bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative Pressure Ventilation Ex‐Situ Lung Perfusion Preserves Porcine and Human Lungs for 36‐Hours
Authors: Forgie Keir , Himmat Sayed , Du Katie , Ribano Alynne , Watkins Abeline , Fialka Nicholas M. , Hatami Sanaz , Khan Mubashir , Wang Xiuhua , Edgar Ryan , Buswell‐Zuk Katie‐Marie , Freed Darren H. , Nagendran Jayan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Preclinically, 24‐hour continuous Ex‐Situ Lung Perfusion (ESLP) is the longest duration achieved in large animal models and rejected human lungs. Here, we present our 36‐hour Negative Pressure Ventilation (NPV)‐ESLP protocol applied to porcine and rejected human lungs.

Methods

Five sets of donor domestic pig lungs (45‐55 kg) underwent 36‐hour NPV‐ESLP. Two sets of clinically rejected human lungs were preserved on 36‐hour NPV‐ESLP. Graft function was assessed via physiologic parameters, edema formation, and cytokine profiles.

Results

Porcine and human lung function was stable with mean partial pressure of oxygen divided by the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2; PF) ratios throughout preservation of 473±11.79 and 554.7±13.26, respectively (mean±standard error of the mean). In porcine lungs, mean compliance (Cdyn) during ESLP was 33.96±2.18, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) 13.03±0.53, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 481.20 ±21.86. In human lungs, mean Cdyn was 82.68±3.54, PAP 6.00±0.33, and PVR 184.00±9.71. Average percentage weight‐gain was 34.47±13.22 in porcine lungs and 116.3±6.65 in rejected human lungs.

Conclusion

NPV‐ESLP can preserve porcine lungs and human lungs for 36‐hours with acceptable physiologic function. Greater weight‐gain in the human lungs is likely due to prolonged ischemic time prior to ESLP and use of an acellular perfusate. Continuous 36‐hour NPV‐ESLP could support therapies for endothelial protection and mitigate fluid accumulation.
Effects of an intervention on immigrant parents' knowledge and attitudes toward their children's oral health: A cluster randomized trial in Norway
Authors: Reda Mariam , Sen Abhijit , Åstrøm Anne N. , Mustafa Manal
Published: January 2025

There are no interventional studies on the oral health of immigrant children in Norway. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a culturally adapted oral health intervention for parental knowledge, attitude to oral hygiene, attitude to diet, and indulgence (permissiveness toward oral hygiene and sugar intake) concerning their children's oral health. A cluster randomized control trial, including immigrant parents of newborns, was conducted at seven health centers in Bergen (Norway) involving a 2‐session one‐to‐one motivational interviews, toothbrushing demonstrations and pamphlets in the participants’ native languages at baseline and after 6 months. Mean differences in outcome scores were assessed and compared between intervention and control groups using generalized linear mixed model. In an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis (n = 345), the estimated mean difference in parental attitude to diet and indulgence between the groups indicated more improvement in the control than in the intervention group in the adjusted models. For all outcomes within both groups, a slight positive change was observed in marginal mean scores from baseline to follow‐up. The two culturally adapted intervention sessions had no impact on oral health‐related knowledge, attitudes, and indulgence of immigrant parents. These findings suggest that more comprehensive interventions may be needed to improve parental knowledge and attitudes toward children's oral health.

Trial Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05758454
Fatty‐acid amide hydrolase inhibition mitigates Alzheimer's disease progression in mouse models of amyloidosis
Authors: Oddi Sergio , Scipioni Lucia , Totaro Antonio , Giacovazzo Giacomo , Ciaramellano Francesca , Tortolani Daniel , Leuti Alessandro , Businaro Rita , Armeli Federica , Bilkei‐Gorzo Andras , Coccurello Roberto , Zimmer Andreas , Maccarrone Mauro
Published: January 2025

The endocannabinoid N‐arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) is a pro‐homeostatic bioactive lipid known for its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties, which may contrast/mitigate Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. This study explores the therapeutic potential of targeting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the major enzyme degrading AEA, in mouse models of amyloidosis (APP/PS1 and Tg2576). Enhancing AEA signaling by genetic deletion of FAAH delayed cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and improved cognitive symptoms in 12‐month‐old AD‐like mice. Chronic pharmacological FAAH inhibition fully reverted neurocognitive decline, attenuated neuroinflammation, and promoted neuroprotective mechanisms in Tg2576 mice. Additionally, pharmacological FAAH inhibition robustly suppressed β‐amyloid production and accumulation, associated with decreased expression of β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), possibly through a cannabinoid receptor 1‐dependent epigenetic mechanism. These findings improve our understanding of AEA signaling in AD pathogenesis and provide proof of concept that selective targeting of FAAH activity could be a promising therapeutic strategy against AD.
The Impact of Oil Palm Plantations and Pastures on Benthic Prokaryotic and Fungal Communities in Tropical Streams
Authors: Rojas‐Castillo Oscar Alberto , Hakimzadeh Ali , Tedersoo Leho , Jacobsen Dean , Kepfer‐Rojas Sebastian
Published: January 2025

The expansion of oil palm plantations and cattle grazing lands has a detrimental impact on freshwater ecosystems, causing ecological degradation and biodiversity loss in the tropics, although little is known about the effects on the aquatic microbial community.

We assessed the benthic aquatic microbial community in streams in grazing lands, oil palm plantations (with and without riparian buffers) and native vegetation (rainforests) using metabarcoding to analyse prokaryotic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs).

We observed significantly higher microbial richness in streams in rainforests than in grazing lands and oil palm plantations lacking buffers, but not in oil palm plantations with riparian buffers. Groups commonly found in faecal matter were found in streams in grazing land, streams in plantations lacking buffers showed lower abundance of wood decomposers, and both land uses had more primary producers. Prokaryote richness and diversity were associated positively with riparian buffers and negatively with temperature, light and grazing lands, while fungal richness was positively associated with the proximity of forests and the protected area.

The negative effects of agriculture on stream microbial richness, diversity and community composition were partially mitigated by the conservation of riparian buffers in the oil palm plantations and probably, the proximity to forests (a source of spores).

Our findings demonstrate a potential role for metabarcoding of stream benthos for monitoring impacts in agricultural lands and underlines the importance of riparian buffers in mitigating, to some extent, biodiversity loss in agriculture streams.
Considering Multiecosystem Trade‐Offs Is Critical When Leveraging Systematic Conservation Planning for Restoration
Authors: Van Lanen Nicholas J. , Duchardt Courtney J. , Pejchar Liba , Shyvers Jessica E. , Aldridge Cameron L.
Published: January 2025

Conservationists are increasingly leveraging systematic conservation planning (SCP) to inform restoration actions that enhance biodiversity. However, restoration frequently drives ecological transformations at local scales, potentially resulting in trade‐offs among wildlife species and communities. The Conservation Interactions Principle (CIP), coined more than 15 years ago, cautions SCP practitioners regarding the importance of jointly and fully evaluating conservation outcomes across the landscape over long timeframes. However, SCP efforts that guide landscape restoration have inadequately addressed the CIP by failing to tabulate the full value of the current ecological state. The increased application of SCP to inform restoration, reliance on increasingly small areas to sustain at‐risk species and ecological communities, ineffective considerations for the changing climate, and increasing numbers of at‐risk species, are collectively intensifying the need to consider unintended consequences when prioritizing sites for restoration. Improper incorporation of the CIP in SCP may result in inefficient use of conservation resources through opportunity costs and/or conservation actions that counteract one another. We suggest SCP practitioners can avoid these consequences through a more detailed accounting of the current ecological benefits to better address the CIP when conducting restoration planning. Specifically, forming interdisciplinary teams with expertise in the current and desired ecosystem states at candidate conservation sites; improving data availability; modeling and computational advancements; and applying structured decision‐making approaches can all improve the integration of the CIP in SCP efforts. Improved trade‐off assessment, spanning multiple ecosystems or states, can facilitate efficient, proactive, and coordinated SCP applications across space and time. In doing so, SCP can effectively guide the siting of restoration actions capable of promoting the full suite of biodiversity in a region.
Efficacy and Safety of Allisartan Isoproxil/Amlodipine in Patients With Essential Hypertension Uncontrolled by Amlodipine: A Phase III, Multicenter, Double‐Blind, Parallel‐Group, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chi Hongjie , Zhang Xin , Ma Shumei , Pan Gang , Lian Xiaojuan , Chen Yan , Pei Haotian , Liu Zichen , Lin Xiangmin
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy of Allisartan Isoproxil 240 mg and Amlodipine 5 mg (ALI/AML) compared to AML 5 mg monotherapy in patients with mild‐to‐moderate essential hypertension. In this phase III, multicenter, double‐blind, parallel‐group, randomized controlled trial, patients aged 18–70 years with mean sitting systolic blood pressure (msSBP) between 140 and <180 mmHg and mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) between 90 and <110 mmHg, following a 4‐week treatment with AML 5 mg, were randomized 1:1 to receive either ALI/AML or AML once daily for 12 weeks. This 12‐week double‐blind period was followed by an open‐label extension of ALI/AML treatment through week 52. A total of 300 patients were enrolled, with 149 and 151 patients randomly assigned to ALI/AML and AML groups, respectively. Of these, 257 patients completed the study. Baseline demographics and characteristics were comparable between groups. After 12 weeks, the reduction in msSBP (the primary endpoint) was significantly greater in the ALI/AML group compared to the AML group (–15.7 vs. –10.2 mmHg, p = 0.0019). Similarly, reductions in msDBP (–5.7 vs. –2.4 mmHg, p < 0.001) and 24‐h mean ambulatory SBP and DBP (–10.4 and –7.7 mmHg vs. –5.6 and –3.8 mmHg) were more pronounced in the ALI/AML group. Additionally, a higher proportion of patients achieved both a BP response and target office BP in the ALI/AML group compared to the AML group (51.4% vs. 37.4%, 42.5% vs. 30.6%, both p < 0.05). The ALI/AML combination was generally well tolerated, and the antihypertensive effect was maintained for up to 52 weeks. In patients with essential hypertension inadequately controlled by AML, the ALI/AML combination provided superior reductions in msSBP and was significantly more effective than AML monotherapy. This once‐daily single‐pill combination demonstrated promising efficacy and tolerability.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06465264
Comparison of Influence of Office and 24‐h Central Aortic Blood Pressure on Target Organ Damage in Hypertension
Authors: Hu Yueliang , Yang Hui , Chang Guili , Bai Yaya , Avolio Alberto , Wang Qian , Gao Shenshen , Zuo Junli
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to explore whether 24‐h ambulatory central (aortic) blood pressure (BP) has an advantage over office central aortic BP in screening for hypertension‐mediated target organ damage (HMOD). A total of 714 inpatients with primary hypertension and the presence of several cardiovascular risk factors or complications involving clinical HMOD were enrolled. Twenty‐four hour central aortic BP was measured by means of a noninvasive automated oscillometric device (Mobil‐O‐Graph). Office BP was measured with a validated oscillometric Omron device after a 5‐min rest in a sitting position. Central aortic pressure waveforms were derived from the radial pressure waveforms with a validated transfer function of the Sphygmocor software, version 8.0 (Atcor Medical, Sydney, Australia). Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV) measurement was performed by sequential placement of the transducer on the femoral artery and carotid artery and determining transit time between the two pulses in reference to the R wave of the ECG. cf‐PWV was calculated as the measured distance from the suprasternal notch to the femoral artery minus the distance from the suprasternal notch to the carotid artery divided by the pulse transit time. HMOD was defined as the presence of carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) above normal values and/or carotid plaque, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), renal abnormalities as assessed by urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) above normal values and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or increased cf‐PWV > 10 m/s. In the study cohort of 714 (age 54.52 ± 13.24 years, 74.6% male) patients with primary hypertension, LV mass index (LVMI) was significantly higher in males (p < 0.002) and eGFR was significantly lower in males (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistical significance between males and females in IMT, ACR, and cfPWV. When accounting for confounding factors (age, sex, BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, glucose, smoking, and heart rate), central systolic (cSBP), diastolic (DBP), and pulse (cPP) pressure obtained with 24‐h monitoring was more strongly correlated with LVMI than office measurements. Twenty‐four hour cSBP and cPP were more strongly correlated with IMT than those of office monitoring. The 24‐h augmentation index (AIx) was more strongly correlated with eGFR than office AIX. Twnety‐four hour cSBP and cPP were more strongly correlated with lgACR. Office AIx and cPP were more strongly correlated with c‐fPWV than 24‐h measurements while cSBP, DBP, and cPP obtained by both methods were equally correlated with c‐fPWV. Ambulatory central (aortic) pressure may be more strongly related to HMOD than office CAP which may have an advantage in screening for c‐fPWV.

Trial Registration: Registration number: ChiCTR2000040308
Association of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width With Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in a Southern Chinese Population
Authors: Yu Xing , Huang Yali , Su Yunyun , Xie Liangdi
Published: January 2025

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has recently been recognized as a novel biomarker associated with various cardiovascular conditions. This study aims to investigate the relationship between RDW and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in a southern Chinese population. A total of 4916 patients were initially enrolled from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between January 2016 and December 2022. Based on the criteria of inclusion and exclusion, 2830 patients were included in this study. Body weight, height, and blood pressure were measured, and clinical biochemical tests were recorded. cfPWV was assessed using a non‐invasive automatic device. Spearman's correlation analysis, generalized linear regression analysis, multivariable logistic regression, and stratified analysis were conducted to assess the correlation between RDW and cfPWV. Participants were stratified into four subgroups based on RDW quartiles: Q1 (RDW ≤ 12.80%), Q2 (12.80% < RDW ≤ 13.40%), Q3 (13.40% < RDW ≤ 14.10%), and Q4 (RDW > 14.10%). A significant increase in age, systolic blood pressure, cfPWV, and HbA1c levels was observed with higher RDW quartiles. Both Spearman's correlation analysis and generalized linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between RDW and cfPWV. Specifically, compared to the lowest quartile, the risk of cfPWV≥10 m/s increased by 56% in the highest quartile (odds ratio = 1.564, p < 0.001). This correlation persisted particularly among the elderly, hypertensive patients who were not taking medication, and those who were taking medication but had poor control. The plasma RDW level was significantly associated with cfPWV in a southern Chinese population, particularly among older adults and individuals with hypertension, suggesting RDW as a potential marker for arterial stiffness.
A Modified Ligature‐Induced Peri‐Implantitis Murine Model and RNA Sequencing Analysis Compared With Human Subjects
Authors: Tong Zi‐an , Chen Long , Shen Ling , Lu Yi‐fan , Zhang Jian‐wei , Qi Ya‐dong , Qian Yin‐jie , Bao Si‐qi , Chen Wei , Si Mi‐si
Published: January 2025

Aim

To propose a modified method for establishing a peri‐implantitis murine model, assess the gene expression profile and immune cell infiltration of the gingiva and alveolar bone, and evaluate the transcriptomic similarity between patients with peri‐implantitis and the corresponding murine model.

Materials and Methods

A ligature‐induced peri‐implantitis murine model was established using an immediate implant placement approach. RNA sequencing was performed to determine the transcriptomic profiles of peri‐implant tissues from mice, patients with peri‐implantitis and healthy individuals. Histopathological and bioinformatics analyses were performed to measure immune cell infiltration, bone remodelling, and inflammatory reactions.

Results

Mouse gingival tissue showed strong immune and inflammatory responses, especially macrophage functions; these responses were weaker in the alveolar bone. Humans and mice showed similar gene expression patterns in the gingiva, with greater infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils.

Conclusions

During peri‐implantitis progression, mouse gingival tissue exhibited increased immune‐related functions and inflammation compared with the alveolar bone. Patients with peri‐implantitis and the murine model displayed transcriptomic similarities within the gingiva. We propose that the modified ligature‐induced peri‐implantitis murine model is suitable for investigating peri‐implantitis pathogenesis, with macrophages and neutrophils potentially being critical in its development.
Influence of Opening Size and Position on the Performance of Forced‐Air Precooling of Apples
Authors: Chen Xiaozhuan , Wang Yunpeng , Sheng Wei , Zheng Haikun , Bayizi Maierzukejiang , Pan Shishun , Liu Sikai , Li Dong
Published: January 2025

In this article, to investigate the comprehensive influence of the opening size and location of the packing box on precooling performance, a simulation model of precooling with 20 opening parameters is established based on computational fluid dynamics. There are six openings on one side of the box, 12 in total, with 5 opening positions (Cases 1–5) and 4 opening sizes, each with an opening size and corresponding total opening area of 15 mm (2120 mm2), 30 mm (8482 mm2), 45 mm (19,085 mm2), and 60 mm (33,929 mm2). The results show that when the diameter of the opening is 15–60 mm, increasing the opening increases the precooling time, and Case 4, which moves the position of the openings on both sides to the left and right, reduces the precooling time. Increasing the opening does not necessarily improve precooling uniformity at different opening positions. Case 5, with the position of the two side openings moved toward the center, had the worst precooling uniformity for each opening size. The larger the opening, the lower the precooling energy consumption for a given opening position. This is because the reduction in power at increased opening is much greater than the increase in precooling time. When the opening size is certain, the reasonable opening position can reduce the precooling energy consumption. Case 4, 30 mm is more balanced overall. Therefore, the opening parameter has a large impact on the precooling performance, and it is necessary to select the opening parameter reasonably for different requirements.
Unveiling the Molecular Mechanisms of Rosacea: Insights From Transcriptomics and In Vitro Experiments
Authors: Chen Luzhu , Wang Juan
Published: January 2025

Background

Rosacea is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition, but its molecular mechanisms and treatment responses remain poorly understood.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying rosacea and explore drug response through transcriptomic analysis and in vitro experiments.

Patients/Methods

We performed high‐throughput RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression patterns in rosacea patients. In vitro experiments, including RT‐qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, scratch, and Transwell assays, were used to evaluate gene and protein expression and cell behavior in HaCaT cells under simulated rosacea conditions.

Results

Transcriptomic analysis revealed significantly elevated expression of inflammatory‐related genes in rosacea patients. In vitro, HaCaT cells exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration abilities, accompanied by increased expression of pro‐inflammatory genes and proteins. Specifically, Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and S100A9 proteins were upregulated, potentially promoting these processes.

Conclusions

Our study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of rosacea, highlighting the role of inflammatory pathways and altered cell behavior in the disease. TLR2 and S100A9 may contribute to disease progression, offering potential targets for future therapeutic strategies.
DAA‐PASS: A Prospective Evaluation of HCC Recurrence After Direct Acting Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Singal Amit G. , Reddy K. Rajender , Colombo Massimo , Morris Heather L. , Mospan Andrea R. , Cabrera Roniel , Kelley Robin K. , Kilpatrick Ryan D. , Trevisani Franco , Farinati Fabio , Giannini Edoardo G. , Mehta Neil , Fried Michael W. , Sangro Bruno ,   the DAA‐PASS and ITA.LI.CA Investigators
Published: January 2025

Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is associated with a significant reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence among patients with cirrhosis, but data are conflicting about the risk of recurrence following DAA therapy. DAA‐PASS was a prospective, pragmatic, observational study designed to estimate the risk of HCC recurrence associated with DAA therapy exposure during routine clinical care. Eligible patients were DAA treatment naive with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A. Patients were followed at regular intervals for up to 24 months. To provide additional data, outcomes were compared to the Italian Liver Cancer Group (ITA.LI.CA) cohort. Of 42 patients enrolled, 24 were treated with DAA therapy. Ten HCC recurrence events were observed during the study, with 5 each in DAA‐treated and DAA‐untreated patients (cumulative incidences of 23 and 37 per 100 PY, respectively). The overall crude hazard ratio (HR) for HCC recurrence associated with DAA therapy was 0.6 (95% CI, 0.2–2.2). In the ITA.LI.CA cohort, HCC recurrence was observed in 193 patients during 24 months of follow‐up, resulting in a cumulative incidence rate of 28 per 100 PY. Although limited by small sample size, this prospective study suggests DAA therapy is not associated with increased HCC recurrence risk among patients with a history of complete response to prior HCC therapy.
Fish protein hydrolysates from rainbow trout processing in replacement of feed protein sources: Effects on growth performances, liver status and body composition of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L., juveniles
Authors: Cappuccinelli Roberto , Fiordelmondo Elisa , Magi Gian Enrico , Mariotti Francesca , Sanna Manuela , Galosi Livio , Roggio Tonina , Roncarati Alessandra
Published: January 2025

The use of processing by‐products may reduce pressure on fish stocks as well as diminish wastes and negative environmental impact. Different studies investigated fish by‐products used as alternative nutritional source to conventional feedstuffs. Fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), as a protein source derived from discards of rainbow trout processing, were included in feeds and effects were evaluated on productive performances, liver status, and body composition in gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L., juveniles. Three groups of 170 juveniles each (initial weight 37.8 ± 0.5 g), in triplicate indoor tanks of 2 m3 volume each, were fed including FPH in L1 (7.5 g/kg) and L2 (15 g/kg) feeds in replacement of fishmeal. LC diet was used as control having fish meal and soybean meal as main protein sources. At the end of the trial (85 days), satisfactory productive performances were obtained in all the groups with similar performances. The final mean weight ranged from 76.6 to 78.0 g. The two FPH diets exhibited high palatability equal to LC. Liver histology did not differ although fat accumulation was detected in all fish. Body composition and fatty acids were similar. FPH as substitute of protein source is suitable in the feeding of gilthead sea bream juveniles.
Imported Systemic Endemic Mycoses in Spain 1997–2021: An Analysis of a National Hospital Database
Authors: Llenas‐García Jara , González Beiro Roberto , Ramos‐Rincón José‐Manuel , Wikman‐Jorgensen Philip
Published: January 2025

Background

Systemic endemic mycoses are systemic fungal infections typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. Their global incidence is rising, including in nonendemic countries, mainly due to migration and international travel. They are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to analyse incidence trends of endemic mycoses and their presentation in hospitalised patients in Spain from 1997 to 2021.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study drew data from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. We used the diagnostic codes of the 9th and 10th International Classification of Diseases for histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis and talaromycosis, retrieving systemic endemic mycoses cases from the national public registry.

Results

Over the study period, 646 cases of histoplasmosis, 138 of coccidioidomycosis, 47 of paracoccidioidomycosis and 24 talaromycosis were reported, with a rising number of cases annually, driven mainly by an increase in histoplasmosis. A segmented linear regression predictive model with a 10‐year forecast showed a steady increase, reaching 128 hospitalisations (95% confidence interval [CI] 87–168) in Spain in 2031. Overall, in‐hospital mortality was 10.9%, higher in histoplasmosis (11.3%) and coccidioidomycosis (10.9%) and independently associated with immunosuppression for both histoplasmosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.28, 95% CI 1.72–6.24; p < 0.001) and coccidioidomycosis (aOR 4.05, 95% CI 1.22–13.44; p = 0.022).

Conclusions

Hospitalisations for systemic endemic mycoses, especially histoplasmosis, are on the rise in Spain. Mortality is significant and primarily associated with immunosuppression. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, underscoring the importance of maintaining hospital‐based surveillance of endemic mycoses in nonendemic regions.
Outcomes in Patients With Henoch–Schönlein Purpura After Kidney Transplantation: A Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Ebadinejad Amir , Silver Elizabeth , O’Sullivan David M. , Dar Wasim , Morgan Glyn , Emmanuel Bishoy , Cobar Juan P. , Ye Xiaoyi , Singh Joseph U. , Kent Rebecca , Tremaglio Joseph , Serrano Oscar K.
Published: January 2025

Aim

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) nephritis leads to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in upto 3% of cases, necessitating kidney transplantation (KT). This study compared graft and patient survival outcomes between HSP and non‐HSP KT recipients and identified factors associated with HSP recurrence.

Methods

Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) were analysed for adult and paediatric KT patients listed between January 2005 and April 2021. HSP recipients were extracted from the database and non‐HSP recipients were selected and propensity‐matched 3:1 based on demographic factors.

Results

A total of 371 KT recipients with HSP were matched to 1113 non‐HSP recipients. When stratified by age, adult and paediatric HSP patients showed similar death‐censored graft survival (DCGS) at 5 years compared to their non‐HSP counterparts. Furthermore, paediatric patients with HSP had comparable DCGS to adult HSP patients at 5 years (86.5% vs. 88.3%, p = 0.221). Amongst HSP recipients, 27.2% experienced recurrence, with higher rates in adults (29.7%) compared to children (13.0%). Recurrent HSP was associated with increased graft failure and mortality. Regression analysis showed that older age (OR [95% CI]: 1.018 (1.001–1.035), p = 0.037) was associated with a higher risk of recurrence, while a higher BMI (0.95 [0.91–0.99], p = 0.020) was linked to a lower risk.

Conclusion

In a contemporary cohort of HSP KT patients, graft survival was comparable between HSP and matched non‐HSP patients in both adult and paediatric groups. However, graft loss was more frequent in HSP patients who experienced disease recurrence.
Ruminant-dense environments increase risk of reported Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
infections independently of ruminant contact
Authors: Ward Caitlin , Finical William , Smith Kirk , Rounds Joshua M. , Klumb Carrie A. , Tarr Gillian A. M.
Published: January 2025

Cattle and other domestic ruminants are the primary reservoirs of O157 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC). Living in areas with high ruminant density has been associated with excess risk of infection, which could be due to both direct ruminant contact and residual environmental risk, but the role of each is unclear. We investigated whether there is any meaningful risk to individuals living in ruminant-dense areas if they do not have direct contact with ruminants. Using a Bayesian spatial framework, we investigated the association between the density of ruminants on feedlots and STEC incidence in Minnesota from 2010 to 2019, stratified by serogroup and season, and adjusting for direct ruminant contact. For every additional head of cattle or sheep per 10 acres, the incidence of O157 STEC infection increased by 30% (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.30; 95% credible interval [CrI] 1.18, 1.42) or 135% (IRR 2.35; 95% CrI 1.14, 4.20), respectively, during the summer months. Sheep density was also associated with O157 STEC risk during winter (IRR 4.28; 95% CrI 1.40, 8.92). The risk of non-O157 STEC infection was only elevated in areas with goat operations during summer (IRR 19.6; 95% CrI 1.69, 78.8). STEC risk associated with ruminant density was independent of direct ruminant contact across serogroups and seasons. Our findings demonstrate that living in a ruminant-dense area increases an individual’s risk of O157 and non-O157 STEC infection even without direct ruminant contact, indicating that prevention efforts need to extend to community strategies for averting indirect transmission from local ruminant populations.

I
MPORTANCE

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) are zoonotic enteric bacteria responsible for 2.5 million illnesses each year. Infections in young children can be especially devastating, causing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a debilitating and sometimes fatal form of acute kidney injury. STEC’s primary reservoirs are cattle and other domestic ruminants, and transmission can occur through food, water, animal contact, and person-to-person. Living near ruminants poses a significant risk of STEC infection; however, the proportion of that risk due to direct ruminant contact or other routes of transmission is unknown. Our research demonstrates that direct ruminant contact is a substantial risk irrespective of location, and that individuals living in ruminant-rich regions are at high risk of STEC infection regardless of whether they come into contact with ruminants. These findings indicate a need for multi-pronged prevention efforts that emphasize control of contamination in the environments surrounding ruminant populations, in addition to biosafety precautions when contacting ruminants directly.
Supplemental Material: Zircon and apatite as tracers of physicochemical differences between barren and rare metal plutons in granite-pegmatite systems
Authors: Wu Hao-Ran , Ge Wen-chun , al. et
Published: January 2025

Tables S1–S6.
Troponins and Skeletal Muscle Pathologies
Authors: Bogomolova Agnessa P. , Katrukha Ivan A.
Published: January 2025

Skeletal muscles account for ~30-40% of the total weight of human body and are responsible for its most important functions, including movement, respiration, thermogenesis, and glucose and protein metabolism. Skeletal muscle damage negatively impacts the whole-body functioning, leading to deterioration of the quality of life and, in severe cases, death. Therefore, timely diagnosis and therapy for skeletal muscle dysfunction are important goals of modern medicine. In this review, we focused on the skeletal troponins that are proteins in the thin filaments of muscle fibers. Skeletal troponins play a key role in regulation of muscle contraction. Biochemical properties of these proteins and their use as biomarkers of skeletal muscle damage are described in this review. One of the most convenient and sensitive methods of protein biomarker measurement in biological liquids is immunochemical analysis; hence, we examined the factors that influence immunochemical detection of skeletal troponins and should be taken into account when developing diagnostic test systems. Also, we reviewed the available data on the skeletal troponin mutations that are considered to be associated with pathologies leading to the development of diseases and discussed utilization of troponins as drug targets for treatment of the skeletal muscle disorders.
UK Defence Rehabilitation consensus agreement for the conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: a modified Delphi approach
Authors: Judd Alice , Wild K , Puxley L , Barker-Davies R
Published: January 2025

Achilles and patellar tendinopathy are common in military personnel due to the repetitive high loads and challenging extrinsic risk factors associated with the demands of their role. Sports medicine is rapidly evolving. Up-to-date evidence-based research is essential, alongside clinical reasoning, to deliver best-practice treatment to service personnel, underpinned by the duty of care to their long-term career.

The aim of this research was to develop recommendations on conservative management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy in relation to the military population. A systematic review was conducted by a multidisciplinary clinical panel from across Defence Rehabilitation. The panel was split into four subgroups (diagnosis and outcome measures, medical, exercise and adjuncts). Each subgroup proposed recommendations for voting across the wider authorship in a modified Delphi process. 28 recommendations achieved substantial agreement following a chaired meeting attended by all authors. A summary infographic was produced to highlight themes relevant to the military patient population.

Diagnosis of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy remains clinical. The consensus panel strongly advocates exercise rehabilitation as the primary management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy. Medical interventions should respect the long-term occupational needs of the military population. Education is advised, but further adjunctive interventions should only be considered on a case-by-case basis. This consensus agreement provides a framework for the development of local guidelines for the management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy in the UK military population.
Effects of Red Osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) inclusion with grass hay on in vitro dry matter disappearance, gas production, and fermentation characteristics
Authors: Tamayao P.J. , Mengistu G.F. , Yang W.Z. , Gomaa W.M.S. , Ominski K.H. , Crow G. , Chen L. , McGeough E.J.
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the effects of Red Osier dogwood (ROD; raw or extract) at four inclusion rates (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% diet dry matter (DM)) on DM disappearance (DMD), gas production (GP) and methane (CH4) production, ammonia–nitrogen (NH3–N), and rumen fermentation in timothy grass hay diet in vitro. Supplementation of ROD (irrespective of form) did not affect DMD, GP, or CH4 production ( P ≥ 0.31) or fermentation parameters ( P ≥ 0.41). No significant form effects or rate responses were observed on the measured gas and fermentation parameters. In conclusion, ROD evaluated in this study did not exhibit potential to mitigate CH4 emissions in a grass hay diet.
40Ar/39Ar and Rb–Sr dating of gold-bearing quartz–breccia mineralization and deformation within the Gordon Lake Region, Northwest Territories, Canada: a tribute to Dr. Nick Culshaw and 30 years on
Authors: Stokes Tim , Larson Kyle
Published: January 2025

Regional and detailed mapping at Gordon Lake has closely outlined the structural timing of a km-scale refold and linked this event to the formation gold-bearing quartz–breccia zones. Early (F1) isoclinal folds, that were refolded (F2) during a secondary (D2) deformation event coeval with peak regional metamorphism, lead to the development of a pervasive (S2) regional cleavage and sub-vertical (L2) stretching lineation. Tightening and increased strain within the east limb of the Gordon Lake refold structure occurred during D3 along with the development of a localized (S3) crenulation cleavage and an episode of quartz–breccia mineralization. The nearby Spud Lake pluton intruded the region post-peak metamorphism. New in situ Rb–Sr geochronology on white mica from the pluton defined an overdispersed regression date of 2573 ± 17 Ma, which overlaps an existing 40Ar/39Ar date of 2592 ± 14 Ma and other U–Pb zircon ages for nearby granitic plutons of the Prosperous Suite. Rb–Sr geochronology of biotite from a sample of quartz–breccia mineralization yielded a single population regression at 2480 ± 53 Ma. This date is significantly younger than a previous 40Ar/39Ar date of 2564 + 14 Ma, perhaps indicating the incorporation of excess 40Ar available during the mineralization event. The Rb–Sr date from the quartz–breccia is consistent with field relationships that indicate the mineralization post-dates peak metamorphism.
Information Data Sharing Method of Electronic Files of Smart Campus Students Against Attribute Tampering
Authors: Ruimin Wang , Yahui Ren
Published: January 2025

In the smart campus environment, the sharing of student electronic file information data is crucial for improving data quality and application efficiency. However, security issues in the process of data sharing, especially the risk of tampering with data attributes, have become the main obstacle to the widespread application of data sharing. To address this issue, a smart campus student electronic file information data sharing method that is resistant to attribute tampering has been proposed. This method constructs a consortium chain network with attribute centers as nodes, records user attributes and ciphertext information through blockchain technology, achieves decentralized management of user attributes, ensures tamper proof access to attributes, enhances data security, and provides a solid foundation for subsequent data sharing. On this basis, combined with autonomously set sharing strategies, fine-grained data sharing has been achieved. By using searchable attribute encryption technology, encrypted retrieval of multiple keywords is achieved, improving the convenience and efficiency of data retrieval. At the same time, key parameters such as data elasticity and data granularity were set to known values, and the relationship between the two was determined by calculating the data storage gradient and storage intensity index, achieving cloud storage optimization for shared data. In addition, this method achieves high efficiency and stability in data sharing transmission by detecting the channel with the highest transmission rate in real-time and selecting the optimal shared link at the best time. The experimental results show that this method can not only effectively achieve data encryption and storage, but also effectively resist tampering attacks on data attributes, significantly improving the application efficiency of data.
ArisNet: Autoencoder of Reconstruction-Inferred Surface Denoising Network
Authors: Hou Yichen , Chen Tian , Liu Jun
Published: January 2025

The surge in the utilization of point cloud data across diverse fields brings an imperative demand for advanced denoising techniques capable of handling substantial noise levels. In this paper, we present ArisNet, an adept autoencoder-based network specifically architected to excel where conventional methods falter — particularly in denoising point clouds corrupted by large noise scales. ArisNet distinguishes itself by maintaining high-performance denoising across minor and significant noise levels, a feat not commonly achieved by existing frameworks. Crucial to ArisNet’s innovation is integrating a sophisticated loss function that combines Euclidean and Mahalanobis distances for a nuanced point similarity assessment, complemented by including normal vectors and a tailored weighting scheme. Furthermore, we incorporate a repulsion loss inspired by the Hausdorff distance (HD) to optimize point distribution. A standout feature of ArisNet’s architecture is incorporating attention mechanisms through Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) blocks within its ImprovedResidualBlocks. These SE blocks enable the network to adaptively recalibrate channel-wise feature responses, focusing on salient features for more effective denoising. The Encoder in ArisNet consists of these enhanced residual blocks, processing the input point cloud into a rich global feature. Subsequently, the Decoder, equipped with a four-layer MLP and GlobalFeatureExtractors based on PointNet++, refines these features. This architecture ensures meticulous capture of the point clouds’ intricate details through an offset vector. A pivotal enhancement in ArisNet’s methodology is the adept handling of outliers. We ingeniously meld the Isolation Forest algorithm into our denoising pipeline to address this. This model adeptly segregates outliers using isolation trees, exploiting the characteristic that outliers are easier to isolate due to their sparse nature, resulting in shorter paths within the trees. Our comprehensive evaluation demonstrates ArisNet’s superior denoising and outlier management capability, offering a robust solution that outperforms most of the existing point cloud denoising networks. This paper confirms the potential of ArisNet as a transformative approach for point cloud denoising, setting a new benchmark for noise resilience and outlier handling in the domain.
The number of solutions of congruence of homogeneous quadratic polynomial with prime ideal modulus
Authors: Le Manh Van
Published: January 2025

This research focuses on the proof of the formula to calculate the number of solutions of the congruence of homogeneous quadratic polynomial with prime ideal modulus of a ring of integers. The study approaches the problem naturally through relatively elementary results including those from number theory and quadratic forms to construct the formula to calculate the number of solutions of the aforementioned congruence.
Vast sediment dispersal in an inland sea: detrital zircon geochronology of the lower Cambrian Mickwitzia Sandstone (southern Sweden) indicates a Timanian source
Authors: Slater Ben J. , Kenny Gavin G. , Budd Graham E. , Whitehouse Martin J.
Published: January 2025

Pockets of Ediacaran–Cambrian clastic sedimentary rocks are preserved across Fennoscandia, but the provenance, depositional setting and age of many such deposits remain uncertain. We report the first detrital zircon provenance study of the lowermost sediments deposited on sub-Cambrian bedrock in southern Sweden. We performed 285 ion microprobe U–Pb analyses on zircons from the Mickwitzia Sandstone (File Haidar Formation, Cambrian Series 2). Age peaks at
c.
2100, 2000, 1800, 1550, 1500, 1225, 1150 and 950 Ma are consistent with Sveconorwegian and Fennoscandian source rocks, whereas a major peak at
c.
550 Ma is attributed to the Timanian orogen to the NE. The youngest dates in the dataset, including multiple consistent dates from single grains, indicate a maximum depositional age of
c.
550 Ma. This first documentation of Timanian-aged grains in southern Sweden connects reports of Timanian detritus as far afield as northern Norway, Estonia and even Poland. The Timanian detrital signature across thousands of square kilometres suggests that much of Baltica probably consisted of an extremely low-relief plain over which Timanian-sourced detritus spread extensively during the late Ediacaran and early Cambrian.
Mai: A Transformer Based Domain Specific Chatbot for Menstrual Health
Authors: Mughal Shafaq Fatima , Aamir Shayan , Samad Abdul , Zehra Umema , Syed Ayesha Asif
Published: January 2025

Traditional health-seeking behaviors, particularly in menstrual health, are deeply rooted in local languages, sociocultural norms, and religious beliefs. These factors significantly influence women in South Asia and other developing regions, often proving detrimental to their physical and psychological health. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of these challenges, this article investigates the role of generative domain-specific chatbots as a supportive mechanism to enhance menstrual health-seeking behaviors among South-Asian women. Specifically, it aims to create and assess Mai, a conversational agent, which utilizes Roman-Urdu and English models to provide accurate information, thereby contributing to the broader effort of empowering women with knowledge and resources.

Due to a lack of conversational data in this domain, our research involves creating a dataset from existing English sources and translating it into Roman Urdu, presenting its own set of challenges. These datasets, specifically curated for this research, addressed a wide range of menstrual health topics. Despite being an English monolingual model, DialoGPT’s transformer architecture produced favorable results when fine-tuned on a Roman Urdu dataset. While the Roman Urdu version occasionally faced challenges with contextual understanding, both models achieved promising results. Automatic evaluation metrics indicated strong performance for Mai compared to baseline models. Likewise, user evaluations yielded average ratings of 4.2 and 4.3 (out of 5) for the Roman Urdu and English chatbots, respectively, and more than half of the medical professionals surveyed expressed willingness to recommend the dialogue system. Overall, our findings highlight the transformative potential of domain-specific dialogue systems in health education, with room for improvement in overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers to women’s health information access.