bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Way to Interact with the World: Complex and Diverse Spatiotemporal Cell Wall Thickenings in Plant Roots
Authors: Cantó-Pastor Alex , Manzano Concepcion , Brady Siobhán M.
Published: January 2025

Plant cells are defined by their walls, which, in addition to providing structural support and shape, are an integral component of the nonliving extracellular space called the apoplast. Cell wall thickenings are present in many different root cell types. They come in a variety of simple and more complex structures with varying composition of lignin and suberin and can change in response to environmental stressors. The majority of these root cell wall thickenings and cell types that contain them are absent in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana despite being present in most plant species. As a result, we know very little regarding their developmental control and function. Increasing evidence suggests that these structures are critical for responding to and facilitating adaptation to a wide array of stresses that a plant root experiences. These structures function in blocking apoplastic transport, oxygen, and water loss and enhancing root penetrative strength. In this review, we describe the most common types of cell wall thickenings in the outer cell types of plant roots—the velamen, exodermal thickenings, the sclerenchyma, and phi thickenings. Their cell-type dependency, morphology, composition, environmental responsiveness, and genetic control in vascular plants are discussed, as well as their potential to generate more stress-resilient roots in the face of a changing climate.
Restoring Speech Using Brain–Computer Interfaces
Authors: Stavisky Sergey D.
Published: January 2025

People who have lost the ability to speak due to neurological injuries would greatly benefit from assistive technology that provides a fast, intuitive, and naturalistic means of communication. This need can be met with brain–computer interfaces (BCIs): medical devices that bypass injured parts of the nervous system and directly transform neural activity into outputs such as text or sound. BCIs for restoring movement and typing have progressed rapidly in recent clinical trials; speech BCIs are the next frontier. This review covers the clinical need for speech BCIs, surveys foundational studies that point to where and how speech can be decoded in the brain, describes recent progress in both discrete and continuous speech decoding and closed-loop speech BCIs, provides metrics for assessing these systems’ performance, and highlights key remaining challenges on the road toward clinically useful speech neuroprostheses.
CT Angiography of the Upper Extremities: Review of Acute Arterial Entities
Authors: Friedman Daniel D. , Ponkowski Michael J. , Shetty Anup Shashindra , Hoegger Mark Jeffrey , Itani Malak , Rajput Mohamed Z. , Mellnick Vincent M. , Raptis Constantine Apostolos , Northrup Benjamin E. , Ballard David , Cabrera Lebron Jorge A. , Tsai Richard
Published: January 2025

CT angiography of the upper extremities is a powerful tool for radiologists in the diagnosis of vascular trauma, acute limb ischemia, and vasculitides.
Indoor Radon and Its Health Risk Assessment in Iran: A Comprehensive Review Study
Authors: Yousefian Fatemeh , Nasiri Zahra , Kordi Maedeh , Marzi Yeganeh Gholami , Dehghani Rouhullah , Mirzaei Nezam , Janjani Hosna , Aghaei Mina , Aboosaedi Zahra
Published: January 2025

Understanding radon‐prone areas is vital to prevent radon‐related health problems, enhance public safety, and ensure adherence to regulations aimed at minimizing radon exposure. We conducted a comprehensive review of cross‐sectional studies reporting on residential radon exposure in Iran. Our review encompassed studies published until February 13, 2022. Out of the 966 articles initially identified, 37 studies were included in our analysis, which measured indoor radon levels in a total of 3480 residential buildings in Iran. Notably, the highest residential radon levels (Bq.m−3) were found in Mazandaran province, with the most hazardous recorded levels in Talesh Mahalleh (3235), followed by Ramsar (1299). Conversely, Tehran, the capital city of Iran, had the lowest recorded levels of residential radon, at 11.0 Bq.m−3. Remarkably, indoor radon concentration exceeded both the reference levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the standard levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US.EPA), with approximately 51% and 26%, respectively. The mean effective doses received by Iranian residents were 5.0 mSv.y−1 (0.3–81.7). Moreover, the mean excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) associated with indoor radon exposure was determined to be two per 1000 people. The annual incidence of lung cancer cases (LCCs) per million people attributed to indoor radon exposure in Iranian residential buildings ranged from 5.00E − 06 to 1.47E − 03. The included studies addressed a wide range of variables affecting radon levels, but they did not cover all factors comprehensively. These factors encompass the meteorological parameters, geological characteristics, building construction materials, building type, window type, occupancy information, and ventilation rates in enclosed spaces. The potential health risks associated with indoor radon exposure necessitate the implementation of effective control measures. These should include raising public awareness, revising construction regulations, enhancing ventilation systems, identifying high‐risk areas, and conducting more comprehensive studies to better understand the factors that influence radon concentration.
Activating the Astrocytes of the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus via Its Neural Circuits With the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Improves Depression in Mice
Authors: Zhao Jingyu , Wang Yuang , Tian Chunxiao , Wang Jialiang , Chen Feng , Dong Xi , Luo Jiayi , Zhu Yuxuan , Liu Aili , Ma Zengguang , Shen Hui
Published: January 2025

Astrocytes are the primary cell type in the central nervous system, responsible for maintaining the stability of the brain’s internal environment and supporting neuronal functions. Researches have demonstrated the close relationship between astrocytes and the pathophysiology and etiology of major depressive disorder. However, the regulatory mechanisms of astrocytes during depression remain unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the alterations of calcium signaling of astrocytes in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the calcium signaling alterations of neurons in both the DRN and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and the alteration of depressive‐like behaviors by activation of DRN astrocytes using chemogenetics in chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) mice. The results showed that the intensity of calcium signaling in DRN astrocytes was decreased and the frequency of calcium signaling was lower after CSDS. The activation of DRN astrocytes increased the calcium signaling of the neurons including CaMKIIα neurons in both DRN and mPFC (via neural circuit between DRN and mPFC). The depressive‐like behaviors were improved by activating DRN astrocytes in CSDS mice. Our results suggest that the astrocytes in DRN have an important role in depression and the findings offer new insights for the treatment of depression.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Removal of Congo Red Dye From Water Environment Using Eggshells Infused With Graphitic Carbon Nitride Composites
Authors: Ambigadevi J. , Senthil Kumar P.
Published: January 2025

Eggshell (ES)‐based photocatalysts have gained attention in recent years. They are less toxic, abundant, affordable, and efficient photocatalysts in treating dye‐polluted water. This work reports the deterioration of Congo red (CR) under visible light region using ES‐integrated graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4). The photocatalyst was prepared by thermal condensation by varying the mass ratios of ES powder. The material structure and the morphological characteristics are confirmed using FTIR, XRD, BET, UV‐DRS, UV‐Vis spectra, SEM, EDAX, and photoluminescence. By optical investigations, the band gap of bare ES was found to have a value of 5.04 eV. It was narrowed down to 2.57 eV at the optimum composition of ES/g‐C3N4. The effects of several reaction parameters, such as the initial concentration of dye, the amount of catalyst, and the pH level of the solution on the photodegradation rate were investigated. The degradation results revealed that the catalyst removed around 90.5% of the CR dye in 90 min at 498 nm when subjected to visible light. A pseudo‐first‐order model was concluded from the kinetic data analysis of the mineralization of CR dye using carbon nitride photocatalysts infused with eggshells. The photodegradation rate of 5% ES g‐C3N4 was three times greater than that of pure g‐C3N4, indicating a decreased recombination rate of the electron‐hole pair.
The Use of MiniMed780G System Is Associated With Stable Glycemic Control in People With Type 1 Diabetes Before, During, and After Ramadan: An Observational Study
Authors: Alguwaihes Abdullah M. , Alotaibi Najla , Alotaibi Metib , Masry Naglaa , Safarini Saher
Published: January 2025

Aims: The study was aimed at assessing the role of the MiniMed780G system of glycemic control before, during, and after Ramadan among people with Type 1 diabetes (PwT1D).

Methods: This is a single‐center retrospective analysis of MiniMed780G system users aged 14 years and above whose glycemic profiles were collected from February 21 to May 20, 2023, which corresponds to the Hijri months of Sha’ban, Ramadan, and Shawwal 1444/1445. Data was collected, processed, and analyzed in the framework of the Medtronic Galaxy service of the One Hospital Clinical Service (OHCS) program in Dallah Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data from 43 PwT1D (24 females, mean age 30 ± 11 years with 14 ± 8 years from diabetes onset) using the MiniMed780G system were collected.

Results: Overall, the 3‐month (Sha’ban, Ramadan, and Shawwal) mean sensor glucose (SG), time in range (TIR) (70–180 mg/dL), time below range (TBR) (54–69 mg/dL and < 54 mg/dL), time above range (TAR) (180–250 mg/dL and > 250 mg/dL), and glucose management indicator (GMI) showed no statistical differences within the three periods. No differences in insulin total daily dose have been detected, and no diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe hypoglycemia events occurred.

Conclusion: The use of the MiniMed780G system is safe with favorable glycemic outcomes across nonfasting and fasting months.
Facts and Hopes in Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Combinations in Resectable Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Schuler Martin
Published: January 2025

Antibodies targeting immune checkpoints, such as PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4, have transformed the treatment of patients with lung cancers. Unprecedented rates of durable responses are achieved in an imperfectly characterized population of patients with metastatic disease. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been explored in patients with resectable non–small cell lung cancers. Following a traditional paradigm, antibody therapies were first studied in the adjuvant setting, after surgery and chemotherapy. Pivotal trials supported global approvals of the PD-L1/-1 antibodies atezolizumab and pembrolizumab in this setting. Exciting observations were made when checkpoint inhibitors were moved to the preoperative window. Several signal-finding studies explored a limited number of cycles prior to surgery and reproducibly reported complete or major histopathologic responses. So far, six published phase III trials have demonstrated the superiority of combining the PD-1/-L1 antibodies nivolumab, pembrolizumab, durvalumab, tislelizumab, or toripalimab with 3 to 4 courses of preoperative platinum-based chemotherapy over preoperative chemotherapy alone in terms of response rates and survival endpoints. Those patients achieving complete or major histopathologic responses experienced particularly favorable long-term outcomes. It is yet unclear whether there is true synergism between immunotherapy and chemotherapy and whether outcomes are further improved by adding postoperative checkpoint inhibition. Although these pivotal trials qualify neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy as another option in curative lung cancer treatment, there is hope that the chemotherapy backbone will be ultimately replaced by rationally selected and targeted combination partners. In this work, the current status and future avenues of neoadjuvant combination immunotherapies in patients with non–small cell lung cancer are reviewed.
Supplementary Table S2 from Loss of PI5P4Kα Slows the Progression of a Pten Mutant Basal Cell Model of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Triscott Joanna , Lehner Marika , Benjak Andrej , Reist Matthias , Emerling Brooke M. , Ng Charlotte K.Y. , de Brot Simone , Rubin Mark A.
Published: January 2025

Table S2. Antibodies and reagents used
Supplementary Table S1 from N-Linked Fucosylated Glycans Are Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer with a Neuroendocrine and Metastatic Phenotype
Authors: Ippolito Joseph E. , Hartig Jordan P. , Bejar Kaitlyn , Nakhoul Hani , Sehn Jennifer K. , Weimholt Cody , Grimsley Grace , Nunez Elena , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Chatterjee Deyali , Kim Eric H. , Mehta Anand S. , Angel Peggi M. , Troyer Dean A. , Leach Robin J. , Corey Eva , Wu Jennifer D. , Drake Richard R.
Published: January 2025

Table S1. Patient data from the Washington University cohort.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Loss of PI5P4Kα Slows the Progression of a Pten Mutant Basal Cell Model of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Triscott Joanna , Lehner Marika , Benjak Andrej , Reist Matthias , Emerling Brooke M. , Ng Charlotte K.Y. , de Brot Simone , Rubin Mark A.
Published: January 2025

Figure S5. scRNA-Seq comparison with atlas datasets.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Loss of PI5P4Kα Slows the Progression of a Pten Mutant Basal Cell Model of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Triscott Joanna , Lehner Marika , Benjak Andrej , Reist Matthias , Emerling Brooke M. , Ng Charlotte K.Y. , de Brot Simone , Rubin Mark A.
Published: January 2025

Figure S3. Selected cell scRNA-Seq evaluation of prostate GEMMs.
Supplementary Figure S4 from N-Linked Fucosylated Glycans Are Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer with a Neuroendocrine and Metastatic Phenotype
Authors: Ippolito Joseph E. , Hartig Jordan P. , Bejar Kaitlyn , Nakhoul Hani , Sehn Jennifer K. , Weimholt Cody , Grimsley Grace , Nunez Elena , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Chatterjee Deyali , Kim Eric H. , Mehta Anand S. , Angel Peggi M. , Troyer Dean A. , Leach Robin J. , Corey Eva , Wu Jennifer D. , Drake Richard R.
Published: January 2025

Figure S4. Heat map of selected glycans of a GG5 adenocarcinoma.
Supplementary Figure S1 from N-Linked Fucosylated Glycans Are Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer with a Neuroendocrine and Metastatic Phenotype
Authors: Ippolito Joseph E. , Hartig Jordan P. , Bejar Kaitlyn , Nakhoul Hani , Sehn Jennifer K. , Weimholt Cody , Grimsley Grace , Nunez Elena , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Chatterjee Deyali , Kim Eric H. , Mehta Anand S. , Angel Peggi M. , Troyer Dean A. , Leach Robin J. , Corey Eva , Wu Jennifer D. , Drake Richard R.
Published: January 2025

Figure S1. Schematic of fucosylated glycan architecture.
Table S5 from The Distinct Roles of NEIL1 and XPA in Limiting Aflatoxin B1–Induced Mutagenesis in Mice
Authors: Luzadder Michael M. , Minko Irina G. , Vartanian Vladimir L. , Davenport Marten , Fedorov Lev M. , McCullough Amanda K. , Lloyd R. Stephen
Published: January 2025

Frequency of total mutations, SBS, insertions, deletions and MBS
Supplementary Figure 1 from B-type Plexins Regulate Mitosis via RanGTPase
Authors: Mukhwana Nicholus , Garg Ritu , Azad Abul , Mitchell Alexandria R. , Williamson Magali
Published: January 2025

Depletion of PlexinB1 in NP1542 cells increases the number of dividing cells with multipolar spindles.
Spatial Organization of Macrophages in CTL-Rich Hepatocellular Carcinoma Influences CTL Antitumor Activity
Authors: Weng Yulan , Wang Lu , Wang Yuting , Xu Junyu , Fan Xiaoli , Luo Shufeng , Hua Qiaomin , Xu Jing , Liu Gaoteng , Zhao Kai-Bo , Zhao Chang-An , Kuang Dong-Ming , Wu Chong , Zheng Limin
Published: January 2025

Despite the pivotal role of CTLs in antitumor immunity, a substantial proportion of CTL-rich patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experience early relapse or immunotherapy resistance. However, spatial immune variations impacting the heterogeneous clinical outcomes of CTL-rich HCCs remain poorly understood. In this study, we compared the single-cell and spatial landscapes of 20 CTL-rich HCCs with distinct prognoses using multiplexed in situ staining and validated the prognostic value of myeloid spatial patterns in a cohort of 386 patients. Random forest and Cox regression models identified macrophage aggregation as a distinctive spatial pattern characterizing a subset of CTL-rich HCCs with an immunosuppressive microenvironment and poor prognosis. Integrated analysis of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, combined with in situ staining validation, revealed that spatial aggregation enhanced protumoral macrophage reprogramming in HCCs, marked by lipid metabolism orientation, M2-like polarization, and increased adjacent CTL exhaustion. This spatial effect on macrophage reprogramming was replicated in HCC-conditioned human macrophage cultures, which showed an enhanced capability to suppress CTLs. Notably, increased macrophage aggregation was associated with higher response rates to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy. These findings suggest that the spatial distribution of macrophages is a biomarker of their functional diversities and microenvironment status, which holds prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Felix Nicole , Gauza Mateus M. , Bittar Vinicius , Nogueira Alleh , Costa Thomaz A. , Godoi Amanda , Araújo de Lucena Larissa , Ribeiro Gonçalves Ocílio , Santos Pinto Luís Cláudio , Tramujas Lucas , Moura-Neto José A. , Guimarães Maria Gabriela
Published: January 2025

Introduction: The effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in patients with diabetes and established chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain unclear. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to May 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and respective post hoc studies comparing GLP-1 RAs versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and established CKD (as per study definition or otherwise defined as having an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio more than 30 mg/g). We applied a random-effects model to pool risk ratios (RRs), hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: We included 10 RCTs and post hoc analyses comprising 18,042 patients, of whom 9,164 (50.8%) were treated with GLP-1 RAs. There were significantly lower rates of major adverse kidney events (RR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74–0.90; p < 0.001; high certainty) and a slightly lower incidence of all-cause mortality (HR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.71–1.00; p = 0.046; moderate certainty) with the use of GLP-1 RAs relative to placebo. This kidney protection remained consistent in patients with stage 3b CKD (RR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65–0.94; p = 0.009; high certainty). No significant differences were observed in major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.78–1.02; p = 0.090; low certainty) or cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.60–1.09; p = 0.155; very low certainty), possibly due to a lack of statistical power. Conclusion: GLP-1 RAs were tied to a lower incidence of all-cause mortality and major adverse kidney events in patients with T2DM and established CKD.
The St. Göran project — a multi-pronged strategy for longitudinal studies for bipolar disorders
Authors: Landén Mikael , Jonsson Lina , Klahn Anna Luisa , Kardell Mathias , Göteson Andreas , Abé Christoph , Aspholmer Andreas , Liberg Benny , Pelanis Aurimantas , Sparding Timea , Pålsson Erik
Published: January 2025

Introduction: The St. Göran Bipolar Project (SBP) is a longitudinal outpatient study investigation aimed at identifying predictive factors associated with long-term outcomes in individuals with bipolar disorder. These outcomes include cognitive function, relapse rate, treatment responses, and functional outcomes. The study employs a multifaceted approach, integrating brain imaging, biochemical analyses of cerebrospinal fluid and blood, and genetics. This paper aims to provide an overview of the research methods used in the SBP, along with a summary of the main findings to date.
Methods: SBP is a collaborative effort between academia and healthcare, enrolling study participants from bipolar outpatient clinics in Stockholm (SBP-S) and Gothenburg (SBP-G), Sweden. Healthy controls were recruited through Statistics Sweden. Data and samples were collected using structured interviews, self-rated questionnaires, blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychological tests. Follow-up visits are conducted 7 and 14 years after baseline.
Conclusion: The SBP has generated numerous original findings and has contributed to advancing knowledge on cognitive function, personality, cerebrospinal and blood biomarkers, neuroimaging, and genetics. Further, as data collection nears completion, new research questions can be addressed. The study’s strengths include detailed, multimodal information from each study visit and a long follow-up period. The naturalistic setting ensures that findings are relevant to real-world scenarios. However, variability in data completeness can introduce selection bias. Additionally, the control population, while randomly selected, may not be fully representative due to the voluntary nature of participation. Future projects will focus on longitudinal analyses and novel methods to exploit the study’s multifaceted approach.
Artificial Intelligence and Whole Slide Imaging Assist in Thyroid Indeterminate Cytology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Poursina Olia , Khayyat Azadeh , Maleki Sara , Amin Ali
Published: January 2025

Thyroid cytopathology, particularly in cases of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), suffers from suboptimal sensitivity and specificity challenges. Recent advancements in digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) hold promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy. This systematic review included studies from 2000 to 2023, focusing on diagnostic accuracy in AUS/FLUS cases using AI, whole slide imaging (WSI), or both. Of the 176 studies, 13 met the inclusion criteria. The datasets range from 145 to 964 WSIs, with an overall number of 494 AUS cases ranging from eight to 254. Five studies used convolutional neural networks (CNN), and two used artificial neural networks (ANN). The preparation methods included Romanowsky-stained smears either alone or combined with Papanicolaou-stained or H&E, and Liquid-based cytology (ThinPrep). The scanner models that were used for scanning the slides varied, including Leica/Aperio, Alyuda Neurointelligence Cupertino, and PANNORAMIC™ Desk Scanner. Classifiers used include Feedforward Neural Networks (FFNN), Two-Layer Feedforward Neural Networks (2L-FFNN), Classifier Machine Learning Algorithm (MLA), Visual Geometry Group 11 (VGG11), Gradient Boosting Trees (GBT), Extra Trees Classifier (ETC), YOLOv4, EfficientNetV2-L, Back-Propagation on Multi-Layer Perceptron, and MobileNetV2.
Although cytopathology is late in adopting AI, available studies have shown promising results in differentiating between thyroid lesions, including AUS/FLUS. Our review showed that AI can be especially effective in removing sources of errors such as subjective assessment, variation in staining, and algorithms. CNN has been successful in processing WSI data and identifying diagnostic features with minimal human supervision. ANNs excelled in integrating structured clinical data with image-derived features, particularly when paired with WSI, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for indeterminate thyroid lesions. A combined approach using both CNN and ANN can take advantage of their strengths. While AI and WSI integration shows promise in improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing uncertainty in indeterminate thyroid cytology, challenges such as the lack of standardization need to be addressed. This review highlights the heterogeneity in study designs, dataset sizes, and evaluation metrics. Future studies should focus on hybrid AI models, CNNs, ANNs, and standardized methodologies to maximize clinical applicability.
Aortic root dilatation in an individual with 3p21.31 deletion
Authors: Zocche David , Platts Lucy , Younes Maha , Flemming Andrew , Naqvi Nitha , Cobben Jan , Van Dijk Fleur
Published: January 2025

Interstitial deletions in 3p21.31 are rare and have been associated with developmental delay, intellectual disability, and facial dysmorphism. We report a 2-year-old girl with 3p21.31p14.3 deletion, aortic root dilatation, global developmental delay, hypotonia, and distinctive facial features. To our knowledge, there are no reported individuals with a 3p21.31 interstitial deletion associated with aortic root dilatation. The size of this interstitial deletion is 6.8Mb and it encompasses 120 genes. None of these genes have a known association with aortic complications. A custom gene panel of 37 genes associated with familial thoracic aortic aneurysm did not identify a known monogenic cause of aortic dilatation in this individual. This case therefore represents an expansion of the phenotype associated with 3p21.31 deletions.
Clinical And Molecular Evaluation of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome With The BWSICS Score
Authors: Çetinkaya Duygu , Altan Mustafa , Kılıç Esra
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS, MIM#130650) is an overgrowth syndrome characterized by macroglossia, omphalocele, macrosomia, and a predisposition to neoplasia. The etiology of BWS involves genetic and epigenetic alterations in the 11p15 region of the genome. In this study, we investigated how the International Consensus Clinical Scoring System (BWSICS) score can be used in clinical and molecular evaluations and examined its contribution to diagnostic processes. Methods: This retrospective study included BWS patients who have been followed up in the pediatric genetics clinic of a center in the last ten years. Clinical and molecular outcomes including chromosome analysis, microarray analysis, and MS-MLPA testing were evaluated. BWSICS scores were calculated for each patient based on their clinical symptoms. Results: The study evaluated 18 patients who met BWS diagnostic criteria aged between 1 day and 10 years. The main presentations were macroglossia in 4 patients, omphalocele with macroglossia in 5 patients, and hypoglycemia in 2 patients and all but one patient was macrosomia. Significant congenital malformations included omphalocele and visceromegaly in 5 patients each. Hepatoblastoma was observed in 1 patient and one patient died due to sepsis. Two patients had autism spectrum disorder while the others had normal neuromotor development. According to the BWSICS, patients' scores ranged from 5 to 11. Molecular analysis revealed methylation alterations in 13/16 patients. Conclusion: This study examined the effectiveness of the BWSICS score in the diagnosis and follow-up of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome in combination with clinical and molecular evaluation. This score provides a broad assessment in the diagnosis of BWS and can be considered as an important tool in clinical practice.
Predicting task-related brain activity from resting-state brain dynamics with fMRI Transformer
Authors: Kwon Junbeom , Seo Jungwoo , Wang Heehwan , Moon Taesup , Yoo Shinjae , Cha Jiook
Published: January 2025

Accurate prediction of the brain’s task reactivity from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data remains a significant challenge in neuroscience. Traditional statistical approaches often fail to capture the complex, nonlinear spatiotemporal patterns of brain function. This study introduces SwiFUN (Swin fMRI UNet Transformer), a novel deep learning framework designed to predict 3D task activation maps directly from resting-state fMRI scans. SwiFUN leverages advanced techniques such as shifted window-based self-attention, which helps to understand complex patterns by focusing on varying parts of the data sequentially, and a contrastive learning strategy to better capture individual differences among subjects. When applied to predicting emotion-related task activation in adults (UK Biobank, n = 7,038) and children (ABCD, n = 4,944), SwiFUN consistently achieved higher overall prediction accuracy than existing methods across all contrasts; it demonstrated an improvement of up to 27% for the FACES-PLACES contrast in ABCD data. The resulting task activation maps revealed individual differences across cortical regions associated with sex, age, and depressive symptoms. This scalable, transformer-based approach potentially reduces the need for task-based fMRI in clinical settings, marking a promising direction for future neuroscience and clinical research that enhances our ability to understand and predict brain function.
A long and winding road: Research impact evaluation over public policies
Authors: Cristofoletti Evandro Coggo , Salles-Filho Sergio , Juk Yohanna , Cabral Bernardo , Pinto Karen Esteves Fernandes , Hollanda Sandra , Graziani Carlos , Pereira César Antonio
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the extent to which the impacts of scientific publications funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) on public policies can be assessed using the Overton database. Utilizing the Overton database, the research integrates DOI data with bibliometric analyses to track how FAPESP’s funding influences policymaking in Brazil and worldwide. Results show significant citations across diverse fields, notably in health, environmental sustainability, and food security, reflecting the global relevance of FAPESP-funded research. Analyses reveal the geographical and thematic influence on policy documents, even considering potential biases due to the Overton database’s limitations. In this direction, the study highlights some limitations of this database, pointing out methodological challenges that need to be addressed for measuring the impact of scientific publications on policy documents to become more comprehensive and in-depth. Overcoming these challenges is essential for effectively understanding the impacts of research on policy and for enabling better communication about the impact of science on society.
On the limits of causal theory for studying inequalities in science
Authors: Kozlowski Diego
Published: January 2025

While causal models are gaining popularity in science studies due to their explanatory power over certain phenomena, they are often misused, creating a false sensation of confidence. This letter aims to discuss the limitations of such models from internal and external critique, showing some of the risks they entail.
Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature, Version 6 (ERSSTv6). Part I: An Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Huang Boyin , Yin Xungang , Boyer Tim , Liu Chunying , Menne Matthew , Rao Yuhan Douglas , Smith Thomas , Vose Russell , Zhang Huai-Min
Published: January 2025

NOAA’s Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature (ERSST) is an operational global SST product based on in situ observations, which has been widely used in monitoring and assessing global ocean climate particularly El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. ERSSTv5 and its predecessors, however, encountered two shortcomings: 1) low SST spatial variabilities in the data-sparse regions before the 1950s and 2) low-performance scores against in situ observations after the 1970s. The first problem has been mitigated in this Part I study of ERSSTv6 by removing a 3-month running average and applying an interpolation method using an artificial neural network (ANN). The improvements of the ANN method over an empirical orthogonal teleconnection (EOT) method used in previous versions were assessed against validation, testing, and observation datasets. In comparison with ERSSTv5, the spatial correlation coefficient (SCC) with reference to observations increases by 5%, and root-mean-square difference (RMSD) with reference to observations decreases by 0.03°C in ERSSTv6. The improvements of SCC and RMSD are more pronounced in the tropical Pacific and the Southern Hemisphere oceans between 60° and 30°S. The second problem has been addressed separately in our Part II study.

Significance Statement

ERSSTv6 has been upgraded from ERSSTv5 by implementing an interpolation method using an artificial neural network (ANN). In comparison with ERSSTv5, ERSSTv6 has higher spatial coherence and lower root-mean-square error in the global oceans from 1850 to 2021.
Large-Scale Drivers of Widespread Extreme Precipitation in Europe: Insights from High-Resolution Regional Climate Model Simulations
Authors: Shahi Namendra Kumar , Zolina Olga , Gulev Sergey K.
Published: January 2025

Although regional climate models (RCMs) have made significant advancements in simulating the spatiotemporal characteristics of precipitation and understanding mechanisms of precipitation changes over recent decades, concerns persist regarding their ability to accurately represent the large-scale atmospheric conditions associated with climate extremes. In light of this, the present study evaluates the performance of high-resolution RCM simulations in representing the characteristics of widespread extreme precipitation events and their associated large-scale synoptic systems across different complex orographic precipitation regimes in the Mediterranean and the European North Atlantic regions during 1980–2010. The RCM simulations are performed in the framework of the European-Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (EURO-CORDEX) at a horizontal resolution of approximately 12 km (0.11° × 0.11°) and constitute so-called evaluation experiments, i.e., simulations forced by large-scale information from a reanalysis. A set of high-resolution quality-controlled observational precipitation datasets compiled from higher density rain gauge station networks, along with E-OBS data, is used to evaluate the precipitation simulated by the RCMs. We found that the RCMs reproduced the observed total number and intensity of widespread extreme precipitation events to a great extent; however, there is variation or spread in the results among different RCMs. The study also emphasized the critical importance of systematically addressing model-specific discrepancies, as these variations can amplify intermodel spread and potentially lead to misleading conclusions. The general synoptic patterns that characterize widespread extreme precipitation include trough–ridge patterns with cyclonic features, advection of warm and moist air promoting rising motion, and enhanced moisture transport into the regions. Also, atmospheric river–like patterns of moisture transport originating from the Atlantic Ocean are identified, particularly in the European North Atlantic regions, and with contributions from the Mediterranean Sea in the Mediterranean regions. While RCMs reproduced the large-scale synoptic spatial patterns observed in ERA5 to a great extent, intermodel differences are evident in the spatial patterns and their magnitudes. We concluded that when driven by the same forcing, the RCMs, despite their many mutual differences, are, on the whole, capable in providing a robust and converging result when it comes to widespread extreme precipitation events.
Ensemble Precipitation Forecast Postprocessing with Ensemble Coalescence and Quantile Mapping
Authors: Henderson John M. , Hamill Thomas M. , Nehrkorn Thomas
Published: January 2025

Ensemble forecast systems are an integral part of the National Weather Service’s (NWS) program for producing skillful, reliable deterministic and probabilistic forecasts, but statistical postprocessing is often required to address known deficiencies. Here, we test improvements to the ensemble postprocessing procedure currently implemented at the NWS Meteorological Development Laboratory (MDL) that generates a deterministic quantitative precipitation forecast from multimodel ensemble means. The existing approach uses recent forecast and analysis data to estimate cumulative distributions of precipitation and then applies a quantile mapping between the mean forecast and analysis. In the current work, we use a revised version of this approach that, in addition, utilizes ensemble mean inputs improved by a coalescence procedure based on the feature alignment technique (FAT). This is a variational technique for determining the displacements needed to adjust precipitation features of individual ensemble members toward their positions in the raw ensemble mean. The performance of the combined coalescence–quantile mapping algorithm was evaluated over a 2-yr period of forecasts from version 12 of the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFSv12) after extensive testing of configurable parameters to ensure the physical reasonableness of the precipitation fields. The coalescence procedure by itself was shown to correct some of the raw ensemble mean deficiencies related to position errors in the individual ensemble forecasts, especially as lead times increase. The combined approach resulted in improved forecasts as measured by fractional bias and equitable threat scores. Implementation of the techniques described here for operational guidance is being considered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is applicable to other forecast models.

Significance Statement

Ensemble weather prediction systems provide information about the uncertainty in weather forecasts. However, the raw output from these models is voluminous and suffers from biases. Here, we combine two statistical approaches to correct for the biases and create a single deterministic forecast that is more manageable to use by stakeholders. The two techniques—coalescence and then quantile mapping—are applied in sequence and the resulting model forecast is compared against observations. Our approaches improve the statistical performance with precipitation fields that have more realistic extrema and a smaller extent of small precipitation amounts. The techniques are being evaluated for operational implementation by the National Weather Service.
Disparities in Medication Prescriptions and Post-Tracheostomy Outcomes in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Reddy Pooja D. , Raman Akshaya , Eljamri Soukaina , Shaffer Amber , Padia Reema
Published: January 2025

Background:

Granulation tissue formation and tracheitis are common pediatric tracheostomy complications. Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone is frequently prescribed, but the influence of social determinants on this topic is unexplored.

Methods:

This study extends a prior cohort study of pediatric tracheostomy patients at a single academic institution from 2016 to 2020. Social determinants of health, including race, insurance status, and residence characteristics, including Area Deprivation Index (ADI), were evaluated. Logistic regression, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and log-rank tests (α = .05) analyzed relationships between these determinants and prescriptions and post-tracheostomy outcomes.

Results:

This cohort included 182 patients; 98/182 (53.9%) were male, and 140/182 (76.9%) were White, non-Hispanic. Non-White race was associated with increased odds of receiving nebulized ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.25-6.29). In those with tracheal culture results available (n = 63), Staphylococcus aureus was more common with public insurance (29/47, 7 with MRSA, 61.7%) compared with private (5/16, 3 with MRSA, 31.3%; OR = 3.54, 95% CI = 1.05-11.9). ADI was greater in the 7 patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae (median = 95, IQR = 88-99) compared to without (median = 77, IQR = 65-81, P = .003). Patients with tracheitis lived further from our center (median = 44.7 miles, IQR = 27.7-91.4 miles) compared with those who did not develop tracheitis (median = 33.4 miles, IQR = 12.0-85.2 miles, P = .02). Antibiotic resistance was more prevalent in children discharged home (14/35, 40.0%) than to transitional care (3/28, 10.7%; OR = 5.56, 95% CI = 1.40-22.0) and was associated with longer hospital stays (median = 70 days, range = 34-152 vs median = 35 days, range = 15-75 days, P = .02). Non-White patients experience increased odds of decannulation over time compared with White patients (HR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.21-6.70). Discharge locations and ADI were associated with dressing choice post-tracheostomy.

Discussion:

This study revealed racial disparities in ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone usage, residence-related differences in tracheal culture results, and ADI-related dressing choices, which highlight the need for tailored, equitable care to optimize outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

4
Ways of Understanding Chinese Expansion: Chineseness and Two Chinas
Authors: Karluk Abdürreşit Celil
Published: January 2025

It is well documented that the distinct social, cultural and physical boundaries separating non-Chinese minorities from the Chinese, who inhabit about 65% of China’s territory, have been eroded by the persistent and pervasive multidimensional influence and direct intervention of the Chinese state. Consequently, these regions are undergoing a transformation that can be defined as ‘Cultural China’. This process is being facilitated by state-sponsored settler colonial policies and consistent Sinicisation practices. This article aims to make a modest contribution to the existing literature on Chinese expansionism and colonialism by analysing Chinese–non-Chinese relations through the lens of the phenomenon of Chineseness. By focusing on the Chineseness and the existence of two Chinas within China’s political borders—cultural China and political China—the article seeks to answer following key questions: In what ways and through what processes are non-Chinese nations and regions Sinicised? What role does Chineseness play in shaping the dynamics of relations between Chinese and non-Chinese groups? How can China establish and sustain a long-term, and potentially permanent, presence in these regions? Furthermore, the article puts forward the argument that China may be perceived as an expansionist and colonialist state, thereby challenging the official Chinese narrative.
Institutional Design Preferences Among German and US Citizens: Results from a Factorial Survey Experiment
Authors: Landwehr Claudia , Ojeda Christopher , Stallbaum Lea
Published: January 2025

How do institutional parameters affect citizens’ evaluations of a political system as democratic? While attitudes to existing institutions have mostly been studied only in terms of support, this article uses experimental data to explore and compare citizens’ institutional design preferences in Germany and the US. Findings show that participation of voters in decision-making, deliberative decision-making, delegate representation, and the presence of revision and appeal lead to more positive perceptions of democratic quality in both countries. While in Germany, we find these effects to be influenced by party affiliation as well as citizens’ conceptions of democracy, we do not find meaningful differences for partisanship and less pronounced effects of conceptions of democracy in the US. We conclude that while discrepancies between citizens’ design preferences and institutional reality constitute a potential threat to democracy, institutions could be reformed to meet citizen preferences without compromising the core of liberal democracy.
Is There an Easy Path to Eudaimonia? Novel Insights on the Dual-process Perspective in Media Entertainment
Authors: Possler Daniel , Scheper Jule , Raney Arthur A. , Klimmt Christoph
Published: January 2025

The dual-process perspective in entertainment research differentiates between hedonic and eudaimonic entertainment experiences. Hedonic responses are thought to result from relatively effortless reception of non-challenging (or “light”) media fare. In contrast, eudaimonic entertainment experiences are theorized to depend on cognitively or affectively challenging content (e.g., tragedies) and effortful reflection. The present work builds on the meaning-as-information framework and the meaning-making model to suggest a conceptual alternative. We argue that audience members can have eudaimonic experiences—particularly, meaningful experiences—without intense challenges and cognitive labor by detecting meaning in messages that affirm (or “celebrate”) their core values. An online experiment ( NStudy1 = 275) and a pre-registered replication ( NStudy2 = 253) with viewers of short video clips provided substantial support for this proposition. Our discussion highlights that the analytical differentiation of low-effort hedonic and high-effort eudaimonic modes of entertainment needs revision.
He Came and Proclaimed Peace: Christ as Herald in Ephesians 2.17
Authors: Goodrich John K.
Published: January 2025

Scholars often disagree about how to interpret the narrative description of Christ as a proclaimer of peace in Ephesians 2.17. Most understand Ephesians to be either referring to the earthly ministry of Jesus or attributing to him the work of later apostolic preaching. This article argues that none of the existing interpretations is adequate, and instead maintains that Ephesians is advancing a metaphorical depiction of Christ as a diplomatic peace herald (caduceator) commissioned to call for the cessation of hostilities between God and humanity, and consequently between Jews and Gentiles. The article explores the purposes and practices of Greco-Roman diplomacy, paying special attention to the contribution of peace heralds in times of interstate conflict and how they came to signify the entire peacemaking process. The article then analyzes how Ephesians 2.11–22 deploys terminology commonly used to convey sociopolitical rivalry as a way to portray the Jew-Gentile relationship as one of figurative warfare. It is in within this symbolic world of ethnic conflict and diplomacy that Ephesians casts Christ in the image of a peace herald, whose metaphorical proclamation of peace to those far and near signifies the totality and finality of Christ’s conciliatory work.
Radiofrequency Coblation Inferior Turbinoplasty with Modified UPPP for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Tian Qiushi , Chu Teng , Pang Mingjie
Published: January 2025

Objective: To compare the efficacy of surgical treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) involving a standalone modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (mUPPP) and radiofrequency coblation inferior turbinoplasty with mUPPP. Methods: In this study, a retrospective analysis of 79 OSAHS patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and oropharyngeal obstruction undergoing surgical treatment was performed. According to the different surgical methods, the patients were divided into 2 groups (Group A and Group B). Group A included 36 patients treated with standalone mUPPP. Group B included 43 patients treated with mUPPP and bilateral radiofrequency coblation inferior turbinoplasty. Polysomnography (PSG), active anterior rhinomanometry, surgical success rate, and surgical complication were used to assess the patients in 2 groups. The successful surgical result was defined as a 50% or greater decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in postoperative PSG. Results: Before surgery, there were no significant differences in age, gender, neck circumference, body mass index, Friedman tongue position grade, tonsil size grade, Epworth sleepiness scale score, total inferior turbinate size grade, total nasal resistance (TNR), AHI and the lowest O2 saturation (LSaO2) between the 2 groups. After 6 months of follow-up visits, AHI, LSaO2, and TNR in Group B showed a significant improvement compared to Group A. The surgical success rate was 76.74% in Group B compared to 52.78% in Group A ( P = .025). There was no significant difference in the total surgical complication rate between the 2 groups (13.89% vs 23.26%, P = .290). Conclusion: For OSAHS patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and oropharyngeal obstruction, radiofrequency coblation inferior turbinoplasty with mUPPP appears to be a more effective surgical method than mUPPP alone.