bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Process and Outcomes of Public Involvement in Applied Health and Social Care Research: A Rapid Systematic Review
Authors: Wearn Angela , Brennan‐Tovey Kerry , Adams Emma A. , Alderson Hayley , Baariu Judy , Cheetham Mandy , Bartle Victoria , Palfreyman Lucy , Rook Violet , Shenton Felicity , Ramsay Sheena E. , Kaner Eileen
Published: January 2025

Objective

Public Involvement (PI) in applied health and social care research has grown exponentially in the UK. This review aims to synthesise published UK evidence that evaluates the process and/or outcome(s) of PI in applied health and social care research to identify key contextual factors, effective strategies, outcomes and public partner experiences underpinning meaningful PI in research.

Methods

Following a pre‐registered protocol, we systematically searched four databases and two key journals for studies conducted within the UK between January 2006 and July 2024. A team of public partners and researchers carried out independent dual screening and data extraction. Included studies were narratively synthesised via Framework Synthesis.

Results

Nineteen studies evaluated the PI process with a range of populations including National Health Service (NHS) users, carers, and low‐income communities. No specific outcome evaluations were identified. Through their experience, public partners described important components of meaningful PI such as mutual respect and seeing and contributing to change, as well as some unintended harms of involvement. Harms related to ‘experiencing negative attitudes’, ‘emotional burden of involvement’, ‘frustration and disappointment’ and ‘further marginalisation’. Meaningful PI was underpinned by structural, organisational, interpersonal and individual factors; as well as practical and principle‐based strategies of involvement. Both public partners and researchers reflected on a range of outcomes of meaningful PI including changes to the research process and longer term impacts on organisations, researchers and public partners.

Conclusions

PI in research must be facilitated at multiple levels to reduce unintended harm and encourage meaningful and impactful outcomes. Findings are summarised within a model which gives an overview of priorities for individual researchers, organisations and funders to ensure best practice is achievable. From a methodological perspective, researchers should prioritise robust, transparent and co‐produced approaches to evaluating PI to increase knowledge in the field.

Patient and Public Involvement

A regional public advisory network provided insight on the relevance and acceptability of the review concept. Our core research team included three public partners. Public partners contributed to the development of the initial review protocol, abstract and full‐text screening, reviewing findings and their interpretation and writing the final report.
INFORMATION DESIGN IN ALLOCATION WITH COSTLY VERIFICATION
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chun , Hu Gaoji , Yang Xiangqian
Published: January 2025

We study information design in a single‐agent allocation problem with costly verification, where the principal has a positive reservation value. The agent learns privately a signal about the principal's allocation value, drawn from a distribution controlled by an information designer. Given the signal distribution, the principal designs a mechanism to maximize her net value. We show that the agent‐optimal information pools high values at a signal just worth verification, whereas the principal‐optimal information features full disclosure. Moreover, any agent‐optimal information is principal‐worst, despite their partially aligned interests and the absence of transfers.
How AI Helps to Compile Human Intelligence: An Empirical Study of Emerging Augmented Intelligence for Medical Image Scanning
Authors: Pieper Mechthild , Gleasure Rob
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing continuously. However, full delegation to an AI application is often not possible or desirable due to technical limitations, ethical concerns or legal issues. Augmented intelligence systems, where humans and AI work together jointly, have been proposed to improve decision making in complex, uncertain and failure‐intolerant environments. Yet, this raises questions about how compatible human and AI knowledge are, and whether translating between the two increases decision making intelligence, or whether it effectively limits AI applications' capacity for computational agency and human agents' capacity to consider uniquely human knowledge. We explore this notion by looking at augmented intelligence in terms of systemic intelligence and mutual learning. Building on an emergence perspective, we perform a case study of an augmented intelligence system for image‐based diagnostics in the radiology branch of a medical care centre. Our findings indicate a strong distinction between specialists' and non‐specialists' intelligence augmentation with AI. This distinction fuels generative cycles which produce iteratively more sophisticated algorithms, human representations and practical routines. Drawing on this analysis, we propose three stages by which new forms of intelligence emerge from the addition of AI recommendation tools, specifically, intelligence by propagation, intelligence by specialisation and intelligence by articulation.
Electromagnetic properties of Ni–Zn–Cu ferrite as magnetic sheet in wireless charging system
Authors: Yang Pao , Qi Hongbin , Fu Xiuli , Peng Zhijian
Published: January 2025

To obtain high‐performance magnetic sheet with high initial permeability and low magnetic loss for wireless charging system, Ni–Zn–Cu ferrite ceramics with a chemical formula of Ni0.6 − xZn0.4CuxFe2O4 (x = 0–0.30) were prepared by traditional solid reaction‐sintering method. As expected, the doped Cu2+ ions could effectively reduce the sintering temperature and increase the density of the ferrites. With increasing doping amount of Cu2+, the coercivity, saturation magnetization, and Curie temperature of the resultant ferrites decreased. With x = 0.15, the sample presented the maximum initial magnetic permeability and highest Q‐factor. On the basis of the measured magnetic parameters, the ferrites were examined as magnetic sheet in wireless charging system by digital simulation, while the structural parameters of the system were considered and the coefficients of hysteresis loss, eddy current loss, and excess loss were quantitatively separated under sinusoidal excitation. Specifically, because of its lower core loss, the optimal ferrite (x = 0.15) would perform better with much improved transmission efficiency than that without the doping of Cu2+, especially when the transmitting and receiving coils were settled more apart, which might be a good candidate for wireless charging system, and the proposed simple wireless charging system can be used as a general strategy for the evaluation of magnetic sheets.
Grain boundary energy control in zinc aluminate nanoceramics
Authors: Sotelo Martin Luis , Campos‐Quiros Alexander , Watanabe Masashi , Mason Jeremy K. , Fossati Paul C. M. , Uberuaga Blas P. , Castro Ricardo H. R.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the grain boundary energy dependence on segregated dopants in nanocrystalline zinc aluminate ceramics. Atomistic simulations of Σ3 and Σ9 grain boundaries showed that trivalent ions of varying ionic radii [Sc3+ (74.5 pm), In3+ (80.0 pm), Y3+ (90.0 pm), and Nd3+ (98.3 pm)] have a tendency to segregate to both interfaces, with Y3+ presenting the highest segregation potentials. The connection between segregation and the reduction of interfacial energies was explored by measuring the grain boundary energy on nanoceramics fabricated via high‐pressure spark plasma sintering (HP‐SPS) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results revealed that Y3+ doping at 0.5 mol% reduces the grain boundary energy in zinc aluminate nanoceramics from 1.1–1.3 J/m2 to 0.6–0.8 J/m2; the range correlates with the observed size dependence of the excess energy, with higher values observed for the smaller grain sizes (∼17 nm). The noted decrease in interfacial energies for doped samples suggests it is indeed possible to alter the stability of zinc aluminate grain boundaries via dopant segregation.
Women's health care committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Annual report—2024
Authors: Higuchi Tsuyoshi , Iwasa Takeshi
Published: January 2025

The Women's Health Care Committee was established in 2010 to improve the health of women. In the current academic year, this committee established seven subcommittees aimed at understanding diseases related to various age groups of women, including adolescence, sexual maturity, and menopause, and promoting research to improve the quality of life. Additionally, socially significant research has focused on infections, particularly resistant bacteria. The activities of each subcommittee are described. This report is based on the Japanese version of the annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2024;76(6):682–87).
Endometrial cancer with para‐aortic lymph node metastasis following medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy: A case report
Authors: Nakamura Miku , Takahashi Yoshifumi , Koyanagi Takahiro , Takei Yuji , Fujiwara Hiroyuki
Published: January 2025

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a promising fertility‐sparing treatment for early stage endometrial cancer; however, it has a high recurrence rate and is inferior to surgery. Although the site of recurrence is mostly the endometrium, we here report a case of metastatic recurrence to the para‐aortic lymph node with endometrial recurrence despite a careful follow‐up. A 31‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with grade 1 endometrioid carcinoma, stage IA without myometrial invasion. She requested fertility‐sparing treatment and underwent a 48‐week MPA therapy with complete remission. Follow‐up continued with ultrasonography and endometrial biopsy every 3 and 6 months, respectively; however, at 10 months following MPA therapy, cancer recurrence was detected in the endometrium and para‐aortic lymph node, requiring hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, and lymph node dissection, followed by paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy. This case report highlights that lymph node recurrence can develop despite careful follow‐up following complete remission with MPA therapy for stage IA endometrial cancer.
Effect of crystallization temperature on the flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass ceramics
Authors: Akl Mohammed A. , Dashtti Hashem , Akl Jood , Zheng Fengyuan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This pilot study aimed to compare the flexural strength of Amber Mill CAD to IPS e.max CAD and to determine the impact of different crystallization protocols on the flexural strength of Amber Mill CAD ceramics.

Materials and Methods

Amber Mill CAD ceramic blocks of a known Vita Classic shade were selected for testing against control IPS e.max CAD blocks of the same shade. Four different translucencies were selected for Amber Mill CAD blocks: high translucency (HT), medium translucency (MT), low translucency (LT), and medium opacity (MO). Two different translucencies were selected for IPS e.max CAD blocks: HT and LT. The partially crystallized blocks were sectioned and placed into six groups for each temperature protocol for a total of 36 samples for Amber Mill CAD and 18 samples for IPS e.max CAD. The samples were sectioned at a thickness of 1.5 mm to simulate the material thickness recommended by the manufacturer for posterior lithium disilicate (LD) crowns. Four crystallization protocols, as recommended by the manufacturer, were used with Amber Mill CAD blocks, and one crystallization protocol was used with IPS e.max CAD blocks. The samples from each group were subjected to 3‐point bending test. A two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey pairwise comparison tests were used for statistical analysis and interpretation of collected data.

Results

The mean averages of maximum flexural strength for Amber Mill CAD samples were 269.54 MPa, 280.10 MPa, 277.55 MPa, and 254.16 MPa for HT, MT, LT, and MO, respectively. The mean averages of maximum flexural strength for the IPS e.max CAD samples were 302.99 MPa and 283.49 MPa for HT and LT, respectively. No significant differences in the mean average flexural strength were found between the Amber Mill CAD and IPS e.max CAD blocks (p > 0.05). Further, there were no statistical differences in flexural strength between the four crystallization protocols of Amber Mill CAD (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Amber Mill CAD shows similar flexural strength to IPS e.max CAD. Further, altering crystallization protocols of the same shade to obtain different translucencies did not affect the flexural strength of Amber Mill CAD.
The co‐development of ethnic identity and future orientation among ethnically/racially minoritized adolescents: A parallel process model
Authors: Coulter Kiera M. , Benner Aprile D. , Rojas Francheska Alers , Harrington Madeline
Published: January 2025

This brief report examined the co‐development of ethnic/racial identity (ERI) and future orientation among ethnically/racially minoritized adolescents. The current study used three waves of longitudinal data (N = 619) spanning 8th to 10th grades from a diverse sample (55.9% Latino/a/x, 21.2% biracial/multiethnic/other, 13.2% Asian, 9.7% Black; 54.1% female; 57.4% economically disadvantaged). We investigated the developmental trajectories of future orientation and ethnic identity and determined if these trajectories were interrelated. The results of the single and parallel process latent growth curve models showed that mean levels of ERI increased while future orientation decreased over time. Initial levels of ERI were significantly related to accelerated declines in future orientation. Exploratory analyses, which tested distinct forms of ethnic/racial discrimination as moderators, revealed that the negative association between ERI in 8th grade and the rate of change in future orientation was significant only at average and high levels of educator‐perpetrated discrimination. These results point to complex interrelations between ERI formation and experiences of ethnic/racial discrimination and their influence on trajectories of future orientation during early to middle adolescence.
An Automatic Multi‐Scale Test for Serial Correlation of High‐Dimensional Time Series
Authors: Zhang Bingbing , Liu Mengya
Published: January 2025

This article proposes an automatic multi‐scale test for detecting serial correlation of high‐dimensional time series (HDTS) from the perspective of time‐frequency analysis. Three theoretical tools fuel the construction and implementation of the test, including the ‐norm, the maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) and a Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC)‐like penalty term. The three accomplish, in turn, data dimensionality reduction, scale‐by‐scale correlation time‐frequency analysis and data‐driven selection of the optimal number of scales, thus completing the implementation of our testing principle. Under some mild conditions, the limiting null distribution of the proposed test is proved to be chi‐square with degrees of freedom 1, and the testing power of our test is analyzed in theory under a general alternative hypothesis. The finite‐sample performance of the automatic multi‐scale test is demonstrated through a series of simulations. A study of stock returns in different trading sectors is implemented as a practical application.
Swatting Flies: Biting Insects as Non‐Invasive Samplers for Mammalian Population Genomics
Authors: Khan Anubhab , Carter Ryan , Mpamhanga Chengetai D. , Masiga Daniel , Channumsin Manun , Ciosi Marc , Manangwa Oliva , Mramba Furaha , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan , Auty Harriet , Mable Barbara K.
Published: January 2025

Advances in next‐generation sequencing have allowed the use of DNA obtained from unusual sources for wildlife studies. However, these samples have been used predominantly to sequence mitochondrial DNA for species identification while population genetics analyses have been rare. Since next‐generation sequencing allows indiscriminate detection of all DNA fragments in a sample, technically it should be possible to sequence whole genomes of animals from environmental samples. Here we used a blood‐feeding insect, tsetse fly, to target whole genome sequences of wild animals. Using pools of flies, we compared the ability to recover genomic data from hosts using the short‐read sequencing (Illumina) and adaptive sampling of long‐read data generated using Oxford nanopore technology (ONT). We found that most of the short‐read data (85%–99%) was dominated by tsetse fly DNA and that adaptive sampling on the ONT platform did not substantially reduce this proportion. However, once tsetse reads were removed, the remaining data for both platforms tended to belong to the dominant host expected in the tsetse fly blood meal. Reads mapping to elephants, warthogs and giraffes were recovered more reliably than for buffalo, and there was high variance in the contribution of DNA by individual flies to the pools, suggesting that there are host specific biases. For elephants, using short‐read sequencing we were able to identify over 300,000 unfiltered SNPs, which we used to estimate the allele frequencies and expected heterozygosity for the population. Overall, our results show that at least for certain wild mammals, it is possible to recover genome‐wide host data from blood‐feeding insects.
Effects of Continuous Graduated Pneumatic Compression and Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Lower Limb Hemodynamics for VTE Prophylaxis in Arthroplasty
Authors: Li Binglong , Li Xuezhou , Zheng Weibo , Wei Shusheng , Zhang Baoqing , Liu Jianwei , Chen Yongyuan , Wang Dan , Lu Qunshan , Liu Peilai
Published: January 2025

Objective

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is considered the standard of care for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the hospital setting. However, its widespread adoption after hospitalization has been limited due to its shortcomings in obstruction of venous valves and blood reflux. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of continuous graduated pneumatic compression (CGPC), a new device with a novel mechanism, and IPC on lower hemodynamics and the incidence of VTE in patients undergoing arthroplasty.

Methods

We randomized 123 participants undergoing knee arthroplasty to receive either IPC or CGPC from June 2022 through August 2023. An experienced sonographer used a Doppler ultrasound scanner to obtain hemodynamic indicators of venous blood. The primary outcome was the blood velocity of the femoral vein measured by a Doppler scanner. Secondary outcomes included the hemodynamic of the femoral vein and popliteal vein, quality of life at discharge and 30 days after surgery, symptomatic and asymptomatic VTE up to 30 days, and adverse events related to the IPC and CGPC device. For statistical analyses, Student's t‐test, analysis of covariance, and the Mann–Whitney U test were used. Statistical significance was indicated with p < 0.05.

Results

There was no significant difference in femoral vein velocity between the IPC and CGPC groups. However, CGPC demonstrated a significant increase in femoral vein flow compared to the IPC group, with a median (interquartile) increasing from 158.9 (122.9, 204.3) to 265.6 (203.3, 326.8) mL/min in the CGPC group and from 139.0 (103.3, 175.9) to 189.6 (161.4, 270.8) mL/min in the IPC group (p < 0.001). Similar trends were observed in popliteal vein measurements. The differences between the two groups were similar in terms of quality of life, incidence of VTE, and adverse events.

Conclusion

The CGPC device provides a substantial increase in blood flow compared to the IPC device. Its safety and effectiveness have been preliminarily validated. The CGPC device presents a promising alternative for VTE prophylaxis in arthroplasty.

Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2300078201)
Comparative study of ergosterol and 7‐dehydrocholesterol and their endoperoxides: Generation, identification, and impact in phospholipid membranes and melanoma cells
Authors: Yukuyama Megumi Nishitani , Fabiano Karen Campos , Inague Alex , Uemi Miriam , Lima Rodrigo Santiago , Diniz Larissa Regina , Oliveira Tiago Eugenio , Iijima Thais Satie , Faria Hector Oreliana Fernandes , Santos Rosangela Silva , Nolf Maria Fernanda Valente , Chaves‐Filho Adriano Brito , Yoshinaga Marcos Yukio , Junqueira Helena Couto , Di Mascio Paolo , Baptista Mauricio da Silva , Miyamoto Sayuri
Published: January 2025

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer that has attracted attention in recent years due to its high mortality rate of 80%. Damage caused by oxidative stress generated by radical (type I reaction) and singlet oxygen, 1O2 (type II reaction) oxidative reactions may induce cancer. Thus, studies that aim to unveil the mechanism that drives these oxidative damage processes become relevant. Ergosterol, an analogue of 7‐dehydrocholesterol, important in the structure of cell membranes, is widely explored in cancer treatment. However, to date little is known about the impact of different oxidative reactions on these sterols in melanoma treatment, and conflicting results about their effectiveness complicates the understanding of their role in oxidative damage. Our results highlight differences among ergosterol, 7‐dehydrocholesterol (7‐DHC), and cholesterol in membrane properties when subjected to distinct oxidative reactions. Furthermore, we conducted a comparative study exploring the mechanisms of cell damage by photodynamic treatment in A375 melanoma. Notably, endoperoxides from ergosterol and 7‐DHC generated by 1O2 showed superior efficacy in reducing the viability of A375 cells compared to their precursor molecules. We also describe a step‐by‐step process to produce and identify endoperoxides derived from ergosterol and 7‐DHC. While further studies are needed, this work provides new insights for understanding cancer cell death induced by different oxidative reactions in the presence of biologically relevant sterols.
Assessing the Impact of Ramularia Leaf Spot on Barley: Prospects for Fungicide Protection Strategies and Weather‐Based Prediction Models in Argentina
Authors: Erreguerena Ignacio Antonio , Quiroz Facundo José , Cambareri Matías , Pereyra Silvia , Havis Neil David , Carmona Marcelo Aníbal
Published: January 2025

Ramularia leaf spot (RLS), caused by the fungus Ramularia collo‐cygni (Rcc), has become a threat to barley production in Argentina and the world, causing grain yield and quality losses. Characteristics of the pathogen such as a long latency period, high evolutionary potential, numerous transposonic regions and the ability to infect alternative hosts facilitate Rcc adaption to environmental changes and/or control measures such as fungicides. RLS is considered a sporadic disease in Argentina and its occurrence is highly dependent on weather conditions. The objectives of this work were to quantify the impact of RLS on grain yield and its commercial quality, to establish an optimal protection period (PP) for barley with fungicides, and to describe the association between environmental variables and levels of RLS with the purpose of designing prediction models and more efficient protection strategies. Based on the results from field trials (n = 8), we estimated grain yield losses up to 16%, and these occurred due to reduced grain weight (8.7%) and size (20%). We also determined that the PP begins from the third detectable node (GS33) to first visible awns (GS49) and concluded that the flag leaf fully emerged stage (GS39) was the most efficient fungicide spraying time. Four possible forecast models were proposed based on the daily average temperature accumulated from early tillering (GS21) to GS39 stage, in combination with the number of days of soil water availability, number of days with water excess and duration of leaf wetness or accumulated rainfall from tillering to GS39 (n = 10).
Drivers of Inflation in South Africa Before and After the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Dery Cosmas , Ilori Ayobami E. , Nsafoah Dennis
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the drivers of consumer price inflation in South Africa to understand their changing pattern before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using quarterly data from 1999Q1 to 2023Q4 and employing a Bayesian VAR model with a penalty function to identify various shocks that drive inflation, we find dominant and persistent role for domestic shocks in explaining inflation fluctuations in South Africa, both before and after COVID‐19 pandemic. In the pre‐pandemic era, domestic shocks accounted for 78% of the positive historical deviation of inflation from its mean, predominantly driven by total domestic demand shocks (44%) with domestic supply shock contributing about 34% to positive inflation variation. Whereas, in the post‐COVID era, domestic shocks still played a dominant role, contributing about 65% to inflation increase, but the relative contribution of total domestic demand increased to three times as large as domestic supply shock. More importantly, the relative contribution of global shocks increased from 22% in the pre‐COVID era to 35% in the post‐COVID era, primarily driven by the growing influence of global supply shocks. Our results suggest that South African inflation increases are largely demand driven and hence within the remit of the South African Reserve Bank to actively use its policy tools to stabilize price level.
Collaboration Through a Computer Screen: Migrant Integration Services and the Challenges of Co‐Producing Services Online
Authors: McMullin Caitlin
Published: January 2025

In this article, I explore the impact of shifting from in‐person to online service delivery on individual and group modes of co‐production of migrant integration services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study adds to the literature concerning the effects of digital co‐production on social services that rely heavily on relational interactions to build trust. Using qualitative methods, the research explores how digitalisation affects four key elements: interaction, motivation and commitment, resources and skills, and empowerment and inclusion. While digital co‐production introduces new modes of interaction that may enhance inclusion in some types of individual co‐production, it poses significant challenges for all elements of group co‐production. The study concludes that while digital co‐production may offer some benefits, its application to highly relational services with vulnerable populations is often detrimental, questioning its desirability and effectiveness in such contexts.
Quantifying Thermal Transport in Three-Dimensional Printed Fractal Structures
Authors: Carvajal Mario A. , Pahari Basanta R. , Ramesh Dinesh , Oates William S.
Published: January 2025

Heat transport through three-dimensional printed fractal media is investigated by comparing a fractal diffusion model to infrared measurements using Bayesian uncertainty quantification. The delayed rejection adaptive metropolis (DRAM) algorithm, based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling technique, is used to infer parameter uncertainty, quantify parameter correlation, and compute error propagation of the temperature distributions. The results demonstrate that fractal operators improve modeling thermal transport through complex fractal structures and help understand fractal structure–property relationships. For example, correlations among fractal spatial and temporal scaling parameters, diffusion coefficients, and fractal dimensions are quantified. We find a scaling relationship between the diffusion coefficient D and the temporal fractal time derivative order α that scales nominally as D∝e−α based on constraints from the second law of thermodynamics. The results have implications for building a stronger understanding of heat transport in complex materials beyond random media and models based on Gaussian probability homogenization.
Statistical Characteristic of the Transition Temperature Shift for Reactor Pressure Vessel Steel
Authors: Miura Naoki , Shinko Tomoki
Published: January 2025

In the ductile–brittle transition temperature range, the Charpy absorbed energy exhibits an inherent variation, which causes uncertainty in the transition temperature shift. In the current codes for the evaluation of fracture toughness of reactor pressure vessel steels, margins are considered to account for the uncertainty in the transition temperature shift. Although they have been statistically determined, their adequacy is only inductively assured by specific surveillance program databases. In this study, a model was proposed to describe the statistical characteristics of the transition temperature shift. An equation to describe the standard deviation of the associated transition temperature was theoretically derived from a previously proposed variation model of the Charpy absorbed energy according to the law of propagation of uncertainty. The obtained standard deviations were then compiled into procedures to estimate the transition temperature shift according to the sufficiency of the parameters required for the evaluation (shape of Charpy curve and sample size). The standard deviations of the transition temperature shift assumed in past studies/present codes were compared with those predicted using the proposed model. In the range of upper shelf energy greater than 100 J, the standard deviations in past studies/present codes encompass the estimates obtained using the proposed model. Therefore, the inherent variation in toughness appears to be considered conservatively.
WWC proteins–mediated compensatory mechanism restricts schwannomatosis driven by
NF2
loss of function
Authors: Wang Xueying , Zhu Rui , Yu Pengcheng , Qi Sixian , Zhong Zhenxing , Jin Ruxin , Wang Yu , Gu Yuan , Ye Dan , Chen Kang , Shu Yilai , Wang Yi , Yu Fa-Xing
Published: January 2025

NF2-related schwannomatosis, previously known as neurofibromatosis type 2, is a genetic disorder characterized by nerve tumors due to
NF2
gene mutations. Mice with
Nf2
deletion develop schwannomas slowly with low penetrance, hence inconvenient for preclinical studies. Here, we show that NF2, by recruiting E3 ubiquitin ligases β-TrCP1/2, promotes WWC1-3 ubiquitination and degradation. In
NF2
mutated cells, WWC1-3 accumulation is a compensatory mechanism to prevent YAP/TAZ hyperactivation and rapid tumorigenesis. Accordingly, we generate a synthetic mouse model with complete penetrance and short latency by concurrently deleting
Nf2
and
Wwc1/2
in Schwann cells. This model closely resembles NF2-related schwannomatosis in patients, as confirmed by histological and single-cell transcriptome analysis. Moreover, a cell line from mouse schwannomas and a syngeneic tumor model in immune-competent mice are established. Furthermore, a screen using established models has identified candidate drugs that effectively suppress schwannoma progression. Hence, this work has developed rapid and transplantable models that will facilitate both basic and translational research on NF2-related schwannomatosis.
Stress responsiveness in a wild primate predicts survival across an extreme El Niño drought
Authors: Carrera Sofia C. , Godoy Irene , Gault Colleen M. , Mensing Ashley , Damm Juliane , Perry Susan E. , Beehner Jacinta C.
Published: January 2025

We know more about the costs of chronic stress than the benefits of the acute stress response—an adaptive response that buffers organisms from life-threatening challenges. As yet, no primate study has empirically identified how the stress response adaptively affects evolutionary fitness. Here, we take advantage of a natural experiment—an El Niño drought—that produced unprecedented mortality for wild white-faced capuchins. Using a reaction norm approach, we provide evidence from primates that a more robust stress response to a challenge, measured using fecal glucocorticoids, predicts a greater likelihood of survival. We show that individuals with greater stress responsiveness to previous droughts later had higher survival across a severe El Niño drought. Evolutionary models need empirical data on how stress responsivity varies in adaptive ways. While we cannot buffer subjects from catastrophic events, we can use them to understand which aspects of the stress response help animals to “weather the storm.”
Electronic structure of superconducting infinite-layer lanthanum nickelates
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Jiang Zhicheng , Xia Chengliang , Hao Bo , Yan Shengjun , Wang Maosen , Li Yueying , Liu Hongquan , Ding Jianyang , Liu Jiayu , Liu Zhengtai , Liu Jishan , Chen Hanghui , Shen Dawei , Nie Yuefeng
Published: January 2025

Revealing the momentum-resolved electronic structure of infinite-layer nickelates is essential for understanding this class of unconventional superconductors but has been hindered by the formidable challenges in improving the sample quality. In this work, we report the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of superconducting La
0.8
Sr
0.2
NiO
2
films prepared by molecular beam epitaxy and in situ atomic-hydrogen reduction. The measured Fermi topology closely matches theoretical calculations, showing a large Ni

d

x
2

−

y
2

–derived Fermi sheet that evolves from hole-like to electron-like along

k
z

and a three-dimensional (3D) electron pocket centered at the Brillouin zone corner. The Ni

d

x
2

−

y
2

–derived bands show a mass enhancement (
m
*/
m
DFT
) of 2 to 3, while the 3D electron band shows negligible band renormalization. Moreover, the Ni

d

x
2

−

y
2

–derived states also display a band dispersion anomaly at higher binding energy, reminiscent of the waterfall feature and kinks observed in cuprates.
Enhanced suppression of
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
by a three-phage cocktail: genomic insights and kinetic profiling
Authors: Monsibais Alisha N. , Tea Olivia , Ghatbale Pooja , Dunham Sage J. B. , Zünd Mirjam , Phan Jennifer , Lam Karen , Paulson McKenna , Tran Natalie , Suder Diana S. , Blanc Alisha N. , Samillano Cyril , Suh Joy , Atif Hanna , Vien Ethan , Nguyen Ryan , Vo Allene , Gonen Shane , Pride David , Whiteson Katrine
Published: January 2025

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is an understudied, gram-negative, aerobic bacterium that is widespread in the environment and increasingly a cause of opportunistic infections. Treating
S. maltophilia
remains difficult, leading to an increase in disease severity and higher hospitalization rates in people with cystic fibrosis, cancer, and other immunocompromised health conditions. The lack of effective antibiotics has led to renewed interest in phage therapy; however, there remains a great need for well-characterized phages, especially against
S. maltophilia
. In response to an oncology patient with a sepsis infection, we collected 18 phages from Southern California wastewater influent that exhibit different plaque morphology against
S. maltophilia
host strain B28B. We hypothesized that, when combined into a cocktail, genetically diverse phages would give rise to distinct lytic infection kinetics that would enhance bacterial killing when compared to the individual phages alone. We identified three genetically distinct clusters of phages, and a representative from each group was further investigated and screened for potential therapeutic use. The results demonstrated that the three-phage cocktail significantly suppressed bacterial growth compared with individual phages when observed for 48 h. We also assessed the lytic impacts of our three-phage cocktail against a collection of 46
S
.
maltophilia
strains to determine if a multi-phage cocktail has an expanded host range. Our phages remained strain-specific and infected >50% of tested strains. In six clinically relevant
S. maltophilia
strains, the multi-phage cocktail has enhanced suppression of bacterial growth. These findings suggest that specialized phage cocktails may be an effective avenue of treatment for recalcitrant
S. maltophilia
infections resistant to current antibiotics.
Antigen 43 associated with
Escherichia coli
membrane vesicles contributes to bacterial cell association and biofilm formation
Authors: Zavan Lauren , Hor Lilian , Johnston Ella L. , Paxman Jason , Heras Begoña , Kaparakis‑Liaskos Maria
Published: January 2025

Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) are produced by all bacteria and contribute to numerous bacterial functions due to their ability to package and transfer bacterial cargo. In doing so, MVs have been shown to facilitate horizontal gene transfer, mediate antimicrobial activity, and promote biofilm formation. Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
is a pathogenic Gram-negative organism that persists in the urinary tract of its host due to its ability to form persistent, antibiotic-resistant biofilms. The formation of these biofilms is dependent upon proteins such as Antigen 43 (Ag43), which belongs to the widespread Autotransporter group of bacterial surface proteins. In
E. coli,
the autotransporter Ag43 has been shown to contribute to bacterial cell aggregation and biofilm formation via self-association of Ag43 between neighboring Ag43-expressing bacteria. As MVs package bacterial proteins, we investigated whether MVs produced by
E. coli
contained Ag43, and the ability of Ag43-expressing MVs to facilitate cell aggregation and biofilm formation. We showed that Ag43 expressing
E. coli
produced MVs that contained Ag43 on their surface and had an enhanced ability to bind to
E. coli
bacteria. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the addition of Ag43-containing MVs to Ag43-expressing
E. coli
significantly enhanced biofilm formation. These findings reveal the contribution of MVs harboring autotransporters in promoting bacterial aggregation and enhancing biofilm formation, highlighting the impact of MVs and their specific composition to bacterial adaptation and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Autotransporter proteins are the largest family of outer membrane and secreted proteins in Gram-negative bacteria which contribute to pathogenesis by promoting aggregation, biofilm formation, persistence, and cytotoxicity. Although the roles of bacterial autotransporters are well known, the ability of bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) naturally released from the surface of bacteria to contain autotransporters and their role in promoting virulence remains less investigated. Our findings reveal that MVs produced by
E. coli
contain the autotransporter protein Ag43. Furthermore, we show that Ag43-containing MVs function to enhance bacterial cell interactions and biofilm formation. By demonstrating the ability of MVs to carry functional autotransporter adhesins, this work highlights the importance of MVs in disseminating autotransporters beyond the bacterial cell membrane to ultimately promote cellular interactions and enhance biofilm development. Overall, these findings have significant implications in furthering our understanding of the numerous ways in which MVs can facilitate bacterial persistence and pathogenesis.
The early Paleozoic intracontinental orogeny in South China: A far-field response to the closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean in the Indochina Block
Authors: Yang Hang , Yao Jinlong , Zhao Guochun , Shu Liangshu , Cui Pengyuan
Published: January 2025

The nature and geodynamics of the early Paleozoic orogen in South China are modeled as either products of direct subduction-collision or intracontinental orogeny. The synchronous basaltic-andesitic rocks within the orogen are at the heart of this scientific debate, but they have been less systematically investigated. The petrogenesis and tectonic setting of these mafic rocks are highly controversial, given their arc-like geochemical characteristics. We systematically investigated the patterns of field relations, ages, chemistry, and Hf-Nd isotopes of the early Paleozoic basaltic-andesitic rocks in the Yunkai massif and those reported elsewhere in the orogen. Based on chemical and isotopic signatures, these basaltic-andesitic rocks (ca. 460−420 Ma) can be divided into calc-alkaline light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched basalts, LREE-enriched andesitic rocks, and tholeiitic LREE-depleted basalts. The calc-alkaline suites mostly display arc-type geochemical features, with enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements, LREEs, and Pb, but depletion in high field strength elements relative to heavy rare earth elements. Their high La/Nb and Ba/Nb ratios, and low Nb/Th ratios, along with negative εHf(t) and εNd(t) isotope values, indicate the distinctive fractionation of incompatible trace elements that may have been derived from the partial melting of ancient metasomatized lithospheric mantle sources. On the other hand, the tholeiitic basalts show normal mid-oceanic-ridge basalt-like rare earth element patterns and positive zircon Hf isotope compositions, which reflect the partial melting of a depleted asthenosphere. Given the “intraplate-type” sedimentary, tectonic deformation, and metamorphic signatures across South China, we conclude that these planar-distributed basaltic-andesitic rocks were associated with the activation of the lithospheric mantle and asthenosphere, which occurred in a postorogenic tectonic environment rather than a subduction-related arc regime. Therefore, all geological facts and data patterns favor the Wuyi-Yunkai orogen as a typical intracontinental orogen. Moreover, the Indochina and South China blocks display comparable early Paleozoic faunas and sedimentary records, while the early Paleozoic Tam Ky−Phuoc Son Suture has been identified in Central Indochina. The timing of orogenesis in South China (ca. 460−440 Ma) overlaps with the pre-450 Ma accretionary orogeny in the Central Indochina Block. Therefore, we propose a geodynamic model of linked South China and Indochina blocks in the northern margin of Gondwana, with the geodynamic stress of the Wuyi-Yunkai orogeny derived from a subduction-collision event in Central Indochina. The Wuyi-Yunkai orogen is thus an intracontinental orogen resulting from the far-field effects of plate tectonics.
Supplemental Material: Aseismic creep and strain partitioning accommodating the Nubia-Eurasia oblique convergence in northern Africa from InSAR analysis
Authors: Viltres Renier , al. et
Published: January 2025

Detailed information on the data processing workflow and modeling  leading to our results and conclusions. 
Supplemental Material: Terminal subduction processes of the Paleo-Asian Ocean: Insights from podiform chromitites in the Solonker suture zone, southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Fu Dong , al. et
Published: January 2025

Supplemental Tables contain mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry, and compiled regional geochronological data of magmatic rocks and ophiolites.
Cryptic to conventional cytogenetics: Philadelphia-like ALL presenting with hypereosinophilia
Authors: Chahine Zena , Yenwong Fai Leonard , Wei Sainan , Qasrawi Ayman
Published: January 2025

BCR::ABL1-like B-lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) neoplasms lack the BCR::ABL1 translocation but have a gene expression profile like BCR::ABL1 positive B-ALL. This includes alterations in cytokine receptors and signalling genes, such asCRLF2, ABL1, ABL2, JAK2, PDGFRBandEPOR. Cases with CRLF2 rearrangements account for approximately 50% of cases of Philadelphia-like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph-like ALL), and the frequency of specific genomic lesions varies with ethnicity such that IGH::CRLF2 translocations are more common in Hispanics and Native Americans.

We report two cases of BCR::ABL1-like ALL, with significant eosinophilia. A Hispanic man in his early 20s and a Hispanic woman in her 50s presented with leukocytosis and eosinophilia. Bone marrow flow cytometry revealed lymphoblasts expressing CD19, CD10, partial CD20, CD22, CD79a, CD38, CD34, TdT and HLA-DR. Examination of the bone marrow biopsy and aspirate exhibited a hypercellular bone marrow with increased blasts and elevated eosinophils. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) demonstrated a cryptic chromosomal rearrangement between the X chromosome and chromosome 14 at breakpoints involving IGH at 14q32 and CRLF2 at Xp22.33, t(X;14)(p22.33; q32).

These findings confirmed the diagnosis of BCR::ABL1-like B-ALL with IGH::CRLF2 rearrangement. One patient (man) attained complete remission with induction therapy using the paediatric CALGB 10403 protocol, while the other patient (woman) had a poor outcome after receiving a hyper-fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone regimen. These two cases demonstrate an unusual presentation of BCR::ABL1-like B-ALL and emphasise the importance of appropriate cytogenetic studies for correct diagnosis. When treated with conventional chemotherapy, these cases carry a poor prognosis and might require allogeneic transplantation.
Concurrent pilonidal sinus of the nape of the neck and sacrococcygeal region
Authors: Hiremath Bharati , Khurana Sanyam , Nandakumar B M
Published: January 2025

The most common site for a pilonidal sinus is the sacrococcygeal region, typically affecting hirsute males. Hair entrapment beneath the skin triggers a granulomatous reaction, leading to the formation of a sinus tract. Here, we present a rare case of concurrent pilonidal abscess in both the nape of the neck and the natal cleft. To date, only five similar cases have been reported in the literature, making this presentation unique.

The patient, in his mid-30s, presented with recurrent swelling and discharging sinuses in both the nape of the neck and the intergluteal region. The surgical intervention included excision of the sinus tract in the neck and wide local excision with Limberg flap reconstruction in the sacrococcygeal region.

One year post-surgery, the patient showed complete healing with no recurrence observed during follow-up.
Pseudoprecocious puberty and gynaecomastia as presenting features of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Authors: Kelleher Karen J , Glackin Sinead , Brady Jennifer J , O'Connell Susan M
Published: January 2025

A boy in mid-childhood presented with right-sided gynaecomastia, which was excised. He represented and, on review by endocrinology, Tanner staging showed stage 2 left-sided glandular breast tissue and some features of virilisation. His testicular volumes remained prepubertal (3 mL). Testicular ultrasound demonstrated irregular echogenic foci bilaterally, and mucosal freckling was noted. A genetic panel confirmed a de novoSTK11variant, pathogenic for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). Aromatase inhibition was chosen in preference to left-sided mastectomy. His growth velocity and bone age stabilised, and left-sided breast budding reduced in size. He continues to have a good cosmetic outcome with preserved height potential 5 years later. In this case, to date, treatment with an aromatase inhibitor has negated the need for further surgery. Pseudopuberty in boys with PJS can lead to a diagnostic and treatment challenge. We present a recent case and review the evolving treatment standards and diagnostic strategies.
Chronic pulmonary silicone embolism after breast implant rupture: an underdiagnosed cause of acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia?
Authors: Vieira Gomes Catia , Coquoz Nicolas , Vervier Jeanne , Yerly Stephane , Bridevaux Pierre-Olivier
Published: January 2025

A woman in her mid-70s presented with worsening dyspnoea, cough and fatigue initially treated for pneumonia. Despite antibiotics, her condition deteriorated, prompting further investigation. Medical history included previous breast implants, the latter of which had ruptured years earlier and was subsequently removed prior to the current presentation. Imaging revealed bilateral lung consolidations and lymphadenopathy. Bronchoalveolar lavage indicated macrophagic alveolitis, while biopsies showed chronic inflammation and the presence of silicone. Diagnosis of chronic pulmonary silicone embolism was made, a rare condition linked to the migration of silicone particles into the lungs, causing inflammation. Treatment involved corticosteroids, leading to symptom resolution. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of silicone pneumonitis, which can manifest years after implant rupture and removal. Clinicians should be aware of this condition to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, as symptoms may persist even after implant removal due to irreversible lung fibrosis.