bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The empowering influence of air-liquid interface culture on skin organoid hair follicle development
Authors: Sun Jane , Ahmed Imaan , Brown Jason , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Shafiee Abbas
Published: January 2025

Background

Rodent models have been widely used to investigate skin development, but do not account for significant differences in composition compared to human skin. On the other hand, two-dimensional and three-dimensional engineered skin models still lack the complex features of human skin such as appendages and pigmentation. Recently, hair follicle containing skin organoids (SKOs) with a stratified epidermis, and dermis layer have been generated as floating spheres from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).

Methods

The current study aims to investigate the generation of hiPSCs-derived SKOs using an air-liquid interface (ALI) model on transwell membranes (T-SKOs) and compares their development with conventional floating culture in low-attachment plates (F-SKOs).

Results

Mature SKOs containing an epidermis, dermis, and appendages are created in both T-SKO and F-SKO conditions. It was found that the hair follicles are smaller and shorter in the F-SKO compared with T-SKOs. Additionally, the ALI conditions contribute to enhanced hair follicle numbers than conventional floating culture.

Conclusions

Together, this study demonstrates the significant influence of transwell culture on the morphogenesis of hair follicles within SKOs and highlights the potential for refinement of skin model engineering for advancing dermatology and skin research.
An aortic root abscess mimic identified by multi-disciplinary imaging review: a case report
Authors: Caceres Juan , Sulaiman Abdulbaset , Edwards Mark , Zhou Shiwei , Kurz Sarah , Raglow Zoe , Hamilton Barbara , Harris Andrew W
Published: January 2025

Background

While echocardiography and cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) can aid in the diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), post-operative changes can lead to false-positive imaging findings. We report a case of a patient with an aortic valve prosthesis with remnant BioGlue deposits mimicking a para-valvular abscess on imaging in the setting of suspected PVE.

Case summary

A 67-year-old man presented with 2 days of fever, chills, and altered mentation. He had a history of two prior aortic root replacements—19 and 4 years prior to his presentation. He had blood cultures that were persistently positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Initial transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was notable for a thickening of the posterior aortic root thought to be consistent with post-surgical changes. Cardiac PET showed significant uptake around the prosthetic aortic valve, concerning for a para-valvular abscess. However, given the patient’s high risk for re-do surgery, clearance of blood cultures, and preserved valve function, our multi-disciplinary endocarditis team (MET) recommended non-surgical management and close follow-up. After 6 weeks of appropriate antibiotics, a TEE demonstrated concern for an evolving para-valvular abscess. The MET performed extensive review of his prior surgical interventions and cardiac imaging, revealing the previous use of surgical BioGlue and stability in the aortic root on imaging, consistent with non-infectious post-surgical changes, and conservative management was recommended.

Discussion

Thorough review of prior interventions and serial imaging in patients with suspected PVE through a multi-disciplinary team approach is essential in elucidating the complete, often complex, clinical picture and recommending the most appropriate management.
Systemic Glucose Homeostasis Requires Pancreatic but Not Neuronal ATP-sensitive Potassium Channels
Authors: Li Athena H , Tsai Wen-Sheng , Tsai Wen-Hao , Yang Shi-Bing
Published: January 2025

The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, composed of Kir6.2 and sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) subunits, are essential for glucose homeostasis. While the role of pancreatic KATP channels in regulating insulin secretion is well-documented, the specific contributions of neuronal KATP channels remain unclear due to challenges in precisely targeting neuronal subpopulations. In this study, we utilized a Kir6.2 conditional knockout mouse model to distinguish the roles of KATP channels in different cell types. Our findings demonstrate that deletion of neuronal KATP channels does not impair glucose homeostasis, as glucose-sensing neurons retained their responsiveness despite the absence of functional KATP channels. In contrast, the deletion of KATP channels in pancreatic β cells led to significant hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance, indicating unstable blood glucose levels under varying physiological conditions. Importantly, we showed that restoring KATP channel function exclusively in pancreatic β cells within a global Kir6.2 knockout background effectively reversed glucose regulation defects. This underscores the critical role of pancreatic KATP channels in maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis. Our results challenge the previous hypothesis that neuronal KATP channels are essential for glucose regulation, suggesting that their primary function may be neuroprotective rather than homeostatic. These findings highlight pancreatic KATP channels as key regulators of glucose balance and potential therapeutic targets for correcting glucose dysregulation.
Effect of sodium alginate-bentonite nanocomposite films enriched with Satureja hortensis essential oil on extending shelf-life of rainbow trout fillets
Authors: Baran Alper , Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa , Gelen Sevda Urcar
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the effects of Satureja hortensis essential oil (SHEO)-enriched sodium alginate-bentonite nanocomposite films on the quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets during 15 days of refrigerated storage at 4 ± 1 °C, with analyses conducted on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 15. Five film formulations were prepared: sodium alginate alone (C), sodium alginate with bentonite nanoclay (CN), and sodium alginate combined with SHEO at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% concentrations (CN0.5, CN1, CN1.5). SHEO addition improved film properties, with thickness increasing from 0.225 ± 0.013 cm in the control to 0.245 ± 0.014 cm in CN1.5 and tensile strength peaking at 5.37 ± 0.15 MPa in CN0.5. The CN1.5 group exhibited superior preservation effects, maintaining total viable counts at 4.58 log CFU/g compared to 6.88 log CFU/g in the control by day 15. Pseudomonas spp., coliforms, lactic acid bacteria, and psychrotrophic bacterial counts were significantly reduced. Lipid oxidation was minimized, with TBARS values of 0.8 mg MDA/kg in CN1.5 compared to 2.38 mg MDA/kg in the control. Additionally, TVB-N levels were maintained at 15.4 mg N/100 g in CN1.5, while they reached 28.4 mg N/100 g in the control. These results highlight the potential of SHEO-enriched sodium alginate-bentonite nanocomposite films, particularly CN1.5, in extending the freshness and shelf life of rainbow trout fillets under refrigerated conditions.
Use of potassium hydroxide as a source of nutrients in the composition of food supplements
Authors: Zovi Andrea , Ferrara Francesco
Published: January 2025

In recent years, diet and nutrition have become a primary focus of public health worldwide. Food supplements (FS), used to complement common diets, are a significant and highly marketed category of food products. This has positioned healthcare professionals and public decision makers to play critical roles in their distribution and monitoring. Following a serious case of intoxication due to the ingestion of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a nutrient source in a food supplement, technical opinion has been applied to admissible levels of vitamins and minerals in such products. KOH, known for its high potential Hydrogen (pH) and caustic properties, poses safety risks if not properly diluted. EU Regulation 1169/2011 stipulates minimum significant quantities for nutrients, including potassium, which must not exceed certain levels to ensure safety. The use of KOH as the sole potassium source in the form of powders has been shown to create strong alkalinity, posing risks when dissolved in water for human consumption. Safer alternative potassium forms are available for food supplements. This underscores the need for continuous regulatory oversight and greater involvement of healthcare professionals to ensure consumer safety, given the broad variability in supplement formulations and their increasing market share.
Association Between Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections: A Population Study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2016
Authors: Liu Chuqi , Guo Yongzhen , Wang Lulu , Guo Ruixia , Lei Dongmei
Published: January 2025

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer, with 14 subtypes classified as high-risk HPV (HR-HPV). Despite the availability of vaccines, certain regions still experience limited access. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), a common sexually transmitted infection, is hypothesized to increase the risk of HR-HPV infections. This study aims to individually analyze whether HSV-2 infection increases the risk of each HR-HPV infection in a representative sample of American adults.

Methods

Data were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2016, involving 4076 female participants. The study utilized logistic regression to estimate the link between HSV-2 infection and HR-HPV infection. We also conducted a stratified analysis to evaluate the impact of HSV-2 on HR-HPV infection in different subgroups.

Results

After adjustment, the odds of having HR-HPV infection were 1.46 (95% CI, 1.24–1.71) for those with HSV-2 infection. Moreover, women with HSV-2 infection had higher odds of HPV-18 (odds ratio, 3.01; 95% CI, 2.05–4.41) and HPV-58 (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.52–3.32) infection even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The results remain significant in subgroup analysis and in the interaction test.

Conclusions

The study found a significant association between HSV-2 infection and HR-HPV infection, particularly with HPV-18 and HPV-58, highlighting the importance of preventing HSV infection and advocating for early vaccination with an HPV vaccine for those vulnerable to HSV infection. Further prospective studies are needed to validate causal associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
A Step Toward Formalising Visual Data Analysis Practices in Human Computer Interaction
Authors: Sturdee Miriam
Published: January 2025

Visual data is an integral part of qualitative research, yet it is not always clear to researchers how to use or interpret it once gathered. Existing methods for qualitative data analysis largely rely on textual approaches such as thematic analysis, or grounded theory. Open coding is a term that is frequently used to describe a analysis that follows a logical—yet undocumented—process, but these can often be applied ad hoc, and are necessarily created after the fact of data collection. Researchers often develop their own ways of interrogating visual data, but can struggle to prove the legitimacy of not employing an existing approach. This article outlines a proven and replicable process for the analysis of static visual imagery that has been developed by the author and utilised together with research collaborators over a seven year period. The approach, which I call Annotated Visual Analysis (AVA), can be used for sketched or artistic data from participants or in first person, subjective research, in order to generate insight, gather requirements or confirm hypotheses. Here, I outline five case studies using the approach in differing contexts, in order to demonstrate its applicability, and outline the process and guidelines so that other researchers might employ the method. I also discuss the need for other researchers using visual methods to share and consolidate their forms of analysis to develop knowledge for use by others in the field.
Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Wean and Risk of Exposure in a Large Total Body Surface Area Burn Wound Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Lautenslager Lauren A , Cullom Melissa E , Bedgood Deidra B , Boyd Allison N , Spera Leigh J
Published: January 2025

Burn injuries in patients with significant preexisting medical conditions provide unique challenges in both medical management and surgical planning. Spasticity, if left untreated, can be one of the most disabling consequences of a neurologic injury. Treatment is largely dependent on pharmacologic management with antispasmodic agents such as baclofen. Baclofen’s effectiveness when taken orally is often limited by its systemic side effects, which mostly affect the CNS. Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) can circumvent these intolerable adverse effects while achieving symptom relief via a more targeted therapeutic route. However, abrupt cessation of chronic baclofen use can precipitate an acute life-threatening withdrawal syndrome. We present a case of a 47-year-old female who sustained 54% TBSA full-thickness flame burns to the circumferential bilateral lower extremities, left arm, left anterior and posterior trunk, flank, and perineum. She had a premorbid C5 spinal cord injury resulting in spastic paraplegia for which she had an ITB pump implanted into her left abdominal wall for symptom management. This pump was directly beneath her operative burn wounds. We discuss the complex issues that were encountered throughout her care related to medication reservoir supply, life-threatening risk of baclofen withdrawal, pain-specialist availability, medical-legal barriers, and the multi-staged surgical plan for coverage, balancing proper wound debridement with risk of device exposure and infection. To our knowledge, this is the only case report detailing the cohort of obstacles that may be associated with these devices, specifically with burn patients.
Latitudinal variation in leaf functional traits of an invasive salt-marsh plant and its relationship with growth performance
Authors: Guo Yangping , Chen Xincong , Wu Fujia , Liu Wenwen , Zhang Yihui
Published: January 2025

Leaf functional traits reveal the ecological strategies of plants and affect growth and distribution. Variation in leaf traits was usually documented across species in terrestrial ecosystems, studying in wetlands can advance the understanding about leaf trait variation along environmental gradients. Intraspecific study contributes to explore trait variation and underlying mechanism. Marine coastal wetlands have become hot spots for studying trait variation. Invasive Spartina alterniflora distributed along China’s coastline, is an ideal species for studying leaf traits variation. We determined geographical variation and abiotic drivers in six leaf functional traits, and explored the roles of phenotypic plasticity and genetic differentiation through a 2-year common garden experiment. We detected relationships between leaf traits and growth performance in field and common garden. All leaf traits exhibited significant geographical variation, which were affected by both climatic and sedimentary variables. Common garden experiment exhibited the trait-dependent response, different leaf traits showed various degrees of plastic response or genetic differentiation. Variation in leaf size, leaf thickness, and specific leaf area displayed genetic differentiation, while variation in leaf density and leaf dry matter content exhibited plastic response. Leaf size and thickness positively correlated with growth performance in field and common garden. Our study advances the understanding about leaf trait variation in the terrestrial ecosystems. Multiple abiotic variables shape the latitudinal patterns in leaf traits. Resource acquisition at high latitudes in the northern hemisphere contributes to great growth performance of S. alterniflora, which might promote expansion northward, whereas the resource conservation at low latitudes might hinder expansion southward.
SN 2023xwi: Forbidden line emission in the peak spectrum of a Ca-strong transient
Authors: Touchard-Paxton C-G , Frohmaier C , Pursiainen M , Sullivan M , Polin A , Dimitriadis G , Galbany L , Killestein T L , Kumar A , Lyman J
Published: January 2025

We present an extensive optical photometric and spectroscopic investigation into the calcium-rich supernova (SN) – SN2023xwi. Observations from a variety of ground-based telescopes follow the SN from 8 days pre-peak brightness to 87 days post-peak, covering both early-time (photospheric) and late-time (nebular) phases of the supernova. Objects of this class are characterised by nebular spectra that are dominated by [Ca II] λλ 7291, 7324 emission. SN 2023xwi displays a unique peculiarity in that its forbidden [Ca II] feature is visible in its peak photospheric spectrum – far earlier than expected in current models. This is one of the strongest and earliest detections of this feature in Ca-rich SNe in photospheric-phase spectra. We investigate the velocity evolution of this spectral feature and show that it cannot be easily explained by conventional progenitor systems. From our observations, we propose a SN progenitor embedded in an environment polluted by a recurrent He-nova AM CVn system.
Characteristics of clinics offering non-traditional Lyme disease therapies in Lyme endemic states of the US
Authors: Sakizadeh Jason R , Rothenberger Meghan K , Alpern Jonathan D
Published: January 2025

In this cross-sectional analysis, we analyzed 117 US clinics in Lyme endemic states that provide non-traditional care for Lyme disease. We found that unproven therapies are routinely offered, and some therapies raise safety concerns. The cost of care can be high, which may lead to significant out-of-pocket expenditures for patients.
Strategic tips to successfully undertake research: a comprehensive roadmap for medical trainees
Authors: Akefe Isaac Oluwatobi , Adegoke Victoria Aderonke , Akefe Elijah
Published: January 2025

Engaging in research during medical training is crucial for fostering critical thinking, enhancing clinical skills, and deepening understanding of medical science. Despite its importance, the shortage of physician-scientists lingers with many trainees and junior doctors encountering challenges navigating the research process. Drawing on current literature, this article provides a comprehensive roadmap, categorising 12 actionable strategies into five themes, to help medical trainees overcome common obstacles and optimise their research experience. The strategies include early planning, research conduct and integrity, productivity and time management, collaboration and dissemination, and personal growth and development. By implementing these evidence-based recommendations, derived from current literature and expert insights, medical trainees can refine their research skills, produce high-quality outputs, and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, ultimately enriching their medical training and future careers.
What Factors Inform Decisions about Where to Submit High-Quality Scholarship? A National Sample of Social Work Faculty Share Their Perspectives
Authors: Hodge David R , Yu Mansoo
Published: January 2025

Social work journals are essential repositories of the profession’s disciplinary knowledge, but some commentators suggest social work faculty may prioritize sending their best work to extradisciplinary journals. This mixed-methods study examined the propensity of faculty to submit their scholarship to disciplinary rather than extradisciplinary periodicals, and the factors or rationales that informed their respective decisions. To conduct this cross-sectional investigation, a national sample of tenure-track faculty (N = 270) affiliated with PhD conferring programs was employed. In addition to computing descriptive analyses, qualitative analysis was used to understand the factors that contribute to the selection of either disciplinary or extradisciplinary outlets. Among the 29% of faculty who prioritized sending their high-quality work to social work periodicals, the key themes that informed the selection process included goodness of fit with a journal’s aims and readership; a desire to support social work knowledge; and a journal’s impact factor, reputation, and overall publishing speed. For the 70% who prioritized extradisciplinary periodicals, the themes were goodness of fit with a journal’s aims and readership, impact factor, reputation, the quality of the reviews, increased rigor, and more extensive indexing. The findings raise important questions about the future of the profession’s knowledge base.
Prevalence of Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 Positive Critically Ill Children
Authors: Fonseca Yudy , Davies Alise , Jarrin Stephanie , Simon Liliana , Foster Cortney , Kai Sun , Bhutta Adnan
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in children admitted to critical care diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.

DESIGN:

Retrospective database study.

SETTING:

Data reported to the Virtual Pediatric Systems, 2018–2021.

PATIENTS:

Patients 28 days to younger than 18 years old, admitted to a PICU with either PE or COVID-19 diagnoses.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Among the PE-positive subgroups, from January 2020 to December 2021, 78 patients (14%) had an acute COVID-19 infection. The prevalence of PE pre-pandemic period (2018–2019) was 0.19% and for pandemic period (2020–2021) was 0.26% (p < 0.001). During the pandemic period, the prevalence of PE for COVID-negative patients was 0.21% and for COVID-positive patients was 1.01% (p < 0.001). The result shows that the chance to develop PE for COVID-positive patients is 4.8 times that for COVID-negative patients during the pandemic. In the subgroup of the PE-positive patients, 55.1% were Black or African American in the COVID-positive group and 19% in the COVID-negative group (p < 0.001). A multivariable logistic regression showed that race was an independent risk factor for COVID in PE-positive patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study demonstrates a significant increase in the prevalence of PE among pediatric patients admitted to PICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with pre-pandemic. Our study indicates that COVID-positive patients are 4.8 times more likely to develop PE than COVID-negative patients. Additionally, the study highlights substantial racial disparities in the prevalence of PE, with Black or African American patients being disproportionately affected.
Neuroprotective effects of hypidone hydrochloride (YL-0919) after traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Zhang Yue , Bai Yafan , Hou Xiaojuan , Yang Yixin , Ma Hui , Wang Guyan , Li Yunfeng
Published: January 2025

Background:

Neurological dysfunction is a common complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and early treatments are critical for the long-term prognosis. This study aimed to investigate whether hypidone hydrochloride (YL-0919) improves neurological function impairment in mice with TBI.

Methods:

TBI was induced in adult male C57BL/6J mice using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) method. First, the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), rotarod test, and Morris water maze (MWM) test were conducted to assess the impact of YL-0919 on neurological function in mice with TBI. Next, immunofluorescence and laser speckle contrast imaging were utilized to measure the number and activation of microglia and cerebral blood flow (CBF) after TBI. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were employed to assess the inflammatory factors. Finally, Western blotting was performed to measure the expression of proteins. Golgi–Cox staining was utilized to investigate the structure of pyramidal neurons.

Results:

YL-0919 significantly alleviated neurological dysfunction in TBI+YL-0919 mice compared with TBI+Vehicle mice, increased the time spent on the rotarod (F = 1.297, P <0.05), and partially relieved cognitive dysfunction in TBI mice (for mNSS, F = 5.540, P <0.01; for MWM test, F = 30.78, P <0.05). Additionally, YL-0919 effectively inhibited the proliferation and activation of microglia (both P <0.01), promoted the recovery of CBF around the brain injury site and inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (F = 9.142, P <0.05) and IL-1β (F = 4.662, P <0.05), and increased the concentration of IL-4 (F = 5.172, P <0.05). Furthermore, continuous gavage of YL-0919 (2.5 mg/kg) for seven days effectively increased the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promoted the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), increased postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synapsin1 levels, and increased the neuronal dendritic complexity and the dendritic spine density around the brain injury site (all P <0.05).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicated that YL-0919 can ameliorate neurological dysfunction in mice after TBI through the suppression of inflammation and the stimulation of the BDNF-mTOR signaling pathway. These findings provide an insightful perspective on the potential pharmacological mechanism involved in the neuroprotective effect of YL-0919.
Unraveling the chains: Exploring the impact of ownership on administrator turnover in nursing homes
Authors: Pradhan Rohit , Ghiasi Akbar , Orewa Gregory , Gupta Shivani , Weech-Maldonado Robert
Published: January 2025

Background

Leadership instability in nursing homes marked by high administrator turnover threatens the well-being of vulnerable residents. Although numerous factors have been implicated, the role of ownership remains unexplored.

Purposes

Based upon the tenets from institutional theory and strategic management theory, the primary goal of this study was to examine the impact of ownership on administrator turnover.

Methodology/Approach

Data were derived from different sources: LTCFocus.org, Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System, and Area Health Resources Files (2021–2022). The dependent variable was administrator turnover categorized as follows: 0 = no administrators left, 1 = one administrator left, and 2 = two or more administrators left. The primary independent variable was ownership/chain affiliation categorized as four possible interactions of for-profit (FP) status and chain affiliation: not-for-profit (NFP) independent, FP independent, NFP chain, and FP chain. An ordinal logistic regression model was used, and predicted turnover probabilities were calculated across the four ownership categories.

Results

The primary hypothesis was supported and compared to NFP independent, FP chain, FP independent, and NFP chain nursing homes that exhibited approximately 2.3, 1.7, and 1.4 times higher odds of administrator turnover. Predicted probabilities confirmed these trends: FP chain nursing homes had the lowest retention, with a 42% probability of no turnover, 32% for one administrator leaving, and 26% for two or more leaving. In contrast, NFP independent facilities had the highest retention rates, with a 62% chance of no turnover, 25% for one leaving, and 13% for two or more. Differences between groups were statistically significant (p < .001).

Conclusion

FP chain ownership was associated with the highest administrator turnover rates, whereas NFP facilities experienced the lowest. FP independent and NFP chain homes had intermediate probabilities of administrator turnover.

Practice Implications

Tailoring management strategies to the specific ownership structure may reduce administrator turnover and ensure consistent resident care.
Multicentric Castleman’s Disease presenting with bilateral panuveitis
Authors: Murta Afonso , Mota Catarina , Cunha Bruna , Alves Nuno Rodrigues , Saunders Christopher , Pinheiro Sofia , Costa Lívio , Anjos Rita
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

To report a rare case of Multicentric Castleman’s Disease presenting with bilateral panuveitis.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 65-years-old caucasian man presented with progressive blurred vision in both eyes for two weeks, along with weight loss, polyarthralgias and reduced muscle strength persisting for about a year. Examination revealed bilateral panuveitis after intraocular lymphoma being initially considered. CT scans showed multiple lymph node enlargements suggestive of lymphoproliferative disorder. Excisional biopsy of an axillary lymph node confirmed the diagnosis of plasmacytic type Castleman’s disease. Treatment was started with topical dexamethasone and tropicamide for anterior chamber inflammation, followed by oral prednisolone. After definitive diagnosis, treatment with siltuximab was initiated, which led to significant improvement in panuveitis and systemic symptoms. The patient became off corticosteroids and continued on siltuximab with stable visual acuity and low-grade vitritis.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge we described the first case in which the diagnosis of Multicentric Castleman’s Disease was established through the investigation of bilateral panuveitis, which was successfully managed with corticosteroids and siltuximab.
Outcomes and challenges in adolescents living with HIV in France: a nationwide cohort study over 35 years (1985-2020)
Authors: Dollfus Catherine , Chenadec Jérôme LE , Reliquet Véronique , Alby-Laurent Fanny , Brehin Camille , Caseris Marion , Runel-Belliard Camille , Blanche Stéphane , Warszawski Josiane , Faye Albert , Frange Pierre
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Most data published on adolescents living with HIV (ALH) have been collected before the large diffusion of second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) among the pediatric population. We analyzed the nationwide ANRS-MIE CO10 Pediatric cohort to assess the changes over time in health and social outcomes of French ALH.

Design:

The cohort enrolled children born in France since 1985 and, from 2005, children diagnosed with HIV at ≤13 years, including those born abroad if antiretroviral-naive at first medical care in France.

Methods:

Adolescents aged ≥10 years at their last visit were included in this analysis. Their characteristics were compared between three periods of birth (1985-1993, 1994–1999, 2000–2010).

Results:

Overall, 529 ALH were included. Their median age at first HAART initiation decreased from 94 to 29 months (p < 0·0001). At the last evaluation, the proportions of ALH receiving HAART, receiving INSTI, having HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL and having CD4 count ≥500/μL increased over time (p < 0.0001), reaching 98·7%, 53·3%, 81·3% and 85·0%, respectively, for those born in 2000–2010. The proportion of maternal and paternal orphans decreased until 14·4% and 11·0%, respectively, for ALH born recently. Compared to middle adolescents (15–17 years) born in 1994–1999, those born in 2000–2010 demonstrated higher academic success (69·2% versus 42·3%) and less frequent academic failure (4·6% versus 6·2%).

Conclusions:

Despite spectacular improvement in their health and immunovirological status, ALH remain vulnerable compared to other French adolescents, with a higher risk of being orphan and/or experiencing academic failure. Specific interventions are required to improve their global quality of life.
Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Implant Prosthesis After Mandibular Reconstruction by Upper Distal Free Double-Barrel Fibula
Authors: Su Ming , Wu Shifeng , Sun Haibin , Yang Yang , Xu Ning , Han Zhengxue
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the biomechanics of implant prostheses and peri-implant bone among 6 different mandibular reconstruction models based on patient data involving the use of an upper free-end double-barrel fibula.

Methods:

This study was an observational study. Five models were reconstructed using fibular-supported and implant-supported partial dentures. Two of these models were double-barrel fibula models with different gaps between the upper and lower segments. The other 2 were single-layered fibular models (the fibula was placed at the inferior or superior mandibular borders). The fifth model was a double-barrel fibula with a free distal end on the upper segment. In addition, a typical mandibular model was created for comparison. Two fixed partial-denture models were used in this study. The von Mises stress and strain of the models were analyzed.

Results:

The maximum stress decreased with increasing gap between the upper and lower fibula. The distal free-end double-barrel fibula showed a potential to reduce the maximum stress around the implant apex while increasing it around the implant neck compared with a fixed distal-end double-barrel fibula.

Conclusions:

Utilizing a free distal end on the upper fibula may be a viable option for mandibular reconstruction, especially when the fibula length is limited.
Reconstructing dinosaur locomotion
Authors: Falkingham Peter L.
Published: January 2025

Dinosaur locomotor biomechanics are of major interest. Locomotion of an animal affects many, if not most, aspects of life reconstruction, including behaviour, performance, ecology and appearance. Yet locomotion is one aspect of non-avian dinosaurs that we cannot directly observe. To shed light on how dinosaurs moved, we must draw from multiple sources of evidence. Extant taxa provide the basic principles of locomotion, bracket soft-tissue reconstructions and provide validation data for methods and hypotheses applied to dinosaurs. The skeletal evidence itself can be used directly to reconstruct posture, range of motion and mass (segment and whole-body). Building on skeletal reconstructions, musculoskeletal models inform muscle function and form the basis of simulations to test hypotheses of locomotor performance. Finally, fossilized footprints are our only direct record of motion and can provide important snapshots of extinct animals, shedding light on speed, gait and posture. Building confident reconstructions of dinosaur locomotion requires evidence from all four sources of information. This review explores recent work in these areas, with a methodological focus.
Explaining the monoaural directional hearing of the moth
Achroia grisella
Authors: Díaz-García Lara , Reid Andrew , Windmill James F. C.
Published: January 2025

Achroia grisella
(Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a pyralid moth with two ears in its abdomen that it uses for detecting mates and predators. Despite no connection between the two ears having been found and no other elements having been observed through X-ray scans of the moth, it seems to be capable of directional hearing with just one ear when one of them is damaged. It is therefore suspected that the morphology of the eardrum can provide directional cues for sound localization. Here, we use finite element modelling software COMSOL to model a simplified version of the eardrum, an elliptical plate with two sections of different thicknesses and a mass load at the centre of the thin section, to try to determine if the morphology of the ear is responsible for the moth’s monoaural directional hearing. Results indicate that the resonance mode and directionality response of the elliptical plate with two thicknesses and a mass load match that of the moth closely and provide an enhanced response to sounds coming from the front of the moth. Damping is also considered in the resonant mode, and it is observed to improve the resemblance of the simulation to real moth ear measurements.
Accuracy and distribution of baseline categorical variables and
p
-values in spine randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bolland Mark J. , Avenell Alison , Grey Andrew
Published: January 2025

Levayer and colleagues assessed integrity issues in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in four spine journals using baseline
p
-values from categorical variables, concluding that there was no evidence of ‘systemic fraudulent behaviour’. We used their published dataset to assess the accuracy of reported
p
-values and whether observed and expected distributions of frequency counts and
p
-values were consistent. In 51 out of 929 (5.5%) baseline variables, the sum of frequencies did not agree with the reported number of participants. For one-third of reported
p
-values (172 out of 522), we could not calculate a matching
p
-value using a range of statistical tests. Sparse data were common: for 22% (74 out of 332) of variables in which the reported
p
-value matched the
p
-value calculated from a chi-square test, the expected cells were smaller than recommended for the use of chi-square tests. There were 20–25% more two-arm trials with differences in frequency counts of 1 or 2 between-groups than expected. There were small differences between observed and expected distributions of baseline
p
-values, but these depended on analysis methods. In summary, incorrectly reported
p
-values and incorrect statistical test usage were common, and there were differences between observed and expected distributions of baseline
p
-values and frequency counts, raising questions about the integrity of some RCTs in these journals.
Does a biological invasion modify host immune responses to parasite infection?
Authors: Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard , Rollins Lee A.
Published: January 2025

Biological invasions can disrupt the close and longstanding coevolved relationships between host and parasites. At the same time, the shifting selective forces acting on demography during invasion can result in rapid evolution of traits in both host and parasite. Hosts at the invasion front may reduce investment into costly immune defences and redistribute those resources to other fitness-enhancing traits. Parasites at the invasion front may have reduced pathogenicity because traits that negatively impact host dispersal are left behind in the expanding range. The host’s immune system is its primary arsenal in the coevolutionary ‘arms race’ with parasites. To assess the effects of invasion history on immune responses to parasite infection, we conducted a cross-infection experiment which paired common-garden reared cane toads and lungworm parasites originating from various sites in their invaded range across northern Australia. Infected toads had larger spleens and higher concentrations of eosinophils than did uninfected toads. Infected toads also exhibited lower bacteria-killing ability, perhaps reflecting a trade-off of resources towards defences that are more specifically anthelminthic. The impact of infection intensity on multiple immune measures differed among toads and parasites from different parts of the invasion trajectory, supporting the hypothesis that invasion has disrupted patterns of local adaptation.
Tsunami modelling over global oceans
Authors: Kolukula Siva Srinivas , Murty P. L. N. , Kumar T. Srinivasa , Ramarao E. Pattabhi , M. V Ramana Murthy
Published: January 2025

Tsunamis are massive waves generated by sudden water displacement on the ocean surface, causing devastation as they sweep across the coastlines, posing a global threat. The aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami led to the establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS). Predicting real-time tsunami heights and the resulting coastal inundation is crucial in ITEWS to safeguard the coastal communities. Global tsunamis other than those in the Indian Ocean might weaken at Indian coasts due to distance yet still cause significant damage due to local coastal morphological amplification. The current study focuses on tsunami simulations over global oceans. A finite element (FE)-based ADvanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) model is configured to the global domain to model global tsunamis accurately and efficiently. The model mesh has a spatial resolution of 2 km in the shallow waters and relaxed to 20 km in the deeper waters. Model simulations are performed for significant historical events, assessing their effect on near and far field regions. Computed results are compared with the observations, and it is found that the model’s predictions align well with the observations. The simulation results demonstrate that ADCIRC can be applied to real-time tsunami predictions due to its computational efficiency and accuracy.
Cursorial ecomorphology and temporal patterns in theropod dinosaur evolution during the mid-Cretaceous
Authors: Kubo Kohta , Kobayashi Yoshitsugu
Published: January 2025

Coelurosauria, including modern birds, represents a successful group of theropod dinosaurs that established a high taxonomic diversity and significant morphological modifications. In the evolutionary history of this group, a specialized foot morphology, the arctometatarsus, evolved independently in several lineages and has been considered an adaptation for cursoriality. While its functional significance has been extensively studied, the temporal pattern of this parallel evolution, as well as its origin and influencing factors, remains largely unresolved. Here, we show the temporal evolution of cursorial traits, including the arctometatarsus and hind limb proportions. Our study reveals that the proportional elongation of distal hind limb segments preceded the evolution of the arctometatarsus in ornithomimosaurs and oviraptorosaurs. In contrast, in tyrannosauroids, alvarezsaurs and troodontids, the proportional elongation of the tibia and metatarsals occurred in parallel with the acquisition of the arctometatarsus. The evolutionary history of the arctometatarsus further highlights the presence of a phylogenetic constraint outside Coelurosauria, as this foot specialization is restricted to members of this group. Finally, our date estimation, based on compiled evolutionary patterns, demonstrates that these cursorial traits emerged during the mid-Cretaceous (93–120 Ma), suggesting selection on theropod locomotor performance throughout this interval.
Temperature-dependent benefits and costs of cytoplasmic male sterility in snail
Physa acuta
Authors: Bererd Sophie , David Patrice , Teulier Loïc , Plénet Sandrine , Luquet Emilien
Published: January 2025

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) originates from a mito-nuclear conflict where mitochondrial genes induce male sterility and nuclear genes restore male fertility in hermaphrodites. The first observation of CMS in animals was reported recently in the freshwater snail
Physa acuta
where it is associated with two extremes divergent mitotypes D and K. The D individuals are male-steriles while male fertility is restored by nuclear genes in K and are found mixed with the most common male-fertile N mitotype in natural populations (i.e. gynodioecy). We compared male and female fitness, growth rate and metabolism between the three mitotypes at two temperatures as this factor influences CMS in gynodioecious plants via alteration of mitochondrial functioning. Temperature did not affect male sterility which depended only on the mitotype and the presence of restorers. Our results provided evidence that CMS is beneficial to female fitness in the absence of restorers while it is costly in their presence, and furthermore driven by body mass, fulfilling a key theoretical condition for the long-term maintenance of gynodioecy. Fitness benefits and costs mediated by differences in body mass are enhanced at cold temperature, suggesting that the system dynamics may vary according to thermal conditions in nature.
Lack of thermal acclimation in multiple indices of climate vulnerability in bumblebees
Authors: Poore C. L. , Ibarra-Garibay E. J. , Toth A. L. , Riddell E. A.
Published: January 2025

Indices of climate vulnerability are used to predict species’ vulnerability to climate change based on intrinsic physiological traits, such as thermal tolerance, thermal sensitivity and thermal acclimation, but rarely is the consistency among indices evaluated simultaneously. We compared the thermal physiology of queen bumblebees between a species experiencing local declines (
Bombus auricomus
) and a species exhibiting continent-wide increases (
B. impatiens
). We conducted a multi-week acclimation experiment under simulated climate warming to measure critical thermal maximum (CT
max
), critical thermal minimum (CT
min
), the thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate and water loss rate and acclimation in each of these traits. We also measured survival throughout the experiment and after the thermal tolerance trials. Neither species acclimated to the temperature treatments by adjusting any physiological trait. We found conflicting patterns among indices of vulnerability within and between species. We also found that individuals with the highest CT
max
exhibited the lowest survival following the thermal tolerance trial. Our study highlights inconsistent patterns across multiple indices of climate vulnerability within and between species, indicating that physiological studies measuring only one index of climate vulnerability may be limited in their ability to inform species’ responses to environmental change.
Parallel genetic adaptation amid a background of changing effective population sizes in divergent yellow perch (
Perca flavescens
) populations
Authors: Yin Xiaoshen , Schraidt Claire E. , Sparks Morgan M. , Euclide Peter T. , Hoyt Tyler J. , Ruetz III Carl R. , Höök Tomas O. , Christie Mark R.
Published: January 2025

Aquatic ecosystems are highly dynamic environments vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. High-economic-value fisheries are one of many ecosystem services affected by these disturbances, and it is critical to accurately characterize the genetic diversity and effective population sizes of valuable fish stocks through time. We used genome-wide data to reconstruct the demographic histories of economically important yellow perch (
Perca flavescens
) populations. In two isolated and genetically divergent populations, we provide independent evidence for simultaneous increases in effective population sizes over both historic and contemporary time scales including negative genome-wide estimates of Tajima’s D, 3.1 times more single nucleotide polymorphisms than adjacent populations, and contemporary effective population sizes that have increased 10- and 47-fold from their minimum, respectively. The excess of segregating sites and negative Tajima’s D values probably arose from mutations accompanying historic population expansions with insufficient time for purifying selection, whereas linkage disequilibrium-based estimates of
Ne
also suggest contemporary increases that may have been driven by reduced fishing pressure or environmental remediation. We also identified parallel, genetic adaptation to reduced visual clarity in the same two habitats. These results suggest that the synchrony of key ecological and evolutionary processes can drive parallel demographic and evolutionary trajectories across independent populations.
Responsiveness to cold snaps by turtle embryos depends on exposure timing and duration
Authors: Warren Clinton R. , Breitenbach Anthony T. , Bowden Rachel M. , Paitz Ryan T.
Published: January 2025

Characterizing how organisms respond to transient temperatures may further our understanding of their susceptibility to climate change. Past studies in the freshwater turtle,
Trachemys scripta
, have demonstrated that the timing and duration of heat waves can have major implications for the response of genes involved in gonadal development and the production of female hatchlings. Yet, no study has considered how the response of these genes to transient cold snap exposure may affect gonadal development and the production of males. We investigated how cold snap timing affects gonadal gene expression in
T. scripta
embryos and how the duration of an early cold snap influences the resulting hatchling sex ratios. Results show that responsiveness to cold changes rapidly across development, such that genes that responded when exposure began on incubation day 14 responded differently when exposure occurred just four or eight days later. Sex ratio data revealed that embryos experiencing an early cold snap also require a long exposure (>20 days) before most commit to testis development, suggesting that warm baseline temperatures may lower their sensitivity to later cold snap exposures. These results highlight how individual responses to incubation temperature can change rapidly across development in turtles and have important effects on sex ratios.