bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scoping review of digital interventions for the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental health conditions for young people
Authors: Baka Evangelia , Tan Yi-Roe , Wong Brian Li Han , Xing Zhongyue , Yap Peiling
Published: February 2025

Digital mental health (DMH) interventions leveraging digital technologies, such as mobile applications, web-based platforms, artificial intelligence and wearable devices, have emerged as a promising avenue for addressing the mental health needs of young people. This scoping review examines the landscape of primary and secondary preventive DMH interventions for young people aged 10–24 years. Six electronic databases were searched, leading to a final incorporation of 81 studies published between 2010 and 2022. Each of these studies corresponds to a unique DMH intervention. Our findings reveal that research activity in the area of promotive and preventive DMH interventions started gaining ground from 2019 onwards, with the majority of studies conducted in Australia and the USA. 70% of the total studies targeted the prevention of mental health conditions. Randomized controlled trials were the predominant study methodology, while mental well-being, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, life skills and disorders specifically associated with stress were the most targeted mental health or well-being conditions. Finally, mobile applications and web interfaces were the most studied form of DMH interventions. Most of these applications have integrated advanced AI/ML algorithms to serve the purpose of personalization and real-time monitoring. However, there is a marked need for more emphasis on preventive and, especially, promotive mental health measures, as well as the active inclusion of low- and middle-income countries in future research.
Wage Hysteresis and Entitlement Effects: The Persistent Impacts of a Temporary Overtime Policy
Authors: Quach Simon
Published: February 2025

This paper studies the unexpected retraction of a U.S. federal policy in 2016 that would have more than doubled the “overtime exemption threshold” from ${\$}$455 to ${\$}$913 per week and thereby grant overtime protection to an additional 20 percent of salaried workers. Although the policy was blocked by a federal court injunction a week before it was supposed to take effect, I show that it nevertheless had a persistent positive impact on workers’ earnings. Leveraging a bunching design with administrative payroll data from ADP, I find that employers raised workers’ salaries to the ${\$}$913 threshold even after the policy was repealed. Over the following 18 months, difference-in-difference estimates reveal that employers did not slow the wage growth of workers affected by the policy relative to those already earning above ${\$}$913 per week, nor did they hire new employees at a lower pay rate. Real wages remained persistently elevated relative to what they would have been absent the policy and separation rates decreased among workers bunched at the ${\$}$913 threshold. Comparing highly exposed firms to unaffected firms, I find an increase in employers’ wage bill but no change in aggregate employment. Taken together, the results indicate that temporary policies impacting wage levels can have permanent impacts on the labor market. Survey responses collected by the Department of Labor suggest that morale concerns play a key role in driving the wage hysteresis.
Enhancing Cd and Pb tolerance of Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) by regulating antioxidant defense system, macroelement uptake and microstructure
Authors: Luo Xu-Feng , Yi Xuan-Tao , De-Zheng Wang , Wang Jiang-Yao , Zeng Peng , Zhou Hang , Gu Jiao-Feng , Liao Bo-Han , Li Hao
Published: February 2025

Woody plants had received considerable attention for the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. This study aimed to investigate the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity, macroelement uptake, and microstructure of the woody plant Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) for the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) co-contaminated soil based on dynamic sampling. The results showed that black locust demonstrated strong tolerance in Cd and Pb co-contaminated soil. After 30–120 d of cultivation, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and the macroelement (K and Ca) content in plant leaves significantly declined in response to Cd and Pb. However, after 160 d of cultivation, the antioxidant enzyme activities, chlorophyll, sulfhydryl, and soluble protein contents, as well as Ca and Mg content in plant leaves were returned to normal levels under the 40 mg·kg−1 Cd and 1000 mg·kg−1 Pb contaminated soil (CdPb3). Meanwhile, K content in plant leaves under the CdPb3 treatment was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 68.9% compared to the control. Cd and Pb was primarily accumulated in black locust roots. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis indicated that the sieve tubes in the roots and stems of plant might block the transport of Cd and Pb. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis indicated that the number and volume of osmiophilic particles in plant leaves were increased and the cell walls were thickened in response to Cd and Pb stress. Path analysis further indicated that the growth of plant was related to macroelements uptake and physiological change (photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and chelation). Thus, black locust could effectively regulate the antioxidant defense system, macroelement absorption, and microstructure to enhance plant tolerance to Cd and Pb stress. Moreover, black locust could maintain the normal urease, acid phosphatase, and sucrase activities in the Cd and Pb co-contaminated soil. These findings suggested that black locust could be considered as a useful woody plant for the phytostabilization in Cd and Pb-contaminated soil.
Functional Characterization of Transcriptional Regulator Rem in Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
Authors: Wang Wenting , Xu Jin , Wang Nian
Published: February 2025

Citrus HLB, caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. Usually 10% of total genes in bacteria are regulatory genes, but only 2% of CLas genes encode transcriptional factors. Here, 20 transcriptional regulators were predicted including eight genes (lsrB, ldtR, rem, visR, visN, ctrA, mucR, pelD, and atoC) directly or indirectly involved in regulating motility, and five genes (i.e., rpoH, prbP, phrR, rirA, and lsrB) involved in oxidative stress response. We demonstrated that rem, lsrB, and visNR of CLas can complement the corresponding mutants of S. meliloti in their reduced motility. We further investigated traits controlled by Rem in S. meliloti and CLas using RNA-seq analyses of rem mutant vs. complementation strains with remSmc or remLas. Transcriptomic analysis showed RemLas significantly regulates the expression of genes in S. meliloti, which was used to infer its regulation of CLas genes by identification of homologous genes. We found Rem is involved in regulating motility, chemotaxis, transporters, and oxidative phosphorylation in S. meliloti and regulating flagellar and transporter genes in CLas. Among the 39 putative RemLas-regulated genes in CLas, 16 contain Rem binding motif, including 10 genes involved in flagellar assembly. Taken together, this study offers valuable insights regarding regulatory genes of CLas with many of them involved in regulating motility and oxidative stress response. The regulation of flagellar genes by Rem in CLas unravels critical information regarding motility in CLas infection of hosts.
Harnessing the Power of Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) Technology to Understand Psyllid-Transmitted Fastidious Bacterial Diseases
Authors: Killiny Nabil , Fereres Alberto
Published: February 2025

Psyllids, also called plant lice, are hemipteran insects that feed on phloem sap. In addition to the direct damage they cause to plants, they are vectors of many phloem-restricted bacterial pathogens belonging to the ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ spp. and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ spp. from the apple proliferation group (16SrX). Although ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ spp. cells possess cell walls unlike the phytoplasmas, they both share a reduced genome and unavailability in culture. In addition, psyllids transmit both species of bacteria in a persistent, circulative, and propagative manner. Because of the similarity of these pathosystems, electrical penetration graph (EPG) was employed to study the probing behavior of psyllids. Such studies may assist in understanding the specific interactions between the fastidious bacteria, plant hosts, and insect vectors and lead to innovative control strategies. Herein, we discuss the potential of EPG to study and understand the tritrophic interactions that secure a successful transmission from plant to plant. In addition, the use of EPG in evaluating psyllid control strategies including pesticides and tolerant varieties is reviewed.
“But Why?”: Explanatory Feedback Is a Reliable Marker of High-Quality Narrative Assessment of Surgical Performance
Authors: Poeppelman Rachel Stork , Cho Junsang , Nachbor Kristine , Sekhar Tejas C. , Pruett Jack , Baim Adam , Strul Sasha , Barsam Alex , Langworthy Benjamin , Waxman Evan L. , Culican Susan M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines the quality of short narrative comments collected using an online workplace-based assessment (WBA) tool.

Method

The quality of comments collected by a WBA tool at the UPMC Ophthalmology Residency Training Program was evaluated between July 2017–June 2020. A randomized rating exercise involving 10 meta-raters from 6 institutions was performed to evaluate the value of narratives from deidentified WBAs. The tool captured a single-item entrustment competency question with brief comments. Comments were evaluated using a Quality of Assessment of Learning (QuAL) score (range, 0-5; ≥ 3 considered high quality) and on whether the assessor provided a feedback rationale.

Results

A total of 838 unique WBAs were collected from 15 attending evaluators. Comments were brief (median [interquartile range] length, 11 [7-17] words), yet 514 (61.3%) were rated as high quality (QuAL score ≥ 3). Of all 838 comments, 98 (11.7%) included a specific reason the evidence or suggestion was provided to the learner. Of these 98 comments, 94 (95.9%) met the high-quality feedback threshold. A higher QuAL score was associated with a higher postgraduate year (PGY) level (estimate [SE], 1.603 [0.428], P < .001 for PGY2 [reference]; 1.003 [0.389], P = .01 for PGY3; 1.079 [0.360], P = .003 for PGY4), suggesting more advanced learners receive higher-quality narrative comments. A correlation was found between a higher entrustment rating and a lower QuAL score (estimate [SE], −0.199 [0.053], P < .001). When the PGY level was controlled for, this association got stronger (estimate [SE], −0.310 [0.057], P < .001).

Conclusions

Analysis of WBA comments from attending physicians evaluated using the QuAL score demonstrated that most comments were high quality despite their brevity. Residents in later training years and with lower entrustment ratings received higher-quality comments. High-quality narrative assessments were longer and addressed rationale as part of the comment.
The Impact of Aging on Measurement of Continuity of Treatment Among Children Living With HIV in the PEPFAR Supported Program in Kenya
Authors: Odero Lydia , Chafetz Aaron , Gikura Mary , Goldstein Deborah , Golin Rachel , Kemunto Diana , Maina Nelly , Mutisya Immaculate , Muthoka Kennedy , Nganga Evelyn , Okegbe Tishina , Okutoyi Salome , Omoro Gonza , Wafula Rose , Achwoka Dunstan
Published: February 2025

Background:

To reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality among children living with HIV (CLHIV), continuity of treatment is critical. We sought to understand how aging out among CLHIV in Kenya impacts estimates of treatment continuity.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on deidentified individual-level data from the Kenya National Data Warehouse for all clients who initiated and/or received antiretroviral therapy between the periods of October 2018 and September 2022 [US Government fiscal years (FYs) 2019–2022]. CLHIV previously on treatment and those newly initiating treatment were included in the analysis. Outcomes included aging out of childhood (turning 15 years old), interruption in treatment, return to treatment and remaining active on treatment.

Results:

The number of active CLHIV on treatment at the end of FY 2019 was 44,628. This changed to 48,218, 48,262 and 44,780 representing 8%, 0% and −7% cohort growth/reduction at the end of FYs 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Among those who were on treatment at the beginning of each FY, aging out of childhood accounted for 53%, 61% and 72% of the total cohort reductions for the periods 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Interruptions in treatment accounted for proportions ranging from 5% to 9% among those active on treatment, while those who aged out of childhood ranged between 11% and 13%. Among those who returned to treatment in each FY, the proportions who remained active at the end of the FY varied from 72% to 76%.

Conclusions:

Accounting for aging out of childhood can improve program estimates of their true rates of interruptions of treatment in children, as they work to achieve epidemic control among CLHIV.
Prospective Evaluation of Adherence to French Guidelines on Early Onset Sepsis Management
Authors: Affichard Florine , Brunet Stéphanie , El Hage Christelle , Julliand Sebastien , Lode Noella , Genuini Mathieu
Published: February 2025

Background:

Early onset sepsis (EOS) is rare but potentially lethal. French guidelines were published in 2017 to improve the care of children. The aim of this study was to qualify and quantify inadequate antibiotic therapy management compared with the recommendations made by the new French guidelines.

Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted at the Robert Debré Hospital (Paris, France), a tertiary pediatric teaching center. Data were prospectively collected between May and October 2019. We included all neonates born at a gestational age ≥ 34 weeks who needed emergency transportation by the pediatric intensive care unit transport team during the first 72 hours of life. The primary outcome was the rate of antibiotic therapy initiation (or abstention) that did not respect the new French guidelines.

Results:

One hundred and seven patients were included. The median gestational age was 39 weeks and 6 days. Median weight was 3355 g. Fifty-eight births (54%) had at least 1 risk factor for EOS. Ninety-seven (91%) infants had at least 1 symptom of EOS, and 76 (71%) were treated with antibiotics. Three newborns (3%) had a documented EOS, and all of them survived. Antibiotic therapy initiation or abstention was adequate for 91% of our cohort (n = 107). Physicians prescribed inadequate biologic tests for 67 (63%) infants.

Conclusions:

There was a high adherence to the French EOS guidelines for antibiotic therapy initiation or abstention. No death related to EOS occurred in our cohort. Nevertheless, a high proportion of children had undergone inadequate biological tests.
Long-Term Response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine in Adolescents
Authors: Han Mi Seon , Choi Sujin , Yoon Yoonsun , Kim Yun-Kyung , Cho Hye-Kyung , Yun Ki Wook , Song Seung Ha , Ahn Bin , Kim Ye Kyung , Choi Sung Hwan , Choe Young June , Lim Heeji , Choi Eun Bee , Kim Kwangwook , Hyeon Seokhwan , Lee Soyeon , Na Yoo Jin , Kim Byung-chul , Lee Yoo-kyoung , Choi Eun Hwa , Ahn Soyeon , Lee Hyunju
Published: February 2025

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic’s transition to an endemic phase emphasizes the importance of vaccination. Despite initial strong immunogenicity, waning of vaccine-induced immunity requires further investigation. Therefore, this study evaluated the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccine in adolescents, focusing on spike-specific and neutralizing antibody kinetics following primary and booster vaccinations as well as the impact of breakthrough infections.

Methods:

This observational study included 157 adolescents 12–17 years old who received the primary BNT162b2 vaccine and 22 participants who received booster doses. Antibody levels were measured at 1, 3, 5 and 10 months post-vaccination and post-booster. Breakthrough infections were identified using SARS-CoV-2 antigen/polymerase chain reaction tests. Safety was monitored by tracking adverse effects.

Results:

Post-primary vaccination, the geometric mean titer of anti-spike antibodies decreased significantly over time, with a 2.3-fold reduction after 10 months. Booster doses induced higher antibody titers, which also waned over time, albeit more slowly. Breakthrough infections significantly boosted neutralizing titers, including those against variants such as Delta and Omicron. Long-term adverse effects were minimal, with only 7 cases of transient lymph node enlargement and menstrual irregularities.

Conclusions:

The BNT162b2 vaccine induced robust initial immune responses in adolescents; however, the immunity waned over time. Booster doses are essential for sustained protection, especially against emerging variants. Breakthrough infections further enhance antibody responses, highlighting the benefits of hybrid immunity. The safety profile is generally favorable; however, ongoing monitoring is warranted.
Listeria Meningitis as an Indication of Undiagnosed Primary Immune Deficiency, Activated Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Delta Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Canizci Erdemli Pinar , Öcal Demir Sevliya , Bozkurt Selcen , Aslan Tuncay Sevgi , Yilmaz Seyhan , Parlak Burcu , Dizi Işik Aylin , Büyüktaş Aytaç Didem , Abaci Çapar Meryem Çağla , Ergenç Zeynep , Atalay Ayşe Sümeyye , Gökçe İbrahim , Karakoc- Aydiner Elif , Özen Ahmet , Kepenekli Eda , Akkoç Gülşen
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacillus that causes severe infections mainly in newborns, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and elderly. In this report, we present a case of immune dysregulation that presented with invasive Listeria infection despite the absence of these risk factors.

Case:

A previously healthy 5-year-old girl developed L. monocytogenes meningitis, which is unusual given her age and lack of typical risk factors. The patient initially presented with fever, diarrhea and altered mental status, unresponsive to empiric antibiotic treatment. Besides clinical diagnosis of meningitis, laboratory tests revealed pleocytosis and positive polymerase chain reaction test for L. monocytogenes in cerebrospinal fluid. Despite initial improvement, the patient developed proteinuria and hypertension and was later diagnosed with focal class 3 lupus nephritis following a renal biopsy. Given the atypical nature of her L. monocytogenes infection, persistent organomegaly, and lupus nephritis, further immunological evaluation was conducted. Genetic testing revealed a de-novo gain-of-function mutation in the PIK3CD gene, confirming the diagnosis of Activated Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Delta Syndrome 1 (APDS1), a rare primary immunodeficiency characterized by lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity. The patient was started on immunoglobulin replacement therapy and prophylactic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. No recurrence of severe infection occurred during 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion:

This case underscores the importance of considering underlying immune dysregulations in pediatric patients with atypical presentation of Listeria infections.
A Human Neuron Alzheimer’s Disease Model Reveals Barriers to Senolytic Translatability
Authors: Walton Chaska C. , Wang Ellen , Lee Suckwon , Siebrand Cynthia J. , Bergo Nicholas J. , Andersen Julie K.
Published: February 2025

Therapeutic successes in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) largely fail to translate into clinical trials, with experimental drugs rarely validated in human models before being administered to humans. To address this, we developed an accessible method for long-term culture of commercially available primary human neurons and astrocytes, along with an amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ)-basedin vitroAD model. Using this system, we evaluated two senolytic regimens previously shown to be effective in AD mouse models—Navitoclax and Dasatinib plus Quercetin (DQ)—and the natural killer cell line NK92 for emerging immune-mediated senescent cell ablation therapies. NK92 cells preferentially—but not exclusively—targeted Aβ-treated neurons and astrocytes with senescent-like phenotypes. DQ demonstrated a safe profile for human neurons, but Navitoclax exhibited non-selective neurotoxicity. These findings highlight risks of Navitoclax and NK-based interventions and underscore the critical need for human-relevant models in the AD drug-development pipeline to improve safety and clinical translatability.
A Network Analysis of HIV Civil Society Organizations to Enhance HIV Prevention Service Delivery in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Haggard Rachel , Khomani Patricia , Kamgwira Yohane , Mablekisi Chimwemwe , Ngaiyaye Rosemary , Moyo Stanley , Green Dylan , Smith Tyler , Cooper Hannah , Holmes Charles B. , Allinder Sara , Hoege Deborah , Kalawazira Gift
Published: February 2025

Background

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in HIV prevention and service delivery in Blantyre, Malawi. Yet district-based public health leaders often lack a nuanced understanding of CSO connections, service offerings, and linkages to health facilities; information needed for effective district-level coordination and facility level uptake of HIV prevention resources.

Methods

We conducted an organizational network analysis (ONA) of CSOs providing HIV prevention support in Blantyre to identify connections between CSOs, the strength of those connections, and the services these organizations offer. We sampled organizations in September 2021 and November 2023. We used Kumu Software to interactively display the relationships among CSOs. We assessed CSO connections to health facilities to gain a comprehensive understanding of linkages that impact how HIV prevention services are delivered.

Results

We had a sampling frame of 227 organizations with a final sample size of 154 organizations. Ninety-two (60%) organizations had at least one connection with another organization and 146 (95%) had at least one connection with a facility. There is a hub of connected organizations that work together to provide HIV prevention services in Blantyre. Of the 35 repeat organizations from both data collections, 12 increased their connections to other organizations and 14 increased their connections to other health facilities over two years.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the highly connected organizational hub allows the government and partners to leverage these organizations to support and enhance HIV prevention service delivery. Tracking network changes networks over time can enhance collaboration among organizations to maximize resources based on the greatest need.
Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder and muscle dysmorphia are related to greater self-face recognition difficulty and negative self-face evaluations among males
Authors: Portingale Jade , Krug Isabel , Butler David
Published: February 2025

Objective: Self-face perception is critical to physical self-concept, yet its importance in body image disorders among males is underexplored. This study examines how self-face recognition accuracy and evaluations are influenced by the severity of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms in males and whether symptom severity moderates the relationship between recognition accuracy and evaluations. Methods: Sixty-eight White and East/Southeast Asian males in Australia completed measures assessing BDD and MD symptoms (appearance intolerance, drive for size, and functional impairment), self-face recognition accuracy (self-reported difficulty and objective sensitivity using a video-morphing task), and self-face evaluations (perceived attractiveness, adiposity, and dissatisfaction). Results: Hierarchical regressions revealed that higher BDD symptoms and MD-related appearance intolerance predicted greater self-reported recognition difficulties and more negative evaluations (lower attractiveness, higher dissatisfaction). However, symptoms were unrelated to objective recognition sensitivity and perceived adiposity. Preliminary analyses suggested that recognition accuracy and evaluations were also unrelated, with no moderating effects of symptom severity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that elevated BDD and MD symptoms, particularly appearance intolerance, disrupt self-face recognition and evaluations in males. Addressing these disturbances could enhance theoretical models of body image. Future research should investigate these processes in diverse clinical populations and longitudinal contexts before considering implications for intervention.
Serotype distribution among adults with community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia in Japan between 2019 and 2022: A multicenter observational study
Authors: Maeda Haruka , Ito Isao , Sando Eiichiro , Hamao Nobuyoshi , Shirata Masahiro , Dhoubhadel Bhim Gopal , Ntiamoah Desmond Opoku , Oi Issei , Nishioka Kensuke , Fujii Hiroshi , Okamura Kayoko , Inoue Taisei , Yamada Takashi , Niibayashi Seisuke , Tsukino Mitsuhiro , Fujii Yuya , Tsuchiya Michiko , Nakahara Yasuharu , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Nakagawa Atsushi , Sugita Takakazu , Ito Akihiro , Sakai Naoki , Kaji Yusuke , Toyoda Yuko , Urata Tomoyuki , Asoh Norichika , Nishiyama Akira , Yagiuchi Ai , Morikawa Toru , Ushiki Atsuhito , Ishida Masayuki , Morimoto Konosuke
Published: February 2025

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniaeis a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. With the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) into pediatric national immunization programs, the serotype distribution of pneumococcal disease among adults has changed due to herd immunity. In Japan, PCV15 and PCV20 have been introduced, and PCV21 has been under review for approval in adults. This study aimed to assess the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes among adults with pneumococcal pneumonia in Japan between May 2019 and December 2022.

Methods

This multicenter observational study enrolled patients aged ≥18 years with community-acquired, culture-positive pneumococcal pneumonia from May 2019 to December 2022. Pneumococcal isolates were serotyped using the Quellung reaction, and proportions of individual and vaccine-covered serotypes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 583 adult patients with pneumococcal pneumonia were included. The median age was 74 years (interquartile range: 66–82 years), 383 (65.7%) patients were male, and 387 (66.4%) patients had one or more underlying medical conditions. The most common serotypes were serotype 3 (12.5%), 35B (12.0%), 15A (7.7%), 11A (6.7%), and 23A (6.3%). The proportion of serotypes covered by PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, PPSV23, and PCV21 were 24.0, 28.0, 43.7, 44.1, and 71.9%, respectively. The proportions of vaccine-covered serotypes were similar between patients aged <65 and ≥65 years. Notably, serotype 3 was more prevalent among patients living in nursing homes (25.9%) compared with those living at home (11.2%).

Conclusion

Serotypes 3 and 35B were the most common in adults with pneumococcal pneumonia in Japan during the study period. The proportions of PCV20- and PCV21-covered serotypes suggest that these new vaccines may offer additional protection against adult pneumococcal pneumonia. With the availability of newly developed PCVs for adults in Japan, it is time to reassess the optimal pneumococcal vaccination policy for adults.
A Cross-Sectional Study on Attitudes Toward Dengue Prevention Among Adults aged 18 and above Living in Korail Slum, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Dhodari Anish , Ali Azzam , Ashor Mokhtar
Published: February 2025

Dengue fever poses a significant public health challenge in urban slums, where environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities amplify risks. This cross-sectional study investigates attitudes toward dengue prevention among 424 adults residing in Korail, a densely populated slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed to explore demographic, geographic, and socio-economic factors shaping preventive attitudes.
A Machine Learning Model for Post-Concussion Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Claros-Olivares Claudio C. , Anderson Melissa N. , Qian Wei , Brockmeier Austin J. , Buckley Thomas A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Emerging evidence indicates an elevated risk of post-concussion musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries in collegiate athletes; however, identifying athletes at highest risk remains to be elucidated.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to model post-concussion MSK injury risk in collegiate athletes by integrating a comprehensive set of variables by machine learning.

Methods

A risk model was developed and tested on a dataset of 194 athletes (155 in the training set and 39 in the test set) with 135 variables entered into the analysis, which included participant’s heath and athletic history, concussion injury and recovery specific criteria, and outcomes from a diverse array of concussions assessments. The machine learning approach involved transforming variables by the Weight of Evidence method, variable selection using L1-penalized logistic regression, model selection via the Akaike Information Criterion, and a final L2-regularized logistic regression fit.

Results

A model with 48 predictive variables yielded significant predictive performance of subsequent MSK injury with an area under the curve of 0.82. Top predictors included cognitive, balance, and reaction at Baseline and Acute timepoints. At a specified false positive rate of 6.67%, the model achieves a true positive rate (sensitivity) of 79% and a precision (positive predictive value) of 95% for identifying at-risk athletes via a well calibrated composite risk score.

Conclusion

These results support the development of a sensitive and specific injury risk model using standard data combined with a novel methodological approach that may allow clinicians to target high injury risk student-athletes. The development and refinement of predictive models, incorporating machine learning and utilizing comprehensive datasets, could lead to improved identification of high-risk athletes and allow for the implementation of targeted injury risk reduction strategies by identifying student-athletes most at risk for post-concussion MSK injury.

Key Points

There is a well-established elevated risk of post-concussion subsequent musculoskeletal injury; however, prior efforts have failed to identify risk factors.

This study developed a composite risk score model with an AUC of 0.82 from common concussion clinical measures and participant demographics.

By identifying athletes at elevated risk, clinicians may be able to reduce injury risk through targeted injury risk reduction programs.
On the transient interactions of α-synuclein in different dimensions
Authors: Ortigosa-Pascual L. , Ferrante-Carrante N. , Bernfur K. , Makasewicz K. , Sparr E. , Linse S.
Published: February 2025

0.

α-Synuclein (αSyn) is a neuronal protein predominantly found in the brain, whose native function seems to be associated with vesicle trafficking. While intrinsically disordered in solution, the first ca. 100 residues adopt an amphipathic α-helical structure when the protein adsorbs onto membranes. Additionally, the aggregation of αSyn into highly ordered β-sheet rich amyloid fibrils is associated with Parkinsońs disease. The different regions of αSyn and the interactions between them have been reported to play a key role in the behaviour of the protein in solution, its membrane binding, and its aggregation into fibrils.

This study employs photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins (PICUP) to capture and identify the transient contacts of αSyn in different conformational states: free in solution, adsorbed to membranes, and aggregated into fibrils. By using tyrosine-to-phenylalanine mutations to block the reactivity of specific amino acid residues, we establish key cross-links in each state. In solution, we identify internal contacts between the N and C termini of monomers, as well as inter-monomer contacts between C termini in oligomers. When αSyn is adsorbed to membranes, the internal cross-linking is blocked, while cross-linking between C-terminal regions persists. In fibrils, cross-linking is significantly reduced, primarily occurring between C-terminal residues of adjacent monomers. This work highlights the utility of PICUP for reporting on the transient contacts that occur on the pathways of self- and co-assembly of αSyn.
Potentials and limitations in the application of Convolutional Neural Networks for mosquito species identification using wing images
Authors: Nolte Kristopher , Baumbach Jan , Lins Christian , Georg Lohmann Jens Johann , Kollmannsberger Philip , Sauer Felix Gregor , Lühken Renke
Published: February 2025

1.This study addresses the pressing global health burden of mosquito-borne diseases by investigating the application of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for mosquito species identification using wing images. Conventional identification methods are hampered by the need for significant expertise and resources, while CNNs offer a promising alternative. Our research aimed to develop a reliable and applicable classification system that can be used under real-world conditions, with a focus on improving model adaptability to unencountered devices, mitigating dataset biases, and ensuring usability across different users without standardized protocols.2.We utilized a large, diverse dataset of mosquito wing images of 21 taxa and three imagecapturing devices and an optimized preprocessing pipeline to standardize images and remove undesirable image features.3.The developed CNN models demonstrated high performance, with an average balanced accuracy of 98.3% and a macro F1-score of 97.6%, effectively distinguishing between the 21 mosquito taxa, including morphologically similar pairs. The preprocessing pipeline improved the model’s robustness, reducing performance drops on unfamiliar devices effectively. However, the study also highlights the persistence of inherent dataset biases, which the preprocessing steps could only partially mitigate. The classification system’s practical usability was demonstrated through a feasibility study, showing high inter-rater reliability.4.The results underscore the potential of the proposed workflow to enhance vector surveillance, especially in resource-constrained settings, and suggest its applicability to other winged insect species. The classification system developed in this study is available for public use, providing a valuable tool for vector surveillance and research, supporting efforts to mitigate the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
The facultative intracellular symbiont Lariskella is neutral for lifetime fitness and spreads through cytoplasmic incompatibility in the leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus
Authors: Umanzor Edwin F , Kelly Suzanne E , Ravenscraft Alison , Matsuura Yu , Hunter Martha S
Published: February 2025

The maternally-inherited, intracellular bacterium Lariskella (Alphaproteobacteria: Midichloreaceae) has been widely detected in arthropods including true bugs, beetles, a wasp, a moth, and pathogen-vectoring fleas and ticks. Despite its prevalence, its role in the biology of its hosts has been unknown. We set out to determine the role of this symbiont in the leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Hempitera: Coreidae). To examine the effects of Lariskella on bug performance and reproduction as well as in possible interactions with the bug's obligate nutritional symbiont, Caballeronia, bugs were reared in a factorial experiment with both Lariskella and Caballeronia positive and negative treatments. Lifetime survival analysis (≈ 120 days) showed significant developmental delays and decrease in survival for bugs that lacked Caballeronia, and Caballeronia-free bugs did not reproduce. However, among the Caballeronia carrying treatments, there were no significant differences in lifetime survival or reproduction in treatments with and without Lariskella, suggesting this symbiont is neutral for overall bug fitness. To test for reproductive manipulation, crossing among Lariskella-positive and negative individuals was performed. When Lariskella-negative females were mated with Lariskella positive males, fewer eggs survived early embryogenesis, consistent with a cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) phenotype. Wild L. zonatusfrom California and Arizona showed high but not fixed Lariskella infection rates. Within individuals, Lariskella titer was low during early development (1st-3rd instar), followed by an increase that coincided with development of reproductive tissues. Our results reveal Lariskella to be among a growing number of microbial symbionts that cause CI, a phenotype that increases the relative fitness of females harboring the symbiont. Understanding the mechanism of how Lariskella manipulates reproduction can provide insights into the evolution of reproductive manipulators and may eventually provide tools for management of hosts of Lariskella, including pathogen-vectoring ticks and fleas.
Simultaneous profiling of native-state proteomes and transcriptomes of neural cell types using proximity labeling
Authors: Ramelow Christina C. , Dammer Eric B. , Xiao Hailian , Cheng Lihong , Kumar Prateek , Espinosa-Garcia Claudia , Sampson Maureen M. , Nelson Ruth S. , Malepati Sneha , Kour Dilpreet , Kumari Rashmi , Guo Qi , Bagchi Pritha , Duong Duc M. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Sloan Steven A. , Rangaraju Srikant
Published: February 2025

Deep molecular phenotyping of cells at transcriptomic and proteomic levels is an essential first step to understanding cellular contributions to development, aging, injury, and disease. Since proteome and transcriptome level abundances only modestly correlate with each other, complementary profiling of both is needed. We report a novel method called simultaneous protein and RNA –omics (SPARO) to capture the cell type-specific transcriptome and proteome simultaneously from both in vitro and in vivo experimental model systems. This method leverages the ability of biotin ligase, TurboID, to biotinylate cytosolic proteins including ribosomal and RNA-binding proteins, which allows enrichment of biotinylated proteins for proteomics as well as protein-associated RNA for transcriptomics. We validated this approach first using well-controlled in vitro systems to verify that the proteomes and transcriptomes obtained reflect the ground truth, bulk proteomes and transcriptomes. We also show that the effect of a biological stimulus (e.g., neuroinflammatory activation by lipopolysaccharide) can be faithfully captured. We also applied this approach to obtain native-state proteomes and transcriptomes from two key neural cell types, astrocytes and neurons, thereby validating the in vivo application of SPARO. Next, we used these data to interrogate protein-mRNA concordance and discordance across these cell types, providing insights into groups of molecular processes that exhibit uniform or cell type-specific patterns of mRNA-protein discordance.
Nuclear myosin I mediates genomic clustering of estrogen receptor-α without affecting ligand-induced transcriptional robustness
Authors: Swaminathan Sudha , Pandith Ishfaq Ahamd , Mann Rajat , Soota Deepanshu , Najar Arif Hussain , Notani Dimple
Published: February 2025

Ligand-induced transcriptional responses are rapid and robust. Estrogen, one such ligand, exerts its rapid effects through the steroid hormone receptor estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα). Upon stimulation, ERα binds to clustered enhancers to drive target gene expression. Here, we identify nuclear myosin 1 (NM1/Myo1c) as a positive regulator of ERα clustering on enhancers, promoting condensate formation on chromatin. NM1 is enriched on chromatin at the peak of the signaling response, and its depletion leads to a genome-wide reduction in ERα occupancy and condensates. Surprisingly, these alterations in chromatin occupancy of ERα have minimal impact on estrogen-regulated gene expression, suggesting that transcriptional output remains robust despite disruptions in transcription factor clustering. This study reveals a regulatory axis between Myo1c and ERα clustering, offering fresh insights into the intricacies of transcriptional regulation.
Comparing randomized trial designs to estimate treatment effect in rare diseases with longitudinal models: a simulation study showcased by Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias using the SARA score
Authors: Hendrickx Niels , Mentré France , Hamdan Alzahra , Karlsson Mats O , Hooker Andrew C , Traschütz Andreas , Gagnon Cynthia , Schüle Rebecca ,   ARCA Study Group,   EVIDENCE-RND Consortium, Synofzik Matthis , Comets Emmanuelle
Published: February 2025

Parallel designs with an end-of-treatment analysis are commonly used for randomised trials, but they remain challenging to conduct in rare diseases due to small sample size and heterogeneity. Model-based approaches can be more powerful to detect treatment effects. We investigated the performance of longitudinal modelling to evaluate disease-modifying treatments in rare diseases a simulation study, leveraging as showcase a model of the SARA score progression in Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxia. We compared the power of parallel, crossover and delayed start designs, investigating several trial settings: trial duration (2 or 5 years); disease progression rate (slower or faster); magnitude of residual error ( σ =2/ σ =0.5); number of patients (100 or 40); method of statistical analysis (longitudinal analysis with non-linear or linear models; standard statistical analysis). In our simulations, using non-linear mixed effect models resulted in higher power than a rich, sparse linear mixed effect model or standard statistical analysis. Parallel and delayed start designs performed better than crossover designs. Our analysis showed that since disease progression is slow and residual variability is high (for the standard clinician-reported outcome), longer durations are needed for power to be greater than 80%, up to 5 years for slower progression and 2 years for faster progression ataxias.
Unveiling the burden: Depression and its determinants among Bangladeshi medical students - insights from the MINI diagnostic tool
Authors: Maliha Zarin Tasnim , Nahar Sayeda Nazmun , Mitra Dipak Kumar , Kakoly Nadira Sultana , Koly Kamrun Nahar , Talukder Md Humayun Kabir , Ahmed Helal Uddin , Gupta Rajat Das , Hasan M. Tasdik
Published: February 2025

Mental health challenges are widespread among medical students worldwide, exacerbated by a lack of help-seeking behavior within this population. In resource-constrained healthcare systems like Bangladesh, medical students face additional barriers to expressing their struggles or seeking support. This study is the first in Bangladesh to use the MINI, a confirmatory clinical diagnostic tool, to assess the prevalence of depression among medical students. This cross-sectional study employed a convenient sampling technique, with 529 students from across Bangladesh participating via online surveys. The survey included questions on relevant sociodemographic factors and the PHQ-9 depression screening tool. Subsequently, depression was confirmed through clinical diagnosis using the MINI, conducted via online interviews over Zoom and phone calls. The study was carried out from June 2020 to February 2021, and data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22.0). Among the medical students surveyed using PHQ-9, 31.5% exhibited moderate levels of depression, 38.7% showed mild depression, and 29.8% reported minimal depression. Clinical diagnoses conducted using the MINI tool confirmed depression in 50 PHQ-9-positive cases. Of these, 17 (34%) were categorized as having “no depression,” 27 (54%) were diagnosed with recent depression, 16 (32%) had a history of past depression, and 15 (30%) experienced recurrent depression. Depression was more prevalent among female medical students, particularly those living away from their families from the start of their degree. First-year students were found to have the strongest association with depression. This study reported that one-third of Bangladeshi medical students experienced moderate to severe depression. The findings underscore the need for targeted psychosocial interventions and further exploration of socio-demographic factors. These results aim to guide researchers and policymakers in addressing the mental health needs of this population through effective support systems and surveillance frameworks.
HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Practices in Florida, USA: Clinicians’ Perceptions of Initiation, Risk Identification, Barriers, and Facilitators
Authors: Siddiqi Khairul Alam , Canidate Shantrel S. , Liu Yiyang , Kriegel Liat S. , Monjur Sumaiya , Cook Christa , Cook Robert L.
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to learn clinicians’ perspectives on PrEP initiation, the HIV risk assessment process, perceived barriers to PrEP implementation, and how a potential EHR-based PrEP clinical decision support (CDS) tool can help improve their practices. Data were collected between October 2021 and November 2021 via three remote focus groups with 15 clinicians with experience prescribing PrEP. The focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) PrEP initiation is a joint effort between patients and clinicians; (2) Electronic health records (EHRs) are helpful but insufficient for identifying PrEP candidates; (3) Patient-clinician conversations are key for identifying PrEP candidates; (4) Patient, clinician, and system-level barriers deter PrEP implementation; and (5) Adopting technological innovations in health care can improve PrEP prescribing. Our analysis suggests that implementing effective communication strategies and behavioral interventions can improve PrEP awareness and reduce barriers in patient-clinician discussions of sexual history and substance use.
The Athens-Luebeck Questionnaire: a tool to discriminate between subtypes of Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness
Authors: Anagnostou Evangelos , Armenis Georgios , Zachou Athena , Storm Renana , Sprenger Andreas , Helmchen Christoph
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), as an umbrella term for functional dizziness, encompasses a wide range of subjective symptoms affecting visual, vestibular, and motor functions. We developed the Athens-Lübeck Questionnaire (ALQ) as a bedside tool to differentiate specific symptom subtypes, which could inform more targeted research into the pathogenesis of the syndrome and facilitate tailored physiotherapeutic interventions.

Methods

A total of 96 patients with primary or secondary PPPD were included in a prospective cross- sectional study conducted at two tertiary referral centers. All participants had unimpaired vestibular function, as verified by video head-impulse testing at the time of examination. Each participant completed the ALQ, an 8-item questionnaire divided into four symptom subtypes: ALQvis (visual intolerance), ALQstand (intolerance to quiet standing or sitting), ALQpass (passive motion intolerance), and ALQact (active motion intolerance). We assessed the reliability of the questionnaire, the prevalence of different symptom subtypes, and the presence of dominant symptom profiles.

Results

The ALQ demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.813. Items within the same symptom domain showed strong inter-item correlations. Approximately two-thirds of the participants exhibited a predominant symptom subtype, with the majority classified under the ALQact phenotype.

Conclusion

The 8-item ALQ is a valid tool for identifying distinct PPPD symptom subtypes. Its primary strengths lie in its brevity and ease of use in outpatient vertigo clinics, enabling the identification of predominant phenotypes that may be relevant for guiding tailored therapeutic interventions.