bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assembly and Annotation of the Tetraploid Salsola tragus (Russian Thistle) Genome
Authors: Lemas John M , Patterson Eric L , Cutti Luan , Morran Sarah , Johnson Nicholas A , Montgomery Jacob , Abdollahi Fatemeh , Nelson David R , Llaca Victor , Fengler Kevin , Westra Philip , Gaines Todd A
Published: January 2025

This report presents two phased chromosome-scale genome assemblies of allotetraploid Salsola tragus (2n = 4x = 36) and fills the current genomics resource gap for this species. Flow cytometry estimated 1C genome size was 1.319 Gb. PacBio HiFi reads were assembled and scaffolded with Hi-C chromatin contact mapping and Bionano optical mapping data. For annotation, a PacBio Iso-Seq library was generated from root, stem, leaf, and floral tissues followed by annotation using a modified Maker pipeline. The assembled haploid S. tragus genomes contained 18 chromosomes each, with 9 chromosomes assigned to subgenome A and 9 chromosomes to subgenome B. Each haplome assembly represented 95% of the total flow cytometry estimated genome size. Haplome 1 and haplome 2 contained 43,354 and 42,221 annotated genes, respectively. The availability of high-quality reference genomes for this economically important weed will facilitate future omics analysis of S. tragus and a better understanding of chenopod plants.
Social Activities and Cognitive Functioning Across Mid- and Late-Life: Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Chang , Barr Ashley B
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Social engagement is positively associated with cognitive health, yet the role of these activities across the life span and in different contexts remains under-explored. This study investigates the association between social activities and two domains of cognitive functioning among middle-aged and older Chinese individuals, a population with the highest number of dementia cases in the world. We pay particular attention to the unique role of activities in midlife on cognitive decline in the later years.

Research Design and Methods

Using longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2018), we conducted mixed-effects linear models to determine the intra- and inter- individual variation on the relationship between social activity and cognitive functioning (N = 26,622 observations nested within 8,089 individuals).

Results

Across domains (episodic memory, mental intactness, and total cognition), more social activities in a given year are associated with increased cognitive functioning, independent of age. Independent of these within-individual changes, participation in social activities in midlife predicts better cognitive function across mid and later life across all domains, controlling for childhood adversities, friendship, self-rated health. However, midlife social activities do not significantly predict a slower rate of cognitive decline.

Discussion and Implications

Midlife social engagement has a lasting association with cognitive health in later life, yet it is important to recognize that changes occurring throughout both midlife and later life are associated with changes in cognition. This highlights the potential for modification and improvement during this period in the lifespan for aging Chinese.
An Intersectional Perspective on Digital health: Longitudinal Narratives and Observations with Older and Middle-Aged Women Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Gaber Sophie Nadia , Mattsson Elisabet , Klarare Anna , Dawes Joanna , Rapaport Penny ,   Women’s Advisory Board for Inclusion Health
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

People experiencing homelessness and older people experience barriers as health and social care services are increasingly delivered online, however, there is limited knowledge about how this relates to older and middle-aged women experiencing homelessness, especially those from minoritized and/or migrant communities. We aimed to explore how technology, including digital health, can help or hinder older and middle-aged women to navigate paths through and out of homelessness.

Research Design and Methods

This 16-month qualitative longitudinal study utilized narrative interviews and participant observations with seven older and two middle-aged women experiencing homelessness, in London, England. Additionally, we observed interactions between the women experiencing homelessness and two information and communications technology class facilitators. We collected and analyzed data using a narrative, interpretative approach. An advisory board of women with lived experiences of homelessness supported the interpretation of findings and development of practice and policy recommendations.

Results

We present our findings as three composite narrative vignettes co-constructed with the participants: (1) “No, I’m not taking this telephone appointment”; (2) “Technology doesn’t judge you”; and (3) “You have to be a digital person now”. The findings illuminate determinants of digital health equity related to aging, gender, and migration status among older and middle-aged women experiencing homelessness.

Discussion and Implications

Using an intersectional lens, we provide recommendations about how to better align digital health to the needs of older and middle-aged women experiencing homelessness. The findings will inform intervention development.
Anisotropic tomography and seismotectonics of the Longmenshan fault zone in East Tibet
Authors: Hu Xiaohui , Lei Jianshe , Zhao Dapeng , Wang Baoshan
Published: January 2025

We invert 122 147 P, S, and PmP phase arrival-times from 1549 local earthquakes for both isotropic and azimuthally anisotropic lithospheric P-wave velocity structures beneath the region of the Longmenshan fault zone, China. The use of PmP data significantly improves the spatial resolution of the middle-lower crust tomography. Our results show that widespread low-Vp anomalies exist in the middle and lower crust of the Songpan–Ganzi block and the Chuandian block, which contribute most crustal anisotropy. Moderate and strong earthquakes mainly occurred in the high-Vp and low-Vp transition zone, and obvious low-Vp anomalies appear below the seismogenic zone, indicating that the occurrence of earthquakes is affected by crustal fluids. The upper-crust anisotropy is mainly controlled by the stress field and local faults. The fast Vp directions (FVDs) on the Longmenshan fault zone are NE–SW in the lower crust and uppermost mantle, suggesting that the material flow is blocked by the Sichuan basin, so the flow moves in the NE–SW direction. The FVDs in the Longmenshan fault zone are different from the core-phase SKS splitting measurements, suggesting that the crust and lithospheric mantle are decoupled there. Our anisotropy results also suggest that the thickening deformation of the upper crust and the middle-lower crustal flow jointly control the uplift and deformation of the Longmenshan mountain.
In-depth analysis of an inclined solar desalination plant for optimal orientation by the conventional systems modification: toward low-carbon emission and sustainability
Authors: Abed Azher M , Escorcia Yulineth Cárdenas , Atamurotov Farruh , Ibrahim Wubshet
Published: January 2025

This study examines the use of computational fluid dynamics to analyze and simulate the 3D modeling of a solar desalination plant with a single slope design. It aims to optimize large-scale desalination by investigating factors like glass cover angle and fin placement. Results show that a 15° glass cover produced the most freshwater (0.2957 kg/m2·h), while a 60° angle decreased production by 8.63%. Adding fins increased freshwater production by 53.32% and improved heat transfer efficiency. These findings contribute to developing an optimized solar desalination model to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower carbon emissions.
Research on the suitability technologies of existing public buildings in hot summer and cold winter zones based on energy consumption and economic coupling optimization
Authors: Liang Li-xia , Jiang Ze-zhi , Wang Jian-kui , Lu Lin
Published: January 2025

In the era of energy conservation and carbon reduction, simulations and analyses were carried out on three typical building types—office buildings, hotel buildings, and commercial buildings—in hot summer and cold winter zones, China, using Ladybug tools based on the Grasshopper platform. The energy consumption benefits and static payback periods for different retrofit technologies were compared. The results show that retrofitting a domestic hot water system is highly suitable for hotel buildings. Retrofitting the lift system is highly suitable for commercial buildings. A comprehensive evaluation of improving the thermal performance of the transparent building envelope, replacing lighting fixture, and improving the efficiency of chiller units shows good suitability for all three building types.
The application study of deep learning technology in intelligent power supervision systems
Authors: Ye Wang , Yuan Jiesheng , Ye Huayi , Chen Yufeng , Xie Ling , Cai Dailing
Published: January 2025

This study explores the application of a combined model incorporating bidirectional long short-term memory networks and gated recurrent units within intelligent power supervision systems, demonstrating its efficacy in recognizing anomalies within power grids. Based on historical operational data of two critical indicators—grid sectional security margin and generation-consumption balance margin—this paper constructs an anomaly detection model. This model effectively processes time series data, promptly identifying equipment malfunctions and abnormal load fluctuations, thereby enhancing the safety and stability of power grids.
Techno-economic and sensitivity analysis of a building integrated photovoltaic/thermal systems
Authors: Rodrigues Paul , Pallathadka Harikumar , Kanabar Bhavesh , Bareja Lakshay , T Ramachandran , Vakada Naga Bhushana Rao , AL-Hamairy Ahmed Khudhair , Khazaal Waleed Mohammed , Foladi Ali
Published: January 2025

This research explores the potential and feasibility of using photovoltaic/thermal-solar thermal (PVT-ST) systems in hot and moderate weather conditions for the first time. This study examined the performance of a new solar system called PVT module and ST collector in series (PVT-ST). This system can generate both thermal energy at high temperatures and electric power at the same time. The results show that the thermal power increases significantly as the mass flow rate increases. In July, with a mass flow rate of 0.0304 kg/s, the thermal efficiency of ST, PVT-ST, and PVT systems were found to be 86.3%, 79.1%, and 74.2%, respectively.
Asymmetric metabolic adaptations undermine stability in microbial syntrophy
Authors: Ye Nan , Yang Zhi-Chun , Bai Zhuang-Dong
Published: January 2025

Syntrophic interaction, driven by metabolite exchange, is widespread within microbial communities. However, co-inoculation of most auxotrophic microorganisms often fails to establish a stable metabolite exchange relationship. Here, we engineered two auxotrophic Escherichia coli strains, each dependent on the other for essential amino acid production, to investigate the dynamics of syntrophic relationships. Through invasion-from-rare experiments, we observed the rapid formation of syntrophic consortia stabilized by frequency-dependent selection, converging to a 2:1 ratio of lysine-to-arginine auxotrophs. However, laboratory evolution over 25 days revealed that syntrophic interactions were evolutionarily unstable, with cocultures collapsing as ΔL cells dominated the population. Reduced fitness in cocultures was driven by the emergence of a “selfish” ΔL phenotype, characterized by decreased arginine production and exploitation of lysine produced by ΔA cells. Dynamic metabolic assays revealed that metabolite production and utilization patterns strongly influenced the fitness of each strain. ΔL cells displayed metabolic plasticity, adjusting lysine utilization in response to lysine availability, which enabled them to outcompete ΔA cells. In contrast, ΔA cells lacked similar plasticity, resulting in their negative selection. These findings demonstrate that asymmetric metabolic responses and the emergence of selfish phenotypes destabilize syntrophic relationships. Our work underscores the importance of balanced metabolic exchanges for developing sustainable synthetic microbial consortia and offers insights into the evolutionary dynamics of microbial cooperation.
Plasma concentration of azithromycin and correlation with clinical outcomes in patients with enteric fever
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Rini , Mathew Sumith K , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Samuel Prasanna , Backiyaraj Jacob , Sathyendra Sowmya , Rupali Priscilla
Published: January 2025

Background

Azithromycin is the only oral option available for XDR enteric fever. Studies correlating azithromycin levels with treatment success are rare.

Methods

Serum azithromycin levels after administration of a once-daily 20 mg/kg dose for 7 days were measured in a single-centre prospective cohort of 25 consecutive adults with blood culture-positive enteric fever. Five blood samples were collected on Day 2 after starting azithromycin, i.e. 30 min before dosing (trough), and 2, 5, 12 and 24 h after dosing. The MIC was determined for all isolates and azithromycin plasma concentration was determined using LC-MS. Clinical and microbiological outcomes were documented.

Results

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi accounted for 92% (n = 23) and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi 8% (n = 2). Ten (40%) patients received IV azithromycin, and the rest received oral therapy. The median (IQR, range) MIC for azithromycin was 4 (4–6, 3–12) mg/L. Mean azithromycin plasma concentration ranges were: trough, 0.24 ± 0.19 mg/L; 2 h, 1.24 ± 0.98 mg/L; 5 h, 0.64 ± 0.51 mg/L; 12 h, 0.31 ± 0.16 mg/L; and 24 h, 0.37 ± 0.30 mg/L. The Cmax/MIC and AUC/MIC for azithromycin were 0.29 ± 0.22 and 2.64 ± 1.64, respectively. The median (IQR, range) fever clearance time was 3 (2–3, 2–5) days and the length of hospital stay was 7 (5.5–12, 4–16) days. There was no clinical or microbiological failure, relapse or mortality.

Conclusions

Azithromycin was effective in treatment of enteric fever, despite low extracellular azithromycin plasma levels.
Trabecular bone deficits predominate in the appendicular skeleton of midlife women living with HIV: findings from a cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe
Authors: Breasail Mícheál Ó , Madanhire Tafadzwa , Kahari Cynthia , Ebeling Peter R , Simms Victoria , Micklesfield Lisa K , Ferrand Rashida A , Gregson Celia L , Ward Kate A
Published: January 2025

HIV-related mortality has fallen due to scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), so more women living with HIV (WLH) now live to reach menopause. Menopausal estrogen loss causes bone loss, as do HIV and certain ART regimens. However, quantitative bone data from WLH are few in Africa. A cross-sectional study of women aged 40-60 years (49% WLH) was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. Menopause status, fracture history, HIV status and treatment, and anthropometry were collected, and radial/tibial peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) scans performed. pQCT outcomes were: distal radius and tibia trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), total area, and compressive bone strength (BSIc); proximal radius and tibia cortical vBMD, bone mineral content (BMC), cortical thickness, bone area, and stress–strain index (SSI). Linear regression determined differences by HIV status, minimally adjusted for age and menopause status, and further adjusted for height and fat mass. Relationships between pQCT parameters and major osteoporotic fracture history were explored using univariate logistic regression. In WLH, linear regression assessed associations between HIV and ART durations on pQCT measures. 384 women mean(SD) age 49.7(5.8) years had pQCT data. WLH had lower absolute pQCT measures at all sites. Overall, HIV-related deficits were robust to adjustment for age, menopause status, height, and fat mass: WLH had lower trabecular vBMD (radius -7.3 [-12.5; -2.0]%, tibia -5.4 [-9.1; -1.7]%), and cortical vBMD (radius -3.5 [-5.9; -1.1]%, tibia -1.1[-1.6; -0.5]%). Strength estimates were lower in WLH and of similar magnitude at the radius and tibia. Longer HIV duration was associated with lower radius bone area, BMC, estimates of bone strength, independent of ART duration. Trabecular deficits predominate in WLH, though with age cortical compartment bone loss may increase in importance. This is particularly concerning as these differences were observed at the radius, a common site of postmenopausal osteoporotic fracture.
An automated algorithm for quantitative morphometry of thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies in lateral radiographs
Authors: Arakawa Shoutaro , Shinohara Akira , Arimura Daigo , Fukuda Takeshi , Takumi Yukihiro , Nishino Kazuyoshi , Saito Mitsuru
Published: January 2025

This exploratory study developed and evaluated an AI-based algorithm for quantitative morphometry to assess vertebral body deformities indicative of fractures. To achieve this, 709 radiographs from 355 cases were utilized for algorithm development and performance evaluation. The proposed algorithm integrates a first-stage AI model to identify the positions of thoracic and lumber vertebral bodies in lateral radiographs and a second-stage AI model to annotate six landmarks for calculating vertebral body height ratios (C/A, C/P and A/P). The first-stage AI model achieved a sensitivity of 97.6%, a precision of 95.1%, and an average false-positive ratio of 0.43 per image for vertebral body detection. In the second stage, the algorithm’s performance was evaluated using an independent dataset of vertebrae annotated by two spine surgeons and one radiologist. The average landmark errors ranged from 2.9% to 3.3% on the X-axis and 2.9% to 4.0% on the Y-axis, with errors increasing in more severely collapsed vertebrae, particularly at central landmarks. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were 0.519–0.589 for C/A, 0.558–0.647 for C/P, and 0.735–0.770 for A/P, comparable to correlations observed among human evaluators. Bland–Altman analysis revealed systematic bias in some cases, indicating that the algorithm underestimated anterior and central height collapse in deformed vertebrae. However, the mean differences and limits of agreement between the algorithm and external evaluators were similar to those among the evaluators. Additionally, the algorithm processed each image within 10 seconds. These findings suggest that the algorithm performs comparably to human evaluators, demonstrating sufficient accuracy for clinical use. The proposed approach has the potential to enhance patient care by being widely adopted in clinical settings.
Internal migrants’ social integration through community volunteering during the pandemic in China
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Meijering Louise
Published: January 2025

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities among migrants, potentially hampering their integration into host societies. Employing the concepts of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital, we aimed to understand the perceived social integration of internal migrants who volunteered during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. We conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty-eight migrant volunteers and participant observation of migrants’ daily volunteering in late 2022. We found that bonding social capital within the migrant group was enhanced by daily mutual help and the reinforced sense of community. Volunteering during the pandemic offered migrants opportunities to engage in neighboring, thereby contributing to the enhancement of bonding social capital. The feeling of being cared for by the migrant community and local government was crucial for migrants’ sense of community during the pandemic. The perceived social exclusion limited migrant volunteers from establishing bridging social capital. Migrant volunteers relied on linking social capital via the migrant leader, which might imply a lack of individual linking social capital of migrants. To conclude, through community volunteering during the pandemic, the migrants seem to become more close-knit, which may reinforce their sense of community rather than facilitate social integration into the receiving society. These findings are also intertwined with the relatively lower socio-economic status of migrants in urban areas.
Observational signatures of mixing-induced cooling in the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability
Authors: Snow B , Osborne C , Hillier A S
Published: January 2025

Cool ($\approx 10^4$ K), dense material permeates the hot ($\approx 10^6$ K), tenuous solar corona in form of coronal condensations, for example prominences and coronal rain. As the solar atmosphere evolves, turbulence can drive mixing between the condensations and the surrounding corona, with the mixing layer exhibiting an enhancement in emission from intermediate temperature ($\approx 10^5$ K) spectral lines, which is often attributed to turbulent heating within the mixing layer. However, radiative cooling is highly efficient at intermediate temperatures and numerical simulations have shown that radiative cooling can far exceed turbulent heating in prominence-corona mixing scenarios. As such the mixing layer can have a net loss of thermal energy, i.e. the mixing layer is cooling rather than heating. Here, we investigate the observational signatures of cooling processes in Kelvin–Helmholtz mixing between a prominence thread and the surrounding solar corona through 2D numerical simulations. Optically, thin emission is synthesized for Si iv, along with optically thick emission for H $\alpha$, Ca ii K, and Mg ii h using Lightweaver. The Mg ii h probes the turbulent mixing layer, whereas H $\alpha$ and Ca ii K form within the thread and along its boundary, respectively. As the mixing evolves, intermediate temperatures form leading to an increase in Si iv emission, which coincides with increased radiative losses. The simulation is dominated by cooling in the mixing layer, rather than turbulent heating, and yet enhanced emission in warm lines is produced. As such, an observational signature of decreased emission in cooler lines and increased emission in hotter lines may be a signature of mixing, rather than an implication of heating.
Defective DNA repair: a putative nexus linking immunological diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer
Authors: Andarawi Safaa , Vodickova Ludmila , Uttarilli Anusha , Hanak Petr , Vodicka Pavel
Published: January 2025

DNA damage is a common event in cells, resulting from both internal and external factors. The maintenance of genomic integrity is vital for cellular function and physiological processes. The inadequate repair of DNA damage results in the genomic instability, which has been associated with the development and progression of various human diseases. Accumulation of DNA damage can lead to multiple diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, immune deficiencies, infertility, and ageing. This comprehensive review delves the impact of alterations in DNA damage response genes (DDR) and tries to elucidate how and to what extent the same traits modulate diverse major human diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and immunological disorders. DDR is apparently the trait connecting important complex disorders in humans. However, the pathogenesis of the above disorders and diseases are different and lead to divergent consequences. It is important to discover the switch(es) that direct further the pathogenic process either to proliferative, or degenerative diseases. Our understanding of the influence of DNA damage on diverse human disorders may enable the development of the strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat these diseases. In our article, we analysed publicly available GWAS summary statistics from the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog and identified 12 009 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cancer. Among these, 119 SNPs were found in DDR pathways, exhibiting significant P-values. Additionally, we identified 44 SNPs linked to various cancer types and neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including four located in DDR-related genes: ATM, CUX2, and WNT3. Furthermore, 402 SNPs were associated with both cancer and immunological disorders, with two found in the DDR gene RAD51B. This highlights the versatility of the DDR pathway in multifactorial diseases. However, the specific mechanisms that regulate DDR to initiate distinct pathogenic processes remain to be elucidated.
Effects of hydrazone-based G-quadruplex ligands on FANCJ/BRIP1-depleted cancer cells and a Caenorhabditis elegans dog-1−/− strain
Authors: Germoglio Marcello , D’Aria Federica , Cortone Giuseppe , Prodomo Antonello , Mahtab Mohammad , Morigi Rita , Amato Jussara , Pisani Francesca M , Giancola Concetta
Published: January 2025

G-quadruplex (G4) DNAs are alternative nucleic acid structures, proposed to play important roles in regulating DNA replication, gene transcription, and translation. Several specialized DNA helicases are involved in cellular G4 metabolism, in some cases with redundant functions. Among them, human FANCJ/BRIP1, which has orthologs in all metazoans, is one of the most powerful G4 resolvases, believed to act mainly at DNA replication forks. Here, we tested the effects of a set of hydrazone-derivative G4 ligands in a FANCJ-knocked-out HeLa cell line and in a Caenorhabditis elegans strain, where DOG-1, a FANCJ ortholog, was disrupted, as a whole organism model system. Our results revealed that loss of FANCJ specifically sensitized cancer cells to FIM-15, a mono-guanylhydrazone derivative bearing the diimidazopyrimidine core, among the tested hydrazone-based compounds and induced enhanced DNA damage in different chromosomal sites including telomeric ends. Moreover, dietary administration of FIM-15 to dog-1−/− nematodes stabilized G4 structures in gonadal cell nuclei and resulted in compromised embryonic development in the first-generation post-treatment. Collectively, our findings unveil a specific vulnerability of FANCJ-knocked-out cancer cells (and DOG-1-lacking worms) to G4 stabilization by the FIM-15 compound. This study provides an important proof-of-principle for use of G4 ligands in synthetic lethality-based therapeutic approaches targeting FANCJ-defective cancer cells.
CircPRKD3-loaded exosomes concomitantly elicit tumor growth inhibition and glioblastoma microenvironment remodeling via inhibiting STAT3 signaling
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Jiang Mengyuan , Niu Wanxiang , Xu Ben , Zhang Ce , Yang Minglong , Hu Shanshan , Niu Chaoshi
Published: January 2025

Background

Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) and their exosomes (exos) are involved in shaping the immune microenvironment, which is important for tumor invasion and recurrence. However, studies involving GSC-derived exosomal circular RNAs (GDE-circRNAs) in regulating tumor microenvironment (TME) remain unknown. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the significance of a novel immune-related GDE-circRNA in glioma microenvironment.

Methods

GDE-circPRKD3 was screened out through high-throughput sequencing and verified by RT-PCR, sanger sequencing and RNase R assays. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to investigate the function of GDE-circPRKD3. RNA-seq, RNA immunoprecipitation, multicolor flow cytometry and western blotting were used to explore the regulation of GDE-circPRKD3 on STAT3 signaling-mediated TME remodeling.

Results

We have characterized a circRNA PRKD3 in GSC exosomes, and lower circPRKD3 expression predicts a worse prognosis for glioblastoma patients. Overexpression of GDE-circPRKD3 significantly impairs the biological competence of glioma and prolongs the survival of xenograft mice. GDE-circPRKD3 binds to HNRNPC in an m6A-dependent manner, accelerates mRNA decay of IL6ST and inhibits downstream target STAT3. Notably, GDE-circPRKD3 promotes CXCL10 secretion by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages, which in turn recruits CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes against GBM. Moreover, brain-targeted lipid nanoparticle delivery of circPRKD3 combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy achieves significant combinatorial benefits.

Conclusion

This study provides a novel mechanism by which GDE-circPRKD3 relies on STAT3 signaling to remodel immunosuppressive TME and offers a potential RNA immunotherapy strategy for GBM treatment.
Tracking Magmatism and Metasomatism in Continental Arc Crust Root: Significance from Western Central Qilian Belt in NE Tibet, China
Authors: Sun XiaoKui , Wang Chao , Scott James M , Liu Liang , Yu ZunPu , Yang WenQiang , Li Hang , Liu Ke
Published: January 2025

Mantle peridotites and pyroxenites from arc crust root record vital information about petrogenetic processes in supra–subduction environments, which are commonly obscured by subsequent metamorphic and/or metasomatic overprints. The Heigou Complex from the western Central Qilian arc root (NE Tibet, China) includes peridotites and pyroxenites. Petrography, bulk–rock and mineral geochemistry, zircon and titanite U–Pb ages, and bulk–rock Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes are presented to decipher its petrogenetic and metasomatic history. The peridotites display highly refractory compositions of low SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, but high MgO contents. Geochemical modeling indicates that these are the residues after up to ~22% melt extraction. The geochemical and isotopic data (87Sr/86Sr i = 0.7116–0.7179, εNd(t) = −4.2 to −7.1 and εHf(t) = −5.3 to −5.4) suggest the pyroxenitic protoliths were derived from a subduction-metasomatized mantle source. Combining petrographic and fractional crystallization simulation, the pyroxenites formed as cumulates through 50% to 80% differentiation of primitive basaltic magma in the arc root at ca. 523 Ma. Elevated LILEs (Rb, Sr, Pb, etc.) and LREE in bulk-rock and mineral compositions, together with microstructure evidence, suggest that mantle peridotite experienced mantle metasomatism. Subsequent hydrous melt (fluid) metasomatism during exhumation then reacted with the preexisting clinopyroxenite, leading to local Mg-hornblende, titanite and epidote formation. The timing of retrograde melt infiltration is constrained by a titanite U–Pb crystallization age of ca. 485 Ma. The combined evidence reveals a picture of continental arc magmatism and metasomatism at arc crust roots. Dehydration of the Proto-Tethys oceanic slab could induce flux melting in the mantle wedge that had undergone metasomatism, resulting in the generation of hydrous arc magmas. These arc magmas intruded the overlying lithospheric mantle, segregating pyroxenite cumulates. The ultramafic rocks at the arc crust root were subsequently modified by hydrous melt (fluid).
Behavior changes influence mpox transmission in the United States, 2022–2023: Insights from homogeneous and heterogeneous models
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Juan , Liu Quan-Hui , Zhao Shi , Li Wei-Qiang , Ma Jun-Jie , Lu Xin , Boccaletti Stefano , Sun Gui-Quan
Published: January 2025

In 2022, an unprecedented mpox epidemic rapidly swept the globe, primarily transmitted through sexual contact among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, our understanding of how changes in human behavior influence this outbreak remains incomplete. In this study, we introduce a two-layer network model to investigate the impact of human behavior on mpox transmission within the United States during 2022–2023, leveraging surveillance data. We theoretically explore mpox transmission under behavioral changes using homogeneous and heterogeneous mean-field approximations. While the heterogeneous model captures differences in individual behavior, its variations do not significantly affect the overall spread, validating the feasibility of using only homogeneous models to study behavioral changes. Utilizing infection data, we exhibit the influence of behavior changes across varying transmission levels of mpox, emphasize the significant role of sexual behavior among MSM, and recommend enhancing surveillance of nonsexual cases to enable timely control of spread. Utilizing vaccination data, we demonstrate the critical impact of behavior changes on the transmission capacity of mpox virus, contrasting the limited effectiveness of vaccine campaigns. This study highlights the importance of human behavior in controlling the spread of future outbreaks, offering valuable insights for the strategic development of public health interventions aimed at mitigating such occurrences.
On corrective and distributive requirements: The case of the beneficiary pays principle
Authors: Fornaroli Giulio
Published: January 2025

According to the beneficiary pays principle (BPP), following an injustice that has produced damages, agents that have received benefits from it may incur a duty to redress the victim even if they are not at fault for it. In this paper, I do not offer either a full-blown defense or a refutation of the principle. Instead, I take issue with the common view, accepted by both sympathetic and critical authors, according to which the BPP is a matter of corrective justice. In the end, I am going to argue that the sole way of defending the BPP is as a principle of distributive justice. Far from a merely semantic dispute, the issue of whether the BPP is corrective or distributive is going to lead to significant normative implications regarding the sense in which we can meaningfully say that beneficiaries owe it to victims to redress the unfairness existing between them.
Parental union dissolution and children’s emotional and behavioral problems: addressing selection and considering the role of post-dissolution living arrangements
Authors: Nielsen Mikkeline Munk , Fallesen Peter , Gähler Michael
Published: January 2025

Increasingly children whose parents no longer live together are living in two households, alternating between family contexts. A growing literature documents strong, descriptive heterogeneities in children’s wellbeing across living arrangements. We combine longitudinal survey and administrative population data on 6000 Danish children born in 1995 to study how children’s emotional and behavioral problems change following parental union dissolution. Extending the existing, predominantly descriptive literature, we use several panel regression strategies that aim to control for unobservable confounding together with repeated measurement of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire to study children’s problems increase after parental union dissolution and examine heterogeneity across post-dissolution living arrangements. We find a substantial increase in emotional and behavioral problems following union dissolution, but only little evidence for substantial heterogeneity existing across post-dissolution family constellations and living arrangements. Our findings indicate that not only there is casual effect of parental union dissolution on children’s long-term wellbeing, but also that existing descriptive findings on differences across living arrangements likely are due to selection.
Social Workers’ Attitudes and Beliefs about MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Adolescents with PTSD
Authors: Mian Maha N , Horan Jordan , Hunter Taweh , Davis Alan K , Armstrong Stacey B
Published: January 2025

Given the widespread interest and ongoing study on MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for PTSD, its implications for unique populations—such as adolescents—require further understanding. Social workers will likely play a crucial role in the potential implementation of this intervention, but their perspectives remain unknown. The study includes 222 social workers randomized to read one of two vignettes about MDMA-AT or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor–assisted therapy (SSRI-AT) for treating adolescent treatment-resistant PTSD. Participants rated each treatment’s acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility, followed by drug stigma, perceptions of drug risk, and psychedelic knowledge. Participants in the SSRI-AT condition reported significantly higher mean ratings of treatment acceptability (p < .001; d = .72), appropriateness (p < .001; d = .72), and feasibility (p < .001; d =. 64). In the MDMA-AT condition, perceptions of MDMA risk were greater (p < .001; d = .59) and psychedelic stigma positively correlated with perceived risk of MDMA (r = .46, p < .001). Moreover, greater psychedelic knowledge was significantly related to less stigma (r = –.33, p < .001) and less perceived risk of MDMA (r = –.21, p < .001). Concerns among social workers about the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of MDMA-AT for adolescents with PTSD may limit clinical trial recruitment, engagement, and future implementation.
How to monitor the side effects of treatments in cancer patients
Authors: Di Palma Mario
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Monitoring the side effects of treatments in cancer patients is a key challenge in clinical practice, especially with the development of oral therapies.

The impact on patients is multifaceted: morbidity or even life-threatening risks in the case of severe side effects; deterioration in quality of life and functional abilities; lower adherence to treatments; reduced dose intensity, which can affect the efficacy of therapies.

Recent findings

The availability of digital tools for remote patient monitoring is transforming our ability to track these patients effectively. These tools enable monitoring of a large number of patients while identifying those experiencing difficulties; early detection of side effects.

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the use of digital tools for patient follow-up, their relevance, benefits, and the impact on both patients and healthcare organization.
Cancer-associated thrombosis: what is new?
Authors: Mahé Isabelle , Benarroch Samuel , Djennaoui Sadji , Hakem Rabiaa , Ghorbel Abdallah , Helfer Hélène , Chidiac Jean
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

The life expectancy of patients suffering from thrombosis associated with cancer has improved significantly, making them a chronic disease. Patients with thrombosis and cancer are fragile. Treated with anticoagulants, they remain at risk of complications.

Recent findings

Consequently, news issues emerge for clinical practice: anticoagulation therapy personalization is required to optimize the benefit ratio, involving patient characteristics and cancer characteristics. During follow-up, prediction score are designed and investigated to help identify and discriminate patients at risk of venous thromboembolism recurrences and major bleedings. Considering the improved prognosis of patients with cancer and cancer-associated thrombosis, the question of extended treatment arises, representing a major unmet need to date. Finally, new strategies, in particular anti-XI agents that appear attractive options, are currently being evaluated in the treatment of thrombosis associated with cancer.

The improved prognosis of patients with cancer-associated thrombosis is accompanied by new therapeutic strategies to improve the benefit-risk ratio of anticoagulant treatment in these fragile patients, at risk of both venous thromboembolic recurrence and haemorrhagic complication.
Guidelines on Application of Artificial Liver Blood Purification System (Version 2023)
Authors: Lanjuan Li
Published: January 2025

The artificial liver blood purification system (ALBPS), referred to as the artificial liver system, has been extensively used for treatment of patients with liver failure or other organ failures, and its efficacy has been well-documented. To further standardize the clinical application of ALBPS, the Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Group, Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Medical Association and other institutions invited experts to update the 2016 version of ALBPS guidelines and develop the Guidelines on Application of Artificial Liver Blood Purification System (version 2023). In line with the latest international research advancements, this updated version comprehensively elaborates on various aspects of ALBPS, including treatment mode selection, anticoagulation program implementation, nursing and operational procedures, indications and relative contraindications, common complications and their management, as well as management regulations of the system. These guidelines will provide guidance for the effective application of ALBPS for treatment of critically ill patients.
Persistence and Patterns of Combat-Related PTSD, Medical, and Social Dysfunction in Male Military Veterans 50 Years After Deployment to Vietnam
Authors: Stellman Steven D. , Kaiser Anica Pless , Smith Brian N. , Spiro Avron , Stellman Jeanne Mager
Published: January 2025

Objectives

We examined long-term patterns of PTSD and behavioral outcomes in Vietnam veterans.

Methods

A random sample of 12,400 veterans was surveyed in 1984, 1998, and a deployed subset (n = 729) in 2020. Outcomes included PTSD, psychological well-being, health functioning, and disability.

Results

Four PTSD patterns emerged over 35 years: current PTSD (9.1%, rising to 15.5% in heavy combat), prior PTSD (9.7%), sub-threshold PTSD (25.2%), and never PTSD (56.0%). A strong combat-PTSD dose-response relationship persisted across timepoints. Veterans with current PTSD showed the worst outcomes; those with sub-threshold or prior PTSD had intermediate outcomes, while never-PTSD veterans fared best. Community support mitigated adverse effects.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the enduring impact of combat, with PTSD and related dysfunction affecting veterans even below clinical thresholds, leaving many ineligible for DVA programs.
Small pulmonary nodule localization techniques in the era of lung cancer screening: a narrative review
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Chi , Li Lin , Qi Jun , Yang Guo-Huan , Li Ying-Qiang , Gong Chang-Qi
Published: January 2025

The widespread adoption of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) screening has led to increased detection of small pulmonary nodules, necessitating accurate localization techniques for surgical resection. This review examines the evolution, efficacy, and safety of various localization methods for small pulmonary nodules. Studies focusing on localization techniques for pulmonary nodules ≤30 mm in diameter were included, with emphasis on technical success rates and complication profiles. Preoperative CT-guided techniques, including hook-wire (success rate 94-98%) and anchored needle localization (success rate >99%, dislodgement rate 0%) demonstrate high technical success rates, though with varying complication profiles. Microcoil localization (97-98% success) shows comparable efficacy with lower complication rates. Dye-based methods offer simplicity but can be limited by rapid diffusion. Newer techniques like medical adhesive localization (success rate up to 100%) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (97.2% success) show promise in reducing complications and improving accuracy. Intraoperative methods such as ultrasound and hybrid operating room approaches provide real-time guidance but may be limited by nodule characteristics and available expertise. This review presents a radar chart analysis comparing techniques across key parameters and introduces an innovative decision-making algorithm that considers nodule characteristics, patient factors, and institutional resources, providing practical guidance and serving as a reference for clinicians. While no single method is universally superior, the trend towards minimally invasive, precise, and flexible approaches is evident. Future research should focus on large-scale comparative studies and the integration of artificial intelligence for optimized technique selection and improved patient outcomes.
Scaffolding Case Studies
Authors: Ainslie Marcy , Hebert Danielle , Miller Joseph , Griffith Patricia B. , Moore Jeanne , Luke Sheba , Venzke Margaret Hadro
Published: January 2025

Background:

Nursing education is transitioning to competency-based education (CBE). A key principle of CBE is scaffolding curricula from simple to complex to facilitate student learning.

Problem:

There is no standardized method of scaffolding nurse practitioner (NP) curricula.

Approach:

A workgroup of NP educators analyzed visit types—such as wellness, acute, chronic, and transition of care visits—to determine the appropriate placement of case scenarios for early, middle, or late-stage learners. Each case was then aligned with the educational preparation requirements for specific NP populations to identify which populations would benefit most from the scenario.

Outcomes:

A structured classification system, using predefined criteria, was developed to scaffold case scenarios in NP education. This systematic arrangement supports the implementation of CBE and facilitates learning.

Conclusions:

The scaffolding model can be used with a variety of learning resources and provides a standardized method for scaling complexity within NP curricula.
Validation of Tumor Budding as a Prognostic Factor in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Using an Independent Cohort
Authors: Lin Lawrence H. , Irshaid Lina , Matulonis Ursula A. , Kolin David L.
Published: January 2025

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is an endometriosis-related neoplasm, in which traditional histologic grading does not show prognostic significance. Tumor budding was associated with poorer outcomes in OCCC in previous studies. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor budding in OCCC in an independent cohort. Seventy patients diagnosed with OCCC were retrospectively identified. Slides from primary ovarian resections were reviewed by 2 pathologists blinded to outcomes. Tumor budding was defined as single or clusters of <5 tumor cells in peritumoral and/or intratumoral nonhyalinized stroma. Most patients were diagnosed at an early stage (stage I: 69%; II: 20%; III: 10%; IV: 1%). Twenty-one patients experienced recurrences (30%) and 2 progressive disease (3%). At the last follow-up, 52 patients had no evidence of disease, 6 were alive with disease, and 12 died of disease. The median follow-up time was 66.7 mo. Tumor budding was identified in 41 cases (59%) with a kappa coefficient of 0.60. On univariate analysis, tumor budding (P=0.022) and stage (P=0.0005) were associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS), but only stage was independently associated with shorter PFS on multivariate analysis (P=0.003). Higher stage was the only variable associated with shorter overall survival (P=0.037). Tumor budding was associated with higher stage (P=0.039), absence of endometriosis (P=0.042) and adenofibroma (P=0.046), tumor-associated inflammation (P=0.002), and higher mitotic activity (P=0.022). There was no association between tumor budding and molecular characteristics in 32 cases with somatic tumor sequencing. Tumor budding was not independently associated with worse outcomes in this cohort of OCCC, although it was significantly associated with specific clinicopathologic features, including higher stage. Stage was the only independent variable predictive of poorer survival, which appears to drive the prognostic significance of tumor budding.