bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empathic Accuracy Across Childhood, Adolescence, and Within Parent‐Child Interactions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mauroy Anthony , Galdiolo Sarah , Meillerais Sandie , Verhofstadt Lesley L. , Gaugue Justine
Published: February 2025

Empathic accuracy (EA) is the ability to precisely understand someone else's current thoughts and feelings during an interaction. EA has mostly been studied in adult populations; variations in EA in children/adolescents could be explained by age, developmental changes during childhood, and environmental factors. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize the existing literature on EA in childhood, adolescence, and during parent–child interactions. Following PRISMA guidelines, five electronic databases were searched, yielding 24 references. Most studies were conducted in samples of adolescents. Additionally, the operationalization of EA varied across studies. Although studies showed minor variations of EA with age, there is no clear association of age with EA during childhood. Children and adolescents also achieve similar scores as adults. Additionally, children's and parents' EAs are linked to parents' and children's behaviors during interactions. EA is also associated with gender beliefs: parents and children hold beliefs that girls and mothers should have higher empathy than boys and fathers. It is not possible to determine age variation in EA during childhood. This systematic review highlights a lack of transparent methodologies and specific assessments of EA in children and adolescents in the current literature.
A skin explant model for studying UV‐induced DNA damage and repair
Authors: Payne Hailey , Athans Christina , Wu Shiyong , Bahamondes Lorca Veronica
Published: February 2025

There is a growing need for a skin model that combines the natural physiology of skin while reducing reliance on mice. Natural physiology is achieved by using fresh, intact skin explants sourced from living organisms such as humans or mice. This study focused on the standardization and characterization of an in vitro mouse skin explant model for investigating solar ultraviolet (sUV)‐induced skin damage. We developed a protocol to use skin explants derived from the discarded tissue of mice after euthanasia. These explants consist of intact dermal and epidermal layers suspended in cell culture medium and maintained in vitro. To assess the viability of the skin explants, we evaluated tissue morphology (via hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] staining), viability markers, and DNA damage markers. Our ex vivo model preserves the key characteristics and physiological responses of in vivo skin for short incubation periods, while minimizing the use of mice. This model enables the study of DNA damage and repair, and it has broad applications, including studies on skin photoprotection, topical treatments, drug development, and cosmetics.
A novel acquired resistance mechanism to 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐mediated photodynamic therapy with ABCG2 inhibition
Authors: Chandratre Sharayu , Olsen Jordyn , Chen Bin
Published: February 2025

We report the occurrence of acquired tumor cell resistance to 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combination with ABCG2 inhibition. ALA‐PDT in combination with either an ABCG2 tool inhibitor Ko143 or a repurposed clinically‐relevant ABCG2 inhibitor lapatinib was highly effective in eradicating the H4 human glioma cells, resulting in minimal cell survival after treatment. However, after seven rounds of repeated treatments with light dose escalation, the resultant tumor cells became resistant to the combination therapy. The resistant sublines and the parental cell line showed similar ABCG2 activities and protein levels, indicating that it was not ABCG2 that caused the resistance. They also exhibited similar responses to PpIX‐PDT and mTOR inhibitor AZD2014, suggesting that alterations in PDT sensitivity and mTOR pathway had little contribution to the development of resistance phenotype. By determining the intracellular and extracellular PpIX levels, the activities and protein levels of heme biosynthesis enzymes, we found that porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) activity and protein level were significantly reduced in the resistant sublines, causing resistance to PDT by substantially reducing PpIX biosynthesis. A novel acquired resistance mechanism to ALA‐PDT with ABCG2 inhibition has been uncovered.
The promotive and repressive effects of exogenous H2O2 on Arabidopsis seed germination and seedling establishment depend on application dose
Authors: Wang Yakong , Liu Xiaohong , Sun Xiangyang , Mao Xiaonan , Wang Zhaoye , Peng Jun , Yang Zuoren , Ali Faiza , Wang Zhi , Li Fuguang
Published: February 2025

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) displays significant and dual effects on seed germination and seedling development, depending on the application dosage. However, the definition of H2O2 thresholds and the mechanisms underlying the dual actions in Arabidopsis seed germination and seedling development are not yet clear. Here, we analyzed the Arabidopsis seed germination profiles in response to different concentrations of exogenous H2O2 and found that 2 mM functions as the key threshold, above this threshold, both seed germination and seedling establishment were gradually inhibited. By RNA‐seq analysis and function verification, we identified pathways of abscisic acid (ABA) signalling, seed post‐ripening, energy metabolism, ROS homeostasis, and cell wall loosening play positive roles in seed germination and seedling establishment downstream of the H2O2 signalling. Further physio‐chemical approaches revealed that exogenous H2O2 affected the accumulation and distribution of O2•‐ and H2O2 in embryonic tissues by regulating the tissue‐specific expression of SDH2‐3, RHD2, and PRXs. Collectively, we found that germination rate and aerial growth were positively correlated with endogenous H2O2 content and root length was positively correlated with O2•‐ accumulation, demonstrating that different ROS signals played specific functions in different tissues and development processes. On the other hand, excessive H2O2 (10 mM) represses these two processes for radicle cell damage caused by oxidation stress. Finally, we put forward the mechanism model of the dual effects of exogenous H2O2 on seed germination and seedling establishment.
LDL2 and PAO5 genes are essential for systemic acquired resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Saxena Shobhita , Roy Shweta , Ahmad Mir Nasir , Nandi Ashis Kumar
Published: February 2025

A partly infected plant becomes more resistant to subsequent infections by developing systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Primary infected tissues produce signals that travel to systemic tissues for SAR‐associated priming of defense‐related genes. The mechanism through which mobile signals contribute to long‐lasting infection memory is mostly unknown. RSI1/FLD, a putative histone demethylase, is required for developing SAR. Here, we report that two other FLD homologs, LSD1‐LIKE2 (LDL2) and POLYAMINE OXIDASE 5 (PAO5), are required for SAR development. The mutants of LDL2 and PAO5 are not defective in local resistance but are specifically impaired for SAR. The mutants are defective in salicylic acid accumulation and priming of defence‐related genes such as PR1, FMO1, and SnRK2.8. LDL2 and PAO5 are expressed in systemic tissues upon SAR induction by pathogens or SAR mobile signal azelaic acid. The ldl2 and pao5 mutants generate SAR mobile signals like wild‐type (WT) plants but fail to respond to the signal at the systemic leaves. Both LDL2 and PAO5 proteins contain polyamine oxidase (PAO) domains, suggesting their involvement in polyamine metabolism. Exogenous applications of polyamines such as spermine and spermidine activate SAR in WT and rescue SAR defects of ldl2 and pao5 plants. Inhibition of polyamine biosynthetic gene arginine decarboxylase blocks SAR development. Results altogether demonstrate specific non‐redundant roles of LDL2 and PAO5 in SAR development with their possible involvement in polyamine metabolism.
Anti‐Sea Lice Veterinary Medicinal Products on Salmon Farms: A Review and Analysis of Their Usage Patterns, Environmental Fate and Hazard Potential
Authors: Parsons Aoife E. , Escobar‐Lux Rosa H. , Hannisdal Rita , Agnalt Ann‐Lisbeth , Samuelsen Ole B.
Published: February 2025

Aquaculture is expanding globally and the environmental implications associated with this growth, including the increasing use of chemicals in aquatic locations, are an emerging concern for environmental legislators. Veterinary medicinal products (VMP) are used as chemotherapeutants to control sea lice infestations on open‐net pen salmon farms and questions have been raised about their potential to cause adverse effects on marine ecosystems. The current study analyses the usage patterns of anti‐sea lice VMPs in major salmonid aquaculture regions and reviews the current knowledge on their mode of action, routes into the environment and environmental fate. We subsequently evaluate their hazard potential by performing a toxicity assessment and deriving up‐to‐date preliminary environmental quality standards (EQS). We demonstrate that the use of anti‐sea lice VMPs varies between the major salmon‐producing countries, with quantities varying over time and depending on the chemical. Norway and Chile use the highest quantity of chemical treatments, consistent with their higher salmon production capacity, and while the reliance on some chemicals has decreased the use of newly authorised chemicals has increased. Our toxicity assessment revealed that there was sufficient reliable acute toxicity data to derive EQS for five of the selected anti‐sea lice VMPs using the probabilistic method of constructing species sensitivities distribution curves. However, insufficient chronic and sediment toxicity data were available for all chemicals and therefore EQS were derived using the traditional deterministic method. The information presented in this review can guide future research and facilitate better environmental risk assessments of chemotherapeutant used on salmon farms.
Three‐trophic level food webs support the safety of a biocontrol agent 3 years after release
Authors: López‐Núñez Francisco A. , Marchante Elizabete , Marchante Hélia , Heleno Ruben H.
Published: February 2025

Biological control (biocontrol) is a powerful tool for managing invasive alien species and assisting the restoration of native ecosystems. Rigorous post‐release monitoring of biocontrol agents is critical to evaluate the success of biocontrol programs; however, this is still rarely implemented. Here, we combined the use of species interaction networks with a Before‐After Control‐Impact design to evaluate the target and non‐target, direct and indirect effects of the Australian gall wasp Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae, released to control the invasive plant Acacia longifolia in Portugal. We compared the structure of plant‐galling insect‐parasitoid food webs before and 3 years after the release of the biocontrol agent. Exhaustive sampling did not detect any non‐target effects, either direct (on non‐target plants) or indirect (on other galling insects via shared plants). Additionally, no significant changes were detected in network structure that could be related to the establishment of the biocontrol agent. This study shows that monitoring biocontrol at the community level is possible and that, when carefully planned, biocontrol poses minimal risk of non‐target effects.
Dynapenia and Sarcopenia as Risk Factors for Mortality in Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Ibarra‐Fernández Alan Aldair , Robles‐Hernández Robinson , Orea‐Tejeda Arturo , González‐Islas Dulce , Jiménez‐Valentín Angelia , Sánchez‐Santillán Rocío , Arcos‐Pacheco Laura Patricia , Gutiérrez‐Luna Emilio , Zurita‐Sandoval Andrea , Peña‐Espinosa Tomas , Gutiérrez‐Vargas Rosaura , Flores‐Cisneros Laura
Published: February 2025

Background and Objective

Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Patients often exhibit impaired nutritional status and alterations in body composition, such as dynapenia and sarcopenia, which correlate with poor pulmonary function, reduced exercise tolerance and diminished quality of life. However, the impact of dynapenia and sarcopenia on prognosis has not been examined extensively in ILD patients.

We assessed the impact of dynapenia and sarcopenia as risk factors for mortality and their prevalence in ILD.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. ILD was classified into idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), connective tissue disease‐related ILD (CTD‐ILD) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP). Patients over 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of ILD were included, while those with diagnoses of cancer, human immunodeficiency virus and neurological disease were excluded. Dynapenia and sarcopenia were determined according to EWGSOP2 criteria.

Results

Ninety‐eight ILD patients were included; 33.66% had IPF, 47.96% had CTD‐ILD, and 18.37% had CHP. The mean age was 63.89 ± 12.02 years; 37.76% were male.

The risk factors associated with mortality included dynapenia (HR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.10–3.77, p = 0.022), sarcopenia (HR: 1.88, 95% CI; 1.00–3.33, p = 0.049) and exercise tolerance (HR: 0.99, 95% CI; 0.99–0.99, p = 0.023), adjusted for confounding variables.

The prevalence of dynapenia was 45% in ILD; 51% in IPF, 35% in CTD‐ILD and 61% in CHP. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 29%; both IPF (39%) and CHP (50%) had a higher prevalence of sarcopenia than CTD‐ILD (14%).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia and dynapenia are independent risk factors for mortality in ILD.

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Detection and Quantification of Polymorphic MICA and MICB Molecules in Immunoassays: Initial Insights
Authors: Stolbovaya A. Yu. , Pinevich A. A. , Gryazeva I. V. , Krutetskaya I. Yu. , Zharinov G. M. , Morozova M. A. , Kneev A. Yu. , Terekhina L. A. , Ishchuk S. A. , Shashkova O. A. , Vartanian N. L. , Samoylovich M. P. , Bezhenar V. F. , Sokolov D. I. , Selkov S. A. , Smirnov I. V.
Published: February 2025

The MICA and MICB molecules, expressed on the cell membrane in response to cellular stress or cancer transformation, pose significant challenges for immunoassays. They exhibit high sequence and structural similarity, alongside considerable allelic polymorphism, with 291 and 53 known protein sequences, respectively. Some researchers treat MICA and MICB as a unified target because of their structural and functional similarities, while others distinguish between them. However, which approach is superior and under what circumstances remains unknown. Moreover, information about assays' reactivity with MICA and MICB allelic variants is often missing. In this study, we developed 10 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and two sandwich ELISAs for the detection and quantification of these molecules. We assembled a panel of recombinant proteins representing the diversity of MICA and MICB in the European population and profiled the reactivities of the mAbs and ELISAs. The performance of these sandwich ELISAs was evaluated using samples from prostate cancer patients and pregnant women experiencing premature rupture of membranes. Our study assessed the impact of MICA and MICB polymorphism on their detection and quantification by immunological methods, providing evidence to support differential or non‐differential approaches for their detection.
Identification of Two Novel Alleles HLA‐B*14:136 and HLA‐B*58:159 by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Guan Qingdong , Jacobson Kristin , Gentile Aggie , Suniga Hernan
Published: February 2025

Two novel HLA‐B alleles, HLA‐B*14:136 and ‐B*58:159, identified by NGS during the routine HLA typing.
The Novel HLA‐DQB1*02:01:01:27 Allele Identified by HLA‐Targeted HiFi Sequencing in a Chinese Individual
Authors: Li Yankun , Zhao Yuanli , Han Yue , Chen Yingjie , Gao Peng
Published: February 2025

HLA‐DQB1*02:01:01:27 differs from HLA‐DQB1*02:01:01:01 by the deletion of a single Thymine nucleotide in intron 2.
PlantGENE: Advancing plant transformation through community engagement
Authors: Malzahn Aimee A. , Kaeppler Heidi , Gordon‐Kamm William , Lee Keunsub , Taylor Nigel , Veena Veena , Parrott Wayne , Van Eck Joyce
Published: February 2025

Plant transformation is an important part of plant research and crop improvement. Transformation methods remain complex, labor intensive, and inefficient. PlantGENE is a community of scientists from academia, industry, non‐profit research institutes, and government organizations working to improve plant transformation. PlantGENE hosts virtual training, interactive webinars, and a website with career opportunities, directories, and more. The plant science community has shown great interest and support for PlantGENE.
The DNA methylomes of Echinochloa species provide insights into polyploidization‐driven adaptation and orphan crop domestication
Authors: Chu Qinjie , Gong Xiaojiao , Hu Yiyu , Zhu Qian‐Hao , Fan Longjiang , Ye Chu‐Yu
Published: February 2025

The genus Echinochloa (Poaceae) contains problematic weeds worldwide and two domesticated orphan crops. In this study, through sequencing DNA methylomes and transcriptomes, we aimed to reveal the epigenome changes and their relationship with gene expression in Echinochloa species during their polyploidization and domestication. Compared with hexaploid crop bread wheat, we found common and distinctive methylation patterns in hexaploid Echinochloa crus‐galli. More diverse methylation patterns were uncovered during hexaploidization of E. crus‐galli, suggesting more plasticity of the weed genome, which might contribute to its environmental adaptation. In addition, less changes in DNA methylation were observed in the two cultivated Echinochloa species, as compared with rice, indicating incomplete domestication of the Echinochloa orphan crops. Our results provide new insights into plant polyploidization and orphan crop domestication from an epigenomic perspective.
Full Galois groups of polynomials with slowly growing coefficients
Authors: Bary‐Soroker Lior , Goldgraber Noam
Published: February 2025

Choose a polynomial uniformly at random from the set of all monic polynomials of degree with integer coefficients in the box . The main result of the paper asserts that if grows to infinity, then the Galois group of is the full symmetric group, asymptotically almost surely, as . When grows rapidly to infinity, say , this theorem follows from a result of Gallagher. When is bounded, the analog of the theorem is open, while the state‐of‐the‐art is that the Galois group is large in the sense that it contains the alternating group (if , it is conditional on the Extended Riemann Hypothesis). Hence the most interesting case of the theorem is when grows slowly to infinity. Our method works for more general independent coefficients.
Nonlinear Damping Amplifier Friction Bearings
Authors: Chowdhury Sudip , Adhikari Sondipon
Published: February 2025

This article introduces damping amplifiers integrated into the core material of conventional nonlinear friction base isolators to improve their vibration attenuation capabilities and mitigate their shortcomings. Four new types of damping amplifier friction bearings are introduced: levered, nested, compound, and damping. The H2 optimization strategy is utilized to obtain the closed-form analytical solution for the optimized designed parameters. The analytical investigation confirms the efficiency of the recently obtained closed-form equations for the optimal design parameters. The frequency response function was used to develop closed-form formulas for the isolator and main structure’s dynamic responses. The harmonic and random white noise excitation served as the basis. Furthermore, numerical analysis by considering real earthquake load has confirmed the novel isolators’ efficiency. The vibration reduction capacities of the H2 optimized damping amplifier friction bearings, compound damping amplifier friction bearings, nested damping amplifier friction bearings, and levered damping amplifier friction bearings are 76.1% superior to the optimum conventional base isolator. These findings demonstrate how the proposed designs may improve structural resistance to dynamic loads.
Aortic Dissection During and After Investigation Using CFD Modelling
Authors: Al-Rawi Mohammad , Belkacemi Djelloul , Khashram Manar
Published: February 2025

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in economically developed countries, despite significant improvements to monitoring and treatment technologies. Early diagnosis for the purposes of targeting interventions is critical, as advanced stages of the disease are frequently fatal. One complication of advanced cardiovascular disease is aortic dissection, which is a catastrophic failure of the endothelial wall. Computational modelling can be used to create 3D models with clinical data, and the clinical blood and pressure waveforms’ model can be used to form boundary conditions for assessing wall shear stress (WSS) along the aorta to predict the development of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we present patient-specific data for a rare case of severe Type A aortic dissection, which was fatally simulated using the k-omega with shear stress transport (SST), turbulent and non-Newtonian assumption. The investigated data for the patient was based on CT scan images taken nine months apart. Both cases were compared regarding pressure waveforms at the ascending and descending aorta and the aortic arch. The results for the before-dissection situation show that the pressure waveform at the ascending aorta is higher, and the systolic pressure is lagging at the descending aorta. For the after-dissection situation, we observe the same outcome; however, the amplitude for the waveform (systolic pressure) at the ascending aorta increased for the false lumen by 25% compared to the true lumen by 3%; also, the waveform peak (systolic) is leading by 0.01s.
Intermediate viscosity in a gravity-driven flow and its application to simple viscometry
Authors: Mizunuma Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

In a capillary tube flow, if the wall shear stress τw and apparent shear rate 4V/R are given, the viscosity reduces to the viscosity τw/(4V/R) at a dimensionless intermediate radius ra* (≡ra/R) of approximately 0.8, where the shear rate is ra* × 4V/R. This known result is extended to the quasi-steady gravity-driven flow in a capillary tube, where the fluid head decreases from Hmax to H over a period of T seconds. Using a Carreau and power-law model, the intermediate viscosity for a gravity-driven flow is derived for the logarithmic middle fluid head between Hmax and H. This intermediate viscosity and its shear rate can be obtained from a single measurement of T using a flow setup like an Ubbelohde viscometer. The experimental results validate the proposed method and show its potential for an easy and inexpensive viscometry oriented toward practical applications, like the viscosity measurement of a liquid diet for dysphagia.
Manipulation Checks in Focus of Attention Research: A Methodological Systematic Review
Authors: Kearney Philip E. , Curran Niamh , Nugent Frank J.
Published: February 2025

Manipulation checks are an essential component of quality experimental design in motor learning. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework, this methodological systematic review examined the utilization of manipulation checks in focus of attention research. Seventy-eight protocols from four scientific databases from September 2021—September 2023 were evaluated. A secondary analysis was conducted on 10 data sets where manipulation check failures had not been explicitly considered. No manipulation check was used in 53% of protocols, where a manipulation check was used: 19% used a single rating question, 11.5% used multiple questions, 11.5% used open questions, and 5% used other forms. When manipulation checks were utilized in studies, 68% of experiments did not report if any participants failed the manipulation check or not; the remaining reports either analyzed the failures (11%), excluded the failures (8%), ran multiple analyses (8%), or stated that no participants failed (5%). In the secondary analysis of data, when participants who failed manipulation checks were excluded, the interpretation of results changed in two of the 10 reanalyzed sources when compared with the original analysis. We conclude with recommendations on how researchers can optimize their use of manipulation checks within focus of attention research in both the collection and analysis of data.
Electric plasma guided with ultrasonic fields
Authors: Irisarri Josu , Ezcurdia Iñigo , Iriarte Naroa , Sirkka Marika , Nikolaev Dmitry , Mäkinen Joni , Martinez-Marchese Alexander , Iablonskyi Denys , Salmi Ari , Marzo Asier
Published: February 2025

Electric plasma forms sparks in midair that transfer electrical current. This current can power high-voltage electronics, kill bacteria, produce tactile sensations, or be used for welding. However, the formation of the spark is chaotic and hard to control. Laser pulses can guide discharges but require high power and are disruptive and cumbersome to control. Here, we show that ultrasonic fields can guide plasma sparks, even around obstacles. The ultrasonic beams can be directed dynamically and within milliseconds, enabling precise, nondangerous, and fast control of high-voltage sparks. This phenomenon can be used for applications in high-voltage switching and plasma treatments.
Quantum control of ion-atom collisions beyond the ultracold regime
Authors: Walewski Maks Z. , Frye Matthew D. , Katz Or , Pinkas Meirav , Ozeri Roee , Tomza Michał
Published: February 2025

Tunable scattering resonances are crucial for controlling atomic and molecular systems. However, their use has so far been limited to ultracold temperatures. These conditions remain hard to achieve for most hybrid trapped ion-atom systems—a prospective platform for quantum technologies and fundamental research. Here, we measure inelastic collision probabilities for Sr
+
+ Rb and use them to calibrate a comprehensive theoretical model of ion-atom collisions. Our theoretical results, compared with experimental observations, confirm that quantum interference effects persist to the multiple-partial-wave regime, leading to the pronounced state and mass dependence of the collision rates. Using our model, we go beyond interference and identify a rich spectrum of Feshbach resonances at moderate magnetic fields with the Rb atom in its lower (
f
= 1) hyperfine state, which persist at temperatures as high as 1 millikelvin. Future observation of these predicted resonances should allow precise control of the short-range dynamics in Sr
+
+ Rb collisions under unprecedentedly warm conditions.
The biology of addiction
Authors: Nestler Eric J.
Published: February 2025

The tools of modern genetics and neurobiology have propelled a renaissance of research that has advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of drug addiction. We know that an individual’s risk for addiction is determined by interactions between genetics and environment and that only a minute fraction of chemical agents share the ability to act on this vulnerability to induce a state of addiction. Repeated exposure to these drugs causes addiction through repeated activation of dopaminergic transmission (and many other actions) in the brain, inducing changes at the molecular, cellular, and synaptic levels that, over time, rewire the circuitry throughout the limbic system. In this Review, I discuss how we are gaining a clearer picture of this drug-induced plasticity—some of which is shared by all addictive drugs, whereas other aspects are specific to certain drug classes—and of the ways in which these adaptations mediate the range of behavioral abnormalities that define the addicted state. Despite the challenges, there is reason for optimism in translating this rich biological understanding of addiction into improved treatments for the many individuals burdened by this illness around the world.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and risk of retinal artery occlusion and ischaemic stroke: a cross-cohort study
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Zhang Xiayin , Liang Anyi , Niu Yongyi , Chen Daiyu , Du Zijing , Wu Wei , Zhang Feng , Wu Guanrong , Fang Ying , Shang Xianwen , Zhu Zhuoting , Hu Yijun , Chen Xiangjun , Yu Honghua , Hu Lidan
Published: February 2025

Aims

Previous studies have suggested an association between retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and ischaemic stroke (IS), both associated with elevated inflammatory factors. However, the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the sequential onset of these two diseases is still unclear. Based on this evidence, we evaluated the association of hs-CRP with RAO and IS.

Methods

We examined hs-CRP from both the large multicentre cohort study UK Biobank and Chinese Retinal Artery Occlusion study. Cox proportional hazard models were used to study the association of hs-CRP with incident RAO and IS during the long-term follow-up in the UK Biobank. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the cross-sectional relationship between hs-CRP with RAO and IS in the Chinese cohort. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) approach was employed to evaluate potential non-linear associations of hs-CRP with IS.

Results

After exclusions, the analysis included 459 188 participants from the UK and 338 participants from China. Over a median follow-up of 12.2 years, 136 cases of incident RAO and 3206 cases of incident IS events were recorded in the UK Biobank. After multivariable adjustment, higher hs-CRP (per 10 mg/L) level was associated with increased risks of RAO (HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.76) and IS (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.33). RCS analysis revealed a significant non-linear relationship between hs-CRP levels and incident IS (Pnon-linear<0.001). Furthermore, RAO patients with higher hs-CRP levels were more likely to be combined with IS (2.81 mg/L vs 10.14 mg/L, p<0.001). In the Chinese cohort, the association between hs-CRP with RAO and IS was further confirmed. Higher hs-CRP (per 1 mg/L) level was associated with increased risks of RAO (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.78) and IS (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.24).

Conclusions

Our findings underscore hs-CRP as a robust risk factor for both RAO and IS. Controlling hs-CRP levels might reduce the incidence of RAO and secondary stroke.
Association of glycemic control with Long COVID in patients with type 2 diabetes: findings from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C)
Authors: Soff Samuel , Yoo Yun Jae , Bramante Carolyn , Reusch Jane E B , Huling Jared Davis , Hall Margaret A , Brannock Daniel , Sturmer Til , Butzin-Dozier Zachary , Wong Rachel , Moffitt Richard
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in individuals with type 2 diabetes is associated with increased risk of hospitalization and death after acute COVID-19, however the effect of HbA1c on Long COVID is unclear.

Objective

Evaluate the association of glycemic control with the development of Long COVID in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Research design and methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative. Our cohort included individuals with T2D from eight sites with longitudinal natural language processing (NLP) data. The primary outcome was death or new-onset recurrent Long COVID symptoms within 30–180 days after COVID-19. Symptoms were identified as keywords from clinical notes using NLP in respiratory, brain fog, fatigue, loss of smell/taste, cough, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal symptom categories. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk of Long COVID by HbA1c range, adjusting for demographics, body mass index, comorbidities, and diabetes medication. A COVID-negative group was used as a control.

Results

Among 7430 COVID-positive patients, 1491 (20.1%) developed symptomatic Long COVID, and 380 (5.1%) died. The primary outcome of death or Long COVID was increased in patients with HbA1c 8% to <10% (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41) and ≥10% (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.72) compared with those with HbA1c 6.5% to <8%. This association was not seen in the COVID-negative group. Higher HbA1c levels were associated with increased risk of Long COVID symptoms, especially respiratory and brain fog. There was no association between HbA1c levels and risk of death within 30–180 days following COVID-19. NLP identified more patients with Long COVID symptoms compared with diagnosis codes.

Conclusion

Poor glycemic control (HbA1c≥8%) in people with T2D was associated with higher risk of Long COVID symptoms 30–180 days following COVID-19. Notably, this risk increased as HbA1c levels rose. However, this association was not observed in patients with T2D without a history of COVID-19. An NLP-based definition of Long COVID identified more patients than diagnosis codes and should be considered in future studies.
Diabetes beliefs, perceived risk and health behaviours: an embedded mixed-methods analysis from the Richmond Stress and Sugar Study
Authors: Khosrovaneh Katherine , Kalesnikava Viktoryia A , Mezuk Briana
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Efforts to increase engagement with diabetes prevention programmes largely focus on increasing diabetes awareness, with the logic that risk knowledge will motivate behaviour change. However, the salience of perceived risk as it relates to diabetes prevention is contested. The goal of this cross-sectional, embedded mixed-methods study was to examine the relationships between perceived risk, diabetes beliefs and prevention behaviours among adults at elevated risk of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data come from the Richmond Stress and Sugar Study (n=125). Diabetes beliefs (ie, internal, chance, powerful others) were assessed using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control. Preventive behaviours (eg, changing diet, exercise, tobacco, alcohol) were measured by self-report. Perceived risk of developing diabetes was measured using a probability scale (0%–100%). Logistic and Poisson regression models quantified the relationships between beliefs, behaviours and perceived risk. Qualitative themes regarding challenges and facilitators to preventive behaviours were abstracted from open-ended questions and summarised using content analysis.

Results

Perceived risk of developing diabetes was low (median: 35% likelihood) and only 10% of participants had ever attended a prevention class. None of the diabetes belief domains were significantly associated with either engagement in preventive behaviours or perceived diabetes risk. Perceived diabetes risk was not associated with engagement in preventive behaviours; however, having a family history of diabetes was strongly related to perceived risk (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.42 to 7.86). Qualitative facilitators and barriers of preventive behaviours reflected psychosocial factors (eg, determination, stress, preferences) and resources (eg, social support, time, overall health).

Conclusions

Perceptions of risk and health beliefs are not correlated with engagement in preventive behaviours among adults at clinically elevated risk of diabetes. Awareness campaigns may benefit from incorporating family health history information. Diabetes prevention programmes should address barriers beyond health beliefs to promote engagement in behaviour change.
Are dizziness/lightheadedness helpful symptoms for telephone triage of females and males calling the out-of-hours service for acute chest discomfort? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Dobbe Anna S M , Zwart Dorien L , van der Hem Laurens , Erkelens D Carmen , Wouters Loes T C M , van Doorn Sander , den Ruijter Hester M , Rutten Frans H
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Symptoms of dizziness/lightheadedness are more often reported by females than males with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Therefore, we investigated if these symptoms are helpful for triage and diagnosis of ACS in females and males with acute chest discomfort.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Nine out-of-hours service in primary care (OHS-PC) in the Netherlands participated, covering both rural and urban areas, serving a total population of 1.5 million people.

Participants

2195 patients were selected calling the OHS-PC with acute chest discomfort, 55.4% were females. Calls were selected based on International Classification of Primary Care codes and keywords, that is, chest pain, heart complaints, heart, myocardial infarction, heart attack, heart infarction or common abbreviations of these keywords. Recordings were excluded if (1) they were of poor quality, (2) the conversation was not a triage conversation, (3) patients were <18 years, (4) patients did not live in the vicinity of the OHS-PC, and (4) general practitioners did not want to provide follow-up information including the final diagnosis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The prevalence of dizziness/lightheadedness among patients calling the OHS-PC with acute chest discomfort and the relation between dizziness/lightheadedness and (1) urgency allocation and (2) a final diagnosis of ACS.

Results

Among 2195 patients who called the OHS-PC with acute chest discomfort, 251 (11.4%) had an ACS (8.3% females, 15.3% males). Females more often reported concurrent dizziness/lightheadedness than males (14.7% vs 10.9%, p=0.008). However, this was not observed in those with confirmed ACS (9.9% of the females vs 9.3% of the males, p=0.881). Reporting of dizziness/lightheadedness was not positively related to an ACS diagnosis in females (OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.31 to 1.21)) or in males (OR 0.82 (95% CI 0.45 to 1.47)). In contrast, both females and males with concurrent dizziness/lightheadedness more often received a high urgency allocation than those without these symptoms.

Conclusions

Dizziness/lightheadedness are common symptoms but are not positively related to an ACS diagnosis in both females and males with acute chest discomfort. It seems not worthwhile to give females and males with acute chest discomfort and concurrent dizziness/lightheadedness a higher urgency allocation than those without these symptoms.

Trial registration number

NTR7331.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volume and diagnoses of patients admitted to the paediatric emergency department: a retrospective analysis from a third-level hospital in Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Blanco-Murillo Paulina , Estrada-Mendizabal Ricardo J , Madrazo-Aguirre Katheryne Paola , Ruelas-Martinez Manuel Guillermo , Escobedo-Berumen Lucia , Pineda-Magaña Rommy Elizabeth , Garcia-Lima Maria Guadalupe , Tamez-Rivera Oscar
Published: February 2025

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were noticeable changes in the number of admissions to paediatric emergency departments (EDs) worldwide, as well as in the patient’s diagnoses. There is scarce evidence about the impact of the pandemic on paediatric EDs in Latin America and Mexico. This study aimed to analyse the changes in volume and discharge diagnoses of patients admitted to a third-level paediatric ED in northeastern Mexico before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was carried out to compare the number of admissions and discharge diagnoses between two 3-month periods: December 2020–February 2021 (prepandemic) and December 2019–February 2020 (pandemic). Other variables, such as age, sex and comorbidities, were analysed. χ2and Mann-Whitney U tests were used depending on the examined variable.

Results

There was a 44.1% decrease in the total volume of patients admitted to the paediatric ED during the analysed pandemic period. The percentage of infectious diseases decreased from 45.7% to 19.3% (p<0.001), and respiratory diseases from 4.3% to 1.9% (p<0.001), including asthma exacerbations (3.1%–1.5%, p=0.012). There was an increase in the percentage of patients admitted due to accidents (6.6%–14.7%, p<0.001).

Conclusions

A significant decrease in the total volume of patients, especially those who were admitted due to infectious and respiratory diseases, was documented. Gaining deeper knowledge of the impact of global health emergencies on the use of healthcare services is crucial for an adequate planning of resource allocation in case of future pandemics.
Advantages and limitations of faecal immunochemical testing in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chandrapalan Subashini , Arasaradnam Ramesh
Published: February 2025

Physicians of old have long recognised the importance of biological material for diagnostic purposes. One such example being the recognition of blood in faeces and the possibility of significant disease. This has since led to the development of stool testing for the detection of blood, from chemical-based reactions (guaiac reduction-based test) through to antigen–antibody interactions such as the faecal immunochemical testing (FIT). FIT has proven to be robust in terms of the evidence around its preanalytical and analytical use. As with any test however, when applied in a heterogenous population, its performance can be variable. Nonetheless, its accuracy for the detection of colorectal cancer, in both the screening and symptomatic population, appears consistent and acceptable as a triage tool—which is impressive. There are clinical dilemmas in the utility of FIT; for example, use in iron deficiency anaemia, variation of threshold within screening population, utility in high-risk and low-risk populations, replicate and repeat testing and FIT above threshold with normal colonoscopy. The evidence base remains unclear, and some are conflicting; hence, no clear guidance can be proffered, save clinical judgment. Combination therapy—with other markers—holds promise and its use within a reconfigured clinical pathway, attention to health inequalities, coupled with robust cost-utility analysis will ensure that FIT (alone and/or in combination with other markers) can continue to have a role—more so in the community.
Single-cell omics in inflammatory bowel disease: recent insights and future clinical applications
Authors: Gudiño Victoria , Bartolomé-Casado Raquel , Salas Azucena
Published: February 2025

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are chronic conditions characterised by inflammation of the intestinal tract. Alterations in virtually all intestinal cell types, including immune, epithelial and stromal cells, have been described in these diseases. The study of IBD has historically relied on bulk transcriptomics, but this method averages signals across diverse cell types, limiting insights. Single-cell omic technologies overcome the intrinsic limitations of bulk analysis and reveal the complexity of multicellular tissues at a cell-by-cell resolution. Within healthy and inflamed intestinal tissues, single-cell omics, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing, have contributed to uncovering novel cell types and cell functions linked to disease activity or the development of complications. Collectively, these results help identify therapeutic targets in difficult-to-treat complications such as fibrostenosis, creeping fat accumulation, perianal fistulae or inflammation of the pouch. More recently, single-cell omics have gradually been adopted in studies to understand therapeutic responses, identify mechanisms of drug failure and potentially develop predictors with clinical utility. Although these are early days, such studies lay the groundwork for the implementation in clinical practice of new technologies in diagnostics, monitoring and prediction of disease prognosis. With this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive survey of the studies that have applied single-cell omics to the study of UC or CD, and offer our perspective on the main findings these studies contribute. Finally, we discuss the limitations and potential benefits that the integration of single-cell omics into clinical practice and drug development could offer.
Role of peripheral nerve stimulation and percutaneous cryoneurolysis in preventing chronic postsurgical pain
Authors: Finneran John J , Ilfeld Brian M
Published: February 2025

Background

Poorly controlled pain during the acute postoperative period is associated with the development of persistent or ‘chronic’ pain lasting months or years after surgery. Relatively small trials suggest that local anesthetic-based peripheral nerve blocks lasting hours or a few days may decrease persistent postsurgical pain for some surgical procedures, but definitive data is lacking. Two possible alternatives—percutaneous cryoneurolysis and peripheral nerve stimulation—are analgesic modalities with the potential to provide weeks or months of pain relief following surgery. This increase in analgesic duration raises the possibility of decreased transition from acute to chronic postsurgical pain.

Objective

This review aims to summarize the available evidence involving the use of percutaneous cryoneurolysis and peripheral nerve stimulation within the immediate perioperative period and its effects on decreasing chronic postoperative pain.

Findings

Two randomized trials (n=66 and 16) comparing active percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation to sham stimulation and two randomized trials (n=60 and 7) comparing percutaneous cryoneurolysis to a sham procedure for postoperative pain are described in this review. In each trial, participants were followed for at least three months.

Conclusion

This review describes percutaneous cryoneurolysis and peripheral nerve stimulation for perioperative analgesia as well as the available evidence supporting their use to prevent persistent postsurgical pain.
Ten years of transitional pain service research and practice: where are we and where do we go from here?
Authors: Clarke Hance , Waisman Anna , Aternali Andrea , Axenova Kristina , Almohawis Amjaad , Curtis Kathryn , Fiorellino Joseph , Flynn Michelle , Ganty Praveen , Huang Alexander , Hong Zhaorong , Katznelson Rita , Kotteeswaran Yuvaraj , Ladak Salima , Ladha Karim S , Lomanowska Anna , Lumsden-Ruegg Heather , Mahamid Ala , McCarthy Molly , Miles Sarah , Nicholls Judith , Pagé M Gabrielle , Peer Miki , Rosenbloom Brittany N , Santa Mina Daniel , Siegal Rachel , Slepian P Maxwell , Sutherland Ainsley , Tamir Diana , Tao Leeping , Tumber Paul , Wieskopf Jeffrey , Williams Callon , Woodford Elizabeth , Katz Joel
Published: February 2025

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a prevalent yet unintended consequence of surgery with substantial burdens to the individual and their family, the healthcare system, and society at large. The present article briefly reviews the evidence for transitional pain services (TPSs) that have arisen in an effort to prevent and mange CPSP and persistent opioid use, and provides an update on recent novel risk factors for CPSP. Available evidence from one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and three non-randomized cohort studies suggests that TPS treatment is associated with better opioid use outcomes, including fewer opioid tablets prescribed at discharge, better opioid weaning results, a lower incidence of new-onset chronic opioid use, and lower consumption of opioids even at later time points up to 1 year after surgery. Another RCT indicates TPS treatment can be enhanced by provision of perioperative clinical hypnosis. While these preliminary studies are generally positive, large-scale, RCTs are needed to provide a more definitive picture of whether TPSs are effective in reducing opioid consumption and improving pain and mental health outcomes in the short and long term. With the expansion of TPSs across North America and globally, perioperative care focused on reducing the transition to pain chronicity has the potential to help millions of patients. With additional evidence from well-controlled RCTs, TPSs are well poised to continue to evolve and strengthen the role of multidisciplinary care teams in the immediate postdischarge period and beyond.