bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical investigation of supernova remnant G206.7+5.9
Authors: Bakış H , Aktekin E , Bakış V , Sano H , Sezer A
Published: January 2025

The shell-type supernova remnant (SNR) G206.7+5.9 was recently discovered in the radio band with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope. The remnant spans about 3.5° in diameter and exhibits bilateral shells. In this work, we present optical spectra of G206.7+5.9 with the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST), and narrow-band (${\rm H} \, \alpha$ and [S ii]) images with the 1-m T100 telescope. The filamentary structure seen in the ${\rm H} \, \alpha$ image shows a clear correlation with the radio emission. We use optical line ratios to determine the physical parameters of G206.7+5.9. The LAMOST spectra reveal large ratios of [S ii]/${\rm H} \, \alpha$$\sim$ (0.61–1.78) and [N ii]/${\rm H} \, \alpha$$\sim$ (0.63–1.92) consistent with that expected for a shock-heated SNR. The emission lines [O i] $\lambda \lambda$6300, 6363 detected in the spectra also support the presence of shocks. Electron density ($n_{\rm e}$) measurements based on the [S ii] $\lambda$6716/$\lambda$6731 ratio suggest densities between 117 and 597 cm−3. We estimate the pre-shock cloud density ($n_{\rm c}$) to be approximately 2.6–13.3 cm−3. We also investigate the archival H i data and have newly identified an expanding gas motion of the H i, whose velocity span is approximately 10 km s−1. We conclude that G206.7+5.9 is an SNR exhibiting properties remarkably similar to those seen in Galactic SNRs.
Direct repeat region 3′ end modifications regulate Cas12a activity and expand its applications
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhong Yinyin , Wang Jiaqi , Zou Guangrong , Chen Qiaozhen , Liu Chaoxing
Published: January 2025

CRISPR-Cas12a technology has transformative potential, but as its applications grow, enhancing its inherent functionalities is essential to meet diverse demands. Here, we reveal a regulatory mechanism for LbCas12a through direct repeat (DR) region 3′ end modifications and de-modifications, which can regulate LbCas12a’s cis- and trans-cleavage activities. We extensively explored the effects of introducing phosphorylation, DNA, photo-cleavable linker, DNA modifications at the DR 3′ end on LbCas12a’s functionality. We find that the temporary inhibitory function of Cas12a can be reactivated by DR 3′ end modification corresponding substances, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), DNA exonucleases, ultraviolet radiation, and DNA glycosylases, which greatly expand the scope of application of Cas12a. Clinical applications demonstrated promising results in ALP, AFP, and trace Epstein–Barr virus detection compared to gold standard methods. Our research provides valuable insights into regulating LbCas12a activity through direct modification of DR and significantly expands its potential clinical detection targets, paving the way for future universal clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) diagnostic strategies.
G-quadruplex structures in 16S rRNA regions correlate with thermal adaptation in prokaryotes
Authors: Lyu Bo , Niu Kangkang , Anderson Deborah , Feng Qili , Song Qisheng
Published: January 2025

G-quadruplex (G4) structure is a nucleic acid secondary structure formed by guanine-rich sequences, playing essential roles in various biological processes such as gene regulation and environmental stress adaptation. Although prokaryotes growing at high temperatures have higher GC contents, the pattern of G4 structure associated with GC content variation in thermal adaptation remains elusive. This study analyzed 681 bacterial genomes to explore the role of G4 structures in thermal adaptation. Our findings revealed a strong positive correlation between G4 patterns in the region encoding 16S rRNA genes and optimal growth temperatures (Topt), whereas genomic GC content and G4 patterns did not show significant correlations with Topt. Evolutionary analysis showed distinctive differences in G4 stability between Thermotoga (Topt ≥ 80°C) and Pseudothermotoga (60°C ≤ Topt < 80°C) species, with Thermotoga species exhibiting higher G4 stability, indicating stronger selective pressure for G4 structures. In vitro spectroscopy analysis showed that base mutations at key sites resulted in the absence of G4 structural stability and integrity in Thermotoga compared to Pseudothermotoga. Collectively, this study suggests that the G4 structures in 16S rRNA regions emerged as key indicators of thermal adaptation in prokaryotes and contributes to our understanding of the molecular basis of evolutionary adaptation.
Early events in G-quadruplex folding captured by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Monsen Robert C , Sabo T Michael , Gray Robert , Hopkins Jesse B , Chaires Jonathan B
Published: January 2025

Time-resolved small-angle X-ray experiments are reported here that capture and quantify a previously unknown rapid collapse of the unfolded oligonucleotide as an early step in the folding of hybrid 1 and hybrid 2 telomeric G-quadruplex structures. The rapid collapse, initiated by a pH jump, is characterized by an exponential decrease in the radius of gyration from 24.3 to 12.6 Å. The collapse is monophasic and is complete in <600 ms. Additional hand-mixing pH-jump kinetic studies show that slower kinetic steps follow the collapse. The folded and unfolded states at equilibrium were further characterized by SAXS studies and other biophysical tools, showing that G4 unfolding was complete at alkaline pH, but not in LiCl solution as is often claimed. The SAXS Ensemble Optimization Method analysis reveals models of the unfolded state as a dynamic ensemble of flexible oligonucleotide chains with a variety of transient hairpin structures. These results suggest a G4 folding pathway in which a rapid collapse, analogous to molten globule formation seen in proteins, is followed by a confined conformational search within the collapsed particle to form the native contacts ultimately found in the stable folded form.
Identification of an enzyme with strong single-stranded DNA ligation activity and its application for sequencing
Authors: Miura Fumihito , Shibata Yukiko , Miura Miki , Inatomi Kazune , Suzuki Yutaka , Ito Takashi
Published: January 2025

An enzyme with strong single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) ligation activity would be advantageous for many molecular biology applications. However, currently available enzymes exhibit only limited activity. Here, we identified an enzyme with strong ssDNA ligation activity upon searching the databases for proteins homologous to TS2126 RNA ligase, the known enzyme with the highest yet limited ssDNA ligation activity. A ligase from Thermus phage phiLo (GenBank: AYJ73970) or Tph ssDNA ligase (SDL) depicted higher ssDNA ligation activity than TS2126 RNA ligase. This study suggests that SDL could be useful for various applications including sequencing for library preparation.
The G-quadruplex experimental drug QN-302 impairs liposarcoma cell growth by inhibiting MDM2 expression and restoring p53 levels
Authors: Tosoni Beatrice , Naghshineh Eisa , Zanin Irene , Gallina Irene , Di Pietro Lorenzo , Cleris Loredana , Nadai Matteo , Lecchi Mara , Verderio Paolo , Pratesi Pietro , Pasquali Sandro , Zaffaroni Nadia , Neidle Stephen , Folini Marco , Richter Sara N
Published: January 2025

Well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcomas (WD/DDLPSs) account for ∼60% of all liposarcomas. They have a poor prognosis due to limited therapeutic options. WD/DDLPSs are characterized by aberrant expression of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), which forms G-quadruplexes (G4s) in its promoter. Here, we investigated the possibility of targeting WD/DDLPSs with small molecules against the MDM2 G4s. Among the molecules tested, the naphthalene diimide derivative QN-302 significantly impaired WD/DDLPS cell growth and its activity strikingly paralleled cell-specific G4 abundance as measured by CUT&Tag and RNA sequencing analysis. QN-302 stabilized MDM2 G4s at the P2 inducible promoter and prevented polymerase progression from the constitutive P1 promoter, thereby inhibiting the formation of full-length MDM2 transcripts. This resulted in the accumulation of p53 through the p53-MDM2 autoregulatory feedback loop, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death. In patient-derived xenograft mouse models, QN-302 treatment reduced tumour volume distribution and was well tolerated. We have identified a novel and effective therapeutic strategy to reduce MDM2 expression and promote p53 reactivation in tumours harbouring wild-type TP53, such as WD/DDLPSs.
Vital rates of intermittent nonbreeders and returning breeders strongly influence population dynamics of Somateria mollissima (Common Eider)
Authors: Nicol-Harper Alex , Wood Kevin A , Hilton Geoff M , Doncaster C Patrick , Ezard Thomas H G
Published: January 2025

Risks and costs associated with reproduction may induce iteroparous species to employ intermittent breeding, whereby individuals forgo attempting reproduction in some breeding periods following recruitment to the breeding population. We explore this behavior through population-level analyses of Somateria mollissima (Common Eider), quantifying the survival cost of breeding and hence one benefit of skipping. Nonbreeding in a given year may be a short-term response to expected low fitness returns, avoiding either breeding-induced mortality or low offspring value. Alternatively, or additionally, intermittent breeding may be a long-term strategy maximizing lifetime fitness, with breeding trajectories that include nonbreeding years resulting in more recruited offspring over the whole life course than those with the same number of consecutive breeding attempts. Reanalysis of 3 studies reporting annual mortality schedules for S. mollissima allowed estimation of the proportion of mortality incurred during the peak breeding season (~50%) and hence the difference in survival rates between breeders and nonbreeders. These were incorporated into a life cycle and associated matrix population model with a “refreshed breeder” stage to which individuals transition for the time step following nonbreeding. We show that the transition to this stage strongly influences population growth rate—being more than twice as important as reproduction by continued breeders—mostly driven by the possibility of differential survival after skipping breeding. Our results emphasize the benefits of long-term individual-based studies that can identify refreshed breeders to further our understanding of intermittent breeding. Specifically, the accuracy of population projections could be improved by factoring in transitions following skipped breeding, and management enhanced by interventions facilitating return to the breeding pool, such as nest shelter provision.
The evolution of ‘theories of harm’ in EU merger control
Authors: Duso Tomaso , Bernhardt Lea , Piechucka Joanna
Published: January 2025

We discuss the main theories of harm in EU merger control and their evolution since the 1990s. We present stylized facts and trends using data extracted from EU merger decisions by natural language processing tools. EU merger policy has adapted over time, both in terms of legislation and theories of harm, as well as in terms of the investigative tools and evidence used. The introduction of the new Merger Regulation in 2004, which led to a change in the substantive test, also brought about significant changes in the use of theories of harm. Unilateral theories are now used more frequently and have developed further, in particular in relation to the assessment of closeness of competition. Non-horizontal conglomerate and vertical theories of harm focusing on foreclosure issues are now much more common and are a standard tool in most in-depth investigations. More novel theories of harm related to innovation and digital markets have been developed and implemented since the 2010s. While market shares remain a central tool for merger assessment, the use of internal documents has increased, accompanied by the use of quantitative tools. With respect to Commission interventions, structural remedies are used more frequently, although behavioural remedies are also increasingly deployed, especially in Phase II.
Artificial intelligence recommendations: evidence, issues, and policy
Authors: Calvano Emilio , Calzolari Giacomo , Denicolò Vincenzo , Pastorello Sergio
Published: January 2025

Recommender systems (RS) enhance user experiences by providing personalized content and are widely used by popular services like Apple Music, Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube to increase user engagement. However, these systems can also have significant economic implications, including exacerbating market concentration and reducing content diversity. This paper reviews recent economic literature on RS, emphasizing their dual role as both beneficial tools and potential sources of market distortion. The paper underscores the necessity for policies informed by economic research to balance the benefits of RS against their associated risks.
Universal health-related social needs screening in a pediatric rheumatology clinic
Authors: Chandler Mia T , Biancarelli Maria Alfieri , Dekermanji Anthony , Taggart Margaret , Ethier Benjamin G , Chang Joyce C , Esty Brittany , Son Mary Beth F , Hazen Melissa M
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Health-related social needs (HRSN) have a significant impact on health outcomes. While screening is prevalent in pediatric primary care settings, little evidence exists regarding the feasibility of HRSN screening in pediatric rheumatology clinics. Individuals with pediatric rheumatic disease have frequent longitudinal visits, therefore it is important to understand social needs that may hinder optimal health outcomes in this population. The objectives of this study were to understand the burden of HRSN and to contextualize the feasibility of universal HRSN screening in a busy pediatric rheumatology clinic.

Methods

The study team secured funding for a full-time social worker and developed a needs assessment questionnaire (NAQ) through an iterative process. The paper-based NAQ was distributed by administrative clinical staff to all patients at each in-person visit. Medical providers returned completed NAQs to a designated collection tray. The responses were reviewed and analyzed. The social worker addressed positive screens among families who opted-in to contact.

Results

Over 1/3 of patients returned an NAQ (985/2819), 604/985 (61%) of which revealed ≥ 1 concern. The most frequent social concern was school or work related. The social worker responded by phone or patient electronic portal message to returned NAQs that identified unmet needs.

Conclusion

A school or work concern was a frequent health-related social need in a pediatric rheumatology clinic. The prevalence of unmet HRSN, despite primary care access, show the importance of screening in rheumatology clinics. Sustainable funding is needed to scale efforts to assess and address them.
Atypical attentional network dynamics in adolescent depression during emotional movie viewing
Authors: Cahart Marie-Stephanie , Giampietro Vincent , O’Daly Owen
Published: January 2025

Emotion studies have commonly reported atypical emotional processing in clinically depressed adolescents in the context of short-lasting emotional cues. However, interindividual differences in the moment-to-moment brain network dynamics that underlie this impaired emotional reactivity remain unclear, and the use of poorly matched controls and relatively small sample sizes represents major limitations in most neuroimaging depression studies to date. Here, we address these concerns by using the temporal features of a rich naturalistic paradigm (i.e. a clip from the movie ‘Despicable Me’) to investigate brain network dynamics in 42 clinically depressed and 42 nondepressed adolescents aged 16–21 years, matched for age, gender, and psychiatric comorbidities. Using a dynamics functional connectivity analysis technique called Leading Eigenvector Dynamics Analysis, we found that the clinical group exhibited significantly higher probability of occurrence of the dorsal attention network and lower recruitment of the fronto-parietal, default mode network, ventral attention, and somato-motor networks throughout the task. This brain/behaviour relationship was prominent during less emotional moments of the movie, consistent with previous findings. Our findings demonstrate the key role of continuous affective measures in providing information about how activity in the depressed brain evolves as emotional intensity unfolds throughout the movie. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed in order to corroborate the present findings.
Who gets a second chance? Compliance, classification, and criminal conviction
Authors: Bing Lindsay , Gutierrez Carmen
Published: January 2025

Felony conviction carries lifelong consequences that impact civic, economic, and social rights and opportunities, yet not everyone who is found guilty of a felony will bear the mark of conviction. Deferred adjudication is an increasingly popular intervention that offers legally guilty defendants protection from the mark of conviction conditional on the completion of community supervision. By conditioning conviction on discretionary assessments of compliance, rather than legal establishment of guilt, deferral and similar interventions may exacerbate inequality and further concentrate the mark of conviction among marginalized groups. However, relatively few studies examine disparities in the decision to defer conviction and dismiss charges. In this study, we draw on twenty years of court records to ask “for whom is the mark of conviction and formal punishment dependent on compliance rather than the legal establishment of guilt, and who passes the test of compliance?” Findings reveal that, even when accounting for features of the offense, both race and socioeconomic status condition who gets a “second chance” at a clean record. These findings have implications for how we study inequality in criminal courts and understand the production and meaning of conviction.
Priapism-related biomarkers in sickle cell disease: a systematic review
Authors: Adesanya Oluwafolajimi , Burnett Arthur L
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Priapism is a major clinical complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), with severe sexual, reproductive, and mental health impact. There are currently no consensus diagnostic biomarkers for identifying individuals with SCD at risk of priapism before its occurrence.

Objectives

To systematically review the biochemical, hematological, imaging, genetic, and rheological parameters associated with priapism occurrence among individuals with SCD.

Methods

A systematic literature search for studies investigating the association of biochemical, hematological, rheological, imaging, rheological, and genetic parameters with the occurrence of priapism in individuals with SCD was performed in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases, using the following terms: “priapism,” “sickle cell,” “biomarker,” “marker,” “laboratory,” “radiographic,” “diagnostic,” and “predictive.” A systematic review of the identified studies was conducted to describe the landscape of priapism-related biomarkers in individuals with SCD.

Results

A total of 358 studies were identified, of which 14 studies were eventually selected for evidence synthesis. The selected studies were published between 2005 and 2023, with authorship spanning five continents. We identified multiple clinical parameters investigated as potential biomarker candidates for their association with priapism occurrence in patients with SCD. We classified these into biochemical (lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, nitric oxide metabolites, interleukin 6), hematological (hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, leukocyte count), genetic (Klotho, TGFBR3, QAP1, ITGAV, LNC02537, NAALADL2), rheological (red blood cell deformability, aggregation index, augmentation index), and imaging parameters. However, the results were often contradictory and do not support the clinical application of any of the investigated parameters.

Conclusion

Several clinical and laboratory parameters have been associated with priapism occurrence in SCD; however, contradictory findings across geographical locations paint an unreliable picture of their clinical utility. Additional studies are needed to generate enough level 1 evidence in support of any of the current candidates.
Choosing the right signaling pathway: hormone responses to Phytophthora cinnamomi during compatible and incompatible interactions with chestnut (Castanea spp.)
Authors: Camisón Álvaro , Monteiro Pedro , Dorado Javier , Sánchez-Bel Paloma , Leitão Frederico , Meijón Mónica , Pinto Gloria
Published: January 2025

Ink disease caused by the hemibiotrophic root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc) is devastating for the European chestnut (Castanea sativa), unlike Asian chestnuts and interspecific hybrids which are resistant to Pc. The role that hormone responses play for Pc resistance remains little understood, especially regarding the temporal regulation of hormone responses. We explored the relationship between changes in tree health and physiology and alterations in leaf and root phytohormones and primary and secondary metabolites during compatible and incompatible Castanea spp.-Pc interactions. Susceptible (S) C. sativa and resistant (R) C. sativa x C. crenata ramets were inoculated with Pc in roots and assessed for disease progression, leaf physiology and biochemistry at 1, 3, 5 and 8 days after inoculation (dai). In S chestnuts, Pc increasingly deteriorated the leaf physiological functioning by decreasing leaf CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, chlorophylls content and the maximum quantum yield of the photosystem II over time, triggering aerial symptoms (leaf wilting and chlorosis) 8 dai. Pc had little impact on the leaf physiological functioning of R chestnuts which remained asymptomatic. In roots of S chestnuts, Pc transiently induced jasmonates signaling (5 dai) while impairing root carbohydrates metabolism over time. In leaves, a transient antioxidant burst (5 dai) followed by abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation (8 dai) was observed. R chestnuts responded to Pc by up-regulating root salicylic acid (SA) at early (1 dai) and late (8 dai) infection stages, in an antagonistic crosstalk with root ABA. Overall, the results pinpoint an important role of SA in mediating the resistant response of chestnuts to Pc, but also show that the specific hormone pathways induced by Pc are genotype dependent. The study also highlights that the dynamic nature of hormone responses over time must be considered when elucidating hormone-regulated responses to Pc.
Anatomy and revised diagnosis of the embolomere Calligenethlon watsoni from Joggins, Nova Scotia, based on micro-computed tomography
Authors: Adams Gabrielle R , Otoo Benjamin K A , Bohus Caleb P W , Micucci Logan M , Maddin Hillary C
Published: January 2025

Although Calligenethlon watsoni, an enigmatic embolomere from Joggins, Nova Scotia, has been known since 1934, an in-depth description of its anatomy (including CT data) and updated taxonomic diagnosis has yet to be completed. Additionally, subsequently discovered embolomere specimens have been referred to the taxon simply if they display embolomere traits. As a result, Calligenethlon is represented by a collection of specimens united on the basis of largely non-diagnostic traits. Here, the exquisitely preserved specimen identified as Calligenethlon, NSM 994GF1.1, is described in detail using micro-computed tomography. Comparison of this specimen to the holotype supports its referral to Calligenethlon and the anatomical knowledge gained here allows for the generation of a more robust morphological diagnosis of the genus Calligenethlon. We then re-evaluate all other referred specimens to determine which are consistent with their referral to the taxon, and which are inconclusively referred to the taxon. These data are discussed as they provide new insights into the anatomy of Calligenethlon and the diversity of embolomeres at the Joggins’ locality.
The Efficacy of Cryoneurolysis on Chronic Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis; A Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Sham Trial
Authors: Nygaard Niels-Peter Brøchner , Koch-Jensen Carsten , Vaegter Henrik Bjarke , Wedderkopp Niels , Blichfeldt-Eckhardt Morten , Gram Bibi
Published: January 2025

Background:

The objective was to investigate if cryoneurolysis were superior to sham in reducing pain intensity in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. We hypothesized that cryoneurolysis was an effective and safe therapy to reduce chronic pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods:

The study was a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled. Eighty-seven patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis were randomized to either cryoneurolysis or a sham procedure, followed by an exercise program. The target nerves, anterior femoral cutaneous nerve and infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve were identified using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and cryoneurolysis was performed ultrasound-guided. The primary outcome was the difference in average pain at 14d post intervention between the cryoneurolysis and sham group.

Results:

For the intention to treat analysis, no difference was observed for the primary outcome (0.49, 95% CI [-0.3 ; 1.2], p=0.198). Both groups showed a significant reduction in pain scores 14d post intervention (Cryoneurolysis: -1.9, 95% CI [-2.4 ; -1.3], Sham: -1.4, 95% CI [-1.9 ; -0.8]). At 6 months follow-up, a significant reduction in pain was observed in the cryoneurolysis group compared to sham group (1.1, 95% CI [0.3 ; 1.9], p=0.009). Cryoneurolysis was well-tolerated, with minor, transient adverse effects.

Conclusions:

This study did not show a clinically relevant reduction in pain after intervention comparing cryoneurolysis and sham. Further studies are needed.
Double Fluoroscopy Techniques for Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning in Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: Fluoroscope Positioning and a Case Series
Authors: Ohmori Takao , Toda Kazukiyo , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Ito Yasuo
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Percutaneous pinning for supracondylar humeral fractures (SHFs) requires precise pin insertion while maintaining reduction making fluoroscopy indispensable for this procedure. However, it is currently difficult to obtain good-quality two-directional images with one fluoroscopy. This study aimed to report the outcomes of a closed reduction and internal fixation technique using 2 fluoroscopes simultaneously for pediatric SHF.

Patients and Methods:

Thirty-eight children were identified as having SHF (aged <16 y) who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Regarding fracture type (Gartland classification), 10 patients had type II fractures, and 28 patients had type III fractures. The first fluoroscope used for the anteroposterior view was positioned from the patient’s cephalad side. The second fluoroscope used for the lateral view was positioned from the patient’s caudal side. By arranging 2 fluoroscopes from the craniocaudal side, it was possible to secure sufficient standing space for operators who maintained the reduction and inserted the pins.

Results:

Although this method was intricate and time-consuming for preoperative positioning during fluoroscopy, it was possible to monitor accurate images in 2 directions simultaneously during surgery. Consequently, we were able to confirm the insertion position and direction of the Kirschner wire easily and accurately while confirming the reduction. There were no complications.

Conclusion:

Procedures using 2 fluoroscopes simultaneously make it possible to confirm the insertion position and direction of the Kirschner wire easily and accurately while confirming the reduction.
Assessing acute effects of methylphenidate and modafinil on inhibitory capacity, time estimation, attentional lapses, and compulsive-like behavior in rats
Authors: Sosa Rodrigo , Espinosa–Villafranca Pedro , Saavedra Pablo , Chávez–Hernández María Elena , Leal–Galicia Perla , Lago Gustavo , Mata Florencia , Mata–Luévanos Jesús , Rodríguez–Serrano Luis Miguel , Tapia–De–Jesús Alejandro , Buenrostro–Jáuregui Mario
Published: January 2025

Medications known as ‘cognitive enhancers’ are increasingly being consumed off-label by healthy people, raising concerns about their safety. The aim of our study was to profile behavioral performance upon oral administration of methylphenidate (2.5 mg/kg) and modafinil (64 mg/kg) – two popular cognitive enhancers – and upon their discontinuation. We modeled cognitively demanding challenges in neurotypical individuals using a behavioral task where Wistar–Lewis rats had to withhold responses for a specified time to obtain food rewards. This task allowed us to extract several measures of behavioral performance associated with clinically meaningful indices, such as compulsive-like responding, incapacity to wait (impulsivity), time estimation (precision and accuracy), and attentional lapses. Our study design involved examining these behavioral indices in subjects administered either methylphenidate, modafinil, or vehicle. We found that subjects administered modafinil obtained fewer rewards and were less efficient in reward pursuing than the vehicle group; this result was likely due to a drug-induced inability to wait. Upon modafinil discontinuation, subjects earned more rewards but did not entirely catch up with the vehicle group. As for methylphenidate, neither favorable nor unfavorable effects were found in our main analyses. However, an exploratory analysis of changes in behavioral performance within sessions suggested that methylphenidate fostered favorable, yet short-lived, effects. We discuss our results in terms of the risks and cost-benefits of doses above or below the effective dose of cognitive enhancement drugs.
Social Determinants of Self-Medication Practice by Caregivers Among Pediatrics Population in Pakistan: A Logistic Regression Analysis of a Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ghani Abdul , Kumari Usha , Yaqoob Uzair , Hassan Zair , Trang Vu Thi Thu , Zahid Shanzay , Khan Aarash
Published: January 2025

Introduction and importance:

Gastric glomus tumors (GGT) are rare soft tissue tumors of the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT). It is somewhat challenging to establish the diagnosis of GGT and differentiate it from the more common submucosal neoplasms.

Case presentation

: A 34-year-old female patient presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Extensive workup including endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a well-circumscribed isoechoic mass arising from the muscularis propria. Based on fine needle biopsy (FNB) findings, with H&E stains performed only initially, the mass was considered a neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Antrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis was performed. A microscopic and immunohistochemical studies of the resected specimen showed the cells to be positive for smooth muscle actin (SMA) making GGT the final diagnosis.

Clinical Discussion:

Of the 116 patients included in our analysis, 56.9% (n=66) were females and age group was between 41-64 years old in 63.8% (n=74) of the patients. About 55 cases (47.4%) had abdominal or epigastric pain or discomfort, which was the most frequent clinical symptom. In immunohistochemistry, SMA staining is present in 68.1% of the cases, underscoring its diagnostic significance. Laparotomy with wedge or partial gastrectomy was employed in 46.1% of the recorded cases. Due to malignant potential, long-term follow-up and monitoring are usually recommended.

Conclusion:

Despite the rarity of GGT, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors, with immunohistochemistry studies playing a major role in the diagnosis. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation of the literature in the past eight years was presented in a table.
Primary spinal extradural hydatid cyst: a rare cause of compressive neuropathy in a pediatric patient
Authors: Aboulkher MHDGhazi , Zkib Jwil , Haddad Sultaneh , Bayat Ghassan , Albekaai Emad , Alayash Mahmoud , Hamed Ghiath , Shubat Mohammad Mahdi , Hallak Mohamed Hussam , Turkmani Dania
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Hydatid illness is caused by the parasite tapeworm Echinococcus. Spinal hydatid disease without visceral involvement is a rare condition. Symptoms of spinal hydatid disease are not specific and typically stem from spinal cord compression. Back pain is common, while radicular pain is observed in 25% to 95% of patients. Paraparesis is noted in 25% to 77% of individuals.

Case presentation:

We present a case of an isolated spinal hydatid cyst in the lumbar spine in a 13-year-old girl presented with progressive bilateral lower limb paraparesis. The radiological, laboratory, and clinical findings were consistent with a diagnosis of brucellosis. However, the symptoms persisted despite treatment, and it was later revealed through surgery and pathological examination that the child had isolated hydatid cysts in the vertebrae.

Discussion:

While primary spinal hydatid cysts are rare, the incidence of these lesions might be higher if cases that resembled other cystic lesions on radiological scans but were conservatively managed, especially in endemic regions, are considered. When determining a surgical approach, it is important to consider hydatid disease as a possibility for certain bone cystic lesions.

Conclusion:

Hydatid cysts should be considered in any child with a history of paralysis, especially if the child comes from an endemic area. In our case, the child was initially diagnosed with brucellosis, but it was later found that isolated hydatid cysts in the vertebrae caused the paralysis.
Single right sided traumatic avulsion fracture of both ASIS and AIIS: case review
Authors: Rijal Sanjeeb , Syangtan Bir Bahadur , Gupta Manish , Khatri Mala , Ansari Md Obada
Published: January 2025

Introduction and importance:

Simultaneous avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) are rare, typically resulting from intense muscular contractions in athletes. Accurate diagnosis requires thorough examination and imaging.

Case presentation:

A 29-year-old male sustained right-sided ASIS and AIIS avulsion fractures from a road traffic accident. Diagnosis was confirmed via plain radiographs and 3D CT scans. The patient underwent surgical fixation with cannulated cancellous screws. He fully recovered and resumed pre-injury sports activity within 5 months.

Clinical discussion:

ASIS and AIIS avulsion fractures are uncommon, with simultaneous occurrences being even rarer. Proper diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial, especially in active patients with significant displacement.

Conclusion:

Surgical treatment using cannulated cancellous screws led to complete recovery and return to sports activity in this case, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach for managing complex avulsion fractures.
Standardization of Subcutaneous Injection of Prefilled Anticoagulants Through Lean Six Sigma Management: A Before-After Study
Authors: Deng Ying , Huang Shan , Wang Gong Ming , Cai Dan Ping , Zhang Dong
Published: January 2025

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the Lean Six Sigma management approach on the standardization of nurses’ prefilled anticoagulant subcutaneous injection practices, with a focus on improving anticoagulation outcomes, reducing patient complications, and enhancing overall patient satisfaction.

Background:

The lack of standards for prefilled anticoagulant injection has resulted in a high complication rate, decreased patient satisfaction, and diminished service quality. This study investigated the impact of the Lean Six Sigma management approach on the standardization of nurses’ prefilled anticoagulant subcutaneous injection practices.

Methods:

This study compared pre-implementation and post-implementation data from Lean Six Sigma. A baseline investigation was conducted to determine the type and incidence of complications caused by anticoagulant injection. The nurses’ injection process was observed and analyzed to determine problems with the injection technology and the reasons for the reduction in injection quality. Solutions were developed to address these root causes, including formulating a standard process for the subcutaneous injection of preperfusion anticoagulant; recording teaching videos; formulating the standard operating procedure (SOP) while refining, quantifying, and optimizing the operation steps as much as possible; and making an injection site rotation card. Comparative assessments were conducted pre-training and post-training, focusing on nurses’ knowledge, standardization of operations, duration of procedures, patient complication rates, and satisfaction with nursing care.

Result:

Post-training, there was a significant increase in nurses’ knowledge and standardization of injection procedures. In addition, there was a notable reduction in the duration of the procedure and patient complications and an increase in patient satisfaction (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Implementing the Lean Six Sigma management approach effectively standardized nursing procedures for prefilled anticoagulant subcutaneous injections, improved anticoagulation outcomes, minimized patient complications, reduced injection time, and elevated the overall quality of clinical nursing and patient satisfaction.
The road forward with swarm systems
Authors: Abbass Hussein , Mostaghim Sanaz
Published: January 2025

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are accelerating progress in swarm systems. Large and bulky autonomous systems are being replaced with many, smaller, cheaper, distributed, decentralized and collectively smarter systems. However, developing these swarm intelligence systems comes with multiple challenges, including technological challenges to engineer smaller and smarter machines, interaction challenges to design novel interfaces and modalities for communication and sociotechnical challenges related to trustworthiness, ethics and legalities. Swarm systems present philosophical and mathematical dilemmas that are worthy of deeper scientific inquiry. This introduction contextualizes the topic in the contemporary literature and shows the current research directions and evolution of swarm systems using 11 carefully selected papers in this special theme. We conclude by discussing the way forward for swarm systems.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The road forward with swarm systems’.
Clostridioides difficile recovered from hospital patients, livestock and dogs in Nigeria share near-identical genome sequences
Authors: Ngbede Emmanuel O. , Junker Vera , Kolte Baban , Frentrup Martinique , Boldt Judith , Fawley Warren N. , Wilcox Mark H. , Kuijper Ed J. , Smits Wiep Klaas , Nübel Ulrich
Published: January 2025

Genomic data on Clostridioides difficile from the African continent are currently lacking, resulting in the region being under-represented in global analyses of C. difficile infection (CDI) epidemiology. For the first time in Nigeria, we utilized whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic tools to compare C. difficile isolates from diarrhoeic human patients (n=142), livestock (n=38), poultry manure (n=5) and dogs (n=9) in the same geographic area (Makurdi, north-central Nigeria) and relate them to the global C. difficile population. In addition, selected isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility (n=33) and characterized by PCR ribotyping (n=53). Hierarchical clustering of core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) allelic profiles revealed large diversity at the level HC150 (i.e. clusters of related genomes with maximally 150 pairwise allelic differences), which was previously shown to correlate with PCR ribotypes (RT). While several globally disseminated strains were detected, including HC150_1 (associated with RT078), HC150_3 (RT001) and HC150_3622 (RT014), 42 HC150 clusters (79%) represented unique genotypes that were new to the public genomic record, and 16 (30%) of these were novel PCR ribotypes. Considerable proportions of the C. difficile isolates displayed resistance to fluoroquinolones, macrolides and linezolid, potentially reflecting human and animal antibiotic consumption patterns in the region. Notably, our comparative phylogenomic analyses revealed human–human, human–livestock and farm–farm sharing of near-identical C. difficile genomes (≤2 core-genome allelic differences), suggesting the continued spread of multiple strains across human and animal (pig, poultry, cattle and dog) host populations. Our findings highlight the interconnectivity between livestock production and the epidemiology of human CDI and inform the need for increased CDI awareness among clinicians in this region. A large proportion of C. difficile strains appeared to be unique to the region, reflecting both the significant geographic patterning present in the C. difficile population and a general need for additional pathogen sequencing data from Africa.
A plasmid with the bla
CTX-M gene enhances the fitness of Escherichia coli strains under laboratory conditions
Authors: López Lázaro , Calderón Diana , Salinas Liseth , Graham Jay P. , Blount Zachary D. , Trueba Gabriel
Published: January 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global public health that continues to grow owing to selective pressure caused by the use and overuse of antimicrobial drugs. Resistance spread by plasmids is of special concern, as they can mediate a wide distribution of AMR genes, including those encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). The CTX-M family of ESBLs has rapidly spread worldwide, playing a large role in the declining effectiveness of third-generation cephalosporins. This rapid spread across the planet is puzzling given that plasmids carrying AMR genes have been hypothesized to incur a fitness cost to their hosts in the absence of antibiotics. Here, we focus on a WT plasmid that carries the bla
CTX-M 55 ESBL gene. We examine its conjugation rates and use head-to-head competitions to assay its associated fitness costs in both laboratory and wild Escherichia coli strains. We found that the wild strains exhibit intermediate conjugation levels, falling between two high-conjugation and two low-conjugation laboratory strains, the latter being older and more ancestral. We also show that the plasmid increases the fitness of both WT and lab strains when grown in lysogeny broth and Davis–Mingioli media without antibiotics, which might stem from metabolic benefits conferred on the host, or from interactions between the host and the rifampicin-resistant mutation we used as a selective marker. Laboratory strains displayed higher conjugation frequencies compared to WT strains. The exception was a low-passage K-12 strain, suggesting that prolonged laboratory cultivation may have compromised bacterial defences against plasmids. Despite low transfer rates among WT E. coli, the plasmid carried low fitness cost in minimal medium but conferred improved fitness in enriched medium, indicating a complex interplay between plasmids, host genetics and environmental conditions. Our findings reveal an intricate relationship between plasmid carriage and bacterial fitness. Moreover, they show that resistance plasmids can confer adaptive advantages to their hosts beyond AMR. Altogether, these results highlight that a closer study of plasmid dynamics is critical for developing a secure understanding of how they evolve and affect bacterial adaptability that is necessary for combating resistance spread.
Distress is positively associated with induced secondary hyperalgesia in people with suppressed HIV
Authors: Mqadi Luyanduthando , Bedwell Gillian J. , Msolo Ncumisa , Arendse Gwendoline , Lesosky Maia , Kamerman Peter R. , Hutchinson Mark R. , Schrepf Andrew , Edwards Robert R. , Joska John A. , Parker Romy , Madden Victoria J.
Published: January 2025

Pain and distress are frequently reported by people with HIV. Although pain is widely acknowledged to contribute to distress, distress may also contribute to pain and its persistence. Given the evidence supporting a relationship between distress and clinical pain, the current study investigated the relationships between distress, secondary hyperalgesia (SH), and persistent pain in people with HIV, reporting pain (n=19) or being pain free (n=26). We anticipated that SH is an important link between distress and persistent pain, with distress potentially exacerbating pain by increasing the responsiveness of neurons in the central nervous system to nociceptive signalling. Our primary hypothesis was that self-reported distress would be positively associated with the induced surface area (primary measure) and magnitude (secondary measure) of SH. The secondary hypothesis was that individuals with persistent pain would display greater induced SH compared to those who reported being pain-free. The results showed that distress was positively associated with the surface area (p=0.02) and the magnitude (p=0.01) of induced SH. However, participants with persistent pain showed no difference in the surface area of SH compared to pain-free participants (p=0.87), and those with pain displayed a marginally lower magnitude of SH (p=0.05). These findings suggest that distress may be a worthy target of interventions in people exposed to acutely painful events. While this relationship may not be specific to people with HIV, further research is needed to establish its relevance to people without HIV.
Application of multi-theory model(MTM)health behavior change: A scoping review
Authors: Huai Panpan , Zhang Linghui , Zhang Bo , Li Yao , Wu Bing , Lv Huimei , Yang Hui
Published: January 2025

Background

Since its proposal in 2015, MTM has received a lot of attention in health behavior change research both at home and abroad, but the model is still in the exploratory stage. Furthermore, the majority of current health promotion research focuses on a particular health habit, using a rather simple theoretical model. Learning from the evolution of MTM, the study of various behavioral changes is an area of health promotion research that requires careful cultivation. The purpose of this review is to discuss the application of MTM theory in health behavior change. By synthesizing relevant literature, we can improve the understanding of multi-theory model of health behavior change, make up for the shortcomings of existing studies, and provide suggestions for future studies.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the literature using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines to report findings. Databases such as PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Liberary, Web of Science, Ovid, CNKI, Wanfang, Vip and Sinomed. In addition to the traditional scoping review, we also evaluated the quality of the included literature.

Results

MTM is summarized by literature review, and the application status of MTM is reviewed. A total of 68 studies were included in this study, including 50 quantitative investigations, 12 quantitative interventions and 6 qualitative studies.

Conclusion

The field of application for MTM is extensive, and it demonstrates a relatively high level of prediction accuracy and intervention effectiveness. Consequently, it can be effectively utilized to advance health behavior promotion and health education initiatives.