bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Post-craniotomy Hypertension and Its Association With Adverse Outcome(s): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Aziz Rizk Abramo , Nijs Kristof , Di Donato Anne T. , Hasanaly Nahemah , Masohood Naeema S. , Chowdhury Tumul
Published: January 2025

After intracranial surgery, sympathetic overdrive and increased blood catecholamine levels can contribute to postoperative hypertension, a significant clinical problem. The objective of this review was to summarize, quantify, and assess the epidemiological perspective of post-craniotomy hypertension and its association with adverse outcomes. This PROSPERO-registered systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We searched electronic databases for studies that investigated adult patients who had elective craniotomy for any indication and reported hypertension within 72 hours postoperatively. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Twenty-one studies, including 2602 patients, were identified for inclusion in this review. Multiple thresholds and criteria for defining post-craniotomy hypertension were used across studies. The pooled incidence of post-craniotomy hypertension from 13 studies (2279 patients) was 30% [95% CI, 15%-50%]. Post-craniotomy hypertension was associated with a 2.6 times higher risk of having an intracerebral hemorrhage within 72 hours after surgery (pooled risk ratio, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.16-5.97). There were insufficient data to investigate the quantitative association of post-craniotomy hypertension with 30-day adverse events. In summary, 1 out of 3 patients exhibited hypertension post-craniotomy, and this was associated with a significantly higher risk of having intracranial hemorrhage within 72 hours post-procedure. A generally accepted and clinically relevant criteria for post-craniotomy hypertension should be defined.
Race and Sex Disparities in Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery over 20 Years: A Cohort Study
Authors: Grobman Benjamin , He Liyun , Lan Zhou , Nimeri Abdelrahman , Apovian Caroline , Turchin Alexander
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

To determine how rates of discussion of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) between patients with class 2 obesity and higher and their healthcare providers as well as subsequent progression to MBS have varied by race and sex over the last 20 years.

Background:

Obesity is a growing public health crisis. MBS remains the most effective treatment for long-term management of obesity.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of electronic health records from a large tertiary academic health system using a previously validated natural language processing algorithm. The primary outcomes were discussion of MBS between eligible patients and providers and progression to surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between sociodemographic factors, time, and discussion and receipt of MBS.

Results:

Among 122,487 patients included in the analysis, 11,094 (9.1%) patients discussed MBS with their providers. Of these, 1348 (12.2%) progressed to MBS. Between 2000 and 2020 the annual fraction of patients who had a discussion of MBS with their providers rose from 3.2% to 10.0% (P < 0.001). Black people were equally likely to discuss MBS with providers as non-Black people (9.5 vs 9.0%, P = 0.09) but were less likely to progress to MBS (8.4 vs 12.6%, P < 0.001). These disparities in progression narrowed over the study period (P = 0.044). Men were less likely than women to both discuss (8.1% vs 9.6%, P < 0.001) and receive MBS (7.6% vs 14.6%, P < 0.001), and these disparities increased over the study period.

Conclusions:

Interventions to reduce racial disparities in utilization of MBS should focus on progression from discussion to MBS. Interventions to increase the uptake of MBS among men are required across the care cascade.
Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus and Diaphyseal Femur Fractures: A Comparative Analysis of Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer and Google Gemini Recommendations Versus American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Nian Patrick P. , Umesh Amith , Simpson Shae K. , Tracey Olivia C. , Nichols Erikson , Logterman Stephanie , Doyle Shevaun M. , Heyer Jessica H.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, including chat generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT) and Google Gemini, have significantly increased access to medical information. However, in pediatric orthopaedics, no study has evaluated the accuracy of AI chatbots compared with evidence-based recommendations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines (AAOS CPGs). The aims of this study were to compare responses by ChatGPT-4.0, ChatGPT-3.5, and Google Gemini with AAOS CPG recommendations on pediatric supracondylar humerus and diaphyseal femur fractures regarding accuracy, supplementary and incomplete response patterns, and readability.

Methods:

ChatGPT-4.0, ChatGPT-3.5, and Google Gemini were prompted by questions created from 13 evidence-based recommendations (6 from the 2011 AAOS CPG on pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures; 7 from the 2020 AAOS CPG on pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures). Responses were anonymized and independently evaluated by 2 pediatric orthopaedic attending surgeons. Supplementary responses were, in addition, evaluated on whether no, some, or many modifications were necessary. Readability metrics (response length, Flesch-Kincaid reading level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog Index) were compared. Cohen Kappa interrater reliability (κ) was calculated. χ2 analyses and single-factor analysis of variance were utilized to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Statistical significance was set with P <0.05.

Results:

ChatGPT-4.0, ChatGPT-3.5, and Google Gemini were accurate in 11/13, 9/13, and 11/13, supplementary in 13/13, 11/13, and 13/13, and incomplete in 3/13, 4/13, and 4/13 recommendations, respectively. Of 37 supplementary responses, 17 (45.9%), 19 (51.4%), and 1 (2.7%) required no, some, and many modifications, respectively. There were no significant differences in accuracy (P = 0.533), supplementary responses (P = 0.121), necessary modifications (P = 0.580), and incomplete responses (P = 0.881). Overall κ was moderate at 0.55. ChatGPT-3.5 provided shorter responses (P = 0.002), but Google Gemini was more readable in terms of Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (P = 0.002), Flesch Reading Ease (P < 0.001), and Gunning Fog Index (P = 0.021).

Conclusions:

While AI chatbots provided responses with reasonable accuracy, most supplemental information required modification and had complex readability. Improvements are necessary before AI chatbots can be reliably used for patient education.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Comparison of Outcomes of Deep Sclerectomy, Canaloplasty, and Viscocanaloplasty: A Multi-Centred Study
Authors: Mercieca Karl , Azzopardi Matthew , Vallabh Neeru A. , Cristian Cristina , Prokosch Verena , Dubois Vincent , Hemmerdinger Christopher , De Cillà Stefano , Mathews Divya , Mermoud Andre , Grieshaber Matthias C. , Mégevand Gordana Sunaric , Anand Nitin , Rabiolo Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Précis:

Deep sclerectomy (DS) and canaloplasty provide better intraocular pressure (IOP) control than viscocanalostomy. DS required less glaucoma medications but more interventions to reach target IOP.

Purpose:

To compare real-world outcomes of three non-penetrating glaucoma surgery (NPGS) techniques.

Methods:

Retrospective, cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing canaloplasty (CP), deep sclerectomy (DS), and viscocanalostomy (VC), across nine European glaucoma units. Four intraocular pressure (IOP) criteria were used to define success at 2-year follow-up: (A)IOP≤21 mmHg and ≥20% reduction; (B)IOP≤18 mmHg and ≥20% reduction; (C)IOP≤15 mmHg and ≥25% reduction; (D)IOP≤12 mmHg and ≥30% reduction. Secondary outcomes included IOP control, BCVA, number of medications over time, risk factors for failure, complications, and post-operative interventions. Success was distinguished as qualified or complete, if reached with or without antiglaucoma medications, respectively.

Results:

600 eyes (545 patients) undergoing standalone CP (201 eyes), DS (200 eyes), and VC (199 eyes) were included. Qualified success rates of CP, DS, and VP at 24 months were, respectively: (Criterion A) 85.1%, 67.6% and 64.6%; (Criterion B) 85.1%, 66.1% and 58.6%; (Criterion C) 76.6%, 55.5% and 39.0%; (Criterion D) 27.7%, 28.5% and 22.1%. Success rates were significantly different across the three techniques (P=0.04 or below), except for complete success according to criterion A (P=0.07). Mean IOP(±SD) reduced from 25.2(±6.9), 20.5(±6.7), and 22.7(±7.2)mmHg pre-operatively to 13.1(±3.1), 12.9(±4.5), and 14.7(±4.6)mmHg at post-operative year 2 in the CP, DS, and VC groups respectively (P<0.001 between pre-operative and post-operative time points for all groups).

Conclusions:

All three NPGS provide sustained IOP reduction, but DS and CP provide better success rates and IOP control. Success rates were low for the most stringent cut-offs, suggesting that other techniques such as trabeculectomy may be indicated when a very low target IOP is demanded.
Patient-reported outcomes in genital gender-affirming surgery
Authors: Odeluga Nkiruka , Fisch Robert , Zhang Tenny R. , Mmonu Nnenaya
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

We reviewed the latest articles in patient-reported outcomes as it relates to genital gender-affirming surgery (GGAS) and provide a narrative summary of each article.

Recent findings

The current landscape of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) within GGAS largely consists of various ad hoc questionnaires. Within the last two years, one new PROM, validated within the transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) community, have been described.

Patient-reported outcomes measures seek to elucidate the questions and answers of particular interest to patients and stakeholders of a particular population. To date, within GGAS, surgeon-reported outcomes and nonvalidated patient-reported outcomes comprise the bulk of the literature on the subject. However, there is growing interest in PROMs developed with TGD collaboration within all phases of the research process. Three new PROMs designed with and for the TGD community, are described which provides hope for continued progression of the field toward patient-centered and patient-collaborative research.
Cervical dysplasia in women with HIV in the modern treat-all era: Elevated risk remains despite long-term ART and normal CD4 count
Authors: Luckett Rebecca , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Zash Rebecca , Sears Ellen , Lan Jessie , Gompers Annika , Modest Anna , Moloi Thabo , Harris Devon A. , Joshi Avina , Gutfreund Rachel , Moyo Sikhulile , Kashamba Thanolo , Kula Maduke , Dreyer Greta , Masheto Gaerolwe , Botha Matthys H. , Hacker Michele R. , Shapiro Roger L.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of ART duration and CD4 count on risk for high grade cervical dysplasia in women with HIV (WWH) compared to women without HIV in the treat-all era with integrase strand inhibitors (INSTIs).

Design:

Prospective longitudinal cohort study in Botswana

Methods:

From February 2021 to August 2022, baseline HPV self-sampling was offered to women with and without HIV. Those HPV+ underwent biopsy for histopathological diagnosis. Using women without HIV as reference, risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for HPV, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or worse (CIN2+), and CIN3+, stratified by ART duration and CD4 cell counts.

Results:

Of 3000 women enrolled, 2953(98.4%) underwent HPV testing, which was positive in 823(55.7%) WWH and in 654(44.3%) women without HIV. Histopathology was available for analysis in 1291(87.4%) women (709 WWH, 582 women without HIV). Over 99% of WWH had detectable HIV viral load and 94.4% were on a dolutegravir-based ART regimen. WWH had a higher risk of HPV (RR1.27,95%CI:1.18,1.37), CIN2+ (RR1.52,95%CI:1.16,1.98) and CIN3+ (RR1.75,95%CI:1.25,2.45) compared to women without HIV. There was attenuation of risk for CIN2+ with higher recent CD4 cell count, and those with higher nadir CD4 count had similar risk to those without HIV (nadir CD4≥500 CIN2+ RR1.15[95%CI:0.56,2.37], CIN3+ RR1.81[95% CI:0.86,3.79]; nadir CD4 350-499 CIN2+ RR1.23[95% CI:0.71,2.12], CIN3+ RR1.34[95%CI:0.68,2.64]).

Conclusion:

Although some attenuation of risk for CIN2+ was observed with higher recent and nadir CD4 cell counts, WWH continue to have a higher risk of CIN2+/CIN3+ compared to women without HIV. These findings support tailored cervical screening algorithms for WWH.
The Use of Knives With Versus Without Integrated Water-jet Function During Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Patients With Achalasia: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Diab Abdul-Rahman F. , Sujka Joseph A. , Nashit Muhammad , Abdel-Khalek Ameen , Seth Sukriti , Docimo Salvatore , DuCoin Christopher G.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a well-established endoscopic treatment for achalasia, utilizing an endoscopic knife for dissection. Recently, new knives with an integrated water-jet (WJ) function have been introduced. This study aims to compare the technical, perioperative, and late postoperative outcomes between WJ knives and conventional (C) knives, which lack the WJ function, through a pairwise meta-analysis of published comparative studies.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines to identify studies directly comparing knives with versus without a WJ function in POEM for achalasia. A random-effects model was employed, using odds ratios for dichotomous data and mean differences for continuous data as effect size metrics.

Results:

The use of WJ knives demonstrated statistically significant reductions in the mean number of intraoperative instrument exchanges, mean intraoperative use of coagulation forceps, and operative times compared to the use of C knives. There were no significant differences in terms of the incidence of adverse events, subcutaneous emphysema, or mean hospital length of stay (LOS). Clinical success, defined as a postoperative Eckardt score <3, mean postoperative Eckardt scores, and the incidence of GERD requiring proton pump inhibitors (PPI) also showed no significant differences.

Conclusions:

The use of water-jet (WJ) knives demonstrates comparable efficacy to conventional (C) knives, with superior efficiency reflected in reduced operative time and fewer intraoperative instrument exchanges. In addition, in terms of safety, the lower use of coagulation forceps with WJ knives suggests reduced intraoperative bleeding. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of length of stay (LOS) and adverse events, despite a trend toward reduction. A larger number of studies with greater sample sizes is required to better assess potential differences in safety between the use of WJ and C knives.
Haemoglobin revisited: delineating population structure with the world’s first molecular genetic marker used in fisheries research
Authors: Breistein Bjørghild , Dahle Geir , Johansen Torild , Jorde Per Erik , Glover Kevin A.
Published: January 2025

When haemoglobin genotyping was implemented in the early 1960s to investigate population genetic structure in Atlantic cod (
Gadus morhua
), it became one of the first molecular genetic markers deployed in fisheries research worldwide. However, its suitability was questioned due to its potential for selection. While the issue of neutrality concerned the first population geneticists, markers under selection are now routinely used to study population genetic structure. Here, we revisited haemoglobin genotyping half a decade later to analyse >6000 mature Atlantic cod from 73 spawning locations throughout Norway’s approximately 2500 km coastline. A latitudinal gradient in allele frequencies, with a decrease in the HbI-2 allele towards the south, was observed. Our observed HbI-2 frequencies were consistently slightly lower than data from the 1960s, potentially reflecting adaptive changes to increasing sea temperatures. However, despite this difference, the observed north–south pattern in allele frequencies observed here and in the historical studies overlapped, aligning with current knowledge of population genetic structure in this species. We therefore conclude that this once questioned marker, which provided the first molecular genetic insights into genetic structure in Atlantic cod, provides knowledge consistent with the isolation by distance pattern revealed through decades of research in this species in this region.
Hypoferremia reduces long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events after STEMI by averting the myocardial reactive iron storm
Authors: Vera-Aviles M , Kabir S.N , Christodoulou M.D , Mohammad G , Shanmuganathan M , Kotronias R , Cleland J.G.F. ,   OxAMI investigators, Channon KM , Lakhal-Littleton S
Published: January 2025

Background and aims

Iron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with acute STEMI. ID has previously been associated with either adverse or favourable effects, depending on the definition of ID, sampling timepoint, outcome measures and follow-up duration. This study systematically addresses the impact of ID on long-term outcomes and explores the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Patients with acute STEMI (n=167) were followed for 4.5 years for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including new HF diagnosis, recurrent MI or cardiac death. Iron markers were sampled at presentation and later timepoints. Myocardial injury was assessed by CMR at 2 days and 6 months. Mechanisms underlying clinical findings were evaluated in a mouse model of MI.

Results

ID, by any definition, was common in acute STEMI patients at presentation. Hypoferremia (Tsat<20% or iron<13uM) but not hypoferritinemia (ferritin<100ug/L) predicted lower risk of MACE. Hypoferremia predicted lower troponin, acute myocardial T1, LVESV and LVEDV at 2 days, but lower myocardial salvage at 6 months. Iron status sampled from 6 hours after presentation was no longer associated with MACE.

In mice, MI rapidly triggered a myocardial reactive iron storm, early LV remodelling, and eventually HF. These effects were averted by iron restriction.

Conclusions

This study reveals that hypoferremia in acute STEMI exerts both favourable and adverse effects, that nonetheless translate into better long-term clinical outcomes. This research reconciles previous seemingly conflicting reports. It also highlights a potential stepwise approach of acute iron chelation to reduce myocardial injury, followed days later by iron supplementation to promote myocardial salvage.
Radiative decay of the
Th229m
nuclear clock isomer in different host materials
Authors: Pineda S. V. , Chhetri P. , Bara S. , Elskens Y. , Casci S. , Alexandrova A. N. , Au M. , Athanasakis-Kaklamanakis M. , Bartokos M. , Beeks K. , Bernerd C. , Claessens A. , Chrysalidis K. , Cocolios T. E. , Correia J. G. , De Witte H. , Elwell R. , Ferrer R. , Heinke R. , Hudson E. R. , Ivandikov F. , Kudryavtsev Yu. , Köster U. , Kraemer S. , Laatiaoui M. , Lica R. , Merckling C. , Morawetz I. , Morgan H. W. T. , Moritz D. , Pereira L. M. C. , Raeder S. , Rothe S. , Schaden F. , Scharl K. , Schumm T. , Stegemann S. , Terhune J. , Thirolf P. G. , Tunhuma S. M. , Van Den Bergh P. , Van Duppen P. , Vantomme A. , Wahl U. , Yue Z.
Published: January 2025

A comparative vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy study conducted at ISOLDE-CERN of the radiative decay of the Th229m nuclear clock isomer embedded in different host materials is reported. The ratio of the number of radiative decay photons and the number of Th229m embedded are determined for single crystalline CaF2, MgF2, LiSrAlF6, AlN, and amorphous SiO2. For the latter two materials, no radiative decay signal was observed and an upper limit of the ratio is reported. The radiative decay wavelength was determined in LiSrAlF6 and CaF2, reducing its uncertainty by a factor of 2.5 relative to our previous measurement. This value is in agreement with the recently reported improved values from laser excitation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Recent advances in pressurized hot water extraction/modification of polysaccharides: Structure, physicochemical properties, bioactivities, and applications
Authors: Li Jiangfei , Ye Guanjun , Wang Junwen , Gong Ting , Wang Jianlong , Zeng Deyong , Cifuentes Alejandro , Ibañez Elena , Zhao Haitian , Lu Weihong
Published: January 2025

Pressurized hot water, as a green and efficient physical treatment technology, has been widely utilized for the extraction and modification of polysaccharides, with the objective of enhancing the physicochemical properties and biological activities of polysaccharides applied in food systems. This article reviews the recent advances regarding the effects of pressurized hot water treatment (extraction and modification) on polysaccharide extraction rates, structure, physicochemical properties, and bioactivities. The potential modes and mechanisms of polysaccharides subjected to pressurized hot water treatment and the relevant applications of these treated polysaccharides are also thoroughly discussed. Finally, the challenges that it may encounter in commercial applications are analyzed, and the future trends in this field are envisioned. This article will be of great value for the scientific elucidation of polysaccharides treated with pressurized hot water and their potential food applications.
Isolation of Acanthamoeba Species and Bacterial Symbiont Variability in Puna Salt Plains, Argentina
Authors: Mooney Ronnie , Rodgers Kiri , Carnicelli Sandro , Carnevale Matías E. , Farias Maria Eugenia , Henriquez Fiona L.
Published: January 2025

Acanthamoeba spp. are widespread protists that feed on bacteria via phagocytosis. This predation pressure has led many bacteria to evolve strategies to resist and survive inside these protists. The impact of this is not well understood, but it may limit detection and allow survival in extreme environments. Three sites in the Puna salt plains, Catamarca province, Argentina, were sampled for Acanthamoeba spp., verified using PCR and Sanger sequencing. The intracellular microbiome was analysed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and compared to the overall site microbiome. Acanthamoeba were found at all locations, and their intracellular microbiome was similar across samples but differed from the overall site microbiome. Pseudomonas spp., a clinically relevant genus, was most abundant in all isolates. This study suggests Acanthamoeba can protect bacteria, aiding their detection avoidance and survival in harsh conditions.
Short and long‐term effects of experimental varicocele
Authors: Minas Aram , Waked Dunia , Júnior Valter Luiz Maciel , Miyazaki Mika Alexia , Guilharducci Raquel Lozano , Antoniassi Mariana Pereira , Veras Mariana Matera , Bertolla Ricardo Pimenta
Published: January 2025

Background

Varicocele is associated with a progressive decrease in male fertile potential, but it has yet to be determined if the duration of varicocele is associated with altered sperm functional quality.

Objectives

This experimental study investigated the time‐dependent effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, and sperm functional traits.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐five mature male Wistar rats (200 ± 25 g) were included. After 2 weeks of adaptation, rats were randomly divided (n = 7/group) into control, 2 months sham (sham‐2), 2 months varicocele (VCL‐2), 4 months sham (sham‐4), and 4 months varicocele (VCL‐4) groups. Cauda epididymides were incised transversally and incubated in Biggers–Whitten–Whittingham media at 37°C for 30 min. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, viability, mitochondrial activity (3,3′ diaminobenzidine staining), acrosome integrity (PNA‐FITC), and DNA fragmentation (alkaline Comet assay) were determined. Histological analysis on testicular cross‐sections was performed using H&E staining, and Johnsen's score was determined for each sample.

Results

Decreased Johnsen score, sperm count, motility, viability, normal morphology, and mitochondrial activity were observed in VCL‐2 and VCL‐4 groups when compared with sham‐2, sham‐4, and control groups. Higher levels of acrosome damage and DNA fragmentation were observed in VCL‐2 and VCL‐4 groups compared to sham and control groups. A negative correlation was observed between Johnsen scores and acrosome damage (r = –0.7690; p < 0.0001), and a positive correlation was observed between Johnsen scores and sperm DNA fragmentation (r = 0.8333; p < 0.0001). No differences were observed between the VCL‐2 and VCL‐4 groups in any of the analyses.

Discussion and conclusion

Experimental varicocele leads to decreased semen quality, sperm functional integrity, and Johnsen's scores. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a direct association between spermatogenesis and sperm count, motility, acrosomal integrity, and DNA fragmentation levels in experimental varicocele. Longer periods of varicocele did not potentiate the negative effects, in this study.
Klinefelter Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Blackburn James , Ramakrishnan Anand , Graham Catherine , Bambang Katerina , Sriranglingam Umasuthan , Senniappan Senthil
Published: January 2025

Background

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is an uncommonly recognised condition typified by gynaecomastia, small testes and aspermatogenesis. It is caused by a supernumerary X chromosome, resulting in a 47 XXY karyotype. Since its first description, the phenotype of KS has evolved and there is a much greater appreciation of the subtle features of the condition.

Method

In this review, we explore the phenotype of the KS with particular consideration to patients with pre‐natal and early infancy diagnosis, given that this is becoming increasingly common. The current understanding of the genetic mechanisms of KS, caused by supernumerary X chromosome are explored and the genotype‐phenotype correlation are discussed.

Results

The implications of the condition both in childhood and later development are explored in detail, with particular focus on social and educational implications. Potential treatments, with emphasis on preservation of fertility are discussed. We highlight the optimal therapeutic conditions in which fertility preservation is most likely to be achieved, compared to those which can be more challenging. Finally, we discuss the other health challenges which can be associated with KS. These include poor bone health, diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and malignancy. The challenges in managing these co‐morbid conditions and most up‐to‐date management recommendations are also explored.
Factors associated with true‐positive and false‐positive diagnoses of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia in 100 consecutive referrals from specialist physicians
Authors: Flavell Joshua , Ahern Emily G. M. , Logan Benignus , Shaw Thomas B. , Adam Robert J. , McElligott Caitlin A. T. , Nestor Peter J.
Published: January 2025

Background

The behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a challenging diagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with psychiatric and other neurological conditions. Accordingly, misdiagnosis is common. The present study aimed to identify clinical factors contributing to misdiagnoses of bvFTD by specialist physicians.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 100 consecutive referrals by specialist physicians (primarily psychiatrists, neurologists and geriatricians) to a tertiary cognitive disorders clinic specializing in frontotemporal lobar degenerative disorders. Patients were included if the referring specialist suspected bvFTD or if bvFTD was confirmed as the final diagnosis. Diagnostic factors were assessed by comparing the initial referral information with final clinical diagnoses.

Results

Of the 100 patients, 34 were true‐positive and 66 were false‐positive for bvFTD. False‐positive diagnoses were often based on misinterpretation of neuroimaging, particularly nuclear imaging (FDG‐PET and HMPAO‐SPECT), where subjective interpretation errors led to incorrect bvFTD diagnoses in 32 patients. Cognitive testing also contributed to misdiagnosis, with formal neuropsychological testing incorrectly leading to a bvFTD diagnosis in 20 patients. Patients with prior psychiatric histories were more likely to be misdiagnosed. Observable behavioural features of bvFTD and physical neurological signs were significantly more prevalent in true‐positive patients.

Conclusions

Misinterpretation of neuroimaging and cognitive testing, in particular formal neuropsychological testing, significantly contributed to false‐positive bvFTD diagnoses. Physicians should be cautious not to over‐interpret neuroimaging and neuropsychology studies and be wary of patients with prior psychiatric histories. In contrast, greater weight should be placed on objective clinical observations of behavioural signs of bvFTD and the emergence of physical neurological signs.
Navigating Host Immunity and Concurrent Ozone Stress: Strain‐Resolved Metagenomics Reveals Maintenance of Intraspecific Diversity and Genetic Variation in Xanthomonas on Pepper
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Russell Ivory , Liu Ranlin , Holland Auston , Bhandari Rishi , Potnis Neha
Published: January 2025

The evolving threat of new pathogen variants in the face of global environmental changes poses a risk to a sustainable crop production. Predicting and responding to how climate change affects plant‐pathosystems is challenging, as environment affects host–pathogen interactions from molecular to the community level, and with eco‐evolutionary feedbacks at play. To address this knowledge gap, we studied short‐term within‐host eco‐evolutionary changes in the pathogen, Xanthomonas perforans, on resistant and susceptible pepper in the open‐top chambers (OTCs) under elevated Ozone (O3) conditions in a single growing season. We observed increased disease severity with greater variance on the resistant cultivar under elevated O3, yet no apparent change on the susceptible cultivar. Despite the dominance of a single pathogen genotype on the susceptible cultivar, the resistant cultivar supported a heterogeneous pathogen population. Altered O3 levels led to a strain turnover, with a relatively greater gene flux on the resistant cultivar. Both standing genetic variation and de novo parallel mutations contributed toward evolutionary modifications during adaptation onto the resistant cultivar. The presence of elevated O3, however, led to a relatively higher genetic polymorphism, with random and transient mutations. Population heterogeneity along with genetic variation, and the promotion of interdependency are mechanisms by which pathogen responds to stressors. While parallel mutations may provide clues to predicting long‐term pathogen evolution and adaptive potential. And, a high proportion of transient mutations suggest less predictable pathogen evolution under climatic alterations. This knowledge is relevant as we study the risk of pathogen emergence and the mechanisms and constraints underlying long‐term pathogen adaptation under climatic shifts.
The design and evaluation of an interactive AI companion for foreign language writing
Authors: Mills Nicole , Hok Hannah , Dressen Arnaud , Veillas Quentin
Published: January 2025

The Modern Language Association (MLA) published a writing and artificial intelligence (AI) working paper that provided an overview of key issues, concerns, and recommendations to help language educators make principle‐driven pedagogical decisions to support critical AI literacy. To address the MLA's recommendations, a collaborative AI writing companion project was designed that assists learners in a process‐oriented, design approach to writing. The tool seeks to emphasize writing as a meaningful, collaborative process of communication that involves both learner autonomy and a focus on textual conventions. Perceptions of the platform's efficacy were assessed employing constructs from the psychology of language learning such as writing self‐efficacy, anxiety, and self‐efficacy for self‐regulation and user experience measures such as perceived anthropomorphism, teaching presence, and enjoyment. Findings revealed that students' perceptions and enjoyment of the AI chatbot were associated with how competent students perceived themselves to be as writers and other self‐reported outcomes.
Daily Work Characteristics: Implications for Interruptions and Goal Attainment
Authors: Saelinger Anna , Converse Patrick D. , Lor Kauyer , al‐Qallawi Sherif
Published: January 2025

Interruptions are a common and consequential issue for many workers. Although several studies have examined work interruptions, little research has explored work characteristics as potential antecedents of interruptions, particularly from a within‐person perspective. The current study examined this issue by investigating how several prominent job characteristics relate to employee interruptions and goal attainment using a daily diary design. Specifically, 162 employed individuals completed daily measures of work characteristics (job autonomy, task variety, job complexity, and task interdependence), external interruption (intrusion) frequency, internal interruption (mind wandering) frequency, and goal attainment. Results from multilevel modeling analyses demonstrated links between work characteristics and intrusions and between mind wandering and goal attainment. These findings contribute to our understanding of both work interruptions and work design and may inform practical applications related to managing interruptions.
The Colonial Imaginary of ‘Europe’ in the EU's Asymmetrical Response to the Russian and Israeli Aggressions: Ukraine as a Member of the ‘Family’ Whilst ‘Othering’ Palestine
Authors: Oleart Alvaro , Roch Juan
Published: January 2025

What is ‘Europe’? The response to this question is not straightforward, as ‘Europe’ is a floating signifier that is in constant renegotiation. In this article, we focus on the imaginary of ‘Europe’ that has been deployed in the most salient international crises of the last years that have heavily shaken European Union (EU) politics: the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the attack of Hamas on 7 October 2023, followed by the ensuing offensive of Israel on the Palestinian Gaza Strip. More concretely, we ask: what is the narrative of ‘Europe’ articulated by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and the HRVP, Josep Borrell, in response to these events? We argue that, in the context of these two cases, two distinct imaginaries of ‘Europe’ have been mobilised based on differentiated conceptualisations of the relationship of ‘Europe’ to Ukraine and Palestine. Whereas Ukraine is conceived as part of the ‘European family’, there is a process of ‘othering’ Palestine. Our article exposes the racism and double standards of the EU in regard to the defence of international law and human rights, the exclusiveness of who belongs to ‘Europe’ and the continuity of the colonial thinking that permeates the narratives of EU leaders.
Molecular Diagnostic Patenting After Mayo v. Prometheus: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Chien Colleen V. , Clark Jenna , Rai Arti K.
Published: January 2025

Since the United States Supreme Court's 2012 decision in Mayo v. Prometheus announced a new legal test for patent‐eligible subject matter, policymakers, and scholars have vigorously debated the decision's impact on molecular diagnostics innovation. Molecular diagnostics serve as the cornerstone of personalized medicine and its promise of treatments with fewer side effects and better outcomes for patients. This article contributes to the presently thin evidence base on the impact of Mayo by using data on patent applications, examinations, and grants from 2010 to 2019 to comprehensively trace the effects of the test and subsequent related developments. Using descriptive data as well as a difference‐in‐difference (DID) design we evaluate the extent to which the decision was followed by one of three expected outcomes: a decline in patent quantity (“retrenchment”); increase in patent prosecution “toughness”; and applicant “adaptation” with respect to submitted claims. We find substantial support for our toughness and adaptation hypotheses, but not our retrenchment hypothesis: molecular diagnostic patenting did not decline in aggregate, though there is some evidence of a decline, relative to a control, in the number of diagnostic patent applications and grants associated with small, U.S.‐based firms. These results suggest that molecular diagnostic patents are harder to get but they are still being applied for and granted, with their narrowed scope making them less likely to block follow on innovation.
The Effect of Nursing Students' Artificial Intelligence Anxiety on Their Knowledge of Robotic Surgery: The Mediating Role of Individual Innovativeness
Authors: Soyer Er Ozlem , Ozpinar Esra Pinarkaya
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aims of determine the mediating role of individual innovativeness in the effect of nursing students' artificial intelligence anxiety on their robotic surgery knowledge level.

Design

This study was cross‐sectional type.

Methods

It was conducted with 391 students. Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale, Robotic Surgery and Robotic Surgery Nursing Knowledge Level Survey and Individual Innovativeness Scale were used to collect data. PROCESS Macro methods were used.

Results

There was a negative, very weak and significant relationship among artificial intelligence anxiety and individual innovativeness and level of robotic surgery nursing knowledge. There was a positive, very weak and significant relationship among students' individual innovativeness and level of robotic surgery nursing knowledge. Individual innovativeness mediated the relationship among artificial intelligence anxiety and level of robotic surgery nursing knowledge.

Conclusions

Individual innovativeness contributes to reducing the artificial intelligence anxiety to increase the robotic surgery knowledge levels of students.
Clonorchis sinensis Promotes Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Progression by Activating FASN‐Mediated Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Ren Xiaoxue , Wu Yanqing , Song Tongtong , Yang Qingxia , Zhou Qianying , Lin Jie , Xu Lixia , Xiang Bangde , Chen Zebin , Zhang Ying
Published: January 2025

Background

Clonorchis sinensis infection is an important risk factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). C. sinensis positive (C.s+) ICC patients had much shorter overall survival (OS) compared with C. sinensis negative (C.s−) group. This study aims to explore the impact and underlying mechanism of C. sinensis infection on ICC progression.

Methods

In this study, ICC patients underwent surgery from two medical centers enrolled. RNA sequencing was used to determine the downstream activated pathways and genes. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential mechanism of C. sinensis infection in promoting ICC progression through in vitro co culture systems and two animal models.

Results

Through RNA sequencing, we found fatty acid metabolism and the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme catalyzing long‐chain fatty acid synthesis, were significantly elevated in C.s+ ICCs. Then, we found excretory/secretory products (ESPs) secreted by C. sinensis could significantly upregulate the expression of transcription factor E2F1, thereby promoting FASN expression and fatty acid synthesis in tumor cells, which ultimately accelerating tumor progression. However, the promotive effect disappeared when FASN was knocked down. Meanwhile, ESPs could promote tumor growth, increasing FASN expression and free fatty acid level in both subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models.

Conclusion

This study indicates that C. sinensis infection could upregulate the level of FASN and activate fatty acid synthesis pathway, thereby accelerating ICC progression. This provides a new insight for the clinical treatment of ICC with C. sinensis infection.
Independent Trends of Mountain Vegetation and Soil Properties Over 40 Years of Environmental Change
Authors: Rumpf Sabine B. , Buri Aline , Grand Stéphanie , Randin Christophe F. , Tesson Sébastien , Cianfrani Carmen , Guisan Antoine
Published: January 2025

Questions

Although mountain ecosystems are key in providing numerous contributions to people, they are affected by environmental changes. The European Alps, in particular, although shaped by human land use for millennia, suffer pronounced impacts of climate change combined with continued land‐use changes and atmospheric nitrogen deposition. As a core component of ecosystem functioning, the soil–vegetation interface is especially sensitive to these environmental changes, and it is therefore crucial to understand its response. Although several studies have demonstrated the impacts of environmental change on vegetation or soil individually, it remains largely unknown whether they respond synchronously.

Location

Montane and subalpine grasslands of the Western Swiss Alps.

Methods

We analysed changes and correlations of ecological indicators of vegetation and soil properties after 40 years in 86 re‐surveyed semi‐permanent plots.

Results

Ecological indicators of vegetation releves changed, driven by an increase of species adapted to alkaline conditions and mowing or grazing. By contrast, we detected neither a trend of thermophilisation, nor an increase of nutriphilous species or those adapted to hemeroby. Organic carbon, nitrogen, organic matter content, carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio and pH increased in the soil. Yet, these changes of vegetation and soil were so far independent of each other.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that mountain vegetation and soil have so far changed asymmetrically with potential knock‐on effects in the decades to come with implications for the conservation of mountain ecosystems and our capacity to predict their future trajectory.
FvPHR1 Improves the Quality of Woodland Strawberry Fruit by Up‐Regulating the Expression of FvPHT1;7 and FvSWEET9
Authors: Li Xue , Wang Yan , Zhang Chao , Lu Jie , Sun Hongying , Liu Shuang , Li Jiqi , Zhang Zhihong
Published: January 2025

Phosphorus (P) is vital for plant growth, and continuous P fertiliser application is necessary to increase yield and quality, but it can cause environmental pollution. Plants maintain a steady phosphate (Pi) supply through complex signalling pathways. Phosphate starvation response 1 (PHR1), a key regulator of Pi starvation signals in plants, enables plants to maintain a sufficient Pi level. However, the role of PHR1 in fruit quality remains unclear. In this study, we determined the function of PHR1 in Fragaria vesca (FvPHR1) by overexpressing the FvPHR1 gene. We identified and validated two downstream genes of FvPHR1 by investigating plant phenotypes and analysing RNA‐Seq data. FvPHR1 directly enhanced the expression of phosphate transporter 1;7 (FvPHT1;7), increasing Pi uptake and improving photosynthesis efficiency. Additionally, FvPHR1 upregulated the expression of sugar will eventually be exported transporter 9 (FvSWEET9), which encodes a sugar transporter that facilitates sugar transport from leaves to fruit. FvPHR1 can enhance photosynthetic products in a source via the phosphate signalling pathway and facilitate sugar transport to a sink through FvSWEET9. FvPHR1 plays a complicated role in improving fruit quality, providing a molecular foundation for developing strawberry cultivars with highly efficient Pi utilisation processes and high sugar content.
Stand Diversity Does Not Mitigate Increased Herbivory on Climate‐Matched Oaks in an Assisted Migration Experiment
Authors: Felix Juri A. , Stevenson Philip C. , Barsoum Nadia , Koricheva Julia
Published: January 2025

Assisted migration is a tree‐planting method where tree species or populations are translocated with the aim of establishing more climate‐resilient forests. However, this might potentially increase the susceptibility of translocated trees to herbivory. Stand diversification through planting trees in species or genotypic mixtures may reduce the amount of damage by insect pests, but its effectiveness in mitigation of excess herbivory on climate‐matched trees has seldom been explored. Using the Climate Match Experiment which manipulates both tree climatic provenance and stand diversity, we compared growth, insect herbivory and leaf traits of pedunculate oaks (Quercus robur) of local and Italian provenances in monocultures, provenance mixtures or species mixtures. Additionally, we investigated whether tree apparency and light availability cause variation in leaf traits and herbivory and tested whether these factors were influenced by stand diversity. We found that Italian oaks were subject to greater herbivore damage than those of local English provenance regardless of stand diversity and that insect herbivory in Italian oaks was higher on more apparent trees. Italian oaks also had lower concentrations of hydrolysable tannins than English oaks, but tannin concentrations were poor predictors of herbivory. Additionally, we show that leaf trait variation is strongly associated with differences in light availability.
Life‐history trade‐offs and stress resistance in Drosophila melanogaster populations adapted to pathogenic bacterial infection
Authors: Singh Aparajita , Basu Aabeer , Hegde Tejashwini , Shit Biswajit , Bansal Nitin , Chauhan Ankita , Prasad Nagaraj Guru
Published: January 2025

Evolution of increased immune defence is often limited by costs: correlated changes in other traits (viz. life‐history traits) that otherwise reduce the fitness of the host organisms. Experimental evolution studies are useful for understanding the evolution of immune function and correlated changes in other traits. We experimentally evolved replicate Drosophila melanogaster populations to better survive infection challenges with an entomopathogenic bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis. Within 35 generations of directional selection, selected populations showed a marked increase in post‐infection survival than ancestrally paired controls. We next measured various life‐history traits of these populations. Our results show that the selected populations do not differ from control populations for larval development time and body weight at eclosion. No difference is also observed in case of fecundity and longevity (following the acute phase of infection), either when the flies were subjected to infection or when the flies were uninfected, although infected flies from all populations die much earlier than uninfected flies. Selected populations are either equally good or occasionally better as the control populations at surviving abiotic stressors (starvation and desiccation), although infected flies from all populations are more susceptible to stress than uninfected flies. Therefore, we conclude that (a) D. melanogaster populations can rapidly evolve to be more immune to infection with E. faecalis, (b) the evolution of increased defence against E. faecalis entails no life‐history cost for the hosts and (c) evolving defence against a biotic threat (pathogen) does not make flies more susceptible to abiotic stressors.