bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambient artificial intelligence scribes: utilization and impact on documentation time
Authors: Ma Stephen P , Liang April S , Shah Shreya J , Smith Margaret , Jeong Yejin , Devon-Sand Anna , Crowell Trevor , Delahaie Clarissa , Hsia Caroline , Lin Steven , Shanafelt Tait , Pfeffer Michael A , Sharp Christopher , Garcia Patricia
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To quantify utilization and impact on documentation time of a large language model-powered ambient artificial intelligence (AI) scribe.

Materials and Methods

This prospective quality improvement study was conducted at a large academic medical center with 45 physicians from 8 ambulatory disciplines over 3 months. Utilization and documentation times were derived from electronic health record (EHR) use measures.

Results

The ambient AI scribe was utilized in 9629 of 17 428 encounters (55.25%) with significant interuser heterogeneity. Compared to baseline, median time per note reduced significantly by 0.57 minutes. Median daily documentation, afterhours, and total EHR time also decreased significantly by 6.89, 5.17, and 19.95 minutes/day, respectively.

Discussion

An early pilot of an ambient AI scribe demonstrated robust utilization and reduced time spent on documentation and in the EHR. There was notable individual-level heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Large language model-powered ambient AI scribes may reduce documentation burden. Further studies are needed to identify which users benefit most from current technology and how future iterations can support a broader audience.
Heritability estimates and genetic and phenotypic correlations of skin thickness and skin temperature with key production traits in FocusPrime, Texel, Romney and Highlander sheep
Authors: Graña-Baumgartner Andrea , Dukkipati Venkata S R , Biggs Patrick J , Kenyon Paul R , Blair Hugh T , Pickering Natalie K , Van der Linden Danitsja S , López-Villalobos Nicolás
Published: December 2024

Skin thickness was found to be moderately heritable and genetically associated with lamb survival in a previous study on Romney sheep. The aims of this study were to estimate the heritabilities of skin thickness and skin temperature at around five and 11 months of age, and determine genetic and phenotypic correlations between them and with production traits such as fat depth, loin-eye muscle depth and width, live weights at weaning, scanning, and 12 months, and 12-month fleece weight, in FocusPrime (n=2,088), Texel (n=732), Romney (n=825) and Highlander (n=1,801) sheep breeds. Heritability estimates of skin thickness at 5-month old were moderate in FocusPrime (0.39 ± 0.12) and low in Texel and Highlander (0.11 ± 0.15 and 0.13 ± 0.09, respectively). Heritability estimates of skin thickness at 11-month old were moderate in all breeds (ranged from 0.19 ± 0.07 to 0.29 ± 0.15). Heritability estimates of skin temperature were high in FocusPrime (0.39 ± 0.11), low in Texel (0.17 ± 0.11) and Highlander (0.12 ± 0.06) and almost zero in Romney (0.04 ± 0.03). A tendency in all breeds for negative and favourable correlations was found between skin thickness and skin temperature at 11-month old sheep. Skin thickness at 11-months tended to have a positive genetic correlation with fat depth in all breeds except in Texel where the correlation tended to be negative (-0.10 ± 0.34). Genetic correlations of skin thickness at 11-month old with the weight traits were variate. There tended to be a positive correlation with weaning weight in Texel (0.14 ± 0.34) and Highlander (0.29 ± 0.22). However, there tended to be negative correlations with live weight at scanning and at 12-month of age in FocusPrime (-0.03 ± 0.18 and -0.13 ± 0.22 , respectively) and tended to be positive in Romney (0.09 ± 0.25 and 0.10 ± 0.24, respectively) and Highlander (0.26 ± 0.22 and 0.39 ± 0.21, respectively). Moreover, genetic correlations of skin thickness at 11-month of age with FW12 tended to be positive in both Romney (0.20 ± 0.22) and Highlander (0.55 ± 0.19). Further studies on the genetic correlations of skin thickness and skin temperature with lamb survival in these breeds are warranted.
Effects of increasing supplemental zinc to non-implanted and implanted finishing steers
Authors: Messersmith Elizabeth M , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: December 2024

The effects of supplemental Zn within steroidal implant strategy on performance, carcass characteristics, trace mineral status, and muscle gene expression were tested in a 59-d study using 128 Angus-crossbred steers (492 ± 29 kg) in a 2 × 4 complete randomized design. Implant strategies included no implant (NoIMP) or Component TE-200 (TE200; Elanco, Greenfield, IN) administered on day 0. Zinc was supplemented at 0, 30, 100, or 150 mg Zn/kg dry matter (Zn0, Zn30, Zn100, Zn150, respectively) from ZnSO4. Steers were stratified by body weight (BW) to pens (n = 5 or 6 steers/pen) equipped with GrowSafe bunks (GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Airdrie, AB, Canada) and assigned treatments (n = 15, 16, or 17 steers/treatment). Cattle were weighed on days −1, 0, 18, and 59 with blood collected on days −1, 18, 40, and 59. Muscle samples were collected from the longissimus thoracis on day 11 and liver samples were collected on day 55 or 56. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Procedure of SAS via contrast statements testing the linear and quadratic response to Zn supplementation within implant treatment and NoIMP vs. TE200 for performance, carcass, blood, and liver parameters. Specific contrast statements were formed for the analysis of gene expression in muscle including: Zn0 vs. Zn150 within NoIMP and TE200, NoIMP vs. TE200 (Zn0 and Zn150 only), and the linear effect of supplementing Zn0, Zn100, and Zn150 within TE200. Steer was the experimental unit. Day 18 BW and days 0 to 18 average daily gain (ADG) were linearly increased due to Zn supplementation within TE200 (P ≤ 0.002) in conjunction with a linear increase from Zn in day 11 muscle epidermal growth factor receptor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and phosphodiesterase 4B gene expression of TE200 steers (P ≤ 0.05). Plasma Zn on days 18 and 40 linearly increased with increasing Zn supplementation regardless of implant treatment (P ≤ 0.03) and was lesser for TE200 than NoIMP steers on day 18 (P = 0.001). Day 59 BW and hot carcass weight (HCW) were greater for TE200 vs. NoIMP (P ≤ 0.002) and HCW of implanted steers tended to linearly increase with increasing Zn supplementation (P = 0.09). No effects of Zn supplementation were observed in NoIMP for HCW, BW, or ADG (P ≥ 0.17). Yield grade and 12th rib fat tended to quadratically decrease within NoIMP (P ≤ 0.09), with Zn100 being the most lean. These data indicate increasing supplemental Zn influences steroidal implant signaling machinery while increasing the Zn status and implant-induced growth of feedlot cattle.
Bone imaging modality precision and agreement between DXA, pQCT, and HR-pQCT
Authors: Mesinovic Jakub , Breasail Mícheál Ó , Burt Lauren A , Shore-Lorenti Cat , Zebaze Roger , Lim Camelia Q E , Ling Zihui , Ebeling Peter R , Scott David , Zengin Ayse
Published: December 2024

Quantifying precision error for DXA, peripheral QCT (pQCT), and HR-pQCT is crucial for monitoring longitudinal changes in body composition and musculoskeletal outcomes. Agreement and associations between bone variables assessed using pQCT and second-generation HR-pQCT are unclear. This study aimed to determine the precision of, and agreement and associations between, bone variables assessed via DXA, pQCT, and second-generation HR-pQCT. Thirty older adults (mean age: 64.2 ± 8.0 yr; women: 67%) were recruited. DXA scans were performed at the total hip, lumbar spine, and whole body. Distal (4%) and proximal (30%/33%/66%) skeletal sites at the radius and tibia were scanned with pQCT and/or HR-pQCT. Root-mean-squared coefficients of variation (%CVRMS) were calculated to define precision errors, and Bland–Altman plots assessed agreement between densitometric estimates. Pearson correlations and linear regression explored relationships between bone variables at different skeletal sites and proportional bias, respectively. Precision errors ranged between 0.55% and 1.6% for DXA, 0.40% and 4.8% for pQCT, and 0.13% and 30.7% for HR-pQCT. Systematic bias was identified between pQCT- and HR-pQCT-determined radius and tibia volumetric BMD (vBMD) estimates (all p<.001). Proportional bias was not observed between vBMD measures at any skeletal site (all p>.05). pQCT- and HR-pQCT-determined total, trabecular, and cortical vBMD and estimates of bone strength at the radius and tibia were strongly correlated (all p<.05). Precision error was low for most bone variables and within the expected range for all imaging modalities. We observed significant systematic bias, but no proportional bias, between pQCT- and second-generation HR-pQCT-determined vBMD estimates at the radius and tibia. Nevertheless, measures of bone density and strength were strongly correlated at all skeletal sites. These findings suggest that although bone density and strength estimates from both imaging modalities are not interchangeable, they are strongly related and likely have similar fracture prediction capabilities.
Successful treatment of adult cherubism with a 60 mg denosumab 6-monthly regimen
Authors: Le Minh V , Sim Felix , Varatharajah Kapilan , Goh Asher , Yates Christopher J
Published: December 2024

Cherubism is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia, affecting the maxilla and/or mandible. The condition typically has childhood onset, followed by progression until puberty, with subsequent regression. Cherubism lesions share histological features with giant cell tumor of bone, where high-dose monthly denosumab is an effective medical treatment. Therefore, high-dose denosumab has also been trialed in children with cherubism with positive outcomes. However, the role of denosumab in adult cherubism, particularly a lower dose and frequency, has not been established. We present the case of a 60-year-old man with cherubism, reviewed for a new 39 × 21 mm left mandibular lesion. The patient had multiple surgeries up to the age of 30 for tumors in the right maxilla and mandible. Given the impact of further surgery on his appearance and quality of life, the patient was referred to Endocrinology for consideration of medical therapy. His bone turnover markers were slightly elevated with normal calcium, phosphate, 25-OH vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels. A bone density scan showed lumbar spine osteopenia. He was commenced on 60 mg denosumab 6-monthly with excellent clinical and radiological responses over the next 30 months. The most recent CT mandible showed a sustained reduction in the lesion size, measuring 36 × 18 mm, with osteoid formation and improvement in cortical thinning. Surgery is no longer indicated. No adverse effects from denosumab were reported in the patient. This is the first study to report the efficacy and safety of a low-dose denosumab regimen in the management of cherubism. This treatment approach was able to prevent major surgery and minimize denosumab-related adverse effects. While the optimal treatment duration remains unclear, the patient will continue with 60 mg denosumab 6-monthly in the short-term given the favorable response. In summary, a low-dose denosumab regimen should be considered for patients with cherubism, particularly those with contraindications or preferences to avoid surgery.
New species of deep-sea Galatheoidea (Anomura: Galatheidae, Munididae, Munidopsidae) from Central Pacific seamounts, with remarks on their phylogenetic placement, habitat associations, and significance for the biogeography of squat lobsters
Authors: Rodríguez-Flores Paula C
Published: December 2024

Seamounts in the Central Pacific Ocean remain largely unexplored. Squat lobsters, a major deep-sea invertebrate group, are poorly known in this area, whereas recent sampling efforts in the Western Pacific have resulted in a populated database of Galatheoidea Samouelle, 1819. Material recently collected by the E/V Nautilus during several expeditions to Central Pacific seamounts is reviewed herein, revealing the presence of 16 species. Ten species constitute geographic range expansions, and five are new taxa: Trapezionida herculessp. nov., T. tapinasp. nov., Typhlonida annieaesp. nov., Munidopsis giribetisp. nov., and M. nemosp. nov. Using 3D imaging via micro-CT scanning and molecular phylogenetic analysis of COI and 16S mitochondrial genes, these species are described and illustrated, and their phylogenetic positions are revealed. Several of the new species represent highly divergent lineages not closely related to known species, indicating a need to continue exploring the deep ocean in the Central Pacific. The study herein also describes the habitats and biological associations of these species, ranging from corals to chemosynthetic environments. The new data fill an important geographic gap in the distribution of squat lobster species and contribute to understanding the speciation processes and connectivity among seamounts in the Pacific Ocean.
Individual variation and selection for phenotypic plasticity of laying date and clutch size across different environmental conditions in Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
Authors: Tremblay Audrey , Pelletier Fanie , Macdonald Andrew , Garant Dany
Published: December 2024

Several studies have emphasized that phenotypic plasticity should be a key mechanism to cope with current rapid environmental changes by allowing individuals to quickly express new adaptive phenotypes. Yet, few studies have investigated the evolutionary potential of plasticity for multiple traits simultaneously and using several different environmental variables. Here, we assess the extent of variation in, and the selection acting on phenotypic plasticity of key ecological traits, laying date, and clutch size, using five environmental variables, in a Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) population monitored since 2004. While we found some variation among females in their mean laying date and plasticity, we found evidence of selection acting only on mean laying date. We found no variation among females in mean clutch size or plasticity, such that we could not assess selection acting on either. Our results suggest that the evolutionary potential of plasticity in the population under study is limited, especially for clutch size. More studies investigating plasticity in wild populations and incorporating multiple traits and environmental variables are needed to understand the future responses of animal populations to environmental changes.
Can the compressed sensing theory be utilized in active source surface wave exploration? A primary result
Authors: Cao Jingjie , Liu Jiang , Yin Hanjun , Cai Zhicheng , Yang Qiyan , Yang Helong , Zhu Yuefei
Published: December 2024

Active source surface wave exploration is a crucial technique for delineating shallow underground structures, widely utilized in geological engineering, urban geology, environmental geology, geological hazard assessment, and related fields. Seismic data acquisition plays a pivotal role in active source surface wave exploration techniques, which accounts for most costs. Consequently, research into low-cost acquisition methods holds great significance for active source surface wave exploration. Compressed sensing theory, a novel sampling paradigm, has been proven to facilitate cost-saving measures in certain geophysical prospecting techniques. However, its potential has not yet been investigated within the realm of surface wave exploration. This study explores the feasibility of applying compressed sensing theory in shallow seismic surface wave exploration. An edge-preservation piecewise random sampling method is employed as the compressed sensing sampling strategy, and data reconstruction is accomplished through a damped rank-reduction technique. The fully sampled and reconstructed data undergo identical surface wave data processing procedures, including dispersion spectrum calculation, and dispersion curve inversion. Simulated and field surface wave data experiments demonstrate that the reconstructed data obtained via compressed sensing theory can achieve comparable results to conventionally sampled data. Based on this theory, it is possible to significantly reduce the requisite number of equipment and field workload, making it a promising way for shallow subsurface structure detection.
Of Caribbean ‘white elephants’
Authors: Ostapkowicz Joanna
Published: December 2024

Britain amassed extensive collections from its Caribbean colonies from the seventeenth century onwards, including significant holdings of pre-Columbian archaeological materials. But it is not until the nineteenth century that there is more substantive documentation for some of the most prized artefacts now held in British museum collections, including wooden duhos (ceremonial chairs). These were circulated between collectors before their deposit in museums; their movements, in some instances, echoing the equally political and strategic gifting of these objects among the originating Indigenous communities. Their discovery – whether on-island or in antique shops – and the discussions they elicited among those who acquired or were given them, expose contemporary ideas about their nature and value. This paper focuses on one rare category of pre-Columbian Caribbean artefact – the duho – as represented by examples acquired by six collectors during the height of British imperialism. It traces these objects’ movements from discovery or collection to museum acquisition through the hands of not only Caribbean locals, colonial officials and military men, but also some of the key figures in British ethnographic collecting, including Augustus Wollaston Franks and William Oldman.
The third order Nickel Fibonacci numbers
Authors: Yamaç Akbiyik Seda
Published: December 2024

Using the technique of characteristic equations and De Moivre-type identity, this article defines the third order Nickel Fibonacci sequence, the third order Nickel Lucas and a modified third order Nickel Fibonacci sequence. We obtain some well-known identities for the sequences such as the Binet’s identity, Cassini identity, generating functions, and matrix representations. Also, we present D’Ocagne’s identity and Melham’s identity. We develop and illustrate a new encryption/decryption algorithms in which the keys are the Nickel Fibonacci matrices. Moreover, we give MATLAB-R2017a codes for encryption and decryption algorithms.
Ganaspis kimorum (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a promising parasitoid for biological control of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Stahl Judith M , Wang Xingeng , Abram Paul K , Biondi Antonio , Buffington Matthew L , Hoelmer Kim A , Kenis Marc , Lisi Fabrizio , Rossi-Stacconi Marco Valerio , Seehausen M Lukas , Vossen Ariane , Wong Warren H L , Daane Kent M
Published: December 2024

Ganaspis Foerster includes several cryptic species that are important larval parasitoids of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), spotted-wing drosophila (SWD). Drosophila suzukii, native to Asia, was first discovered in 2008 in North America and Europe, becoming a devastating pest of soft-skinned fruit crops. Biological control could be among the safest, most environmentally benign, and cost-effective methods for long-term and landscape-level management of this invasive pest. Foreign exploration in East Asia discovered several major larval D. suzukii parasitoids. One of them was initially described as Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering) and consisted of 2 major genetic groups (G1 and G3). The groups are now recognized as 2 different species, Ganaspis kimorum Buffington and Ganaspis lupini Buffington. The more host-specific species G. kimorum was selected and approved for field release in the United States in 2021 and has been widely released since 2022. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the parasitoid’s taxonomy, current known distribution, biology, ecology, mass-rearing methods, and biological control potential.
Outcome of osimertinib-treated patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive nonsmall cell lung cancer requiring dose reduction: a secondary analysis of the Reiwa study
Authors: Awano Nobuyasu , Yoh Kiyotaka , Usui Kazuhiro , Hosomi Yukio , Kishi Kazuma , Naka Go , Watanabe Kageaki , Tamano Shu , Uemura Kohei , Kunitoh Hideo
Published: December 2024

Background

Osimertinib is effective in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, some patients require osimertinib dose reduction because of adverse events. This study assessed the characteristics of osimertinib dose reduction and compared the efficacies of reduced-dose and regular-dose osimertinib.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective, observational study enrolled patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC who started first-line osimertinib treatment between September 2018 and August 2020. We categorized the patients into two groups: those who required dose reduction during osimertinib treatment (reduction group) and those who continued osimertinib treatment at a dose of 80 mg/day without dose reduction (nonreduction group). The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and pattern of progression, whereas the secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and reasons for osimertinib dose reduction.

Results

Of the included 575 patients, 175 (30.4%) and 400 (69.6%) were classified into the reduction and nonreduction groups, respectively. PFS was significantly better in the reduction group than in the nonreduction group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54–0.84; P <0.001]. Meanwhile, the pattern of progression and OS (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.62–1.08; P = 0.15 ) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Osimertinib was reduced due to physician's decision or adverse events and the main reasons were rash and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Conclusions

Many patients require osimertinib dose reduction due to adverse events, but this process does not adversely affect the drug efficacy.
Identifying and Exploiting Alpha in Linear Asset Pricing Models with Strong, Semi-Strong, and Latent Factors
Authors: Pesaran M Hashem , Smith Ron P
Published: December 2024

The risk premia of traded factors are the sum of factor means and a parameter vector, we denote by ϕ, which is identified from the cross-sectional regression of αi on the vector of factor loadings, βi. If ϕ is non-zero, then αi are non-zero and one can construct “phi-portfolios” which exploit the systematic components of non-zero alpha. We show that for known values of βi and when ϕ is non-zero, there exist phi-portfolios that dominate mean–variance (MV) portfolios. This article then proposes a two-step bias corrected estimator of ϕ and derives its asymptotic distribution allowing for idiosyncratic pricing errors, weak missing factors, and weak error cross-sectional dependence. Small sample results from extensive Monte Carlo experiments show that the proposed estimator has the correct size with good power properties. This article also provides an empirical application to a large number of U.S. securities with risk factors selected from a large number of potential risk factors according to their strength and constructs phi-portfolios and compares their Sharpe ratios to MV and S&P portfolios.
Water sources selected for immature development of some African rainforest dwelling mosquitoes under different landscapes in Cameroon
Authors: Mayi Marie Paul Audrey , Kowo Cyril , Forfuet Foncha David , Anong Damian Nota , Fonda Andongma Esack , Elad Mirabel , Djomo Charlène Jordane Piam , Tchuinkam Timoleon , Sehgal Ravinder N M , Cornel Anthony John
Published: December 2024

Little is known about the behaviors of African equatorial rain forest mosquito species and their potential role as sylvatic and bridge-vectors of various pathogens of animal and public health. In 2016 and 2017, the diversity and sources of water supporting immature development of mosquitoes in Talangaye Rainforest (South West Cameroon) before, during and after deforestation were investigated. Mosquito eggs, larvae and pupae were collected from 12 natural, seminatural, and artificial water sources and reared to adults. A total of 595 adult mosquitoes belonging to seven genera and at least 43 species were identified. Culex was the most abundant (56.3%) and was encountered in the majority in bamboo pots. Aedes and Uranotaenia species were mostly found in rock pools, while Anopheles and Hodgesia species solely prefer stream pools. In terms of mosquito abundance, rock pools were the most productive (29.91%) followed by bamboo pots (24.7%). Natural sites such as rock pools, tree holes, and stream pools recorded a greater number of species (S = 21, 14 and 12 respectively). During the rainy season, rock pools (46.23%) and bamboo pots (18.7%) were the most productive water bodies, while in the dry season, bamboo pots (35.71%) and stream pools (35.71%) harbored the most mosquitoes. The disturbed and pristine-like habitats had the greatest number of mosquitoes and breeding sites compared to palm plantation. This study provides some useful data on water sources used for immature development of forest mosquito species in Southwest Cameroon and how some species might adapt to changing landscapes, especially due to deforestation.
TP53 missense allele predisposing to high risk of breast cancer but not pediatric cancers
Authors: Lolas-Hamameh Suhair , Lieberman Sari , Sarahneh Alaa , Walsh Tom , Lee Ming K , Gulsuner Suleyman , Rabie Grace , Beeri Rachel , Aburayyan Amal , Mandell Jessica B , Fridman Hila , Lazer-Derbeko Galit , Klopstock Tehila , Freireich Orit , Lahad Amnon , King Mary-Claire , Levy-Lahad Ephrat , Kanaan Moien N
Published: December 2024

Pathogenic TP53 germline variants cause young-onset breast cancer and other cancers of the Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) spectrum, but the clinical consequences of partial-loss-of function TP53 variants are incompletely understood. In the consecutive cohort of Palestinian breast cancer patients of the Middle East Breast Cancer Study (MEBCS), breast cancer risk among TP53 p.R181C heterozygotes was 50% by age 50 years and 81% by age 80 years. In contrast, prevalence of pediatric cancers in the MEBCS was similar among first-degree relatives of TP53 p.R181C carriers (3/519 = 0.0058) and first-degree relatives of MEBCS patients with no pathogenic germline variant in any known breast cancer gene (7/1082 = 0.0065; odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.23 to 3.49], Fisher P = .90 [2-tailed]). This result suggests that in families harboring this TP53 allele, genetic testing in children is unwarranted, and screening children for LFS tumors is unnecessary. More generally, some TP53 missense alleles can predispose to very high risk of breast cancer without pleiotropic effects.
Menopausal hormone therapy: assessing associations with breast and colorectal cancers by familial risk
Authors: MacInnis Robert J , Jenkins Mark A , Milne Roger L , John Esther M , Daly Mary B , Andrulis Irene L , Colonna Sarah V , Phillips Kelly-Anne ,   kConFab Investigators, Le Marchand Loic , Newcomb Polly A , Phipps Amanda I , Schmit Stephanie L , Macrae Finlay A , Buchanan Daniel D , Gallinger Steven , Pai Rish K , Samadder Niloy J , Giles Graham G , Southey Melissa C , Hopper John L , Terry Mary Beth
Published: December 2024

Menopausal users of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are at increased breast cancer risk and decreased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk compared with individuals who have never used HRT, but these opposing associations may differ by familial risk of breast cancer and CRC. We harmonized data from 3 cohorts and generated separate breast cancer and CRC familial risk scores based on cancer family history. We defined moderate or strong family history as a risk score of 0.4 or higher, where 0.4 was equivalent to a 50-year-old woman with 1 parent diagnosed with either breast cancer or CRC at 55 years of age. Of 24 486 women assessed, 1243 and 405 were diagnosed with incident breast cancer and CRC, respectively. For breast cancer, menopausal HRT ever use versus never use hazard ratios were 1.27 (95% CI = 1.11 to 1.45) for a breast cancer familial risk score below 0.4 and 1.01 (95% CI = 0.82 to 1.25) for a breast cancer familial risk score of 0.4 or higher (Pdifference = .08). For CRC, menopausal HRT hazard ratios were 0.63 (95% CI = 0.50 to 0.78) for a CRC familial risk score below 0.4 and 1.21 (95% CI = 0.73 to 2.00) for a CRC familial risk score of 0.4 or higher (Pdifference = .03). Associations with menopausal HRT use that apply to the general population may not hold for women at moderate or strong familial risk of these cancers.
Resurgence of Pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Southeast Texas, November 2023-June 2024
Authors: Danner Margaret Taylor , Binns Heather Colvin , Nguyen Khanh , Johnson Coreen , Dunn Jim , Niles Denver , Nguyen Diana K
Published: December 2024

We conducted a retrospective review of children tested for Mycoplasma pneumoniae from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2024. M. pneumoniae polymerase chain reaction positivity increased starting in November 2023, peaking at 18.3% in June 2024. During the resurgence, children with laboratory-confirmed infection often had severe respiratory disease or extrapulmonary manifestations.
Antibiotic Management and Imaging Practices of Sinusitis-Related Epidural Empyema Among Pediatric Centers
Authors: Tan Jenna , Kronman Matthew P , Brothers Adam W , Pak Daniel J , McDonald Derry , Weissman Scott J , Gerber Jeffrey S , Hersh Adam L , Newland Jason G , Wirtz Ann L , Konold Victoria J L
Published: December 2024

A survey of pediatric infectious diseases clinicians from 49 children’s hospitals demonstrated variability across institutions in the treatment of epidural empyema from sinus extension, including antibiotic route, selection, and impact of neuroimaging on determining duration of therapy.
Modulation of PPAR-γ/Nrf2 and AGE/RAGE signaling contributes to the chrysin cardioprotection against myocardial damage following ischemia/reperfusion in diabetic rats
Authors: Rani Neha , Arya Dharamvir Singh
Published: December 2024

Objective

Advanced glycation end products/receptor for AGEs (AGE/RAGE) signaling has a well-established role in the etiology of diabetic-related cardiovascular disorders. The purpose of the study was to elucidate the role of chrysin, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist, against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in diabetic rats and its functional interaction with the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.

Methods

A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 70 mg/kg) was administered to rats for induction of diabetes. Rats having blood glucose levels more than 300 mg/dl following a 72 hr STZ injection were classified as diabetic. PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), chrysin (60 mg/kg, p.o.), or both were administered to diabetic rats for 4 weeks. On the 29th day, rats were given ischemia for 45 min and then reperfusion for 1 hr to induce myocardial infarction (MI).

Key findings

Pretreatment with chrysin significantly improved hemodynamic status, ventricular functions, and cardiac injury markers in diabetic myocardium. Increased PPAR-γ/Nrf2 and decreased RAGE protein expressions were linked to this improvement. Chrysin pretreatment resulted in the upregulation of endogenous antioxidants and reduced TBARS levels. Moreover, chrysin significantly decreased inflammation and apoptosis in diabetic myocardium.

Conclusion

PPAR-γ/Nrf2 co-activation by chrysin ameliorated IR-induced MI in diabetic rats, possibly via modulating AGE/RAGE signaling.
Adaptive functional principal components analysis
Authors: Wang Sunny G W , Patilea Valentin , Klutchnikoff Nicolas
Published: December 2024

Functional data analysis almost always involves smoothing discrete observations into curves, because they are never observed in continuous time and rarely without error. Although smoothing parameters affect the subsequent inference, data-driven methods for selecting these parameters are not well-developed, frustrated by the difficulty of using all the information shared by curves while being computationally efficient. On the one hand, smoothing individual curves in an isolated, albeit sophisticated way, ignores useful signals present in other curves. On the other hand, bandwidth selection by automatic procedures such as cross-validation after pooling all the curves together quickly become computationally unfeasible due to the large number of data points. In this paper, we propose a new data-driven, adaptive kernel smoothing, specifically tailored for functional principal components analysis through the derivation of sharp, explicit risk bounds for the eigen-elements. The minimization of these quadratic risk bounds provides refined, yet computationally efficient bandwidth rules for each eigen-element separately. Both common and independent design cases are allowed. Rates of convergence for the estimators are derived. An extensive simulation study, designed in a versatile manner to closely mimic the characteristics of real data sets supports our methodological contribution. An illustration on a real data application is provided.
Long term follow up of 3 patients after resection of mediastinal paraganglioma necessitating cardiopulmonary bypass: case series
Authors: Ullah Forhad , Rafizadeh Andre , Woo Yerin , Steiner Federico , Xydas Steve , Nemeth Zoltan
Published: December 2024

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from extra-adrenal paraganglia that often require intricate surgical resection. Specifically, when paragangliomas are localized within the thorax and coexist with cardiovascular structures, they can be challenging to surgically resect. Here, we aimed to review three cases of paragangliomas intruding the aortopulmonary (AP) window that required cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) as an effective surgical approach. All patients were diagnosed using preoperative biochemical analysis, computed tomography-positron emission tomography (CT-PET) scans, endobronchial ultrasounds, and biopsies. Within these three cases of female patients presenting with paragangliomas within the AP window, we observed a high success rate in complete surgical resection and no long-term recurrence following resections with CPB. Overall, these cases showed that surgical resection of paragangliomas which are intruding vital cardiovascular structures within the AP window can achieve positive long-term patient outcomes when using CPB.
Calcific tendinosis of flexor carpi radialis as a cause of wrist pain
Authors: Urry Kim Calleja , Sant Kurstein Nicholas , Casaletto John Anthony
Published: December 2024

Calcific tendinosis is characterized by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals within the substance of the tendon. We present a case of a 52-year-old female who presented with a 6-month history of right wrist pain, along with a palpable and tender lump in the region of the flexor carpi radialis tendon at the level of the distal radius. Radiographs confirmed the presence of calcific tendinosis of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. The patient was referred for hand therapy sessions and was prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which led to a gradual improvement after 4 months. A repeat radiograph confirmed the resolution of the previous calcific focus at the flexor carpi radialis tendon region. This case highlights the importance of considering rare causes of wrist pain such as this case. Various treatment modalities are available, including surgical management, but ultimately, treatment should be within a multidisciplinary team environment.
The Incarcerated Christ: Crime and Prison in Karl Barth’s Life and Theology
Authors: Jobe Sarah C
Published: December 2024

This article argues that Karl Barth is a justice-involved theologian, someone whose own criminal record and experience in prisons have shaped his core theological commitments. The article serves as a detailed overview of Barth’s personal and professional experience in courts and prisons, but it presses beyond that treatment to show how these experiences shaped his doctrine. The article begins with how Barth’s own arrest and conviction in Germany in 1934–5 inform his concept of Jesus the Judged Judge. It turns to Barth’s decade of engagement at Basel Prison as both a relief preacher and a volunteer prison chaplain and the ways in which that engagement shaped his Christology and soteriology. The article then explores Barth’s holidays and sacramental life in prison, his development of an ethics for prison chaplains, and his tour of American prisons as a deepening of his own discipleship of a criminalized Christ. Finally, the essay concludes with an analysis of the last paragraphs of Church Dogmatics IV/4. In Barth’s final published words, he witnesses to Jesus as a convicted and incarcerated God who accomplishes salvation history in prison.
Apomixis at high resolution: unravelling diplospory in Asteraceae
Authors: Cornaro Letizia , Banfi Camilla , Cavalleri Alex , van Dijk Peter J , Radoeva Tatyana , Cucinotta Mara , Colombo Lucia
Published: December 2024

Apomictic plants are able to produce clonal seeds. This reproductive system allows the one-step fixation of any valuable trait for subsequent generations and would pave the way for a revolution in the agricultural system. Despite this, the introduction of apomixis in sexually reproducing crops has been hampered due to the difficulty in characterizing its genetic regulation. In this study, we described the high-resolution characterization of apomeiosis in the apomictic model species Erigeron annuus, Chondrilla juncea, and Taraxacum officinale. We showed that apomeiosis differs from meiosis in a few critical steps, including homologous chromosome synapsis and segregation during meiosis I. We then compared megasporogenesis in three T. officinale genetic backgrounds, showing that diplospory is superimposed on the sexual pathway without severely altering the expression of crucial meiotic genes. Our findings will contribute to the identification of pivotal players controlling this intriguing asexual reproductive strategy.
Multiple gatekeeping steps in pollination lock species specificity
Authors: He Yong-Jun , Xu Shuo , Zhang Kai-Mei , Zhang Yang , Liu Xiang-Jian , Liu Chen
Published: December 2024

In flowering plants, pollen grains must undergo a series of critical processes, including adhesion, hydration, and germination, which are dependent on the stigma, to develop a pollen tube. This pollen tube then penetrates the stigma to reach the internal tissues of pistil, facilitating the transport of non-motile sperm cells to the embryo sac for fertilization. However, a dry stigma, characterized by the absence of an exudate that typically envelops a wet stigma, functions as a multi-layered filter in adhesion, hydration, germination, and penetration that permits the acceptance of compatible pollen or tubes while rejecting incompatible ones, thereby protecting the embryo sac from ineffective fertilization and maintaining species specificity. Given the significance of these selective events, related research has consistently been at the forefront of reproductive studies, with notable advancements being made in recent times. In this review, we systematically synthesize the selective events and provide comprehensive, up-to-date summaries of occurrences on dry stigmas with a particular focus on the Brassicaceae family, following the chronological sequence of these events. Our objective is to update and elucidate the critical points within pollination, identify unresolved questions, and propose potential avenues for future research in other plant families.
Advisory on delayed fading caused by the use of a xylene substitute for frozen tissue specimen staining in micrographic surgery
Authors: Davis Mitchell S , Desai Rini M , Baird Daniel B , Stetson Cloyce L
Published: December 2024

Background

The use of xylene substitutes is becoming more common in the setting of micrographic surgery frozen tissue section staining, and dermatologic surgeons need to be aware of possible undesirable delayed effects of using these agents and the possibility of modifying H&E staining protocols to prevent delayed fading. This report demonstrates an undesirable outcome of using an isoparaffinic aliphatic hydrocarbon as a xylene substitute, implementation of a quality improvement intervention to eliminate frozen section slide fading in the setting of micrographic surgery tissue processing, and recommendations for the modification of protocol when using a xylene substitute.

Clinical and Laboratory Information

Frozen section slides processed with xylene and xylene substitute were analyzed by histotechnicians, a dermatopathologist, and a micrographic surgery surgeon at 1-week and 1-month intervals. The use of a standard H&E protocol resulted in zero stains fading when using xylene as a clearing agent, but delayed fading when using a xylene substitute.

Discussion

Using an isoparaffinic aliphatic hydrocarbon as a xylene substitute can lead to excess water carryover, which may result in delayed hematoxylin fading in micrographic surgery tissue staining, so using this xylene substitute likely requires modification to the dehydration phase and tap water immersion phase to prevent fading.
Microbial gamma-aminobutyric acid synthesis: a promising approach for functional food and pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Fashogbon Racheal Oluwayemisi , Samson Oyindamola John , Awotundun Theresa Abimbola , Olanbiwoninu Afolake Atinuke , Adebayo-Tayo Bukola Christiana
Published: December 2024

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid that is a main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. This mini-review emphasis on the microbial production of GABA and its potential benefits in various applications. Numerous microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, have been identified as efficient GABA producers. These microbes utilize glutamate decarboxylase enzymes to convert L-glutamate to GABA. Notable GABA-producing strains include Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and certain Bifidobacterium species. Microbial GABA production offers numerous benefits over chemical synthesis, including cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and the potential for in situ production in fermented foods. Recent research has optimized fermentation conditions, genetic engineering approaches, and substrate utilization to enhance GABA yields. The benefits of GABA extend beyond its neurotransmitter role. Studies have shown its potential to reduce blood pressure, assuage anxiety, improve sleep quality, and improve cognitive function. These properties make microbial GABA production particularly attractive for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Future research directions include exploring novel GABA-producing strains, improving production efficiency, and investigating additional health benefits of microbially produced GABA.
Farming games harvest panopticon: a pragma-semiotic landscape analysis of Hay Day
Authors: El Falaky May Samir , El Shazly Reham
Published: December 2024

This study uses a pragma-semiotic landscape (SL) perspective to scrutinize how farming games (re)shapes the human experience of the social world by means of (re)constructing and (re)configuring the representation, (re)organization, and interpretation of social space. Drawing on technological mediation, where technology actively (co)shapes human–world interactions, this study suggests that farming games, as in the case of Hay Day (HD), train gameplayers into neoliberalism while entertaining a panopticon schema. In doing so, HD trains players to internalize hierarchized surveillance, normalizing judgements, differential distribution, and self-discipline. Drawing on Semiotic Landscape and Speech Act Theory, this study discusses how HD as a farming gamescape represents and enacts a panopticon power economy. The findings suggest that HD semiotic resources index neoliberal governmentality as illocutionary acts, while (re)constructing and partitioning time, social spaces, and practices. HD semiotically embodies the panoptic schema as a spatial experience using three tropes: utility (uninterrupted toil, training/practising, and transforming), docility (space, time, and action segmentation, norms internalization, and hierarchized surveillance), and examination (evaluative gaze, normalizing judgement, and differential distribution) to govern/manage players in a gameplay experience of empowerment and subjectivation. Players are continuously empowered by and subjugated to a procedural system to evaluate their performance and determine their value, while allowing them to gaze and be gazed upon by others to empower and normalize them. This study claims to fill a remarkable lacuna in technology–human interactions in which technological artefacts play a central role in the (re)construction of the social world and practices.
Valuing Health and Performance: A Case for Prioritizing Nutrition
Authors: Carins Julia , Fisher Ben , Probert Bianka , Fallowfield Joanne L
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Improving the dietary behaviors of personnel can result in positive impact beyond the individual, creating benefits for their organization and wider society. Military personnel endure extended periods of physical and cognitive activity. Healthful dietary behaviors by military personnel support preparedness; yet poor diet behaviors remain common and persistent, and adversely impact health and physical and cognitive performance. Urgent and effective action is needed to improve diet behaviors, but this action has not been prioritized. This study aimed to estimate the value that could be realized from improved diet behaviors to support prioritization of investment in this area for policy and program change.

Materials and Methods

Value estimations (via Social Return on Investment methods) were performed to determine the potential financial benefit derived from improved diet behaviors for 2 military organizations: Australia and the UK. Estimations focused on benefits of reduced attrition and separation, improved productivity, mitigation of musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) risk, and reduced medical claims.

Results

The value of 5 outcomes was estimated for Australia and 3 for the UK. Conservative estimates were of the order of ∼£30 million in the UK (MSKI alone) and ∼$24 million in Australia. These are not insignificant sums of money and could deliver more when invested in health and performance compared with how far they would go toward alleviating attrition, productivity losses, and MSKI.

Conclusion

These estimates were constructed using the best available data and transparency within the calculations, but they remain estimates. The collection of additional data would enable the calculation of further outcomes and increase the usefulness of Social Return on Investment estimation in this area. Militaries should invest greater effort and funding in achieving, maintaining, and optimizing personnel health and performance. Promoting healthy diet behaviors should be prioritized as a cost-effective preventive action that supports productivity and performance, in comparison with the costs of remediating treatment. Conceptualizing the value of improving diet behaviors in monetary terms may refocus efforts on prevention rather than treatment.