bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Politics of Dutch Climate Change Mitigation Policy
Authors: Groen Lisanne , Huitema Dave
Published: January 2025

This chapter considers the political dynamics of Dutch climate policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The main question that this chapter answers is: how have these policies evolved since the 1980s, and how can the developmental pattern be understood and explained? The authors conclude that in the political and bureaucratic arenas where climate policy is made, economic interests have often received greater weight than sustainability concerns. Although the Dutch made a fast start and were an important actor internationally, implementation of lofty goals has been and continues to be the Achilles heel of Dutch climate policy. More recently, the Dutch courts have become more active in this domain and have effectively required greater levels of government activity. At present, there is less disagreement about the goals that need to be attained, but polarization is still evident regarding the concrete policies to be introduced to achieve these goals.
International and Domestic Security Policy in the Netherlands
Authors: Koops Joachim A. , Muller Erwin R. , Bakker Edwin
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines the policy field of and scholarship on Dutch security policy in both the domestic and international contexts. It focuses on two core subsectors: national security approaches to tackling terrorism and the Dutch approach to external security (in relation to its role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union, and United Nations (UN) security policies). On the former, it documents evolution from the rude awakening to the realities of terrorism that the Dutch experienced in the 1970s, when the country experienced several traumatic episodes, and responses had to be largely improvised, to the institutionalized, multifaceted, institutionally complex, and internationally embedded ‘broad approach’ of the present era. On the latter, it reviews the evolution of the Dutch engagement with NATO, the European Common Defence and Security Policy, and the UN’s peacekeeping operations.
Dating the bacterial tree of life based on ancient symbiosis
Authors: Wang Sishuo , Luo Haiwei
Published: January 2025

Obtaining a timescale for bacterial evolution is crucial to understand early life evolution but is difficult owing to the scarcity of bacterial fossils. Here, we introduce multiple new time constraints to calibrate bacterial evolution based on ancient symbiosis. This idea is implemented using a bacterial tree constructed with genes found in the mitochondrial lineages phylogenetically embedded within Proteobacteria. The expanded mitochondria-bacterial tree allows the node age constraints of eukaryotes established by their abundant fossils to be propagated to ancient co-evolving bacterial symbionts and across the bacterial tree of life. Importantly, we formulate a new probabilistic framework that considers uncertainty in inference of the ancestral lifestyle of modern symbionts to apply 19 relative time constraints (RTC) each informed by host-symbiont association to constrain bacterial symbionts no older than their eukaryotic host. Moreover, we develop an approach to incorporating substitution mixture models that better accommodate substitutional saturation and compositional heterogeneity for dating deep phylogenies. Our analysis estimates that the last bacterial common ancestor (LBCA) occurred approximately 4.0-3.5 billion years ago (Ga), followed by rapid divergence of major bacterial clades. It is generally robust to alternative root ages, root positions, tree topologies, fossil ages, ancestral lifestyle reconstruction, gene sets, among other factors. The obtained timetree serves as a foundation for testing hypotheses regarding bacterial diversification and its correlation with geobiological events across different timescales.
Comparison of transcutaneous bilirubin under patch-covered skin with total serum bilirubin in neonates undergoing phototherapy
Authors: Charan Krishna , Chaurasia Suman , Priyadarshi Mayank , Singh Poonam , Naithani Manisha , Bhat Nowneet Kumar , Basu Sriparna
Published: January 2025

Transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) is a recognized tool to monitor neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, demonstrating a high correlation with total serum bilirubin (TSB) before phototherapy. However, once phototherapy is started, TcB may become unreliable. To evaluate the correlation and agreement of TcB measured under variously patched skin at different sites (a coin over the sternum, eye shield over the forehead, and diaper area at the back) with TSB. One hundred and ten neonates requiring phototherapy were enrolled. TcB was noted at the three sites using a Drager JM-105 bilirubinometer. TSB was measured before and after phototherapy. Paired t-test, correlation, and Bland–Altman limits of agreement (LOA) analysis were performed. Before phototherapy, the mean TcB values (mg/dl) at the forehead, sternum, and back were 14.4 ± 3.25, 14.8 ± 3.06, and 12.05 ± 3.05, respectively, compared to TSB of 14.71 ± 3.35. All three sites showed a strong positive correlation between TcB and TSB, and the range of LOA (mg/dl) was the narrowest over the sternum (−2.99, 3.18). After phototherapy, the mean TcB values at the forehead, sternum, and back were 8.97 ± 2.98, 10.27 ± 2.87, and 7.92 ± 2.29, respectively, compared to the TSB of 10.78 ± 2.70. A decrease in correlation between TcB and TSB was noted over all the sites, with the best correlation remaining over the sternum (0.83). To conclude, the sternum showed the best LOA (−3.74, 2.73) among the three patch-covered sites. TcB at sternum with coin-patch displayed the best correlation and agreement with TSB, before and after phototherapy compared to the forehead and back.
Mifepristone underutilized in management of early pregnancy loss
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: January 2025

ACCORDING TO THIS STUDY:
The changing landscape of emergency contraception
Authors: Hellier Susan
Published: January 2025

NPs play a pivotal role in preventing unintended pregnancies in the US. This article provides a comprehensive update on emergency contraception (EC) trends, emphasizing the persistent challenge of reducing unintended pregnancies—a key health priority in the Healthy People 2030 initiative. Despite a declining trend in unintended pregnancy rates from 2010 to 2019, national goals have not been met, and healthcare disparities persist. NPs should be aware of EC methods and prescribing implications. In addition, NPs should be aware of ongoing research focusing on EC options such as levonorgestrel intrauterine devices and the promising addition of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors to oral EC options.
A Military–Civilian Training Partnership for Army Nurses
Authors: Danford Joseph R. , Hearn Kayla , Barrigan Cynthia , Bickett Elisa , Dennis Bradley M. , Stinner Daniel J.
Published: January 2025

Background:

In 2018, the U.S. Army Surgeon General created the Army Medical Department Military-Civilian Trauma Team Training (AMCT3) program to enhance the clinical proficiency of medical personnel serving on Army trauma teams called forward resuscitative surgical detachments (FRSDs). FRSDs provide resuscitative and surgical care to wounded patients in the deployed environment until they can be medically evacuated to a higher level of care. Through AMCT3, FRSD personnel work at civilian trauma centers while not deployed in order to maintain their combat casualty care competency.

Purpose:

This article describes an innovative nursing-specific AMCT3 program model in which Army nurses serving on an FRSD are embedded within a level 1 trauma center for a 3-year assignment. The goal of the program, which was established at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, Tennessee, is to improve participants' clinical proficiency and skills in preparation for the next major military conflict, with the aim of reducing preventable battlefield deaths.

Methods:

The VUMC Military Affairs Committee, in consultation with Army medical leaders, developed a unique 3-part model for a nursing partnership program at VUMC. This model includes separate tracks for critical care and emergency nurses. The nurses receive training in their specialty, cross-training in the opposite track, and other professional development opportunities. A critical care nurse and an emergency nurse were assigned to the program in January 2022 and September 2022, respectively.

Results:

Between January 2022 and June 2023, the critical care nurse completed all the required individual critical task lists—specialty-specific clinical skills Army medical personnel must be competent in before deployment—except for 1, obtaining intra-abdominal pressure.

Conclusion:

The VUMC AMCT3 nursing partnership training model ensures that Army nurses are highly prepared to function as part of the FRSD and to provide superior combat casualty care in a resource-limited environment.
Gerontological Nursing
Authors: Munsterman Ellen
Published: January 2025

Providing expert, person-centered care to older adults across settings
Using Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation for Difficult IV Access in Medical–Surgical Patients: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Owen Odaro , Mulkey David C. , Nieves Aldrin
Published: January 2025

Background:

Based on a chart review of 164 patients admitted to our medical–surgical unit over 2 months and who underwent peripheral intravenous (PIV) cannula insertion, difficult intravenous access (DIVA) was found in 35% (57) of patients. Similarly, the first-attempt PIV cannula insertion failure rate was 43% (70 of 164 patients) when nurses used the traditional landmark method of visual inspection and palpation in patients with DIVA.

Purpose:

The purpose of this evidence-based quality improvement (QI) project was to determine if the use of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (USGPIV) cannulation would impact the rate of first-attempt PIV access among acute care adult patients with DIVA in the medical–surgical unit of an urban level 1 trauma center.

Methods:

The timeline for this pilot project was 8 weeks (May 25, 2023, to July 20, 2023). The DIVA Clinical Predictor Tool was used to identify patients at risk for DIVA. Nurses used USGPIV cannulation on eligible patients. Data on first-attempt PIV access were collected from the electronic health record.

Results:

A total of 46 patients (14 in the comparison group and 32 in the implementation group) participated in the project. Results showed a statistically significant improvement in first-attempt success rates from 64.3% (9 out of 14 participants) in the comparison group to 87.5% (28 out of 32 participants) in the implementation group; χ2 (1 df) = 3.34, P = 0.048. This represents a 23.2% improvement in the first-attempt success rate.

Conclusion:

Based on these results, USGPIV cannulation improves the likelihood of first-attempt insertion success in patients with DIVA.
U.S. EDs Fail to Meet Criteria for Pediatric Readiness
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: January 2025

Better staffing and equipment would save lives and costs, studies find.
Military–Civilian Partnerships
Authors: Kirton Carl A.
Published: January 2025

Building the clinical competency of military personnel during peacetime
Tranexamic Acid and Heterotopic Ossification Formation Following Elbow Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Avisar Erez , Essa Ahmad , Paul Ryan , Kachko Eric , Rabau Oded , Mattan Rom , Persitz Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

This study investigates whether the intra-operative administration of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA), known for its hemostatic and potential anti-inflammatory properties, affects the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) following surgery for elbow fracture-dislocations.

Methods:

Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Setting:

Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Unit.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Patients aged 18 to 75 years with acute traumatic elbow fracture-dislocations requiring surgical management from June 1, 2016, to October 31, 2022, were eligible. Inclusion criteria included traumatic non-pathological elbow fracture-dislocations. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either intraoperative TXA or no additional treatment.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

The primary outcome was the occurrence of heterotopic ossification (HO), defined by new bone formation observed in radiographic exams during postoperative follow-ups. Secondary outcomes included the presence of clinically relevant HO, reoperation rate due to symptomatic HO, and time to HO reoperation. Compared were patients who received TXA with controls.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics of 40 Cases of Juvenile Conjunctival Nevus
Authors: Zhao Ying , Shi Wangpan , Tie Yateng , Li Xiaorong , Wang Huifang , Ren Dong , Cai Fengmei
Published: January 2025

Aims:

Limited studies have been conducted on juvenile conjunctival nevus (JCN) in Asian populations. This study aims to investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of JCN cases among the Han ethnicity in northwest China, providing insights for pathologists and ophthalmologists in diagnosing this condition.

Methods:

A subset of conjunctival nevi in children and adolescents, characterized by a confluent growth pattern and lack of maturation, was identified and defined as JCN. A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathologic features of these cases was performed.

Results:

The study included 40 patients aged 3–20 years, with a median age of 15.5 years. Six cases involved congenital conjunctival pigmentation. Twenty-four were male patients and 16 were female patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. Microscopically, nevus cells grew confluently within or beneath the epidermis and exhibited moderate cellular atypia. In some cases, the junction of the epithelium and the lamina propria layer was obscured by the integration of nevus cell clusters, mimicking epithelial invasion and potentially leading to a misdiagnosis. Over an average follow-up of 78.5 months, no recurrence or postoperative complications were observed.

Conclusions:

Diagnosing JCN is challenging because of its histologic resemblance to conjunctival melanoma. A systematic analysis of JCN can improve the recognition of its benign nature by pathologists and ophthalmologists, helping to prevent overdiagnosis of conjunctival malignant melanoma in this young population.
Chronotropic effects of milrinone in a guinea pig ex vivo model: a pilot study to screen for new mechanisms of action
Authors: Pollesello Piero , Levijoki Jouko , Papp Zoltán
Published: January 2025

Positive inotropic responses upon administration of milrinone, an inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase enzyme (PDE), involve a well-pronounced positive chronotropic effect. Here we tested whether milrinone evokes this chronotropic response solely by PDE inhibition or by a concerted action that involve additional pharmacological targets. Milrinone stimulated increases in heart rate were studied in right atrial preparations of guinea pig in the presence or absence of inhibitors of putative ancillary molecular pathways or ion channels: i.e. β receptor blockers with distinct selectivities (propranolol, metoprolol, and carvedilol), α1 receptor blocker (prazosin), inhibitor of the small conductance Ca2+ activated K+ (SK) channels (apamin), L-type Ca2+ channel blockers (verapamil and diltiazem), and different Na+ channel blockers (lidocaine, tetrodotoxin, and quinidine). Carvedilol, which inhibits β1, β2, α1 and 5-HT receptors, limited the positive chronotropic effects of milrinone to about 40%, (p<0.01). In the presence of another non-selective blocker of the β receptors, propranolol, and blockers of the L-type Ca2+ channels, only non-significant trends towards reductions of the milrinone effects were seen. The α1 receptor blocker prazosin did not limit the milrinone evoked positive chronotropy. Blockers of Na+ channels, SK channels, or the β1 receptor blocker, metoprolol also did not affect the positive chronotropy evoked by milrinone. We conclude that milrinone increases heart rate in response to adrenergic signaling, that besides PDE inhibition, may involve a 5-HT-receptor-dependent component. Our exploratory approach paves the way to more focused experiments with the use of selective 5-HT-receptor antagonists to confirm or reject the involvement of a specific 5-HT-receptor dependent pathway.
Impact of Fluorescence-guided Surgery on splenic preservation: a case of splenic hydatidosis
Authors: Nalawade Kshitija , Bhukebag Prasad , Supe Avinash , Patankar Roy
Published: January 2025

Ecchinococcus granulosus is a parasitic species associated with hydatid disease or Ecchinococcosis. The disease manifests in the form of cysts deposited in various parts of the body. These hydatid cysts are primarily seen in the liver and lungs. The life cycle of this parasite primarily involves dogs as the definitive hosts, whereas sheep and other livestock often serve as intermediate hosts. Humans may end up becoming accidental hosts from infestation occurring due to ingestion of viable cysts. Hydatid disease continues to be a common health problem in many countries. While this condition predominantly affects the liver (50 – 70 %) and lungs (15-30%), spleen is the third most affected organ. Splenic hydatid cyst is a rare parasitic infestation caused by the larval stage (proctoscolex) of the Ecchinococcus tapeworm with an incidence rate of 2 to 5%.

We present a case of a 60-year-old female, who was diagnosed with a large splenic hydatid cyst and was successfully treated using fluorescence-guided laparoscopic surgery. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. This case highlights the utility of fluorescence-guided surgery in splenic preservation.
Personalized Dosing of Linezolid to Reduce the Risk of Thrombocytopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Oda Kazutaka , Tsuruta Takeru , Hanai Yuki , Yamada Tomoyuki , Komatsu Toshiaki , Kondo Shoji , Jono Hirofumi , Saito Hideyuki
Published: January 2025

Background:

Linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia (LIT) occurs in a dose-dependent manner. There is no consensus regarding personalized dosing of linezolid in the real world. This study investigated the usefulness of personalized dosing for the potential mitigation of LIT compared with standard dosing.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using 4 medical electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were original research articles published up to October 23, 2023, whereas nonoriginal articles were excluded. Eligible participants included adults who were administered linezolid. A random-effects model was used to synthesize the results.

Results:

Four studies were eligible for inclusion. There were 208 patients in the personalized dosing (intervention) group and 195 patients in the standard dosing (comparison) group. The odds ratio for the intervention was 0.648 (95% confidence interval: 0.150–2.797), although significant heterogeneity was observed (I
2 = 83.3%). An ad hoc analysis was performed by excluding one study with a significant bias risk in the treatment duration. The odds ratio for the intervention in the ad hoc analysis was 0.356 (95% confidence interval: 0.179–0.708) with little heterogeneity, showing a lower incidence risk of LIT.

Conclusions:

Personalized dosing in linezolid therapy may mitigate the risk of LIT.
Presenteeism caused by health conditions and its economic impacts among Japanese workers in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Yoshimoto Takahiko , Matsudaira Ko , Oka Hiroyuki , Kasahara Satoshi , Kokaze Akatsuki , Inoue Shinsuke
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study investigated the common health conditions leading to presenteeism and the economic impact among Japanese workers in the post-COVID-19 era.

Methods

Between February and March 2023, 10,000 workers responded to a web-based, cross-sectional survey on health problems that interfered with their work, degree of presenteeism, and teleworking status.

Results

Approximately 35.6% of workers faced health problems that impacted their work. The primary health problems leading to presenteeism were low back pain, neck pain/stiff shoulders, and mental illness, which varied slightly with age and work style. The estimated annual costs due to presenteeism per 1000 employees were $488,210 for low back pain, $346,308 for neck pain/stiff shoulders, and $327,137 for mental illness.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that presenteeism measures, primarily for musculoskeletal pain and mental health problems, are required to increase work productivity.
Antibody–drug conjugates in urothelial carcinoma: current status and future
Authors: Ruder Samuel , Martinez Juana , Palmer Jessica , Arham Abdul Baseet , Tagawa Scott T.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are quickly becoming frontline standard of care in many tumor types, including urothelial carcinoma. This review summarizes recent clinical investigations into the use of ADCs targeting nectin-4, trophoblast cell surface antigen-2 (Trop-2), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), and other antigens in urothelial carcinoma.

Recent findings

This review covers efficacy and toxicity data of ADCs alone and in combination with immunotherapy; mechanisms of resistance; and preclinical studies that provide biological basis for clinical approaches.

Enfortumab vedotin and sacituzumab govitecan can be used in an unselected group of patients with urothelial carcinoma whereas HER-2 ADCs have only been administered in those with high expression or amplification. Most are being studied in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Data supports use of enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab as first-line therapy in metastatic/unresectable locally advanced urothelial carcinoma. Sacituzumab govitecan may be used as later-line option in these patients. HER-2 therapy is still under investigation but has many recent promising results.
Brachial Plexus Schwannoma
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulaziz M. , Alqazenli Mohamed K. , Alghamdi Arwa , Aletani Tala , Faidah Dania E. , Alkulli Osama A. , Allarakia Yousof F. , Fathi Abdulaziz B. , Fadel Zahir T.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Although primary tumors of the brachial plexus (BP) are rare, schwannomas are the most frequently encountered type. This study evaluated the clinicopathological presentation, surgical outcomes, and prognosis of patients with BP schwannomas.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane on the 25th of March 2024. All English human studies that reported surgically managed BP schwannomas were included.

Results

This review included 341 patients from 82 studies, with a mean age of 41.49 years and a female majority (55.72%). The most common clinical presentation was swelling, observed in 245 patients (71.85%). Surgical intervention was performed in all cases, with gross total resection (86.80%) being the most common approach. Surgical complications included new motor deficits in 41 (12.02%), sensory deficits in 33 (9.68%), and new-onset pain in 6 cases (1.76%). Prognostic information was available for all the 280 patients. At the last follow-up, only a small number of patients showed no postoperative improvement. Of the 164 patients initially presenting with pain, 3 (1.83%) reported persistent symptoms. In addition, continued sensory deficits were noted in 13 (8.67%) of the 150 cases, and continued motor deficits in 4 (9.30%) of the 43 cases. Furthermore, 14 (19.71%) of 71 postoperative new-onset symptoms persisted at the last follow-up. One (16.67%) of the 6 patients experienced constant pain. Additionally, sensory deficits persisted in 8 (28.57%) of the 28 patients, and motor deficits persisted in 5 (13.51%) of the 37 patients. No local recurrence has been reported.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights the complexity of BP schwannoma. Despite the occurrence of postoperative complications, the overall prognosis remains favorable with minimal rates of persistent preoperative symptoms and permanent surgical complications. Accurate diagnosis and effective surgical management are necessary to improve the outcomes of patients with this rare, yet clinically significant condition.
Informing ICU Digital Twins: Dynamic Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Failure Trajectories in Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Hou Grace Yao , Lal Amos , Schulte Phillip J. , Dong Yue , Kilickaya Oguz , Gajic Ognjen , Zhong Xiang
Published: January 2025

Understanding clinical trajectories of sepsis patients is crucial for prognostication, resource planning, and to inform digital twin models of critical illness. This study aims to identify common clinical trajectories based on dynamic assessment of cardiorespiratory support using a validated electronic health record data that covers retrospective cohort of 19,177 patients with sepsis admitted to ICUs of Mayo Clinic Hospitals over eight-year period. Patient trajectories were modeled from ICU admission up to 14 days using an unsupervised machine learning two-stage clustering method based on cardiorespiratory support in ICU and hospital discharge status. Of 19,177 patients, 42% were female with a median age of 65 (IQR, 55-76) years, APACHE III score of 70 (IQR, 56-87), hospital length of stay (LOS) of 7 (IQR, 4-12) days, and ICU LOS of 2 (IQR, 1-4) days. Four distinct trajectories were identified: fast recovery (27% with a mortality rate of 3.5% and median hospital LOS of 3 (IQR, 2-15) days), slow recovery (62% with a mortality rate of 3.6% and hospital LOS of 8 (IQR, 6-13) days), fast decline (4% with a mortality rate of 99.7% and hospital LOS of 1 (IQR, 0-1) day), and delayed decline (7% with a mortality rate of 97.9% and hospital LOS of 5 (IQR, 3-8) days). Distinct trajectories remained robust and were distinguished by Charlston comorbidity index, Apache III scores, day 1 and day 3 SOFA (p < 0.001 ANOVA). These findings provide a foundation for developing prediction models and digital twin decision support tools, improving both shared decision-making and resource planning.
The interaction between antithrombin and endothelial heparan sulfate mitigates pulmonary thromboinflammation after trauma and hemorrhagic shock
Authors: del Pilar Huby Vidaurre Maria , Mokhtari Ava K. , Osborn Baron K. , Cotton Bryan A. , Wang Yao-Wei , Xu Yongmei , Arnold Katelyn , Liu Jian , Richter Jillian R. , Cardenas Jessica C.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Trauma and hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) are associated with multiple organ injury. Antithrombin (AT) has anti-inflammatory and organ protective activity through its interaction with endothelial heparan sulfate containing a 3-O-sulfate modification. Our objective was to examine the effects of T/HS on 3-O-sulfated (3-OS) heparan sulfate expression and determine whether AT-heparan sulfate interactions are necessary for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats underwent laparotomy, gut distension and fixed-pressure hemorrhagic shock (HS) and resuscitation. Liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry analyses were performed to measure pulmonary and plasma heparan sulfate di/tetrasaccharides. Pulmonary mRNA levels were assessed by nCounter panel. Rats were treated with vehicle or surfen (1 mg/kg), a small molecule heparan sulfate antagonist, to block the interaction between AT and endothelial cells prior to T/HS and resuscitated with fresh frozen plasma (FFP), lactated Ringer’s (LR), or AT-supplemented LR. Lung injury was assessed histologically for injury and fibrin deposition and immunostained for myeloperoxidase (MPO). Plasma was assessed for circulating inflammatory biomarkers.

Results

T/HS significantly reduced pulmonary expression of 6-O and 3-O sulfated heparan sulfate, which was associated with reduced pulmonary 6-O- and 3-O-sulfotransferase mRNA levels. Surfen increased fibrin deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration into pulmonary tissue in T/HS rats resuscitated with FFP but had no effect in LR resuscitated rats. Although T/HS and LR resuscitation worsened histologic lung injury compared to sham, regardless of surfen treatment, lung injury was notably improved in FFP resuscitated rodents pre-treated with vehicle but not surfen. Surfen abrogated the anti-inflammatory effects of FFP, indicated by notable increases in circulating levels of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators compared to rats pre-treated with vehicle. Finally, we observed significant increases in pulmonary fibrin and MPO staining in rats pre-treated with surfen followed by resuscitation with LR supplemented with AT compared to vehicle, which was associated with notable increases in lung injury scores.

Conclusions

T/HS causes pronounced reductions in pulmonary expression of 3-OS heparan sulfate, which is essential to AT’s anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory activity. Blocking the interaction between AT and the endothelium attenuates the anti-thromboinflammatory and organ protective properties of FFP, suggesting that AT-endothelial anticoagulant function and anti-inflammatory signaling is important for organ protection during T/HS.
Dynamic Muscle Power Training With Elastic Bands Improve Lower Extremity Function and Balance in Older Chronic Stroke Survivors?
Authors: Gambassi Bruno Bavaresco , Lopes de Siqueira André Filipe , Prazeres Jozimar , Seguins Sotão Samir , Furtado Almeida Ana Eugênia Araújo , Bassi Dibai Daniela , Sousa Rêgo Adriana , Furtado Almeida Fabiano de Jesus , Schwingel Paulo Adriano
Published: January 2025

The present study aims to accomplish 2 primary objectives: (1) to confirm the presence of physical function impairment among older individuals who are survivors of chronic stroke and (2) to investigate the effects of a 12-week regimen of dynamic muscle power training (DMPT) utilizing elastic bands on the physical function of lower limbs (PFLL) and dynamic balance (DB) within this population. The research sample encompassed 2 distinct groups: healthy older adults (HOAG; n = 13) and older chronic stroke survivors (OCSSG; n = 8). An evident divergence in physical function was discernible between the HOAG and OCSSG at the baseline. Furthermore, notable enhancements in both DB and PFLL were evident upon the comparison of baseline measurements with post-intervention results within the OCSSG.
Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cytological Atypia in Female Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Saco Adela , Carbonell Sara , Rakislova Natalia , Matas Isabel , Alòs Silvia , Hoya Sandra , Suárez-Lledó María , Darecka Katarzyna , Sisuashvili Lia , Marimon Lorena , Vega Naiara , Esteve Roser , Martínez Carmen , Martí Cristina , Glickman Ariel , Balagué Olga , Torne Aureli , Ordi Jaume , del Pino Marta
Published: January 2025

Background.

Female recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are at high risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated lesions and (pre)cancer. We describe the results of a cervical cancer screening program in these women.

Methods.

From 2010 to 2022, 70 female recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in our institution entered a standardized protocol of gynecological evaluation. HPV testing, Papanicolaou smear, and thorough gynecological examinations were conducted in all the women.

Results.

The cumulative prevalence of HPV infection was 21.4% (15/70). Ten of 70 women (14.3%) had a positive HPV test result in the first gynecological evaluation and 5 additional women (7.1%) became positive during follow-up. Thirteen women (18.5%) presented cytohistological lesions (3 high-grade lesions and 10 low-grade lesions). Twenty-nine women (41.4%) showed HPV-negative reactive atypical abnormalities related to the conditioning treatment, which closely mimicked HPV-associated lesions, which spontaneously disappeared during follow-up.

Conclusions.

Gynecological evaluation should be maintained over time, as a significant proportion of these women may become HPV positive during follow-up. Reactive benign, atypical changes related to the treatment, which closely mimic HPV-associated lesions, are a frequent finding in these women. HPV testing is a key tool for the evaluation of these patients, as it allows for identifying women at risk and excluding cytological mimickers.
BioClocks UK: driving robust cycles of discovery to impact
Authors: Rees Hannah , Rzechorzek Nina M. , Hughes Rebecca B. , Dodd Antony N. , Hodge James J. L. , Stevenson Tyler J. , von Schantz Malcolm , Lucas Robert J. , Reece Sarah E. , Kyriacou Charalambos P. , Millar Andrew J.
Published: January 2025

Chronobiology is a multidisciplinary field that extends across the tree of life, transcends all scales of biological organization, and has huge translational potential. For the UK to harness the opportunities presented within applied chronobiology, we need to build our network outwards to reach stakeholders that can directly benefit from our discoveries. In this article, we discuss the importance of biological rhythms to our health, society, economy and environment, with a particular focus on circadian rhythms. We subsequently introduce the vision and objectives of BioClocks UK, a newly formed research network, whose mission is to stimulate researcher interactions and sustain discovery-impact cycles between chronobiologists, wider research communities and multiple industry sectors.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Circadian rhythms in infection and immunity’.
On the nomenclatural status of the prokaryotic name Skermania piniformis (Blackall et al. 1989) Chun et al. 1997. Request for an Opinion
Authors: Li Meng-Syun
Published: January 2025

In 1997, the name Skermania piniformis (Blackall et al. 1989) comb. nov. was proposed by Chun et al. on transfer of the species Nocardia pinensis to the newly established genus Skermania as its type species. The appearance of the epithet in S. piniformis was quite different from that in its basonym N. pinensis. This could be seen, at first glance, as an unnecessary epithet change that may render S. piniformis and its generic name Skermania illegitimate according to the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP). But in this paper, the author argues that for this particular case, ‘pinensis’ and ‘piniformis’ are better treated as different spellings of the same epithet. And if so, the change from ‘pinensis’ to ‘piniformis’ will not give rise to a case of illegitimacy under Rule 41a of the ICNP. Several possible counterarguments are discussed, which are shown to be based on a misinterpretation of the ICNP, particularly in relation to Rule 20a. As this is a non-trivial issue, the author requests a final decision by the Judicial Commission according to Rule 58 of the ICNP. An additional request for clarifying Rule 54 is also made.
CLASP1/2 REGULATE IMMUNE SYNAPSE MATURATION IN NATURAL KILLER CELLS
Authors: Pariani Alejandro P. , Huhn Victoria , Maknis Tomás Rivabella , Alonso Victoria , Almada Evangelina , Vena Rodrigo , Favre Cristián , Goldenring James R. , Kaverina Irina , Larocca M. Cecilia
Published: January 2025

Natural killer (NK) cells are the first line of defense against viral infections and tumors. Their cytotoxic activity relies on the formation of an immune synapse (IS) with target cells. The lymphocyte function–associated antigen (LFA)-1 plays a central role in NK cell cytotoxicity by modulating NK-IS assembly and maturation. LFA-1 organization at the IS involves a Golgi-dependent mechanism, which has not been completely elucidated. CLIP-associating proteins (CLASP) 1/2 are microtubule plus-tip interacting proteins that control the dynamics of Golgi derived microtubules (GDMTs). In the present study, we found that CLASP1/2 depletion impaired LFA-1 organization at the IS and inhibited the polarization of the centrosome and the lytic granules towards the target cell. Our results also revealed the role of the Golgi apparatus as a microtubule organizing center (MTOC) in these cells. Furthermore, we found that, similarly to what was described in other cell types, NK cells require CLASP1/2 and AKAP350 for efficient nucleation of microtubules at the Golgi. Overall, this study uncovers the role of CLASP1/2 in the maturation of the lytic IS in NK cells, and presents evidence supporting the contribution of GDMTs in this process.

Summary sentence

The Golgi apparatus (GA) functions as a microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) in NK cells. During the recognition of tumoral cells by NK cells, CLASP1/2-mediated stabilization of GA-derived microtubules (GDMTs) facilitates vesicular LFA-1 (LFA-1v) trafficking toward the interaction surface, thereby promoting the immune synapse (IS) maturation.
Poaching exacerbates the effects of climate change on the long-term viability of an endemic South African succulent plant species
Authors: Engelen Arjan , Davis Katrina Joan , Ellis Allan , Salguero-Gomez Roberto
Published: January 2025

1. Natural populations often face multiple threats that jeopardise their viability, yet most population forecasts consider only single threats, such as shifts in precipitation or temperature. To better understand ecological and conservation challenges, incorporating multiple threats is essential. South African endemic dwarf succulents, for example, are under dual threats from climate change and illegal harvesting for the ornamental plant trade. 2. We developed a stochastic integral projection model (IPM) using demographic data from 1999-2003, for 4776 individuals of the dwarf succulent, Argyroderma pearsonii, to evaluate the impacts of climate change and harvesting on its short-term (<40 years) extinction risk and long-term viability. We built simulations to explore 90 scenarios combining climate conditions (historical, mild climate change [SSP126], and moderate climate change [SSP245]), harvesting methods (fruit harvesting, non-selective plant harvesting, or size-selective plant harvesting), and harvest frequencies (annual to once every decade). We supplemented our approach with perturbation analyses to identify critical demographic components influencing population persistence. 3. We show that historically A. pearsonii populations have been stable or growing. Populations are predicted to remain viable under mild climate change, but moderate climate change results in declines in approximately 50% of simulated populations, though extinctions are not projected within 40 years without harvesting. In contrast, plant harvesting significantly increases extinction risk, especially size-selective harvesting of mature individuals, which disrupts demographic components critical to population growth. Even harvesting as infrequently as once per decade under historical climates leads to declines, with climate change exacerbating these effects. 4. Synthesis: Illegal harvesting poses a critical threat to biodiversity, as shown in this case study of a South African endemic succulent. Our findings indicate that plant harvesting is unsustainable under any scenario, particularly with projected climatic pressures. However, fruit collection emerges as a potentially sustainable alternative to meet the ornamental plant trade's demands. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating multiple threats into population forecasts, providing valuable tools for ecologists and conservation managers.
Genetic deconvolution of embryonic and maternal cell-free DNA in spent culture medium of human preimplantation embryos through deep learning
Authors: Zhang Zhenyi , Qiao Jie , Chen Yidong , Zhou Peijie
Published: January 2025

Noninvasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy based on embryonic cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released in spent embryo culture media (SECM) has brought hope in selecting embryos that are most likely to implant and grow into healthy babies during assisted reproduction. However, maternal DNA contamination in SECM significantly hampers the reliability of embryonic chromosome ploidy profiles, leading to false negative results, particularly at high contamination levels. Here, we present DECENT (deepcopy number variation (CNV) reconstruction), a deep learning method to reconstruct embryonic CNVs and mitigate maternal contamination in SECM from single-cell methylation sequencing of cfDNA. DECENT integrates sequence features and methylation patterns by combining convolution modules, long-short memory, and attention mechanisms to infer the origin of cfDNA reads. The benchmarking study demonstrated DECENT’s ability to estimate contamination proportions and restore embryonic chromosome aneuploidies in samples with varying contamination levels. In contaminated SECM clinical samples, including one with more than 80% maternal reads, DECENT achieved consistent CNV recovery with invasive tests. Overall, DECENT contributes to enhancing the diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness of cfDNA-based noninvasive preimplantation genetic testing, establishing a robust groundwork for its extensive clinical utilization in the field of reproductive medicine.
Phase transition of spindle pole localized protein orchestrates nuclear organization at mitotic exit
Authors: Rajeevan Ashwathi , Olakkal Vignesh , Balakrishnan Madhumitha , Chakrabarty Dwaipayan , Charon François , Noordermeer Daan , Kotak Sachin
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Animal cells dismantle their nuclear envelope (NE) at the beginning and reconstruct it at the end of mitosis. This process is closely coordinated with spindle pole organization: poles enlarge at mitotic onset and reduce size as mitosis concludes. The significance of this coordination remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Aurora A maintains a pole-localized protein NuMA in a dynamic state during anaphase. Without Aurora A, NuMA shifts from a dynamic to a solid phase, abnormally accumulating at the poles, leading to chromosome bending and misshaped nuclei formation around poles. NuMA localization relies on interactions with dynein/dynactin, its coiled-coil domain, and intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Mutagenesis experiments revealed that cation-π interactions within IDR are key for NuMA localization, while glutamine residues trigger its solid-state transition upon Aurora A inhibition. This study emphasizes the role of the physical properties of spindle poles in organizing the nucleus and genome post-mitosis.
Sulfoquinovose is differently degraded by the mouse and human gut microbiota and not metabolized by the host
Authors: Krasenbrink Julia , Hanson Buck T. , Weiss Anna S. , Borusak Sabrina , Tanabe Tomohisa Sebastian , Lang Michaela , Aichinger Georg , Hausmann Bela , Berry David , Richter Andreas , Marko Doris , Mussmann Marc , Schleheck David , Stecher Bärbel , Loy Alexander
Published: January 2025

Sulfoquinovose (SQ) is a green-diet-derived sulfonated glucose and a selective substrate for few human gut bacteria. Complete anaerobic SQ degradation via interspecies metabolite transfer to sulfonate-respiring bacteria produces hydrogen sulfide, which has dose- and context-dependent health effects. Here, we studied potential SQ degradation by the mammalian host and the impact of SQ supplementation on human and murine gut microbiota diversity and metabolism.13CO2breath tests with germ-free C57BL/6 mice gavaged with13C-SQ were negative. Also, SQ was not degraded by human intestinal cellsin vitro, indicating that SQ is not directly metabolized by mice and humans. Addition of increasing SQ concentrations to human fecal microcosms revealed dose-dependent responses of the microbiota and corroborated the relevance ofAgathobacter rectalisandBilophila wadsworthiain cooperative degradation of SQ to hydrogen sulfide via interspecies transfer of 2,3-dihydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (DHPS). Similar to the human gut microbiome, the genetic capacity for SQ or DHPS degradation is sparsely distributed among bacterial species in the mouse gut.Escherichia coliandEnterocloster clostridioformiswere identified as primary SQ degraders in the mouse gut. SQ and DHPS supplementation experiments with conventional laboratory mice and their intestinal contents showed that SQ was incompletely catabolized to DHPS. Although someE. clostridioformisgenomes encode an extended sulfoglycolytic pathway for both SQ and DHPS fermentation, SQ was only degraded to DHPS by a mouse-derivedE. clostridioformisstrain. Our findings suggest that SQ is solely a nutrient for the gut microbiota and not for mice and humans, emphasizing its potential as a prebiotic. SQ degradation by the mouse microbiota differs from the human gut microbiota by absence of DHPS degradation activity. Hence, the microbiota of conventional laboratory mice does not fully represent the SQ metabolism in humans, indicating the need for alternative model systems to assess the impact of SQ on human health. This study advances our understanding of how individual dietary compounds shape the microbial community structure and metabolism in the gut and thereby potentially influence host health.
Alternative to purification in conformal field theory
Authors: Jiang Xin , Wang Peng , Wu Houwen , Yang Haitang
Published: January 2025

In conformal field theories, in contrast to some auxiliary states into the bipartite mixed state ρAB as the usual purifications do, we show a pure entangled state ψAB can be constructed by the undetectable regions. In this pure state ψAB, the von Neumann entropy SvN(A:B) naturally captures quantum entanglement between A and B. We verify that SvN(A:B) is equal to the entanglement wedge cross section EW in anti–de Sitter spacetime, which is conjectured to be the holographic dual of the entanglement of purification.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Ultralight Dark Matter Search with Space-Time Separated Atomic Clocks and Cavities
Authors: Filzinger Melina , Caddell Ashlee R. , Jani Dhruv , Steinel Martin , Giani Leonardo , Huntemann Nils , Roberts Benjamin M.
Published: January 2025

We devise and demonstrate a method to search for nongravitational couplings of ultralight dark matter to standard model particles using space-time separated atomic clocks and cavity-stabilized lasers. By making use of space-time separated sensors, which probe different values of an oscillating dark matter field, we can search for couplings that cancel in typical local experiments. This provides sensitivity to both the temporal and spatial fluctuations of the field. We demonstrate this method using existing data from a frequency comparison of lasers stabilized to two optical cavities connected via a 2220 km fiber link [Schioppo , ], and from the atomic clocks on board the global positioning system satellites. Our analysis results in constraints on the coupling of scalar dark matter to electrons, dme, for masses between 10−19 and 2×10−15  eV/c2. These are the first constraints on dme alone in this mass range.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025