bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hip Arthroscopy and Its Impact on Performance in National Hockey League Players Using Team-Based Advanced Performance Statistics
Authors: LaPrade Christopher M. , LaPrade Matthew D. , Smith Haley E. , Dock Carissa C. , LaPrade Robert F. , Larson Christopher M.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Ice hockey players have a high rate of hip pathology, which can lead to hip arthroscopy. Previous studies have not utilized team-based advanced performance statistics in the setting of hip arthroscopy in National Hockey League (NHL) players.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to use team-based advanced performance statistics to evaluate postoperative performance after hip arthroscopy in NHL players in comparison with their preoperative performance and matched controls of uninjured skaters. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative performance after hip arthroscopy in NHL players, as well as no difference when compared with matched controls of uninjured players.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

There were 56 eligible NHL players found through public records who underwent hip arthroscopy over 12 seasons. Team-based advanced performance statistics including icetime, Corsi, Fenwick, goal, and expected goal percentages were recorded for the preinjury season, index season, and first 2 years after return to play (RTP). Relative percentages of each statistic were collected to allow for intrateam comparisons. A control group of NHL players without injury was collected and matched 1:2 by age, years of play, and draft round.

Results:

The RTP rate after hip arthroscopy at the NHL level was 89% for 1 season and 70% for 2 seasons. There were no significant decreases in performance in any advanced statistics after RTP after hip arthroscopy in comparison with the preinjury season or versus a matched control group of uninjured players. There was a significant decrease in games played in the injury season and the first year after RTP versus the preinjury season and versus a matched control group without differences thereafter.

Conclusion:

The RTP rate after hip arthroscopy at the NHL level was 89% for 1 season and 70% for 2 seasons. There were no significant decreases in team-based advanced performance statistics after RTP from hip arthroscopy for NHL players versus their preinjury levels or versus a matched control group of uninjured players. This indicates that NHL players who RTP at the NHL level are likely able to return to their previous level of performance, albeit playing in fewer games the first season after surgery.
Automated extraction of post-stroke functional outcomes from unstructured electronic health records
Authors: Fernandes Marta , Gallagher Kaileigh , Turley Niels , Gupta Aditya , Westover M Brandon , Singhal Aneesh B , Zafar Sahar F
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Population level tracking of post-stroke functional outcomes is critical to guide interventions that reduce the burden of stroke-related disability. However, functional outcomes are often missing or documented in unstructured notes. We developed a natural language processing (NLP) model that reads electronic health records (EHR) notes to automatically determine the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Method:

We included consecutive patients (⩾18 years) with acute stroke admitted to our center (2015–2024). mRS scores were obtained from the Get With the Guidelines registry and clinical notes (if documented), and used as the gold standard to compare against NLP-generated scores. We used text-based features from notes, along with age, sex, discharge status, and outpatient follow-up to train a logistic regression for prediction of good (0–2) versus poor (3–6) mRS, and a linear regression for the full range of mRS scores. The models were trained for prediction of mRS at hospital discharge and post-discharge. The models were externally validated in a dataset of patients with brain injuries from a different healthcare center.

Findings:

We included 5307 patients, 5006 in train and test and 301 in validation; average age was 69 (SD 15) and 65 (SD 17) years, respectively; 47% female. The logistic regression achieved an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.94 [CI 0.93–0.95] (test) and 0.94 [0.91–0.96] (validation), and the linear model a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.91 [0.87–0.94] (test) and 1.17 [1.06–1.28] (validation).

Discussion and Conclusion:

The NLP-based model is suitable for use in large-scale phenotyping of stroke functional outcomes and population health research.
Multispecies urbanism: Emerging dog parks in Shanghai
Authors: Yu Yi , Yang Xiaoting
Published: January 2025

The rising popularity of dog parks in Shanghai, serving as a focal point for urban recreation, underscores the evolving dynamics of animal–human interactions within the city's expanding urban landscape. These spaces reflect both localized customs and international trends, thereby situating Shanghai in the broader context of multispecies urbanism. Employing thematic analysis, participatory observation and data sourced from Dianping (the Chinese equivalent of Yelp), this study investigates the integration of dog parks into Shanghai's urban fabric to unravel the complex interplay among urban areas, animal–human bonds, commodification, and canine governance. This article argues that while the emerging dog parks recognize more-than-human agency, they are highly commodified and governed spaces. The findings illuminate the sociospatial dynamics of Shanghai and how these dynamics influence urban nature and animal welfare and position the city in the global discourse on multispecies urban environments.
Herding cats: Using the Big Five to organise reinforcement sensitivity theory scales
Authors: Alblas Allyson K. , Bainbridge Timothy F. , Smillie Luke D.
Published: January 2025

Over the past 40 years, the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) of personality has inspired a proliferation of self-report scales, potentially creating ‘jingle-jangle’ fallacies and a fragmented empirical literature. The Big Five personality taxonomy may offer a useful organising framework for these scales, as it seems plausible that many could be represented as narrow facets of the broader Big Five domains. Across two studies, we explored (Study 1, N = 408) then attempted to confirm (Study 2, N = 423) whether and where a collection of >25 RST scales might be located within the space of the Big Five. Both studies revealed that more than 70% of these RST scales were more strongly related to the Big Five domains than more than 10% (i.e., 3/30) of Big Five facets, suggesting that they too could plausibly be regarded as Big Five facets. Moreover, several RST scales were highly correlated ( r > .80) with individual Big Five facets, indicating potential redundancy. These results suggest that the Big Five can indeed provide a useful organising framework for most RST scales, which may help researchers grappling with construct proliferation and jingle-jangle fallacies within the RST literature.
Functional assessment of genetic variants in thrombomodulin detected in patients with bleeding and thrombosis
Authors: Van Laer Christine , Lavend'homme Renaud , Baert Sarissa , De Wispelaere Koenraad , Thys Chantal , Kint Cyrielle , Noppen Sam , Peerlinck Kathelijne , Van Geet Chris , Schols Dominique , Vanassche Thomas , Labarque Veerle , Verhamme Peter , Jacquemin Marc G , Freson Kathleen
Published: January 2025

Thrombomodulin (TM) expressed on endothelial cells regulates coagulation. Specific nonsense variants in the TM gene, THBD, result in high soluble TM levels causing rare bleeding disorder. In contrast, though THBD variants have been associated with venous thromboembolism, this association remains controversial. A multigene panel was used to diagnose 601 patients with inherited bleeding or thrombotic disorders. This resulted in the identification of 8 THBD variants for six patients with a thrombotic (C175S, A282P, L433P, P501L, G502R, P508L) and two patients with a bleeding (P260A, T478I) phenotype. These were all classified as variants of uncertain significance, and we here aimed to assess their functional role in coagulation. For this purpose, soluble and cell membrane-bound recombinant TM were produced in Expi293FTM cells. L433P TM showed a marked decrease in the inhibition of thrombin generation and complete inhibition of protein C and TAFI activation. Soluble C175S TM showed decreased inhibition of thrombin generation and protein C activation, while no effect was observed for membrane-bound TM. For the other TM variants, no effect on thrombin generation nor protein C or TAFI activation could be observed. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed absent thrombin-TM binding in the presence of L433P, as this residue is located at their interaction site. In conclusion, our study shows functional effects of L433P TM and potentially also C175S TM that are compatible with an increased thrombosis risk. THBD variants are rare but can be relevant to both bleeding and thrombosis. Functional assays for these variants are critical to understand their role.
Nitrogen single and multiple breath washout test and lung imaging to detect treatment-related pulmonary toxicity in paediatric cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review
Authors: Schneider Christine , Koenig Christa , Žarković Maša , Stranzinger Enno , Rivero Tania M. , Rössler Jochen , Kuehni Claudia E. , Latzin Philipp , Schindera Christina , Usemann Jakob
Published: January 2025

Background

Spirometry-based assessment of pulmonary function has limitations in detecting pulmonary toxicity following cancer treatment with chemotherapy, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, radiotherapy or thoracic surgery. Nitrogen single and multiple breath washout tests are sensitive in assessing peripheral airway function, and lung imaging detects structural abnormalities, but little is known about their use in paediatric cancer patients and survivors. We aimed to 1) identify studies using nitrogen single or multiple breath washout tests and/or lung imaging to assess pulmonary toxicity in paediatric cancer patients and survivors, and 2) describe reported abnormalities.

Method

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library for studies published in 1995‒2023. Eligible studies included paediatric cancer patients and survivors under 22 years of age receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or thoracic surgery who underwent nitrogen single or multiple breath washout tests or lung imaging for detecting pulmonary toxicity. Two independent reviewers identified the studies, performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias.

Results

We included 12 of 6544 publications. Three studies used nitrogen single or multiple breath washout tests, seven conducted lung imaging using computed tomography and two used both nitrogen single or multiple breath washout tests and lung imaging. Abnormal test results for nitrogen single and multiple breath washout tests and lung imaging were mainly reported following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (67%). All studies performing lung imaging reported structural abnormalities. Study results were heterogeneous due to varying patient and methodological characteristics.

Conclusion

We identified a limited number of studies, mainly after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, reporting functional and structural lung abnormalities in paediatric cancer patients and survivors. Longitudinal studies with standardised assessments using nitrogen single or multiple breath washout tests and lung imaging are needed to improve our understanding of treatment-related pulmonary toxicity.
Correlation of precisely fabricated geometric characteristics of DNA-origami nanostructures with their cellular entry in human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Guo Yexuan , Xiong Tianze , Yan Hong , Zhang Rui Xue
Published: January 2025

Human lens epithelial cells (hLECs) are critical for lens transparency, and their aberrant metabolic activity and gene expression can lead to cataract. Intracellular delivery to hLECs, especially to sub-cellular organelles (e.g., mitochondrion and nucleus), is a key step in engineering cells for cell- and gene- based therapies. Despite a broad variety of nano- and microparticles can enter cells, their spatial characteristics relevant to cellular uptake and localization remains elusive. To investigate cellular internalization of nanostructures in hLECs, herein, DNA nanotechnology was exploited to precisely fabricate four distinct, mass-controlled DNA-origami nanostructures (DONs) through computer-aided design. Ensembled DONs included the rods, ring, triangle, and octahedron with defined geometric parameters of accessible surface area, effective volume, compactness, aspect ratio, size and vertex number. Atomic force microscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis showed that four DONs self-assembled within 3.5h with up to 59% yield and exhibited structural intactness in cell culture medium for 4 h. Flow cytometry analysis of four Cy5-labelled DONs in hLECs HLE-B3 found time-dependent cellular uptake over 2 h, among which the octahedron and triangle had higher cellular accumulation than the rod and ring. More importantly, the vertex number among other geometric parameters was positively correlated with cellular entry. Confocal images further revealed that four DONs had preferential localization at mitochondria to nucleus at 2 h in HLE-B3 cells, and the degree of their biodistribution varied among DONs as evidenced by Manders’ correlation coefficient. This study demonstrates the DONs dependent cellular uptake and intracellular compartment localization in hLECs, heralding the future design of structure-modulating delivery of nanomedicine for ocular therapy.

Graphical abstract
A new approach for hemodynamics of varicoceles: blood flow patterns based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Zou Penglin , Fan Gaoxiang , Li Zheng , Tao Yuchen , Jia Chao , Liang Hongmei , Tian Ruhui , Shi Qiusheng , Hu Jianlin , Wu Rong
Published: January 2025

Background

Hemodynamic alterations in the spermatic vein are implicated in infertility among patients with varicocele (VC). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), a powerful tool for hemodynamic analysis, remains unexplored for VC. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using CEUS to evaluate spermatic vein hemodynamics in patients with VC and establish a clear correlation between specific hemodynamic patterns and impaired semen parameters. This study included 165 patients with left-sided VC and 50 healthy volunteers. All participants underwent CEUS of the spermatic veins, along with maximum venous diameter and testicular volume measurements and serum sex hormone levels and routine semen analyses. The sperm DNA fragmentation index was measured in 146 patients with VC and 37 healthy controls.

Results

The analyses revealed four distinct blood flow patterns of the spermatic vein: steady flow, intermittent stasis, intermittent reflux, and filling defect. In healthy spermatic veins, the predominant blood flow patterns included steady flow and intermittent stasis. Spermatic veins with VC exhibited a significant increase in the intermittent reflux and filling defect patterns, with the proportion rising as the clinical grade increased. The four patterns were further grouped into the “steady flow & intermittent stasis” and “intermittent reflux & filling defect” patterns for logistic regression analyses; the intermittent reflux & filling defect pattern was revealed as an independent risk factor for impaired sperm concentration, total sperm counts, progressive motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation index.

Conclusions

This study validated the feasibility of CEUS for assessing the hemodynamics of the spermatic vein and established the intermittent reflux & filling defect pattern as an independent predictor of impaired semen parameters.
A comprehensive survey of scoring functions for protein docking models
Authors: Shirali Azam , Stebliankin Vitalii , Karki Ukesh , Shi Jimeng , Chapagain Prem , Narasimhan Giri
Published: January 2025

Background

While protein-protein docking is fundamental to our understanding of how proteins interact, scoring protein-protein complex conformations is a critical component of successful docking programs. Without accurate and efficient scoring functions to differentiate between native and non-native binding complexes, the accuracy of current docking tools cannot be guaranteed. Although many innovative scoring functions have been proposed, a good scoring function for docking remains elusive. Deep learning models offer alternatives to using explicit empirical or mathematical functions for scoring protein-protein complexes.

Results

In this study, we perform a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art scoring functions by considering the most popular and highly performant approaches, both classical and deep learning-based, for scoring protein-protein complexes. The methods were also compared based on their runtime as it directly impacts their use in large-scale docking applications.

Conclusions

We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of classical and deep learning-based approaches across seven public and popular datasets to aid researchers in understanding the progress made in this field.
Joint embedding–classifier learning for interpretable collaborative filtering
Authors: Réda Clémence , Vie Jill-Jênn , Wolkenhauer Olaf
Published: January 2025

Background

Interpretability is a topical question in recommender systems, especially in healthcare applications. An interpretable classifier quantifies the importance of each input feature for the predicted item-user association in a non-ambiguous fashion.

Results

We introduce the novel Joint Embedding Learning-classifier for improved Interpretability (JELI). By combining the training of a structured collaborative-filtering classifier and an embedding learning task, JELI predicts new user-item associations based on jointly learned item and user embeddings while providing feature-wise importance scores. Therefore, JELI flexibly allows the introduction of priors on the connections between users, items, and features. In particular, JELI simultaneously (a) learns feature, item, and user embeddings; (b) predicts new item-user associations; (c) provides importance scores for each feature. Moreover, JELI instantiates a generic approach to training recommender systems by encoding generic graph-regularization constraints.

Conclusions

First, we show that the joint training approach yields a gain in the predictive power of the downstream classifier. Second, JELI can recover feature-association dependencies. Finally, JELI induces a restriction in the number of parameters compared to baselines in synthetic and drug-repurposing data sets.
The endoplasmic reticulum degradation-enhancing α-mannosidase-like protein 3 attenuates the unfolded protein response and has pro-survival and pro-viral roles in hepatoma cells and hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Ghionescu Alina-Veronica , Uta Mihaela , Sorop Andrei , Lazar Catalin , Flintoaca-Alexandru Petruta R. , Chiritoiu Gabriela , Sima Livia , Petrescu Stefana-Maria , Dima Simona Olimpia , Branza-Nichita Norica
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a frequent malignancy with a poor survival rate. HBV infection results in significant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling, a contributing factor to carcinogenesis. As part of the UPR, the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway is responsible for removing the burden of misfolded secretory proteins, to re-establish cellular homeostasis. Emerging evidence indicates consistent upregulation of ERAD factors, including members of the ER degradation-enhancing alpha-mannosidase-like protein (EDEM) family in infection and various tumor types. However, the significance of this gene expression pattern in HBV-driven pathology is just beginning to be deciphered.

Methods

In this study we quantified the expression of the ERAD factor EDEM3, in a cohort of HCC patients with and without HBV infection, and validated our results by analysis of publically available transcriptomic and microarray data sets. We performed mechanistic studies in HepaRG cells with modulated EDEM3 expression to address UPR, ERAD, autophagy and apoptosis signaling, and their consequences on HBV infection.

Results

Our work revealed significantly elevated EDEM3 expression in HCC tissues irrespective of HBV infection, while the highest levels were observed in tissues from HBV-infected patients. Investigation of published transcriptomic data sets confirmed EDEM3 upregulation in independent HCC patient cohorts, associated with tumor progression, poor survival prognosis and resistance to therapy. EDEM3-overexpressing hepatic cells exhibited attenuated UPR and activated secretory autophagy, which promoted HBV production. Conversely, cell depletion of EDEM3 resulted in significant ER stress inducing pro-apoptotic mechanisms and cell death.

Conclusions

We provide evidence of major implications of the ERAD pathway in HBV infection and HCC development and progression. Our results suggest that ERAD activation in HBV-infected cells is a protective mechanism against prolonged ER stress, potentially contributing to establishment of chronic HBV infection and promoting tumorigenesis. Developing specific inhibitors for ERAD factors may be an attractive approach to improve efficiency of current antiviral and anticancer therapies.
Looking under the hood of a hybrid two-way texting intervention to improve early retention on antiretroviral therapy in Malawi: an implementation fidelity evaluation
Authors: Klabbers Robin E. , Feldacker Caryl , Huwa Jacqueline , Kiruthu-Kamamia Christine , Thawani Agness , Tweya Hannock
Published: January 2025

Background

While key to interpreting findings and assessing generalizability, implementation fidelity is underreported in mobile health (mHealth) literature. We evaluated implementation fidelity of an opt-in, hybrid, two-way texting (2wT) intervention previously demonstrated to improve 12-month retention on antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in a quasi-experimental study in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods

Short message service (SMS) data and ART refill visit records were used to evaluate adherence to 2wT content, frequency and duration through the lens of the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity. Message delivery and 2wT participant interactions were considered across four core 2wT components: 1) weekly motivational SMS messages; 2) proactive SMS appointment reminders; 3) SMS reminders after missed appointments; and 4) interactive messaging with 2wT staff about transfers and appointment rescheduling. Using mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusted for participant demographics, we examined the effect of core 2wT component fidelity on a) on-time appointment attendance and b) timely return to care after a missed appointment, presenting adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The 468 2wT participants had a median of 52 study weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 34 – 52) with 6 ART appointments (IQR 4—7) of which 2 (IQR 1 – 3) were missed. On average, participants received a motivation message for 75% (IQR 56%—83%) of enrolled weeks, a reminder before 83% (IQR 67%—100%) of appointments, and after 67% (IQR 0%—100%) of missed appointments. Participants reported 9 transfers and rescheduled 46 appointments through 2wT prompts; 196 appointments were changed via unprompted interaction. Participants with 10% higher expected motivation message delivery were more likely to attend clinic appointments on time (aOR: 1.08; 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.16, p = 0.03). Receiving and responding to an appointment reminder in any way were also associated with increased on-time appointment attendance (aOR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.03 – 1.79, p = 0.03 and aOR: 1.47, 95%CI: 1.16 – 1.87, p = 0.001, respectively). No associations were found for 2wT messages and timely return to care following a missed appointment.

Conclusion

Greater 2wT implementation fidelity was associated with improved care outcomes. Although implementation fidelity monitoring of mHealth interventions is complex, it should be integrated into study design.
X-Mapper: fast and accurate sequence alignment via gapped x-mers
Authors: Gaston Jeffry M. , Alm Eric J. , Zhang An-Ni
Published: January 2025

Sequence alignment is foundational to many bioinformatic analyses. Many aligners start by splitting sequences into contiguous, fixed-length seeds, called k-mers. Alignment is faster with longer, unique seeds, but more accurate with shorter seeds avoiding mutations. Here, we introduce X-Mapper, aiming to offer high speed and accuracy via dynamic-length seeds containing gaps, called gapped x-mers. We observe 11–24-fold fewer suboptimal alignments analyzing a human reference and 3–579-fold lower inconsistency across bacterial references than other aligners, improving on 53% and 30% of reads aligned to non-target strains and species, respectively. Other seed-based analysis algorithms might benefit from gapped x-mers too.
Adherence to iron deficiency interventions among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ubungo municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Benjamin Glory , Mrema Ezra J. , Nhumba Nchang’wa , Wakoli Albert Burudi , Mwanga Hussein H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women remains a public health concern despite iron deficiency interventions that have been implemented. This study investigated adherence to iron deficiency interventions and the associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ubungo Municipality.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a systematic random sampling technique to obtain 503 participants from the surveyed clinics. Interviews were conducted by using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Stata version 17. The study employed binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with adherence to iron deficiency interventions.

Results

In this study, 72% of participants were non-adherent and 28% were adherent to the interventions. In multivariable regression analysis, participants who forgot to take their iron tables on most days (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 1.23–4.48) and those who reported that not enough time was spent on education and counseling during antenatal clinic visits (AOR 3.87; 95% CI 1.08–13.84) were more likely to be non-adherent to iron deficiency interventions.

Conclusions

Majority of pregnant women in Ubungo Municipality were non-adherent to iron deficiency interventions. Non-adherence was associated with a tendency to forget taking iron tablets, and lack of enough time in providing health education and counseling. Improving the quality of health education and counseling could increase adherence to iron deficiency interventions and reduce maternal–child morbidity and mortality rates.
Ensuring representative sample volume predictions in microplastic monitoring
Authors: Cross Richard K. , Roberts Sarah L. , Jürgens Monika D. , Johnson Andrew C. , Davis Craig W. , Gouin Todd
Published: January 2025

A large body of literature is available quantifying microplastic contamination in freshwater and marine systems across the globe. “Microplastics” do not represent a single analyte. Rather, they are usually operationally defined based on their size, polymer and shape, dependent on the sample collection method and the analytical range of the measurement technique. In the absence of standardised methods, significant variability and uncertainty remains as to how to compare data from different sources, and so consider exposure correctly. To examine this issue, a previously compiled database containing 1603 marine observations and 208 freshwater observations of microplastic concentrations from across the globe between 1971 and 2020 was analysed. Reported concentrations span nine orders of magnitude. Investigating the relationship between sampling methods and reported concentrations, a striking correlation between smaller sample unit volumes and higher microplastic concentrations was observed. Close to half of the studies reviewed scored poorly in quality scoring protocols according to the sample volume taken. It is critical that sufficient particles are measured in a sample to reduce the errors from random chance. Given the inverse relationship with particle size and abundance, the volume required for a representative sample should be calculated case-by-case, based on what size microplastics are under investigation and where they are being measured. We have developed the Representative Sample Volume Predictor (RSVP) tool, which standardises statistical prediction of sufficient sample volumes, to ensure microplastics are detected with a given level of confidence. Reviewing reports in freshwater, we found ~ 12% of observations reported sample volumes which would have a false negative error rate > 5%. Such sample volumes run the risk of wrongly concluding that microplastics are absent in samples and are not sufficient to be quantitative. The RSVP tool also provides a harmonised Poisson point process estimation of confidence intervals to test whether two observations are likely to be significantly different, even in the absence of replication. In this way, we demonstrate application of the tool to evaluate historic data, but also to assist in new study designs to ensure that environmental microplastic exposure data is relevant and reliable. The tool can also be applied to other data for randomly dispersed events in space or time, and so has potential for transdisciplinary use.

Graphical Abstract
Excess costs of post-traumatic stress disorder related to child maltreatment in Germany
Authors: Grochtdreis Thomas , König Hans-Helmut , Leichsenring Falk , Beutel Manfred E. , Feix Lila , Gündel Harald , Hermann Andrea , Hitzler Melissa , Knaevelsrud Christine , Kolassa Iris-Tatjana , Kruse Johannes , Niemeyer Helen , Nöske Fatima , Salzer Simone , Sauer Karoline Sophie , Schuster Patrick , Steinert Christiane , Weidner Kerstin , von Wietersheim Jörn , Hoyer Jürgen , Dams Judith
Published: January 2025

Background

Childhood maltreatment (CM) significantly increases the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for which the prevalence in Europe is higher than initially assumed. While the high economic burden of PTSD is well-documented, little is known about the health care cost differences between individuals with PTSD-CM and those without PTSD in Germany. This study aimed to determine the excess health care and absenteeism costs associated with PTSD-CM in Germany.

Methods

Baseline data from a multi-center randomized controlled trial on individuals with PTSD-CM (n = 361) were combined with data from individuals without PTSD (n = 4760). Entropy balancing was used to balance the data sets with regard to sociodemographic characteristics. Six-month excess health care costs from a societal perspective were calculated for 2022, using two-part models with logit specification for the first part and a generalized linear model for the second part.

Results

The total six-month excess costs associated with PTSD-CM were €8864 (95% CI: €6855 to €10,873) per person. Of this, the excess health care costs accounted for €4647 (95% CI €3296 to €5997) and the excess costs of absenteeism for €4217 (95% CI: €3121 to €5314). Individuals with mild to moderate PTSD symptoms incurred total excess costs of €6038 (95% CI: €3879 to €8197), while those with severe to extreme symptoms faced €11,433 (95% CI: €8220 to €14,646).

Conclusions

Excess health care and absenteeism costs associated with PTSD-CM were substantial, with absenteeism accounting for roughly half of the total excess costs.
Novel Use and Value of Contrast-Enhanced Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging Morphologic and Radiomic Features in Predicting Extremity Soft Tissue Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma Treatment Response
Authors: Valenzuela Raul F. , Duran Sierra Elvis de Jesus , Canjirathinkal Mathew A. , Amini Behrang , Hwang Ken-Pin , Ma Jingfei , Torres Keila E. , Stafford R. Jason , Wang Wei-Lien , Benjamin Robert S. , Bishop Andrew J. , Madewell John E. , Murphy William A. , Costelloe Colleen M.
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPSs) demonstrate therapy-induced hemosiderin deposition, granulation tissue formation, fibrosis, and calcification. We aimed to determine the treatment-assessment value of morphologic tumoral hemorrhage patterns and first- and high-order radiomic features extracted from contrast-enhanced susceptibility-weighted imaging (CE-SWI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective institutional review board–authorized study included 33 patients with extremity UPS with magnetic resonance imaging and resection performed from February 2021 to May 2023. Volumetric tumor segmentation was obtained at baseline, postsystemic chemotherapy (PC), and postradiation therapy (PRT). The pathology-assessed treatment effect (PATE) in surgical specimens separated patients into responders (R; ≥90%, n = 16), partial responders (PR; 89%-31%, n = 10), and nonresponders (NR; ≤30%, n = 7). RECIST, WHO, and volume were assessed for all time points. CE-SWI T2* morphologic patterns and 107 radiomic features were analyzed.

RESULTS

A Complete-Ring (CR) pattern was observed in PRT in 71.4% of R (
P
= 7.71 × 10
–6
), an Incomplete-Ring pattern in 33.3% of PR (
P
= .2751), and a Globular pattern in 50% of NR (
P
= .1562). The first-order radiomic analysis from the CE-SWI intensity histogram outlined the values of the 10th and 90th percentiles and their skewness. R showed a 280% increase in 10th percentile voxels (
P
= .061) and a 241% increase in skewness (
P
= .0449) at PC. PR/NR showed a 690% increase in the 90th percentile voxels (
P
= .03) at PC. Multiple high-order radiomic texture features observed at PRT discriminated better R versus PR/NR than the first-order features.

CONCLUSION

CE-SWI morphologic patterns strongly correlate with PATE. The CR morphology pattern was the most frequent in R and had the highest statistical association predicting response at PRT, easily recognized by a radiologist not requiring postprocessing software. It can potentially outperform size-based metrics, such as RECIST. The first- and high-order radiomic analysis found several features separating R versus PR/NR.
Interpretation of Viscoelastic Hemostatic Assays in Cardiac Surgery Patients: Importance of Clinical Context
Authors: Noteboom Sijm H. , Kho Eline , Veelo Denise P. , van der Ster Björn J.P. , van Haeren Maite M.T. , Viersen Victor A. , Müller Marcella C.A. , Hermanns Henning , Vlaar Alexander P.J. , Schenk Jimmy ,   the VHALID Expert Panel
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is widely used for point-of-care coagulation testing to reduce blood transfusions. Accurate interpretation of ROTEM data is crucial and requires substantial training. This study investigates the inter- and intrarater reliability of ROTEM interpretation among experts and compares their interpretations with a ROTEM-guided algorithm.

METHODS:

This study was conducted at Amsterdam University Medical Center and included 90 cardiac surgery patients. ROTEM data were collected at 4 surgical stages: before induction, after aortic declamping, postcoagulation correction, and within 2 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. An international panel of 7 cardiovascular anesthesiologists and one intensivist interpreted the data. Interrater reliability was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa for binary decisions and the simple matching coefficient (SMC) for multiple-choice questions. Intrarater reliability with the ROTEM-guided algorithm was also evaluated.

RESULTS:

Three hundred forty-three ROTEM measurements were analyzed. The interrater reliability for binary decisions was substantial to almost perfect, except after declamping (Fleiss’ kappa = 0.34). The SMC for determining type of abnormality and interventions ranged from good to excellent across all ROTEM measuring moments (SMC ≥0.75). Intrarater reliability was almost perfect for binary questions (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥0.81) and showed excellent agreement for multiple-choice questions. Comparing expert recommendations with the algorithm resulted in an average SMC of 0.70 indicating differences in intervention recommendations, with experts frequently recommending fibrinogen and protamine over the algorithm’s suggestions of plasma and PCC.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrates high inter- and intrarater reliability in ROTEM interpretation among trained professionals in cardiac surgery, with almost perfect agreement on abnormalities and interventions. However, differences between expert evaluations and the ROTEM-guided algorithm underscore the need for advanced clinical decision-making tools. Future efforts should focus on developing personalized, data-driven algorithms without predefined cutoff values to improve accuracy and patient outcomes.
Dynamic mechanisms for membrane skeleton transitions
Authors: Bonilla-Quintana Mayte , Ghisleni Andrea , Gauthier Nils C. , Rangamani Padmini
Published: January 2025

The plasma membrane and the underlying skeleton form a protective barrier for eukaryotic cells. The molecular players forming this complex composite material constantly rearrange under mechanical stress. One of those molecules, spectrin, is ubiquitous in the membrane skeleton and linked by short actin filaments. In this work, we developed a generalized network model for the membrane skeleton integrating myosin contractility and membrane mechanics to investigate the response of the spectrin meshwork to mechanical loading. We observed that the force generated by membrane bending is important in maintaining a regular skeletal structure, suggesting that the membrane is not just supported by the skeleton, but actively contributes towards the stability of the cell structure. We found that spectrin and myosin turnover are necessary for the transition between stress and rest states in the skeleton. Simulations of a fully connected network representing a whole cell show that the surface area constraint of the plasma membrane and volume restriction of the cytoplasm enhance the stability of the membrane skeleton. Furthermore, we showed that cell attachment through adhesions promotes cell shape stabilization.
Distribution and role of peripheral arterial chemoreceptors in cardio-respiratory control of the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)
Authors: Reyes Catalina , Fong Angelina Y. , Leite Cleo A. C. , Abe Augusto S. , Milsom William K.
Published: January 2025

Peripheral arterial chemoreceptors monitor the levels of arterial blood gases and adjust ventilation and perfusion to meet metabolic demands. These chemoreceptors are present in all vertebrates studied to date but have not been described fully in reptiles other than turtles. The goals of this study were to (1) identify functional chemosensory areas in the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus), (2) determine the neurochemical content of putative chemosensory cells in these areas and (3) determine the role each area plays in ventilatory and cardiovascular control. To this end, rattlesnakes were instrumented with transonic flow probes, arterial catheters and subcutaneous impedance electrodes to measure shunt fraction, heart rate, blood pressure and ventilation. The catheters were placed at three putative chemosensory sites, the bases of the aortic arch and pulmonary artery, and the carotid bifurcation, for site-specific activation with sodium cyanide (NaCN). These same sites were subsequently examined using immunohistochemical markers for acetylcholine, tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis) and serotonin to identify putative oxygen-sensing cells. All three sites were chemosensory and stimulating each led to cardiovascular (shunt fraction and heart rate) and respiratory adjustments although not in an identical fashion. All three chemosensory areas contained cells positive for serotonin; however, cells positive for vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) were found only in the aorta and pulmonary artery. We found no labelling for tyrosine hydroxylase at any site.
Interprofessional undergraduate breastfeeding education: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Lehane Elaine , Hanley Edina , Fleming Aoife , Mulcahy Helen , Ward Siobhan , Cogan Liz , Murphy Margaret , Long Aoife , Leahy-Warren Patricia
Published: January 2025

Objective To review and summarise interprofessional breastfeeding curricula—educational initiatives involving multiple health professions—that have been proposed for undergraduate or pre-registration health students. This review will help guide the development of future Interprofessional Education (IPE) curricula for undergraduate health students, specifically in the area of breastfeeding care. Introduction Breastfeeding care and support from healthcare professionals are vital for breastfeeding success. To ensure mothers receive high-quality, consistent care, healthcare professionals must receive comprehensive, evidence-based breastfeeding education. However, there is limited understanding of how breastfeeding curricula are delivered across different disciplines in undergraduate health programs, particularly in the context of IPE. Inclusion criteria Primary research designs, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method studies and evidence syntheses of primary research including systematic and scoping reviews that meet the inclusion criteria will be considered. Position papers and policy documents will also be considered for inclusion in this scoping review. Methods Medline (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), ERIC (EBSCO), Social Sciences, and Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews will be searched with English language and date restrictions (2005-current). Titles and abstracts and full-text articles will be independently screened by two reviewers. The reference lists of the included studies will be searched. A grey literature search will be undertaken on Google scholar, BASE and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website in October 2024. Studies will be screened in Covidence by two independent reviewers. All reviewers will agree on the included studies. Data will be extracted and presented graphically using figures and tables. Narrative summary text will accompany the tables and figures.
Open science in energy research
Authors: Alonso Pedrero Raquel , Van de Sande Araujo Felipe
Published: January 2025

Energy research is evolving, with new methodologies, technologies, and challenges, while new communication tools allow for quick and cheap dissemination of information. In contrast, data used in relevant research is often kept secret, and proprietary code and non-transparent models are barriers to replication. Also, scientific research is still published in subscription-based journals, hindering knowledge sharing. These practices raise ethical concerns not only stop the dissemination of research but also hinder the identification of research misconduct. Open science has gained momentum and aims to promote openness, reconnecting with traditional research principles. In this paper, we discuss the implications of adopting open science in energy research, examine its benefits but also drawbacks, and present the ongoing discussions in the research community.
Assessing the influence of Eisenia andrei on the decomposition of Casuarina equisetifolia litter in vermicompost.
Authors: Quintela-Sabarís Celestino , Mendes Luis André , Domínguez Jorge
Published: January 2025

Background She-oaks (family Casuarinaceae) are pioneer trees that are planted in tropical areas worldwide for different uses, including the restoration of degraded soils. However, these trees produce recalcitrant litter with negative effects on ecosystem recovery. Earthworms can accelerate litter decomposition by modulating the activity of soil microorganisms and other faunal groups involved in organic matter degradation. Methods We conducted an experiment to compare the effect of vermicompost alone or jointly with the activity of the earthworm Eisenia andrei on the decomposition of Casuarina equisetifolia litter and on the composition of the mesofaunal community. We prepared 36 microcosms , in each of which a litterbag containing C. equisetifolia litter was covered with vermicompost. In half of the microcosms, 15 specimens of E. andrei were added to each box (treatment E), and in the other half, no earthworms were added (treatment VC). The experiment lasted for 40 weeks, and microcosms in both treatments were destructively sampled at 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 40 weeks. The treatment effects were evaluated by litter mass loss, variation in litter composition, the number and biomass of earthworms, and the composition of mesofaunal communities. Results After 40 weeks, litter mass loss was greater in treatment E than in treatment VC (55% vs. 45%). Decomposition led to decreases in C and Na concentrations and infrared bands related to carbohydrates and proteins in the litter and increases in elements such as N and P and infrared bands associated with lignin, with no difference between treatments. Earthworm number and biomass decreased throughout the experiment, and earthworm presence did not affect mesofaunal communities, possibly owing to the low palatability of C. equisetifolia litter. Conclusions Direct application of vermicompost could enhance the decomposition of Casuarinaceae litter in the field. The feasibility of this approach needs to be tested in new experiments.
The Growing Obesity Epidemic: Integrating Lifestyle, Pharmacological, and Surgical Interventions for Effective Management
Authors: Siwiec Jan , Śpiołek Olga , Wąsowicz Agnieszka , Sztyler-Krąkowska Marcelina , Teofilak Mateusz , Smyl Natalia , Słowikowska Aleksandra , Szatkowska Julia , Kędziora Franciszek , Fabian Dariusz
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Obesity is a multifactorial disease with a growing global prevalence, significantly increasing the risk of numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Its management requires a multifaceted approach that includes lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic interventions and, in severe cases, surgical treatments.
Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, using keywords: “obesity epidemiology”, “obesity consequences”, “obesity treatment”, “obesity pharmacology”
Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity is rising worldwide, with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contributing to its development. Effective obesity management involves personalized interventions, including dietary and behavioural changes, alongside pharmacological options like GLP-1 receptor agonists and naltrexone-bupropion. Surgical interventions are considered for severe cases. Emerging treatments, such as tirzepatide, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, show promising results. A comprehensive, individualized approach remains crucial for improving patient outcomes and addressing the global obesity epidemic.
Introduction: Unfree Labor in Crisis
Authors: Kolchin Peter
Published: January 2025

Both slavery and serfdom came to an end as the result of war: in the case of Russia, the Crimean War; in the case of the United States, the Civil War. War put the centuries-long systems of unfree labor into crisis and precipitated movements toward abolition. But whereas in the 1850s in Russia, the end of serfdom had begun to appear inevitable and serfowners reluctantly capitulated to its demise, in the United States, slaveholders’ resolute commitment to the way of life that slavery underpinned caused them to undertake an insurrection leading to civil war. Whatever the precipitating factor, the consequence was the end of the largest—and seemingly most entrenched—systems of unfree labor in the modern Western world.