bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Porous Asphalt Mixtures with Hybrid Substitute Materials
Authors: Rachman Firmansyah , Syammaun Tamalkhani , Rani Hafnidar A. , Zulaiha
Published: January 2025

The growing challenges of environmental sustainability and waste management in the construction industry have spurred the search for innovative materials to enhance asphalt mixtures. Conventional porous asphalt faces limitations in durability and performance under varying traffic and weather conditions. Moreover, the disposal of oyster shells and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) waste poses significant environmental concerns. This study evaluates the effect of oyster shell ash (OSA) as a filler and HDPE waste as an asphalt substitute in porous asphalt mixtures. Testing was conducted to determine the Optimum Asphalt Content (OAC) based on three primary parameters: Cantabro Loss (CL), Void In Mix (VIM), and Asphalt Flow Down (AFD). The results indicate that the OAC value is 5.8%. In the Void In Mix (VIM) test, the best results were obtained with a variation of 50% OSA: 50% PC and 4% and 6% HDPE, yielding VIM values of 18.49% and 18.16%, respectively, which meet the AAPA (2004) standard requirement of 18-25%. The Asphalt Flow Down (AFD) test results showed that the same mixture produced AFD values of 0.09% and 0.10%, well within the maximum limit of 0.3%. The optimal values for the Cantabro Loss (CL) parameter were also achieved with the same combination, resulting in 32.67% and 30.07%, which comply with the maximum threshold of 35%. This study concludes that the combination of oyster shell ash (50% OSA: 50% PC) and HDPE (4% and 6%) performs well in porous asphalt mixtures, meeting the standards for durability, strength, and stability in road pavement applications.
Deep learning aided determination of the optimal number of detectors for photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Mondal Sudeep , Paul Subhadip , Singh Navjot , Warbal Pankaj , Khanam Zartab , Saha Ratan K
Published: January 2025

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a non-destructive, non-ionizing, and rapidly expanding hybrid biomedical imaging technique, yet it faces challenges in obtaining clear images due to limited data from detectors or angles. As a result, the methodology suffers from significant streak artifacts and low-quality images. The integration of deep learning (DL), specifically convolutional neural networks (CNNs), has recently demonstrated powerful performance in various fields of PAT. This work introduces a post-processing-based CNN architecture named residual-dense UNet (RDUNet) to address the stride artifacts in reconstructed PA images. The framework adopts the benefits of residual and dense blocks to form high-resolution reconstructed images. The network is trained with two different types of datasets to learn the relationship between the reconstructed images and their corresponding ground truths (GTs). In the first protocol, RDUNet (identified as RDUNet I) underwent training on heterogeneous simulated images featuring three distinct phantom types. Subsequently, in the second protocol, RDUNet (referred to as RDUNet II) was trained on a heterogeneous composition of 81% simulated data and 19% experimental data. The motivation behind this is to allow the network to adapt to diverse experimental challenges. The RDUNet algorithm was validated by performing numerical and experimental studies involving single-disk, T-shape, and vasculature phantoms. The performance of this protocol was compared with the famous backprojection (BP) and the traditional UNet algorithms. This study shows that RDUNet can substantially reduce the number of detectors from 100 to 25 for simulated testing images and 30 for experimental scenarios.
Coupled CANN-DEM simulation in solid mechanics
Authors: Hildebrand Stefan , Friedrich Jonathan Georg , Mohammadkhah Melika , Klinge Sandra
Published: January 2025

A general, unified neural network approach as replacement for the finite element method without the need for analytic expressions for material laws is suggested. The complete simulation process from the material characterization to simulations on a structural level takes place in the new neural network framework. The drawback of many conventional analytic expressions of material laws to require large numbers of experiments for parametrization is addressed by an integrated inverse approach. Specifically, an adaptation of the Deep Energy Method is combined with a Constitutive Artificial Neural Network (CANN) and trained on measured displacement fields and prescribed boundary conditions in a coupled procedure. Tests on compressible and incompressible Neo-Hookean solids with up to twelve CANN parameters show high accuracy of the approach and very good generalization of CANNs. A small extent of data is required for robust and reliable training.
Clinical trials in cancer theranostics with potential near-term impact on clinical practice
Authors: Jadvar Hossein , Doroudinia Abtin , Conti Peter S , Colletti Patrick M
Published: January 2025

Theranostics has its roots with the first radioiodine therapy for thyroid diseases in about 80 years ago. More recently the field has experienced a remarkable renascence with the regulatory approval of paired imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapy agents in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that are now employed in routine clinical practice. The momentum is strong for identification and testing of new theranostic agents for use in various cancers and finding new clinical indications of the available agents. There are currently numerous preclinical, first-in-human studies, large-scale prospective registries, and clinical trials including randomized trials underway in cancer theranostics that target a variety of germane biological targets. The results of these investigations, if successful, will undoubtedly impact the future of cancer management which is anticipated to improve patient outcome. Multi-targeted theranostics may also provide opportunities for synergistic efficacy to tackle the inherent complexities driven by the heterogeneity of cancer. In this article, we review the currently active recruiting phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials in cancer theranostics that are targeted to the prostate-specific membrane antigen, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, and fibroblast activation protein, with the anticipated potential near-term (<5 years) impact on clinical practice.
Improving the quality of contacts during foster care: Learnings from foster families
Authors: Bernedo Isabel M , González-Pasarín Lucía
Published: January 2025

Contact visit with the family of origin during foster care is a recognized right in Spain, although these contacts are often not of quality. The current study examines the changes achieved by foster families who have completed the parental education programme Visits: a context for family development to improve the quality of the visits that children in non-kinship foster care have with their birth parents. Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews before and after the intervention with six foster carers from four foster families. This study demonstrates the short-term effectiveness of the potential of this programme to improve the quality of contact visits and collaboration relationships between birth and foster families. It highlights the importance of adequately preparing foster carers to enhance contact visits quality, by promoting parenting skills, encouraging communication between the foster carers and the child, and providing resources to manage the preparation of children for visits. My Visits Book is a resource that helps foster carers to feel more engaged in collaboration with birth families. These findings are relevant for child welfare practitioners to promote positive parenting during foster care and contact, creating rewarding experiences for parties involved.
Autistic-inclusive employment: A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis
Authors: Morris Rae , Southey Sarah , Pilatzke Megan
Published: January 2025

Inclusive employment is a key topic and area of practice for social workers. Unfortunately, autistic adults face multiple barriers to accessing and retaining employment. There is much to be learned through reflection on the employment experiences of autistic individuals to gain a more nuanced insight on the phenomenon of autistic-inclusive employment. Informed by critical disability and neurodiversity scholarship, a qualitative interpretive meta-analysis was conducted to review and interpret autistic adults’ experiences with employment and offer a translational understanding of autistic-inclusive employment for key stakeholders. Eleven (N = 11) qualitative studies utilizing inclusive research design and representing 632 participants were reviewed and synthesized through the lens of inclusive employment. This process resulted in four key themes that describe autistic adults’ experiences with autistic-inclusive employment: (1) organizational culture, (2) workplace environment, (3) disclosure and accommodations, and (4) role alignment. Findings from this study highlight opportunities to enhance autistic-inclusive workplace policies and practices. Relevant implications for social workers, employers, researchers, policy makers, and autism advocates are shared.
Trigeminal nerve microstructure is linked with neuroinflammation and brainstem activity in migraine
Authors: Tohyama Sarasa , Datko Michael , Brusaferri Ludovica , Kinder Lillian D , Schnieders Jack H , Hyman Mackenzie , Goldstein Alison M , Gilbert Melaina D , Housman Hope , Le Vi , Round Kassandra , Marin Frances , Heffernan Megan R , Garcia Ronald G , Gollub Randy L , Edwards Robert R , Rosen Bruce R , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Cheng Hsinlin T , Schuman-Olivier Zev , Loggia Marco L , Napadow Vitaly
Published: January 2025

Although the pathophysiology of migraine involves a complex ensemble of peripheral and central nervous system changes that remain incompletely understood, the activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular system is believed to play a major role. However, non-invasive, in vivo neuroimaging studies investigating the underlying neural mechanisms of trigeminal system abnormalities in human migraine patients are limited.

Here, we studied 60 patients with migraine (55 females, mean age ± SD: 36.28 ± 11.95 years) and 20 age-/sex-matched healthy controls (19 females, mean age ± SD: 35.45 ± 13.30 years) using ultra-high field 7 Tesla diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI, as well as PET with the translocator protein ligand [11C]-PBR28. We evaluated MRI diffusivity measures and PET signal at the trigeminal nerve root, as well as brainstem functional MRI response to innocuous, ophthalmic trigeminal nerve territory stimulation.

Patients with migraine demonstrated altered white matter microstructure at the trigeminal nerve root (n=53), including reduced fractional anisotropy, compared to healthy controls (n=18). Furthermore, in patients, lower fractional anisotropy was accompanied by 1) higher neuroinflammation (i.e. elevated [11C]-PBR28 PET signal) at the nerve root (n=36) and 2) lower functional MRI activation in an ipsilateral pontine cluster consistent with spinal trigeminal nucleus (n=51). These findings were more robust on the right side, which was consistent with the observation that right headache dominant patients demonstrated higher migraine severity compared to left headache dominant patients in our cohort.

Multimodal imaging of the integrated neural mechanisms that characterize migraine underscores the importance of trigeminal system remodeling as both a key aspect of the dynamics underlying migraine pathophysiology and a target for therapeutic interventions.
Epigenetic mechanisms underlying endometrial cancer (EC) outcomes: race-specific patterns of DNA methylation associated with molecular subtypes and survival
Authors: Hoos Emery , Koval Lauren E , Corcoran David L , Eaves Lauren A , Roell Kyle , Rager Julia E , Tan Xianming , Godfrey Sherette , Keku Temitope O , Bae-Jump Victoria , Olshan Andrew F , Nichols Hazel B , Weissman Bernard E , Fry Rebecca C
Published: January 2025

Endometrial cancer [EC] is the fourth most common cancer in women in the United States. Stark racial disparities are present in EC outcomes in which Black women have significantly higher EC-related mortality than White women. The social and biologic factors that contribute to these disparities are complex, and may include racial differences in epigenetic landscapes. To investigate race-specific epigenetic differences in EC tumor characteristics and outcomes, we utilized the most recent data within the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Genome-wide CpG methylation data for more than 850 000 CpG sites were analyzed across 245 tumor samples, including 52 from Black women and 181 from White women. Race-adjusted and race-stratified associations among CpG methylation in ECs and molecular subtypes and disease-free survival (DFS) were examined. Race-specific analysis identified subtype-associated CpGs within 9572 genes in tumors from White women, and only 10 genes in tumors that were from Black women. Race-specific analyses also identified survival-associated CpGs with 1119 unique genes identified in tumors from White women, and none identified in tumors from Black women. Genes identified with differential methylation among subtypes included those involved in oxidative stress (HIF3A), and DNA repair (MLH1). Replication cohort data highlighted genes overlapping with those identified within the TCGA, such as G Protein Subunit Beta 1 (GNB1), involved in G-protein signaling, and Interleukin 37 (IL37), involved in cytokine signaling. Identification of these racial differences in EC tumor epigenetic landscapes and associated changes in gene expression may provide insight into strategies to improve outcomes and reduce disparities.
Policy Recommendations to Support Equitable Access to Long-Acting Injectables for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention and Treatment: A Policy Paper of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the HIV Medicine Association
Authors: Marcus Julia L , Weddle Andrea , Kelley Colleen F , Agwu Allison , Montalvo Sheila , Sherman Elizabeth , Vijayan Tara , Gutierrez Jose , Hickey Matthew D , Dilworth Samantha E , Krakower Douglas , Davis Teaniese L , Collins Lauren F , McNulty Moira C , Colasanti Jonathan A , Christopoulos Katerina A
Published: January 2025

Long-acting injectables (LAIs) for HIV prevention and treatment could dramatically improve health outcomes and health equity for people with HIV and those who could benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis. Despite widespread acceptability and demand by providers and potential users of LAIs, implementation has been extremely limited since the introduction of cabotegravir/rilpivirine, the first LAI for HIV treatment, in January 2021, and long-acting cabotegravir, the first LAI for HIV prevention, in December 2021. We report results of a provider survey, conducted by the HIV Medicine Association, which identified LAI implementation barriers related to health insurance processes, staffing and administrative support, drug costs and acquisition, and access for individuals who are uninsured. We provide policy recommendations to address those barriers and facilitate broad and equitable access to LAIs for HIV prevention and treatment, which will be necessary to achieve the goals of the US Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Pontederia cordata L. provides insights into its rapid adaptation and variation of flower colors
Authors: Wang Jiale , Zhang Wenda , Yang Xiaodong , Zhao Puguang , Wang Xiangyu , Zhao Shuying , Chen Lingyun
Published: January 2025

Pontederia cordata L. is an aquatic ornamental plant native to the Americas, but has been widely distributed in South Asia, Australia, and Europe. The genetic mechanisms behind its rapid adaptation and spread have not yet been well understood. To understand the mechanisms for its rapid adaptation, this study assembled the first chromosome-level genome of P. cordata. The genome assembly, which spans 527.5 Mb, is anchored on eight pseudochromosomes with a scaffold N50 of 48 Mb and encompasses 29,389 protein-coding genes. Further analyses revealed that P. cordata had experienced three whole-genome duplications (WGDs) events. These WGDs are associated with gene family expansion and increased numbers of resistance gene analogs (RGAs) and transcription factors (TFs). Positive selection analysis indicated that genes derived from tandem duplication and proximal duplication were more likely to undergo positive selection, and were enriched in plant defense and disease resistance. These results implied that WGDs, tandem duplication, and positive selection enhanced the environmental adaptability of P. cordata. Additionally, we found that down-regulation of F3ʹ5ʹH, DFR, ANS, and UFGT likely caused the flower color variation for P. cordata from violet to white. The first chromosome-level genome of P. cordata here provides a valuable genomic resource for investigating the rapid adaptation and flower color variation of the species.
A general diagnostic of the normal approximation in GMM models
Authors: Wang Andrew
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a diagnostic method for evaluating the quality of the normal approximation in generalized method of moments (GMM) models through sampling from a quasi-Bayesian parameter distribution. GMM estimates are consistent and asymptotically normal under certain regularity conditions, and researchers often assume normality when conducting inference. However, the literature has identified several violations to the normal approximation, such as in cases with weak instruments or parameters on boundaries. We apply our diagnostic and find meaningful deviations from normality in three well-cited papers, which include examples of well-known violations. We also illustrate one example where the normal approximation works well. Our method is convenient to implement using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms and serves as a sanity check for researchers before reporting GMM estimates and standard errors. It enables visualization of the quasi-Bayesian distribution, quantification of deviations from normality, and reporting of alternative estimates and credible sets.
The role of multi-modality imaging in multiple valvular heart diseases: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Donal Erwan , Unger Philippe , Coisne Augustin , Pibarot Philippe , Magne Julien , Sitges Marta , Habib Gilbert , Clavel Marie-Annick , Von Barbeleden Stephen , Plein Sven , Pezel Theo , Dweck Marc R , Zamorano Pepe L , Bertrand Philippe B , Dahl Jordi S , Popescu Bogdan A , Cosyns Bernard , Ajmone-Marsan Nina , Bohbot Yohann , Di Salvo Giovanni , Keenan Niall , Petrescu Aniela Monica , Stankovic Ivan
Published: January 2025

With this document, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging provides an Expert Consensus on the role of multi-modality imaging (MMI) in the management of patients with multiple valvular heart disease (MVD). Emphasis is given to the use of MMI to unravel the diagnostic challenges that characterize these patients and to improve risk stratification. Complementing the last European Society of Cardiology and European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines on valvular heart disease, this Expert Consensus document also outlines how MMI assessment should form an integral part of the multi-disciplinary heart team discussion for patients with MVD to help with complex decision-making regarding the choice and timing of treatment.
Left atrial remodelling and function in various left ventricular hypertrophic phenotypes
Authors: De Raffele Martina , Teis Albert , Cediel German , Weerts Jerremy , Conte Cristina , Juncà Gladys , Kasa Gizem , Ferrer-Sistach Elena , Bertini Matteo , Bayes-Genis Antoni , Delgado Victoria
Published: January 2025

Aims

How the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy affects left atrial (LA) remodelling and function remains unexplored. The present study aims to investigate the influence of various hypertrophic phenotypes on LA remodelling and function.

Methods and results

Patients with LV hypertrophy who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were compared to a control group. CMR data were analysed retrospectively to assess LA strain, volume, sphericity, and left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI). Independent clinical associates of LA strain were assessed using multivariable linear regression analysis. A total of 375 individuals were included: 148 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 35 with cardiac amyloidosis (CA), 41 with hypertensive (HTN) heart disease, 97 with severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS), and 54 with normal CMR. Indexed LA end-systolic (iLVmax), diastolic volumes, and LA sphericity were the largest in patients with CA (59.1 ± 16.9 mL/m2, 46.8 ± 16.4 mL/m2, and 83.2 ± 2.1%, respectively). Patients with CA presented a higher LACI when compared with other groups (58 ± 2% vs. 42 ± 2% in HCM, 39 ± 2% in HTN heart disease, 37 ± 2% in AS, and 22 ± 1% in normal), while no differences were observed across others. Patients with CA showed the lowest LA reservoir [9.6% (0.6–18.6%)] and booster strain (9.1 ± 5.4%), whereas no differences were observed across other groups. LACI and iLAVmax were independently correlated with LA reservoir (β = 0.15 and β = −39.33, respectively), LA conduit (β = 0.08 and β = −17.08, respectively), and LA booster strains (β = 0.1 and β = −28.69, respectively). LA sphericity was independently correlated with LA reservoir strain (β = −0.51). Finally, LV global longitudinal strain was independently correlated with LA reservoir (β = −0.43), conduit (β = −0.20), and booster strain (β = −0.24).

Conclusion

LA characteristics differ among LV hypertrophic phenotypes. LACI and iLAVmax are independently correlated with LA function, while LA sphericity correlates independently with LA reservoir strain.
A novel staging system of cardiac damage in aortic stenosis based on multi-chamber myocardial deformation
Authors: Tomaselli Michele , Springhetti Paolo , Benfari Giovanni , Penso Marco , Clement Alexandra , Pilan Matteo , Leonardi Denis , Ciceri Luca , Buta Alexandra , Scarsini Roberto , Calin Andreea , Nitu Claudia , Radu Noela , Muraru Denisa , Popescu Bogdan A , Ribichini Flavio , Badano Luigi P
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study evaluates whether multi-chamber myocardial deformation analysis using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can enhance validated current staging systems and improve risk stratification for patients with moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results

We reanalysed 2D, Doppler, and STE data obtained from two cohorts: derivation (654 patients, median age: 82 years; 51% men) and validation (237 patients, median age: 77 years; 55% men) with at least moderate AS (aortic valve area < 1.5 cm2). The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis identified optimal cut-off values linked to outcomes: 15% for left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), 13% for peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), and 19% for right ventricular free-wall strain (RVFWS). Patients have been divided into five stages: Stage 0, no left-side damage (LVGLS ≥ 15% and PALS ≥ 13%); Stage 1, partial left-side damage (LVGLS < 15% or PALS < 13%); Stage 2, definite left-side damage (LVGLS < 15% and PALS < 13%); Stage 3, no right-side damage (RVFWS ≥ 19%); and Stage 4, right-side damage (RVFWS < 19%). In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, the new staging scheme remained independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause death [adjusted-hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.48; P = 0.001]. This new staging classification exhibited higher predictive power [area under the curve (AUC) 0.67; 95% CI 0.62–0.73] than those proposed by Généreux et al. (Staging classification of aortic stenosis based on the extent of cardiac damage. Eur Heart J 2017;38:3351–8.) (AUC 0.62; 95% CI 0.56–0.67; P = 0.002) and Tastet et al. (Staging cardiac damage in patients with asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019;74:550–63.) (AUC 0.64; 95% CI 0.58–0.70; P = 0.041) for 2-year all-cause death, with similar findings in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Our staging system for detecting cardiac damage, incorporating multi-chamber myocardial deformation, exhibits a stronger association with outcomes than previously validated systems.
Assessing the Health Impact of Low Seafood Omega-3 Intake on Ischemic Heart Disease: Trends, Demographic Disparities, and Forecasts
Authors: Liu Changxing , Zhang Zhirui
Published: January 2025

Background

The burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) due to low intake of seafood omega-3 fatty acids is a major global health concern, particularly impacting mortality and disability rates. Understanding these trends and demographic variations offers insights for targeted public health interventions.

Methods

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to analyze the IHD burden attributable to low omega-3 intake across 204 countries from 1990 to 2021, stratified by age, sex, and region. Key metrics included deaths, DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs. Joinpoint regression and ARIMA modeling were used to assess trends and project future burden through 2035.

Results

Globally, IHD-related deaths due to low omega-3 intake rose from 500,154 in 1990 to 627,342 in 2021, with the age-standardized death rate declining from 13.94 to 7.49 per 100,000. DALYs increased from 13 million in 1990 to over 15 million in 2021, though the age-standardized DALY rate dropped from 322.93 to 181.07 per 100,000. Regional disparities were significant; North Africa and the Middle East had a 2021 death rate of 18.76 per 100,000, compared to 2.74 per 100,000 in high-income regions. Age and sex stratification revealed that older populations and males bear a higher burden. Projections indicate a stable or rising trend in low-SDI regions through 2035.

Conclusion

This study highlights a substantial global burden of IHD linked to low omega-3 intake, with significant regional and demographic disparities. Increasing omega-3 intake, especially in high-burden regions, could help to mitigate future IHD impacts.
Long-term survival from a randomized controlled trial of lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus thoracotomy for early-stage lung cancer
Authors: Dittberner Finn Amundsen , Bendixen Morten , Licht Peter Bjørn
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVES

We previously did a randomized clinical trial of lobectomy by VATS or thoracotomy for early-stage lung cancer and found that patients who underwent VATS had less postoperative pain and better quality of life compared with thoracotomy. VATS has since been regarded the preferred surgical method for early-stage lung cancer. It is assumed that long-term survival is not influenced by surgical approach, but this assumption primarily rests on non-randomized comparative studies. We decided to do a long-term follow-up of patients who entered our previous randomized trial.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2014 we randomly assigned 206 patients to VATS (n = 103) or anterolateral thoracotomy (n = 103) for proven or suspected early-stage NSCLC. Records from patients with NSCLC on final pathology were identified in the national electronic patient-record system and the Danish Lung Cancer Registry. Overall, disease-free, and cancer-specific survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test was used to compare the two interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients had NSCLC on final histopathology. Four patients were lost to follow-up and the remaining 192 were included in this follow-up study with 128 events used for overall survival analysis, 100 events for disease-free survival analysis and 79 events for cancer-specific survival analysis. VATS was used in 99 patients versus 93 by thoracotomy. Median age at time of surgery was 66 years (range 41–85 years). After a median follow-up time of 12.8 years (range 9.9–15.8 years), 33% of patients were alive. Overall, disease-free, and cancer-specific survival were not significantly different between VATS and thoracotomy: Overall survival (p = 0.29), disease-free survival (p = 0.17) and cancer-specific survival (p = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find any statistically significant differences in overall, disease-free, or cancer-specific survival between VATS and thoracotomy. However, larger trials with better power for survival analysis are needed to fully explore if there are differences. Alternatively, differences in survival between thoracotomy and VATS for early-stage NSCLC could be investigated by pooling survival data from two similar randomized trials that have since been published.
A comprehensive assessment of membrane bioreactor contaminant removal efficacy through analytical chemistry, fish exposures, and microbiome characterization
Authors: Christen Charles H , Elliott Sarah M , Kiesling Richard L , VanDenBoom Alissa , Kohno Satomi , Givens Carrie E , Schoenfuss Heiko L
Published: January 2025

Treated municipal wastewater effluent is an important pathway for Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) to enter aquatic ecosystems. As the aging wastewater infrastructure in many industrialized countries requires upgrades or replacement, assessing new treatment technologies in the context of CEC effects may provide additional support for science-based resource management. Here, we used three lines of evidence, analytical chemistry, fish exposure experiments, and fish and water microbiome analysis, to assess the effectiveness of membrane bioreactor treatment (MBR) to replace traditional activated sludge treatment. To do this, we sampled a municipal wastewater treatment plant with a split wastewater stream, a portion of which was treated with an MBR and another via an oxidation ditch (OXI). The OXI and MBR treatments substantially reduced most measured CECs compared to the primary effluent (PRI). Only pesticides and some pharmaceuticals were recalcitrant to both secondary treatment methods. While ammonia toxicity of PRI prevented its inclusion in fish exposure experiments, exposure of fish with waters from the OXI or MBR treated wastewater produced only subtle biological differences with no adverse apical outcomes. These findings were consistent with low chemically derived exposure: activity ratios (EARs) for OXI and MBR. Microbiome analysis of fish and wastewater highlighted the significant reduction of microbial abundance and diversity in the MBR treatment compared to all other treatments. The comparable removal efficacy of CECs in MBR makes it an attractive alternative to traditional OXI, especially when MBR may eliminate the need for tertiary treatment for wastewater disinfection.
Family Size across the Life Course and Cognitive Decline in Older Mexican Adults
Authors: Saenz Joseph , Quashie Nekehia T , Zhang Xing
Published: January 2025

Objectives

A growing body of research has identified associations between family size and cognition in older adults. These studies largely focus on older adults’ own fertility history instead of sibship size, defined as one’s number of siblings. Sibship size may impact cognitive development during early childhood, creating differences that may persist into late-life. Using a gendered life course framework, this study evaluates how family size across the life course (both sibship size and number of children) relates with cognitive aging among older Mexican adults.

Methods

Data comes from the 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 waves of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (n=14,872 adults age 50+). We use latent growth curve models to evaluate how family size (sibship size and fertility history) relates with levels of latent general cognitive ability and nine-year cognitive decline and variation across gender.

Results

Small sibship size related to higher levels of cognitive ability among men, but not women. This benefit was somewhat reduced when educational attainment was accounted for. Regarding fertility history, we observed an inverse U-shaped relationship with level of cognitive ability, regardless of gender, that remained significant even after accounting for sibship size and other confounders. Neither family size measure predicted the rate of cognitive decline.

Discussion

This research broadens our understanding of family size and cognition associations in the context of Mexico's changing demographics that challenge the reliance on family support in late-life and highlights potential gender differences.
Empathy and psychological outcomes in informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huo Meng , Vu Thi , Yoneda Tomiko , Wei Jingkai , Abbott Bruce , Monin Joan K
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Scholars have increasingly recognized the crucial role that empathy plays as informal caregivers provide unpaid care to their older family and friends (i.e., care recipients). Yet, the existing literature exhibits substantial variability in study approaches and results, which limits the extent to which this literature can inform interventions intended to benefit informal caregivers. We sought to address this critical gap by synthesizing research that examined how caregivers’ and care recipients’ empathy were associated with caregivers’ psychological health.

Methods

We conducted a literature search using PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), EMBASE, and Scopus databases and systematically reviewed 21 peer-reviewed studies that were eligible for the current study. We utilized a multilevel random-effects approach and meta-analyzed 17 studies focused on caregivers’ negative psychological outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms, anxiety, burden, burnout, stress).

Results

We observed small, non-significant associations linking caregivers’ emotional and cognitive empathy to their negative psychological outcomes. Yet, there were moderate, significant associations between greater emotional and cognitive empathy in care recipients and less negative psychological outcomes in caregivers. We also ran sensitivity tests for different aspects of emotional and cognitive empathy.

Discussion

This review reveals considerable heterogeneity in extant research but still offers robust evidence linking care recipients’ empathy to caregivers’ psychological health. Findings highlight the importance of engaging care recipients in interventions targeting caregivers and call for more consistent and nuanced investigations of empathy in caregiving.
Feasibility and acceptability of engaging care partners of persons living with dementia with electronic outreach for deprescribing
Authors: Jungo Katharina Tabea , Choudhry Niteesh K , Marcantonio Edward R , Bhatkhande Gauri , Crum Katherine L , Haff Nancy , Hanken Kaitlin E , Lauffenburger Julie C
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Care partners are critical for making treatment decisions in persons living with dementia. However, identifying them is challenging, hindering the broader use of interventions, such as those using digital technologies. We aimed to (i) assess the feasibility of identifying and contacting care partners using electronic health record (EHR) systems, and (ii) elicit their perspectives on electronic interventions for deprescribing.

Research Design and Methods

We systematically identified care partners of persons living with dementia ≥65 years of age via structured EHR data in a large healthcare system. Eligible care partners were contacted by patient portal (if they were an established proxy), mail, and phone to complete a survey.

Results

Of 4,138 eligible persons living with dementia identified, 1,084 (26%) had a care partner name recorded in the EHR. Out of 259 (6%) with sufficient care partner contact information for outreach, 74 (29%) completed the survey. Among care partners, 62 (84%) reported being confident in managing dementia medications, 59 (80%) were willing to stop ≥1 medications, and 43 (58%) were very/extremely interested in using digital tools for decision-making.

Discussion and Implications

Despite the low percentage of care partners with sufficient contact information, reach rates were high for contacted care partners, suggesting feasibility for pragmatic system-level interventions. Most care partners showed great interest in using digital health tools for decision-making and managing medications. Therefore, electronic tools could help with identifying care partners and engaging them. However, scaling up interventions requires better care partner documentation or extracting information from free text.
Making ocean climate effects studies matter to society
Authors: Huse Geir , Batten Sonia , Schmidt Jörn , Isensee Kirsten , Bahri Tarub , Skern-Mauritzen Mette , Chiba Sanae , Haugan Peter
Published: January 2025

The 5th International Conference on the Effects of Climate Change on the World’s Ocean (ECCWO5) was held from April 17 to 21, 2023, in Bergen, Norway. Some seven hundred ocean experts from around the world gathered online and under the sunny blue sky at Bryggen, a historic waterfront harbor. The ECCWO conference series was initiated in 2008, aiming to better understand the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems, the services they provide, and the people, businesses, and communities that depend on them. PICES, ICES, IOC, and FAO were major sponsors and organizers of this event with the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, as the local host. The outcomes of the symposium highlighted the importance of tipping points and the fact that the effects of climate change on habitat-building species are dramatic and are impacted by marine heat waves. A robust and adaptive ecosystem approach to fisheries management under climate change is recommended, and low-emission fishing should be implemented broadly. The effects of climate change on ocean deoxygenation need more research. Climate impact assessments should be routinely performed for key ecosystem components. There needs to be more focus on social-ecological approaches and effective stakeholder engagement. We encourage work across the boundaries of disciplines and geography to ensure rapid development and uptake of good practices in science-based advice and management so that they can be adopted by the fishing and aquaculture industry. The ECCWO conference series has contributed to building and maintaining a research community centered on climate change effects on the ocean that will be important moving forward.
Probabilistic Approaches for Risk Assessment and Regulatory Criteria Development: Current Applications, Gaps, and Opportunities
Authors: Flinders Camille , Barnhart Brad , Morrison Emily , Anderson Paul , Landis Wayne
Published: January 2025

Traditional ecological and human health risk assessment often relies on deterministic frameworks that preclude the presence of variability or uncertainty among input parameters characterizing exposure, effects, and risk. To promote increased realism and generate more robust risk management decisions, probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) has been introduced as a foundational grouping of techniques that seeks to broadly characterize variability among its components. While multiple methods exist (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations, Bayesian networks) along with some federal and state regulatory guidance, gaps remain in prescriptive regulatory recommendations for the implementation of PRA methods. This article describes specific probabilistic approaches for risk characterization and assessment, regulatory support of PRA, challenges that may limit more widespread use, and opportunities for its expanded use in regulatory areas where it is not currently applied. Taken together, we hope to advance the understanding of probabilistic methodologies and their versatility for robust, transparent, data-based environmental risk assessment and standards derivation across a range of media that align with regulatory objectives to protect aquatic and terrestrial biota, human health, and vulnerable populations.
rpoB mutations and their association with rifampicin resistance in clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Edslev Sofie Marie , Aarris Mia , Nielsen Karen Leth , Hertz Frederik B , Johannesen Thor Bech , Kolenda Camille , Laurent Frederic , Månsson Emeli , Söderquist Bo , Stegger Marc
Published: January 2025

Background

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a ubiquitous member of the healthy skin and mucous microbiota but is also an opportunistic pathogen responsible for various infections, often treated with antibiotics like rifampicin. Resistance to rifampicin in S. epidermidis arises primarily through nonsynonymous mutations in the rpoB gene.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of rpoB mutations and their association with phenotypic rifampicin resistance in clinical S. epidermidis isolates from Denmark, France, and Sweden.

Methods

All clinical isolates (N = 942) were whole-genome sequenced to identify mutations in rpoB and subsequently linked to phenotypic rifampicin resistance based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Results

A total of 64 (6.8%) isolates were resistant to rifampicin. They carried all mutational changes in the rifampicin resistance-determining region (RRDR). Among 12 identified nonsynonymous mutations, 11 were exclusively observed in resistant strains, including novel mutations not previously described in S. epidermidis.

Conclusions

This study highlights the diverse genetic variants of rpoB associated with rifampicin resistance in clinical S. epidermidis isolates, including novel mutations. The strong correlation between mutational changes in RRDR and phenotypic resistance reinforces the role of rpoB mutations as a primary mechanism of resistance in clinical isolates.
Patterns of willingness to share health data with key stakeholders in US consumers: a latent class analysis
Authors: Nagappan Ashwini , Zhu Xi
Published: January 2025

Objective

To identify distinct patterns in consumer willingness to share health data with various stakeholders and analyze characteristics across consumer groups.

Materials and Methods

Data from the Rock Health Digital Health Consumer Adoption Survey from 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 were analyzed. This study comprised a Census-matched representative sample of U.S. adults. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified groups of respondents with similar data-sharing attitudes. Groups were compared by sociodemographics, health status, and digital health utilization.

Results

We identified three distinct LCA groups: (1) Wary (36.8%), (2) Discerning (47.9%), and (3) Permissive (15.3%). The Wary subgroup exhibited reluctance to share health data with any stakeholder, with predicted probabilities of willingness to share ranging from 0.07 for pharmaceutical companies to 0.34 for doctors/clinicians. The Permissive group showed a high willingness, with predicted probabilities greater than 0.75 for most stakeholders except technology companies and government organizations. The Discerning group was selective, willing to share with healthcare-related entities and family (predicted probabilities >0.62), but reluctant to share with other stakeholders (predicted probabilities <0.29). Individual characteristics were associated with LCA group membership.

Discussion

Findings highlight a persistent trust in traditional healthcare providers. However, the varying willingness to share with non-traditional stakeholders suggests that while some consumers are open to sharing, others remain hesitant and selective. Data privacy policies and practices need to recognize and respond to multifaceted and stakeholder-specific attitudes.

Conclusion

LCA reveals significant heterogeneity in health data-sharing attitudes among U.S. consumers, providing insights to inform the development of data privacy policies.
Wildland Firefighters Suffer Increasing Risk of Job-Related Death
Authors: Glover Kelsey , Mittal Rohit , Kahn Steven A
Published: January 2025

Wildland firefighting is a niche specialization in the fire service - inherently dangerous with unique risks. Over the past decade, fatalities amongst all firefighters have decreased; however, wildland firefighter fatalities have increased. This subject has only been described in the grey literature, and a paucity of medical literature exists. The United States Fire Administration's online fatality database was queried for on duty mortality between 1990 and 2022. The year 2001 was excluded due to the 340 deaths that occurred on September 11th. Data collected included demographics, incident characteristics, and nature of fatality and was compared between the decades using a Fisher's exact test. From 1990-2000 to the decade of 2013-2022, there has been a significant increase in wildland fatalities, from 2% to 10% of total fatalities (p < 0.00001). Despite the recent wave of 2023 wildfires across North America, the average annual number of wildfires has decreased 23% (from 79,829 to 61,377) between 1990-2000 and 2013-2022. Burn related fatalities have increased over time, from 9% of fatalities to 27% (p < 0.01), while trauma related injuries decreased significantly between the second and third decade (p <0.01). MI accounted for 16% of total fatalities, with no significant change over time. Although wildfires have become less common over the past decade, there was a 5-fold increase in wildland firefighter fatalities with burn related fatalities also increasing. Further investigation, including analysis of 2023 data, is required to augment development of health and safety measures for these heroes.
Development of anti-murine IL-18 binding protein antibodies to stimulate IL-18 bioactivity
Authors: Huard Arnaud , Fauteux-Daniel Sébastien , Goldstein Jérémie , Martin Praxedis , Jarlborg Matthias , Andries Julie , Caruso Assunta , Díaz-Barreiro Alejandro , Rodriguez Emiliana , Vaillant Laurie , Savvides Savvas N , Gabay Cem
Published: January 2025

Interleukin (IL)-18 is an immunoregulatory cytokine that acts as a potent inducer of T helper 1 and cytotoxic responses. IL-18 activity is regulated by its decoy receptor IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), which forms a high-affinity complex with IL-18 to block binding of the cognate receptors. A disbalance between IL-18 and IL-18BP associated with excessive IL-18 signaling can lead to systemic inflammation. Indeed, the severity of CpG-induced macrophage activation syndrome is exacerbated in IL-18BP knockout (KO) mice. On the contrary, targeting IL-18BP can have promising effects to enhance immune responses against pathogens and cancer. We generated monoclonal rabbit anti-mouse IL-18BP antibodies labeled from 441 to 450. All antibodies, except from antibody 443, captured mouse (m)IL-18BP when used in a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using an IL-18 bioassay, we showed that antibody 441 did not interfere with the regulatory effect of mIL-18BP, whereas all other antibodies displayed different levels of antagonism. Further experiments were performed using antibody 445 endowed with potent neutralizing activity and antibody 441. Despite binding to IL-18BP with the same affinity, antibody 445, but not antibody 441, was able to release IL-18 from preformed IL-18–IL-18BP complexes. Administration of antibody 445 significantly aggravated the severity of CpG-induced macrophage activation syndrome as compared with antibody 441. Additional experiments using naïve wild-type, IL-18BP KO, and IL-18 KO mice confirmed the specificity of the neutralizing effect of antibody 445 toward IL-18BP. Our studies led to the development of a monoclonal anti-IL-18BP antibody with neutralizing activity that results in the promotion of IL-18 activities.