bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of a novel point-of-care test for albuminuria in communities at high risk for chronic kidney disease in Thailand
Authors: Tungsanga Somkanya , Nantanawijit Rungrawee , Kiatamornrak Patcharakorn , Kulvichit Win , Ngoensawat Umphan , Tachaboon Sasipa , Dinhuzen Janejira , Chaisuriyong Watchadaporn , Komolpis Kittinan , Peerapornratana Sadudee , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Bello Aminu K , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, and early detection is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Albuminuria is an early marker and key prognostic marker in CKD, but reliable tools for its detection are limited particularly in low resource settings. We tested the utility of a novel, affordable point-of-care test (POCT) for albuminuria among high-risk individuals for CKD.

Methods

This is a community-based cross-sectional study covering 17 primary subdistrict healthcare units in Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. The inclusion criteria were asymptomatic adult participants diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and/or aged over 60 years. We measured serum creatinine and quantitative urine albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) and administered POCT urine albumin strip test (Albii, K. BioSciences, Bangkok, Thailand) and urine dipstick test for protein. Participants with albuminuria or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by CKD-EPI 2009 equation <60 mL/min/1.73 m2were considered to have suspected CKD. We evaluated diagnostic performance of POCT urine albumin strip.

Results

Among 2307 participants, 489 (20.3%) participants had reduced eGFR and/or albuminuria. The median eGFR was 93.23 (87.82, 98.73) mL/min/m2, and the median UACR was 9.15 (5.09, 20.96) mg/g. The POCT urine albumin strip showed a sensitivity of 0.70, specificity of 0.97 and accuracy of 0.92 compared with the quantitative UACR. Conversely, the POCT urine dipstick for protein had poor sensitivity, positive predictive value and accuracy.

Conclusion

The urine albumin test strip is a highly effective tool to conduct point-of-care identification for early CKD among high-risk populations. Given the test’s diagnostic performance and ease of use, such test should be incorporated into health policy.
Knowledge, willingness to provide service and preparedness for monkeypox infection among medical practitioners working in Bangladesh: a multicentred cross-sectional study
Authors: Zaman Mir Susmita , Islam Salwa , Abid Shehab Uddin Al , Fardous Jannatul , Tabassum Tamanna , Hasan Monirul , Sharif Mohiuddin , Hasan Mohammad Jahid
Published: January 2025

Background

The resurfaced zoonotic disease, Monkeypox, has become a global public health concern recently. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the current knowledge, willingness to provide service during an outbreak and preparedness about human monkeypox among medical practitioners in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among registered physicians at the three medical college hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Knowledge about monkeypox was assessed by 20 questions, collected through a self-answered paper-based structured questionnaire. Good knowledge was defined by 70% of correct responses among the asked questions. Willingness and preparedness to treat during the monkeypox outbreak were also assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the predictors of good knowledge of monkeypox infection. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS V.25.0.

Result

Out of 385 physicians, two-thirds (63%) were male, and between 31 and 50 years of age (58%). A majority (91.4%) knew monkeypox is transmitted human-to-human, followed by sexual (55.1%) and vertical transmission (34.8%), but only 19.5% were aware of vaccine availability. Overall, about half of the respondents (57%) showed a good knowledge of monkeypox and the remainder (43%) had poor knowledge. Older age, higher education and having a higher job designation were found to be associated with good knowledge. However, only 30.1% expressed willingness to provide care, and just 22.3% believed their hospitals were prepared for a potential outbreak.

Conclusion

The present study highlighted that physicians in Bangladesh possess a relatively good level of knowledge, with a lack of practical preparedness and willingness to serve in managing monkeypox cases during an outbreak.
A new approach to children’s work that prioritises resilience, well-being and agency: emerging findings from a ‘cash plus’ intervention in Bangladesh
Authors: Howard Neil , Roelen Keetie , Ton Giel , Hermoza Mauricio Espinoza , Al Mamun Saklain , Chowdhury Kabita , Aktar Taslima , Huq Lopita
Published: January 2025

Background

Criticism of mainstream approaches to child labour is widespread and well-established. The Child Labour Action Research in South and Southeast Asia (CLARISSA) Cash Plus pilot sought to address these critiques through an innovative programme that prioritised the development of household resilience and well-being, and through increasing household capacity to make alternative choices around children’s work.

Research

Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, this pilot delivered unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) and needs-based case management and community mobilising across an entire slum neighbourhood in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Cash worth about 20% of household monthly income was delivered to all households for 7 months, with case work and community organising wrapped around for 21 months. The intended outcomes were that families would be able to increase their economic resilience and develop alternative capacities to meet their needs, with the intended goals of increasing well-being and the ability to make choices other than difficult or dangerous work for children. Research into impact was rooted in contribution analysis and combined bimonthly monitoring surveys administered by the community mobilisers; surveys at multiple time points; three rounds of targeted focus group discussions; three rounds of key informant interviews with case study households; community mobiliser diaries; and ethnographic observation.

Results and conclusions

The results strongly suggest that UCTs reduce poverty, increase economic resilience; improve well-being; and generate various household-level improvements that relate directly and indirectly to children’s work. They further suggest that case work and community organising act as a beneficial form of social protection and a tool for developing locally appropriate micro-responses to collective problems that commonly impact directly on well-being and indirectly on children’s work. These results point to the potential for this intervention to be scaled-up in efforts to achieve the eighth Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring decent work for all, including the elimination of child labour.
Management of infants presenting with fever: a review of pan-London hospital guidelines and national guidelines
Authors: Haberman Stephanie , Haroun Basma , Alvarez Alexia Prol , Garg Suchika , Nijman Ruud
Published: January 2025

Febrile infants often have self-limiting conditions. Differentiating them from infants with serious bacterial infections can be challenging. We aimed to understand how febrile infants are managed across London, by analysing the management steps from local clinical practical guidelines (CPGs) and comparing them to the national guideline 143 (NG143). The ten hospitals using local CPGs recommended doing blood tests for febrile infants and often had more cautious advice about performing lumbar punctures and starting antibiotics. All CPGs scored lower on quality, as per AGREE-II tool, when compared with NG143. CPGs giving more cautious advice, exposes more infants to invasive investigations and treatments.
Transition-to-home arrangements for very preterm infants and related parental needs at perinatal centres in Austria and Switzerland: a cross-sectional multicentred study
Authors: Ebner Laura , Buehrer Lea , Kistler Simone , Jochumsen Ulla , Held Ulrike , Latal Beatrice , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The current study aims to give an overview of transition-to-home services provided by perinatal centres in Austria and Switzerland and to evaluate parental satisfaction with the care provided.

Methods

This cross-sectional multicentred study was conducted by performing two surveys between May 2022 and November 2023: one among all level III perinatal centres in Austria (n=7) and Switzerland (n=9) (institutional survey) and one among parents of very preterm infants treated at one selected perinatal centre in each of the two countries (parental survey). Both questionnaires consisted of matching questions focusing on current transition-to-home services.

Results

All perinatal centres participated in the institutional survey and 61 out of 84 parents completed the parental questionnaire (response rate 72.6%). The discharge process to home was identified as a multidisciplinary effort involving various healthcare professionals with discrepancies in responses within and between institutional and parental questionnaires. Certain disparities were observed in the timing of discharge conversations between healthcare providers and parents. Most physicians mentioned initiating discharge discussions while the child was still in the intensive care unit, but only 14.8% of parents recalled these early conversations. One-fourth of perinatal centres actively contact patients after discharge. So far, video consultations or mobile applications have not been offered. While 95.1% of parents expressed satisfaction with the care received, there were concerns about contradictory medical information, particularly regarding breastfeeding.

Conclusion

The transition-to-home process for very preterm infants presents several opportunities for improvement, especially concerning communication between healthcare providers and parents, lactation counselling services and the timely outreach to parents shortly after discharge. The findings of the current study may further improve this transition process and might aid in the development of a standardised programme that is tailored to parental needs.
Exploring survival rates in HIV-infected Ethiopian children receiving HAART: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Getaneh Yimam , Dejene Yared , Adankie Birhanemeskel T. , Khairunisa Siti Qamariyah , Husada Dominicus , Kuntaman Kuntaman , Lusida Maria Inge
Published: January 2025

Background

Studies have shown a high rate of mortality among adults despite the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, long-term outcomes of HAART among children remain poorly documented in Ethiopia. This study aimed to estimate the survival rate and identify associated factors among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from August to December 2022 in 13 health facilities (HFs) using records of 554 children (<15 years old) initiating HAART from 2007 to 2019. HFs were selected using probability proportional to the size of patients. Survival rate and predictors of mortality were estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazards, respectively. The analysis was done using STATA V.16.0.

Result

Overall mortality among HIV-positive children taking HAART in Ethiopia in 12-year follow-up was 25.5%. Moreover, the mortality rate was 24 per 100 child-year observation. Survival during the median 9.65 (95% CI=9.30 to 10.00) years of follow-up was 0.50. There was a significant drop in the survival rate from the 6th year of follow-up (0.96) to the 8th year (0.78) till the 12th year (0.18). By the end of the follow-up period, 172 (23.69%) were lost to follow-up. There was a high risk of mortality among female (adjusted HRs (AHRs) (95% CI) =1.35 (1.14 to 1.65)), those with poor adherence (AHR (95% CI) =1.29 (1.13 to 1.35)), CD4 count of ≤200 cells/mm3(AHR (95% CI) =1.75 (1.33 to 2.30)) and baseline haemoglobin≤12 g/dL (AHR (95% CI) =1.8 (1.66 to 1.98)).

Conclusion

The significant drop in the survival rate as of the 6th year follow-up and the high loss rate to follow-up call for programme attention. Close follow-up of children with low CD4 count, low haemoglobin and poor adherence could help improve survival.
Landscape of anti-IL-23 therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: recent advances
Authors: Colwill Michael , Clough Jennifer , Baillie Samantha , Patel Kamal , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Honap Sailish
Published: January 2025

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly requires advanced therapies to induce and maintain durable remission. Interleukin (IL)-23 is a proinflammatory heterodimeric cytokine composed of a p40 subunit, which is shared with IL-12 and a unique p19 subunit. There are multiple streams of evidence that implicate IL-23 in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of IBD and it has emerged as a crucial therapeutic target in IBD and several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Risankizumab, mirikizumab and guselkumab are monoclonal antibodies that selectively target the IL-23p19 subunit and offer a novel mechanism of action. This narrative review summarises key efficacy and safety data from the clinical trial programmes, highlights practical implications for their use in IBD, and reviews available data regarding their positioning in the rapidly expanding landscape of IBD treatments.
Phase I study of BMS-986299, an NLRP3 agonist, as monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Nelson Blessie E , O'Brien Shaun , Sheth Rahul A , Hong David S , Naing Aung , Zhang Xiaoping , Xu Amy , Hamuro Lora , Suryawanshi Rasika , McKinley Derrick , Novosiadly Ruslan D , Piha-Paul Sarina A
Published: January 2025

Purpose

BMS-986299 is a first-in-class, NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin-domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome agonist enhancing adaptive immune and T-cell memory responses.

Materials and methods

This was a phase-I (NCT03444753) study that assessed the safety and tolerability of intra-tumoral BMS-986299 monotherapy (part 1A) and in combination (part 1B) with nivolumab, and ipilimumab in advanced solid tumors. Reported here are single-center results.

Results

36 patients were enrolled, with breast (31%), colorectal (17%), and head and neck (14%) being the more commonly enrolled cancers. Most patients (58%) had received prior immunotherapy. Therapy was well-tolerated, with G1-G2 fever (70%), neutrophilia (36%), and leukocytosis (33%) being the most common treatment-related adverse events with one case of G4 interstitial nephritis and one case of G3 hepatotoxicity and G3 colitis. Intratumoral BMS-986299 monotherapy resulted in dose-dependent increases in systemic exposure with increase in tumor CTLs (67%), CD4+ TILs (63%), along with notable above twofold increases in serum IL-1B, G-CSF and IL-6 at doses above 2000 µg. Systemic BMS-986299 exposure was positively associated with systemic cytokine elevation for G-CSF and IL-6. No antitumor activity was noted in BMS-986299 monotherapy cohort. However, in the combination therapy cohort (BMS-986299+nivolumab+ipilimumab), overall objective response rate was 10%, with confirmed PRs observed in TNBC, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative breast cancer, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

BMS-986299 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrated manageable toxicities, good tolerability, and promising antitumor activity in certain cancer types.

Trial registration number

NCT03444753.
Glut3 overexpression improves environmental glucose uptake and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors
Authors: Hu Wenhao , Li Feng , Liang Yue , Liu Shasha , Wang Shumin , Shen Chunyi , Zhao Yuyu , Wang Hui , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2025

Background

Glucose deprivation inhibits T-cell metabolism and function. Glucose levels are low in the tumor microenvironment of solid tumors and insufficient glucose uptake limits the antitumor response of T cells. Furthermore, glucose restriction can contribute to the failure of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy for solid tumors. However, the impact of glucose restriction remains unknown in CAR-T cell therapy.

Methods

Glucose transporters were detected and overexpressed in CAR-T cells. The impacts of glucose restriction on CAR-T cells were checked in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Glucose restriction significantly decreased CAR-T cell activation, effector function, and expansion. CAR-T cells expressed high levels of the glucose transporter Glut1, which has a low affinity for glucose. Overexpression of Glut1 failed to improve CAR-T cell function under glucose-restricted conditions. In contrast, the function and antitumor potential of CAR-T cells was enhanced by the overexpression of Glut3, which has the highest affinity for glucose among the Glut transporter family and is expressed in minor parts of CAR-T cells. Glut3-overexpressing CAR-T cells demonstrated increased tumoricidal efficacy in multiple xenografts and syngenetic mouse models. Furthermore, Glut3 overexpression activated the PI3K/Akt pathway and increased OXPHOS and mitochondrial fitness.

Conclusions

We provide a direct and effective approach to enhance low glucose uptake levels by CAR-T cells and improve their antitumor efficacy against solid tumors.
Middle meningeal artery embolization with surgical evacuation improves outcomes in chronic subdural hematoma: a multi-institutional and multinational database study
Authors: Lakhani Dhairya A , Balar Aneri B , Boo SoHyun , Bhatia Sanjay , Rai Ansaar T
Published: January 2025

Background

Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is emerging as a promising adjunctive treatment in patients with chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). This study presents real world multicenter data comparing outcomes in cSDH patients undergoing surgical treatment alone or combined with MMAE.

Methods

This multi-institutional, multinational, retrospective, propensity-matched study utilized the TriNetX platform to compare outcomes in patients undergoing surgical evacuation and MMAE versus surgery alone for cSDH. The outcomes included inpatient readmission, need for repeat surgery, and mortality at 6 months following treatment.

Results

Among 253 108 patients with cSDH, 14 568 underwent surgical evacuation and 711 underwent surgical evacuation with MMAE. Patients who underwent surgical evacuation alone had higher odds of unplanned readmission, need for repeat surgery, and mortality at 6 months, both before and after propensity score matched analysis.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing MMAE with surgical evacuation for cSDH had reduced mortality along with reduced rates of readmission and reoperation, suggesting MMAE as a valuable adjunct in managing cSDH.
Effectiveness of the Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Programme (I-HARP) on improving functional independence of people living with dementia: a multicentre, pragmatic, randomised, open-label, controlled trial
Authors: Jeon Yun-Hee , Simpson Judy , Fethney Judith , Krein Luisa , Shin Mirim , Low Lee-Fay , Woods Robert T , Mowszowski Loren , Hilmer Sarah , Naismith Sharon L , Clemson Lindy , Brodaty Henry , Naganathan Vasi , Miller Amberber Amanda , Kenny Danelle , Gitlin Laura , Szanton Sarah
Published: January 2025

Background

We investigated the effectiveness of an Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Programme (I-HARP) on improving functional independence, health and well-being of people with dementia, family carer outcomes and costs.

Method

A multicentre pragmatic parallel-arm randomised controlled trial compared I-HARP to usual care in community-dwelling people with mild to moderate dementia and their family carers in Sydney, Australia (2018–2022). I-HARP is a 4-month, home-based, dementia rehabilitation model delivered by an interdisciplinary team. Assessments were conducted at baseline (time-1), 4-month (time-2) and 12-month (time-3) follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the client’s functional independence using the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD) scale at time-2, based on intention-to-treat analyses.

Result

Of 130 recruited client-carer dyads, 116 dyads (58/group) completed the trial. The I-HARP group were not significantly better in most outcome measures than usual care at both time-2 and time-3; with the only statistically significant difference being a reduction in home environment hazards at time-2. Post hoc subgroup analysis of 66 clients with mild dementia found significantly better functional independence in the intervention group compared with those in usual care: difference 8.99 on DAD (95% CI 1.21, 16.79) at time-2 and difference 12.16 (95% CI 1.93, 22.38) at time-3. Economic evaluation suggests potentially lower resource use in I-HARP compared with usual care, but the cost-effectiveness is uncertain.

Conclusion

Primary outcomes were not met for a population of people with dementia, with severity ranging from mild to moderate and severe. The I-HARP model appeared to benefit functional independence of participants with mild dementia, with potential cost savings.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618000600246.
EXamining the feasibility of exerCisE to manage symptoms of Lupus (EXCEL): a protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Quickfall Megan , Green Scott , Hesketh Katie , Veldhuijzen Van Zanten Jet , Cocks Matthew , Reynolds John , Wadley Alex J
Published: January 2025

Introduction

SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in sustained hyperactivation of innate and adaptive immune cells and widespread inflammatory damage. Regular exercise reduces SLE symptoms including fatigue and joint pain and improves patient quality of life. However, most individuals with SLE are not sufficiently active to achieve these benefits, and guidance on the optimal approach to exercise is limited. EXCEL will examine the feasibility of conducting a large-scale randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of a remotely monitored, home-based, exercise programme with standard of care for individuals with SLE.

Methods and analysis

30 females with SLE will be recruited, and those randomised into Exercise (SLE-Ex) will codesign a progressive training plan with support from the research team. The aim of each 12-week plan will be to complete 150 min of moderate (60–70% heart rate max, HRmax) or 90 min of vigorous exercise (>70% HRmax) per week. SLE-Ex will be encouraged to exercise independently (without support) from weeks 13–18. Participants with SLE that are randomised into Control (SLE-Con) will maintain habitual activity without support for 18 weeks. Measures of feasibility and acceptability will be reported, and peripheral blood will be collected at weeks 0, 12 and 18 to explore whether the frequency, phenotype and metabolic profile of lymphocyte subsets has changed. Biomarkers of SLE activity, and self-reported measures of fatigue, sleep quality and health-related quality of life will also be monitored at these timepoints. Blood and self-reported measures will be compared with a healthy control (HC) group (n=15, age and body mass index matched) at baseline only.

Ethics and dissemination

A favourable ethical opinion was given by South East Scotland Research Ethics Committee (22/SS/0082). Findings will be disseminated at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN72757645.
Effects of azithromycin in severe eosinophilic asthma with concomitant monoclonal antibody treatment
Authors: Lavoie Gabriel , Howell Imran , Melhorn James , Borg Catherine , Bermejo-Sanchez Laura , Seymour Jack , Jabeen Maisha F. , Fries Anastasia , Hynes Gareth , Pavord Ian D , Petousi Nayia , Hinks Timothy SC
Published: January 2025

Macrolides reduce exacerbations when added to inhaled therapy in severe asthma. However, there is little published evidence for effectiveness in patients treated with biologics. We conducted a retrospective audit of all patients who started azithromycin while on biologics in our centre. Compared with those that did not start azithromycin, these individuals had more exacerbations and a phenotype of chronic bronchitis and/or frequent purulent exacerbations. The addition of azithromycin to biologics was associated with reduced annual rates of steroid-treated and antibiotic-treated exacerbations and improved symptom scores (Asthma Control Questionnaire-5) but not with any improvement in lung function. Data support testing azithromycin in clinical trials in patients on biologics with residual exacerbations.
Upward migration of soil particles induced by the sloshing of slurries under cyclic load: experiments and theoretical explanation
Authors: Gao Feng , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Junhui , He Xuzhen , Zheng Jianlong , Sheng Daichao
Published: January 2025

Internal stability of subgrade soil under dynamic train loads plays an essential role in the serviceability of rail embankments. “Mud pumping”, the upward migration of fine particles and water from the subgrade, has been observed more often due to the increase of axle load and train speed. This paper presents a series of laboratory experiments to simulate mud pumping in rail embankments and provides a theoretical explanation. The test results show that the sloshing of slurries within a layered gravel-silt column under dynamic load causes the oscillation of excess pore pressure. The increase of turbidity will increase the sloshing damping of the slurry, thus causing the oscillation amplitude of excess pore pressure to decrease. A theory is proposed based on the dynamics of liquid sloshing, which confirms that the pressure gradient caused by slurry sloshing changes the seepage velocity in the subgrade soil, thereby providing the necessary hydrodynamic force for detachment and migration of fine particles. The relationship between the pressure gradient and loading frequency is acquired in numerical models and experiments. The engineering implications of this theoretical explanation are also discussed, in the context of designing reasonable train speed.
A pilot study on the effects of in-feed probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (LGG) on vaccinated Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): microbiomes and Aeromonas salmonicida challenge resilience
Authors: Lorenc Natalia , Leadbeater Steven , Wang Josh , Ronholm Jennifer , Liu Xiaoji
Published: January 2025

The use of probiotics is an alternative approach to mitigate the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture. In our study, we examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103, LGG) delivered in-feed on the weight, length, skin mucus, and faecal microbiomes of Atlantic salmon. We also challenged the salmon with Aeromonas salmonicida 2004-05MF26 (Asal2004) and assessed the mortality. Our results showed no significant change ( P > 0.05) in weight or length of Atlantic salmon or their resilience to Asal2004 infection after LGG feeding. Infection changed significantly the skin mucus and faecal microbiomes: Clostridium sensu stricto increased from 3.14% to 9.20% in skin mucus and 1.39% to 3.74% in faeces ( P < 0.05). Aeromonas increased from 0.02% to 0.60% in faeces ( P < 0.05). Photobacterium increased from not detected (0%) to 52.16% ( P < 0.01) and Aliivibrio decreased from 67.21% to 0.71% in faeces ( P < 0.01). After infection, Lactococcus (9.93%) and Lactobacillus (2.11%) in skin mucus of the LGG group were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than in the skin mucus from the rest of the groups (4.14% and 1.08%, respectively). In conclusion, LGG feeding did not further increase the resilience of vaccinated Atlantic salmon. Asal2004 infection had much greater impact on skin mucus and faecal microbiomes than LGG feeding.
Quantification of correlations in bipartite states via metric-adjusted skew information
Authors: Fan Y. J. , Yang X. Y. , Li L. L.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we introduce a family of correlation measures relative to a local channel in terms of the metric-adjusted skew information for a global state and reveal their fundamental properties. We quantify the correlation of quantum states with respect to several typical channels, including unitary channels, twirling channels, and weak measurements, and illustrate that the correlation with respect to the twirling channel induced by the fully unitary group is consistent with that relative to the completely depolarizing channel. In particular, we further evaluate the correlations of the Bell diagonal states, Werner states, and isotropic states and make a comparative study for this family of correlation measures with different operator monotone functions of the two-qubit Werner states and isotropic states, respectively.
Reliability of Hand-Held Dynamometer Measurement for Thumb Palmar Abduction Strength in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: DOI Kazuteru , YASUI Noritada , ISOMURA Yuya , TAGAWA Masafumi , HATTORI Yasunori , SAKAMOTO Sotetsu
Published: January 2025

Background: In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), pain and sensory disturbance are the main symptoms, but thumb palmar abduction (TPA) paralysis cannot be ignored as a concurrent symptom. The reliable quantitative measurement of TPA power was not established. The purpose of this study was to report on the reliability of TPA strength measurements by the hand-held dynamometry (HHD) in large samples of CTS and its superiority over other tests, including grip, pinch powers, TPA angles and manual muscle testing, in terms of clinical progress indicators.

Methods: We examined the relative and absolute reliabilities of the perioperative TPA strength measured by HHD (HHD-TPA) in 566 participants with CTS and the correlation coefficient between the HHD-TPA and other clinical tests.

Results: The reliability of the HHD-TPA was intraclass correlation coefficients: 97% or higher. The Bland–Altman absolute reliability showed a random pattern of bias, and the minimal detectable changes (MDC) of the inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities indicated 9.0 N and 7.0 N individually. The HHD-TPA showed statistically significant recoveries between perioperative stages; however, the mean difference larger than the MDC was recognised only between the preoperative and 12-month postoperative stages by intra-rater comparison. More individual patients showed recovery of HHD-TPA beyond the MDC when the same examiner continuously measured HHD-TPA than when multiple examiners continuously measured HHD-TPA. Grip strength and pinch strength measurements showed a strong correlation with HHD-TPA and did not show statistically significant improvement during the perioperative period.

Conclusions: HHD-TPA is the most reliable method for quantifying muscle strength in the perioperative course of TPA force in CTS. HHD-TPA is a more reliable assessment of CTS motor recovery when measured consistently for each patient by the same hand therapist.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Diagnostic)
Paediatric Locked Middle Finger due to Synovial Osteochondromatosis: A Case Report
Authors: SONEZAKI Shichoh , OGAWA Hikaru , ODA Yoshinao , KOJIMA Tetsuo
Published: January 2025

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a relatively rare condition of the hand. We present a rare case of a locked finger in a paediatric patient with synovial osteochondromatosis, in which a tumourous lesion was continuous with the flexor tendon and trapped proximal to the A1 pulley. After resection of the tumour and synovium, no recurrence was observed over a 6-month follow-up period. Synovial osteochondromatosis in the hand or fingers can lead to swelling and limited range of motion; however, symptom progression is usually slow. Moreover, it is uncommon for an extra-articular tumour to cause a sudden onset of locking symptoms without prior warning signs. Comprehensive excision of the synovium is essential, and ongoing observation for recurrence is necessary during follow-up.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Innovating for Tomorrow: The Convergence of Software Engineering and Green AI
Authors: Cruz Luís , Franch Gutierrez Xavier , Martínez-Fernández Silverio
Published: January 2025

The latest advancements in machine learning, specifically in foundation models, are revolutionizing the frontiers of existing software engineering (SE) processes. This is a bi-directional phenomena, where 1) software systems are now challenged to provide AI-enabled features to their users, and 2) AI is used to automate tasks within the software development lifecycle. In an era where sustainability is a pressing societal concern, our community needs to adopt a long-term plan enabling a conscious transformation that aligns with environmental sustainability values. In this paper, we reflect on the impact of adopting environmentally friendly practices to create AI-enabled software systems and make considerations on the environmental impact of using foundation models for software development.
Hunting glioblastoma recurrence: glioma stem cells as retrospective targets
Authors: Mengüç Emir Sümeyra , Karaoğlan Birnur Sinem , Kaşmer Ramazan , Şirin Hilal Buse , Sarıyıldız Batuhan , Karakaş Nihal
Published: January 2025

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain malignancies in adults. Standard approaches, including surgical resection followed by adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy with temozolomide, provide only transient control, as GBM frequently recurs due to its infiltrative nature and the presence of therapy-resistant subpopulations such as glioma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs, with their quiescent state and robust resistance mechanisms, evade conventional therapies, contributing significantly to relapse. Consequently, current treatment methods for GBM face significant limitations in effectively targeting GSCs. In this review, we emphasize the relationship between GBM recurrence and GSCs, discuss the current limitations; and provide future perspectives to overwhelm the challenges associated with targeting GSCs. Eliminating GSCs may suppress recurrence, achieve durable responses, and improve therapeutic outcomes for GBM patients.
Estrogen deficiency alters vascularization and mineralization dynamics: insight from a novel 3-D humanized and vascularized bone organoid model
Authors: Bukhari Muhammad M. M. , Khabooshani Mostafa , Naqvi Syeda M. , McNamara Laoise M.
Published: January 2025

Here we develop an in vitro three-dimensional (3-D) vascularized and humanized bone model following an endochondral ossification approach. We applied the model to recapitulate estrogen deficiency as representative of the osteoporotic phenotype. The results of this study reveal that estrogen deficiency exacerbates formation of 3-D vessel-like structures in vascularized models and thereby drives mineral deposition.
Leg blood flow during exercise with blood flow restriction: evidence for and implications of compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms
Authors: Mladen Stuart P. S. , Forbes Stacey P. A. , Zedic Abby K. , England Vaughn S. , Drouin Patrick J. , Tschakovsky Michael E.
Published: January 2025

It remained to be determined whether BFR set below 60% AOP impairs leg blood flow during continuous exercise. We showed that BFR at 20% and 40% AOP impairs exercising leg blood flow in a dose-response manner. However, the leg blood flow impairment was progressively attenuated across the exercise bout. Both initial compromise and partial restoration varied across participants, which may have implications for the degree of muscle adaptations following BFR training.
Motion-onset visually evoked potentials are amplified in the deaf
Authors: Zhu Siyu , Bao Xiaohan , Lomber Stephen G.
Published: January 2025

The present study investigated cross-modal plasticity after perinatal deafness in cats using motion-onset visually evoked potentials. Deaf animals were observed to have significantly greater evoked potentials in both peak components and the signal power of the overall waveforms. These results are discussed in relation to prior studies on deaf subjects in both human and animal research on evoked potentials and psychophysics.
Efficient Recovery of Linear Predicted Coefficients Based on Adaptive Steepest Descent Algorithm in Signal Compression for End‐to‐End Communications
Authors: Kamagara Abel , Kagudde Abbas , Atakan Baris
Published: January 2025

The efficiency of recovery and signal decoding efficacy at the receiver in end‐to‐end communications using linearly predicted coefficients are susceptible to errors, especially for highly compressed signals. In this paper, we propose a method to efficiently recover linearly predicted coefficients for high signal compression for end‐to‐end communications. Herein, the steepest descent algorithm is applied at the receiver to decode the affected linear predicted coefficients. This algorithm is used to estimate the unknown frequency, time, and phase. Subsequently, the algorithm facilitates down‐conversion, time and carrier recovery, equalization, and correlation processes. To evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method, parameters such as multipath interference, additive white Gaussian noise, timing, and phase noise are modeled as channel errors in signal compression using the software‐defined receiver. Our results show substantial recovery efficiency with noise variance between 0 and y × 10E − 3, where y lies between 0 and 10 using the modeled performance metrics of bit error rate, symbol error rate, and mean square error. This is promising for modeling software‐defined networks using highly compressed signals in end‐to‐end communications.
Nowcasting Vector Mosquito Abundance and Determining Its Association With Malaria Epidemics in South Korea
Authors: Chang Taehee , Choi Saebom , Jun Hojong , Chai Jong-Yil , Song Sang Hoon , Kim Sehyeon , Yeom Joon-Sup , Cho Sung-il , Min Kyung-Duk
Published: January 2025

Since a resurgence occurred in 1993, malaria has remained an endemic disease in the Republic of Korea (ROK). A major challenge is the inaccessibility of current vector mosquito abundance data due to a 2‐week reporting delay, which limits timely implementation of control measures. We aimed to nowcast mosquito abundance and assess its utility by evaluating the predictive value of mosquito abundance for malaria epidemic peaks. We used machine learning models to nowcast mosquito abundance, employing gradient boosting models (GBMs), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and an ensemble model combining both. Various meteorological factors served as predictors. The models were trained with data from mosquito collection sites between 2009 and 2021 and tested with data from 2022. To evaluate the utility of nowcasting, we calculated the effective reproduction number (Rt), which can indicate malaria epidemic peaks. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were then used to assess the impact of vector mosquito abundance on Rt. The ensemble models demonstrated the best performance in nowcasting mosquito abundance, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.90 and R‐squared value (R2) value of 0.85. The GBM model showed an RMSE of 0.91 and R2 of 0.84, while the XGB model had an RMSE of 0.92 and R2 of 0.85. Additionally, the R2 of the GLMs predicting Rt using mosquito abundance 2 weeks in advance was >0.72 for all provinces. The mosquito abundance coefficients were also significant. We constructed reliable models to nowcast mosquito abundance. These outcomes could potentially be incorporated into a malaria early warning system. Our study provides evidence to support the development of malaria management strategies in regions where malaria remains a public health challenge.
Supplementary Table S3 from A Phase III Randomized Trial of Integrated Genomics and Avatar Models for Personalized Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: The AVATAR Trial
Authors: Sarno Francesca , Tenorio Jair , Perea Sofia , Medina Laura , Pazo-Cid Roberto , Juez Ignacio , Garcia-Carbonero Rocío , Feliu Jaime , Guillen-Ponce Carmen , Lopez-Casas Pedro P. , Guerra Carmen , Duran Yolanda , López-Acosta José Francisco , Alonso Carolina , Esquivel Estrella , Dopazo Ana , Akshinthala Dipikaa , Muthuswamy Senthil K. , Lapunzina Pablo , Bockorny Bruno , Hidalgo Manuel
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Table 3. Genetic variant detected in the custom gene panel through whole exome sequencing.
Supplementary Table S1 from A Phase III Randomized Trial of Integrated Genomics and Avatar Models for Personalized Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: The AVATAR Trial
Authors: Sarno Francesca , Tenorio Jair , Perea Sofia , Medina Laura , Pazo-Cid Roberto , Juez Ignacio , Garcia-Carbonero Rocío , Feliu Jaime , Guillen-Ponce Carmen , Lopez-Casas Pedro P. , Guerra Carmen , Duran Yolanda , López-Acosta José Francisco , Alonso Carolina , Esquivel Estrella , Dopazo Ana , Akshinthala Dipikaa , Muthuswamy Senthil K. , Lapunzina Pablo , Bockorny Bruno , Hidalgo Manuel
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Table 1. Custom virtual gene panel included in the whole exome sequencing analysis
Supplementary Figure S7 from Re-Irradiation Plus Pembrolizumab: A Phase II Study for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Iwamoto Fabio M. , Tanguturi Shyam K. , Nayak Lakshmi , Wang Tony J. , Desai Arati , Lustig Robert A. , Bagley Stephen , Wong Eric T. , Hertan Lauren M. , McCluskey Christine , Hayden Julia , Muzikansky Alona , Nakhawa Shreya , Japo Julia , Bossi Connor C. , Meylan Maxime , Tian Ye , Barlow Graham L. , Speliakos Paul , Ayoub Georges , Meredith David M. , Ligon Keith L. , Haas-Kogan Daphne , Huang Kun , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Wen Patrick Y. , Reardon David A.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 7. Cellular Neighborhood Analyses. Comparison of annotated cellular neighborhoods in pre- and post-treatment tumor samples via CODEX (color code as in Figure 4).
Supplementary Table S4 from A First-in-Human Study of Cinrebafusp Alfa, a HER2/4-1BB Bispecific Molecule, in Patients with HER2-Positive Advanced Solid Malignancies
Authors: Piha-Paul Sarina , Olwill Shane A. , Hamilton Erika , Tolcher Anthony , Pohlmann Paula , Liu Stephen V. , Wurzenberger Cornelia , Hasenkamp Laura-Carolin , Hansbauer Eva-Maria , Shroff Rachna , Hurvitz Sara , Krishnamurthy Anuradha , Patnaik Amita , Hahn Noah , Kumar Raman , Duerr Manuela , Zettl Markus , Aviano Kayti , Matis Louis , Bruns Ingmar , Ku Geoffrey
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Table S4. Measurement of IP10 in peripheral blood during cycle 1 of treatment with cinrebafusp alfa.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Re-Irradiation Plus Pembrolizumab: A Phase II Study for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Iwamoto Fabio M. , Tanguturi Shyam K. , Nayak Lakshmi , Wang Tony J. , Desai Arati , Lustig Robert A. , Bagley Stephen , Wong Eric T. , Hertan Lauren M. , McCluskey Christine , Hayden Julia , Muzikansky Alona , Nakhawa Shreya , Japo Julia , Bossi Connor C. , Meylan Maxime , Tian Ye , Barlow Graham L. , Speliakos Paul , Ayoub Georges , Meredith David M. , Ligon Keith L. , Haas-Kogan Daphne , Huang Kun , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Wen Patrick Y. , Reardon David A.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 5. Cell Density Analyses. Comparison of defined cell populations in pre- and post-treatment tumor specimens via CODEX. (A) Each indicated cell type is shown as a percentage of total cells in each pre- and post-tumor specimen for all five patients. (B) Cell density is shown for T cell subpopulations in preand post-treatment tumor specimens for each patient. CD4 T cell populations are shown in different shades of blue; CD8 T cell populations in shades of red. Cell density was determined by cell count per microm2. T cell density increased substantially in patient #5. (C) Cell density changes are shown for paired pre- and posttreatment tumor samples. Patient #5 is highlighted with a blue dotted line as this patient showed an increase in most major immune populations in the post-treatment specimen. Of note, NK T cells were quite rare and not identified in patient 3. Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis: 0.05 *, 0.01 **, 0.001 ***. (D) Representative images show the increase in CD25+ activated CD4 T cells after treatment (indicated by yellow arrows).
Supplementary Figure S2 from Re-Irradiation Plus Pembrolizumab: A Phase II Study for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Iwamoto Fabio M. , Tanguturi Shyam K. , Nayak Lakshmi , Wang Tony J. , Desai Arati , Lustig Robert A. , Bagley Stephen , Wong Eric T. , Hertan Lauren M. , McCluskey Christine , Hayden Julia , Muzikansky Alona , Nakhawa Shreya , Japo Julia , Bossi Connor C. , Meylan Maxime , Tian Ye , Barlow Graham L. , Speliakos Paul , Ayoub Georges , Meredith David M. , Ligon Keith L. , Haas-Kogan Daphne , Huang Kun , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Wen Patrick Y. , Reardon David A.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure 2. Patient enrollment, treatment and disposition per cohort.
Supplementary Figure S2 from A First-in-Human Study of Cinrebafusp Alfa, a HER2/4-1BB Bispecific Molecule, in Patients with HER2-Positive Advanced Solid Malignancies
Authors: Piha-Paul Sarina , Olwill Shane A. , Hamilton Erika , Tolcher Anthony , Pohlmann Paula , Liu Stephen V. , Wurzenberger Cornelia , Hasenkamp Laura-Carolin , Hansbauer Eva-Maria , Shroff Rachna , Hurvitz Sara , Krishnamurthy Anuradha , Patnaik Amita , Hahn Noah , Kumar Raman , Duerr Manuela , Zettl Markus , Aviano Kayti , Matis Louis , Bruns Ingmar , Ku Geoffrey
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure S2. Analysis of CD8 Ki67+ T cells in paired tumor biopsies across different dose cohorts.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Phase II Trial of Induction Chemotherapy for Advanced Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Contrera Kevin J. , Ferrarotto Renata , Gunn Brandon , Su Shirley Y. , Kies Merrill S. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Garden Adam S. , Roberts Dianna , Habna Curtis , Hoff Camilla O. , El-Naggar Adel , Williams Michelle D. , Raza Shaan M. , DeMonte Franco , Chen Melissa M. , Chambers Mark S. , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: January 2025

Imaging with Induction
Supplementary Figure S5 from Quantitative and Morphology-Based Deep Convolutional Neural Network Approaches for Osteosarcoma Survival Prediction in the Neoadjuvant and Metastatic Settings
Authors: Coudray Nicolas , Occidental Michael A. , Mantilla Jose G. , Claudio Quiros Adalberto , Yuan Ke , Balko Jan , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Jour George
Published: January 2025

Top 144 tiles from tumor regions assigned with the highest probability as poor (row 1) or bad (row 2) outcome by the AI, and belonging to patients with poor (column 1) or bad (column 2) outcome.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Aberrant Activation of Wound-Healing Programs within the Metastatic Niche Facilitates Lung Colonization by Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Reinecke James B. , Jimenez Garcia Leyre , Gross Amy C. , Cam Maren , Cannon Matthew V. , Gust Matthew J. , Sheridan Jeffrey P. , Gryder Berkley E. , Dries Ruben , Roberts Ryan D.
Published: January 2025

scRNA-seq marker expression and protein level validation of macrophage and epithelial cell enrichment
Supplementary Figure S1 from Aberrant Activation of Wound-Healing Programs within the Metastatic Niche Facilitates Lung Colonization by Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Reinecke James B. , Jimenez Garcia Leyre , Gross Amy C. , Cam Maren , Cannon Matthew V. , Gust Matthew J. , Sheridan Jeffrey P. , Gryder Berkley E. , Dries Ruben , Roberts Ryan D.
Published: January 2025

K7M2 shows evidence of acute alveolar injury during osteosarcoma metastasis
Supplementary Data S2 from Quantitative and Morphology-Based Deep Convolutional Neural Network Approaches for Osteosarcoma Survival Prediction in the Neoadjuvant and Metastatic Settings
Authors: Coudray Nicolas , Occidental Michael A. , Mantilla Jose G. , Claudio Quiros Adalberto , Yuan Ke , Balko Jan , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Jour George
Published: January 2025

Blinded annotations by two pathologists of HPCs. Each HPC was annotated 4 times by each pathologist based on 100 tiles drawn randomly each time from 3 different sets. The 100 tiles were randomly selected from the NYU training (twice), from the NYU test set, and from the Charles’ University external cohort.