bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of different adaptations for pollen uptake from flowers of Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) with narrow corolla tube in pollen wasps of the genus Celonites (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Masarinae)
Authors: Mauss Volker , Fateryga Alexander V , Praz Christophe J , Zimmermann Dominique , Mauss Henrik , Prosi Rainer
Published: December 2024

The evolution of flower-visiting behaviour in pollen wasps remains poorly investigated. The females of oligolectic Celonites species show two fundamentally different behavioural patterns for pollen uptake from Heliotropium flowers with a narrow corolla tube. They remove pollen from the concealed anthers either with their forelegs or with their proboscis. Single-frame video analysis revealed that pollen collection with the proboscis consists of a hitherto unknown, unique, and stereotypic behavioural pattern. The first phylogenetic reconstruction of Celonites based on ultra-conserved elements demonstrates that this highly complex behaviour is presumably homologous and evolved only once. It probably derived from accidental consumption of pollen adhering to the proboscis during nectar uptake and is associated with morphological adaptations of the foretarsi and mouthparts. Pollen uptake with the forelegs evolved independently. Morphological adaptations to this type of pollen uptake are the elongation of the forelegs and a tarsal pollen brush formed by hooked setae. These results confirm for pollen wasps a view that has been developed in studies of bee–flower relationships, namely that pollen collection, contrary to nectar collection, is a specific and stereotypic behaviour that often requires morphological and behavioural adaptations, possibly underlying the high rate of specialization observed in pollen-collecting Hymenoptera.
Does Approach Matter? Comparison of Early Postoperative Life-threatening Complications in Elderly Patients With Multilevel Cervical Stenosis
Authors: Asada Tomoyuki , Akosman Izzet , Lovecchio Francis C﻿.﻿ , Subramanian Tejas , Shahi Pratyush , Maayan Omri , Singh Nishtha , Araghi Kasra , Korsun Maximilian K.﻿ , Tuma Olivia C.﻿ , Pajak Anthony , Lu Amy Z. , Mai Eric , Kim Yeo Eun , Dowdell James E. , Sheha Evan D. , Iyer Sravisht , Qureshi Sheeraz A.
Published: December 2024

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Summary of Background Data:

The optimal surgical approach for multilevel cervical stenosis in elderly patients is controversial because of the risk of life-threatening complication.

Objective:

To compare life-threatening early complication rates between ≥3 levels anterior and posterior cervical surgery in elderly patients.

Methods:

Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (NSQIP) were queried for patients 65 years or older who underwent ACDF or PS between 2016 and 2021. Patients with subaxial cervical degenerative disorders were identified using ICD10 codes. Surgical procedures were defined with CPT code indicating ACDF (3–5 levels; ACDF3+), laminoplasty or laminectomy (3–5 levels), and posterior decompression and fusion (3–5 levels). Outcomes of interest including reoperation, airway complications, venous thromboembolism (VTE), surgical site infections (SSIs), and urinary tract infections (UTI) were compared by utilizing 1:1 propensity score matching between the 2 approaches.

Results:

We identified 568 patients who underwent ACDF3+ and 1590 patients who underwent PS. After propensity score matching, the cohorts with 568 patients each were well-balanced with a mean age of 70.9 years. All 17 patients with dialysis and 24 of 28 patients with congestive heart failure in the PS group before the matching were excluded through the matching process. Complications rates between ACDF3+ and PS group were similar in reoperation (2.1% vs. 3.3%; P=0.275), airway complications (0.9% vs. 0.9%; P=1.000), and VTE (1.1% vs. 0.7%; P=0.751), whereas the PS group had a higher rate of SSI (0.2% vs. 1.4%; P=0.045), UTI (1.1% vs. 3.0%; P=0.035), and LOS (2.5±6.1 vs, 4.3±3.9 d; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Among elderly patients undergoing 3 or more levels of cervical spine surgery, there were comparable rates of 30-day life-threatening complications between the 2 approaches. However, potential selection bias exists, with surgeons possibly favoring posterior surgery for patients with higher-risk comorbidities.
Sickle Cell Retinopathy Lost to Follow-up Study
Authors: Wong Jovi C. Y. , Sivalingam Meera D. , Griffin Matthew , Magagna John , Momenaei Bita , Wakabayashi Taku , Ni Roselind L. , Wang Kristine Y. , Ammar Michael J. , Hsu Jason , Yonekawa Yoshihiro
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To determine the outcomes of sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) patients who experienced at least one episode of being lost to follow-up (LTFU) compared to those who attended all appointments.

Methods

Adult SCR patients who visited Wills Eye Hospital Retina service (January 2012-December 2021) with >2 visits were reviewed for LTFU events, defined as failure to return for a follow-up appointment within 6 months of the scheduled date.

Results

One hundred and eighty-one eyes of 94 patients were included. Fifty-one patients (99 eyes) attended all appointments (“attended group”) whilst 43 patients (82 eyes), or 46%, had at least one LTFU event (“LTFU group”). The mean (standard deviation, SD) LTFU duration was 470 (329) days. In the LTFU group, mean (SD) VA was significantly worse at the final visit (logMAR 0.45 (0.63), Snellen 20/56) and at the post-LTFU visit (0.36 (0.59), 20/46) compared to the pre-LTFU visit (0.3 (0.47), 20/40, p = 0.001). In the attended group, mean (SD) VA was significantly better at the final visit (0.41 (0.63), 20/51) compared to the initial visit (0.52 (0.78), 20/66, p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Patients with SCR with an LTFU event have worse visual outcomes compared to patients who attend all appointments.
Outcomes of Second Trabeculectomy Versus Glaucoma Drainage Device in Juvenile Open-angle Glaucoma After Primary Trabeculectomy Failure
Authors: Seresirikachorn Kasem , Annopawong Kornkamol , Parivisutt Nucharee , Wanichwecharungruang Boonsong , Friedman David S. , Vu Daniel M.
Published: December 2024

Precis:

Second trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device implantation offer similar success rates for juvenile open angle glaucoma after initial trabeculectomy failure. However, second trabeculectomies required fewer medications. A quarter of patients in both groups required a third operation after 2.5±2.3 years.

Purpose:

To compare outcomes between second trabeculectomy surgery versus glaucoma drainage device (GDD) insertion in juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) patients after primary trabeculectomy failure.

Method:

A retrospective review was performed on all JOAG patients who underwent a second glaucoma surgery after primary trabeculectomy failure across two tertiary hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand between 2009 and 2020. Demographics, intraoperative reports, and clinical findings were collected. The primary outcomes were complete and qualified success rates at 5 years; secondary outcomes included differences in intraocular pressures and number of glaucoma medications post-operatively.

Results:

Fifty-two eyes of 38 patients underwent a second glaucoma surgery after primary trabeculectomy: 30 had a second trabeculectomy, 17 received a GDD (10 valved, 7 non-valved), and 5 underwent cyclophotocoagulation. Prior to surgery, there were no significant differences except in mean refractive error. Average follow-up length was 66.9±53.7 months. Qualified success rates were 81.5% and 63.2% at 3 and 5 years (complete success: 55.6% and 42.1%) for the second trabeculectomy group and 80.0% and 70.0% (complete success: 53.3% and 50.0%) for the GDD group, respectively. There were no significant differences in group success or IOP post-operatively. The GDD group required more medications at 5 years (1.3±1.9 vs. 2.3±1.5, P=0.03). Two cases of tube exposure in the GDD group resulted in implant removal. About a quarter of patients in both groups required a third operation after 2.5±2.3 years.

Conclusion:

Both second trabeculectomy and GDD insertion are effective treatments for JOAG after trabeculectomy failure. Second trabeculectomy required fewer medications for IOP control.
Using screen-based simulation to examine diagnostic test ordering in family nurse practitioner students
Authors: Hogg Cameron W. , Braungart Carol , Whitt Karen J. , Pericak Arlene , Beebe Sarah L. , Knestrick Joyce , McNelis Angela
Published: December 2024

Excessive ordering of laboratory tests exposes patients to risk of unnecessary treatments, complications, and psychological and financial burden. Nurse practitioner education programs have the opportunity to develop students' test ordering skills. This project examined family nurse practitioner students' appropriate diagnostic test ordering during a screen-based simulation. Students in their final clinical course were invited to complete 25 patient cases in the i-Human Patients (iHP) platform, including the opportunity to order and interpret tests. Quantitative data, collected in the iHP platform, were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative analysis of transcripts from weekly faculty debriefing sessions identified common themes among student responses. Ninety-eight students completed the intervention. Data from a single patient case of a 65-year-old woman with a chief complaint of insomnia and weight loss were used for this analysis. Only 46% of students ordered the required tests for this case, and all students ordered extraneous tests. Extraneous orders included tests beyond the reasonable standard of care. Qualitative data showed students recognized their test ordering choices were not always appropriate. Top reasons for ordering extraneous tests included fear of missing key data and uncertainty of appropriate tests. Screen-based simulation is effective to assess nurse practitioner students' test ordering skills. Debriefing with experienced faculty provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their diagnostic reasoning and test ordering competencies. Screen-based simulation provided students with a safe, controlled environment to develop awareness of test utilization in the context of delivering efficient and responsible patient care.
Enhancing the prognostic accuracy of the RETREAT score with AFP-L3 and DCP tumor markers
Authors: Norman Joshua S. , Li P. Jonathan , Kotwani Prashant , Yao Francis Y. , Pham Sarah , Gamez Jasmine , Mehta Neil
Published: December 2024

The RETREAT (Risk Estimation of Tumor Recurrence After Transplant) Score is a validated tool to predict post-transplant HCC recurrence risk. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) bound to Lens culinaris agglutinin (AFP-L3) and des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) measured at transplant predict worse post-LT survival and may improve the RETREAT score. Our cohort comprised 284 patients transplanted for HCC who were within or downstaged to Milan, with 23 (8.1%) experiencing HCC recurrence. The modified RETREAT (mRETREAT) score assigns AFP-L3 ≥15% 2 points and DCP ≥7.5 ng/mL 3 points. Patients with a modified RETREAT score ≥4 showed a 3-year recurrence-free survival of 73.2% versus 97.8% recurrence-free survival if <4. In comparison, the original RETREAT score had a 3-year recurrence-free survival of 80.0% if ≥2 versus 98.0% if <2. mRETREAT demonstrated a superior AUC of 0.86, compared to the original RETREAT’s 0.82, and enhanced calibration and accuracy with a lower Brier score (0.04). The integration of AFP-L3 and DCP into the RETREAT score appears to enhance the prediction of post-LT HCC recurrence. Given these promising results, further study in a larger multicenter cohort is warranted for empiric derivation and validation of a modified RETREAT score, including AFP-L3 and DCP.
Clot waveform analysis in hemophilia carriers
Authors: Drissi Eya , Ben Lakhal Fatma , Ghali Ons , Fekih Salem Sarra , El Borgi Wijden , Thabet Lina , Zahra Kaouther , Gouider Emna
Published: December 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the activated partial thromboplastin time clot waveform analysis (APTT-CWA), which reflects clot formation. It was mainly studied in hemophilia and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of APTT-CWA in hemophilia carriers.

This was a cross-sectional study including hemophilia carriers and healthy women volunteers. Bleeding assessment was performed using the ISTH-BAT. Laboratory assessment included APTT, APTT-CWA and FVIII:C or FIX:C.

Thirty-two hemophilia carriers and 30 women as a control group were recruited. APTT was prolonged in 14 carriers and none of controls. Tmax 1 and Tmax 2 were significantly prolonged in hemophilia carriers compared to controls. Max 1 and Max 2 were significantly lower in carriers. Using ROC analysis, APTT-CWA parametrs cut-offs showed good sensitivity and specificity in discriminating between carriers and controls. When comparing bleeders and nonbleeders carriers, a significant difference was noted in Max 2, Min 2, Tmax 1 and Tmax 2. No correlation was found between APTT and bleeding score, nor between FVIII:C and Max 1. A positive significant correlation of FVIII:C with Max 2 was found. A negative and significant correlation of FVIII:C with Tmax 1, Tmax 2 and Min 2 was noticed.

The APTT-CWA seems to be a good tool to evaluate bleeding tendency or detecting coagulation factor deficiency. Additional research efforts are warranted to explore the potential of APTT-CWA for identifying hemophilia carriers.
What's new about hydration in dementia?
Authors: Theodoridis Xenophon , Poulia Kalliopi Anna , Chourdakis Michail
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the literature published over the past 18 months and present the latest findings on hydration in individuals with dementia.

Recent findings

A systematic review identified sarcopenia, polypharmacy, delayed oral transit, and poor rinsing ability as markers of eating-drinking-swallowing difficulties in early-stage dementia. A cross-sectional study found a high prevalence of dehydration (57–68%) among dementia patients, associated with hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, dysphagia, and cognitive decline. An analysis of national dementia care guidelines showed that only the UK and Switzerland addressed assisted nutrition and hydration. “Jelly Drops,” a hydrating product for dementia patients, received innovation awards. A study on US Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment forms highlighted inconsistent terminology for end-of-life nutrition and hydration, calling for clearer language to aid decision-making.

The new hydration-related recommendations in the ESPEN 2024 guidelines for dementia reflect a more individualized, proactive, and comprehensive approach to managing hydration. These guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection, personalized interventions, and consistent monitoring to ensure that dehydration is identified and treated promptly. Furthermore, the current literature supports the need for a specific terminology for dementia management using nutrition and hydration to improve patients’ health outcomes.
Perceived anxiety and self-confidence among undergraduate nursing students during clinical practice in selected colleges providing nursing studies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023: prospective observational multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebreegziabher Ayush , Bitsa Yihdego , Bahre Willi , Tesfamicale Yohannes A.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Two emotional factors that have an impact on how nursing students learn and use clinical decision-making (CDM) are self-confidence and anxiety. These two emotional factors affect their education and clinical practice and may cause them to drop out of the nursing program. Since students’ CDM skills grow with clinical experience at each stage of education, it has been stressed in recent years that various educational approaches should be employed to enhance CDM by reducing anxiety and increasing self-confidence.

Objective:

To assess anxiety and self-confidence among undergraduate nursing students during clinical practice in selected colleges providing nursing studies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods:

An institutional-based, multicentered, cross-sectional study design was employed to assess anxiety and self-confidence among undergraduate nursing students during clinical practice. A total of 293 students were enrolled. Six nursing colleges were selected by simple sampling technique, two from the government and four from privately owned colleges. The third- and fourth-year students were included from the six colleges proportionally. The students were chosen by a systematic random sampling method from each college proportionally. Data were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire through the Nursing Anxiety and Self-confidence with Clinical Decision-Making Scale. It was entered into Epidata 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 26.0 for final analysis. Bivariate analysis at a P value of 0.25 and multivariable analysis at a P value of 0.05 were applied.

Result:

A total of 275 students participated in this study. The proportion of perceived good self-confidence of nursing students during clinical practice was 49.1%, and for perceived anxiety, it was 46.9%. The sex of the students, their perception that clinical instructors were prepared well during clinical attachments, their belief that a shortage of staff in the hospital affected clinical learning, and the perceived self-confidence of nursing students were significant predictors of the perceived anxiety of the students.

Conclusion and recommendation:

The students who had poor perceived self-confidence were five times more likely to be more anxious than those having good perceived self-confidence. This research strongly recommends that students should be motivated and evaluated regularly for anxiety and self-confidence during clinical practice and provide a pleasant clinical experience.
The efficacy of lower limb orthoses on quality of life, well-being, and participation following stroke: A systematic review
Authors: Caldeira Quaresma Duarte , McMonagle Christine
Published: December 2024

Stroke is the main cause of acquired adult disability globally, with motor impairment affecting 80% of people after stroke. To regain mobility, diminish falls, and improve quality of life (QoL), after a stroke, orthoses are recommended. Most studies, to date, have focused on the positive impact of ankle-foot orthoses on spatial-temporal, kinematic, and kinetic outcomes. The objective of this review is to assess the evidence of the effects of lower-extremity orthoses on perceptions of QoL, psychological well-being, and social participation after stroke. The following databases were used to search the literature: CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed, between 1990 and 2022. Previous reviews and reference lists were also screened. Information on the trial design, sample characteristics, information of orthoses used, outcome measures, and results were extracted. Critical appraisal was conducted using SIGN guidelines. Ten articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The effect of orthoses on QoL was inconsistent: 4 articles reported a positive relationship, one found a negative relationship, and 3 did not find any relationship. Six of 7 articles reported a positive relationship between the use of orthoses and psychological well-being and participation, although the level of evidence was low. This literature review has identified a small number of articles addressing the research question. Furthermore, varied study designs, low levels of evidence seen, the variation in follow-up times, and the limited information about the fitting and appropriateness of the orthoses in the studies highlight that more research is needed.
Rare Delayed Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated With Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy
Authors: Xiong Teng-Teng , Ma Si-Rui , Yu Zi-Li , Jia Jun
Published: December 2024

Background:

Immunotherapy targeting the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint pathway with monoclonal antibodies has demonstrated significant and durable efficacy across various malignancies. However, these immunotherapies can induce adverse reactions, collectively referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Most irAEs occur during immunotherapy. To date, there have been no reported cases of immune thrombocytopenia occurring after the cessation of immunotherapy and subsequent surgery. This article aims to detail such an immune-related adverse event.

Methods:

The authors describe a 67-year-old male patient with oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent 4 cycles of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy without complications during treatment. On the seventh day post-surgery, the patient developed immune thrombocytopenia. Upon the onset of thrombocytopenia, platelet transfusions and thrombopoietic agents were administered, but without significant improvement. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy was then initiated.

Results:

The patient received IVIG at a dose of 400 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days. both platelet count and hemoglobin levels stabilized.

Conclusion:

Immune thrombocytopenia typically occurs within 10 weeks of initiating immunotherapy. In this case, the patient experienced no hematologic complications during a treatment period extending over 3 months. However, after cessation of immunotherapy and subsequent surgery, delayed onset immune thrombocytopenia occurred. Clinicians must recognize the importance and complexity of diagnosing immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Risk Factors, Manifestations, and Implications of Chyle Leak –Following Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Li Huiliang , Ma Tao , Lin Wei-Chiao , Lao Mengyi , Qian Tao , Liu Ziwei , Gao Shunliang , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To identify the risk factors, manifestations, and clinical implications of chyle leak (CL) after pancreatic surgery, and to reappraise the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition and classification of CL.

Summary Background Data:

The risk factors, clinical scenarios, and management of CL after pancreatic surgery remain controversial.

Methods:

Data from patients who underwent pancreatic surgery between January 2019 and July 2023 were retrieved from an institutional database. The risk factors, manifestations, and clinical impact of CL were analyzed.

Results:

Of the 1,063 patients enrolled, 117 (11.0%) developed CL, including 33 grade A and 84 grade B. Minimally invasive approach (OR: 3.087, 95% CI: 1.790-5.236, P<0.001) and maximum daily drainage volume (OR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.003-1.005, P<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for CL. Three hundred ninety-six patients (37.3%) presented with triglyceride (TG)-rich (≥1.2 mmol/L) drainage without a milky-colored appearance. The length of postoperative stay for patients with large-volume (≥300 mL/day), TG-rich but non-milky drainage (n=72) was significantly longer than that for patients with small-volume (<300 mL/day) (n=324, median, 19 days vs. 14 days, P<0.001), and it was comparable to that for patients with large-volume (≥300 mL/day), TG-rich, and milky drainage (n=74, median, 19 days vs. 22 days, P=0.126).

Conclusion:

Minimally invasive approach and daily maximum drainage volume were independent risk factors for CL in this cohort. Post-pancreatectomy patients with large-volume, TG-rich but non-milky drainage should be treated like clinically relevant CL.
Dynamics of positional information in the vertebrate neural tube
Authors: Marković Anđela , Briscoe James , Page Karen M.
Published: December 2024

In developing embryos, cells acquire distinct identities depending on their position in a tissue. Secreted signalling molecules, known as morphogens, act as long-range cues to provide the spatial information that controls these cell fate decisions. In several tissues, both the level and the duration of morphogen signalling appear to be important for determining cell fates. This is the case in the forming vertebrate nervous system where antiparallel morphogen gradients pattern the dorsal–ventral axis by partitioning the tissue into sharply delineated domains of molecularly distinct neural progenitors. How information in the gradients is decoded to generate precisely positioned boundaries of gene expression remains an open question. Here, we adopt tools from information theory to quantify the positional information in the neural tube and investigate how temporal changes in signalling could influence positional precision. The results reveal that the use of signalling dynamics, as well as the signalling level, substantially increases the precision possible for the estimation of position from morphogen gradients. This analysis links the dynamics of opposing morphogen gradients with precise pattern formation and provides an explanation for why time is used to impart positional information.
The effect of arm restriction on dynamic stability and upper-body responses to lateral loss of balance during walking: an observational study
Authors: Rosenblum Uri , Lavi Adi , Fischer Arielle G , Parmet Yisrael , Haim Amir , Handelzalts Shirley
Published: December 2024

When losing balance, upper-body movements serve as mechanical aids to regain stability. However, it remains unclear how these movements contribute to dynamic stability during recovery from a lateral loss of balance while walking with arm restriction. We aimed to (i) quantify the effect of arm restriction on gait stability and upper-body velocities and (ii) characterize upper-body kinematic strategies in response to lateral surface translations under different arm restriction conditions. Healthy adults were exposed to lateral surface translations while walking on a computerized treadmill under three conditions: ‘free arms’, ‘1-arm restricted’ and ‘2-arms restricted’. Dynamic stability and upper-body velocities for the first step after perturbation onset were extracted. We found decreased dynamic stability in the sagittal plane and increased trunk velocity in the ‘2-arms restricted’ condition compared with the ‘free arms’ condition. Head and trunk movements in the medio-lateral plane were in opposite directions in 44.31% of responses. Additionally, significant trunk velocities were observed in the opposite direction to the perturbation-induced loss of balance. Our results support the contribution of increased upper-body velocities to balance responses following arm-restricted walking perturbations and suggest that the ‘2-arms restricted’ condition may be utilized as a perturbation-based balance training, focusing on head and trunk responses.
The oldest monofenestratan pterosaur from the Queso Rallado locality (Cañadón Asfalto Formation, Toarcian) of Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Fernandes Alexandra E. , Pol Diego , Rauhut Oliver W. M.
Published: December 2024

As the first group of tetrapods to achieve powered flight, pterosaurs first appeared in the Late Triassic. They proliferated globally, and by the Late Jurassic through the Cretaceous, the majority of these taxa belonged to the clade Monofenestrata (which includes the well-known Pterodactyloidea as its major subclade), typified by their single undivided fenestra anterior to the orbit. Here, a new taxon
Melkamter pateko
gen. et sp. nov., represented by the specimen MPEF-PV 11530 (comprising a partial cranium and associated postcranial elements), is reported from the latest Early Jurassic (Toarcian) locality of Queso Rallado (Cañadón Asfalto Formation) and referred to the clade Monofenestrata, increasing our previously known taxonomic and geographic representations, and temporal range for this clade. This occurrence marks the oldest record of Monofenestrata globally and helps to shed critical light on the evolutionary processes undergone during the ‘non-pterodactyloid’-to-pterodactyloid transition within the Pterosauria. In addition, another single isolated tooth from the same locality shows ctenochasmatid affinities. These finds further elucidate the still-poor Gondwanan Jurassic pterosaur fossil record, underscoring that most of our current ideas about the timing and modes of pterosaur evolution during that period are largely based on (and biased by) the pterosaur fossil record of the Northern Hemisphere.
The effects of isolated game elements on adherence rates in food response inhibition training
Authors: MacLellan Alexander , Pennington Charlotte R. , Lawrence Natalia , Westwood Samuel J. , Jones Andrew , Slegrova Anna , Sung Beatrice , Parker Louise , Relph Luke , Miranda Jessica O. , Shakeel Maryam , Mouka Elizavet , Lovejoy Charlotte , Chung Chaebin , Lash Sabela , Suhail Yusra , Nag Mehr , Button Katherine S.
Published: December 2024

Food response inhibition training (food-RIT) is found to aid weight loss and reduce snacking of foods high in sugar, salt and fat. However, these interventions suffer from a lack of adherence, with gamification proposed as a solution to increase engagement. The effect of gamification is unclear, however, with a lack of research investigating the effects of single game elements in improving adherence to interventions. This study investigates whether isolated game elements (social or feedback) improve adherence, engagement and effectiveness of food-RIT compared to a standard non-gamified intervention. Two hundred and fifty-two participants (169 female) were randomly assigned to either non-gamified F-RIT, a training gamified with feedback elements or a training gamified with social elements. Participants completed measures of snacking frequency and food evaluation before and after a 14-day training period, with adherence and motivation recorded during this time. There were no significant effects of adding either feedback or social gamification elements on training adherence, motivation or effectiveness. There was no meaningful support for adding isolated game elements to food-RIT to improve intervention adherence, raising questions about the magnitude of simple gamification effects. Future research may benefit from systematically assessing the combined effects of multiple gamification elements.
Apparent differential phenotypic responses by kelp forest grazers to disease-driven removal of sea star predators
Authors: Wetmore Lynne S. , Anderson Todd W.
Published: December 2024

The potential for aquatic gastropods to display phenotypic plasticity in response to predator cues is well documented. However, long-term phenotypic responses to predator exposure are difficult to evaluate at large scales in the field. Thus, the extent to which comparatively dilute predator cues experienced by natural snail populations influence morphometric development and whether energetic costs associated with defensive morphology have allometric impacts on other life-history characteristics is unclear. The 2013 sea star wasting disease outbreak in central California, USA provided a unique framework for a large-scale natural predator removal experiment, comparing the shell morphometrics and gonadosomatic index of subtidal
Tegula
turban snail populations at kelp forest sites where local predatory sea stars were completely absent or nearly so (SS−), with paired sites maintaining low predator densities (SS+). All three snail species displayed higher proportional allocation to shell mass at SS+ locations and concomitantly higher reproductive allocation with predators absent (SS−). Dietary stable isotope analysis suggests this may be partially an energetic consequence of behavioural grazing shifts displayed by snails following predator release. Interestingly, morphometric shifts in shell structure differed among the three
Tegula
species and appeared closely related to species-specific predator avoidance strategies.
Non-toxigenic cases of Vibrio cholerae in Spain from 2012 to 2022
Authors: Jacqueline Camille , Román Soto Sergio , Herrera-Leon Silvia
Published: December 2024

Non-toxigenic non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae (NVC) isolates are associated with diarrhoeal disease globally. NVC-related infections are on the rise, representing one of the most striking examples of emerging human diseases linked to climate change. This study aims to give a better picture of the evolution of NCV incidence in Spain from 2012 to 2022. In this context, we realized a descriptive analysis and a logistic regression using the isolates submitted to the National Center of Microbiology (NCM) during this period. To elucidate the heterogeneity of sporadic clinical strains of NVC among patients residing in Spain, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of a selection of isolates. First, we observed an increase in the number of isolates sent to the NCM after 2019, which was not concomitant to a change in the national surveillance protocol. Furthermore, the number of cases and hospitalizations increased with age. Second, we found a high diversity of NVC strains, which suggested that the usefulness of WGS studies might be limited in waterborne outbreak situations to find the infectious source. Finally, we characterized the genetic determinants responsible for antimicrobial resistance and virulence and found that 21% of the isolates were resistant to β-lactamases. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first in Spain to report genomic data on non-toxigenic cases at the national level. Because of the high percentage of hospitalization observed for NVC cases (40%), it might be beneficial to test for V. cholerae in all the suspected cases.
In toto analysis of multicellular arrangement reduces embryonic tissue diversity to two archetypes that require specific cadherin expression
Authors: Brambach Max , Albert Marvin , Julmi Jerome , Bill Robert Theofanis , Gilmour Darren
Published: December 2024

Breakthroughs in transcriptomics are providing exciting new ways to characterise cellular diversity within organisms. Yet, organisms are more than the sum of their differentiated cells, as the biological function of most cell types only emerges when they are organised into tissues with characteristic architectures. The mechanisms that drive architectural diversification at the tissue level remain poorly understood, in part due to a general lack of methods for directly comparing different organisational patterns. Here we establish nuQLOUD, an efficient imaging and computational framework that reduces complex tissues to clouds of nuclear positions, enabling the extraction of cell-type agnostic architectural features. Applying nuQLOUD to whole developing zebrafish embryos reveals that global tissue diversity can be efficiently reduced to two primary archetypes, termed 'amorphous' and 'crystalline'. We investigate the molecular drivers of tissue archetypes by focussing on cadherin cell adhesion molecules and demonstrate that the expression domains of major cadherins segregate along tissue-archetypal lines. Further spatiotemporal analysis and targeted perturbation of cadherin expression in different organs identifies N-Cadherin as a general driver of the amorphous archetype. Thus, this systematic investigation of architectural diversity provides a new way to conceptualise embryonic organisation and understand drivers of tissue diversification within a standardised framework.
Differentiating Benign and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cirrhotic Nodules: Radiomics Analysis of Water Restriction Patterns with Diffusion MRI
Authors: Arian Arvin , Samadi Khoshe Mehr Fardin , Setayeshpour Babak , Delazar Sina , Nahvijou Azin , Nasiri-Toosi Mohsen , Fotouhi Maryam
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Current study aimed to investigate radiomics features derived from two-center diffusion-MRI to differentiate benign and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver nodules.

Methods

A total of 328 patients with 517 LI-RADS 2-5 nodules were included. MR images were retrospectively collected from 3T and 1.5T MRI vendors. Lesions were categorized into 242 benign and 275 HCC based on follow-up imaging for LR-2,3 and pathology results for LR4,5 nodules, and randomly divided into training (80%) and test (20%) sets. Preprocessing included resampling and normalization. Radiomics features were extracted from lesion volume-of-interest (VOI) on diffusion Images. Scanner variability was corrected using ComBat harmonization method followed by High-correlation filter, PCA filter, and LASSO to select important features. Best classifier model was selected by 10-fold cross-validation, and accuracy was assessed on the test dataset.

Results

1,434 features were extracted, and subsequent classifiers were constructed based on the 16 most important selected features. Notably, support-vector machine (SVM) demonstrated better performance in the test dataset in distinguishing between benign and HCC nodules, achieving an accuracy of 0.92, sensitivity of 0.94, and specificity of 0.86.

Conclusions

Utilizing diffusion-MRI radiomics, our study highlights the performance of SVM, trained on lesions’ diffusivity characteristics, in distinguishing benign and HCC nodules, ensuring clinical potential. It is suggested that further evaluations be conducted on multi-center datasets to address harmonization challenges.

Advances in knowledge

Integration of diffusion radiomics, for monitoring water restriction patterns as tumor histopathological index, with machine learning models demonstrates potential for achieving a reliable noninvasive method to improve the current diagnosis criteria.
Testosterone Effects on Short-Term Physical, Hormonal, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants with 47,XXY/Klinefelter Syndrome: The TESTO Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Davis Shanlee , Howell Susan , Janusz Jennifer , Lahlou Najiba , Reynolds Regina , Thompson Talia , Swenson Karli , Wilson Rebecca , Ross Judith , Zeitler Philip , Tartaglia Nicole
Published: December 2024

Context

47,XXY/Klinefelter syndrome (XXY) is associated with impaired testicular function and differences in physical growth, metabolism, and neurodevelopment. Clinical features of XXY may be attributable to inadequate testosterone during the mini-puberty period of infancy.

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that exogenous testosterone treatment positively effects short-term physical, hormonal, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with XXY.

Design

Double-blind randomized controlled trial, 2017-2021

Setting

US tertiary care pediatric hospital

Patients

Infants 30-90 days of age with prenatally identified, non-mosaic 47,XXY (n=71).

Intervention

Testosterone cypionate 25mg intramuscular injections every 4 weeks for 3 doses

Main outcome measures

Thea prioriprimary outcomes were change in percent fat mass (%FM) z-scores and change in the total composite percentile on Alberta Infant Motor Scales (AIMS) assessment from baseline to 12 weeks.

Results

The between group difference in change in %FM z-scores was -0.57 [95% CI -1.1, - 0.06], p=0.03), secondary to greater increases in lean mass in the testosterone-treated group (1.5±0.4 kg vs 1.2±0.4, p=0.001). Testosterone suppressed gonadotropins and inhibin B (p<0.001 for all). In contrast, there were no significant group differences in short term motor, cognitive, or language outcomes (p>0.15 for all).

Conclusions

In this double-blind randomized controlled trial in infants with XXY, testosterone injections resulted in physical effects attributable to systemic androgen exposure; however, there was no impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was suppressed. These results do not support routine testosterone treatment in infants with XXY, however long term follow up on physical health, neurodevelopment and testicular function is needed.
Integration of Elemental Imaging and Spatial Transcriptomic Profiling for Proof-of-Concept Metals-Based Pathway Analysis of Colon Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Srivastava Aruesha , Shaik Neha , Lu Yunrui , Chan Matthew , Diallo Alos , Han Serin , Punshon Tracy , Jackson Brian , Vahdat Linda , Liu Xiaoying , Mittal Vivek , Lau Ken , Gui Jiang , Vaickus Louis , Hoopes Jack , Kolling Fred , Perreard Laurent , Marotti Jonathan , Levy Joshua
Published: December 2024

The complex interplay between metal abundance, transport mechanisms, cell distribution, and tumor progression-related biological pathways (e.g., metabolism, collagen remodeling) remains poorly understood. Traditionally, genes and metals have been studied in isolation, limiting insights into their interactions. Recent advances in spatial transcriptomics and elemental profiling now enable comprehensive exploration of tissue-wide metal-gene interactions, though integration remains challenging. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated metal-dependent signaling within the tumor microenvironment of a unique colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor. We implemented a spatial multimodal workflow which integrated elemental imaging, gene expression, cellular composition, and histopathological features to uncover metals-related pathways through spatially resolved differential expression analysis. Preliminary findings revealed significant associations, for instance: elevated iron correlated with mesenchymal phenotypes located at the tumor’s proliferative front, reflecting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathways, and extracellular matrix remodeling. High concentrations of copper were predominantly localized in regions of active tumor growth and associated with the upregulation of immune response genes. This proof-of-concept workflow demonstrates the feasibility of integrating elemental imaging with spatial transcriptomics to identify metals-based gene correlates. Future application of this workflow to larger patient cohorts will pave the way for expansive comparisons across the metallome and transcriptome, ultimately identifying novel targets for tumor progression biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.
A simple analytical model for predicting locomotive ground reaction forces in foals
Authors: Opolz Melany D. , Moshage Sara G. , McCoy Annette M. , Kersh Mariana E.
Published: December 2024

Equine models are useful in biomechanics research of locomotion due to their similarity in musculoskeletal tissue to humans, their athletic nature, and rapid skeletal development which permits ontogenetic studies. However, a continuing challenge in musculoskeletal models for large animal biomechanics is measuring the ground reaction force (GRF) during locomotion. This gap has resulted in a lack of reporting of gait measures such as joint torques. Here we propose an analytical method for predicting ground reaction forces in foals (growing horses) based on the Froude number. Motion capture, GRF, and subject mass data during walking and trotting gaits were collected longitudinally. To account for differences in subject size, we calculated the dimensionless Froude number (Fr=v2/(g*l)). The walk-trot transition speed occurred near Fr=0.5, v=1.75-2.15 m/s and was consistent for all evaluated ages. Of the analytical regression models tested, linear regression models had the best performance for predicting vertical GRF data in foals with an average absolute error percent of 7.97% during trotting and 2.39% during walking, compared to a non-linear logistic model with an error of 8.38%. The model was converted to Python and implemented to predict GRF data for foals using the subject velocity and limb length as input. Our resulting analytical model can be used to estimate the GRF profile of equine gait enabling comparative studies of locomotion.
Nonreciprocal transport of thermally generated magnons
Authors: Cosset-Chéneau M. , Tirion S. H. , Wei X.-Y. , Ben Youssef J. , van Wees B. J.
Published: December 2024

We demonstrate the nonreciprocity of electrically and thermally generated incoherent magnon transport using the magnetization direction of a Py wire placed on top of an ultrathin YIG film. We show that the transport properties of thermally generated magnons under a Py wire depend on the relative orientation between the temperature gradient and the Py-magnetization direction. The symmetries of this nonreciprocal magnon transport match with those predicted by the remote dipolar interaction between YIG and Py magnons, controlled by the chirality of the YIG magnon dipolar stray fields. We also show that the directional magnon generation by the spin Seebeck effect from the Py wire displays the symmetries expected from the chiral spin Seebeck effect.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How to unravel the nature of the
Σ*(1430)(1/2−)
state from correlation functions
Authors: Li Hai-Peng , Xiao Chu-Wen , Liang Wei-Hong , Wu Jia-Jun , Wang En , Oset Eulogio
Published: December 2024

We calculate the correlation functions for the K¯0p,π+Σ0,π0Σ+,π+Λ, and ηΣ+ states, which in the chiral unitary approach predict an excited Σ*(1/2−) state at the

K

¯

N

threshold, recently observed by the Belle Collaboration. Once this is done, we tackle the inverse problem of seeing how much information one can obtain from these correlation functions. With the resampling method, one can determine the scattering parameters of all the channels with relative precision, by means of the analysis in a general framework, and find a clear cusplike structure corresponding to the Σ*(1/2−) in the different amplitudes at the K¯N threshold.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Electroweak corrections and EFT operators in
W+W−
production at the LHC
Authors: Banerjee Shankha , Reichelt Daniel , Spannowsky Michael
Published: December 2024

We investigate the impact of electroweak corrections and effective field theory operators on W+W− production at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Utilizing the Standard Model effective-field theory (SMEFT) framework, we extend the Standard Model by incorporating higher-dimensional operators to encapsulate potential new physics effects. These operators allow for a model-independent approach to data interpretation, essential for probing beyond the Standard Model physics. We generate pseudodata at the next-to-leading order in quantum chromodynamics and include approximate electroweak corrections. Our analysis focuses on the interplay between these corrections and SMEFT operators at leading order. The inclusion of electroweak corrections is crucial as they can counteract the effects predicted by SMEFT operators, necessitating precise theoretical and experimental handling. By examining pp→W+W− production, a process sensitive to the electroweak symmetry-breaking mechanism, we demonstrate the importance of these corrections in isolating and interpreting new physics signatures. Our results highlight the significant role of electroweak corrections in enhancing the interpretative power of LHC data and in obtaining reliable constraints on new physics interactions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Finding flavons at colliders
Authors: Abbas Gauhar , Kumar Alok Ashutosh , Chundawat Neetu Raj Singh , Khan Najimuddin , Singh Neelam
Published: December 2024

We conduct a comprehensive investigation into the flavor phenomenology and collider signatures of flavon of ZN×ZM flavor symmetries for the soft symmetry-breaking scenario and a new symmetry-conserving mechanism at the high-luminosity LHC, high-energy LHC, and a 100 TeV hadron collider. The flavor physics of quark and leptonic observables places different bounds on the parameter space of flavons of ZN×ZM flavor symmetries. On the collider side, the decay t→ca can be probed by the high-luminosity LHC, high-energy LHC, and a 100 TeV hadron collider for the

Z

8

×

Z

22

flavor symmetry. The inclusive production signatures can be used to probe the flavon of all the ZN×ZM flavor symmetries for the soft symmetry-breaking scenario for a heavy flavon at a 100 TeV collider. Flavons of all the ZN×ZM flavor symmetries can be probed at high-energy LHC and a 100 TeV collider for a low mass in the case of soft symmetry breaking. The diflavon production is within reach of the high-luminosity LHC, high-energy LHC, and a 100 TeV collider only for a light flavon. The 14 TeV high-luminosity LHC can probe only the Z2×Z5 and Z8×Z22 flavor symmetries for a few specific inclusive signatures. The symmetry-conserving scenario remains beyond the detection capabilities of any collider.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024