bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Short‐Read Amplicon Sequencing Protocol and Bioinformatic Pipeline for Ecological Surveillance of Dipteran Disease Vectors
Authors: Lima‐Cordón Raquel , Mohabir Jason Travis , Sooklall Mohini , Zurita Aina Martinez , Shieh Meg , Knox Cheyenne , Gobran Sabrina , Johnson Zachary , Laws Margaret , Panchal Ruchit , Niles‐Robin Reza , Cox Horace , Grillet Maria Eugenia , Moreno Jorge E. , Herrera Socrates , Quinones Martha , Early Angela M. , Tennessen Jacob A. , Neafsey Daniel E.
Published: February 2025

Vector control remains an important strategy worldwide to prevent human infection with pathogens transmitted by arthropods. Vector control strategies rely on accurate identification of vector taxa along with vector‐specific biological indicators such as feeding ecology, infection prevalence and insecticide resistance. Multiple ‘DNA barcoding’ protocols have been published over the past several decades to support these applications, generally relying on informal manual approaches such as BLAST to assign taxonomic identity to the resulting sequences. We present a standardised informatic pipeline for analysis of DNA barcoding data from dipteran vectors, VecTreeID, that uses short‐read amplicon sequencing (AmpSeq) coupled with sequence similarity assessment (BLAST) and an evolutionary placement algorithm (EPA‐ng) to achieve vector taxonomic identification, capture bionomic features (blood and plant meal sources), determine Plasmodium infection status (for anopheline mosquitoes) and detect target‐site insecticide resistance mutations. The VecTreeID pipeline provides uncertainty in assignment through identifications at varying levels of taxonomic rank, a feature missing from many approaches to DNA barcoding, but important given gaps and labelling problems in public sequence databases. We validated an Illumina‐based implementation of VecTreeID on laboratory and field samples, and find that the blood meal amplicons can detect vertebrate DNA sequences up to 36 h post‐feeding, and that short‐read sequencing data are capable of sensitively detecting minor sequences in DNA mixtures representing multi‐species blood or nectar meals. This high‐throughput VecTreeID approach empowers researchers and public health professionals to survey and control arthropod disease vectors consistently and effectively.
Product Development with Lurking Patentees
Authors: Hovenkamp Erik , Lemus Jorge , Turner John L.
Published: February 2025

Innovative product developers are often uninformed about relevant patents. Patentees may exploit this by strategically “lurking”—refraining from ex ante licensing in the hope that developers will unwittingly infringe, creating an opportunity for “patent holdup.” We contribute to the literature by introducing a framework to explore when strategic lurking is profitable and how it affects developers' technology decisions. We find that lurking is pervasive in equilibrium, and it may lead to inefficient investment or adoption of inferior technologies. Commitments to license patents on reasonable (or “FRAND”) terms can improve efficiency and benefit all parties.
The Buyer Power Effect of Retail Mergers: An Empirical Model of Bargaining with Equilibrium of Fear
Authors: Bonnet Céline , Bouamra‐Mechemache Zohra , Molina Hugo
Published: February 2025

We develop a bilateral oligopoly framework with manufacturer‐retailer bargaining to analyze the impact of retail mergers on market outcomes. We show that the surplus division between manufacturers and retailers depends on three bargaining forces and can be interpreted in terms of an “equilibrium of fear”. We estimate our framework in the French soft drink industry and find that retailers have greater bargaining power than manufacturers. Using counterfactual simulations, we highlight that retail mergers increase retailers' fear of disagreement relative to that of manufacturers, which weakens their buyer power and leads to higher wholesale and retail prices.
Tactical Emergency Medical Services in Copenhagen, Denmark: A mixed methods design study introducing a new concept
Authors: Glahn Jonas Erasmus Egede , Heltø Kim Minh Michael , Alstrøm Henrik , Petersen Marian Christin , Gärtner Rune
Published: February 2025

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to introduce the concept of Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) in Denmark and to explore the TEMS providers' and the Danish Police Forces' confidence in the TEMS concept in case of a terrorist attack within the Capital Region of Denmark.

Background

Terrorist attacks pose a major challenge to prehospital emergency medical services when it comes to reaching trapped victims. The threat to healthcare professionals limits access and creates a so‐called therapeutic vacuum, leading to delayed treatment and evacuation of victims and ultimately increases mortality.

Methods

This study used a mixed methods triangulation approach, integrating qualitative data from an interview study and quantitative data from a register study. The interview study consisted of 18 semistructured interviews conducted across three interview groups (Copenhagen TEMS physicians/paramedics, senior on‐site commanders, and tactical and medical officers from the Copenhagen Police Department) with six participants in each group. Data from the interview study were analyzed using thematic framework analysis. The register study used data from the TEMS database, including 61 assignments from 2019 to 2020, that were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The interview study found three core themes in each interview group. The main findings included insights on the advantages of having healthcare professionals in the warm zone, the prerequisites for the concept's success, TEMS's cooperation with the Danish Police Force, and challenges concerning healthcare providers inside tactical zones. The participants expected TEMS' presence inside the warm zone could improve triage and medical treatment, free police resources, increase police safety, optimize preparedness of the health sector, and significantly reduce the therapeutic vacuum. Data from the register study demonstrated that TEMS have had prior assignments in the warm and hot zones.

Conclusion

All participating groups have high confidence in TEMS to close the gap of the therapeutic vacuum and deliver advanced physician and paramedic‐based tactical medicine inside the warm zone in case of a terrorist attack in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Editorial Comment

This study includes both provider interviews and registry data to support insight into processes of Tactical Emergency Medicine. The authors discuss possible advantages of having emergency medical personnel in the major incident area early to support a coordinated response.
From Policy to Plate: The Impact of Livestock and Poultry Regulation on Meat Consumption in Rural China
Authors: Yan Zhen , Feng Hao , Li Ziwei , Lin Wen
Published: February 2025

Given the negative externalities generated by pollution from livestock and poultry production, governments have implemented environmental regulations targeting the agricultural sector. This study uses China's livestock and poultry regulation (LPR) as a quasiexperiment and evaluates its impacts on rural residents’ meat consumption. Utilizing the data from China Health and Nutrition Surveys, our findings reveal an average reduction of 15.1 g in daily meat consumption per rural resident, primarily attributed to meat price increases. However, nonfarm employment would alleviate the negative impact of LPR on meat consumption. Residents with higher income, engaging in nonfarm jobs, and higher dietary knowledge exhibit lower mean intake reduction. Furthermore, for individuals with excessive meat intake, the regulation reduces their meat consumption, while exerting little effects on those with inadequate or moderate meat consumption. Our findings have important policy implications regarding the trade‐offs between food security and nutrition and environmental protection, in particular in rural areas.
Validating the MIMIC score as a predictor of successful spontaneous stone passage in patients managed conservatively for ureteric colic
Authors: Milton T. M. , Noll D. N. , Stapleton P. S. , Zhang P. Z. , Chieng J. C. , Chow J. C. , Hewitt J. H. , Stroman L. S. , Van Beek S. V. , Steele R. S.
Published: February 2025

Backgrounds

The MIMIC score was designed to predict the likelihood of spontaneous stone passage (SSP) in patients presenting with ureteric colic and given a trial of conservative management. The objective of this study was to determine the external validity of the MIMIC score.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, retrospective cohort study that reviewed patients over a 2‐year period presenting with ureteric colic who were given a trial of conservative management. Patient‐factors were recorded, and their MIMIC score calculated and compared to the observed outcome. Discrimination was determined using an area under the receiver‐operating curve with an AUC >0.7 considered validated and calibration using calibration plot.

Results

Three hundred ninety‐nine patients were included. The median age was 49 (IQR 37–60). 79% were males. The mean stone size for successful SSP was 3.8 mm compared to 4.8 mm for failed SSP. 88% of stones passed spontaneously. The AUC was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.60–0.77). The calibration plot showed an underestimation of SSP. In the lowest quintile of patients with a mean predicted SSP rate of 46%, the observed SSP rate was 74% (95% CI: 63–83%). With a higher predicted SSP rate, the MIMIC score was accurate. In the highest quintile of patients with a mean predicted SSP rate of 90%, the observed SSP rate was 92% (95% CI: 84–97%).

Conclusion

In this population, the prediction of the MIMIC score were not sufficiently accurate. There was overall an underestimation of SSP. The MIMIC score was accurate for patients who had a higher likelihood of SSP (>83%).
Outcomes associated with fetal nuchal translucency between 3.0 and 3.4 mm in the first trimester
Authors: Vriendt Manon D. E. , Rooryck Caroline , Madar Hugo , Coatleven Frédéric , Vincienne Marie , Prier Perrine , Naudion Sophie , Sentilhes Loïc , Bouchghoul Hanane
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Decisions concerning nuchal translucency (NT) between 3.0 and 3.4 mm remain controversial, particularly regarding whether to first calculate the combined first trimester screening test or to proceed directly with invasive testing. The literature suggests an increased risk of chromosomal aberration, as well as pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) on chromosomal microarray, for fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm. The aim of this study was to describe genetic findings of fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm in the first trimester. The secondary objective was to describe ultrasound findings and adverse outcomes for these fetuses. The third objective was to compare genetic, ultrasound findings and adverse outcomes of fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm to those with NT ≥3.5 mm.

Material and Methods

We conducted an observational, retrospective study in a referral center between 2017 and 2022. Genetic and ultrasound findings were compared between fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm and those with NT≥3.5 mm. An adverse outcome was defined as one of the following: miscarriage, perinatal death (stillbirth or neonatal death) or termination of pregnancy at parental request, and all major abnormalities or genetic disorders diagnosed before or after delivery.

Results

We included 404 fetuses with NT≥3.0 mm who had invasive testing with available karyotype and chromosomal microarray, among whom 20.8% (84/404) had NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm. The rate of adverse outcomes among fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm was 32.1% (27/84). The rates of chromosomal aberration, pathogenic CNVs, and major ultrasound abnormalities were 16.7% (14/84), 6.0%(5/84), and 9.2% (6/65), respectively, for fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm. In comparison, fetuses with NT greater than 3.5 mm had higher rates of chromosomal aberration and major ultrasound abnormalities, with rates of 47.5% (152/320) and 30.2% (49/162) respectively compared to 16.7% (14/84) and 9.2% (6/65) for fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). However, the rate of pathogenic CNVs was not significantly different between the two groups, with rates of 1.9% (6/320) for NT≥3.5 mm and 6.0% (5/84) for NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm (p = 0.06).

Conclusions

The rate of chromosomal aberration and pathogenic CNVs on chromosomal microarray is high among fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm, although these rates remain lower than those observed among fetuses with NT≥3.5 mm.
Urban–rural disparities in the prevalence and trends of loneliness among Chinese older adults and their associated factors: Evidence from machine learning analysis
Authors: Zhu Boyu , Wu Lin
Published: February 2025

In the context of rapid aging development, exploring the predictive factors of older adults' loneliness and its urban–rural differences is of great significance for promoting the psychological health of older adults. This study selected 30 variables from the three waves of China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data in 2016, 2018, and 2020, using a random forest classifier to explore the predictive factors of loneliness. The sense of loneliness among rural older adults is significantly higher than that of urban older adults. Among the top 10 predictors of loneliness, there are seven common factors in urban and rural, including sleep quality, marital status, confidence in the future, weekly family dinners, life satisfaction, physical discomfort in the past 2 weeks, and relationship with children. The other three different predictive factors for urban older adults are weekly movie and TV duration, family size, and family net worth, while self‐rated health, health change, and per capita family income set the rural older adults apart. In addition, the urban–rural differences in the predictive factors of older adults' loneliness show different development trends in the time dimension. Paying attention to the predictive factors that contribute to the high ranking of older adults' loneliness and the widening trend of urban–rural differences is highly required.
‘The city is not for us’: Ethics, everyday sexism, and negotiating unwanted encounters during fieldwork
Authors: Rose Morag
Published: February 2025

This paper is an autoethnographic account of situated ethics and risk during fieldwork. Specifically, it discusses experiences of gendered street harassment while conducting walking interviews with women in Manchester, UK. These are shared as a series of vignettes, each illustrating a different incident. It utilises Vera‐Gray's (2016) conception of ‘men's stranger intrusions’ to understand what happened because each encounter irrevocably changed the trajectory of the research conversations it disrupted. Navigating through these incidents, this work reconsiders the ethics of empirical research in a UK city and what constitutes an acceptable risk. It discusses the impact of everyday sexism and street harassment on both the researcher and their work. Making these stories visible matters, because it centres the restrictions women may feel and strategies they develop to enable their continued participation in public life despite gendered threats. Thinking through possible implications for future research, it concludes with some practical recommendations to mitigate potential harms. Mitigations do not negate the need for wider structural changes to eliminate the threat of gender‐based violence, nor do they signal resignation that we must minimise ourselves, or that perpetrators must not take responsibility for violence against women. These suggestions for practical actions researchers can take are based on lived experience and shared in a spirit of care, resistance, solidarity, and rage.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of paediatric mature B‐cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with bone marrow involvement: A joint study between the CCCG leukaemia and lymphoma groups
Authors: Zhao Jie , Liu Tian‐Feng , Wu Ke‐fei , Yang Liang‐Chun , Xu Xue‐Ju , Lu Jun , Shao Jing‐Bo , Li Fu , Ma Fu‐Tian , Guo Xia , Li Hui , Liu Ai‐Guo , Wang Ning‐Ling , Shen He‐Ping , Li Yang , Liu Si‐Xi , Liang Chang‐Da , Shen Shu‐Hong , Fang Yong‐Jun , Gao Yi‐Jin
Published: February 2025

Mature B‐cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐ALL) is distinguished from B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) by the arbitrariness of the 25% cut‐off, and given that the percentage of bone marrow (BM) blasts can vary according to site of aspirate, we refrained from differentiating mature B‐ALL from B‐NHL with BM infiltration. A total of 156 patients from the Chinese Children Cancer Group with BM blasts of more than 5% and consistent with immunophenotypic features of mature B cells were included in this study. The 2‐year progression‐free survival, 2‐year event‐free survival and 2‐year overall survival were 76.6 ± 3.6%, 69.7 ± 3.7% and 80.1 ± 3.3% respectively. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement, serum ferritin levels higher than four times normal and rituximab no more than two doses were associated with lower PFS. Male, bulky disease and head/neck region involvement were associated with higher rate of CNS invasion. We performed an integrative transcriptomic characterization of 36 cases. Structure variant included IG::MYC, IGH::CACS11, MEF2D::BCL9, IGH::VPS53 and ACIN1::NUTM1. SNV analysis uncovered driver variations affecting 10 recurrently mutated genes including ID3, TP53, MYC, ARID1A, SMARCA4, DDX3X, CCND3, RHOA, SMARCB1, FOXO1 and GNA13. Mature B‐ALL/B‐NHL with BM involvement was a heterogeneous group of malignancies in both clinical features and genetic alternations. Genetics analysis was helpful for making accurate diagnoses and guiding appropriate therapeutic strategies.
Interactions between ADGRF1 (GPR110) and extracellular matrix proteins govern its effects on tumorigenesis in HER2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Abdulkareem Noor Mazin , Bhat Raksha , Castillo Micah , Jung Sung Yun , Vasaikar Suhas , Nanda Sarmistha , Ruiz Alexis , Shea Martin , Cao Wangjia , Veeraraghavan Jamunarani , Kim Hee‐Yong , Bawa‐Khalfe Tasneem , Hussain Tahir , Liu Xinli , Gunaratne Preethi , Schiff Rachel , Trivedi Meghana V.
Published: February 2025

Background and Purpose

We and others have previously shown that ADGRF1, an adhesion G protein‐coupled receptor, is overexpressed and associated with poor survival in many cancers, including human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2) breast cancer (BC). Also, we have reported the tumour‐promoting function of ADGRF1 using preclinical models of HER2+ BC. In this study, we investigated the effect of ADGRF1 overexpression in an orthotopic in vivo model as well as downstream signalling of ADGRF1 in HER2+ BC.

Experimental Approach

We utilized a doxycycline (Dox)‐induced ADGRF1 overexpression system in HER2+ BC cell lines and performed various in vitro and in vivo studies. Following ADGRF1 overexpression in the presence/absence of Matrigel, laminin‐111 or collagen‐IV, we performed the mammosphere assay to assess the tumorigenicity of breast epithelial cells, as well as cAMP/IP1 assays and RNA‐sequencing, to understand the receptor function and pharmacology. We conducted cross‐linking‐aided immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to confirm the physical interaction between ADGRF1 and the extracellular matrix proteins present in Matrigel.

Key Results

We found that ADGRF1 switched from a tumour‐promoting to tumour‐suppressive function upon interaction with laminin‐111. Interaction of ADGRF1 with laminin‐111 resulted in inhibition of Gαs coupling and STAT3 phosphorylation, induction of senescence, increase in HER2 expression, and improvement of sensitivity to anti‐HER2 drugs in HER2+ BC.

Conclusions

ADGRF1 switches from a tumour‐promoting to tumour‐suppressive function upon interaction with laminin‐111, leading to improvements in sensitivity to anti‐HER2 drugs. Leveraging ADGRF1 interactions with laminin‐111 may allow the design of novel therapies against ADGRF1 in HER2+ BC.
NEK2 Control of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth Based on Circadian Oscillation
Authors: Zeng Boning , Sun Chao , Li Nan , Chen Qiuling , Rao Manni , Li Kai , Liu Xiaodi , Xie Shouxia , Cheng Jiwu , Wang Shaoxiang , Wang Xiao
Published: February 2025

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a globally prevalent malignancy known for its aggressive nature and unfavorable outcomes. Identifying new biomarkers is crucial for the early detection and improved prognostication of ESCC. The circadian clock and NIMA‐related kinase 2 (NEK2) are pivotal in cancer development. While the impact of circadian rhythm disruptions on ESCC progression is evident, the specific contribution of NEK2 to these changes is not well understood. Our study discovered NEK2 as a consistently differentially expressed gene across multiple datasets, with elevated expression in ESCC tissues. Notably, NEK2 overexpression was linked to increased ESCC cell proliferation, whereas its inhibition led to reduced cell growth and proliferation. Pathway analyses, including KEGG and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), indicated NEK2's association with established pathways like the cell cycle, and intriguingly, identified the circadian rhythm as a novel pathway influenced by NEK2. RNA sequencing data demonstrated NEK2's circadian rhythmic expression, and subsequent in vitro experiments confirmed its oscillation in synchronized ESCC cells. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between the efficacy of the NEK2 inhibitor INH6 and NEK2 expression levels in ESCC. In conclusion, our findings position NEK2 as a time‐dependent oncogene and a potential biomarker in ESCC, highlighting its role in both tumorigenesis and the circadian rhythm.
Post‐delisting dilemma: Long‐term success of Chrysopsis floridana introductions depends on continued fire management
Authors: Bowen Hannah J. , Peterson Cheryl L. , Menges Eric S. , David Aaron S.
Published: February 2025

The Endangered Species Act aims to recover imperiled species to the point of delisting; however, few plant species have been delisted due to recovery. Critical to many species' recovery criteria are introductions, yet the long‐term success of plant introductions is highly variable and their use in delisting decisions is relatively untested. In this study, we examined the dynamics of eight introduced populations of the recently delisted Chrysopsis floridana (Florida Golden Aster), a fire‐dependent perennial plant endemic to Florida scrub habitats. We analyzed 6 years of demographic data (2017–2022) and 10 years of prescribed fire records to assess population trends, fire management effects, and vital rates related to recruitment, survival, and reproduction. Our results show that population densities with regular fire management increased, while unburned populations generally declined. Prescribed fire increased seedling recruitment and survival rates. We estimated a fire‐return interval of approximately 5 years is needed for population persistence, shorter than the 10‐year interval used in the delisting decision. Our findings suggest that post‐delisting monitoring should prioritize fire management to ensure the long‐term success of introduced populations. Our work highlights the need for more robust, specific delisting criteria, particularly regarding the role of introductions, long‐term monitoring, and post‐introduction habitat management. These insights can inform future recovery plans for fire‐dependent species and improve the delisting process for plants under the Endangered Species Act.
Liver Transplant Fast‐Track With an Emphasis on Reduced Delirium: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Reducing Length of Stay
Authors: Salerno David M. , Genovese Mia , Jesudian Arun , Roman Erica , Khan Mashal , Samstein Benjamin , Brandman Danielle
Published: February 2025

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols have been shown to reduce length of stay in transplant patients. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of a standardized protocol in liver transplant recipients (LTR) on length of stay (LOS) and delirium during the index hospitalization post‐LT. Elements of the protocol included reduced intraoperative corticosteroids (from methylprednisolone 1000 to 250 mg), conversion of steroid taper to be administered once‐daily instead of BID, optimal end‐of‐case intraoperative extubation, multimodal analgesia, early removal of surgical drains, implementation of dietary and physical therapy plans and education for multidisciplinary providers and patients about expected LOS. The primary outcome was post‐LT LOS. Secondary outcomes included incidence of delirium, ICU LOS, rejection at 60 days and readmission within 30 days of discharge. A total of 125 LTRs were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The median LOS was 12 days (IQR, 9–19) and 10 days (IQR, 8–15) in the pre‐ and post‐implementation groups, respectively (p = 0.025). ICU LOS was 2.9 (IQR, 2.1–4) and 2.7 (IQR, 1.9–3.7) in the pre‐ and post‐implementation groups, respectively (p = 0.525). In the pre‐ and post‐implementation groups, the incidence of delirium was 17 (25.8%) and 5 (8.6%), respectively (p = 0.013). The incidence of treated rejection at 60 days was 3% (0.0–10.1) and 5.2% (2.9–15.2) in the pre‐ and post‐implementation groups, respectively (p = 0.550). Implementation of a Fast Track protocol in a high acuity LTR was feasible and safe and was associated with a reduction in LOS.
Individual Association of Predicted Left and Right Ventricular Mass Ratios With Survival After Heart Transplantation: A UNOS Database Analysis
Authors: Jain Amiti , Pritting Christopher , Brodie Andrew , Rahimov Daler , Ahmad Danial , Rame J. Eduardo , Alvarez Rene , Rajagopal Keshava , Entwistle John W. , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang
Published: February 2025

Background

Predicted heart mass (PHM) ratio is a commonly used metric for donor‐to‐recipient size matching that has been associated with survival after heart transplantation (HTx). PHM represents a sum of two separate statistical models for predicted left ventricular mass (PLVM) and predicted right ventricular mass (PRVM); however, their individual contributions have not been sufficiently studied. We sought to assess the association of donor‐to‐recipient PLVM (PLVMR) and PRVM ratios (PRVMR) with overall posttransplant survival individually.

Methods

Adult heart transplant recipients from 2005 to 2021 were queried from the UNOS database. A three‐dimensional tensor product spline model assessed the association of PLVMR and PRVMR with survival simultaneously on a continuous distribution. Subsequently, PLVMR and PRVMR were explored individually using individual restricted cubic spline models.

Results

A total of 25 549 patients were analyzed. Of these, female recipients comprised 26.7% (n = 6818), and the median age was 56 [IQR 46–63] years. In the three‐dimensional restricted cubic spline (3D‐RCS) model, PLVMR and PRVMR were significantly associated with survival (p value: overall = 0.002, PLVMR = 0.0006, PRVMR = 0.0006, PLVMR*PRVMR = 0.0002). When analyzed with two‐dimensional restricted cubic spline (2D‐RCS) models, PLVMR was not associated with survival (p = 0.59), while PRVMR retained its significant association (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

While both PLVMR and PRVMR appear to be associated with posttransplant survival, the effect of PRVMR might be disproportionately high as PRVM makes up a much smaller fraction of PHM than PLVM.
Long‐term outcomes of a modified nonflared fully covered self‐expandable metal stent for refractory anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation (with video)
Authors: Park Jae Woo , Moon Jong Ho , Lee Yun Nah , Shin Il Sang , Chung Jun Chul , Jeong Jaehong , Lee Tae Hoon , Yang Jae Kook , Cho Young Deok , Park Sang‐Heum
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Although fully covered self‐expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) are used for the management of anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS) after liver transplantation (LT), there is concern about long‐term adverse events such as recurrence of stricture. We evaluated the long‐term efficacy of a modified nonflared FCSEMS (M‐FCSEMS) compared to plastic stents (PS) for refractory ABS after LT.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent placement of an M‐FCSEMS (M‐FCSEMS group) or multiple PS (PS group) for refractory ABS after LT were enrolled. The primary outcome was the stricture recurrence rate, and the secondary outcomes were technical success, clinical success, and the rate of de novo stricture.

Results

In both groups, technical success was achieved in all patients. The median stent duration was 3.1 months in the M‐FCSEMS group and 7.6 months in the PS group (P < 0.001). Clinical success rates were 96.7% (29/30) for the M‐FCSEMS group and 94.4% (17/18) for the PS group (P = 0.709). Stent migration occurred in 10.0% (3/30) of the patients before removal of the stent in the M‐FCSEMS group, while 27.8% (5/18) of patients in the PS group showed stent migration (P = 0.110). Stricture recurrence occurred in 17.2% (5/29) in the M‐FCSEMS group, compared to 47.1% (8/17) in the PS group (P = 0.036). There were no de novo strictures observed in either cohort.

Conclusion

Modified nonflared FCSEMS is effective for relieving refractory ABS after LT, with a low recurrence rate and the absence of de novo stricture after long‐term follow‐up.
Assessment of cortical activity, functional connectivity, and neuroplasticity in cerebral palsy using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy: A scoping review
Authors: Khan Owais A. , Rahman Simin , Baduni Kanishka , Modlesky Christopher M.
Published: February 2025

Aim

To map and critically appraise the literature on the feasibility and current use of functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess cortical activity, functional connectivity, and neuroplasticity in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

A scoping review methodology was prospectively registered and reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in four databases. Empirical studies using fNIRS to assess neural activity, functional connectivity, or neuroplasticity in individuals with CP aged 3 years or older were included.

Results

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Individuals with CP (age range = 3–43 years; 70% unilateral CP) underwent fNIRS‐based assessment for task‐evoked activity (studies [n] = 15) and/or resting‐state functional connectivity (n = 3). Preliminary observations suggest greater magnitude, extent, and ipsilateral hemispheric lateralization of sensorimotor cortex activity in CP, while magnitude and patterns of prefrontal cortex activity in CP appear dependent on task demands. Normalization of fNIRS‐based activity metrics observed postintervention (n = 3) paralleled improvements in functional outcomes, highlighting their potential as promising biomarkers for functional gains in CP.

Interpretation

This review details the use of fNIRS in CP, highlights research gaps and technical limitations, and offers recommendations to support fNIRS implementation for ecologically valid functional neuroimaging in individuals with CP.
Participation in activities of daily living after the Akwenda Intervention Program for children and young people with cerebral palsy in Uganda: A cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Asige Elizabeth , Saloojee Gillian , Wanjala Godfrey , Andrews Carin , Namaganda Lukia H. , Kakooza‐Mwesige Angelina , Damiano Diane L. , Forssberg Hans
Published: February 2025

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of the Akwenda Intervention Program on participation attendance and involvement of children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP) in rural Uganda.

Method

This was a cluster‐randomized, controlled, single‐blind, interventional study of 100 participants with CP (aged 2–23 years; 48 females; allocated to the intervention or waiting list control group). Picture My Participation interviews assessed participation attendance and involvement in 20 home and community activities. Group differences were analysed using a Mann–Whitney U test and effect sizes were calculated. Change in attendance was related to age and functional level, and to improvements in child functioning, which was published in a previous report from the same study.

Results

Attendance increased more in the intervention compared to the control group (p < 0.001; r = 0.48; z = −4.62) and across both Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) subgroups and two age subgroups (2–5 years and 13–23 years). Positive correlations were found between increases in attendance and higher GMFCS levels (ρ = 0.25, p = 0.03) and with all three caregiver assistance scales and the social function child scale of the Ugandan version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. The intervention group had larger increases in involvement than the controls (p < 0.001; r = 0.41; z = −3.95), although positive changes were seen in both groups.

Interpretation

The Akwenda Intervention Program, which intervened at the level of the child, family, and community, was successful in enhancing participation for children with CP.
Global burden, trends and inequalities for ischaemic heart disease attributable to high fasting plasma glucose, high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high systolic blood pressure, 1990–2021: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: An Jun‐Qiao , Jia Yu‐Zhi , Shi Xiao‐Han , He Xue , Zhang Jin‐Xi , Ren Yue‐Han , He Qing‐Yong
Published: February 2025

Aims

The three key and direct risk factors for the significant health issue prevalent worldwide, ischaemic heart disease(IHD), are high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG), high low‐density lipoprotein (HLDL) and high systolic blood pressure (HSBP) in metabolic syndrome (MetS). A comprehensive study is essential to present the most recent global epidemiological trends.

Methods

IHD data attributable to HFPG, HLDL and HSBP (3H) were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. The absolute burden was manifested in the number of death cases and disability‐adjusted life years (DALY). The relative burden was quantified through the age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and the age‐standardized DALY rate (ASDR). Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was used to measure trends.

Results

HSBP caused the greatest IHD burden, followed by HLDL, which was much higher than HFPG. The IHD burden associated with HLDL and HSBP were more alike and notably different from HFPG. From 1990 to 2021, ASDR for HSBP and HLDL‐related IHD generally declined, with the EAPC of −1.28 (95% CI: −1.34, −1.23) and −1.38 (95% CI: −1.44, −1.33). But the trend was less pronounced for HFPG‐related IHD, with the EAPC of −0.90 (95% CI: −2.25, 0.46). The absolute burden was higher in men under 80 and peaked 5–10 years earlier than women. Compared to HSBP and HLDL, HFPG caused a significant increase in burden in low‐middle and low socio‐demographic index (SDI) regions. The high‐middle SDI region, which originally had the highest burden, showed a clear downward trend after 2005 and was gradually overtaken by the low‐middle region. Eastern Europe, Central Asia, North Africa and the Middle East had the highest burden among the regions with the same SDI level in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Conclusion

The HFPG‐related IHD burden should be managed differently from HSBP and HLDL. Particular attention should be paid to men, older age groups and regions with low‐middle SDI.
Designing graduate business curricula by utilizing a market‐driven skills extraction approach
Authors: Boshkoska Biljana Mileva , Sen Sagnika , Boškoski Pavle
Published: February 2025

Traditionally, academic institutions have relied on interviews with industry representatives and alumni surveys to gauge market demand, an approach that often results in dated and limited information. In this article, we show that using real‐time data from job postings in professional sites provides more direct, rich, and timely insights regarding the current demand and skill requirements. We propose a novel machine‐learning based framework for detecting the skillsets for positions requiring Master of Business and Administration (MBA). Utilizing LinkedIn job‐posting data in the US state of Pennsylvania, our analysis reveals 20 distinct functional areas. While some of these functional areas (e.g., people management) are predictable, others (e.g., supply chain project management) were not anticipated to be high in demand in the given market. Our results also identify the most sought‐after skillsets (e.g., resource allocation). Most importantly, we observe that the top skillsets span multiple functional areas. Taken together, our results can help business school program directors update and customize curricula to meet market demand.
Acute Myocarditis and Inflammatory Cardiomyopathies: Insights From Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Findings
Authors: Lauriero Francesco , Vita Camilla Vittoria , Perazzolo Alessio , Sanseverino Giovanni , Moliterno Eleonora , Rovere Giuseppe , Marano Riccardo , Natale Luigi
Published: February 2025

Myocardial inflammation encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions, including acute myocarditis, chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathy, and several overlapping entities that differ in clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and progression. These conditions range from self‐limiting acute inflammation to chronic myocardial injury and dysfunction. The etiologic classification of myocardial inflammation highlights the complexity of its pathogenesis, involving direct tissue damage, immune‐mediated mechanisms, and environmental triggers. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has become a central diagnostic tool in the assessment of myocardial inflammation, providing precise characterization of myocardial tissue, assessing cardiac function, and stratifying prognosis. Advanced techniques such as T1 and T2 mapping and extracellular volume quantification have further expanded its diagnostic capabilities. This review highlights the essential role of CMR in diagnosing myocardial inflammation, recognizing various imaging findings associated with different underlying causes, and informing clinical management. The standardization of CMR protocols, along with advancements in imaging techniques and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration, represents a fundamental step toward improving diagnostic accuracy, patient outcomes, and the understanding of the broad spectrum of myocardial inflammatory diseases.
CT and MR Imaging of Cardiomyopathies in Clinical Practice–An Approach After an Abnormal Echocardiogram or Electrocardiogram
Authors: Monteiro Pedro , Peixoto Tiago , Rodrigues Patrícia , Carvalho João Gomes
Published: February 2025

Cardiomyopathies represent a diverse group of myocardial disorders characterized by structural and functional abnormalities in the absence of significant coronary artery disease or other primary causes. This review highlights the diagnostic and prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance and computed tomography in the assessment of cardiomyopathies. While echocardiography remains the first‐line imaging modality, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computerized tomography (CCT) offer superior tissue characterization, morphological assessment, and functional evaluation, crucial for phenotyping cardiomyopathies into hypertrophic, dilated, restrictive, arrhythmogenic, and non‐dilated left ventricular subtypes. For hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, CMR enables precise identification of fibrosis, hypertrophy distribution, and risk stratification for sudden cardiac death. CMR is pivotal in identifying phenocopies, like cardiac amyloidosis and Anderson–Fabry disease, and differentiating between pathological and physiological remodeling in athlete's heart. For dilated cardiomyopathy, late gadolinium enhancement, T1 mapping, and extracellular volume measurements aid in distinguishing etiologies and predicting adverse outcomes. In arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, CMR demonstrates superior sensitivity for detecting structural abnormalities in the right ventricle, and the presence of fibrosis which is associated with arrhythmic risk. CCT main roles are excluding coronary artery disease and complementing CMR. This review proposes a diagnostic pathway integrating multimodality imaging for clinical management in cardiomyopathies.
Value of Advanced Cardiac CTA in Clinical Assessment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Literature Review and Practical Implications
Authors: Touma Rabih , Pareddy Anisha R. , Abidov Aiden
Published: February 2025

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited cardiac anomaly with a potentially unfavorable clinical outcome. The essential role of multimodality imaging in HCM is well recognized by major professional cardiac imaging societies and has been incorporated into the HCM clinical practice guidelines. Appropriate utilization of cardiac imaging tools is cardinal for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management for HCM patients to mitigate their lifelong risk of adverse events. Echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice for clinical diagnosis of HCM. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA) offer complementary practical information for an inclusive evaluation in such patients. CCTA provides a thorough analysis of the cardiac anatomy and function that is paramount in HCM clinical decision‐making. This review summarizes the utility of CCTA in the clinical assessment of patients with HCM. It outlines the multi‐role of CCTA in HCM, including the quantification of cardiac parameters, myocardial tissue characterization, left ventricular (LV) functional analysis, the definition of cardiac and coronary arteries (CA) anatomy, and the provision of a roadmap for septal reduction therapies (SRT), mitral valve (MV) intervention, and atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.
Enhanced Transparency on Single‐Name Credit Default Swaps: A Comparison Between the United States and the European Union
Authors: Priem Randy
Published: February 2025

The goal of this article is to examine and compare the various actions that both US and EU legislators have taken—or want to take—to enhance the transparency of single‐name credit default swaps (CDSs). Legislators on both sides of the Atlantic are of the view that enhanced transparency is beneficial but their focus is different. That is, the European Union focuses on enhancing pre‐ and post‐trade transparency, whereas US legislators want to mitigate manufactured credit events by requesting disclosure of large positions. Both legislators are of the view that transparency could lead to enhanced market discipline and quality but where European Regulators focus on market participants knowing whether a transaction could take place at a certain price or has happened at certain conditions, US legislators believe that investors should have a more complete picture on creditors’ incentives in restructuring and whether there is a concentrated exposure to a limited number of counterparties. This paper discusses the regulatory differences and explains them based on the different market contexts in both continents.
Developmental Plasticity and the Evolutionary Rescue of a Colonizing Mite
Authors: Stewart Kathryn A. , Smallegange Isabel M.
Published: February 2025

Plasticity, especially in small newly founded populations, can expose genetic variation to selection during the evolutionary rescue of populations, allowing individuals to achieve a phenotype with which they can survive. However, developmental plasticity can also enable organisms to accommodate perturbations, generating new phenotypic variation. We explored whether, at the start of a colonization event, phenotype dynamics follow a “selective” process in which plasticity fuels evolutionary rescue or whether they are due to developmental plasticity in a “generative” process. We investigated this using the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini, which expresses a facultative, juvenile dispersal phenotype (deutonymph) under unfavorable conditions and shows alternative adult male phenotypes: competitive fighters or benign scramblers that are expressed to mitigate food stress and which have higher levels of genetic heterozygosity than fighters. Mimicking colonization dynamics, we founded small, medium and large populations from deutonymphs on low or high food to test if scramblers were expressed earliest postcolonization within (i) the smallest founder populations to alleviate inbreeding (selective hypothesis), or (ii) the largest founder populations as a direct consequence of food stress is highest due to higher food competition (generative hypothesis). In line with the generative hypothesis under both food environments, scramblers were expressed at the earliest in the largest founder populations, which also tended to show the lowest growth at the start of the experiment and had the lowest ultimate population size. Our findings highlight the necessity to seek explanations of how developmental pathways likely influence evolutionary rescue patterns, starting with how resource limitation (stress) shapes adaptive responses during colonization.
Using Institutional Habitus to Position Colleges and Universities as Social Actors
Authors: byrd derria
Published: February 2025

In this article, derria byrd contends that more robust interrogation of the organizational contribution to inequity in higher education would be aided by understanding higher education organizations as social actors. Organizational social actor theory demonstrates that colleges and universities are more than inert contexts in which marginalized students' experiences and outcomes play out. They are entities that possess unique dispositional orientations, motives, and inclinations toward action. This conceptual article argues that engagement with institutional habitus, grounded in Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice, situates colleges and universities as social actors whose structural positions generate interests, beliefs, and behaviors that tend to constrain opportunity for students. The concept shifts the empirical gaze from students to colleges and universities in examinations of education inequity and facilitates analysis of how colleges' social position and the organizational identity, opportunities, and limitations it engenders support and/or inhibit organizational practice, including transformation toward equity. byrd crafts this argument in five parts: (1) exploration of organizational social actorhood theory, (2) overview of Bourdieu's theoretical framework and key conceptual tools, (3) expansions on Bourdieu's foundational formula to demonstrate how institutional habitus supplements the theorist's framework, (4) purposeful engagement with critiques of how institutional habitus has been employed in educational research, and (5) guiding principles for empirical engagement with institutional habitus. Throughout, byrd employs a collective case study of three college campuses to ground the theoretical review in empirical realities and uncover the invisible influence of social power on organizational practice. Given Bourdieu's attention to higher education and broad concern for systemic inequities reproduced at this level, this article focuses on higher education but has implications for educational research more broadly.