bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of highly selective mesoporous MgO nanoparticles for efficient detection of trace isobutyraldehyde
Authors: Zhang Qianchun , Wan Chengcheng , He Jiumei , Ban Zhaoru , Tang Shan , Jiang Li , Chen Yanju , Long Xixi
Published: February 2025

In this study, mesoporous MgO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using carbon quantum dots as templates and an outstanding cataluminescence sensor system was established based on these nanoparticles. In a particular situation, the constructed sensor demonstrated remarkable linear range was 0.3106–310.6 ppm (R2
= 0.9990) with a low limit of detection of 0.0994 ppm and a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3. The mesoporous MgO nanoparticle sensor was utilized to analyze the isobutyraldehyde content in real samples. Outstanding recoveries were achieved within range of 83.4%–111%, with the relative standard deviations (n = 7) ranging from 2.0% to 8.2%. Moreover, the 35 d test results showed that the sensor has good stability. Density functional theory and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to research the mechanism of the designed cataluminescence sensor. This work presents a universal methodology for constructing isobutyraldehyde gas sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity, and mesoporous MgO nanoparticles sensors that expand the applications available in the industry and environment analysis.
Second order asymptotics and uniqueness for self-similar profiles to a singular diffusion equation with gradient absorption
Authors: Iagar Razvan Gabriel , Laurençot Philippe
Published: February 2025

Solutions in self-similar form presenting finite time extinction to the singular diffusion equation with gradient absorption

∂
t

u
−

div

(

|

∇
u

|

p
−
2

∇
u
)

+

|

∇
u

|

q

=
0

in

 

(
0
,
∞
)

×

R

N

are studied when

N
⩾
1

and the exponents (p, q) satisfy

p
c

=

2
N

N
+
1

<
p
<
2
,

p
−
1
<
q
<

p
2

.

Existence and uniqueness of such a solution are established in dimension N = 1. In dimension

N
⩾
2

, existence of radially symmetric self-similar solutions is proved and a fine description of their behaviour as

|
x

|

→
∞

is provided.
The low-frequency and broad bandgap characteristics of two-dimensional phononic crystals embedded with acoustic black hole structures
Authors: Liu Xi-Xuan , Yan Wan-Ru , Xu Yao-dong , Liu Zi-Jiang
Published: February 2025

To address the challenge of controlling low-frequency vibration noise, a coupling phononic crystal model embedded with the acoustic black hole (ABH) structures has been designed. By comprehensively studying the complex dispersion curves, vibration modes, and transmission loss, we numerically demonstrate that this coupling structure exhibits good sound insulation performance in the low-frequency range of 64.3 Hz∼665.4 Hz, the bandgap coverage reaches 92.7%, while the effective sound insulation range achieves 89.6% within the frequency range of 1000 Hz. The torsional vibration of the scatterer component is more conducive to the lowering of the first starting frequency, and a larger torsion angle further contributes to this reduction. However, the cutoff frequency of the first bandgap is predominantly caused by the oscillating along the z-direction of the ABH structure. Evanescent waves exist in all the studied frequency bands exhibiting a strong correlation with the complex dispersion curve and the transmission loss. The intensity of the evanescent wave depends on the activated state of the ABH structures, the lower imaginary part of the complex dispersion curve corresponding to the passband yields the lower energy loss caused by the evanescent wave. Damping materials benefit the energy loss caused by evanescent waves. Parameters dependence of the ABH truncation thickness, the length of bending component and uniform part are analyzed, which are expected to provide theoretical design guidance for the control and attenuation of low-frequency vibration and noise.
Silicon photonic components on the COTTONTAIL chip
Authors: Schneider M. , Burger B. , Kühner T. , Simon F.
Published: February 2025

We report on characterization results for our new silicon photonic chip for high-speed data transmission, called COTTONTAIL (Chip for detector instrumentation with wavelength division multiplex). Modulation bandwidths of different travelling-wave Mach-Zehnder modulators and ring resonator modulators are sufficient for very high data transmission rates. Bit error rate measurements were conducted with a very low voltage swing of 1.1 V
pp
and error free transmissions could be established up to a data rate of 11.3 Gb/s with the ring modulators and up to 8.5 Gb/s with the Mach-Zehnder modulators. Wavelength filters for wavelength division multiplexing show a very low transmission loss of less than 2.3 dB with a slight wavelength shift of the filtering characteristics. Also included photodiodes are well suited for high speed downlinks with data rates in excess of 40 Gb/s or on-chip modulator monitoring.
Decadal predictions outperform climate projections in forecasting Mediterranean wintertime precipitation
Authors: Nicolì Dario , Gualdi Silvio , Athanasiadis Panos J
Published: February 2025

The Mediterranean region is highly sensitive to climate change, having experienced an intense warming and drying trend in recent decades. In the context of decision-making processes, there is growing interest in understanding the near-term climate evolution of this region. Climate change projections consistently indicate that Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region will undergo significantly drier conditions in the latter half of the 21st century. However, in considering the upcoming decade, a critical question arises: Are climate change projections the best product for understanding climate evolution in the near future? This is a matter of great importance for numerous stakeholders and decision-makers. In this study, using retrospective forecasts from eight decadal prediction systems contributing to the CMIP6 Decadal Climate Prediction Project and the corresponding ensemble of non-initialized simulations (historical and projections), we compare the capabilities of the state-of-the-art climate models in predicting the near-term climate anomalies of the wintertime Mediterranean region for some key quantities, also assessing the added value of initialization. Our findings indicate the superior performance of the decadal predictions, exhibiting higher skill than uninitialized historical simulations and projections, particularly over the North Atlantic subpolar gyre for surface temperature and over Southern Europe for precipitation. We also develop a hybrid (dynamical-statistical) model to explore the role of the North Atlantic Oscillation and subpolar sea surface temperatures on Mediterranean precipitation predictability. It is shown that the developed hybrid model further enhances predictive skill, underscoring the importance of using initialized decadal predictions for precipitation across Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Polarized light-sensitive optoelectronic synapses for expanding artificial vision systems
Authors: Choi Ji-Hoon , An Hye-Min , Park Hea-Lim
Published: February 2025

Flexible material-based artificial vision systems are gaining increasing attention due to their potential in applications requiring operation on curved surfaces, such as autonomous vehicles, smart healthcare devices, and humanoid robot eyes. However, conventional vision systems built on the von Neumann architecture encounter significant limitations in energy efficiency and processing speed. To overcome these challenges, optoelectronic synapses inspired by biological visual systems have emerged as a promising alternative. These synapses enhance data processing speed and reduce system complexity by enabling real-time analysis of optical signals, including wavelength and light intensity. Moreover, integrating polarized light sensing function into such systems offers a substantial performance boost. Polarized light, which carries additional directional information, facilitates advanced applications like precise image recognition and navigation. This review focuses on polarized light-sensitive (PLS) optoelectronic synapses, emphasizing the role of flexible materials in expanding the capabilities of existing systems. We begin by exploring diverse strategies for achieving polarization detection, focusing on material selection and fabrication processes. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the mechanisms underlying PLS optoelectronic synapses.
Left main stem disease: PCI versus CABG.What about medical management? – a case report
Authors: Kaczmarska-Dyrda Edyta , Rudziński Piotr Nikodem , Dębski Mariusz , Dzielińska Zofia , Demkow Marcin
Published: February 2025

Background

Optimal strategy for treating bifurcation lesions in the left main coronary artery (LMCA) remains elusive.

Case summary

We describe a 66-year-old Caucasian male with a risk factors for coronary artery disease, but free of angina, who presented to the hospital after syncope and nsVT diagnosis in the 24h Holter electrocardiography monitoring. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) revealed LMCA bifurcation stenosis with concomitant left circumflex (LCx) and diagonal branch (DB) stenosis. Subsequent coronary angiography confirmed diagnosis. Successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation/distal LMCA disease involving ostium of LAD and LCx has been a challenging procedure.

Discussion

Current guidelines still favor coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) over PCI for revascularization in LMCA stenosis. However, great progress has been made on PCI, therefore it has become the compelling alternative procedure to CABG for the LMCA bifurcation stenosis in appropriately selected patients.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Vietnam
Authors: Huynh Van Minh , Lan Viet Nguyen , Quoc Huy Nguyen Vu , Kiem Hao Tran , Minh Tam Nguyen , Kim Son Tran , Van Hung Ngo , Van Thao Nguyen , Le Van Tien , Truong Sinh Cao , Viet Thai Pham , Phuoc Hien Tran , To Muoi , Ta Dong Nguyen , Chi Thang Doan , Tu Nguyen Tran , Poulter Neil R , Beaney Thomas , Kerr Gabriele , Anh Tien Hoang
Published: February 2025

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Vietnam in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of increased blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign.

Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited opportunistically from 14 provinces and cities in Vietnam. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant along with the completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as the use of antihypertensive medication with a BP of <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputations were used to estimate the missing BP readings. In total, 11 796 were screened, with a mean age of 51.9 years and 58.2% were female. Of all participants, 4276 (36.2%) had hypertension, of whom 3232 (75.6%) were aware, and 2947 (68.9%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1297 (44.0%) had controlled BP; of all participants with hypertension, 30.3% had controlled BP. In total, 2979 (25.3%) were found to have either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension.

Meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with lower systolic BP (-2 mmHg, p<0.001), and having 12 or more years of education was associated with lower diastolic BP (-1.8 mmHg, p<0.001), while alcohol consumption, particularly at moderate to high frequencies, was positively associated with both systolic BP (p=0.005) and diastolic BP (p=0.010). Hormone replacement therapy use among women showed a positive association with both systolic (3.8 mmHg, p=0.005) and diastolic (2.6 mmHg, p=0.009) BP.

The MMM campaign in Vietnam identified a significant number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The need for targeted public health initiatives in Vietnam focused on hypertension awareness, lifestyle modification, and better management practices to enhance BP control.
Weekend Sleep Extension, Social Jetlag and Incidence of Coronary Calcium Score: the ELSA-Brasil study
Authors: Peixoto de Miranda Érique J F , Parise Barbara K , Santos Ronaldo B , Giatti Soraya , Aielo Aline N , Cunha Lorenna F , Silva Wagner A , Souza Silvana P , Lotufo Paulo A , Bensenor Isabela M , Bittencourt Márcio S , Drager Luciano F
Published: February 2025

Study Objectives

Insufficient/irregular sleep patterns are common conditions, but their cardiovascular consequences and strategies to minimize these risks are poorly explored. We aimed to determine whether weekend sleep extension (catch-up sleep) and social jetlag may impact the incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods

We performed a 7-day wrist actigraphy in this cohort study to monitor sleep parameters. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was measured at two different time points. Catch-up-sleep was measured by calculating weekend minus weekday sleep duration. Social jetlag was calculated by the difference between the mean sleep midpoint on weekend days minus weekdays. The incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as baseline CAC=0, followed by CAC>0 at the follow-up. The association of incident CAC outcome was assessed using logistic regression adjusting for traditional confounders plus sleep apnea.

Results

We analyzed 1,832 participants (age: 48.8±8.0 years; 57.8% women). Incidence of CAC among subjects with catch-up sleep >90 and ≤90 minutes were 19.1% vs. 31.7%, respectively (P<0.001). In covariate-adjusted analyses (follow-up=5.4±0.90 years), we found a lower incidence of CAC in those participants with catch-up-sleep >90 minutes (OR=0.62; 95% CI 0.52–0.74). Interestingly, stratified analysis revealed that these results are modified by sleep duration (≤6.55 hours: OR=0.42; 95% CI 0.33–0.54; >6.55 hours: OR=0.96; 95% CI 0.75–1.24). In contrast, social jet lag was weakly associated with incident CAC: 0.1% increasing risk/minute.

Conclusions

Extending sleep time during the weekend is independently associated with lower 5-year CAC incidence, providing relevant insights into the cardiovascular benefits of this common sleep habit Worldwide.
Comparing the efficacy of technology-enabled treatments for insomnia: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Scott Hannah , Green Madelaine , Jones Kerri , Loffler Kelly A , Lovato Nicole , Toson Barbara , Bensen-Boakes Darah-Bree , Perlis Michael , Drummond Sean P A , Kaambwa Billingsley , Lack Leon
Published: February 2025

Chronic insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder where <1% of patients receive the recommended first line treatment; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia. Digital technologies and self-managed therapies are scalable solutions to address this critical gap in patient care, but it is difficult to select which therapies are best. This study will test the comparative efficacy and cost-benefits of Intensive Sleep Retraining administered by THIM sleep tracker, SHUTi treatment program, and their combination (THIM then SHUTi) versus a waitlist control group. This study is a 4 (treatment: +/- THIM and +/- SHUTi) x 3 (time: pre-treatment, post-treatment, two-month follow up) randomised controlled trial. Participants who meet diagnostic criteria for Chronic Insomnia Disorder will be randomised to one of four groups. Sleep and daytime functioning symptoms will be assessed via self-report daily and weekly questionnaires, and objective sleep trackers during treatment and for two weeks pre- and post-treatment and at two-month follow up. The primary outcome is total wake time, with a reduction of ≥ 30 minutes considered a clinically meaningful difference. For the primary analysis, the interaction between treatment group and time on total wake time will be analysed using repeated measures ANOVA. This project was approved by the Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee (2021/HRE00414) and registered in the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000778785). As the first study to investigate the comparative efficacy of two different technology-enabled treatments for insomnia, this study will help inform clinicians and public health policy regarding the use case for public and private health-funded technology-enabled options for insomnia.
Effects of lung expansion on global and regional pulmonary blood volume in a sheep model of acute lung injury
Authors: Zang Mingyang , Zeng Congli , Lagier David , Leng Nan , Grogg Kira , Motta-Ribeiro Gabriel , Laine Andrew F. , Winkler Tilo , Vidal Melo Marcos F.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Pulmonary capillary blood volume is a major determinant of lung gas transport efficiency, and also potentially related to ventilator-induced lung injury. Yet, knowledge on how lung expansion influences pulmonary blood volume in injured lungs is scant. We hypothesize that lung expansion produced by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) modulates the global and regional spatial distribution of pulmonary blood volume.

Methods:

In a lung injury model exposed to distinct lung expansion within clinical range (PEEP=5-20 cmH2O), we aimed to determine whole-lung and regional blood volume, their dynamic changes, and association with gas volume changes. Seven healthy sheep were subjected to 3h of low-lung volume mechanical ventilation at PEEP=0 cmH2O and systemic endotoxemia. PEEP=5 (low), 20 (high), and 12 (intermediate) cmH2O were applied to produce distinct lung expansion. Respiratory-gated positron emission tomography with 11C-labelled carbon monoxide and 4-dimensional computed tomography were obtained to quantify blood volume and aeration.

Results:

Transpulmonary pressures were lowest at PEEP=12 cmH2O. Changes in whole-lung blood volume correlated with gas volume changes between PEEP=5 and 12 cmH2O at end-expiration (P<0.001) and end-inspiration (P<0.001), but not between PEEP=12 and 20 cmH2O. Tissue-normalized blood volume (VBtissue

) was heterogeneously distributed, with mean values in non-dependent regions (VBtissue

=0.116±0.055) approximately 7-times smaller than those in mid-dependent regions (VBtissue

=0.832±0.132). PEEP=12 cmH2O resulted in the most homogeneous VBtissue

distribution, with largest means in mid-dependent regions and inspiratory 10th-percentile, a measure of lowest values, throughout the lung. VBtissue

increased with inspiration at PEEP=5 and 12 cmH2O but decreased with PEEP=20 cmH2O in mid-nondependent regions.

Conclusions:

During low-volume mechanical ventilation and systemic endotoxemia, lung blood volume is markedly heterogeneously distributed, and modulated by PEEP. Nondependent regions are susceptible to low blood volume and capillary closure. Recruitment of pulmonary vascular blood volume with gas volume is nonlinear, limited at intermediate PEEP indicating its advantage to spatial distribution of blood volume.
A Polytherapy Intervention in an Experimental Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Mouse Model
Authors: Tse David T. , Wang Hua , Tao Wensi , O’Brien Robert C. , Tse Brian C. , Pelaez Daniel
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

To test a novel early polytherapy treatment strategy targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics, glutamate excitotoxicity, and sterile inflammatory response molecular pathways associated with retinal ganglion cell survival following optic nerve trauma.

Methods:

Twenty C57BL/6J mice were subjected to sonication-induced traumatic optic neuropathy injury. The control group (n = 10) received intravitreal, retrobulbar, and subcutaneous phosphate buffered saline injections on days 0 and 3 (no repeat retrobulbar vehicle). On day 0, the treatment group (n = 10) received injections of intravitreal interleukin-1 receptor antagonist with ketamine, retrobulbar ropivacaine, and subcutaneous etanercept. Treatment group animals had 1% (wt/vol) N-acetylcysteine ad libitum supplemented in drinking water from day 1. On day 3, intravitreal pan-ephrin receptor antagonist peptide and subcutaneous elamipretide and etanercept injections were given. Pattern electroretinogram assessments continued at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Optical coherence tomography retinal layer thickness was measured on naive, control, and treatment groups at week 12. The whole mount retinas were harvested for retinal ganglion cell quantitation.

Results:

At 12 weeks, the averaged retinal ganglion cell density count in the control group was lower (413.37 ± 41.77 cells/mm2) compared with treatment (553.97 ± 18.00 cells/mm2; p < 0.001) and naive (595.94 ± 30.67cells/mm2; p < 0.001) groups. Ganglion cell complex layer thicknesses showed control group (49.29 ± 5.48 μm) thinner than the treated (61.00 ± 2.57 μm; p = 0.004) and naive (67.00 ± 6.12 μm; p = 0.004) groups. No significant difference was seen at 12 weeks between the treated and naive groups. Pattern electroretinogram recordings in the control group revealed a statistically significant decrease in amplitudes for all time points. Apart from week 8, the amplitudes in the treatment group did not significantly differ from the baseline at any time point.

Conclusions:

Early combinatorial therapeutic intervention to address disparate molecular pathways following optic nerve trauma effectively halts retinal neurons’ progressive structural and functional degeneration.
Use of doravirine-based regimens in clinical practice in Europe: a real-life retrospective observational study
Authors: Rami Agathe , Pozniak Anton L. , Assoumou Lambert , Movahedi Roya , Lacombe Karine , Raffi François , Fox Julie , Levi Laura , Melnyk Tetiana , Roberts Debbie , Fletcher Carl , Molina Jean-Michel
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

We evaluated antiviral effectiveness and safety of doravirine (DOR)-based regimens in people with HIV (PWH) in routine clinical practice.

Design:

A retrospective, noninterventional study across 16 sites in five European countries [United Kingdom (UK), France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands].

Methods:

The study was conducted in both treatment-experienced and treatment-naive PWH who either switched to, or initiated DOR-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART). The primary endpoints were virological success (defined as the percentage of participants with HIV RNA <50 copies/ml, using FDA Snapshot method) and virological failure (FDA Snapshot, HIV RNA ≥50 copies/ml) at 48 weeks after initiation of DOR regimen.

Results:

Between August 2017 and February 2022, 394 participants were enrolled, 63 naive and 331 treatment-experienced. 75.4% were men, with a median age of 45 years, and 92.2% received DOR in combination with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and lamivudine or emtricitabine. The proportion of participants with virological success at week 48 after initiation of DOR regimen was 90.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 87.3–93.3] overall, 87.3% (95% CI 76.5–94.4) in the ART-naive group, and 91.2% (95% CI 87.7–94.1) in the switch group. The proportion of participants with virological failure was 3.3% (95% CI 1.8–5.6) overall, 1.6% (95% CI 0–8.5) in the ART-naive group and 3.6% (95% CI 1.9–6.2) in the switch group. Of the 394 included participants, two (0.5%) were lost to follow-up and 13 (3.3%) discontinued the DOR regimen, four (1%) due to adverse events.

Conclusion:

Our results show high levels of efficacy and low levels of side effects in DOR-containing regimens in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced PWH.
The effect of a social network-based intervention on adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV viral suppression among Kenyan fishermen
Authors: Sheira Lila A. , Kwena Zachary A. , Ayieko Benard , Charlebois Edwin D. , Agot Kawango , Gutin Sarah A. , Lewis-Kulzer Jayne , Olugo Phoebe , Gandhi Monica , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Thirumurthy Harsha , Adede Daniel , Moody James , Camlin Carol S.
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Social networks may play a vital role in shaping health behaviors, including engagement in HIV prevention and treatment. We evaluated the impact of an HIV status-neutral, social-network-based HIV self-testing and linkage intervention on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and HIV viral suppression among men working alongside Lake Victoria, Kenya.

Design:

Cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

After a census of fishermen, distinct social networks with highly socially-connected men were identified, “promoters” per network were recruited, and networks were randomized to study arms. Promoters distributed HIV self-tests kits to fishermen in their network and encouraged linkage and retention in prevention and care (intervention) or distributed vouchers redeemable for routine HIV testing (control). We report the tertiary outcomes of a) PrEP adherence, measured via a urine tenofovir assay among PrEP users, and b) viral load among PLHIV. We conducted a logistic regression to evaluate the intervention's association with PrEP adherence and viral suppression.

Results:

Of 733 baselined, 339 linked to clinics: 62 initiated PrEP, 25 were already on PrEP, and 166 were living with HIV. Urine tenofovir was detected among 12 of 70 participants who gave urine samples (14% control vs. 19% intervention), and 43 of 166 participants on antiretroviral therapy had detectable viral loads (40.2% control vs. 35.7% intervention). There were no significant differences by arm in urine tenofovir levels nor viral suppression.

Conclusions:

A social network-based, status-neutral intervention that increased men's testing and linkage was not associated with PrEP adherence nor viral suppression. An adequately-powered study is necessary to evaluate whether social-network-based interventions can improve these outcomes.
Incisional Hernia Risk Reduction for Living Kidney Donors: Kidney Extraction Site Matters
Authors: Punukollu Rachana , Arias Sandra , Ohara Stephanie , Nica Alexandru , Briggs Logan G , Cosentino Christopher , Frasco Peter , Andrews Paul , Nguyen Michelle , Mao Shennen , Heimbach Julie , Jadlowiec Caroline
Published: February 2025

Background:

Although most transplant centers preferentially offer minimally invasive approaches to donor nephrectomies, there remains less standardization specific to the kidney extraction site. This study aimed to evaluate incisional hernia occurrence in living kidney donors based on kidney extraction site location.

Study Design:

This was a retrospective study of all donors who underwent minimally invasive living donor nephrectomies at the Mayo Clinic Arizona between 2011 and 2023 with a 2-year external validation cohort from Mayo Clinic Florida and Mayo Clinic Minnesota. The cohort was divided into two groups based on the kidney extraction site type: midline infraumbilical and Pfannenstiel.

Results:

In the primary cohort, incisional hernia occurrence was observed in 1.2% of donors with an infraumbilical midline kidney extraction site compared to 0.1% with a Pfannenstiel extraction site (p=0.04). Donors with an infraumbilical midline kidney extraction site were more likely to be male (50.8% vs. 23.3%, p<0.0001), have a higher BMI (mean 27.2 vs. 26 kg/m2, p<0.0001), and have current or former tobacco use (p=0.002). There were no differences in incisional hernia occurrence when comparing minimally invasive surgical techniques (p=0.52). In the external validation cohort, hernia occurrence was observed in 4.5% of donors with a midline incision compared to 0.0% with a Pfannenstiel incision (p=0.09). Using combined data from the three sites, use of a Pfannenstiel incision as the extraction site was associated with a significantly lower odds of developing a hernia compared to the infraumbilical midline incision (OR 0.06; 95% CI 0.008, 0.456).

Conclusions:

Although the risk of hernia in living kidney donors is generally low, use of a Pfannenstiel incision for kidney extraction appears to offer an additional incremental reduction in risk.
Rapid Bayesian identification of sparse nonlinear dynamics from scarce and noisy data
Authors: Fung Lloyd , Fasel Urban , Juniper Matthew
Published: February 2025

We propose a fast probabilistic framework for identifying differential equations governing the dynamics of observed data. We recast the
sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics
(SINDy) method within a Bayesian framework and use Gaussian approximations for the prior and likelihood to speed up computation. The resulting method, Bayesian-SINDy, not only quantifies uncertainty in the parameters estimated but also is more robust when learning the correct model from limited and noisy data. Using both synthetic and real-life examples such as lynx–hare population dynamics, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the new framework in learning correct model equations and compare its computational and data efficiency with existing methods. Because Bayesian-SINDy can quickly assimilate data and is robust against noise, it is particularly suitable for biological data and real-time system identification in control. Its probabilistic framework also enables the calculation of information entropy, laying the foundation for an active learning strategy.
The occurrence of bilateral tuberculous psoas abscess in an immunocompetent patient with low back pain unresponsive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: A case report and literature review.
Authors: laatiris hamid , zouaki hajar , benlahlou yassine , Elmostapha benaissa , chadli mariama
Published: February 2025

Psoas abscess is a rare but serious infection, historically associated with tuberculosis, although non-tuberculous bacterial causes are now increasingly common. It can be primary or secondary and is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Diagnosis is primarily based on radiology and laboratory findings due to the non-specific nature of clinical symptoms, which makes diagnosis challenging.
A 22-year-old patient, with no notable medical history and working in a job involving heavy lifting, presented with mechanical-type lower back pain persisting for 18 months. Clinical examinations and an initial CT scan revealed a non-conflicting disc protrusion, leading to treatment with Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which resulted in no clinical improvement.
A STUDY ON ASSESSMENT OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Gahrouei Razieh Bahrami , Ranganathan Srinivasan
Published: February 2025

Background

Medication adherence is a crucial factor in managing chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in hemodialysis patients who require complex and lifelong medication regimens. Non-adherence in this population is associated with increased morbidity, hospitalizations, and reduced treatment efficacy. This study aims to assess medication adherence levels, identify key demographic and clinical factors influencing compliance, and evaluate the impact of counseling interventions on adherence behavior.

Methods

A six-month prospective observational study was conducted at BGS Global Hospital, Bangalore, involving 89 hemodialysis patients (61 males, 28 females). The Morisky Green Levine Scale (MGLS)was used to assess medication adherence before and after structured counseling sessions. Participants were stratified by gender and age groups (18–35, 35–60, and 60–80 years) to analyze adherence patterns. Health-related quality of life (KDQOL) was also evaluated to determine the impact of adherence on patient well-being. Statistical significance was assessed using p-values, with a threshold of p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Pre-counseling adherence assessments revealed that only 3.37% of participants were highly adherent, while 80.89% had medium adherence and 15.73% exhibited low adherence. Gender analysis showed that males had slightly higher adherence rates before counseling (4.91%) compared to females (0%), while females had a greater proportion of medium adherence (85.71%). Post-counseling, adherence improved significantly, with high adherence increasing to 39.3% in males and 39.2% in females. Age-based analysis indicated that the 35–60 age group demonstrated the highest adherence rates both before and after counseling, while younger patients(18–35 years) had lower baseline adherence but showed significant improvement post-intervention. KDQOL assessments revealed that improved adherence was associated with better quality-of-life scores, particularly among males(p = 0.217 before counseling, 0.256 after)and females(p = 0.060 before, 0.071 after).

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that structured counseling interventions significantly improve medication adherence among hemodialysis patients across gender and age groups. Given the chronic nature of hemodialysis treatment, integrating adherence-enhancing strategies into routine patient care is essential to optimize treatment outcomes and improve quality of life. Future research should focus on tailored adherence interventions, incorporating behavioral strategies, digital health tools, and long-term monitoring approaches to sustain adherence improvements over time.
Incorporating Hierarchical Information into Multiple Instance Learning for Patient Phenotype Prediction with scRNA-seq Data
Authors: Do Chau , Lähdesmäki Harri
Published: February 2025

Multiple Instance Learning (MIL) provides a structured approach to patient phenotype prediction with single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. However, existing MIL methods tend to overlook the hierarchical structure inherent in scRNA-seq data, especially the biological groupings of cells, or cell types. This limitation may lead to suboptimal performance and poor interpretability at higher levels of cellular division. To address this gap, we present a novel approach to incorporate hierarchical information into the attentionbased MIL framework. Specifically, our model applies the attention-based aggregation mechanism over both cells and cell types, thus enforcing a hierarchical structure on the flow of information throughout the model. Across extensive experiments, our proposed approach consistently outperforms existing models and demonstrates robustness in data-constrained scenarios. Moreover, ablation test results show that simply applying the attention mechanism on cell types instead of cells leads to improved performance, underscoring the benefits of incorporating the hierarchical groupings. By identifying the critical cell types that are most relevant for prediction, we show that our model is capable of capturing biologically meaningful associations, thus facilitating biological discoveries.
Craft: A Machine Learning Approach to Dengue Subtyping
Authors: van Zyl Daniel J. , Dunaiski Marcel , Tegally Houriiyah , Baxter Cheryl ,   The INFORM Africa research study group, de Oliveira Tulio , Xavier Joicymara S.
Published: February 2025

Motivation

The dengue virus poses a major global health threat, with nearly 390 million infections annually. A recently proposed hierarchical dengue nomenclature system enhances spatial resolution by defining major and minor lineages within genotypes, aiding efforts to track viral evolution. While current subtyping tools – Genome Detective, GLUE, and NextClade – rely on computationally intensive sequence alignment and phylogenetic inference, machine learning presents a promising alternative for achieving accurate and rapid classification.

Results

We present Craft (ChaosRandomForest), a machine learning framework for dengue subtyping. We demonstrate that Craft is capable of faster classification speeds while matching or surpassing the accuracy of existing tools. Craft achieves 99.5% accuracy on a hold-out test set and processes over 140 000 sequences per minute. Notably, Craft maintains remarkably high accuracy even when classifying sequence segments as short as 700 nucleotides.

Contact

danielvanzyl@sun.ac.za

Supplementary information

A supplemental table acknowledging the authors of the GISAID dengue sequences is available atBioinformaticsonline.
Lineage plasticity of the integrated stress response is a hallmark of cancer evolution
Authors: Diao Shiqi , Zou Jia Yi , Wang Shuo , Ghaddar Nour , Chan Jason E. , Kim Hyungdong , Poulain Nicolas , Koumenis Constantinos , Hatzoglou Maria , Walter Peter , Sonenberg Nahum , Le Quesne John , Tammela Tuomas , Koromilas Antonis E.
Published: February 2025

The link between the “stress phenotype”-a well-established hallmark of cancer-and its role in tumor progression and intratumor heterogeneity remains poorly defined. The integrated stress response (ISR) is a key adaptive pathway that enables tumor survival under oncogenic stress. While ISR has been implicated in promoting tumor growth, its precise role in driving tumor evolution and heterogeneity has not been elucidated. In this study, using a genetically engineered mouse models, we demonstrate that ISR activation—indicated by elevated levels of phosphorylated eIF2 (p-eIF2) and ATF4—is essential for the emergence of dedifferentiated, therapy-resistant cell states. ISR, through the coordinated actions of ATF4 and MYC, facilitates the development of tumor cell populations characterized by high plasticity, stemness, and an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-prone phenotype. This process is driven by ISR-mediated expression of genes that maintain mitochondrial integrity and function, critical for sustaining tumor progression. Importantly, genetic, or pharmacological inhibition of the p-eIF2–ATF4 signaling axis leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and significantly impairs tumor growth in mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Moreover, ISR-driven dedifferentiation is associated with poor prognosis and therapy resistance in advanced human LUAD, underscoring ISR inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy to disrupt tumor evolution and counteract disease progression.
Six-Minute Knee MRI: A Comparison of Novel Approaches for Accelerated Imaging
Authors: Goyal Ananya , MacKay James , Petterson Matthew , van der Heijden Rianne , Stevens Kathryn , Yoon Min , Liang Tie , Chaudhari Akshay , Kogan Feliks
Published: February 2025

Background

Accelerated knee MRI protocols using deep learning (DL)-based reconstruction, 3D acquisitions, and parallel imaging can significantly reduce scan times. These methods enhance patient throughput and comfort while maintaining diagnostic quality. However, their clinical efficacy and diagnostic performance across various knee pathologies requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance and image quality of four accelerated knee MRI protocols (∼6 minutes) compared with the standard conventional 2D FSE protocol (∼15–30 minutes).

Materials and Methods

This prospective study enrolled adults with symptomatic knee pain between May 2021 and March 2022. All participants underwent five knee MRI protocols: a conventional 2D fast spin echo (FSE) protocol, a 2D FSE protocol with DL reconstruction, a 3D Cube protocol, a 3D quantitative double-echo steady-state (qDESS) protocol, and a thin-slice 2D FSE protocol. Five radiologists evaluated pathologies in joint tissues. Inter-reader and inter-method agreements were assessed using Gwet’s AC, with sensitivity and specificity calculated. Image diagnostic quality was evaluated using a Likert scale, and the Friedman was test used (p<0.05 indicative of statistically significant difference).

Results

A total of 32 participants were evaluated (14 men, aged 47±16 years). Of 160 total scans, 12 were excluded due to motion artifacts. Across pathologies, the 3D qDESS protocol had the highest inter-reader agreement for menisci (0.86) and cartilage (0.48), with sensitivities of 95% and 83%, respectively. The 2D DL protocol showed strong performance for bone marrow (sensitivity: 78%). Lastly, for effusion, both the 2D DL and 3D Cube protocols exhibited high inter-reader agreement (0.89 and 0.87, respectively). Diagnostic image quality scores exceeded were diagnostically acceptable in 95% of evaluations for menisci, bone marrow, and ligaments.

Conclusion

The 2D DL, 3D Cube, and 3D qDESS protocols matched the diagnostic performance of the conventional protocol while reducing scan times to six minutes, improving workflow and patient experience.
Genome-wide pleiotropy analysis of longitudinal blood pressure and harmonized cognitive performance measures
Authors: Kang Moonil , Ang Ting Fang Alvin , Devine Sherral A. , Sherva Richard , Mukherjee Shubhabrata , Trittschuh Emily H. , Gibbons Laura E. , Scollard Phoebe , Lee Michael , Choi Seo-Eun , Klinedinst Brandon , Nakano Connie , Dumitrescu Logan C. , Hohman Timothy J. , Cuccaro Michael L. , Saykin Andrew J. , Kukull Walter A. , Bennett David A. , Wang Li-San , Mayeux Richard P. , Haines Jonathan L. , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Crane Paul K. , Au Rhoda , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Mez Jesse , Farrer Lindsay A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 1,000 blood pressure (BP) loci and over 80 loci for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Considering BP is an AD risk factor, identifying pleiotropy in BP and cognitive performance measures may indicate mechanistic links between BP and AD.

Methods

Genome-wide scans for pleiotropy in BP variables—systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP)—and co-calibrated scores for cognitive domains (executive function, language, and memory) were performed using generalized linear mixed models and 116,075 longitudinal measures from 25,726 participants of clinic-based and prospective cohorts. GWAS was conducted using PLACO to estimate each SNP’s main effect and interaction with age, and their joint effect on pleiotropy. Effects of genome-wide significant (GWS) pleiotropic SNPs on cognition as direct or mediated through BP were evaluated using Mendelian randomization. Potential contribution of genes in top-ranked pleiotropic loci to cognitive resilience was assessed by comparing their expression in brain tissue from pathologically confirmed AD cases with and without clinical symptoms.

Results

Pleiotropy GWAS identified GWS associations withAPOEand 11 novel loci. In the total sample, pleiotropy was identified for SBP and language withJPH2(PJoint=6.09×10-9) andGATA3(PG×Age=1.42×10-8), MAP and executive function withPAX2(PG×Age=4.22×10-8), MAP and language withLOC105371656(PG×Age=1.75×10-8), and DBP and language withSUFU(PG=2.10×10-8). In prospective cohorts, pleiotropy was found for SBP and language withRTN4(PG×Age=1.49×10-8), DBP and executive function withULK2(PJoint=2.85×10-8), PP and memory withSORBS2(PG=2.33×10-8), and DBP and memory withLOC100128993(PG×Age=2.81×10-8). In clinic-based cohorts, pleiotropy was observed for PP and language withADAMTS3(PG=2.37×10-8) and SBP and memory withLINC02946(PG×Age=3.47×10-8). Five GWS pleiotropic loci influence cognition directly, and genes at six pleiotropic loci were differentially expressed between pathologically confirmed AD cases with and without clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

Our results provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of high BP and AD. Ongoing efforts to harmonize BP and cognitive measures across several cohorts will improve the power of discovering, replicating, and generalizing novel associations with pleiotropic loci.
Identifying Priority Countries for Scaling Up Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements
Authors: Noori Navideh , Stewart Christine P. , McDonald Christine M. , Wessells K. Ryan , Root Elisabeth D. , Dewey Kathryn G.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Undernutrition is a cause of nearly half of all deaths among children under-5. Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) have been shown to prevent child wasting, stunting, anemia and mortality among children 6-23 months of age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Scaling up effective preventive interventions is urgent given the current global food insecurity and nutrition crisis.

Method

To prioritize SQ-LNS scale-up activities, we identified countries with the highest burdens of wasting, stunting, and all-cause mortality among children 6-23 months of age at the national level using the most recent national survey data including the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), as well as the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) in LMICs. National-level estimates informed a care cascade model to assess the potential impact of SQ-LNS on all-cause mortality, stunting, and wasting. We also conducted a sub-national level analysis among the 20 highest burden countries with the most recent available survey data to identify the highest burden regions.

Results

Our analysis identified the top 20 countries with the highest burden of the three outcomes as: Niger, South Sudan, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, Papua New Guinea, Benin, Mali, Angola, Pakistan, Timor-Leste, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire, although for some countries the survey data were collected > 10 years ago. Some of these countries also ranked high in population estimates of acute food insecurity. The care cascade model demonstrates that a large number of cases of stunting and wasting and deaths could be potentially averted if SQ-LNS is provided.

Conclusion

Most of the top 20 countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a few in South and Southeast Asia. This geographical concentration underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in these regions to prevent child malnutrition.

What is already known on this topic

It is known that SQ-LNS reduces child wasting, stunting, anemia and mortality among children 6-23 months of age in LMICs. However, survey reports generally estimate stunting, wasting, and mortality rates among all children under 5 years of age, and not specifically for the 6-23 months old age group.

What this study adds

By estimating the burden of stunting, wasting and all-cause mortality for the specific age group of 6-23 months old at the national and sub-national level, we identified high burden countries and regions where SQ-LNS will be most impactful. No other study has focused on this age group even though it is a particularly vulnerable period for undernutrition.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy

Our analysis could help decision-makers and funders to determine where scale-up of SQ-LNS should be prioritized.
Context-dependent hierarchical categorization of human faces: Behavioral and EEG/MEG evidence
Authors: Wang Xuena , Han Shihui
Published: February 2025

Social categorization of faces provides a key cognitive basis of human behavior and may occur along various dimensions of facial attributes. The present study investigated a potential hierarchical structure of social categorization of faces based on a superordinate (Species) versus a subordinate (Race) level of abstraction of facial attributes. We recorded behavioral performances in a face classification task and found faster responses to the same set of Asian faces when presented alternately with dog faces (a species context) relative to Black faces (a race context). In addition, using a repetition suppression (RS) paradigm, we recorded electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals to Asian faces in the species and race contexts, respectively. Our analyses of the RS effects on EEG/MEG signals to Asian faces revealed that dynamic neural encoding of similarity of Asian faces occurred in the right fusiform gyrus at 140-200 ms and in the left temporoparietal junction at 317-413 ms after stimulus onset in the species context but only in the left temporoparietal junction at 317-413 ms in the race context. These behavioral and EEG/MEG findings unravel the neurocognitive mechanisms of context-dependent social categorization of faces by highlighting its hierarchically organized structure based on different levels of facial attributes.