bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red blood cell urate levels are linked to hemolysis in vitro and post‐transfusion as a function of donor sex, population and genetic polymorphisms in SLC2A9 and ABCG2
Authors: Key Alicia M. , Earley Eric J. , Tzounakas Vassilis L. , Anastasiadi Alkmini T. , Nemkov Travis , Stephenson Daniel , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Reisz Julie A. , Keele Gregory R. , Deng Xutao , Stone Mars , Kleinman Steve , Hansen Kirk C. , Norris Philip J. , Busch Michael P. , Roubinian Nareg H. , Page Grier P. , D'Alessandro Angelo
Published: January 2025

Background

Storage of packed red blood cells (RBCs) for transfusion leads to biochemical and morphological changes, increasing hemolysis risk. Urate levels in blood bags at donation contribute to the molecular heterogeneity and hemolytic propensity of stored RBCs. However, studies to date have been underpowered to investigate at scale the contribution of donor demographics and genetics to the heterogeneity in urate levels across donations.

Study Design and Methods

Urate levels were measured in 13,091 RBC units from the REDS study. Characteristics tested included hemolysis parameters (spontaneous, osmotic, oxidative) at storage end and post‐transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) increments in recipients. Donor demographics, urate levels, and genetic variants were analyzed for associations with these outcomes.

Results

Elevated urate levels were linked to male sex, older age, high BMI, and Asian descent. Units with high urate levels exhibited increased spontaneous and osmotic hemolysis, while oxidative hemolysis was unaffected. Genetic variants in SLC2A9 (V282I) and ABCG2 (Q141K) were strongly associated with elevated urate, particularly in Asian donors. Post‐transfusion analyses revealed that units from female donors carrying these variants were associated with reduced Hb increments, with up to a 31% reduction in efficacy. This effect was not observed in male donors.

Discussion

RBC urate levels and genetic traits significantly impact storage quality and transfusion outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of donor molecular characteristics for optimizing transfusion strategies. Moreover, genetic and metabolic insights may inform donor recruitment efforts, providing health feedback to volunteers while ensuring effective transfusion products.
Artificial intelligence and transfusion education, research and practice: The view from the ISBT Clinical Transfusion Working Party
Authors: Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Gammon Richard R. , Seheult Jansen , Arora Satyam , Goel Ruchika
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining increasing interest in healthcare. During the 2024 International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Congress, the Clinical Transfusion Working Party (CTWP) conducted a session to explore the exciting intersection of AI in transfusion medicine (TM) practice, education and research. We report here the potential applications and the session outcome.

Materials and Methods

A pre‐workshop survey explored the participants' demographics and areas of use of AI and whether they have had any AI‐specific training or education. The workshop included presentations on the regulatory aspects of AI use and its application in TM practice, education and research. These were followed by round‐table discussions to explore participants' experience and concerns.

Results

The workshop had 72 attendees, with 38% falling in the 36–45‐year age group. A total of 70% indicated the use of AI, but only 12% reported having specific training or education. Participants expressed interest in different potential applications but also shared concerns on over‐reliance, potential loss of skills, the accuracy of provided information and content plagiarism.

Conclusion

The findings of the workshop highlight the need for training, educational resources, standards and regulatory frameworks to guide the use of AI tools in the field of TM.
Estratégia de Influência na JBS e Odebrecht: âmbito e objetivos estratégicos
Authors: Ferreira Rui Fernando Correia , Couto Felipe Fróes , Vilela Bruno de Almeida
Published: January 2025

O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar o modus operandi de estratégia de influência realizado pela JBS e Odebrecht para obter vantagem competitiva na relação com o Estado. Este trabalho propõe um avanço na compreensão teórica da estratégia de influência diferenciando-a do conceito genérico de não-mercado ao enfatizar o papel ativo e intencional das corporações em influenciar processos decisórios para benefícios regulatórios e legislativos ao demonstrar o modus operandi dos processos de contribuição de campanha, lobby, plataformas partidárias e corrupção. Foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo para analisar mais de 35 horas de vídeo com 27 executivos das respectivas empresas. O estudo revelou que as corporações JBS e Odebrecht desenvolveram métodos sofisticados de influência política para manipular decisões políticas e favorecer seus interesses comerciais. Foi possível, nesse sentido, identificar uma complexa teia de interações e influências que essas corporações exercem sobre a política e a governança.
Protective immunity induced by a novel P1 adhesin C-terminal anchored mRNA vaccine against
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
infection in BALB/c mice
Authors: Zeng Qilin , Sun Peiyuan , Li Weiwei , Tang Yuanyuan , Hu Yuxuan , Zhou Jun , Zhou Yanxia , Chen Liesong , Yimou Wu
Published: January 2025

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
(Mp), a unique pathogen devoid of a cell wall, is naturally impervious to penicillin antibiotics. This bacterium is the causative agent of
M. pneumoniae
pneumonia, an acute pulmonary affliction marked by interstitial lung damage. Non-macrolide medications may have potential adverse effects on the developmental trajectory of children, thereby establishing macrolides as the preferred treatment for
M. pneumoniae
in pediatric patients. However, the emergence of macrolide-resistant and multidrug-resistant strains of
M. pneumoniae
presents significant challenges to clinical management and public health. Vaccines, particularly those based on mRNA technology, are regarded as a promising avenue for preventing and controlling
M. pneumoniae
infections due to their inherent safety, immunogenicity, and adaptability. Our research delves into the P1 adhesin of
M. pneumoniae
, a protein that binds to host cell receptors with its immunodominant epitopes located at the carboxyl terminus, known to provoke robust immune responses and pulmonary inflammation. We have developed an mRNA vaccine harnessing this dominant antigenic epitope and assessed its protective immunity in BALB/c mice against
M. pneumoniae
infection. The vaccine elicited potent humoral and cellular immune responses, effectively diminishing inflammation. It notably decreased IL-6 levels in the lungs of infected mice and concurrently elevated IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels post-immunization. The vaccine also reduced pathological changes in the lungs and the
M. pneumoniae
DNA copy numbers in the infected animals. Collectively, these findings underscore the mRNA vaccine’s remarkable immunogenicity and protective potential against
M. pneumoniae
infections, offering valuable insights for the development of mRNA vaccines targeting mycoplasma infections.

IMPORTANCE

M. pneumoniae
, a bacteria without a cell wall, is known for causing pneumonia and is resistant to penicillin. The increasing prevalence of macrolide-resistant strains has complicated treatment options, emphasizing the need for new strategies. Our research explores an mRNA vaccine candidate that targets the P1 adhesin of
M. pneumoniae
, a protein critical for the bacteria’s interaction with host cells. In a mouse model, this vaccine has shown potential by inducing immune responses and suggesting a possible reduction in inflammation, as indicated by changes in cytokine levels and lung pathology. While further research is required, the vaccine’s preliminary results hint at a potential new direction in managing mycoplasma infections, offering a promising avenue for future therapeutic development. This study contributes to the ongoing search for effective preventive measures against
M. pneumoniae
.
Relapsing ANCA-associated vasculitis presenting as a mediastinal mass
Authors: Pieri Christopher , Challoner Benjamin , Giaslakiotis Konstantinos , Hawthorne Mark , Sheaff Michael , Rajakariar Ravindra
Published: January 2025

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides (AAV) represent a heterogeneous multisystem group of disorders typified by necrotising inflammation of smaller blood vessels, classically yielding a pauci-immune, crescentic glomerulonephritis. Without prompt treatment, there is a significant risk of irreversible damage and ensuing renal impairment.

Diagnosis is often challenging, exacerbated by the disorder’s often vague and insidious presentation. Even with known AAV, relapse can mimic other similarly serious conditions including infection or malignancy, with significant ramifications on respective downstream management options.

Here, we present the case of a young man with pre-existing myeloperoxidase-positive vasculitis, describing a subacute cluster of symptoms and subsequently found to have an anterior mediastinal mass. Urgent tissue sampling excluded other aetiologies and ultimately delineated this as a surprising complication of vasculitis, allowing for prompt immunosuppression escalation. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge these patients represent, and the utility timely access to multimodality imaging holds alongside a multidisciplinary approach to expedite correct management decisions.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease/paediatric multiple sclerosis overlap: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Higuchi Taro , Hayakawa Itaru , Sakuma Hiroshi , Abe Yuichi
Published: January 2025

While advancements in the classification of acquired demyelinating syndromes have significantly benefited children with this condition, some cases present with overlapping features, posing diagnostic challenges. We describe an Asian girl of early childhood age with acute visual loss. Examination revealed right optic neuritis, left optic nerve atrophy and demyelinating lesions in the juxtacortical brain parenchyma. Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody was elevated, while oligoclonal bands and anti-aquaporin 4 antibody were negative. The patient met the 2023 International Diagnostic Criteria for Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD) and, concurrently, potentially fulfilled the 2013 International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group criteria for paediatric multiple sclerosis (MS). The primary diagnosis was MOGAD, with paediatric MS considered as a possibility. Corticosteroid treatment improved vision, with no recurrence over 6 months without disease-modifying therapy. Both optic fundi showed atrophy 3 months after the acute phase, but the visual acuity was normal in both eyes, further raising the possibility of MOGAD over paediatric MS. This case highlights the diagnostic complexities in paediatric acute demyelinating syndromes, demonstrating potential overlap between MOGAD and MS diagnoses in children.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease mimicking neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Sakthivel Siva , K Shruthi T , James Saji , Manokaran RanjithKumar
Published: January 2025

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are two rare autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating diseases involving the central nervous system, which are often seen with combined involvement of the optic nerve and spinal cord. MOGAD can be confused with multiple sclerosis or NMOSD, due to its clinical presentation that may be similar and its characteristic to progress with habitual attacks. Although the clinical course of the above-mentioned three diseases is similar, their diagnosis and management are different. We hereby report a case which presented with predominant features of NMOSD but was later diagnosed as MOGAD, with strongly positive results for serum anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG antibody.
‘PHACE’ on the ‘face’
Authors: Romero Ie Lien , Saw Chia , Friesen Noel David
Published: January 2025

Infantile haemangiomas are a common presentation in infants within the first few months of life. The majority of haemangiomas are benign; however, large haemangiomas (≥5 cm), especially those involving the face, may indicate a more serious underlying neurocutaneous disorder known as PHACE (Posterior fossa malformations, Haemangioma, Arterial anomalies, Coarctation of the aorta/Cardiac defects and Eye abnormalities) syndrome. The authors report an unusual case of possible PHACE syndrome in a young male toddler with a large facial haemangioma. Diagnosing and managing PHACE syndrome is a complex task, as it requires a multidisciplinary approach, awareness of the clinical presentation and access to standardised guidelines to approach large facial haemangiomas. We will discuss the clinical assessment and diagnostic approach to PHACE syndrome in a metropolitan paediatric outpatient setting in Western Australia.
Acute therapeutic effects and pathophysiology of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis neuropathy
Authors: Yamanaka Nanami , Takeshita Yukio , Sato Ryota , Nawata Takashi , Okafuji Tatsuya , Fujikawa Susumu , Fujisawa Miwako , Matsuo Kinya , Nemoto Joe , Mizumoto Yuki , Nishihara Hideaki , Honda Masaya , Oishi Mariko , Maeda Toshihiko , Shimizu Fumitaka , Koga Michiaki , Kanda Takashi , Nakamori Masayuki
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study investigated the effects of early treatment and pathophysiology on eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis neuropathy (EGPA-N).

Methods

Twenty-six consecutive patients with EGPA-N were diagnosed and treated within a day of admission and underwent clinical analysis. Peripheral nerve recovery rates were evaluated after early treatment by identifying the damaged peripheral nerve through detailed neurological findings.

Results

The eosinophil count at onset was significantly correlated with the total number of damaged nerves. There was a strong correlation between the timing of treatment and the recovery rate in patients who started treatment within 50 days, as the recovery rate did not increase after 50 days of treatment. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-negative cases showed significantly higher recovery rates than ANCA-positive cases. Vasculitis was detected in 67% of ANCA-positive and 29% of ANCA-negative patients in the sural nerve and skin biopsy specimen. In addition, infiltration of eosinophils into peripheral nerve tissues was observed in 40% of ANCA-negative patients, whereas it was absent in ANCA-positive patients. Intrafascicular oedema was found in 95% of all patients.

Discussion

Our results suggest three pathological pathways: (1) ischaemic peripheral nerve due to vasculitis mainly in ANCA-positive cases, (2) direct infiltration and degranulation of eosinophils in ANCA-negative cases and (3) progression of axonal ischaemia due to intrafascicular oedema in both cases. The study also found that ANCA-negative cases exhibited better responsiveness to acute-phase treatment than ANCA-positive cases. It is essential to treat patients with EGPA-N as early as possible because the patients could recover time-dependently within 50 days of the onset.
Understanding barriers to young people’s utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services in Asia-Pacific countries: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Riabroi Watcharakorn , Gregory Benjamin , Mackay Daniel , Germeni Evi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Based on the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services should be attained by 2030. Yet, large inequalities in adolescent SRH knowledge and service use still exist both within and between countries. The goal of this study was to identify and synthesise published qualitative research on factors affecting young people’s utilisation of SRH services in Asia-Pacific countries.

Methods

We systematically searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science) for qualitative studies reporting the experiences, attitudes and views of young people (aged 10–24 years) regarding the utilisation of SRH services in Asia-Pacific countries. We assessed the quality of identified studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist and employed a thematic synthesis approach for the data analysis.

Results

We included 31 articles that reported the experiences of over 1800 young people from 15 different countries. Thematic synthesis identified six descriptive themes that captured factors influencing SRH service utilisation: (1) navigating puberty; (2) knowledge and beliefs about SRH; (3) embarrassment and confidentiality concerns; (4) low decision-making autonomy; (5) traditional practices and religious beliefs; and (6) social and gender norms. Based on these, we developed an overarching analytical theme, ‘trapped in a legacy of shame’, which highlights the role of shame as a key emotion associated with young people’s utilisation of SRH services.

Conclusion

Our findings point towards the necessity of integrating shame-sensitive approaches and a social norms perspective in interventions aiming to improve young people’s SRH outcomes in Asia-Pacific countries.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023389653.
How does news coverage of suicide affect suicidal behaviour at a high-frequency location? A 7-year time series analysis
Authors: Marzano Lisa , Spence Ruth , Marsh Ian , Barbin Arianna , Kruger Ian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

News reporting of suicide can have a significant influence on suicidal behaviour in the general population, especially following the death of a well-known individual. By comparison, the impact of reporting on suicides at well-known, ‘high-frequency’ locations is less well understood. We investigated the relationship between news coverage of suicide and incidents at a high-frequency coastal location in the UK over a 7-year period.

Methods

We analysed bidirectional associations (with daily and weekly lags) and Granger causality between suicide-related news in the UK (n=38 595, of which 789 focused on cliff locations) and suspected suicides (n=278) and crisis interventions (n=3050) at the site between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2023. Separate subanalyses explored associations with repeat coverage and with headlines featuring explicit location/method details.

Results

While coverage of incidents at the study site and other coastal locations represents a small and decreasing proportion of all UK news of suicide, 51% of all cliff-related news focused on the study site, often explicitly identified in the story’s headline (81%). There were significant but small (r<0.3) correlations between the volume of news coverage (particularly when method-specific and location-specific) and suicidal behaviour at the site, with fatalities increasing in the immediate aftermath of reporting. This effect was strongest in 2018–2019 (which had the greatest volume of reporting and repeat coverage) but failed to reach significance in 2020–2023, when there were fewer reports, less repeat coverage and no headlines referring to multiple deaths at the site.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the importance of continued efforts to monitor and improve the quality of news and other media portrayals of suicide. Follow-up studies, including qualitative research with people with lived/living experiences of suicide, could further explore how different types of news stories and wider narratives might contribute to increases—and potentially decreases—in suicides at high-frequency locations.
Neighbourhood socioeconomic conditions and emergency admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in children: a longitudinal ecological analysis in England, 2012–2017
Authors: Franklin Courtney , Mason Kate , Akanni Lateef , Daras Konstantinos , Rose Tanith , Carter Bernie , Carrol Enitan D , Taylor-Robinson David
Published: January 2025

Background

Ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are those for which hospital admission could be prevented by interventions in primary care. Children living in socioeconomic disadvantage have higher rates of emergency admissions for ACSCs than their more affluent counterparts. Emergency admissions for ACSCs have been increasing, but few studies have assessed how changing socioeconomic conditions (SECs) have impacted this. This study investigates the association between local SECs and emergency ACS hospital admissions in children in England.

Methods

We examined longitudinal trends in emergency admission rates for ACSCs and investigate the association between local SECs and these admissions in children over time in England, using time-varying neighbourhood unemployment as a proxy for SECs. Fixed-effect regression models assessed the relationship between changes in neighbourhood unemployment and admission rates, controlling for unmeasured time-invariant confounding of each neighbourhood. We also explore the extent to which this relationship differs by acute and chronic ACSCs and is explained by access to primary and secondary care.

Results

Between 2012 and 2017, paediatric emergency admissions for acute ACSCs increased, while admissions for chronic ACSCs decreased. At the neighbourhood level, each 1% point increase in unemployment was associated with a 3.9% and 2.7% increase in the rate of emergency admissions for acute ACSCs, for children aged 0–9 years and 10–19 years, respectively. A 2.6% increase in admission rates for chronic ACSCs was observed, driven by an association in 0–9 years old. Adjustment for primary and secondary care access did not meaningfully attenuate the magnitude of this association.

Conclusions

Increasing trends in neighbourhood unemployment were associated with increases in paediatric emergency admission rates for ACSCs in England. This was not explained by available measures of differential access to care, suggesting policy interventions should address the causes of unemployment and poverty in addition to health system factors to reduce emergency admissions for ACSCs.
Real-world clinical utility of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra in the assessment of tuberculosis in a low-TB-incidence, high-resource setting
Authors: Kim Jee Whang , Patel Hemu , Halliwell Richard , Free Robert C , Glimour-Caunt Alison , Pareek Manish , Woltmann Gerrit , Verma Raman , Perera Nelun , Haldar Pranabashis
Published: January 2025

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in the UK is impacted by delay and suboptimal culture-based microbiological confirmation rates due to the high prevalence of paucibacillary disease. We examine the real-world clinical utility of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert-Ultra) as a diagnostic test and biomarker of transmissible infection in a UK TB service.

Methods

Clinical specimens from suspected TB cases triple tested (smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture and Xpert-Ultra) at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (1 March 2018–28 February 2019) were retrospectively analysed. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated using positive MTB culture and clinical TB diagnosis as reference standards. The QuantiFERON (QFT) positive proportion of pulmonary TB (PTB) contacts was used as a metric of transmitted infection to evaluate Xpert-Ultra and smear grade as markers of infectiousness.

Results

251 samples (188 respiratory) from 231 patients (86 TB) were analysed. Compared with microscopy, Xpert-Ultra had higher diagnostic sensitivity (24.7% vs 78.7%, p<0.001) and comparable specificity (97.5% vs 99.4%). Xpert-Ultra and culture had comparable sensitivity (78.7% vs 71.9%) and specificity (99.4% vs 100.0%). Incorporating Xpert-Ultra with culture increased microbiologically verified diagnosis to 91.7% for PTB and 75.9% for extrapulmonary TB, compared with 85.0% and 44.8%, using culture alone. In PTB, both smear and Xpert-Ultra grade were positively associated with the proportion of contacts testing QFT positive. However, Xpert-Ultra had a higher negative predictive value than smear (QFT-positive contacts 6.7% vs 17.7%).

Conclusion

In low-TB-burden settings, systematic adoption of Xpert-Ultra for clinical assessment of suspected TB can improve the proportion of microbiologically verified diagnoses and improve the stratification of transmission risk.
Unravelling the TCRβ repertoire: a key to unlocking the immunopathogenesis and precision medicine in SLE
Authors: Zeng Li , Yang Lijing , Zhang Yichen , Lan Tianzuo , An Yang , He Pengming , Wen Xueping , Deng Shaoping , Zhang Zhixin , Liu Jian , Zhou Qiao
Published: January 2025

Objectives

SLE is a multifaceted autoimmune disorder with a complex pathogenesis involving genetic, environmental and hormonal factors, which converge on immune dysregulation. The T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire’s role in SLE has garnered significant interest due to its potential in both diagnostics and therapeutics. Our study aimed to delineate the variances in the TCRβ repertoire between patients with SLE and healthy individuals, correlating these differences with the severity and subtypes of SLE.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of blood samples from 50 treatment-naive patients with SLE and 50 healthy donors, employing RNA extraction, high-throughput sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics analysis.

Results

Our findings revealed significant alterations in TRBV and TRBJ gene usage frequencies, indicative of a skewed TCR repertoire in patients with SLE. Notably, nine hub TRBV genes were identified as potential biomarkers for SLE with high diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, we observed a reduction in TCR diversity, characterised by a lower diversity 50 value and increased clonal expansion, which correlated with disease severity.

Conclusions

The TCRβ repertoire is significantly altered in SLE, with potential implications for diagnostics and therapeutics. The identified hub genes may serve as novel biomarkers for SLE, and the findings contribute to the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the disease.
Emulation of ARISTOTLE and ROCKET AF trials in real-world atrial fibrillation patients results in similar efficacy and safety as original landmark trials: insights from the GARFIELD-AF registry
Authors: Himmelreich Jelle C L , Virdone Saverio , Camm A John , Pieper Karen , Harskamp Ralf E , Verheugt Freek W A , Bassand Jean-Pierre , Misselwitz Frank , Pereira-Barretto Antônio C , Cools Frank , Gibbs Harry , Kakkar Ajay K
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to determine the robustness, reproducibility and representativeness of the landmark Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (AF) (ARISTOTLE) and Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in AF (ROCKET AF) randomised trials through replication in an observational AF patient registry.

Methods and results

Patients from the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD (GARFIELD)-AF registry treated with apixaban, rivaroxaban or vitamin K antagonist (VKA) were assessed for eligibility for the ARISTOTLE and ROCKET AF trials. HRs of apixaban and rivaroxaban versus comparator for stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding and all-cause mortality within 2 years follow-up were calculated using propensity score overlap-weighted Cox models. Among GARFIELD-AF patients on apixaban, 2570/3615 (71%) would have been eligible for ARISTOTLE. Among patients using rivaroxaban, 2005/4914 (41%) would have been eligible for ROCKET AF. Eligibility rates were steady over time, with minor differences across medical specialties. Real-world AF patients selected according to trial criteria had lower cardiovascular burden than the original trial participants, especially compared with ROCKET AF. HRs (95% CI) for apixaban versus VKA among ARISTOTLE-eligible users were 0.57 (0.34 to 0.94) for stroke/systemic embolism, 0.76 (0.48 to 1.20) for major bleeding and 0.89 (0.70 to 1.12) for all-cause mortality. Among ROCKET AF-eligible rivaroxaban users, HRs for rivaroxaban versus VKA were 0.90 (0.57 to 1.43), 0.92 (0.59 to 1.43) and 0.86 (0.69 to 1.08), respectively. All safety and efficacy estimates were similar to those in the original trials.

Conclusion

Real-world representativeness of the selection criteria was greater for ARISTOTLE than ROCKET AF. The pivotal randomised trials of apixaban and rivaroxaban versus warfarin can be successfully emulated in real-world AF patients by applying trial-specific selection criteria and appropriate methodology for non-randomised treatment allocation.

Trial registration number

NCT01090362.
Firearm injury survivors report extreme high risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes early after hospital discharge necessitating multidisciplinary care
Authors: Biesboer Elise A , Brandolino Amber , Tomas Carissa W , Johnson Isabel R , deRoon-Cassini Terri , Timmer-Murillo Sydney , Schroeder Mary Elizabeth , DeMoya Marc , Trevino Colleen
Published: January 2025

Background

Up to 20–40% of survivors of any traumatic injury develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression after injury. Firearm injury survivors may be at even higher risk for adverse outcomes. We aimed to characterize PTSD and depression risk, pain symptoms, and ongoing functional limitations in firearm injury survivors early after hospital discharge.

Methods

Firearm injury survivors seen in the Trauma Quality of Life (TQOL) outpatient follow-up clinic 1–2 weeks after discharge were invited to participate in a survey assessing both mental and physical health outcomes. The survey included the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Injured Trauma Survivor Screen (ITSS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the 12-item Short Form Survey Physical Health component (SF-12)

Results

306 patients were seen in the TQOL Clinic, and 175 responded to the survey. The mean age was 32 years (SD=12), 81% were male, and 79% were black. On the ITSS, 69% and 48% of patients screened risk positive for PTSD and depression, respectively. Patients reported mild depression symptoms with an average BDI score of 14.3 (SD=11.8) and elevated PTSD symptoms with an average PCL-5 score of 43.8 (SD=12.8). Patients with severe BPI scores were more likely to screen positive for depression and PTSD. Respondents scored >2 SD below the US national average on the SF-12 for physical quality of life (M=28.7). 12% of patients were at risk across all four domains of pain, PTSD, depression, and physical function.

Conclusion

Early after discharge, over two-thirds of firearm injury survivors were at risk for the development of PTSD, nearly half were at risk of depression, and physical function was significantly decreased. Trauma centers need to prioritize early, outpatient multidisciplinary care to treat and prevent the development of poor chronic physical and mental health for firearm injury survivors.

Level of evidence

III.
A comparison of Fast-Growing Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton.) Plantations with Native Broadleaved Vegetation for Greenhouse Gas Balances
Authors: Özkan Ufuk , SERENGİL YUSUF
Published: January 2025

Establishing fast-growing plantations is a long-term strategic climate change mitigation option since these plantations may absorb carbon at an accelerated rate and alleviate the pressure on natural forests. In Istanbul, nearly 5% of the forests, totaling 32,603 hectares of natural oak-beech forest ecosystems, were converted to Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton.) plantations in the 1990s. Maritime pine grows faster than native mixed broadleaf forests but introduces a higher fire risk. The objective of this study was to assess the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) consequences of these conversions by analyzing wildfire emissions and carbon stock changes for a period of 2 decades after conversion. The carbon modeling was done using the CBM-CFS3 model calibrated with ground measurements. The results revealed that the total ecosystem carbon stocks would remain at 97.9 tC/ha (Avoided Species Conversion/ASC scenario) compared to 116.7 tC/ha in the Business as Usual (BAU) scenario. The BAU scenario refers to real life conditions that the species conversions have occurred. The fire emissions had a minor share in total ecosystem GHG balance, because the burnt area rate was low (around 0.1 percent) during the assessment period.
On the Klein–Gordon scalar field oscillators in a spacetime with spiral-like dislocations in external magnetic fields
Authors: Mustafa Omar , Guvendi Abdullah
Published: January 2025

We investigate the effects of two types of spiral dislocation (the distortion of the radial line, labeled as spiral dislocation I, and the distortion of a circle, labeled as spiral dislocation II) on the relativistic dynamics of the Klein–Gordon (KG) oscillator fields, both in the presence and absence of external magnetic fields. In this context, our investigations show that while spiral dislocation I affects the energies of the KG oscillators (with or without the magnetic field), spiral dislocation II has, interestingly, no effect on the KG oscillator’s energies unless a magnetic field is applied. However, for both types of spiral dislocations, we observe that the corresponding wave functions incorporate the effects of the dislocation parameter. Our findings are based on the exact solvability and conditional exact solvability (associated with the biconfluent Heun polynomials) of the KG oscillators (with or without the magnetic field, respectively) for spiral dislocation I, and the exact solvability of the KG oscillators (with or without the magnetic field) for spiral dislocation II. The exact solvability of the latter suggests that the oscillator’s frequency is solely determined by the magnetic field strength.
Towards Building New Partnership with Southeast Asia: Japan’s Initiatives and the Challenges Ahead
Authors: OBA Mie
Published: January 2025

Beyond the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–Japan relations, their partnership is entering a new phase. Japan actively strives to promote regional order under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) banner to address challenges, such as the escalation of great power rivalry, the increasingly complicated strategic environment due to the Russia–Ukraine war and the Gaza crisis, and the emergence of the “Global South”. For Japan, strengthening its partnerships with Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly critical.
The First Development Decade of the Network of ASEAN–China Think-tanks: Review and Prospects
Authors: YANG Yue , LI Zhengyang
Published: January 2025

This article examines the evolution and impact of the Network of ASEAN–China Think-tanks (NACT) since its inception, with a focus on its crucial Track II role in promoting ASEAN–China cooperation through policy dialogues and collaborative research. It analyses the motivations for establishing NACT, the practical achievements in fostering policy dialogue and collaboration for the past decade and the prospects of NACT in addressing regional and global challenges. By aligning with the strategic visions of ASEAN and China, NACT has significantly contributed to regional stability, development and people-to-people exchanges. This article concludes by discussing NACT’s potential to further enhance ASEAN–China relations and regional integration.
Policy and Impact Analysis of Smelter Development in Morowali Sulawesi: A Multidisciplinary Review of Social, Economic and Environmental Aspects
Authors: PRADANA Galih Wahyu , KUNCARAVITA Sekar Ayu , ALINA Aldea Noor
Published: January 2025

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of constructing the Morowali Industrial Park smelter in Indonesia. Empirical findings indicate that the local economy benefits tremendously through the creation of additional jobs and overall regional economic growth. However, the local economy faces serious environmental problems, alongside social issues. To ensure that the benefits outweigh disadvantages, it is crucial to implement stringent environmental regulations and facilitate community participation in decision-making.
Integrated Image-Text Augmentation for Few-Shot Learning in Vision-Language Models
Authors: Wang Ran , Zuo Hua , Fang Zhen , Lu Jie
Published: January 2025

Vision-language models, such as the Contrastive Language-Image Pre-Training (CLIP) model, have achieved significant success in image classification tasks. CLIP demonstrates high expressive power in few-shot learning scenarios due to its pairing of text and image encoders. However, CLIP still faces overfitting when trained with a limited number of samples. To mitigate this, image augmentation techniques have been proposed in few-shot learning tasks to prevent overfitting by enriching the dataset. Existing image augmentation methods, primarily designed for single-modal image models, focus solely on transformations within the image itself. However, for CLIP, merely increasing visual variety without considering textual content can reduce generalization ability and may even mislead the model. To address this issue, we introduce a novel image augmentation approach—Integrated Image-Text Augmentation (ITA)—for CLIP model in few-shot learning tasks. This method generates new and diverse augmented images to increase the diversity of the training data and reduce overfitting. Additionally, ITA establishes an alignment between the augmented images and their textual descriptions. Through this alignment, the model not only learns to recognize visual elements in the images but also understands the semantic connections between these elements and the text descriptions. This dual-modal approach enhances the model's flexibility and accuracy in processing few-shot learning tasks. Extensive experiments in few-shot image classification scenarios have demonstrated that ITA shows significant improvements compared to various image augmentation techniques.
Reasoning Abilities of Large Language Models: In-Depth Analysis on the Abstraction and Reasoning Corpus
Authors: Lee Seungpil , Sim Woochang , Shin Donghyeon , Seo Wongyu , Park Jiwon , Lee Seokki , Hwang Sanha , Kim Sejin , Kim Sundong
Published: January 2025

The existing methods for evaluating the inference abilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) have been predominantly results-centric, making it challenging to assess the inference process comprehensively. We introduce a novel approach using the Abstraction and Reasoning Corpus (ARC) benchmark to evaluate the inference and contextual understanding abilities of LLMs in a process-centric manner, focusing on three key components from the Language of Thought Hypothesis (LoTH): Logical Coherence, Compositionality, and Productivity. Our carefully designed experiments reveal that while LLMs demonstrate some inference capabilities, they still significantly lag behind human-level reasoning in these three aspects. The main contribution of this paper lies in introducing the LoTH perspective, which provides a method for evaluating the reasoning process that conventional results-oriented approaches fail to capture, thereby offering new insights into the development of human-level reasoning in artificial intelligence systems.
The Construction of Castor Oil (Ricinus communis L) Polyurethane Membrane Embedded 1,10-phenanthroline Graphene as a Cr3+ Ion Selective Membrane
Authors: Safitri Eka , Nazaruddin Nazaruddin , Humaira Rada , Afifi Muhammad Ridho , Saleha Sitti , Sani Nor Diyana Md , Idroes Rinaldi , Ulianas Alizar , Hidayat Nurul , Rumhayati Barlah , Yuhana Eda
Published: January 2025

A Cr3+ ion selective electrode (ISE) based on a polyurethane (PU) membrane from castor oil modified with the active substances 1,10-phenanthroline and graphene was constructed. The ISE consisted of an internal solution with an optimum composition of 0.1 M KCl:Cr(NO3)3 and showed a sensitivity of 20.37 ± 0.51 mV decade−1. Spectroscopic analysis showed that urethane bonds were observed at wave number 3390 cm−1 and 1,10-phenanthroline bonds, proven by the aromatic C=C and C–N bonds, respectively at 1600 cm−1 and 1325 cm−1. The modified PU membranes showed a decrease in crystallinity. However, increased crystallinity was observed when the membrane was in a solution of Cr(III) ions. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited a homogeneous solid outer layer structure and a hollow inner layer. The Cr(III) ISE can measure Cr3+ ion concentrations in the range of 10−11–10–5 M with coefficient of determination, detection limit, and response time of 0.996, 10–11 M, and 180 s, respectively. The ISE showed a stable response in the pH range of 5–7. The selectivity of ISE Cr3+ towards foreign ions did not interfere with measurements with K
ij values less than 1. In addition, the Cr3+ ISE demonstrated good reproducibility and repeatability with an average standard deviation value of less than 5%.
Pleurotheciaceae in Philippine freshwater ecosystems: new records, asexual morph report of Phaeoisaria filiformis, and phylogenetic assessment
Authors: BAGACAY JAN FELNESH EXE , CANTO CARR MARLO , OPIÑA LILCAH ANGELIQUE , NIM JAMES ARIEL , VELO JASMINE , LOPEZ THOMAS ANGELO , FERRIOLS VICTOR MARCO EMMANUEL N. , SADABA RESURRECCION B. , CALABON MARK S.
Published: January 2025

The study of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the Philippines led to the collection and isolation of two Pleurotheciaceae species, belonging to Rhexoacrodictys and Phaeoisaria. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2), and RNA polymerase II (RPB2) loci revealed that UPVMI 24-0005 belongs to the taxon Rhexoacrodictys erecta, clustering closely with other strains (HSAUPmyr4622, IFRD500-016, HSAUP myr6489) (100% ML, 1.00 BYPP). UPVMI 24-006 was identified as Phaeoisaria filiformis, grouping with the holotype MFLUCC 18-0214 and KUNCC 23-13723 (90% ML, 1.00 BYPP). The present work also confirmed the first report of the asexual morphic stage of P. filiformis, as previous studies only described its sexual morph. Furthermore, the genus Saprodesmium, typified by S. dematiosporum, was transferred to Rhexoacrodictys based on multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, and the generic description is emended. The newly collected specimens represent novel records of Pleurotheciaceae in Philippine freshwater ecosystems. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of R. erecta and P. filiformis are provided.
Samsoniella doupengshanensis, a new species from Guizhou, China
Authors: ZENG QIAN , CHEN XU , CHEN WAN-HAO , TIAN WEI-YI
Published: January 2025

A new species, Samsoniella doupengshanensis, isolated from an infected pupa, is introduced. Morphological comparisons and DNA-based phylogenies from analysis of a multigene dataset of combined ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TEF sequences support establishment of the new species. It differs from other species by its shorter phialides, smaller ellipsoidal conidia and pupa host.
Diderma laiseae (Didymiaceae, Physarales), a new species of Myxomycetes from Brazil
Authors: MOREIRA IZABEL CRISTINA , LEONARDO-SILVA LUCAS , XAVIER-SANTOS SOLANGE
Published: January 2025

We describe a new species, Diderma laiseae, based on detailed morphological analyses. The type material was collected in the field from dead wood and insect remains (coleoptera) within Floresta Nacional de Silvânia, a conservation unit in the Cerrado biome in the state of Goiás, Brazil. D. laiseae is distinguished by its sessile sporophores with prominent, robust transverse and longitudinal ridges that give it a rough appearance, reticular dehiscence caused by the rupture of ridges, and strongly warted spores with irregular lines. We provide a taxonomic description, photographs (optical microscope, stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope), a comparison with similar species, and a dichotomous key to the species of Diderma occurring in Brazil.
A nomenclatural note on Leobordea (Crotalarieae, Fabaceae)
Authors: BOATWRIGHT J. STEPHEN , WYK BEN-ERIK VAN
Published: January 2025

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A roadmap for harlequin frog systematics, with a partial revision of Amazonian species related to Atelopus spumarius
Authors: LÖTTERS STEFAN , BÖNING PHILIPP , BAILON SALVADOR , CASTAÑEDA JOSE DANIEL BARROS , BOISTEL RENAUD , CATENAZZI ALESSANDRO , CHAPARRO JUAN C. , CHÁVEZ GERMÁN , CHUJUTALLI ANGEL , COEN LAURENT , COLOMA LUIS A. , CRAWFORD ANDREW J. , CULEBRAS JAIME , MARTÍNEZ JUAN CARLOS CUSI , DAZA JUAN MANUEL , RIVA IGNACIO DE LA , ELLWEIN DENISE J. , ERNST RAFFAEL , FLECHAS SANDRA V. , FOUQUET ANTOINE , GUAYASAMIN JUAN MANUEL , HEINE CHRISTOPHER , JORGE RAFAEL F. , JUNG ALISHA , JUNGFER KARL-HEINZ , KAFFENBERGER NATHALIE , KREHENWINKEL HENRIK , MARCA ENRIQUE LA , LAMPO MARGARITA , RANGEL GUIDO F. MEDINA , ORSEN LUDVIG , PALUH DANIEL J. , GONZALEZ JOSÉ LUIS PÉREZ , PERRIN JONATHAN , RIERA AMANDA B. QUEZADA , REYES-PUIG JUAN PABLO , ROSS BERNARDO ROCA-REY , RÖSSLER DANIELA C. , SOLANO LUIS ALBERTO RUEDA , SALAZAR-VALENZUELA DAVID , VAZQUEZ JOSEFA CELSA SEÑARIS , SOWINSKI MORGANE , TERÁN-VALDEZ ANDREA , TOVAR-ORTIZ ANGIE , VEITH MICHAEL , VENEGAS PABLO , MAY RUDOLF VON , WEITKAMP TIMM , PLEWNIA AMADEUS
Published: January 2025

Harlequin frogs, genus Atelopus, are a species-rich group of bufonid anurans from the Neotropics with more than 100 species. For nearly four decades now, this group has suffered from massive population declines. Almost all species are threatened with extinction, and many populations and several species are considered extinct or possibly extinct. This results in a limited sampling available for studies on harlequin frog systematics, especially in terms of molecular genetic information. However, efficient conservation of harlequin frogs requires an improved taxonomy. This is further complicated through the circumstance that many Atelopus species are relatively poor in external morphological characters combined with a high level of intra-specific character variation (e.g. coloration and body size). At the same time, cryptic diversity exists with well differentiated species (supported by osteology and molecular genetics) almost indistinguishable by external morphology. We compiled the largest dataset to date for mitochondrial (12S, 16S, cyt b) and nuclear (POMC, RAG1) markers and present a phylogeny (likelihood and Bayesian inference methods) including 152 samples from 104 populations scattered over the entire geographic range of the genus. Four allo- or parapatric main clades are distinguished: I. Sierra Nevada; II. Venezuelan-Andean; III. Andean-Chocó-Central American (with the ignescens and the varius-longirostris clades); and IV Amazonian (containing the tricolor and the flavescens-spumarius clades). The phylogenetic relationships within these clades remain to be resolved. Taxonomic implications included both splitting and lumping, but taxonomic action is here only taken for populations related to A. spumarius from western Amazonia. Besides redescriptions of A. spumarius sensu stricto and A. colomai, we describe two new species based on morphology, skull osteology and bioacoustics. Additional yet understudied populations from Amazonia may be allocated to these species or may represent additional undescribed taxa.