bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Compact Geometry Inversion for Gravity Data
Authors: Zhang Baifan , Liu Shuang , Cai Hongzhu , Zhu Dan , XiangyunHu
Published: January 2025

Gravity inversion quantitatively provides a 3D model of density contrasts, significantly enhancing the information extracted from acquired data. However, the inherent non-uniqueness of inversion poses challenges in precisely determining the boundaries of anomalous bodies. We have developed an iterative algorithm of gravity inversion that reconstructs the geometric features of the anomalous bodies by discretizing the 3D interpretation model with vertical and juxtaposed prism cells. These prisms incorporate sheet-like initial models which are typically derived from prior information or imaging results. This study proposed a new parameter, the Thickness Factor (TF), which is determined by the thickness of the prism cells under the assumption of homogeneous anomalous bodies. The TF establishes an approximate linear relationship between the source geometry and gravity anomalies, enabling the reconstruction of the source geometry to be formulated as a linear optimization problem. The approach demonstrates the potential for target inversion in the presence of multiple causative sources in synthetic cases and shows insensitivity to noise signals and reliability in reconstructing the geometry of complex sources. The proposed method is then applied to real data from the Galinge iron ore deposit in Northwest China and the drilling data is used as prior information. The inversion results are consistent with previous drilling interpretations and allow a rough estimation of the volume of the ore bodies.
Chemical enrichment by collapsars as the origin of the unusually high [Ba/Fe] in a massive star cluster of the dwarf galaxy NGC 1569
Authors: Leicester Brayden , Bekki Kenji , Tsujimoto Takuji
Published: January 2025

The super star cluster NGC1569-B has recently been observed to have an extremely high [Ba/Fe]. We consider that the observed high [Ba/Fe] ($\sim 1.3$) is due to the chemical enrichment of giant molecular clouds by either collapsars, neutron star mergers, or magnetorotational supernovae, and thereby investigate which of the three polluters can best reproduce the observed [Ba/Fe]. Since it is found that collapsars can best reproduce such an extremely high Ba abundance, we numerically investigate the star cluster formation in NGC1569 using chemodynamical simulations of merging dwarf galaxies with chemical enrichment by collapsars. The principal results are as follows: First, a cluster of the same scale as NGC1569-B was found to match both the observed [Ba/Fe] and [Fe/H] values, the best cluster having [Ba/Fe]$=1.3\pm 0.2$ and [Fe/H] $=-0.7\pm 0.2$. This simulation used a core-collapse supernova per collapsar rate of 70, a standard initial mass function and an initial metallicity of [Fe/H] = −1.5. Secondly, a prediction of the Eu abundance of NGC1569-B is made: [Eu/Fe]$=1.9\pm 0.2$. These results are shown to be invariant under a change in the orbit parameters used for the merger. The need for a merger to promote the star formation that leads to the synthesis of the Ba and the star cluster formation is confirmed. Collapsars can not only better explain [Ba/Fe] but also be consistent with the observed star formation rate and stellar mass of the dwarf galaxy.
Blood monocyte fraction and computed tomography attenuation value of bone marrow in fever of unknown origin: A retrospective analysis for differentiating adult-onset Still’s disease and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Oda Nobuhiro , Matsui Hiroki , Hazue Ryo , Matsue Kosei , Takagishi Katsushige , Rokutanda Ryo
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To investigate the factors affecting laboratory data and computed tomography (CT) attenuation values of L1 trabecular and femoral bone marrow, potential markers for differentiating between adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBL).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study on patients diagnosed with AOSD or IVLBCL. Clinical and laboratory data, and CT attenuation values of the bone marrow were compared. An exploratory analysis was conducted to identify factors useful for discriminating between the two groups.

Results

Thirty patients with AOSD and 14 with IVLBCL were included; among them, 17 and 14 patients, respectively, underwent plain CT. No significant differences in CT attenuation values were noted; however, significant differences in various clinical and laboratory data, including neutrophil counts and soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels, were observed. Exploratory analysis of the monocyte fraction, guided by previous reports, suggested a cutoff of ≥ 9.65% for IVLBCL, with a sensitivity of 64.3% and specificity of 96.7%.

Conclusion

This study suggests that, besides neutrophil counts and soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels, monocyte fractionation is a useful differentiation criterion between AOSD and IVLBCL.
Improving the generalization of protein expression models with mechanistic sequence information
Authors: Shen Yuxin , Kudla Grzegorz , Oyarzún Diego A
Published: January 2025

The growing demand for biological products drives many efforts to maximize expression of heterologous proteins. Advances in high-throughput sequencing can produce data suitable for building sequence-to-expression models with machine learning. The most accurate models have been trained on one-hot encodings, a mechanism-agnostic representation of nucleotide sequences. Moreover, studies have consistently shown that training on mechanistic sequence features leads to much poorer predictions, even with features that are known to correlate with expression, such as DNA sequence motifs, codon usage, or properties of mRNA secondary structures. However, despite their excellent local accuracy, current sequence-to-expression models can fail to generalize predictions far away from the training data. Through a comparative study across datasets in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, here we show that mechanistic sequence features can provide gains on model generalization, and thus improve their utility for predictive sequence design. We explore several strategies to integrate one-hot encodings and mechanistic features into a single predictive model, including feature stacking, ensemble model stacking, and geometric stacking, a novel architecture based on graph convolutional neural networks. Our work casts new light on mechanistic sequence features, underscoring the importance of domain-knowledge and feature engineering for accurate prediction of protein expression levels.
Low birth weight and chronic kidney disease with progression to kidney failure in children
Authors: Yen Fu-Shun , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Cheng Wan-Yin , Huang Chi-Ting , Wu Yi-Ling , Teh Suan-Heoh , Hwu Chii-Min , Hsu Chih-Cheng
Published: January 2025

Background and hypothesis

It is unclear if low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) could synergistically cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This cohort study was conducted to examine their individual and combined impacts on the development of CKD and ESKD in childhood.

Methods

From the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database, we identified 1 477 128 newborns born between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2016. We used a multivariable Cox regression model to assess the excess risk of CKD and ESKD in children with LBW/preterm/SGA. They were followed from birth until the occurrence of outcomes or until December 31, 2018, with an average follow-up of 5.78 years.

Results

This study included 1 361 071 infants with birth weight ≥ 2500 g (92.14%), 104 855 infants with low birth weight (1500 g to < 2500 g) (7.10%), 6 843 infants with very low birth weight (1000 g to < 1500 g) (0.46%), and 4 349 infants with extremely low birth weight (< 1000 g) (0.29%). The multivariable-adjusted model showed that male infants with low birth weight were associated with an increased risk of CKD (aHR 1.20, 95%CI 1.08–1.32) and ESKD (aHR 1.64, 95%CI 1.37–1.97). Female infants with LBW had an increased risk of CKD (aHR 1.18, 95%CI 1.06–1.32) and ESKD (aHR 1.31, 95%CI 1.09–1.58) than those without LBW. In addition to LBW, infants with preterm or SGA condition also had a significantly and synergistically increased risk of CKD and ESKD compared to full-term infants.

Conclusion

We found children with LBW, preterm birth, or small for gestational age had a significantly increased risk of CKD and ESKD compared to children without intrauterine growth restriction.
Carboplatin and vinblastine monthly in optic pathway and hypothalamic gliomas: a retrospective analysis in a single institute
Authors: Lin Ting-Bin , Kuo Chao-Yang , Chang Feng-Chi , Lin Shih-Chieh , Chen Yi-Wei , Liang Muh-Lii , Lee Yi-Yen
Published: January 2025

Objective

Chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of optic pathway hypothalamic gliomas (OPHGs). Commonly used regimens include carboplatin and vincristine and monotherapy with vinblastine weekly. In this retrospective study, we used a monthly regimen of carboplatin and vinblastine to treat progressive/recurrent OPHGs and evaluated its effectiveness, visual preservation, and toxicity.

Methods

The study involved patients with OPGH who were treated with carboplatin and vinblastine once per month. The response, disease progression, overall survival, vision changes, and toxicity were recorded according to their medical charts at our institute, and survival was analyzed.

Results

A total of 25 patients were included, including 15 males (60%) and 10 females (40%). The response rate was 11/25 (44%), and the stabilization rate (complete response rate + partial response rate + minor response rate + and stable disease rate) was 21/25 (84%). The 3-year progression-free survival rate was 54.6%, and the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 46.8%. The 5-year overall survival rate was 100%. There were 6 patients who showed improved visual acuity (28.6%). Stable vision was found in 52.4% of patients. Only 2 patients experienced severe allergic reactions to carboplatin.

Conclusions

The results showed that extending the dosing interval of carboplatin and vinblastine to every month can be seen as a similar response compared with previous regimens. The toxicity of this regimen is milder, and patients benefit from a lower frequency of hospital visits. The regimen can be considered as a choice of the first line of chemotherapy for OPHG patients.
Mismatch between strong nest-site selection and low survival of nests and broods for Scolopax minor (American Woodcock) and its implications for conservation
Authors: Slezak Colby R , Delmonico Ian M , Kilburn Jennifer E , McWilliams Scott R
Published: January 2025

Nest-site selection may reduce predation and enhance recruitment, especially in ground-nesting birds. Few studies have examined both nest-site selection and its potential effects on nesting success, even though predation risk and exposure to inclement weather may limit the effectiveness of nest-site selection. We assessed home-range and local-scale nest-site selection of Scolopax minor (American Woodcock) as well as nest and brood survival in Rhode Island, USA during the breeding seasons (March 15 to June 15) of 2020–2022. Specifically, we employed a use/available design and conditional logistic regression models to evaluate nest-site selection and used the Program MARK to estimate nest and brood survival. At the home-range scale, we found that nesting woodcock selected for early successional cover types (i.e., pastures, grasslands, or regenerating clearcuts) and areas closer to upland young forest and reverting agricultural openings. They also occupied forests and wetlands of varied species composition and age (i.e., upland young forests as well as upland and wetland deciduous forests, and emergent wetlands). At the local scale, females selected nest sites that provided visual concealment of the nest. Despite nest-site selection at 2 spatial scales, nest and brood survival were low (10% and 16%, respectively) and were not influenced by vegetation, landscape configuration, and weather. Given that woodcock nest-site selection is driven by vegetative structure and concealment, yet reproductive success was low, future management should experimentally alter forests to identify forest configurations that help mitigate predation and increase cover in fragmented landscapes, such as Rhode Island.
Long-term genetic and demographic surveys reveal the impact of population history, habitat change, and conservation efforts on the globally endangered Turdus helleri (Taita Thrush)
Authors: Cousseau Laurence , Sanczuk Pieter , de Mits Seppe , Vangestel Carl , Borghesio Luca , Githiru Mwangi , Lens Luc
Published: January 2025

Predicting the fate of threatened populations remains a challenge in conservation biology. The study of genetic and demographic time series is crucial to unravel the role of population history, anthropogenic disturbance and conservation actions on current demographic and genetic patterns. However, such studies are still rare in threatened species. In this study, we integrate a quarter century of population demographic (capture–mark–recapture) and genetic (microsatellites) data for the globally endangered Turdus helleri (Taita Thrush), a songbird endemic to the fragmented cloud forest of the Taita Hills, southeast Kenya. We found that the two largest remaining populations are prone to high demographic and genetic stochasticity. Furthermore, despite relatively high genetic diversity, the increase in inbreeding in recent years suggests vulnerability to extinction. Moreover, while the smallest population was close to extinction, assisted gene flow midway through the study led to a demographic rescue. We conclude that habitat protection, continued monitoring and conservation efforts are required for long-term survival of the endangered T. helleri, as the species may be prone to an extinction debt.
Disorder enhances the fracture toughness of 2D mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Fulco Sage , Budzik Michal K , Xiao Hongyi , Durian Douglas J , Turner Kevin T
Published: January 2025

Mechanical metamaterials with engineered failure properties typically rely on periodic unit cell geometries or bespoke microstructures to achieve their unique properties. We demonstrate that intelligent use of disorder in metamaterials leads to distributed damage during failure, resulting in enhanced fracture toughness with minimal losses of strength. Toughness depends on the level of disorder, not a specific geometry, and the confined lattices studied exhibit a maximum toughness enhancement at an optimal level of disorder. A mechanics model that relates disorder to toughness without knowledge of the crack path is presented. The model is verified through finite element simulations and experiments utilizing photoelasticity to visualize damage during failure. At the optimal level of disorder, the toughness is more than 2.6× of an ordered lattice of equivalent density.
The politicization of influenza: partisan changes in flu vaccination before and after COVID-19
Authors: Sandlin Evan W
Published: January 2025

Background

Democrats are more likely to be vaccinated for COVID-19 than Republicans. It is unknown if political polarization surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine has affected flu vaccine uptake. The purpose of this study is to examine the partisan differences in annual flu vaccine uptake before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study uses longitudinal panel survey data from the Understanding America Study (UAS), spanning from 2015 to 2024. Using self-reported flu vaccination and partisanship over time, I estimate the odds ratios of flu vaccination for partisan groups before the COVID-19 pandemic, during the pre-vaccination phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and after the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Results

In pre-COVID years, the predicted probability of flu vaccination was 0.54 ([0.52,0.56], P < .000) among Republicans and 0.63 ([0.61,0.64], P < .00) among Democrats. After the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine, the average flu vaccination probability was 0.44 ([0.43,0.46], P < .00) among Republicans and 0.61 ([0.59,0.62], P < .00) among Democrats.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the partisan gap in annual flu vaccination. Researchers should continue to investigate if the partisan gap in other types of vaccinations has grown post-COVID. Practitioners may need to tailor their flu vaccine messaging to vaccine-hesitant political demographics.
Scarcity mindset facilitates empathy for social pain and prosocial intention: behavioral and neural evidences
Authors: Li Wanchen , Wei Zilong , Wu Jun , Song Ru , Liu Jie , Cui Fang
Published: January 2025

Empathy for social pain encompasses both affective and cognitive responses to others’ emotional reactions following negative social encounters, facilitating an understanding of their suffering and promoting prosocial behaviors. This study examined how a scarcity mindset affects empathy for social pain and prosocial intentions at behavioral and neural levels. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to either the scarcity or abundance mindset group. They viewed images of social exclusion or neutral scenarios and subsequently rated the perceived unpleasantness of the target person and their willingness to provide comfort during a stage-game paradigm. The results showed that participants in the scarcity mindset group demonstrated greater differentiation in their ratings of unpleasantness and willingness to comfort when exposed to social exclusion images compared to neutral ones, relative to the abundance mindset group. Electrophysiological data revealed that social exclusion images elicited larger late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes in the scarcity mindset group, but not in the abundance mindset group. Additionally, within the scarcity mindset group, affective empathy trait scores moderated the relationship between LPP amplitudes and willingness to comfort ratings. These findings highlight the amplifying effects of a scarcity mindset on empathy for social pain and prosocial intentions, and emphasize the role of affective empathy traits in this dynamic process.
Dispersal dynamics and introduction patterns of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Iran
Authors: Gustani-Buss Emanuele C , Salehi-Vaziri Mostafa , Lemey Philippe , Thijssen Marijn , Fereydouni Zahra , Ahmadi Zahra , Ranst Marc Van , Maes Piet , Pourkarim Mahmoud Reza , Maleki Ali
Published: January 2025

Understanding the dispersal patterns of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineages is crucial to public health decision-making, especially in countries with limited access to viral genomic sequencing. This study provides a comprehensive epidemiological and phylodynamic perspective on SARS-CoV-2 lineage dispersal in Iran from February 2020 to July 2022. We explored the genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 combining 1281 genome sequences with spatial data in a phylogeographic framework. Our analyses shed light on multiple international imports seeding subsequent waves and on domestic dispersal dynamics. Lineage B.4 was identified to have been circulating in Iran, 29 days (95% highest probability density interval: 21–47) before non-pharmaceutical interventions were implemented. The importation dynamics throughout subsequent waves were primarily driven from the country or region where the variant was first reported and gradually shifted to other regions. At the national level, Tehran was the main source of dissemination across the country. Our study highlights the crucial role of continuous genomic surveillance and international collaboration for future pandemic preparedness and efforts to control viral transmission.
De novo heart failure in patients hospitalized with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in contemporary China
Authors: Xie Zhonglei , Xu Yamei , Song Yu , Wang Yanyan , Han Xueting , Sun Aijun , Qian Juying , Cui Xiaotong , Zhou Jingmin
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose:

With the implementation of the Chest Pain Centers program, significant advancements have been achieved in managing risk factors and providing coronary interventional treatments in China. However, a notable gap exists in understanding the occurrence of de novo heart failure (HF) following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study aimed to describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, related factors, and prognostic significance of de novo HF after STEMI in contemporary China.

Methods:

This cohort study used data from the Chinese Cardiovascular Association Database, which included patients hospitalized with a discharge diagnosis of STEMI between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, who had no history of HF. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality at 7 and 30 days obtained by linking to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results:

Among 373,835 STEMI patients included, the mean age was 62.4 ± 13.0 years, with 23.5% being women. The incidence of de novo HF was 10.6%. Patients who developed de novo HF were older, more likely to be female, had a higher burden of comorbidities, were less frequently treated with reperfusion therapy, had longer delay in reperfusion time, and had a higher risk of 7-day all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 2.29, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.20–2.38, P < 0.001) and 30-day all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 2.40, 95% CI: 2.33–2.48, P < 0.001). Independent factors associated with a higher likelihood of de novo HF in STEMI patients included older age, female, delayed reperfusion, elevated cardiac troponin, and a higher number of comorbidities.

Conclusions:

In contemporary China, de novo HF occurs in approximately 1 of 10 STEMI patients, and is associated with a worse prognosis. Reducing delays to reperfusion therapy is vital to reduce the risk for incident HF.
Expanded Uses of the Dorsal Nasal Flap: Redefining the Nasal Reconstruction Algorithm
Authors: Bene Nicholas C. , Ojeda-Badillo Gabriella A. , Rizvi Tasneem Z. , Lim Alan A.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Defects of the nose present complex reconstructive challenges to the plastic surgeon. We present our experience with using the dorsal nasal flap (DNF) to provide a durable reconstruction even in sizable defects that would otherwise be considered necessitating a paramedian forehead flap.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent reconstruction by DNF following resection of skin cancers on the nose. Six flap-type modifications are described: limited, standard, double, combined, extended, and readvanced.

Results:

From 2015 to 2021, a total of 51 patients underwent DNF reconstruction. The most frequently used flap types were the limited or standard configurations. There is a general trend of utilizing increasingly complex flap types to reconstruct larger defect sizes, as depicted in our reconstructive algorithm. There were no flap losses.

Conclusions:

Our study expands the indications of the DNF and redefines the nasal reconstruction algorithm. However, our proposition is not absolute in that one must consider tissue pliability and the location of the defect.
Exploration of the research hotspot and application rule of Tengligen in anti-digestive system tumor based on bibliometric analysis and data mining
Authors: Gao Kun , Ning Zixin , Yang Xiaoyu , Yue Jiping , Shen Li
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Based on the systematic bibliometric and data mining of the literature on the anti-digestive system tumor of Tengligen, the state of research, research hotspots and medication rules in this field were explored.

Methods:

From January 2004 to October 2024, literature pertaining to Tengligen’s anti-digestive system tumor was obtained from the CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases. CiteSpace 6.3.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.20 software were used to intuitively display the number of publications, authors, institutions, keywords and other information, and then analyzed. The medical record information of famous Chinese medicine treating digestive system tumors with prescriptions containing Tengligen was extracted, a database was established, and the association rule analysis and cluster analysis of Chinese medicine compatible with Tengligen were carried out by IBM SPSS Modeler18.0, SPSS Statistics 26.0 and other software.

Results:

There were 115 publications in all, and there was a growing tendency in the quantity of papers published in this area. There were 295 authors total, with 28 serving as key authors. The primary publishing institutions are Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, the First Clinical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Seven core tags were obtained by keyword cluster analysis, and research focuses on the mechanism of action, extract of Tengligen, clinical efficacy, etc. A total of 41 prescriptions containing Tengligen were included, involving 125 Chinese medicines, among which Tengligen was the most associated with Fuling, Huangqi and Yiyiren, respectively. Cluster analysis showed that Tengligen, Ezhu, Yiyiren and Huangqi were the core prescriptions.

Conclusion:

The scientific knowledge graph directly shows the research progress and hot trends of Tengligen against digestive system tumors, analyzes the rule of its clinical application, and provides a cutting-edge perspective for new research.
Verification of Immunity to Measles in Adults
Authors: Smith Eleanor E.A. , Atmar Robert L. , Giordano Thomas P. , Kulkarni Prathit A.
Published: January 2025

Recently, there have been several measles outbreaks reported in the United States and globally. Declining rates of childhood vaccination and potential lack of complete coverage in the adult population could impact population levels of immunity against measles over the next decade and beyond. Therefore, it is important for primary care clinicians and others who provide vaccinations to verify the status of immunity to measles as part of routine clinical care for adult patients. Self-reported receipt of “childhood vaccinations” might not reflect actual receipt of the currently licensed live-virus measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, depending upon an adult patient's age and childhood location. Most adult patients who do not have evidence of immunity to measles should receive measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination, as per longstanding recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Nursing Initiation of Rapid Electroencephalography Point-of-Care Monitoring: Lessons From the Pioneer Summit
Authors: Bader Mary Kay , Mayer Stephan A. , Dorriz Parshaw J. , Desai Masoom , Kaplan Matthew , Torbey Michel T. , Olson DaiWai M. , Vespa Paul M. ,   the participants of the Pioneer Summit
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: Status epilepticus is an emergency, and applying electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring is an important part of diagnosing and treating seizure. The use of rapidly applied limited array continuous EEG (rapid EEG) has become technologically feasible in recent years. Nurse-led protocols using rapid EEG as a point-of-care monitor are increasingly being adopted. METHODS: A virtual summit meeting of nurses and physicians was convened to discuss various technological and practical aspects of rapid EEG, including the use of nurse-led protocols using rapid EEG. After oral presentations, participants responded to a survey indicating their level of agreement with key position statements. RESULTS: From the 52 participants who participated in the 2-hour summit, there was a strong agreement with the statement “Bedside nurses can start point-of-care EEG with automated seizure alert software to provide more informed care,” with a median Likert score of 5 (completely agree) and an interquartile range of 4 to 5. CONCLUSION: Using rapid EEG to monitor for seizure is a valid and valuable method that falls within the nursing domain. Nurse-driven protocols may provide the opportunity to enhance patient care through early identification of seizures.
Thrombocytopenia During Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adult Patients With Bacterial, Viral, and COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Lehle Karla , Philipp Alois , Krenkel Lars , Gruber Michael , Hiller Karl-Anton , Müller Thomas , Lubnow Matthias
Published: January 2025

Contact of blood with artificial surfaces triggers platelet activation. The aim was to compare platelet kinetics after venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) start and after system exchange in different etiologies of acute lung failure. Platelet counts and coagulation parameters were analyzed from adult patients with long and exchange-free (≥8 days) ECMO runs (n = 330) caused by bacterial (n = 142), viral (n = 76), or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (n = 112) pneumonia. A subpopulation requiring a system exchange and with long, exchange-free runs of the second oxygenator (≥7 days) (n = 110) was analyzed analogously. Patients with COVID-19 showed the highest platelet levels before ECMO implantation. Independent of the underlying disease and ECMO type, platelet counts decreased significantly within 24 hours and reached a steady state after 5 days. In the subpopulation, at the day of a system exchange, platelet counts were lower compared with ECMO start, but without differences between underlying diseases. Subsequently, platelets remained unchanged in the bacterial pneumonia group, but increased in the COVID-19 and viral pneumonia groups within 2–4 days, whereas D-dimers decreased and fibrinogen levels increased. Thus, overall platelet counts on V-V ECMO show disease-specific initial dynamics followed by an ongoing consumption by the ECMO device, which is not boosted by new artificial surfaces after a system exchange.
Histological differences among thrombi in thrombotic diseases
Authors: Yamashita Atsushi , Gi Toshihiro , Sato Yuichiro
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

This review aims to summarize the histological differences among thrombi in acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism, and amniotic fluid embolism, a newly identified thrombosis.

Recent findings

Acute coronary thrombi have a small size, are enriched in platelets and fibrin, and show the presence of fibrin and von Willebrand factor, but not collagen, at plaque rupture sites. Symptomatic deep vein thrombi are large and exhibit various phases of time-dependent histological changes. Cancer-associated venous thromboemboli contain invasive cancer cells that penetrate the vascular walls, and small cancer cell aggregates are observed within the thrombi. The thrombus composition in atherosclerotic and cardioembolic ischemic strokes varies from case to case, while the thrombi in cancer-associated ischemic stroke are rich in platelets and fibrin. A pathological study on amniotic fluid embolism identified uterine vein thrombi and massive platelet-rich microthrombi in the lungs.

Atherothrombus formation is induced by plaque disruption and may occlude a narrow lumen within a short time. Venous thrombi may grow to a large size in a multistage or chronic manner. Cancer cells can directly contribute to venous thrombus formation. The thrombus formation in amniotic fluid embolism may explain the occurrence of consumptive coagulopathy and cardiopulmonary collapse.
Should We Transplant Candidates With a Positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test?
Authors: Benotmane Ilies , Kasriel Nathan , Masset Christophe , Michard Baptiste , Malvezzi Paolo , Giguet Baptiste , Tinel Claire , Conti Filomena , Von Tokarski Florent , Ursic-Bedoya José , Matignon Marie , Flahault Adrien , Mohamadou Inna , Lebossé Fanny , Kamar Nassim , Maanaoui Mehdi , Kounis Ilias , Poulain Coralie , Hilleret Marie-Noëlle , Anglicheau Dany , Lacaille Florence , Bouvier Nicolas , Golbin Léonard , Duveau Agnès , Caillard Sophie , Couzi Lionel , Kaminski Hannah , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: January 2025

Background.

It remains unclear whether physicians should accept transplantation offers for candidates with a positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test due to the potential risk of severe infection after initiating immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods.

A multicenter observational study was conducted in 19 French solid organ transplantation units. Patients on the waiting list for liver or kidney transplants who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction nasopharyngeal swab at the time of transplantation were recorded.

Results.

Sixty-five patients were included. The recipients were predominantly men (n = 40; 62%) with a mean age of 55.4 y (SD = 16.5). On the day of transplantation, 2 patients exhibited symptoms compatible with COVID-19. The majority of patients (n = 55; 85%) underwent thoracic imaging, with only 3 patients showing imaging results compatible with COVID-19. Ten patients (28%) had a cycle threshold value <30. Anti–SARS-CoV-2 spike protein serology within 3 mo before transplantation was available for 36 patients; only 2 patients were seronegative. Due to COVID-19, physicians adapted the immunosuppressive therapy for 16 patients (25%). Specific antiviral therapy was used for 15 patients (23%), primarily remdesivir (n = 12). Overall, the majority of patients did not receive any adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy or antiviral treatment (n = 36; 55%). The outcomes were generally favorable even for patients with the lowest cycle threshold values, indicating a high viral load. Four patients died during follow-up, although none of these deaths were attributable to COVID-19.

Conclusions.

Transplantation appears to be safe for patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, reassuring thoracic imaging, and a history of anti–SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or immunization.
Beyond the Neck: When Is Thoracic Operation Needed for Thyroidectomy?
Authors: Wang Rongzhi , Song Zhixing , Balachandra Sanjana , Gillis Andrea , Fazendin Jessica , Lindeman Brenessa , Wei Benjamin , Chen Herbert
Published: January 2025

Background:

Although most patients with intrathoracic thyroid glands can undergo thyroidectomy via a cervical incision, some cases necessitate intraoperative thoracic surgery assistance. This study aims to identify computed tomography(CT) findings that predict the need for thoracic surgery assistance during thyroidectomy.

Methods:

We reviewed administrative data at our institution(2012-2023), encompassing 7370 thyroidectomies, to identify patients who underwent thyroidectomy for intrathoracic thyroid glands, defined as thyroid glands that extended below the sternal notch. Detailed CT analysis was conducted, including measurements of intrathoracic thyroid dimensions, shape, extension to posterior mediastinum, and relation to thoracic inlet. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed to identify the most accurate independent predictors of the need for intraoperative thoracic surgery assistance.

Results:

Among 255 patients with intrathoracic thyroid glands, 34(13.3%) required intraoperative thoracic surgery assistance. Patients needing thoracic assistance had significantly larger intrathoracic thyroid glands in anteroposterior, craniocaudal, and horizontal dimensions compared to those without. Additionally, their thyroid glands were more likely to enlarge below the sternal notch or extend into the posterior mediastinum ROC curve indicated that distance from inferior border of thyroid gland to sternal notch (Area Under Curve(AUC)=0.94) is a better predictor than distance to aortic arch (AUC=0.91) or sternal angle (AUC=0.91). Thresholds of distance to sternal notch≥5.3cm, anteroposterior dimension≥5.2cm, and horizontal dimension≥5.3cm provided 80% sensitivity and ≥70% specificity for predicting the need for thoracic assistance. Multivariable regression analysis identified thyroid increasing in size below sternal notch, distance to sternal notch≥5.3cm, and horizontal dimension≥5.3cm as independent predictors for intraoperative thoracic assistance.

Conclusions:

Thyroid glands extending≥5.3cm below sternal notch, enlarging below sternal notch, or having a horizontal dimension≥5.3cm warrant preoperative thoracic surgery consultation for potential intraoperative assistance.
Bacterial skin infection caused by a plant pathogen Kosakonia cowanii: identification with the MALDI Biotyper sirius one and susceptibility testing
Authors: Merlino John , Pillay Kiora , Rizzo Sophia , Baskar Sai Rupa , Seed Daniel , Siarakas Steven , Hettiarachchi Ravin , McKew Genevieve , Gray Timothy
Published: January 2025

Kosakonia cowanii is a Gram-negative bacillus belonging to the order Enterobacterales. K. cowanii is a plant pathogen; we report the isolation of this organism from a gardening puncture injury from a plant. Pus examined from the site of infection showed the infecting organism as K. cowanii by MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper Sirius One and 16S rRNA analysis. The organism failed to be identified biochemically by the Vitek 2 XL identification system as Kosakonia spp. The Gram-negative bacilli on the system were biochemically identified as Pantoea spp. Difficulties in species identification biochemically suggest that K. cowanii might potentially represent an underestimated opportunistic human pathogen in skin infections associated with plant injuries. The MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper Sirius One software was found to be a fast and reliable identification of the organism. The isolate was found to be susceptible to first-generation cephalosporins, both cefalexin and cefazolin, by disc diffusion and Vitek 2 XL, even though antibiotic breakpoints currently do not exist using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing or Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines for this organism.
Ascidiimonas meishanensis sp. nov. and Leptobacterium meishanense sp. nov., two bacteria isolated from marine sediment in the East China Sea
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Huiting , Liu Xinyu , Jung Dawoon , Seo Eun-Young , He Shan , Zhang Weiyan , Ding Lijian
Published: January 2025

Two Gram-stain-negative, curved-rod-shaped, non-motile and aerobic bacteria W6T and I13T were isolated from marine sediment samples collected from Meishan Island located in the East China Sea. Catalase and oxidase activities and hydrolysis of Tween 40, 60 and 80 were positive for both strains, while nitrate reduction, indole production, methyl red reaction and H2S production were negative. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and genome sequences revealed that strains W6T and I13T formed distinct phylogenetic lineages within the genera Ascidiimonas and Leptobacterium, respectively. Strain W6T showed the closest relatedness to Ascidiimonas aurantiaca N5DA8-2CT with 93.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 70.7% average nucleotide identity (ANI), 71.0% average amino acid identity (AAI) and 16.4% digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values, while strain I13T was most closely related to Leptobacterium flavescens YM3-301T with 92.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 70.5% ANI, 72.1% AAI and 17.2% dDDH values. The two novel strains shared 92.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to each other and were identified as two distinct species based on 70.7% ANI, 70.4% AAI and 17.1% dDDH values calculated using whole-genome sequences. The genomes of strains W6T and I13T were 4.59 Mbp with a G+C content of 34.5 mol% and 2.38 Mbp with a G+C content of 36.2 mol%, respectively. The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6, the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine and the major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, strains W6T and I13T are considered to represent two novel species in the genera Ascidiimonas and Leptobacterium, respectively, in the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the names Ascidiimonas meishanensis sp. nov. and Leptobacterium meishanense sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are W6T (=KCTC 102201T=MCCC 1K08928T) and I13T (=KCTC 102202T=MCCC 1K08929T), respectively.
Conformal Prediction and Venn-ABERS Calibration for Reliable Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Bacterial Infection Focus
Authors: Schmidt Jacob Bahnsen , Nielsen Karen Leth , Strunin Dmytro , Kirkby Nikolai Søren , Thomassen Jesper Qvist , Rasmussen Steen Christian , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Hertz Frederik Boëtius , Engsig-Karup Allan Peter
Published: January 2025

Finding the focus of bacterial infections can be challenging, especially for hospitalised patients. Conventional microbiological diagnostic methods are either time consuming, expensive, or difficult to interpret due to contamination. The aim of this study was to apply machine learning (ML) to reliably predict the focus of bacterial infections. This study utilised a dataset including samples from 10,153 patients, collected from November 1, 2019 to June 3, 2023 at Rigshospitalet, Denmark. The dataset contains microbiological findings, biochemical data, and vital parameters. The dataset was analysed using ML. The ML-outputs were calibrated using Venn-ABERS calibration and model uncertainty was addressed using conformal risk control. The best performing model was the XGBoost model achieving an AUC of 0.93 ± 0.051 (mean ± SD.). Combining the model with methods from the conformal prediction framework achieves predictive capabilities that surpasses similar studies, while also accounting for model uncertainty by providing statistically robust uncertainty estimates.
Test-Retest Reliability of Assessment of Work Performance for Thai Homeless People
Authors: Chatthong Winai , Thanapet Uthaikan , Ammawat Watthanaree , Rueankam Maliwan , Khemthong Supalak
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to conduct test-retest reliability of the AWP – Thai version. Internal consistency has been tested after completing an approval process of forward-backward translation and achieving good content validity. Under the shortage of mental workforce, vocational rehabilitation (VR) has been trained to enhance supported employment in homeless people with mental illness (MI). The Assessment of Work Performance (AWP) is required for Thai translation to classify the quality of job skills in one pilot setting at Nonthaburi’s destitute home.

Methods

Two weeks were set for test-retest reliability of the AWP collecting a group of participants (n = 59). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated at the 95% confidential level with an F-test of true value.

Results

Moderate to good test-retest reliability of the AWP is addressed for all participants and separation of those participants into four groups of job selection: rug hooking, cleaning food table, sweeping the leaves, and community gardening. However, a cautious interpretation of ICC provides accurate implications of the AWP in both clinical utility and the VR program evaluation.

Conclusions

The AWP is a performance-based tool that can be an observable process in participatory work routines. Motor, process, and interactive communication skills are essential components connected to a practical solution to enhance the VR to the social welfare system.
Heterozygosity at a conserved candidate sex determination locus is associated with female development in the clonal raider ant
Authors: Lacy Kip D. , Lee Jina , Rozen-Gagnon Kathryn , Wang Wei , Carroll Thomas S. , Kronauer Daniel J.C.
Published: January 2025

Sex determination is a developmental switch that triggers sex-specific developmental programs. This switch is “flipped” by the expression of genes that promote male- or female-specific development. Many lineages have evolved sex chromosomes that act as primary signals for sex determination. However, haplodiploidy (males are haploid and females are diploid), which occurs in ca. 12% of animal species, is incompatible with sex chromosomes. Haplodiploid taxa must, therefore, rely on other strategies for sex determination. One mechanism, “complementary sex determination” (CSD), uses heterozygosity as a proxy for diploidy. In CSD, heterozygosity at a sex determination locus triggers female development, while hemizygosity or homozygosity permits male development. CSD loci have been mapped in honeybees and two ant species, but we know little about their evolutionary history. Here, we investigate sex determination in the clonal raider ant,Ooceraea biroi. We identified a 46kb candidate CSD locus at which all females are heterozygous, but diploid males are homozygous for either allele. As expected for CSD loci, the candidate locus has more alleles than most other loci, resulting in a peak of nucleotide diversity. This peak negligibly affects the amino acid sequences of protein-coding genes, suggesting that heterozygosity of a non-coding genomic sequence triggers female development. This locus is distinct from the CSD locus in honeybees but homologous to a CSD locus mapped in two distantly related ant species, implying that this molecular mechanism has been conserved since a common ancestor that lived approximately 112 million years ago.
OxLDL-targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Regulatory Cells Reduce Atherosclerotic Plaque Development
Authors: Schwab Robert D. , Hong Seok-Jae Albert , Bi Xin , Degaramo David A. , Faruqi Aisha , Brookens Shawna K. , Keane John T. , Liu Fang , Musunuru Kiran , Rader Daniel J. , Posey Avery D.
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis is responsible for 18 million deaths annually, highlighting a significant need for new medical therapies, especially for patients ineligible for surgical interventions. Atherosclerosis is driven by the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the formation of foam cells, accompanied by oxidative stress and the deposition of oxidized LDL (OxLDL), a pro-inflammatory molecule. Lowering LDL is the mainstay of current medical treatment in addition to blood pressure control and lifestyle changes, but to date, specifically targeting the inflammatory pathways contributing to plaque development without significant systemic side effects has not been feasible. Over the past decade, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have treated cancer and restored immune imbalance in autoimmune diseases in patients and resolved cardiac fibrosis in preclinical models. Using an inducible T regulatory cell (Treg) platform, we created an anti-OxLDL-specific CAR Treg therapy that exerts cell- and cytokine-mediated immunosuppression to reduce macrophage-foam cell formation in vitro. Murine anti-OxLDL CAR Tregs inhibited 80% of atherosclerotic plaque formation in immunocompetent mouse models of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. These studies illustrate the potential of anti-OxLDL CAR Tregs to mitigate the inflammation and plaque deposition associated with OxLDL, potentially offering a new therapeutic option for atherosclerosis.
Microbes under climatic refugia: Self-stabilizing subcommunity rank dynamics in large-river deltaic estuaries
Authors: Liu Huaiqiang , Zhong Zhenghua , Xu Juan , Qu Liping , Liu Haijun , Zheng Fengfeng , Zhang Chuanlun , Xie Wei
Published: January 2025

Microorganisms, akin to macroorganisms, can be sheltered by climatic refugia, overlooked for optimism about microbial extinction. By categorizing microbial communities into ecologically distinct subcommunities, we conducted a two-year survey of large-river deltaic estuaries (LDEs) which are regarded as refugial hotspots, and established rank hierarchies to monitor temporal changes. We found that, consistent with macroecology, LDEs harbor distinct microbial community structures, with the abundance distribution of subcommunities exhibiting resilience against environmental perturbations, persisting on an annual cycle. In particular, while the evenness of subcommunity rank abundance curves fluctuates frequently, shifts in rank order are less dynamic but, once initiated, have a more pronounced impact on subsequent rank dynamics. Our results suggest that the microbial subcommunity rank structure in LDEs is both persistent and robust, aligning with classic patterns of species abundance distributions. This study emphasizes that, despite differences in their roles, the stable functioning of microbial rank systems is also fundamental to the refugial capacity of ecosystems and should be given equal importance.