bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An orphan gene is essential for efficient sperm entry into eggs in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Guay Sara Y , Patel Prajal H , Thomalla Jonathon M , McDermott Kerry L , O’Toole Jillian M , Arnold Sarah E , Obrycki Sarah J , Wolfner Mariana F , Findlay Geoffrey D
Published: February 2025

While spermatogenesis has been extensively characterized in the Drosophila melanogaster model system, very little is known about the genes required for fly sperm entry into eggs. We identified a lineage-specific gene, which we named katherine johnson (kj), that is required for efficient fertilization. Males that do not express kj produce and transfer sperm that are stored normally in females, but sperm from these males enter eggs with severely reduced efficiency. Using a tagged transgenic rescue construct, we observed that the KJ protein localizes around the edge of the nucleus at various stages of spermatogenesis but is undetectable in mature sperm. These data suggest that kj exerts an effect on sperm development, the loss of which results in reduced fertilization ability. Interestingly, KJ protein lacks detectable sequence similarity to any other known protein, suggesting that kj could be a lineage-specific orphan gene. While previous bioinformatic analyses indicated that kj was restricted to the melanogaster group of Drosophila, we identified putative orthologs with conserved synteny, male-biased expression, and predicted protein features across the genus, as well as likely instances of gene loss in some lineages. Thus, kj was likely present in the Drosophila common ancestor. It is unclear whether its role in fertility had already evolved at that time or developed later in the lineage leading to D. melanogaster. Our results demonstrate a new aspect of male reproduction that has been shaped by a lineage-specific gene and provide a molecular foothold for further investigating the mechanism of sperm entry into eggs in Drosophila.
Engagement of Older Adults in the Design, Implementation and Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Systems for Aging: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cho Hannah , Oh Oonjee , Greene Nancy , Gordon Larissa , Morgan Sherry , Walke Lisa , Demiris George
Published: February 2025

Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and healthcare, especially for older adults, has significantly advanced healthcare delivery. AI technologies, with capabilities such as self-learning and pattern recognition, are employed to address social isolation and monitor older adults' daily activities. However, rapid AI development often fails to consider the heterogeneous needs of older populations, which could exacerbate an existing digital divide and inequality. This scoping review examines older adults’ involvement in AI system design, implementation, and evaluation of AI systems in health and healthcare literature, emphasizing the necessity of their input for beneficial AI systems. We conducted a scoping review according to PRISMA-SCR. We reviewed 17 studies, finding that half of these studies (n = 8) engaged older adults during the design phase, a small number (n = 3) during the evaluation stage, and even fewer (n = 2) involved older adults in the implementation stage. Despite AI’s growing role, design processes often overlook older adults’ needs. Our findings emphasize the need for inclusive, participatory design approaches to address ethical and equity challenges, enhancing user engagement and relevance. We also highlight how these approaches address the needs of older adults and improve outcomes. Specifically, we integrated evidence showing the practical benefits of these approaches for better accessibility, usability, and engagement among older adults. While AI has potential to improve healthcare delivery, these approaches must be part of broader efforts to ensure ethical, inclusive, and equitable AI practices, especially in gerontology.
Promoting Housing Stability through Eviction Prevention for Older Adults in Social Housing: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shepard Christine L , Um Seong-gee , Roche Brenda , Gould Sarah , Austen Andrea , Hitzig Sander L
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Evictions are a major contributor to homelessness among low-income older renters, many of whom are living in social housing. Research indicates that social housing may protect individuals from eviction, but older adults may still be vulnerable, especially for non-payment of rent. This research used a qualitative approach to understand the factors that place older adults in social housing at risk of eviction and identify strategies to promote housing stability.

Research Design and Methods

Participants included older adult tenants in social housing in Toronto, Canada (n=58) as well as community-based health and social service providers (n=58) that operate in the buildings. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups explored (a) experiences with eviction; (b) challenges tenants face managing their tenancy; and (c) supports tenants need to maintain their housing.

Results

Most service providers had experiences supporting a tenant under threat of eviction. Tenants similarly had experiences with the eviction process, ranging from being threatened with a future eviction to receiving eviction notices and attending hearings with the landlord and tenant board. To understand experiences with evictions and opportunities to strengthen eviction prevention practices, we generated the following themes: (a) creating fear and mistrust through evictions; (b) identifying the underlying cause of an eviction; (c) ineffective tenancy management practices; and (d) proactive community supports.

Discussion and Implications

Current eviction prevention strategies were viewed as inadequate, and findings highlighted the need to transform supports to better meet the needs of low-income older tenants. This includes more proactive and "senior friendly” approaches and increased access to community support services to promote housing stability.
What Happens Behind Closed Doors? Investigating Care Practices in Nursing Home and Assisted Living Memory Care Units
Authors: Elliot Amy E , Bowblis John R , Nelson Ian , Menne Heather
Published: February 2025

In the United States, long-term care providers such as nursing homes and assisted living communities are meeting consumer demand through housing and care options designed to support the growing population of people living with dementia. One approach to providing dementia care is the development of “memory care units” within existing nursing homes and assisted livings. Memory care units provide a setting more tailored to the cognitive and functional abilities of these individuals. There is emerging evidence about the optimum strategies for memory care environments; however, little is known about the implementation, prevalence, and quality of practice- and environment-based strategies in memory care units. This article provides insight into the prevalence of memory care unit practices using data from Ohio. The analysis points to policy and practice opportunities to address the quality of life and care for people living with dementia.
The China national GeneBank sequence archive (CNSA) 2024 update
Authors: Wang Weiwen , Tan Cong , Li Ling , Li Xia , Zhang Lei , Li Xiaoqiang , Wang Jieyu , He Ziyi , Yang Tao , Ma Kailong , Hu Qingjiang , Yang Wenzhen , Li Zhiyong , Zhang Mingwen , Du Wensi , Yang Fan , Xu Zhicheng , Ma Xizheng , Tong Jiawei , Cai Jia , Hua Cong , Chen Fengzhen , You Lijin , Li Liang , Zeng Wenjun , Wang Bo , Xu Xun , Wei Xiaofeng
Published: February 2025

The China National GeneBank Sequence Archive (CNSA) is an open and freely accessible curated data repository built for archiving, sharing, and re-utilizing of multi-omics data. The remarkable advancement in sequencing technologies has triggered a paradigm shift in life science research. However, it also poses tremendous challenges for the research community in data manage and reusability. With the dramatic advance of sequencing technologies like spatial transcriptome sequencing, it brings an unprecedented explosion in sequence data and new requirements for data archiving. CNSA was established in 2017 as one of the fundamental infrastructures to offer multi-omics data archiving for the worldwide research community. Here, we present the state-of-the-art enhancements of CNSA encompassing the dramatical increase of varied types of data, the latest features and services implemented in CNSA as well as consistent efforts supporting global cooperation in biodiversity preservation and utilization. CNSA provides public archiving and open-sharing services for sequencing data and relevant metadata including genome, transcriptome, metabolism, and proteome from single-cell (also spatial resolved) level to individual and population level, as well as further analyzed results. As of 2024, CNSA has archived over 16.3 petabytes of data and provided the data curation, preservation, and open-share service for over 1,581 publications from over 560 institutions. It plays a pivotal role in supporting global scientific projects such as the 10,000 Plant Genomes Project. So far, CNSA has been recommended by various academic publishers such as Cell, Elsevier, and Oxford University Press. CNSA is accessible at https://db.cngb.org/cnsa/.
How cardiac output is controlled in a Fontan circulation: an update
Authors: Gewillig Marc , Salaets Thomas , Van de Bruaene Alexander , Van den Eynde Jef , Brown Stephen C
Published: February 2025

After creating a Fontan circuit, control of the circulation is shifted upstream from the ventricle to the newly created Fontan portal system. The goal of this review was to illustrate that the customary laws of biventricular cardiac output no longer apply and explain why standardized cardiac failure treatment regimens have little or no effect on a failing Fontan patient. A Fontan circulation is, in effect, a circulation in series regulated by the basic rules of any hydrodynamic circuit. We developed a formula that elucidates how flow through the critical bottleneck, and therefore through the whole circuit, is controlled. The critical bottleneck in a hydrodynamic model is the prime determinant of overall flow; other (less critical) bottlenecks may control local upstream congestion, but not overall flow. Once relieved, control of flow shifts to the next most significant bottleneck. The available options for improving flow in a hydrodynamic model are identical to those applicable to any dam: tackle the obstruction (the most impactful approach), push harder upstream (the easiest action) or pull/suck further downstream of the bottleneck (the least efficient strategy). In the early stages, the Fontan neo-portal circulation plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology. The ventricle has little effect and has an impact only at a late stage. The Fontan formula in the present article stands as a valuable tool, aiding physicians in comprehending the pathophysiological and hydrodynamic intricacies of the Fontan circuit within the context of everyday clinical practice.
Survival outcomes after surgery for type-a aortic dissection: a contemporary Dutch nationwide registry study
Authors: Timmermans Patrick T , Velders Bart J J , Groenwold Rolf H H , Vos Roemer J , Roefs Maaike M , Braun Jerry , Klautz Robert J M , Mecozzi Gianclaudio , Hjortnaes Jesper
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVES

To describe the nationwide survival outcomes after surgery for type-A dissection (TAAD).

METHODS

All patients who underwent surgery for TAAD in the Netherlands between 2018 and 2021 were identified in the Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR) database. The NHR data were linked to lifelong survival data from Statistics Netherlands (98% match). Time trends for in-hospital and mid-term mortality were described, and age- and sex-adjusted regression analysis was performed. The cause and location of death were reported and stratified according to survival time intervals.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 1317 patients with a mean age of 63.1 years (11.8). The number of surgeries increased from 284 in 2018 to 375 in 2021. The surgery included the ascending aorta in 99%, aortic arch in 73%, aortic root in 32.5% and the descending aorta in 5% of cases. In-hospital mortality decreased from 20.4% in 2018 to 13.9% (95% CI) in 2021. A total of 318 deaths were recorded and the majority (70%) of patients died from the consequences of their dissection. However, among 365-day survivors, only 14% died related to their dissection, while 37% of deaths were related to cardiovascular disease and 17% to cancer. The majority (84%) of patients died in the hospital but deaths after 365 days occurred most frequently (37%) at home.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the recent years, the number of surgeries for type-A dissections in the Netherlands has increased and in-hospital mortality has decreased. For patients surviving one year after surgery, the main cause of death was not dissection, but other causes such as cardiovascular disease or cancer.
The (Many) Afterlives of Transitional Justice: Practice-based Insights on Continuity, Impact and Evolving Justice Struggles
Authors: Destrooper Tine , Evrard Elke
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT∞

In the past decade, the paradigm of transitional justice has come under increasing scrutiny. Transitional justice scholarship has been characterized by self-reflective critiques, while on the ground even emblematic transitional justice cases have seen the (re)emergence of authoritarian tendencies, raising further questions about the paradigm’s legitimacy. Yet, in practice, a wide range of (grassroots) justice actors continue to invoke transitional justice as a mobilizing framework and action repertoire in an increasingly wide range of long and encompassing struggles for justice. These seemingly contradictory dynamics of crisis and expansion raise the question of how transitional justice lives on, both in a temporal and conceptual sense, years to decades after its initial deployment, and in the face of new socio-political and legal dynamics. This article builds on eight focus groups with 69 local justice actors from seven countries to present practitioner-informed insights about the many afterlives of transitional justice. Based on qualitative thematic analysis, we argue that these afterlives are shaped by plural, co-existing dynamics of continuity and ongoingness, unfolding through novel initiatives and processes across varying timelines, driven by the protagonism of victim-survivors, civil society and youth. This temporal stretching led practitioners to highlight the significance of intergenerational initiatives and impacts, to resituate the perceived legacies of early and standardized transitional justice interventions within protracted and evolving justice trajectories and to underscore the importance of the communicative functions and potential of transitional justice language and tools to bolster new and intersecting justice struggles.
Ophthalmic Manifestations of the Mpox Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rohilla Shivam , Gaidhane Shilpa , Balaraman Ashok Kumar , Padmapriya G , Kaur Irwanjot , Lal Madan , Iqbal Suhaib , Siva Prasad G V , Pramanik Atreyi , Vishwakarma Teena , Malik Praveen , Sharma Promila , Singh Mahendra Pratap , Yappalparvi Ambanna , Punia Ankit , Jagga Megha , Shabil Muhammed , Mehta Rachana , Sah Sanjit , Zahiruddin Quazi Syed , Serhan Hashem Abu , Bushi Ganesh
Published: February 2025

Background

Recent outbreaks of monkeypox (Mpox) have raised concerns about its complications, including ophthalmic manifestations such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and potential vision impairment. The lack of comprehensive data on these ocular complications hinders the development of effective clinical guidelines. This review aim to synthesize existing evidence on the prevalence and characteristics of Mpox-related ocular complications.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, covering studies up to September 8, 2024. Studies focusing on conjunctivitis, keratitis, eye lesions, visual impairment, and other ophthalmic outcomes in Mpox cases were included. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence rates, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were also conducted.

Results

A total of 25 studies were included, with 22 contributing to the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of conjunctivitis in Mpox cases was 8.9% (95% CI: 4.4%–17.1%), keratitis 3.4% (95% CI: 1.4%–7.7%), eye lesions 3.4% (95% CI: 1.4%–7.7%), and visual impairment 4.3% (95% CI: 0.8%–20.6%). Other ocular manifestations had a pooled prevalence of 12.4% (95% CI: 0.6%–76.9%). Significant heterogeneity was observed, particularly for conjunctivitis and other ocular manifestations, suggesting variability in presentation.

Conclusion

Conjunctivitis is the most common ophthalmic complication of Mpox, followed by notable rates for keratitis, eye lesions, and visual impairment. These findings emphasize the need for early recognition, routine ocular exams, and effective management of Mpox-related eye complications. Further high-quality research is necessary to better understand and address these ocular complications.
Metabolic labour division trade-offs in denitrifying microbiomes
Authors: Roothans Nina , van Loosdrecht Mark C M , Laureni Michele
Published: February 2025

Division of metabolic labour is a defining trait of natural and engineered microbiomes. Denitrification—the stepwise reduction of nitrate and nitrite to nitrogenous gases—is inherently modular, catalysed either by a single microorganism (termed complete denitrifier) or by consortia of partial denitrifiers. Despite the pivotal role of denitrification in biogeochemical cycles and environmental biotechnologies, the ecological factors selecting for complete versus partial denitrifiers remain poorly understood. In this perspective, we critically review over 1500 published metagenome-assembled genomes of denitrifiers from diverse and globally relevant ecosystems. Our findings highlight the widespread occurrence of labour division and the dominance of partial denitrifiers in complex ecosystems, contrasting with the prevalence of complete denitrifiers only in simple laboratory cultures. We challenge current labour division theories centred around catabolic pathways, and discuss their limits in explaining the observed niche partitioning. Instead, we propose that labour division benefits partial denitrifiers by minimising resource allocation to denitrification, enabling broader metabolic adaptability to oligotrophic and dynamic environments. Conversely, stable, nutrient-rich laboratory cultures seem to favour complete denitrifiers, which maximise energy generation through denitrification. To resolve the ecological significance of metabolic trade-offs in denitrifying microbiomes, we advocate for mechanistic studies that integrate mixed-culture enrichments mimicking natural environments, multi-meta-omics, and targeted physiological characterisations. These undertakings will greatly advance our understanding of global nitrogen turnover and nitrogenous greenhouse gases emissions.
Metabolism of hemicelluloses by root-associated Bacteroidota species
Authors: Martin Hannah , Rogers Lucy A , Moushtaq Laila , Brindley Amanda A , Forbes Polly , Quintion Amy R , Murphy Andrew R J , Hipperson Helen , Daniell Tim J , Ndeh Didier , Amsbury Sam , Hitchcock Andrew , Lidbury Ian D E A
Published: February 2025

Bacteroidota species are enriched in the plant microbiome and provide several beneficial functions for their host, including disease suppression. Determining the mechanisms that enable bacteroidota to colonise plant roots may therefore provide opportunities for enhancing crop production through microbiome engineering. By focusing on nutrient acquisition mechanisms, we discovered Bacteroidota species lack high affinity ATP-binding cassette transporters common in other plant bacteria for capturing simple carbon exudates. Instead, bacteroidota possess TonB-dependent transporters predicted to import glycans produced by plant polysaccharide breakdown. Metatranscriptomics (oat rhizosphere) identified several TonB-dependent transporters genes that were highly expressed in Flavobacterium (phylum Bacteroidota). Using Flavobacterium johnsoniae as the model, we experimentally validated the function of one highly expressed TonB-dependent transporters, identifying a conserved Xyloglucan Utilisation Loci conferring an ability to import xyloglucan, the major hemicellulose secreted from plant roots. Xyloglucan utilisation loci harbour an endoxyloglucanase related to family 5 subfamily 4 subclade 2D glycoside hydrolases carrying a mutation that we demonstrate is required for full activity towards xyloglucan. Based on analysing 700 soil metagenomes, subclade 2D glycoside hydrolases have radiated in soil and are prevalent among plant-associated bacteroidota and certain taxa affiliated with Gammaproteobacteria. In bacteroidota, particularly Flavobacterium species, xyloglucan utilisation loci organisation was highly conserved, which may increase their competitive ability to utilise xyloglucan. Given bacteroidota lack high-affinity nutrient transporters for simple carbon, instead possessing xyloglucan utilisation loci and similar gene clusters, our data suggests hemicellulose exudates provide them with an important carbon source in the rhizosphere.
Observational study of antibiotic prescribing patterns by age and sex in primary care in England: why we need to take this variation into account to evaluate antibiotic stewardship and predict AMR variation
Authors: Waterlow Naomi R , Ashfield Tom , Knight Gwenan M
Published: February 2025

Background

The drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) likely vary substantially by different demographics. However, few complete, open, national detailed data exist on how antibiotic use (ABU) varies by both age and sex. Here, we aimed to describe the variation in ABU and consider how these age- and sex-specific patterns influence targets and methods for AMR control.

Methods

Prescriptions of all antibiotics from general practices in England for 2015–23 disaggregated by 5 year age bands and sex were analysed at the national and Integrated Care Board (ICB) level. A descriptive analysis of the relative rates of ABU by age and sex was conducted, followed by an evaluation of comparison metrics of prescription levels between regions. ABU by age and sex were compared with global AWaRe targets, and ABU by age-group was correlated against influenza vaccination introduction, to evaluate the impact of such vaccines on ABU.

Results

From a total of 249 578 795 prescriptions (across 9 years), 63% were given to women and the most prescribed were amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin and flucloxacillin sodium. Prescriptions per 100 000 population varied substantially across sex, age, geographical region, season, year, COVID-19 pandemic period and drug. Most antibiotics were prescribed more to women across most age bands (84% of antibiotics had more prescriptions to females across 50% of age bands). We show how this variation requires a more nuanced approach to comparing ABU across geographies and highlight that AWaRe targets are not met uniformly [prescribing in men aged 11–20 does not fulfil the Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) 80% Access target]. We also show the impact on ABU of time-sensitive interruptions (38% of antibiotics showed a seasonal pattern in the absence of disruptions), including differential age-targeted influenza vaccination, COVID-19 restrictions and a shortage of amoxicillin due to a group A Streptococcus outbreak. However, we found few open data to link age- and sex-specific ABU to relevant AMR.

Conclusions

These detailed differences in ABU across England suggest that there should be large variation in AMR burden by age and sex. Linkage of this ABU data with similarly detailed open-access AMR data is now needed for better intervention design.
Using routinely available electronic health record data elements to develop and validate a digital divide risk score
Authors: Faro Jamie M , Obermiller Emily , Obermiller Corey , Trinkley Katy E , Wright Garth , Sadasivam Rajani S , Foley Kristie L , Cutrona Sarah L , Houston Thomas K
Published: February 2025

Background

Digital health (patient portals, remote monitoring devices, video visits) is a routine part of health care, though the digital divide may affect access.

Objectives

To test and validate an electronic health record (EHR) screening tool to identify patients at risk of the digital divide.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective EHR data extraction and cross-sectional survey of participants within 1 health care system. We identified 4 potential digital divide markers from the EHR: (1) mobile phone number, (2) email address, (3) active patient portal, and (4) >2 patient portal logins in the last year. We mailed surveys to patients at higher risk (missing all 4 markers), intermediate risk (missing 1-3 markers), or lower risk (missing no markers). Combining EHR and survey data, we summarized the markers into risk scores and evaluated its association with patients’ report of lack of Internet access. Then, we assessed the association of EHR markers and eHealth Literacy Scale survey outcomes.

Results

A total of 249 patients (39.4%) completed the survey (53%>65 years, 51% female, 50% minority race, 55% rural/small town residents, 46% private insurance, 45% Medicare). Individually, the 4 EHR markers had high sensitivity (range 81%-95%) and specificity (range 65%-79%) compared with survey responses. The EHR marker-based score (high risk, intermediate risk, low risk) predicted absence of Internet access (receiver operator characteristics c-statistic=0.77). Mean digital health literacy scores significantly decreased as her marker digital divide risk increased (P  <.001).

Discussion

Each of the four EHR markers (Cell phone, email address, patient portal active, and patient portal actively used) compared with self-report yielded high levels of sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy.

Conclusion

Using these markers, health care systems could target interventions and implementation strategies to support equitable patient access to digital health.
The effect of dietary camelina, flaxseed, and canola oil supplementation on skin fatty acid profile and immune and inflammatory responses in healthy adult horses
Authors: Hartwig Samantha , Burron Scarlett , Richards Taylor , Rankovic Alexandra , Ma David WL , Pearson Wendy , Ellis Jennifer , Trevizan Luciano , Seymour Dave J , Shoveller Anna K
Published: February 2025

Camelina sativa is an oilseed crop rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), an n-3 fatty acid (FA), and is resistant to harsh climates and pests. Previously, supplementation with camelina oil (CAM) in horses had no adverse effects on basic health parameters and had comparable skin and coat parameters as both flaxseed oil (FLX) and canola oil (OLA). Further, the plasma FA profile of horses was reflective of their respective treatment oil. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of dietary CAM supplementation on skin FA profile, immune, and inflammatory responses as compared to two commonly used oils in the equine industry, OLA and FLX, in healthy adult horses. Twenty-four adult horses, from two separate herds, were enrolled in this experiment. The horses underwent a gradual 4-week fat acclimation period to sunflower oil (~0.28% ALA), then were supplemented with either CAM (~34.9% ALA), OLA (~12.0% ALA), or FLX (56.0% ALA) at an inclusion rate of 0.37 g/kg body weight (BW) per day for an additional 16 weeks. Immune and inflammatory responses were assessed by measuring antibody concentrations across time after sensitization to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) at weeks 10 and 12, and a subsequent delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) challenge. Skin biopsy samples were collected at weeks 0, 8 and 16, and FA composition was determined using gas chromatography. All data were analyzed as a repeated measures ANOVA using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS. Antibody and DTH responses to KLH did not differ among groups (P = 0.262 and 0.813, respectively), and no treatment by time effects were observed (P = 0.764 and P = 0.817, respectively). Most FA in the skin changed in composition across time, with the sum of n-3 FA increasing (P < 0.001) and the sum of n-6 FA and skin n-6:n-3 ratio decreasing over time (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Only dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (P = 0.025) and the sum of n-3 FA (P = 0.031) had treatment by week effects. At week 16, the composition of eicosapentaenoic acid in skin was greater in FLX than OLA, but neither differed from CAM (P = 0.049). These results suggest that ALA supplementation may beneficially impact skin FA profile. However, due to the small differences in n-3 FA and n-6:n-3 ratio among CAM, FLX, and OLA, a comparable skin FA profile, immune, and inflammatory response was observed among treatments at a dose of 0.37 g oil/kg BW. Therefore, CAM may be a suitable alternative to FLX in equine diets for the delivery of ALA.
QGRIME: A RIME optimizer with quantum rotation gate and Gaussian mutation for feature selection
Authors: Bai Tian , Bu Kaile , Gao Chentao , Chen Huiling
Published: February 2025

As a data preprocessing technique, feature selection focuses on eliminating redundant features and reducing data dimensions, thereby reducing time requirements and improving algorithm performance. Meta-heuristic algorithms have demonstrated their effectiveness in addressing feature selection problems. As a new meta-heuristic algorithm, the rime optimizer (RIME) has been utilized to address feature selection problems. Even so, RIME still has the problem of insufficient exploration ability and insufficient reduction of the number of features. To improve its performance on feature selection, an enhanced RIME algorithm, called QGRIME, is introduced in this study. QGRIME combines the quantum rotation gate (QRG) and the Gaussian mutation operator. QRG can direct the population to converge toward the current optimal individual. This allows QGRIME to converge quickly. Gaussian mutation can enhance population diversity and help QGRIME jump out local optima. Experiments at IEEE CEC 2017 show that QGRIME can converge faster and has better fitness value on more than 2/3 of the benchmark functions. And, it also ranks first in both Wilcoxon signed rank test and Friedman ranking test. Comparative experiments have shown that QRG and Gaussian mutation can enhance RIME separately, and the performance is better when the two mechanisms are combined. Furthermore, to demonstrate its superiority on feature selection problems, feature selection experiments using KNN classifier were conducted on 12 public datasets. QGRIME selected the smallest subset of features on all these datasets and achieved the lowest classification error rate on most of them. The experimental results demonstrate that QGRIME can effectively reduce the selected features while ensuring classification precision in comparison with other algorithms.
Efficacy of teriparatide and factors for the collapse of femoral head following femoral curved varus osteotomy
Authors: Yokota Shunichi , Shimizu Tomohiro , Ishizu Hotaka , Sugawara Yutaro , Ohashi Yusuke , Asano Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: February 2025

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) often leads to femoral head collapse, which makes joint preservation challenging. Although curved varus osteotomy (CVO) is an effective surgical method for joint preservation in young ONFH patients, there are some cases where it cannot prevent femoral head collapse. This research aims to evaluate the usefulness of teriparatide (TPD) in bone healing and preventing femoral head collapse in CVO-treated ONFH patients. This retrospective study included 48 patients (56 hips) diagnosed with ONFH, categorized into three groups: glucocorticoid-associated ONFH with TPD treatment (GCs + TPD), glucocorticoid-associated ONFH (GCs), and alcohol- associated ONFH (Alc). No significant differences were found in terms of surgical details, stage, conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), and clinical scores. The GCs + TPD group showed a shorter bone union duration, reduced femoral head collapse, and a lower incidence of advanced collapse than the other groups. Lower BMI and TPD use were associated with a shorter duration of bone union. TPD and union duration were identified as factors contributing to the advanced collapse. In conclusion, TPD administration accelerates bone union at the osteotomy site and mitigates femoral head collapse after joint-preserving osteotomy. In addition, combining TPD with CVO may be a promising strategy for younger patients.
Derivation method of the dielectric function of amorphous materials using angle-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy for exciton size evaluation
Authors: Saito Tomoya , Sato Yohei K , Terauchi Masami
Published: February 2025

Accurately deriving the momentum transfer dependence of the dielectric function ε(q, ω) using angle-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (AR-EELS) is necessary for evaluating the average electron–hole distance, i.e. the exciton size, in materials. Achieving accurate exciton size evaluations will promote the comprehension of optical functionality in materials such as photocatalysts. However, for amorphous materials, it is difficult to accurately derive ε(q, ω) because the elastic scattering intensity originating from the amorphous structure and the inelastic scattering intensity associated with elastic scattering overlap in the EELS spectrum. In this study, a method to remove these overlapping intensities from the EELS spectrum is proposed to accurately derive ε(q, ω) of an amorphous material. Amorphous SiO2 (am-SiO2) was subjected to AR-EELS measurements, and ε(q, ω) of am-SiO2 was derived after removing the intensity due to the amorphous structure using the proposed method. Thereafter, the exciton absorption intensity and the exciton size were evaluated. Applying the proposed method, the exciton absorption intensity was considerably suppressed in the q-region after 1.0 Å−1, where the elastic and inelastic scattering intensities originating from the amorphous structure are dominant. The exciton size evaluated was 2 nm ($ \pm $ 1 nm), consistent with the theoretically predicted size of ∼1 nm. Therefore, the proposed method is effective for deriving accurate ε(q, ω), facilitating exciton size evaluation for amorphous materials using AR-EELS.
Prostate cancer screening in the Middle East and North Africa: a cross-sectional study on current practices
Authors: Aynaci Ozlem , Tuac Yetkin , Mula-Hussain Layth , Hammoudeh Lubna , Obeidat Salameh , Abu Abeelh Enas , Ibrahim Ahmed H , Mohammadipour Sepideh , Alali Bader , Jdaini Ahmed , Barki Ali , Mejri Nesrine , Alhaddad Zeinab , Pervez Nadeem , Al Hussain Hussain , Kadri Mohamad , Elfagieh Mohamed A , Bounedjar Adda , Junaid Moamin , Badheeb Ahmed M , Abu Ghida Ibrahim , Moningi Shalini , Leeman Jonathan E , Orio Peter F , Nguyen Paul L , D’Amico Anthony V , Sayan Mutlay
Published: February 2025

Background

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with many cases diagnosed at advanced stages, a high mortality-to-incidence ratio, and low prostate cancer awareness. This study aims to evaluate prostate cancer screening practices in the region to inform effective early detection and management strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 1, 2023, to November 8, 2024, among physicians from 19 countries in the MENA region. The study utilized a validated questionnaire to assess prostate cancer screening practices, barriers, and educational needs.

Results

The survey had a response rate of 96.8%, with 1,163 participants. Of these, 34.7% routinely performed prostate cancer screenings, with 61.1% using PSA tests. The primary barrier was lack of patient awareness (51.2%). Additionally, 65.3% of participants had no formal training. To improve screening rates, participants suggested better patient education (63.5%), increased training for healthcare providers (41.9%), and improved access to screening equipment (38.9%).

Conclusion

This study reveals that prostate cancer screening was low, with barriers including a lack of patient awareness and formal training among physicians. Addressing these issues through culturally tailored education programs may improve early detection rates and ultimately reduce the burden of prostate cancer in the MENA region.
Functional outcomes after primary vs delayed robot-assisted radical prostatectomy following active surveillance
Authors: Corsini Christian , Scilipoti Pietro , Orrason Andri Wilberg , Gedeborg Rolf , Westerberg Marcus , Stattin Pär
Published: February 2025

Background

It is unknown if a period of active surveillance before prostatectomy for prostate cancer (PCa) worsens functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare functional outcomes after primary vs delayed robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Methods

We included men registered in the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden with low and favorable intermediate-risk PCa who underwent robot-assisted prostatectomy in 2018-2020 and had filled a questionnaire on patient-reported outcome measures. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to compare the functional outcomes of primary and delayed prostatectomy.

Results

2571 men underwent primary, and 921 men underwent delayed prostatectomy. Delayed prostatectomy was not associated with reduced overall quality of life [adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-1.55] or erectile dysfunction (adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.69-1.22). Urinary incontinence was slightly more common after delayed prostatectomy (15% vs 11%; adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.91-2.01). There were weak associations between time to prostatectomy and urinary symptoms and bother, with a 3% annual increase in the risk for urinary incontinence (adjusted OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.94 − 1.13).

Conclusion

These results suggest that a period on active surveillance before robot-assisted radical prostatectomy has little detrimental effect on functional outcomes. Since only around half of men on active surveillance will transit to prostatectomy, these outcomes represent a worst-case scenario for men who start active surveillance. These results support the use of active surveillance for men with low-risk and favourable intermediate-risk PCa.
Cholecystitis as a result of cecal herniation through the foramen of Winslow
Authors: Schimmel McKenna L , Mirande Maxwell D , Khan Fazal W , Heller Stephanie F , Stephens Daniel
Published: February 2025

Internal herniation through the foramen of Winslow is one of the rarest types of hernia. As signs and symptoms can be quite generalized, prompt identification can prove difficult, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The majority of reported cases of foramen of Winslow herniation result in obstruction of either the small or large bowel requiring operative intervention. As they are so rare, there is no established treatment algorithm for foramen of Winslow hernias. We present here a unique case of cecal herniation through the foramen of Winslow resulting in biliary compression and acute cholecystitis without bowel obstruction that was managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and right hemicolectomy.
Sexuality in people assigned female at birth with spinal cord injury: the challenges encountered
Authors: Goel Meenakshi , Mazzia Claire , Kosa Sarah Daisy , Harris Anne , Berndl Anne
Published: February 2025

Background

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can impact sexual function negatively, and although most people continue to be sexually active post-injury, they often report decreased satisfaction in various aspects of sexual life.

Aim

To gain insight into the sexual experience and functioning of people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with a SCI.

Methods

This study is part of an international observational questionnaire examining the reproductive health outcomes of individuals AFAB with SCI. The questionnaire was distributed to SCI organizations and support groups in 33 countries in four languages between 2019 and 2021. A total of 557 individuals AFAB with SCI, between the ages of 18 and 50, who completed the sexual health questions were included in this analysis.

Outcome

Scores of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) in relation to the severity of the SCI based on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale, level, and duration of SCI.

Results

Nearly 65% (170/263) of the study population within 10 years of injury had sexual dysfunction (SD) (FSFI-6 score less than or equal to 19), and participants with ASIA A had the most dysfunction (Mean score 15.95 + 7.52). Interestingly, although half of the study population scores as experiencing SD, only one-third describe SD as a concern associated with SCI. Though most of the changes were of a physical nature (inability to orgasm, pain during penetration, spasticity, barriers related to bowel/bladder problems and episodes of autonomic dysreflexia), psychosocial factors like the presence of concomitant anxiety/depression and sexual violence from a partner affected their sexual lives adversely. We attempt to elucidate the strategies adopted to improve sexual satisfaction that can help professionals involved in the SCI rehabilitative process.

Clinical Implications

Our results provide insight into the degree of SD, factors impacting sexual satisfaction and areas which need to be emphasized during the rehabilitation process of people AFAB with SCI.

Strength and Limitations

This study is one of the largest of its kind, attempting to understand sexual functioning and factors impacting the sexual life of people AFAB post-SCI using a standardized tool, the FSFI score. As a voluntary survey, those who responded may not be fully representative of the population.

Conclusion

Sexual health is an essential component of rehabilitation for individuals AFAB with SCI. Enhancing their sexual satisfaction requires a comprehensive approach that considers their physical, psychological and interpersonal circumstances.
Distinct domain regions of NIN and NLP1 mediate symbiotic and nitrate signalling in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Wang Jiang , Fu Mengdi , Luo Zhenpeng , Liu Jing , Xie Fang
Published: February 2025

Nodule Inception (NIN) and NIN-like protein 1 (NLP1), both belonging to the RWP-RK type transcription factors, play critical roles in plant development. Specifically, NIN is pivotal in facilitating root nodule symbiosis in nitrogen-starved conditions, while NLP1 coordinates nodulation in response to nitrate level. In this study, we conducted domain swapping experiments between NIN and NLP1 in Medicago truncatula to elucidate the functional significance of their respective domains. The findings reveal that the C-terminal regions, including the RWP-RK and PB1 domains of NIN, can substitute for those of NLP1, whereas reciprocal substitution does not yield equivalent outcomes. Moreover, our results emphasize the critical role of PB1-mediated interactions in the activity of NLP1, a feature not essential for NIN. Additionally, the N-terminal segment, conserved in NLPs but containing deletions or mutations in NIN, is essential for the proper functioning of both NIN and NLP1. Collectively, our research indicates evolutionary divergence of NIN from ancestral NLPs, suggesting specific adaptations that have enabled NIN as a central regulator in root nodulation processes.
Mitigation of Losses
Authors: Zeller Bruno
Published: February 2025

This chapter discusses the duty of a party relying on the breach of contract to mitigate the losses. Mitigation is a principle that is an obligation in the common law but not clearly defined in civil law. In arbitration practices, mitigation has become a general principle of international trade. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) has incorporated the doctrine of mitigation specifically into Article 77, but the rule is also reflected in Articles 85 and 86, which are concerned with the preservation of the goods after a breach. The idea behind Article 77 is that the plaintiff cannot recover damages that he could have avoided but at the same time is obliged to return the goods in the similar or same state he received them.
Multiband flux and spectral variability study of the flaring activity in BL Lacertae during its 2020 outburst
Authors: Agarwal Aditi , Agrawal V , Zola S , Jana Swarnendu , Bisht M S , Raj A , Kouprianov V , Reichart Daniel E , Caton D B , Dawidson James W
Published: February 2025

In this work, we present the results of recent quasi-simultaneous multiband optical observations (in BVRI) of the blazar BL Lacertae over diverse time-scales. For this study, the source was observed from 2020 September–October using six different telescopes around the world, collecting $\sim$5800 photometric image frames in BVRI. The source displays many episodes of significant intraday variability, and the amplitude increases with the brightness of the target. Moreover, the object also showed significant variability on a short-term basis, with flux variability amplitudes of 85.6 per cent, 78.9 per cent, 93.4 per cent, and 67.6 per cent in B, V, R, and I passbands, respectively. The colour–magnitude analysis of the source displays dominantly bluer-when-brighter behaviour on both intraday and short time-scales, which can be attributed to the energetic processes in the jet. Correlation analysis points towards a strong correlation between optical bands with no firmly detectable time lags. Moreover, we also performed a periodicity search using the Lomb–Scargle and weighted wavelet Z-transform methods and found plausible indications of the presence of quasi-periodicity in the blazar. We also generated spectral energy distributions for nights with quasi-simultaneous observations in all four bands and found the spectral index to range from 2.9–3.2, which can be ascribed to a strong jet contribution. We discuss the results within the framework of prospective source intrinsic and extrinsic scenarios.
Into the Mystic: the MUSE view of the ionized gas in the Mystic Mountains in Carina
Authors: Reiter Megan , McLeod Anna F , Itrich Dominika , Klaassen Pamela D
Published: February 2025

We present optical integral field unit observations of the Mystic Mountains, a dust pillar complex in the centre of the Carina Nebula that is heavily irradiated by the nearby young massive cluster Trumpler 14. With the continuous spatial and spectral coverage of data from the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE), we measure the physical properties in the ionized gas including the electron density and temperature, excitation, and ionization. MUSE also provides an excellent view of the famous jets HH 901, 902, and 1066, revealing them to be high-density, low-ionization outflows despite the harsh environment. HH 901 shows spatially extended [C i] emission tracing the rapid dissociation of the photoevaporating molecular outflow in this highly irradiated source. We compute the photoevaporation rate of the Mystic Mountains and combine it with recent Atacama Large Millimeter Array observations of the cold molecular gas to estimate the remaining lifetime of the Mystic Mountains and the corresponding shielding time for the embedded protostars. The longest remaining lifetimes are for the smallest structures, suggesting that they have been compressed by ionizing feedback. Our data do not suggest that star formation in the Mystic Mountains has been triggered but it does point to the role that ionization-driven compression may play in enhancing the shielding of embedded stars and discs. Planet formation models suggest that the shielding time is a strong determinant of the mass and orbital architecture of planets, making it important to quantify in high-mass regions like Carina that represent the type of environment where most stars form.