderate levels of professional commitment (72.00 ± 11.04). According to the multiple regression analysis, willingly choosing the profession, job satisfaction, and workplace incivility were found to significantly influence professional commitment. A key finding of the study was the negative impact of workplace incivility on professional commitment.

Conclusion

The most notable finding of this study underscores the critical importance of preventing workplace incivility and increasing job satisfaction as key strategies for enhancing professional commitment.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurse managers should implement practices and procedures to reduce workplace incivility, promote a culture of civility in clinical nursing environments, and improve working conditions to enhance job satisfaction. It is anticipated that these measures will lead to an increase in nurses' professional commitment.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
The Disproportionate Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Preventive Dental Care and Treatment for Children Who Are American Indian: Public Health Surveillance Utilizing School‐Based Sealant Program Data
Authors: Jaeger Jordan , Schroeder Shawnda
Published: February 2025

Objectives

School‐based dental sealant programs are important in expanding the reach of oral health care to underserved populations. However, data collection during these visits is also valuable for public health surveillance and program planning. This study aimed to utilize these data to identify groups disproportionately impacted by pandemic closures.

Methods

SEAL!ND is a program in North Dakota that serves schools, where 45% or more of students are enrolled in the free and reduced‐fee school lunch program. SEAL!ND provides dental screening, application of fluoride varnish and dental sealants, and oral health surveillance. Data are collected for evaluation and to track pediatric oral health. In the spring of 2020, the COVID‐19 pandemic and subsequent public health emergency stalled the program and left these children without access to preventive dental services. We examined previous dental visits, untreated decay, treated decay, and early and urgent care need during the 2019–2020, 2020–2021, and 2021–2022 school years. Binomial and multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to examine the odds ratios of the oral health outcomes by race.

Results

The proportion of poor outcomes had noticeably increased for American Indian students compared to White students. There was also increased odds of untreated decay, treated decay, and early and urgent care need for American Indian students compared to White students.

Conclusions

These findings aid in identifying groups of students whose oral health was disproportionately impacted by the disruption in community‐based, preventive dental care services during the pandemic for the purpose of future intervention.
Final‐year nursing students' placement experiences in a critical care setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Edmonds Mary , Abdulmohdi Naim
Published: February 2025

Background

Traditionally, ward placements have been utilized for nursing students to refine their management skills before registration. Whilst intensive care units (ICUs) offer unique learning opportunities, they are underutilized for student practice, and limited research has examined ICUs as conducive environments for developing management skills.

Aim

This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of nursing students during their final‐year placement in critical care.

Study Design

An inductive methodology was employed to explore the complexities of being a final‐year nursing student in critical care setting. Ten students were recruited between September 2019 and February 2020. Data were collected using individual, face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews before the Covid‐19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data.

Results

Three themes were identified: barriers to learning, empowering transformation and a state of readiness. All the nursing students valued a placement that provided ‘real learning’ experiences and informed their needs and growth. Coaching and constructive feedback provided crucial markers and influenced students' learning performance. As their confidence increased, students became proactive in identifying complex caring activities to test and refine their knowledge and skills. Students visualized themselves working as a registered nurse within the critical care team.

Conclusions

With appropriate support and supervision, a critical care placement for final‐year nursing students is a stimulating and transformational experience.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study highlights the importance of critical care placements for nursing students, aiding their transition to professional practice. Integrating well‐supported placements into nursing curricula enhances decision‐making abilities and readiness for future roles. Critical care nurse educators and managers should focus on developing effective support systems during these placements. By providing tailored support and preparing students for the demands of critical care, these experiences can improve job satisfaction and confidence, which are crucial for staff recruitment and retention in this challenging field.
The burden of mobility: multi-local living and its effects on infrastructure, services, and housing markets in rural areas
Authors: Lehtonen Olli , Voutilainen Olli , Heiskanen Venla
Published: February 2025

Multi-locality has become increasingly common over the past decade in many countries, and it has increased the temporal population, especially in rural areas. Despite the growing popularity of this lifestyle, an overall picture of the effects of mobility is missing. A lack of official data is one of the main reasons why little attention has been paid to this phenomenon in rural areas. The results of this study illustrate the need to ensure that the burden caused by this lifestyle, especially for telecommunications connections, is better considered in planning. Special attention is needed because this lifestyle is directed towards rural municipalities, which are vulnerable to the increase in population and the resulting spatial injustice.
(In)justicia social en la educación rural en contextos indígenas en Chile
Authors: Arias-Ortega Katerin Elizabeth , Villarroel-Cárdenas Viviana Marcela
Published: February 2025

El artículo expone resultados de investigación sobre la (in) justicia social que ha caracterizado la educación escolar rural en contextos indígenas en la Araucanía, Chile. La educación escolar rural en territorios indígenas, históricamente, se ha caracterizado por ofrecer una escolarización formal de baja calidad, la que ha obtenido los peores resultados en las pruebas estandarizadas del Sistema de Medición de la Calidad de Enseñanza (SIMCE). El logro educativo en el sistema escolar chileno se ha posicionado a nivel internacional en los puestos más bajos, según resultados académicos como los que arroja el Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Esta realidad se acrecienta aún más en escuelas rurales multigrado y unidocentes en territorios indígenas, aumentando las brechas educativas entre indígenas y no indígenas, perpetuando prácticas de discriminación y desigualdad educativa. La metodología es de corte cualitativo con un enfoque descriptivo. Participaron profesores, padres y madres de escuelas situadas en comunidades mapuche. Los resultados dan cuenta de una violencia estructural hacia los niños y jóvenes que desarrollan su escolarización en estos espacios educativos, a través de un abandono en los aspectos económicos, afectivos y de capital humano avanzado para mejorar la calidad de la educación.
Justicia social y cultura escrita: reflexiones desde la educación superior
Authors: Moreno-Mosquera Emilce , Soares-Sito Luanda Rejane
Published: February 2025

Este artículo de reflexión plantea cómo la literacidad académica se orienta hacia la justicia social como un proyecto educativo, al ocuparse de propiciar que los estudiantes puedan tener trayectorias de participación y permanencia en la universidad más fluidas y pertinentes que les permitan hacer parte de la cultura escrita académica. Esta reflexión parte de nuestro trabajo investigativo, de carácter cualitativo y etnográfico, y apunta a las siguientes líneas argumentales: 1) la democratización de la educación superior en América Latina aún es un desafío, pese a las políticas inclusivas; 2) la literacidad académica propone una ruptura con visiones deficitarias del acceso a prácticas letradas; y 3) la justicia social está en el horizonte de la agenda de los estudios de literacidad académica. Se presentan estudios empíricos para ilustrar las formas en que el campo de la literacidad académica viene identificando prácticas letradas hegemónicas, formas vernáculas de apropiación de la cultura escrita, así como la tensión entre ellas; y cómo lo aborda sin dejar de reconocer las estrategias de resistencia y reexistencias desplegadas por actores sociales. Se concluye con una ponderación sobre las implicaciones de estas apuestas en las dimensiones docente, investigativa e institucional.
Experimental study of cooling photovoltaic solar panel using water-wet jute fabric
Authors: Mayouf Si Abdallah , Bouafia Sihem , Houyem Siabdallah
Published: February 2025

One of the most significant problems solar panels face is rising temperature in their solar cells, which can lead to a decrease in electrical production. To solve this issue, we conducted a comparison study to establish the effectiveness of using porous jute fabric that was constantly wet with water to cool the back of a photovoltaic solar panel. This fabric is well-known for its high absorbency and porous structure, which allow for effective heat exchange between the PV module and its surroundings. The experiment aims to compare the electrical performance between two solar PV: one its back side covered with jute fabric that is constantly wet with water as a cooling mechanism, and the other a standard PV. When solar radiation reaches its peak of 900 W/m2 at 12:00, the findings demonstrate that this cooling method reduces the temperature of the PV panel by 23°C, where the standard PV temperature was 64°C and the temperature of the PV (with cooling) was 41°C at the same time. This decrease in temperature leads to a 2V increase in the voltage produced by solar photovoltaic, resulting in a 1.3% improvement in electrical efficiency.
A NUMERICAL PROCEDURE FOR DERIVING P-Y CURVES FOR MONOPILES INSTALLED IN SAND
Authors: Kronemberger Lopes Guilherme , de Sousa José Renato M. , de Almeida Maria C. F. , de Almeida Marcio de S. S.
Published: February 2025

The design of monopile foundations for offshore wind turbines (OWTs) is usually performed using simplified (1D) models based on the p-y method. When deriving p-y curves, the main issues arise from the soil reaction profiles (p), commonly obtained by double differentiating the bending moment profiles. Several authors have proposed modified p-y curves for OWT applications derived from experimental analysis conducted using small-scale in-situ models, centrifuge models, or numerical analysis using three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) models. This paper presents a 3D FE model simulating a monopile installed in sand, which was used to derive monotonic p-y curves. Typical curve fitting methods adopted in the literature for adjusting the bending moment data were investigated, such as the High-Order Global Polynomial, the Piecewise Polynomial, the Smoothing Cubic Spline, and the Single-Term Fourier Series methods. Moreover, a parametric study was conducted to quantify possible deviations in generating the p-y curves. The number of points used to create each p-y curve and the number of nonlinear soil springs adopted in the 1D model varied. Finally, a guideline for deriving p-y curves from 3D FE models is provided.
Experimental investigation of the feasibility of in situ plasma cleaning in normal-conducting copper cavities
Authors: Xia Qianxu , Zheng Lianmin , Du Yingchao
Published: February 2025

High-frequency copper cavities in particle accelerators often experience dark current enhancement and performance degradation over prolonged operation. To address these issues, it is essential to remove copper oxide from the cavity walls while simultaneously suppressing field emission. A 13.56 MHz inductively coupled plasma platform with integrated coils was developed at Tsinghua University to assess the feasibility of in situ plasma treatment for restoring high-frequency performance. Experiments conducted on this platform focused on optimizing plasma discharge parameters and treatment protocols. The results demonstrate that the “argon/oxygen + argon/hydrogen” method effectively removes hydrocarbons and copper oxides from ultra-smooth, oxygen-free copper surfaces while passivating surface burrs. This dual-action treatment is helpful in reducing field emission, consequently lowering the dark current. It is also helpful to enhance the high-frequency performance and operation stability of the copper cavity. These findings validate the potential of in situ plasma cleaning as an effective technology for restoring and maintaining the performance of high-frequency copper cavities.
Kepler's Moon puzzle—A historical context for pinhole imaging
Authors: Quick Thomas , Grebe-Ellis Johannes
Published: February 2025

In 16th-century European astronomy, determining the sizes of the Sun and Moon using a pinhole camera was common. However, calculating the Moon's diameter from the concave segment of the partially obscured Sun yielded puzzling results due to a lack of a comprehensive theory of the influence of the aperture on the image. This inconsistency led Tycho Brahe to question prevailing assumptions in celestial mechanics. Recognizing this, Johannes Kepler conducted measurements during a solar eclipse in Graz on July 10, 1600 and soon developed a theory of the pinhole camera that remains valid today. In this article, we recount the historical episode leading to Kepler's theory through original works, complemented by a series of illustrative experiments for classroom use. This historical case study offers a rich context for reflecting on Nature of Science aspects within physics education.
Educational Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor
Authors: Hassani Khosrow , Khajehhassanirabori Veyana
Published: February 2025

The Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWFS) is a standard detector used in the measurement of a light wave's wavefront shape. However, its relatively high price restricts its use as an educational tool in instructional optics laboratories. In this work, we show how a low-cost educational SHWFS can be assembled using spare parts and also provide the computational codes necessary to analyze the obtained data. We demonstrate the utility of our sensor by measuring the collimation of a beam, comparing the shape of sample spherical and cylindrical wavefronts, and demonstrating some effects of lens aberrations. We also discuss the spatial resolution and measurement uncertainties of this sensor. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with theoretical calculations. The outcomes of this work can enhance the efficiency of instructional optics laboratories and enrich the knowledge of students regarding important concepts in classical optics.
2025 Jackson Award for Excellence in Graduate Physics Education lecture: There is more to graduate education than is found in Jackson's book
Authors: McNeil Laurie E.
Published: February 2025

This article contains the remarks I made when I received the 2025 John David Jackson Award for Excellence in Graduate Physics Education from the American Association of Physics Teachers. I believe that our graduate programs should prepare students for the careers that they will have, as opposed to preparing them for the careers that we have. Most of our students will not become physics professors; how can we help them succeed in the jobs that they will have once they complete their Ph.D. studies? I reflect upon what I have learned about this through my experience in program creation, academic leadership, career development, and the climate site visit program of the American Physical Society as well as from my own students.
The multimode coupled vibration transducer with the higher emission performances at resonant frequencies
Authors: Chen Yihao , Lin Shuyu
Published: February 2025

The majority of existing piezoelectric transducers work at a single resonant frequency, and their applications in scenarios with multi-frequency or frequency variation are not fully considered. Moreover, emitting high-energy ultrasound at different frequencies is also crucial. Here, we propose the three-frequency coupled vibration piezoelectric transducer, which exhibits higher emission performances. The proposed transducer is comprised of two rectangular piezoelectric ceramics, which are cut from a piece of rectangular piezoelectric ceramic. We derive the three-dimensional coupled vibration electromechanical equivalent circuit of the proposed transducer. Then, the characteristics of the transducer are numerically simulated. And comparison experiments between the proposed transducer and a piece of rectangular piezoelectric ceramic transducer were done. An ultrasonic water tank measurement system was used to measure their sound field, axial sound pressure, and transmitting voltage response. Experiments are conducted to verify the electromechanical and sound field characteristics of transducers, which are in good agreement with the simulated results and theoretical predictions. The proposed transducer can generate stable and stronger energy ultrasonic waves at three resonant frequencies. And this study can provide the theoretical and experimental references for multi-frequency conversion and high-energy ultrasonic radiation of the transducer.
Estrogen prevented gingival barrier injury from
Porphyromonas gingivalis
lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Huang Fangting , Su Zhifei , Zhou Fangjie , Wu Yajie , Li Jiyao , Ren Biao
Published: February 2025

The postmenopausal population usually suffers from more severe periodontal disease than non-menopausal women due to the decrease and low levels of estrogen, especially β-estradiol (E2). While additional estrogen therapy can effectively relieve alveolar bone resorption, this suggests that estrogen has played an important role in the development of periodontitis. The integrity of the gingival epithelial barrier plays a key role in protecting gingival tissue from inflammatory injury caused by pathogens. However, it remains unclear whether estrogen can maintain the integrity of the gingival epithelial barrier to reduce inflammatory injury. Here, using an infection model established with
Porphyromonas gingivalis
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human gingival epithelial cells (hGECs) and ovariectomized or Sham mice, we assessed the protective effect of estrogen on the gingival barrier using qPCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptome analysis. The results showed that estrogen restored epithelial barrier function to inhibit
P. gingivalis
-LPS invasion and further downregulate the inflammatory reaction (
P
< 0.05) by upregulating expressions of tight junction proteins (such as JAM1 and OCLN) at mRNA and protein levels in both hGECs and ovariectomized or Sham mice (
P
< 0.05). Estrogen also protected against alveolar bone resorption and preserved barrier integrity in both ovariectomized and Sham mice (
P
< 0.05). In conclusion, E2 prevented the progression of gingival epithelial barrier damage and inflammation induced by
P. gingivalis
-LPS by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins. The protective effect of estrogen on gingival epithelial barrier injury highlighted its potential application in treating periodontitis and inflammatory diseases involving epithelial barrier dysfunction.
Zika virus inhibits cell death by inhibiting the expression of NLRP3 and A20
Authors: Li Jian , Zhu Changyang , Meng Yang , Zhang Linliang , Liu Cong , Qin Yali , Chen Mingzhou
Published: February 2025

Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with microcephaly in neonates and neurological disorders in adults. Chronic ZIKV infection has been identified in the testes, indicating that the virus can lead to prolonged illness, yet its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we found that ZIKV infection does not induce significant cell death in mouse macrophages despite the critical role that cell death plays in the antiviral immune response. Furthermore, we discovered that ZIKV infection impairs the activation of the NLPR3-dependent inflammasome and inhibits apoptosis. Consequently, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of the NLRP3 inflammasome and apoptosis in the context of ZIKV infection. Our results revealed significant reductions in the protein expression levels of NLRP3 and A20, attributable to post-transcriptional or translational effects during ZIKV infection. These findings suggest that ZIKV infection may disrupt cell death pathways, leading to its pathogenicity.

IMPORTANCE

Zika virus (ZIKV), first isolated from a nonhuman primate in Africa in 1947, was relatively understudied until 2016. By then, ZIKV had already been reported in more than 20 countries and territories. The infection poses a significant risk, as it is associated with microcephaly in infants and neurological disorders in adults; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these severe outcomes remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that ZIKV infection significantly reduces the expression of NLRP3 and A20 proteins through post-transcriptional or translational processes, which leads to inhibited cell death. These findings are critical because cell death plays a vital role in the host's antiviral immune response. Our findings highlight how ZIKV infection compromises essential cell death pathways, raising serious concerns about its pathogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of this disruption is vital for developing targeted interventions to mitigate the virus' impact on public health.
Perturbation of
de novo
lipogenesis hinders MERS-CoV assembly and release, but not the biogenesis of viral replication organelles
Authors: Soultsioti M. , de Jong A. W. M. , Blomberg N. , Tas A. , Giera M. , Snijder E. J. , Bárcena M.
Published: February 2025

Coronaviruses hijack host cell metabolic pathways and resources to support their replication. They induce extensive host endomembrane remodeling to generate viral replication organelles and exploit host membranes for assembly and budding of their enveloped progeny virions. Because of the overall significance of host membranes, we sought to gain insight into the role of host factors involved in lipid metabolism in cells infected with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). We employed a single-cycle infection approach in combination with pharmacological inhibitors, biochemical assays, lipidomics, and light and electron microscopy. Pharmacological inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FASN), key host factors in
de novo
fatty acid biosynthesis, led to pronounced inhibition of MERS-CoV particle release. Inhibition of ACC led to a profound metabolic switch in Huh7 cells, altering their lipidomic profile and inducing lipolysis. However, despite the extensive changes induced by the ACC inhibitor, the biogenesis of viral replication organelles remained unaffected. Instead, ACC inhibition appeared to affect the trafficking and post-translational modifications of the MERS-CoV envelope proteins. Electron microscopy revealed an accumulation of nucleocapsids in early budding stages, indicating that MERS-CoV assembly is adversely impacted by ACC inhibition. Notably, inhibition of palmitoylation resulted in similar effects, while supplementation of exogenous palmitic acid reversed the compound’s inhibitory effects, possibly reflecting a crucial need for palmitoylation of the MERS-CoV spike and envelope proteins for their role in virus particle assembly.

IMPORTANCE

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the etiological agent of a zoonotic respiratory disease of limited transmissibility between humans. However, MERS-CoV is still considered a high-priority pathogen and is closely monitored by WHO due to its high lethality rate of around 35% of laboratory-confirmed infections. Like other positive-strand RNA viruses, MERS-CoV relies on the host cell’s endomembranes to support various stages of its replication cycle. However, in spite of this general reliance of MERS-CoV replication on host cell lipid metabolism, mechanistic insights are still very limited. In our study, we show that pharmacological inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a key enzyme in the host cell’s fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, significantly disrupts MERS-CoV particle assembly without exerting a negative effect on the biogenesis of viral replication organelles. Furthermore, our study highlights the potential of ACC as a target for the development of host-directed antiviral therapeutics against coronaviruses.
Draft genome sequence of
“Burkholderia sola”
strains isolated in Mexico
Authors: Morales-Ruíz Leslie-Mariana , Larios-Serrato Violeta , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina
Published: February 2025

This study presents the draft genomes of three strains of "
Burkholderia sola"
isolated from
Phaseolus vulgaris
L. trap plants and the rhizosphere of
Coffea arabica
L. in Mexico.
Complete genome sequences of
Yersinia pestis
6/69 strain isolated from a bubonic plague patient in Madagascar and its isogenic strain cured of pPCP1
Authors: Bougit Emelyne , Mas Fiol Guillem , Lê-Bury Pierre , Balière Charlotte , Caro Valérie , Pizarro-Cerdá Javier , Dussurget Olivier
Published: February 2025

We report the complete genome sequences of two valuable strains to investigate plague pathogenesis: (i)
Yersinia pestis
strain 6/69, which was isolated from a bubonic plague patient in Madagascar and contains pCD1, pMT1, and pPCP1 virulence plasmids, and (ii) the 6/69 strain cured of pPCP1.
Genome assembly of
Ramulariopsis pseudoglycines
, a fungal pathogen responsible for areolate mildew on cotton
Authors: Garcia-Aroca Teddy , Kemerait Robert C. , Jimenez Madrid Alejandra M.
Published: February 2025

The fungal species
Ramulariopsis pseudoglycines
was recently reported as a pathogen of cotton in the United States. Here, we report the first genome of this pathogen assembled using nanopore sequencing. The genome size is ~77.9 Mb, with an
N
50
of ~2.5 Mb, GC content of 52.74%, and Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) completeness of 99.5%.
Barolith precipitation: an uncommon sequela following barium imaging
Authors: Abidi Syed Muhammad Aqeel , Khowaja Aly Hamza , Chhotani Abdul Ahad
Published: February 2025

We present the case of a young male in his mid-30s who developed baroliths, a rare complication, following a barium contrast study. The patient initially presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation. Imaging revealed two large masses of retained contrast material within the sigmoid colon and rectum, consistent with baroliths. Despite initial conservative management, including enema and electrolyte correction, the patient required surgical intervention due to persistent symptoms. An exploratory laparotomy and rigid sigmoidoscopy were performed to remove the impacted stool, leading to symptom resolution. This case highlights the need for vigilance in keeping baroliths as a differential in patients presenting with signs of gastrointestinal obstruction with a history of recent barium studies and emphasises the importance of preventive measures, early recognition and tailored management to prevent severe complications.
Moniliformis moniliformisacanthocephaliasis in a paediatric patient
Authors: Lin Sallie , Otero Jackie , Stern Alexandra , Kirkconnell Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Acanthocephala are known as thorny-headed worms and are common parasites in animals, but acanthocephaliasis in humans is rare, with limited medical literature available. Infections are acquired via direct ingestion of arthropod intermediate hosts. In this case report, a female toddler is evaluated for passage of a pseudosegmented worm in the stool, which was later identified asMoniliformis moniliformis. She is treated with pyrantel pamoate with a resolution of worms in stool. This case report aims to expand knowledge surrounding infections by the Acanthocephala phylum and the nuances of identification and treatment.
The impact of the social media industry as a commercial determinant of health on the digital food environment for children and adolescents: a scoping review
Authors: Lafontaine Jesse , Hanson Isabel , Wild Cervantée
Published: February 2025

Introduction

There is emerging evidence that the social media industry contributes to adverse health outcomes by shaping the digital food environment for children and adolescents (aged 0–18). The aim of this scoping review was to determine the extent of research on how the social media industry, including the broader online landscape, influences the digital food environment and affects child and adolescent health.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO, along with forward and reverse citation searching for peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and May 2023. A qualitative descriptive synthesis of the included articles was performed to identify trends, themes and research gaps in the current literature.

Results

The review identified 36 articles for inclusion. Most research was conducted in high-income countries and publications have increased since 2021. The review found most children and adolescents are exposed to food advertisements on social media and most advertised food is ultra-processed. Heightened by a lack of social media advertising awareness, digital food marketing influences children and youth’s consumption and food behaviour. Voluntary children’s food marketing regulations are ineffective for the online environment. Countering unhealthy food marketing will require media literacy and government regulation.

Conclusion

The social media industry may act as a commercial determinant of health to shape the digital food environment as an extension of the obesogenic environment. Further research should explore approaches to monitor unhealthy food marketing practices and understand social media’s role in the digital food environment.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of daratumumab plus bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone versus bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma ineligible for stem cell transplantation
Authors: Xie Dan , Zhang Peng-Fei
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone with daratumumab (D-VMP) versus bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (VMP) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) who were ineligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT).

Methods

A Markov model was established and three exclusive health states, progression-free survival (PFS), progressive disease (PD) and death were included. The cycle length was set at 1.5 months and the time horizon was set at 20 years. The efficacy data were derived from the ALCYONE trial, and the utility values were obtained from previously published studies. The discount rate in the model was 3% per annum, and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at $150 000.00/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) in the USA. Moreover, one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the parameter uncertainty.

Results

D-VMP achieved an effectiveness of 6.91 QALYs at a cost of $858 695.42, while VMP achieved an effectiveness of 4.70 QALYs at a cost of $357 387.82. The incremental effectiveness and cost of D-VMP versus VMP were 2.21 QALYs and $501 307.6, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US $226 836.02/QALY. The cost of daratumumab, utility for PFS, cost of subsequent therapies in the VMP group and cost of subsequent therapies in the D-VMP group were the most influential factors, and the probabilities of D-VMP and VMP as the cost-effective option were 0% and 100% at the WTP threshold of $150 000.00/QALY, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared with VMP, D-VMP is unlikely to be a cost-effective regimen for patients with NDMM who are ineligible for ASCT from the US payer’s perspective.
Is geographical variation in emergency epilepsy admissions related to variation in new epilepsy diagnoses among children and young people across England? An observational study using linked datasets
Authors: Shah Rakhee , Arora Sandeepa , Dunkley Colin , Raja Niky , Bottle Alex , Hargreaves Dougal S
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Previous studies have reported widespread unexplained geographical variations in emergency paediatric admissions for epilepsy.

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the extent to which geographical variation in epilepsy admissions among children and young people (CYP) aged 0–18 years, in England, reflects variation in new epilepsy diagnoses.

Design and setting

A retrospective secondary analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics data for emergency admissions between April 2018 and March 2019, and Epilepsy12 audit data for new epilepsy diagnoses in England, between July and November 2018.

Outcome measures

The ratios of observed to expected epilepsy admissions and new diagnoses were calculated for each hospital Trust, based on their catchment population, and adjusted for age, sex and deprivation. Standardised ratios of observed to expected epilepsy admissions were plotted against standardised ratios of observed to expected new diagnoses of epilepsy at Trust level and the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated.

Results

There were 9246 emergency admissions for CYP to 134 Trusts with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy in England during the study period. 60 Trusts (44.4%) had either significantly lower or higher than expected standardised admission ratios for a primary diagnosis of epilepsy. There were 960 new diagnoses of epilepsy between July and November 2018 for 74 Trusts. 14 Trusts (18.9%) had either lower or higher standardised diagnosis ratios for a new diagnosis of epilepsy. There was no correlation between standardised emergency epilepsy admissions ratios and standardised new epilepsy diagnoses ratios at Trust level (Pearson r −0.06, p 0.63).

Conclusions

Widespread unexplained variation in epilepsy admissions cannot be explained by variation in new epilepsy diagnosis. This raises concerns about the equity and accessibility of epilepsy services. Unit-level benchmarking data on new diagnoses and admissions for epilepsy can inform strategies to improve access to care and health outcomes.
Effectiveness and influencing factors of standardised training for nursing assistants: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Ming , Yang Yanqing , Lin Yanqin , Chen Meizhen , Chen Ying
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To investigate the impact of standardised training on nursing assistants (NAs) and explore the factors influencing training effectiveness, specifically focusing on learning motivation and learning obstacles.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to September 2022.

Setting

The study was conducted in Fujian Province, China.

Participants

A total of 412 participants were included in this study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Training effectiveness, learning motivation, learning obstacles and learning engagement were the primary outcome measures.

Methods

A survey was conducted on research NAs who were participating in standardised training in Fujian Province, China. The survey used general information questionnaires, educational participation scales, general suitability scales for participation barriers, blended learning participation scales and training effectiveness questionnaires.

Results

The overall score of the training effectiveness questionnaires was 98.08±15.52, with an average score per item of 4.26±0.67. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between the number of working years, self-rated health status, acceptance of NAs work and training effectiveness (p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that learning motivation, learning obstacles and learning engagement were independent factors influencing training effectiveness (F=171.073, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Learning motivation, learning obstacles and learning engagement all affect training effectiveness, which provides a clear direction for improving the effectiveness of training for NAs. In order to improve the training effectiveness of healthcare aides, it is necessary for clinical managers to focus on their learning motivation, learning obstacles and learning engagement.
Designing vaping prevention messages for youth: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Chen Yu , Liu Shiyu , Cai Yujiang , Liu Haoyi , Zhang Rui , Yang Xinrui , Zhang Jinxiang , Jiang Youquan , Xu Jing , Yu Xinyao , Chan Kin-Sun
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Youth vaping has become a significant public health concern globally. Effective prevention messages are essential to reduce the prevalence of vaping among young people. However, evidence on the design of youth vaping prevention messages is limited. This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing evidence, identify research gaps, and provide recommendations for future research and practice.

Methods and analysis

The review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive search strategy has been developed focusing on the population-concept-context elements of youth, vaping, prevention, message design and global context. Six databases will be searched: Web of Science Core Collection (including MEDLINE), PubMed, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Grey literature sources, including relevant organisational websites, will also be searched. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, review full texts, and extract data using a predefined data charting form. The extracted data will be synthesised narratively.

Ethics and dissemination

As this scoping review will only include published data and does not involve human participants, institutional review board approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, academic networks, and social media.