bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced left‐without‐being‐seen rates and impact on disparities after guest services ambassadors implementation
Authors: Wing Samuel R. , Barclay‐Buchanan Ciara , Arneson Shawn , Buckley Denise , Hekman Daniel J. , Gauger Joshua , Michels Collin , Brink Jenna , Hurst Irene , Rutz Daniel R. , Tsuchida Ryan E.
Published: February 2025

Background

The rate of patients who leave without being seen (LWBS) from an emergency department (ED) is a common measurement of quality, operational efficiency, and patient satisfaction. We hypothesized that adding a nonclinical staff role, guest service ambassadors (GSA), to the ED waiting room would decrease LWBS rates and reduce existing differences by race, ethnicity, sex, and primary language for ED patients.

Methods

We conducted an observational cohort study at a quaternary care academic ED in the Midwestern United States with approximately 60,000 annual visits between April and December 2022. GSAs were trained to guide patients and visitors through the check‐in process and help manage the waiting room. LWBS rates were compared between pre‐ and postimplementation periods using logistic regression. Using two‐sample proportion tests, subgroup analyses were performed to assess differences according to race, ethnicity, sex, and primary language.

Results

We analyzed 50,507 ED visits including 9798 during periods of GSA coverage. GSA presence was associated with a reduction in LWBS rate from 3.4% to 2.0% (absolute risk reduction [ARR] of 1.4%, χ2 = 17.357, p < 0.001) with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.85). There was a greater reduction in LWBS for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) patients compared to White patients (BIPOC ARR 1.8%, 95% CI 0.39%–3.14%; White ARR 1.2%, 95% CI 0.48%–1.94%). There was a reduction in LBWS rates for both males and females (female ARR 1.7%, 95% CI 0.80%–2.63%; male ARR 1.0%, 95% CI 0.06%–1.90%). The reduction in LWBS for patients speaking a language other than English and requiring interpreter services did not meet statistical significance (ARR 1.4%, 95% CI −1.04% to 3.85%).

Conclusions

Although some disparities remain, our study suggests that GSAs may provide an effective strategy to reduce the overall LWBS rate and reduce disparities across diverse demographic groups including BIPOC and female patients.
Diagnosis through prisms: Unraveling its complexity
Authors: Croskerry Pat , Clancy Mike
Published: February 2025

Following a review of accepted submissions for this special issue of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM)'s collected papers on diagnosis, we offer a commentary on the variety of reports. We use the metaphor of Newton's demonstration that a complex percept like the rainbow can be broken down by prisms, into a collection of different wavelengths of light. Like Feynman, we believe that the beauty of something may be revealed and augmented by reducing it to its constituent parts.
Rare but relevant: The injection of tablet preparations and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Duflou Johan
Published: February 2025

Intravascular injection of dissolved medicinal preparations such as crushed tablets is associated with a risk of injecting particulate material into the vasculature. This particulate material will naturally pass to the lungs where it will be largely filtered out in the pulmonary vascular bed, and in turn, it can result in a range of pathological processes in the lungs including pulmonary arterial hypertension, granulomatous lung disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. On rare occasions, a rapid increase in pulmonary vascular resistance can result in sudden death of the injecting drug user.
Describing long‐term postinjury outcomes for older New Zealanders
Authors: Owen Helen E. , Wyeth Emma H. , Samaranayaka Ari , Derrett Sarah
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Internationally, little is known about long‐term postinjury outcomes among older adults. This report describes older adults' injury‐related, disability and physical and psychosocial characteristics 12 years postinjury, including for older Māori (Māori are the Indigenous people of New Zealand).

Methods

The Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS) recruited 2856 New Zealanders, injured between 2007 and 2009. Interviews were conducted 3, 12 and 24 months postinjury. Twelve years postinjury, 1543 participants completed a follow‐up interview. Data were analysed for 833 adults (98 Māori) aged greater than 55 years fora range of domains, including disability (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II; WHODAS), health‐related quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L), psychological distress (Kessler‐6) and life satisfaction 12 years postinjury.

Results

Twelve years postinjury, 49% reported ongoing problems with their injury. Considerable disability (WHODAS ≥ 10) was reported by 20% overall, and by 29% of Māori. Almost two‐thirds (65%) reported problems with EQ‐5D‐5L (e.g. 57% reported pain or discomfort and 33% reported mobility problems). The EQ‐5D‐5L and most WHODAS outcomes did not differ between age groups; however, a higher proportion of participants aged 55–64 years reported difficulties maintaining a friendship (10%) compared to those aged greater than 70 years (4%). A higher proportion of those aged greater than 70 years reported ‘excellent/very good’ health (64%) and no trouble accessing health care (88%) compared to those aged 55–64 years (51% and 80%).

Conclusions

Descriptive findings suggest older adults experience long‐term problems with mobility, and pain and discomfort postinjury; however, considerable disability did not differ between age groups.
Posttraumatic Stress and Mentalization in Accounting for Veteran Parents' Use of Corporal Punishment: Parental Over‐Certainty Matters for Multiracial Children
Authors: Chang Olivia D. , Wang Xiafei
Published: February 2025

Posttraumatic stress symptoms have been closely linked with the use of harsh parenting practices in veteran families. This study was aimed at assessing the potential added importance of parent mentalization in predicting the use of corporal punishment among US veterans. A hypothesized hierarchical regression model in which parent mentalization dimensions (i.e., prementalizing, over‐certainty, and interest and curiosity) were examined as predictors of corporal punishment was analysed in monoracial (n = 318) and multiracial (n = 182) US veteran families. For veteran parents in both monoracial and multiracial families, parent mentalization emerged as a significant predictor of corporal punishment, even after accounting for parent posttraumatic stress. While the prementalizing dimension of mentalization was associated with greater corporal punishment among veteran parents in both monoracial and multiracial families, the over‐certainty dimension was associated with greater corporal punishment exclusively in multiracial families. The present findings clarify dimensions of parent mentalization that confer risk for the use of corporal punishment in US veteran families, above and beyond the predictive role of posttraumatic stress. Implications of the present findings for social workers working with monoracial and multiracial veteran families are discussed.
Evaluating the Effects of Dynamic Navigation on the Accuracy and Outcomes of the Autogenous Bone Ring Technique for Vertical Ridge Augmentation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chang Yu‐chen , Zhu Ning , Liu Jiayu , Gao Xianming , Chen Gang , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Autogenous bone ring technique (BRT) is a one‐stage vertical augmentation approach with simultaneous implant placement. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and efficacy of autogenous BRT assisted by dynamic navigation (DN) with freehand approach (FA) for vertical ridge augmentation.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four patients eligible for autogenous BRT were randomly assigned to DN or FA groups. Digital preoperative design was conducted for both groups. BRT surgeries were executed with or without the aid of DN in the two groups. Accuracy outcomes evaluated angular and linear deviations at the bone ring in the donor site (BR‐D), recipient site (BR‐R), and implant entry/apex between planned and actual positions revealed by cone‐beam computed tomography. Vertical augmentation‐related outcomes, surgical complications, and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed over 6 months.

Results

Twenty‐four patients underwent surgery while one was lost to follow‐up. The DN group showed significantly lower mean (SD) BR‐R angular (3.58 [2.07] vs. 8.77 [4.20]°) and entry deviation (1.43 [0.51] vs. 2.01 [0.70] mm). For BR‐D, the DN group had significantly lower angular (4.80 [2.62] vs. 12.97 [6.26]°), entry (1.45 [0.96] vs. 3.52 [1.54] mm), and apex deviation (1.28 [0.64] vs. 3.50 [1.47] mm) compared to the FA group. Implant angular deviation (3.74 [2.14] vs. 9.17 [4.39]°) and apex deviation (1.75 [0.44] vs. 2.35 [0.82] mm) was significantly lower in the DN group. In the FA group, one patient exhibited temporary lower lip hypoesthesia. No significant differences were observed in vertical bone gain, resorption, or patient‐reported outcomes.

Conclusions

Compared to FA, DN may improve the accuracy of autogenous BRT procedures for vertical ridge augmentation while minimizing invasiveness.

Trail Registration

This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn; Registration No. ChiCTR2200065585; registration date: 2022/11/09).
Revisional endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty versus semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight recidivism after sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Bahdi Firas , Shah Sagar , Dahoud Fadi , Farooq Maryam , Kozan Philip , Kim Stephen , Sedarat Alireza , Shen Na , Thaker Adarsh , Kolb Jennifer M. , Dutson Erik , Muthusamy V. Raman , Issa Danny
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Weight recidivism following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is common. Adjuvant treatments include new glucagon‐like peptide 1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor agonists (GLP1/GIP‐RA) or revisional endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (R‐ESG). We here compare the outcomes of these treatments.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients ≥18 years with prior SG treated with semaglutide, tirzepatide or R‐ESG for weight recidivism between January 2019 and 2023 at large academic centre. Primary outcomes were total body weight loss (TBWL) and adverse events (AEs). Secondary outcomes were changes in metabolic parameters. Tertiary outcome was to compare GLP1/GIP‐RA outcomes in SG patients to matched patients with intact stomach.

Results

Our study included 68 (prior SG + GLP1/GIP‐RA) and 22 (prior SG + R‐ESG). R‐ESG offered higher TBWL% than GLP1/GIP‐RA at 3 (11.2% vs. 4.3%, p < .001), 6 (13.5% vs. 6.8%, p < .001) and 12 months (13.4% vs. 9.2%, p = .07) with no significant difference in AEs or change in metabolic parameters. On subgroup analysis, tirzepatide achieved similar 12‐months TBWL% as R‐ESG (13.2% vs. 13.4%, p = .9) and significantly more than semaglutide (13.2% vs. 8.1%, p = .04). Compared to patients with intact stomach (n = 87), GLP1/GIP‐RA achieved significantly lower TBWL% in patients with prior SG at 3 (4.3% vs. 5.7%, p = .02), 6 (6.8% vs. 9.2%, p = .02) and 12 months (9.2% vs. 12.7%, p = .03). Medication refills were difficult in 41.3% of patients.

Conclusions

In a single‐centre real‐world experience study, R‐ESG and tirzepatide appear to offer more weight loss than semaglutide in SG patients with weight recidivism although GLP1/GIP‐RA were underdosed. GLP1/GIP‐RA achieved higher weight loss in patients with intact stomach than those with prior SG.
Effect of Precise Pulmonary Rehabilitation Nursing Intervention Combined With Simultaneous Inhalation Therapy and Noninvasive Ventilation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients With Chronic Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure
Authors: Xiao Jian , Wu Yan , Wang Limei , Zhou Hong
Published: February 2025

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive heterogeneous pulmonary disorder with an increasing high prevalence, particularly in the older. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of noninvasive ventilation combined with simultaneous nebulization during precise pulmonary rehabilitation nursing intervention in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, compared to pulmonary rehabilitation nursing alone.

Methods

In total, 240 elderly COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure were randomized controlled into either a precise pulmonary rehabilitation nursing model group (control group) or noninvasive ventilation coupled with simultaneous nebulization during pulmonary rehabilitation nursing (intervention group). For our evaluation, we considered general information, pulmonary function, exercise endurance, mental health, blood gas, inflammation, COPD severity, life quality, and overall efficacy of subjects before and on the 5‐, 30‐, 90‐day intervention.

Results

The total effective rates were 95% and 77.5% in the intervention and control group, respectively. In detail, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in lung function, exercise endurance, psychological health, blood gas inflammation, overall severity, and quality of life outcomes, especially on the 90‐day intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The complex COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure may confer more gains from precise pulmonary rehabilitation nursing intervention combined with simultaneous inhalation therapy and noninvasive ventilation.
Recipient Outcomes After Utilization of Kidneys From Deceased Donors With Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Nasika Venkata Kanaka Naga Karthik , Subramani Vanjinathan , Sharma Ashish , Singh Sarbpreet , Sethi Jasmine , Paladugu SreeVani , Jain Kajal , Bansal Navdeep
Published: February 2025

Background

The exact incidence of donor tumor transmission in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is still unknown. These transplants are usually considered as a high‐risk endeavor due to fear of potential spread especially with medical intervention leading to breach in blood–brain barrier. This report describes successful outcomes after renal transplantation from two donors with World Health Organization (WHO) Grade IV primary GBM who had undergone surgical excision with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS).

Methods

Between January 2019 and June 2024, case records of organ donors where the primary cause of death was GBM were screened from the departmental database. Renal transplant patients from donors with a histopathological diagnosis GBM WHO Grade IV were included in the study. The follow‐up of these recipients was recorded for tumor transmission, delayed graft function, patient and graft survival.

Results

Only kidneys were retrieved from these donors. The donor's kidneys were transplanted to four consented recipients after taking informed consent explaining the risks. During the mean follow‐up of 3 years, all four patients were alive with good graft function. Nuclear scan at 3, 6 months, and yearly thereafter showed no abnormal uptake or no evidence of donor‐transmitted tumor transmission in any of these patients.

Conclusion

High‐grade GBM donors with no evidence of systemic spread may be considered for renal transplantation.
Efficacy of high‐intensity interval training in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Poon Eric Tsz‐Chun , Li Hong‐Yat , Kong Alice P. S. , Little Jonathan P.
Published: February 2025

High‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained attention as a potentially effective alternative to traditional exercise modalities for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies have evaluated this exercise strategy with various regimens, comparator groups and outcomes, limiting the generalisability of findings. We performed a novel umbrella review to generate an up‐to‐date synthesis of the available evidence regarding the effect of HIIT on glycaemic control and other clinically relevant cardiometabolic health outcomes in individuals with T2DM, as compared with traditional moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) and/or non‐exercise control (CON). This umbrella review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews guideline. Seven databases were searched until August 2024. Systematic reviews with meta‐analyses comparing HIIT with MICT and/or CON were included. Literature search, data extraction and methodological quality assessment (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 [AMSTAR‐2]) were conducted independently by two reviewers. Ten systematic reviews with meta‐analyses, encompassing 76 primary studies and 2954 unique participants, met the inclusion criteria. The data indicated that HIIT significantly improves glycosylated haemoglobin and cardiorespiratory fitness compared with CON (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −0.83% to −0.39% and 3.35–6.38 mL/kg/min) and MICT (WMD: −0.37% to −0.07% and 1.68–4.12 mL/kg/min) in individuals with T2DM. HIIT is also effective in improving other glycaemic parameters, including fasting blood glucose, fasting blood insulin and HOMA‐IR. Improvement in body composition, lipid profiles and blood pressure has also been observed following HIIT. Most systematic reviews received moderate to low AMSTAR‐2 score. This umbrella review supports HIIT as an efficacious exercise strategy for improving glycaemic control and certain relevant cardiometabolic health outcomes in individuals with T2DM. Our findings offer a comprehensive basis that may potentially contribute to informing physical activity recommendations for incorporating HIIT into T2DM management strategies.
Medical Data Classification Using Genetic Programming: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Maurya Pratibha , Kushwaha Arati , Prakash Om
Published: February 2025

Background

Medical data classification has always been a growing area of research. While machine learning techniques have been successfully applied in this field, the vast amount of data generated and the complexity of applications necessitate more robust and powerful methods, especially in the absence of domain expertise. Genetic programming (GP) being a flexible evolutionary approach can autonomously craft efficient classification programs merely from example data and has thus gained significant attention across various classification domains.

Content

This article presents a literature survey on the application of genetic programming to medical data classification. Reported studies are evaluated based on the examination of datasets, classifier architecture, and achieved classification accuracy. Additionally, we also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of genetic programming with other algorithms, covering aspects like classification accuracy, computational efficiency, interpretability, and resource consumption. The limitations of existing GP techniques and future directions are also presented in this study.

Conclusion

The study presented in this article indicates that GP‐based classifiers perform better than other classifiers in the medical domain. To the best of our knowledge, this article is the first of its kind which discusses the application of GP explicitly in medical data classification. Through this article, we aim to enlighten the readers on key concepts of GP and encourage them to build new classifiers by exploring the potential and limitations of genetic programming.
Contact and communication: ZO‐2 and the Hippo pathway
Authors: Thomas Miranda
Published: February 2025

The PDZ domain‐containing protein ZO‐2 is defined as a tight junction (TJ) protein, but is also known to have a role in the maintenance of cellular apicobasal polarity and to function as a signalling molecule in several pathways, including the Hippo pathway. In this issue, Liu OX et al. [(2024) FEBS J, https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.17304] report how the multiple protein binding sites of ZO2 protein allow it to act as a scaffold to facilitate its signalling functions.
Idiopathic Mild Platelet Dysfunction: Baseline Characteristics and Clinical Courses
Authors: Wiwatsomwong Nitchkan , Jantasing Ratchaneekorn , Akkawat Benjaporn , Uapresert Noppacharn , Rojnuckarin Ponlapat
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The causes of nonsyndromic platelet storage pool disease are still unclear, and whether they are of genetic or acquired origin remains to be defined. The study aimed to describe the characteristics and natural history of this disorder.

Methods

This mostly retrospective cohort enrolled adults presenting with bleeding from platelet dysfunction. Platelet glycoprotein defects, von Willebrand disease, syndromic inherited platelet disorders and known acquired platelet dysfunctions were excluded. Available patients were retested by lumiaggregometry (Chrono‐Log) over 1 year after the initial diagnosis.

Results

There was a total of 56 patients; 91% female, with a median diagnostic age of 28 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 24.5–38.5). The subnormal responses to ADP, epinephrine, collagen, and arachidonate were found in 91%, 82%, 55%, and 34%, respectively. Nineteen patients had von Willebrand factor levels measured. Twenty‐three subjects underwent repeat tests. Twenty‐one of them were female (91%), with a median age and follow‐up time of 37 years (IQR: 28–55) and 6 years (IQR: 3–12), respectively. Median ISTH‐BAT bleeding scores at diagnosis and follow‐up were 5 (IQR: 3–8) and 1 (IQR: 0–2), respectively. The common abnormalities were reduced responses to ADP combined with other agonists (83%). Twelve (52%) and five (22%) showed complete and partial platelet function recovery, respectively. None of the partial and non‐recovery groups had a bleeding score over 4 at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Idiopathic mild platelet dysfunction was female‐predominant and showed spontaneous symptom resolution after a long follow‐up. Platelet function recovery was observed in most cases. Exogenous factors triggering this condition remain to be identified.
Role of Atg3, Atg5 and Atg12 in the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy in the posterior silk gland of Bombyx mori
Authors: Goncu Ebru , Tinartas Esen Poyraz , Gunay Busra , Ordu Tugce , Turgay Izzetoglu Gamze
Published: February 2025

Autophagy is a cellular mechanism that enhances cell survival in response to various stressors, including nutrient deprivation; however, it also plays a pivotal role in the regulation of programmed cell death. This study examined the effects of autophagy‐related genes Atg3, Atg5 and Atg12 on apoptosis and autophagy during the degeneration of the posterior silk gland in Bombyx mori, employing RNA interference techniques. Apoptosis‐specific markers and autophagic processes were evaluated in both control and treatment groups. The knockdown of all three genes resulted in a significant reduction in autophagy, modifications in the apoptosis process, aberrant expression of p53 and impaired lysosomal function. It was determined that Atg3 is involved in the regulation of intracellular mitochondrial homeostasis. Following the silencing of Atg5, evidence was obtained indicating the gene's role in regulating lysosomal pH. Notably, the loss of Atg3 and Atg5 was associated with an increase in apoptotic markers, whereas the silencing of Atg12 inhibited apoptosis. Elevated levels of the p53 transcription factor following gene silencing suggested a potential interaction between these genes and p53. Our findings further underscore the importance of autophagy‐mediated cell death, involving Atg3, Atg5 and Atg12, in the proper progression of degeneration in the posterior silk gland. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that mediate the interaction between apoptosis and autophagy is essential for elucidating their roles in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Optimization of a semiflexible demand‐responsive feeder bus system using variable neighborhood search
Authors: Sartori Vieira Fábio , Sörensen Kenneth , Vanstenwegen Pieter
Published: February 2025

A demand‐responsive feeder system (DRFS) presents an alternative to traditional feeder bus systems (TFS) in areas with low demand. This paper introduces an optimization problem to support the planning and operation of a DRFS. A variable neighborhood search (VNS) is employed to optimize the DRFS, focusing on minimizing passengers' travel times. The performance of the VNS is compared with that obtained by solving the mathematical model using a commercial solver (CPLEX) across two networks: a small network for validation and a larger suburban network that simulates a TFS. The results indicate that the VNS is a viable and efficient alternative for optimizing DRFS operations, providing flexibility in route and departure time adjustments, and achieving significant reductions in passenger travel times. The results also demonstrate that the DRFS outperforms the TFS in low‐demand areas. On average, the VNS improves upon CPLEX results, obtained within one hour of calculation time for the small network, by 2.3%. Using the same resources, the DRFS reduces the average passenger travel time by 9.6% compared to the TFS.
Genetic analysis of museum samples suggests temporal stability in the Mexican nonbreeding distribution of a neotropical migrant
Authors: Turbek Sheela P. , Polich Alexandria , Bossu Christen M. , Rayne Christine , Carpenter Amanda , Rodríguez Otero Genaro , Gómez Villaverde Sergio , Rodríguez Vásquez Fabiola , Hernández-Baños Blanca E. , McCormack John , Ruegg Kristen
Published: February 2025

Seasonal migration is highly labile from an evolutionary perspective and known to rapidly evolve in response to selective pressures. However, long‐distance migratory birds rely partially on innate genetic programs and may be constrained in their ability to alter their migratory behavior. We take advantage of recent advances in our ability to genotype historical DNA samples to examine the temporal stability of migratory connections between breeding and nonbreeding populations (i.e. migratory connectivity) and population‐level nonbreeding distributions in the Wilson's warbler Cardellina pusilla, a long‐distance migratory songbird. By assigning historical and contemporary samples collected across the nonbreeding range to genetically distinct breeding clusters, we suggest that broad‐scale population‐level nonbreeding distributions within this species have remained largely consistent within Mexico from the mid‐1900s to the present day. These findings support the idea that the nonbreeding distributions of long‐distance migrants may remain stable over long time scales, even in the face of rapid environmental change.
Weak population structure in the North American house wren Troglodytes aedon
Authors: Anderson William C. , Funk Erik R. , Theodosopoulos Angela N. , Grabenstein Kathryn C. , Spellman Garth , Taylor Scott A.
Published: February 2025

Cryptic genetic differentiation is being increasingly documented in birds and other organisms using genome‐wide variation. A recent example of cryptic genetic differentiation in a widespread species with conserved morphology is the northern house wren Troglodytes aedon. We found that, despite extremely similar morphology and no documented vocal differences, the two subspecies of the northern house wren, T. a. aedon (eastern) and T. a. parkmanii (western), exhibited both nuclear and mitochondrial genomic differentiation. Individuals present along the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains possessed nuclear genetic variation intermediate between T. a. aedon and T. a. parkmanii; additionally, both divergent mitochondrial lineages, corresponding to the western and eastern northern house wren populations, occur in Colorado. However, the dynamics of this putative contact zone (i.e. amount of hybridization or introgression) and the degree of differentiation between the two subspecies remain uncharacterized. To expand our understanding of northern house wren population genetic differentiation and explore the possibility of hybridization, we used a double digest restriction‐site associated (ddRAD) approach and sequenced 127 northern house wrens, including 109 individuals from across Colorado and Wyoming, as well as nine individuals each from eastern and western allopatric regions. Our results highlight that T. a. aedon occur significantly further west than previously thought, and provide evidence for weak population structure within the northern house wren, while generally setting the stage for future investigations of northern house wren population genomics and the genetic basis of cryptic speciation.
Circulating miRNAome of avian influenza‐infected ruddy turnstones Arenaria interpres
Authors: Brand Anne‐Fleur , Waugh Courtney A. , Fernandes Jorge M. O. , Klaassen Marcel , Wille Michelle , Jaspers Veerle L. B. , Andreassen Rune
Published: February 2025

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally. Circulating miRNAs – miRNAs that have been released from cells and circulate in the bloodstream – are relatively stable and interesting molecules for wildlife research, where they may form a proxy for gene expression as a function of the animal's state under a variety of environmental challenges. Aiming at providing initial baseline data on the circulating miRNAome in avian wildlife, we assessed the miRNA profiles of wild ruddy turnstones Arenaria interpres on their Australian non‐breeding grounds. The ruddy turnstone is a long‐distant migrant and a significant reservoir species for low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV). We therefore investigated both LPAIV‐infected and uninfected individuals for their specific miRNA profiles to potentially elucidate the species' molecular mechanisms underlying its response to LPAIV infection. De novo miRNA characterisation in the ruddy turnstone genome identified 161 conserved and two novel, bird‐specific miRNAs, with liver‐enriched miRNA‐122 being the most abundant. Z chromosome‐linked miR‐2954‐3p was significantly more abundant in serum from males (ZZ) than from females (ZW). Furthermore, we found a sex‐ and age‐associated effect of LPAIV infection on miRNA abundance in serum samples, including one novel miRNA. This circulating miRNA signature may reflect sex‐ and age‐specific differences in the host response, indicating that circulating miRNAs could serve as a valuable non‐destructive analytical tool for enhancing our understanding of avian infections in a wildlife context and should be explored further.
The Rise (and Fall?) of European Water Shrews: Phylogeography and Species Distribution Models Uncover the Impact of Climate Change
Authors: Neves T. , Tapisso J. T. , Gabriel S. I. , Rychlik L. , Ramalhinho M. G. , Borda‐de‐Água L. , Mishta A. , Mathias M. L.
Published: February 2025

Aim

Predicting the effects of climate change on species distributions, while considering their genetic differentiation and evolutionary history is crucial to develop conservation measures. Here we aim to: assess the phylogenetic and phylogeographical relationships between the European Neomys species and respective lineages; infer the demographic history of all genetic lineages and estimate the potential impact of future climate change on their distribution and persistence of the genetic lineages.

Location

Europe.

Time Period

The demographic analysis ranges from 350,000 ago to the present. The future climate change scenarios modelling ranges from the present to 2100.

Major Taxa Studies

Three species belonging to the genus Neomys.

Methods

We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships between the species in Europe and unveiled their demographic history based on cytochrome b gene sequences while using presence data to model how their distribution might change under distinct climate change scenarios.

Results

Our results confirm the existence of a distinct N. milleri lineage in the Italian Peninsula, whose population size has been relatively constant over time. Except for this lineage, all species' populations have likely been increasing until at least 25,000 years ago. While our future projections are beneficial to N. milleri, relatively inconsequential to N. fodiens, but suggest the likely extinction of N. anomalus, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and the Italian lineage of N. milleri.

Main Conclusions

The Mediterranean Peninsulas, acting as refugia from the extreme cold conditions during the Last Glacial Period, contributed to the genetic differentiation of N. anomalus and the Italian lineage of N. milleri. However, as climate warms, the Peninsulas will no longer be able to sustain these species/lineages. Given the Peninsulas' status as biodiversity hotspots, this vulnerability of their ecosystems to climate change should mobilise conservation efforts guided by phylogeographic approaches, allowing us to uncover putative lineages or endemisms before their potential extinction.
Progranulin Protects Against Osteoporosis by Regulating Osteoclast and Osteoblast Balance via TNFR Pathway
Authors: Wang Shaoyi , Zhang Hengyan , Zhu Yanbin , Zhou Xiaocong , Zhai Haoxin , He Qiting , Zhu Xuetao , Zhang Yuanqiang
Published: February 2025

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone metabolism caused by an imbalance between osteoclast‐mediated bone destruction and osteoblast‐mediated bone formation. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) has been reported to promote osteoclast generation and inhibit osteoblast generation. Progranulin (PGRN), which has a strong anti‐inflammatory effect, interacts with tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR). Serum and bone tissues from patients with or without osteoporosis were collected to analyse the relationship between PGRN content and bone metabolic markers. The role of TNFα and PGRN in osteoclast differentiation was explored by using RAW 264.7 cells and BMMs. MC3T3‐E1 cells and BMSCs were used to observe the role of TNFα and PGRN in osteoblast differentiation. The PGRN content in the serum and bone tissues of osteoporosis patients was lower than that in the serum and bone tissues of nonosteoporosis patients. TNFα promoted osteoclast differentiation, while PGRN inhibited this effect by interacting with TNFR1. PGRN inhibited TNFα‐mediated attenuation of osteoblast differentiation by interacting with TNFR1. Moreover, PGRN alone promoted osteoblast differentiation by interacting with TNFR2. Our findings reveal that PGRN can effectively inhibit TNFα‐induced osteoporosis and has a certain osteogenic effect. This discovery might provide a potential target for osteoporosis treatment.
Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response Using Mitochondrial Dysregulation Features
Authors: Yu Jia , Wu Shengli , Gong Jinglong , Deng Wenbing , Xiao Zhongsheng , Wu LiangLiang , Long Hong
Published: February 2025

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major contributor to cancer‐related deaths globally. Although there have been improvements in identifying treating the disease, patient outcomes are still unfavourable because of the significant variation in HCC. Mitochondrial‐related genes (MRGs) are crucial in tumour metabolism, cell death and immune response, emerging as potential therapeutic targets. We analysed 2030 MRGs using TCGA, GEO and HCCDB18 databases. Differentially expressed genes were identified using edgeR and limma, and enrichment analysis was performed via the clusterProfiler package. A prognostic model was built using machine learning algorithms and evaluated using LOOCV. Immune infiltration was assessed with CIBERSORT, EPIC, MCPCounter and TIMER algorithms, and drug sensitivity was analysed using the CTRP and PRISM datasets. MRG expression levels are significantly associated with worse outcomes in HCC patients outperformed conventional clinical indicators in immune response revealed that individuals at high risk exhibited weaker immune responses, characterised by reduced immune scores, and elevated levels of CD8+ T cells and macrophages. Notably, high‐risk patients also displayed heightened susceptibility to chemotherapy agents such as paclitaxel and irinotecan. Abnormal MRG expression serves as a significant biomarker for HCC prognosis. The developed model accurately predicts disease progression and can guide personalised treatment, especially for immune and chemotherapeutic therapies. Further validation with broader clinical samples is needed.
Standard Protocols for Characterising Primary and In Vitro‐Generated Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Heydari Zahra , Gramignoli Roberto , Piryaei Abbas , Zahmatkesh Ensieh , Pooyan Paria , Seydi Homeyra , Nussler Andreas , Szkolnicka Dagmara , Rashidi Hassan , Najimi Mustapha , Hay David C. , Vosough Massoud
Published: February 2025

Hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs) derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) or direct reprogramming are an unlimited source of human hepatocytes for biomedical applications. HLCs are used to model human diseases, develop precise drugs and establish groundbreaking regenerative cell‐based therapies. Primary human hepatocytes are the gold standard for studying human liver biology and pathology. However, their widespread use is limited by their rapid dedifferentiation in vitro, reliance on transplant‐rejected donor organs, poor scalability and significant batch‐to‐batch variations. Therefore, high‐quality ‘off‐the‐shelf’ HLCs are needed to overcome those limitations. Basic stepwise differentiation protocols have been developed to generate HLCs from PSCs. To evaluate the quality of the in vitro generated products, HLCs have been phenotyped using various methods. This review discusses various biological assays and methods available for the robust evaluation of HLC quality, emphasising the importance of using 24‐h cultured primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) as a reference standard for comparison.
Clinical outcomes and complications of tracheal resection and anastomosis in dogs and cats: 20 cases (2009–2022)
Authors: Gaudio E. , Lipscomb V. J. , Cantatore M. , Blacklock K. , Gosling M. , Jack M. , Charlesworth T. , Shales C. J.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To report clinical presentation, short‐term outcome and complications of tracheal resection and anastomosis in dogs and cats.

Materials and Methods

Clinical records of pets treated with tracheal resection and anastomosis in seven UK‐based veterinary referral centres were retrospectively reviewed (2009 to 2022).

Results

Twenty client‐owned pets (eight dogs; 12 cats) were included. Clinical signs comprised dyspnoea (n = 15), stridor (n = 5), subcutaneous emphysema (n = 3), pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum (n = 1), coughing (n = 3), regurgitation (n = 1) and exercise intolerance (n = 1). Indication for surgery was traumatic tracheal rupture (n = 5), tracheal avulsion (n = 7), neoplasia (n = 5) and stenosis (n = 3). Complications occurred in 15 patients (75%). Non‐anastomotic complications occurred in nine patients and consisted of cough (n = 5), self‐resolving laryngeal paralysis (n = 1), surgical site infection (n = 1) and septic shock (n = 2). Anastomotic complications occurred in seven patients and consisted of anastomotic dehiscence (n = 1), tracheal stenosis (n = 4) and fatal respiratory failure (n = 2). Revision surgery was performed in two dogs due to anastomotic dehiscence and stenosis, and tracheal stenting was performed in one cat due to stenosis. Sixteen patients survived to hospital discharge and 14 survived to latest follow‐up (median: 119 days; range: 14 to 1744). Outcome was scored as excellent in five, good in seven, fair in two and poor in six patients.

Clinical Significance

Tracheal resection and anastomosis is the surgical technique of choice to reconstruct tracheal defects. Although more than half of the patients recovered well, high morbidity and mortality rates were documented. This may be due to the severe comorbidities affecting most tracheal resection and anastomosis patients, as well as the client's decision against further treatment when facing serious post‐operative complications.
The Wheat NLR Protein PM3b Localises to Endoplasmic Reticulum–Plasma Membrane Contact Sites and Interacts With AVRPM3b2/c2 Through Its LRR Domain
Authors: Isaksson Jonatan , Kunz Lukas , Flückiger Simon , Widrig Victoria , Keller Beat
Published: February 2025

Plant nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) proteins are intracellular immune receptors that directly or indirectly perceive pathogen‐derived effector proteins to induce an immune response. NLRs display diverse subcellular localisations, which are associated with the capacity of the immune receptor to confer disease resistance and recognise its corresponding avirulence effector. In wheat, the NLR PM3b recognises the wheat powdery mildew effector AVRPM3b2/c2 and we examined the molecular mechanism underlying this recognition. We show that PM3b and other PM3 variants localise to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–plasma membrane (PM) contact sites (EPCS), while AVRPM3b2/c2 localises to the nucleocytoplasmic space. Additionally, we found that PM3b interacts in planta with AVRPM3b2/c2 through its LRR domain. We further demonstrate that full‐length PM3b interaction with AVRPM3b2/c2 is considerably weaker than for the isolated PM3b LRR domain or the susceptible PM3 variant PM3CS, indicating that activation of PM3b leads to dissociation of the complex. In line with this, we observed a strong interaction between PM3b and AVRPM3b2/c2 in a P‐loop mutant of PM3b that was unable to initiate a cell death response, or when an inactive variant of AVRPM3b2/c2 was used. We propose that PM3b transiently interacts with AVRPM3b2/c2 through residues in the LRR that are conserved among PM3 variants, while the amino acids necessary for full activation and cell death signalling are unique to PM3b. Our data suggests that PM3b localisation and interaction with AVRPM3b2/c2 differ from other well‐studied NLRs and further highlights the mechanistic diversity in NLR‐mediated responses against pathogens in plants.
Notes on the genus Callitriche (Plantaginaceae, Callitricheae)
Authors: Lansdown Richard V.
Published: February 2025

This article brings together information concluding a global review of the taxonomy of the genus Callitriche. One new species; C. intricata sp. nov. from Madagascar is described, C. microcarpa is re‐established and the names C. occidentalis syn. nov. and C. tuerckheimii syn. nov. are assigned to synonymy with C. heterophylla.
The influence of exotic species' legacies on pathways of restoration
Authors: Corbin Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2025

Restoration practice is often predicated on the expectation that treated ecosystems will proceed predictably toward specific targets. However, persistent influences of conditions present before restoration action is initiated can influence the direction of ecosystem development toward one or more alternative pathways. Such “legacies” of land use, exotic species, or other factors must be understood in order to design appropriate management strategies. I investigated how legacies may influence the pathways that restoration follows by surveying sites in a New York pine barren ecosystem that had undergone restoration treatments to remove the nitrogen (N)‐fixing Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). I compared soil carbon (C) and N dynamics and plant community composition along a 19‐year chronosequence of treated sites to conditions in untreated forest and remnant, high‐quality barren ecosystems. The presence of Black locust increased N availability and N cycling rates, but those effects did not persist after trees were removed. However, soil percent C and N were significantly lower in tree removal sites than in either Black locust forest or remnant barren sites. These differences lessened as sites aged, indicating that the soil‐based legacies are not permanent. Tree removal transformed vegetation structure, and plant functional traits in tree removal sites were similar to those in remnant barrens. However, even up to 19 years after tree removal, key species—namely woody shrubs—were missing from treated sites. Thus, legacies of exotic species and soil disturbances associated with their removal continued to influence the pathways of ecosystem recovery.
Sedation in Home Care Surgical Procedures for a Patient With Dental Phobia: A Case Report
Authors: Oliveira Victoria Geisa Brito de , Ghelardi Isis Raquel , Ichimura Karina Tamie , Reinato Isadora Maria de Souza , Jardini Maria Aparecida Neves , Lopes Sérgio Lucio Pereira de Castro , Mendes Mariana Sarmet Smiderle
Published: February 2025

An 88‐year‐old woman received dental evaluation at home after missing out on regular dental checks due to a stroke 3 years ago. Her orofacial complaints included pain in the right side of the face and a desire to use dental prosthetics. Her comorbidities included systemic arterial hypertension and sequels from episodes of a thrombotic stroke and an acute myocardial infarction. Medications used were a beta‐blocker, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, a statin, and an antiplatelet agent. During the initial evaluation, the patient was alert, using a wheelchair, and was quite anxious and apprehensive, reporting episodes of dental phobia. On intraoral examination, findings consistent with the orofacial pain mentioned by the patient were observed. Sequentially, a treatment plan was developed to address the oral condition. The treatment was initiated with basic periodontal therapy and restorative procedures, performed with non‐pharmacological stress reduction management. However, due to the patient's behavior during previous follow‐ups, it was decided to perform extractions under sedation with antihistamine and nitrous oxide in the home setting. The procedure was conducted with vital signs monitoring, and the use of antiplatelet drugs was not suspended. Local bleeding control measures were applied, and the postoperative period occurred without complications. Besides promoting accessibility, home dental care provides treatment in a safe environment for the patient, which enhances comfort and reduces patient anxiety. Additionally, using sedation with antihistamine and nitrous oxide achieved an adequate level of relaxation for more effective stress control during the extractions.
One Size Fits All?—The Form and Function of Preschoolers’ Strategy Flexibility in Emotion Regulation
Authors: Lüken Luisa Marie , Silkenbeumer Judith Rebecca , Holodynski Manfred , Kärtner Joscha
Published: February 2025

Effective emotion regulation is critical for establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and it has previously been linked to several indicators of social competence. Theories agree that one core characteristic of adaptive emotion regulation is the ability to flexibly adapt emotion regulation strategies to situational demands (i.e., strategy flexibility). However, little is known about the development of this ability and its association with social competence at preschool age. We hypothesized a positive association of preschoolers’ strategy flexibility with age, with overall regulation effectiveness as well as with different indicators of their social competence. To test these assumptions, we examined the emotion regulation strategies (i.e., distraction, gaze aversion, reappraisal, self‐instruction, and self‐soothing) of 60 preschoolers (M = 59.67 months; SD = 8.18; 45% girls) in two standardized situations, namely a frustration‐eliciting persistence task and a challenging waiting situation, in which attentional deployment strategies have opposing effects, requiring flexible strategy use across situations. Children's social competencies in interaction with caregivers, peers, and task demands were assessed through teacher reports. Results reveal that the effectiveness of attentional deployment strategies changed as predicted. Furthermore, preschoolers’ ability to adapt their emotion regulation strategies to the corresponding task demands was positively associated with age and overall regulation effectiveness. Concerning teacher‐reported facets of children's social competence, strategy flexibility was significantly associated with children's integration into their peer group.