bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversion to Total Knee Arthroplasty After High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Loke Ryan Wai Keong , Chan Yang Kai , Lim Yao Hui , Tan Barry Wei Loong , Hui James Hoi Po
Published: February 2025

Background:

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a treatment option for younger, active patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Clinical results of HTO have been shown to deteriorate over time despite initial satisfactory results, requiring patients to eventually undergo conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Evidence monitoring survivorship of HTO remains scarce and potentially outdated.

Purpose:

To investigate the impact of concomitant cartilage repair procedures, conversion to TKA, and associated complications for HTO.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS from inception to July 18, 2023, for studies reporting on survivorship and associated complications after medial opening-wedge HTO. Pooled analysis of conversion to TKO was categorized as occurring at <5 years, 5 to 10 years, or >10 years postoperatively. Further subgrouping was performed on studies reporting on HTO with concomitant cartilage repair procedures.

Results:

Overall, 59 studies comprising 5162 patients were included. Rates of conversion to TKA were 4.5% at <5 years, 8.3% at 5 to 10 years, and 11.2% at >10 years. When comparing patients with isolated HTO versus HTO with concomitant cartilage procedures (including mesenchymal stem cell augmentation, osteochondral allograft transplantation, microfracture, abrasion arthroplasty, and autologous chondrocyte implantation), there was no significant difference in survival rates at <5 years (relative risk, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.45-1.33]; P = .36) or 5 to 10 years (relative risk = 0.76 [95% CI, 0.32-1.83]; P = .55). The overall complication rate was 12.1%; intraoperative lateral hinge and tibial plateau fractures had pooled complication rates of 1.6% and 2.0%, respectively. The rate of nonunion was 1.7%, and pooled rates of superficial and deep infections were 2.6% and 2.0% respectively.

Conclusion:

Rates of conversion to TKA and complications were low and acceptable, although survival rates decreased with time. Concomitant cartilage repair procedures as a whole did not significantly improve survivorship; however, more high-quality studies are warranted to determine the impact of individual concomitant cartilage repair procedures.
Leveraging Trust for Value Creation: Enhancing Willingness to Use in Luxury E-Commerce Websites with Website Reputation and Third-Party Assurance
Authors: Thekkat Anil Kumar , Anandkumar Victor , Valacherry Arunima Kambikkanon
Published: February 2025

This research delves into value-creation dynamics in luxury e-commerce, exploring the cultivation of trust and alleviating distrust through affect-based elements like website reputation and third-party assurances. Data from 386 student participants, collected through a simulation experiment and questionnaire, underwent structural equation modelling. The findings reveal a significant positive association between website reputation and trust, emphasizing its pivotal role in luxury shoppers’ trust formation. However, the relationship between website reputation and distrust was non-significant, indicating that a favourable reputation may enhance trust but not necessarily alleviate distrust. Third-party assurance impacts both trust and distrust, emphasizing its dual influence. Familiarity moderates the link between distrust and willingness to use a specific website. This study underscores the significance of affect-based factors in luxury e-commerce, contributing valuable insights for businesses to leverage trust-based value creation in e-commerce.
Radish Seed Exerts Anti-Diabetic and Obesity-Reducing Effects in Mice by Promoting the Activation of Uncoupling Protein 1 and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator 1-α
Authors: Wang Yao-Chien , Hsu Yu-An , Lin Sheng-Chun , Chien Li-Shan , Chen Jamie Jiin Yi , Wu Ming Yen , Lin Hui-Ju , Chen Chih-Sheng , Huang Yi-Qi , Tsai Yu-Chi , Wan Lei
Published: February 2025

Obesity is primarily due to excessive energy intake and lipid accumulation, leading to type 2 diabetes. Studies showed radish seed extract (RSE) can impede weight gain in mice, but the mechanism was unclear. We hypothesized that RSE inhibits obesity by stimulating adipocyte browning. Radish seeds were water-extracted, yielding a sulforaphene (SE) concentration of 1.381 ± 0.005 mg/g RSE. In 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation experiments, RSE and SE increased the expression of beige adipocyte markers uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α (PGC1α). In C57BL/6 mice, RSE and SE mitigated weight increase, averted fatty liver, and diminished fat accumulation. In the adipose tissue, we also noted the enhanced browning of white adipocytes through elevated expression of UCP1 and PGC1α. Increased mitochondrial numbers in treated adipocytes supported this effect. Additionally, RSE and SE improved glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet-fed mice, indicating RSE's potential to prevent obesity and diabetes by enhancing adipocyte thermogenesis.
Transient tachypnoea: new concepts on the commonest neonatal respiratory disorder
Authors: Neri Costanza , Sartorius Victor , De Luca Daniele
Published: February 2025

Transient tachypnoea of the neonate (TTN) is the commonest neonatal respiratory disorder, but it is quite mild and so has been the subject of relatively little academic and educational work. Recent animal studies and the introduction of new bedside monitoring techniques (e.g.quantitative lung ultrasound and electrical cardiometry) have clarified its pathogenesis. Given its high incidence, TTN is a relevant public health issue and its clinical management should be considered in an era of resource constraints. This review focuses on the latest data on TTN in terms of its pathophysiology, biology, diagnosis, imaging, therapy and cost-effectiveness, so as to optimise clinical care at the bedside. The need for a new pathophysiology-based definition of TTN is also highlighted and the available therapeutics are analysed considering the associated public health issues. This updated knowledge can help to improve the management of TTN and impact positively on its relevant public health consequences. This is particularly important since the mortality of TTN is virtually nil and so cannot be used to evaluate any clinical innovation. We also aim to give some practical guidance for the real-world clinical management of TTN and contribute to the training of neonatologists who care for TTN patients.
Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles prime alveolar macrophages for autophagy and ferroptosis in sepsis-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Ye Rongzong , Wei Yating , Li Jingwen , Zhong Yu , Chen Xiukai , Li Chaoqian
Published: February 2025

Sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe complication of sepsis and the leading cause of mortality. Although the role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in stabilizing pulmonary homeostasis is well established, the effects of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) on AMs remain largely unknown. In this study, an investigation was conducted to map the miRNA and protein expression profiles of EVs derived from septic plasma. Notably, EV-based panels (miR-122-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-223-3p, OLFM4, and LCN2) have been found to be associated with the severity or prognosis of sepsis, with promising AUC values. Moreover, the levels of LCN2, miR-122-5p, and miR-223-3p were identified as independent predictors of septic ARDS. The in vitro coculture results revealed that the effects of LPS-EVs from the plasma of sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI), which carry pro-inflammatory EVs, were partly mediated by miR-223-3p, as evidenced by the promotion of inflammation, autophagy and ferroptosis in AMs. Mechanistically, the upregulation of miR-223-3p in LPS-EVs triggers autophagy and ferroptosis in AMs by activating Hippo signaling via the targeting of MEF2C. In vivo, the inhibition of miR-223-3p effectively mitigated LPS-EV-induced inflammation and AM death in the lungs, as well as histological lesions. Overall, miR-223-3p in LPS-EVs contributes to sepsis-induced ALI by priming AMs for autophagy and ferroptosis through the MEF2C/Hippo signaling pathway. These findings suggest a novel mechanism of plasma-AM interaction in sepsis-induced ALI, offering a plausible strategy for assessing septic progression and treating lung injury.
Overview of styles, content, learning effects and attitudes of students towards digitally enhanced physiotherapy education – a scoping review
Authors: Pagels Larissa , Schindler Oskar , Luedtke Kerstin
Published: February 2025

Background

Digital competences are essential for lifelong learning, as highlighted by the European Commission and emphasized in the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unprecedented shift to online education, profoundly impacting fields like physiotherapy that heavily rely on practical skills. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of currently applied digitally enhanced learning methods, content, effect on knowledge gain and student perceptions in physiotherapy education.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Web of Science, and ERIC, incorporating hand searches and expert consultations. Studies were included if they reported on any digitally enhanced educational methods in physiotherapy education, involving qualitative studies, clinical trials, observational studies, or case reports published in English or German from 2010 to February 2024. Data extraction focused on the digital tools that were used, the educational contents, individually measured outcomes, and the impact of digital education.

Results

Out of 2988 screened studies, 67 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 7160 participants. These sources of evidence primarily used quantitative methods (n = 51), with a minority using qualitative (n = 7) or mixed methods (n = 6). Nearly half employed hybrid educational approaches. Outcome measures included knowledge, performance, perception, satisfaction, and attitudes. Most sources of evidence reported positive impacts of digitally enhanced education, particularly in knowledge transfer and skill performance. Synchronous and asynchronous methods were used, with varying success across theoretical and practical courses. Gamification and virtual reality emerged as promising tools for enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. However, challenges included the limited direct interaction and perceived self-efficacy among students.

Conclusion

Digitally enhanced learning formats in physiotherapy education can enhance learning experiences and is generally welcomed by students, especially when blended with traditional methods. The integration of innovative digital strategies holds promise for the future of physiotherapy training, contingent on comprehensive support and training for educators and students alike.
Prmt5 is essential for intestinal stem cell maintenance and homeostasis
Authors: Yang Li , Li Xuewen , Shi Chenyi , Zhao Bing
Published: February 2025

Intestinal homeostasis relies on the continuous renewal of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which could be epigenetically regulated. While protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5) is known to play a key role in multiple organs as an epigenetic modifier, its specific function in maintaining intestinal homeostasis remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that Prmt5 is highly expressed in mouse crypts. The deletion of Prmt5 results in ISCs deficiency, ectopic localization of Paneth cells, and spontaneous colitis. Mechanistically, Prmt5 sustains a high level of H3K27ac accumulation by inhibiting Hdac9 expression in the intestinal epithelium, and maintains the stemness of ISCs in a cell-autonomous manner. Notably, inhibition of histone deacetylases can rescue both self‐renewal and differentiation capacities of Prmt5‐depleted ISCs. These findings highlight Prmt5 as a critical regulator in intestinal epithelium development and tissue homeostasis.
Enhancing microbial predator–prey detection with network and trait-based analyses
Authors: Martínez Rendón Cristina , Braun Christina , Kappelsberger Maria , Boy Jens , Casanova-Katny Angélica , Glaser Karin , Dumack Kenneth
Published: February 2025

Background

Network analyses are often applied to microbial communities using sequencing survey datasets. However, associations in such networks do not necessarily indicate actual biotic interactions, and even if they do, the nature of the interactions commonly remains unclear. While network analyses are valuable for generating hypotheses, the inferred hypotheses are rarely experimentally confirmed.

Results

We employed cross-kingdom network analyses, applied trait-based functions to the microorganisms, and subsequently experimentally investigated the found putative predator–prey interactions to evaluate whether, and to what extent, correlations indicate actual predator–prey relationships. For this, we investigated algae and their protistan predators in biocrusts of three distinct polar regions, i.e., Svalbard, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Continental Antarctica. Network analyses using FlashWeave indicated that 89, 138, and 51 correlations occurred between predatory protists and algae, respectively. However, trait assignment revealed that only 4.7–9.3% of said correlations link predators to actually suitable prey. We further confirmed these results with HMSC modeling, which resulted in similar numbers of 7.5% and 4.8% linking predators to suitable prey for full co-occurrence and abundance models, respectively. The combination of network analyses and trait assignment increased confidence in the prediction of predator–prey interactions, as we show that 82% of all experimentally investigated correlations could be verified. Furthermore, we found that more vicious predators, i.e., predators with the highest growth rate in co-culture with their prey, exhibit higher stress and betweenness centrality — giving rise to the future possibility of determining important predators from their network statistics.

Conclusions

Our results support the idea of using network analyses for inferring predator–prey interactions, but at the same time call for cautionary consideration of the results, by combining them with trait-based approaches to increase confidence in the prediction of biological interactions.
Quantitative profiling of the vaginal microbiota improves resolution of the microbiota-immune axis
Authors: Armstrong Eric , Liu Rachel , Pollock James , Huibner Sanja , Udayakumar Suji , Irungu Erastus , Ngurukiri Pauline , Muthoga Peter , Adhiambo Wendy , Yegorov Sergey , Kimani Joshua , Beattie Tara , Coburn Bryan , Kaul Rupert
Published: February 2025

Background

The composition of the vaginal microbiota is closely linked to adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes, due in part to effects on genital immunology. Compositional approaches such as metagenomic sequencing provide a snapshot of all bacteria in a sample and have become the standard for characterizing the vaginal microbiota, but only provide microbial relative abundances. We hypothesized that the addition of absolute abundance data would provide a more complete picture of host-microbe interactions in the female genital tract.

Results

We analyzed cervicovaginal secretions from 196 female sex workers in Kenya and found that bacterial load was elevated among women with diverse, bacterial vaginosis (BV)-type microbiota and lower among women with Lactobacillus predominance. Bacterial load was also positively associated with proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α, and negatively associated with chemokines, such as IP-10. The associations between bacterial load and immune factors differed across bacterial community states, but L. crispatus predominance was the only microbial community where higher bacterial load was not associated with higher proinflammatory cytokines. Total vaginal bacterial load was also a stronger predictor of the genital immune environment than BV by Nugent score, the current clinical standard, in the Kenya-based cohort and in a Uganda-based confirmatory cohort.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that total vaginal bacterial load is at least as strong a predictor of the genital immune milieu as current BV clinical diagnostic tools, supporting exploration of the vaginal bacterial load as a predictor of adverse reproductive and sexual health outcomes.
Association between the triglyceride–glucose index and the risk of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Haoyu , Xie Xiaozhou , Li Jie , Jia Yuchen , Lu Jiongdi , Gao Chongchong , Cao Feng , Li Fei
Published: February 2025

Background

The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index is increasingly recognized for its ability to predict cardiovascular and metabolic risks. This study investigated the correlation between the TyG index and the risk of acute kidney injury(AKI) in critical ill patients with acute pancreatitis(AP).

Methods

The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database was retrospectively searched to identify AP patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of AKI. The secondary endpoint was in-hospital mortality and the rate of renal replacement therapy(RRT) use. Cox regression analysis and restricted cubic spline were used to analyze TyG index association with AKI risk. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the incidence of endpoints in the different groups.

Results

A total of 848 patients were enrolled. The incidence of AKI was 61.56%.The in-hospital mortality was 11.69%. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the TyG index ≥ 8.78 group has a high incidence of AKI and high risk of requiring RRT (P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed whether TyG index was a continuous variable (HR, 1.65 [95% CI 1.10–2.48], P = 0.015) or a categorical variable (HR, 1.72 [95% CI 1.09–2.79], P = 0.028), and the TyG index was independently associated with the risk of AKI in AP patients. The restricted cubic splines model illustrated the linear relationship between higher TyG index and increased risk of AKI in this specific patient population.

Conclusions

High TyG index is an independent risk factor for AKI in critical ill patients with AP. Assessing the TyG index may be beneficial for early stratification and interventions to improve prognosis.
Towards high-quality informatics K-12 education in Europe: key insights from the literature
Authors: Sampson Demetrios , Kampylis Panagiotis , Moreno-León Jesús , Bocconi Stefania
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the evolving landscape of informatics education in European primary and secondary schools, analysing academic and grey literature to define the state of play and open questions related to ‘high-quality informatics education’. It underlines the strategic importance of promoting high-quality informatics education to prepare students for life and work in the digital era, contributing to European societies and economies’ social and economic resilience. Drawing on a review of over 180 recent academic publications, policy documents, and grey literature, it provides an overview of how informatics education is being implemented across Europe and beyond, highlighting recent curricular developments, pedagogical practices, and policy initiatives. The paper also identifies and analyses key open issues related to high-quality informatics education, organised into four clusters: student-related (e.g., equity and inclusion), teacher-related (e.g., professional development, shortage of qualified teachers), school-related (e.g., the need for whole-school approach) and curriculum- and resource-related (e.g., competing curriculum priorities, quality of teaching and learning materials). Finally, the paper offers recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners (school leaders and educators) related to the key open issues of high-quality K-12 informatics education. Overall, the paper contributes to the discussion on high-quality informatics K-12 education in Europe towards identifying and addressing major challenges for equitable access to quality informatics education for all European K-12 students.
Unveiling the effects of post-monsoon agricultural biomass burning on aerosols, clouds, and radiation in Northwest India
Authors: Khatri Pradeep , Hayasaka Tadahiro , Patra Prabir K. , Letu Husi , Jethva Hiren , Hayashida Sachiko
Published: February 2025

The post-monsoon agricultural biomass burning activities in Northwest India have been recognized as a significant socio-environmental problem in recent years, primarily due to their severe impacts on air quality degradation across a wide area, including the capital New Delhi. Although these biomass burning activities have been extensively studied from an air quality perspective, their potential impacts on the climate system, particularly through their influences on cloud and radiation fields, have been largely overlooked. In this study, we aim to address this research gap by analyzing fire, meteorological parameters, aerosol, cloud, and radiation data spanning nearly two decades (2002–2021), obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite, Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2), and the Fifth Generation of European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Reanalysis (ERA5). Our analysis reveals a notable increase in agricultural biomass burning intensity in Northwest India over the past two decades, contributing significantly to air quality degradation. Our analysis further indicates a delay in peak burning time (day of the year) and a shortening of the period of intense burning, reflecting changes in farming practices and agricultural biomass burning in Northwest India over the past two decades. These agricultural biomass burning activities substantially elevate total and light-absorbing aerosols, thereby affecting cloud properties and altering the radiation budget. The intensification of these burning activities can cause an increase in cloud droplet size and a decrease in cloud optical thickness, suggesting an enhancement of the cloud droplet collision-coalescence process during the period of intense burning. Similarly, the intensification of burning activities leads to increased cooling effects at the surface and top-of-the-atmosphere across shortwave and longwave spectral ranges, while inducing a heating effect within the atmosphere. These findings highlight the potential impacts of agricultural biomass burning activities on the regional climate system and hydrological cycle, emphasizing the need for more detailed studies in the future.
Seismic microzonation studies in the Southern part of Progo River, special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Azifah Ghina Bani , Fathani Teuku Faisal , Setiawan Hendy
Published: February 2025

Background

There were more than 700 earthquakes with a magnitude of more than 5.0 over the past 100 years in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Due to the high intensity of seismic activities, it is essential to perform seismic hazard analysis by considering local site effects. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the peak ground acceleration (PGA) value based on the earthquake scenario of May 27, 2006, with a magnitude of 6.3, which occurred on the eastern side of the Opak Fault.

Methods

The study was conducted in the southern part of the Progo River, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, using 31 boreholes and 18 microtremor measurement points. The analysis was carried out using four methods: Kanai (In: Proceeding of Japan Earthquake Engineering Symposium 1–4, 1966) equation using microtremor data, deterministic equations with Ground Motion Prediction Equations Next Generations Attenuation West 2 (GMPE NGA West 2), Kanno et al (Bull Seismol Soc Am 96:879–897, 2006) attenuation equation, and probabilistic method referring to the Indonesian Seismic code.

Results

Results indicated that the highest value of PGA was obtained using the deterministic GMPE NGA West 2 weighted attenuation equation, which varied from 0.475 to 0.549 g. Meanwhile, Kanno et al (Bull Seismol Soc Am 96:879–897, 2006) attenuation equation resulted in values ranging from 0.266 to 0.394 g. In contrast, PGA values obtained through microtremor measurement resulted in a smaller value, in the range of 0.126–0.214 g. Probabilistic analysis in the study area produces values ranging from 0.373 to 0.450 g.

Conclusion

The location on the central side of the Progo River shows a lower PGA value than the other sides. PGA values will tend to be higher at locations near the earthquake source. The low PGA value that resulted from microtremor analysis was due to the consideration of local site effects in determining earthquake parameters in the study area. Determining the seismic hazard analysis method in infrastructure planning requires a comprehensive analysis by considering various parameters, such as the planning and design objectives, the location proximity to earthquake sources, historical seismic conditions, and the presence of the local site effects.
A case of post-traumatic anterior cranial dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Bhasme Vishal , Jain Divya , Bhirud Lomesh
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is an abnormal connection between an artery supplying the brain and vein or a venous sinus draining it. They account 10–15% of total arteriovenous malformations and are mostly idiopathic. Acquired cases include recurrent cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, head trauma, and past brain surgery.

Case report

A 41 years old admitted for severe headache, vomiting, and right-sided weakness. Patient had history of head trauma 3 years back. Radiology revealed left frontal hematoma with left anterior ethmoidal artery supplying a fistula and vein draining into left frontal parafalcine region with sac. Patient underwent craniotomy with clipping of dAVF without any major post-operative events.

Conclusion

Development of dAVF following trauma is rare. Our patient did not have any significant event in the past but developed dAVF as sequelae after 3 years. Anterior dAVF pose a challenge for endovascular embolization but clipping is straightforward.
Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in thoracic outlet syndrome: a comparative study of cases with and without cervical rib
Authors: Ali Amr N. , ElSobky Hesham , Abou El-Magd El-Sayed , Ibrahim Abdel Wahab Mahmoud
Published: February 2025

Background

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex neurovascular condition caused by the compression of structures within the thoracic outlet. The presence of a cervical rib adds an additional layer of complexity, influencing the clinical presentation, progression, and outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes between patients with and without a cervical rib.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted over one year and included 19 patients diagnosed with symptomatic TOS. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (11 patients without cervical rib) and group B (8 patients with cervical rib). All patients underwent thorough clinical evaluation, including history taking, physical examination, imaging studies, and electrophysiological tests. Pain levels were assessed using a visual analog scale before and after operation as well as recording intraoperative data and postoperative complications.

Results

Patients with cervical ribs (group B) presented at a younger age (25.38 years of age in group B vs. 37.09 years of age in group A) were more likely to exhibit bilateral affection (37.5% in group B vs. 9.1% in group A) and exhibited more severe and rapidly progressing symptoms (The mean duration of symptoms in group B is 9.91 months vs. 27.5 months in group A.) compared to patients without cervical rib (group A). Surgical intervention in group B resulted in more rapid and complete symptom resolution with morbidity rates comparable to group A.

Conclusions

Cervical rib-associated TOS presents distinct challenges requiring tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Surgical management offers superior outcomes in this subgroup, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings and refine management guidelines.
Bycatch of common pollinators in pheromone baited traps for monitoring corn earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Missouri Industrial Hemp
Authors: Akotsen-Mensah Clement , Ativor Isaac N. , Foba Caroline N. , Babu Valliyodan
Published: February 2025

Background

Several traps are recommended for monitoring corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), an important pest of field, vegetable and fruit crops in the U.S. These traps, which are meant to capture H. zea in many cases end up capturing other insects. Helicoverpa zea has recently been found feeding on different seeds and dual-type (seed and fiber) hemp, Cannabis sativa L. (Rosales: Cannabaceae) causing serious damage. Limited work has been done on developing integrated pest management (IPM) for H. zea industrial hemp in Missouri.

Methods

We evaluated the attractiveness of different traps with the aim of developing a monitoring system for the adult male H. zea in industrial hemp fields in two Missouri locations. In addition, we recorded other non-target insects in the traps to determine trap selectivity. Commercially available green, clear, tricolor bucket traps Heliothis Scentry and Scentry Delta 1X traps baited with H. zea sex pheromones were evaluated in 2021 and 2022.

Results

Tricolor traps captured significantly more adult male H. zea than the other traps in both years. Non-target insects, mainly Xylocopa virginica (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Bombus spp. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), and Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were also captured. The tricolor trap captured the most bees.

Conclusions

The presence of non-target species highlights the risk of using tricolor traps as a monitoring tool. This data provides information for planning the monitoring of corn earworm in industrial hemp farms in Missouri.
Sleep-administered ketamine/psychedelics: A streamlined strategy to address two challenges in research on ketamine and psychedelics
Authors: Arjmand Shokouh , Lindström Mats B. , Sellgren Carl M. , Wegener Gregers
Published: February 2025

The dissociative effects of ketamine and psychedelics might be associated with their rapid antidepressant properties, raising questions about whether these effects are necessary for their therapeutic action. Additionally, the distinct dissociative experiences often reported by patients in clinical trials may reveal whether they receive an active treatment or a placebo, potentially introducing bias into the results. In this viewpoint, we propose administering ketamine/psychedelics to patients during sleep, offering a novel approach to address and explore these challenges.
Evaluation of Physicochemical, Microstructure Parameters (Q3) and Performance Attributes of Commercial Ketoprofen Gels
Authors: İşkin Şeyma , Kahraman Emine , Güngör Sevgi
Published: February 2025

In vitro methods for quality and equivalence assessment of semi-solid products applied to the skin have increasingly garnered attention because in vivo bioequivalence studies is high cost, complexity, and time-consuming. Regulatory authorities established draft guidelines that outline a modular framework demanding qualitative, quantitative, microstructure and product performance equivalence to support generic products. In line with these guidelines, our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between microstructure and performance attributes in both originator and generic semi-solid products applied to the skin. In this context, reference and three generics of ketoprofen gel were selected as models for semi-solid formulations. Microstructure of all products was assessed regarding pH, specific gravity, drying rate, formulation rheology and potential drug polymorphism. Additionally, performance attributes of products were evaluated using in vitro release testing and in vitro permeation testing. Polymorphism and drying rate data showed no significant difference in microstructure of ketoprofen gels. All tested products exhibited pseudo-plastic flow behavior with thixotropic characteristic. However, differences in pH, specific gravity and viscosity values at low shear stress were observed between reference product and generic products, according to EMA guidance. Although IVRT outcomes did not entirely align with Q3 attributes, IVRT results for reference product versus Generic Product-I and Generic Product-II met the acceptance limits according to FDA guidance, which differs from EMA's assessment. Furthermore, in vitro release rate results were consistent with IVPT data. Consequently, it can be concluded that microstructure of semi-solid products applied to the skin may not consistently correlate with performance attributes due to various alternations influenced by manufacturing process parameters and/or formulation components.

Graphical Abstract
Semaglutide Reprograms Macrophages via the GLP-1R/PPARG/ACSL1 Pathway to Suppress Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Growth
Authors: Wang Longlong , Zhang Lele , Ma Runsheng , Zhang Yifei , Chang Qungang , Yin Detao
Published: February 2025

Context

The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists such as semaglutide, a novel class of antidiabetic medications, has raised concerns about potential adverse effects, particularly a possible association with thyroid cancer (TC).

Objective

This study aims to evaluate whether semaglutide influences the progression of TC by modulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).

Methods

Semaglutide was administered to human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) xenograft mouse models, coculture systems consisting of human THP-1 macrophage cells and PTC cells, and primary murine peritoneal macrophages. Assessments included tumor size, M1/M2 macrophage ratio, PTC cell proliferation, and polarization marker expression.

Results

Semaglutide did not significantly impact the proliferation of PTC cells but reduced tumor size and inhibited the proliferation of PTC cells in coculture systems. It increased M1 and decreased M2 macrophages, reprogramming polarization by downregulating PPARG expression. Cotreatment with semaglutide and a PPARG agonist in the coculture system confirmed the upregulation of downstream genes RSAD2, ACSL1, and PLA2G7. Silencing ACSL1 inhibited lipid accumulation in THP-1 cells and promoted polarization toward the M2 macrophage phenotype.

Conclusion

Semaglutide modulates macrophage lipid metabolism through the GLP-1R/PPARG/ACSL1 signaling pathway. This modulation promotes the conversion of TAMs to the M1 macrophage phenotype, enhancing their anticancer activity. These findings suggest that semaglutide may improve therapeutic strategies, reduce unnecessary thyroid nodule screenings, and broaden its clinical applications.
Overlapping Presentations and Diverse Genetic Defects Characterize Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in a Mexican Cohort
Authors: Hernández-Ramírez Laura C , Ramírez-Rentería Claudia , Rebollar-Vega Rosa G , Zuarth-Vázquez Julia M , Torres-Morán Mariana , Franco-Álvarez Alexa L , Manzo-Osnaya Andrea I , Martell-Jiménez Edgar , Rodríguez-Torres Maribel , Hernández-Núñez Wellbert E , Reza-Albarrán Alfredo A , Gamboa-Domínguez Armando , Espinosa-Cárdenas Etual , Sosa-Eroza Ernesto , Hernández-García Irma , González-Virla Baldomero , Hernández-Martínez Alex F , García-Sáenz Manuel , Eguiluz-Melendez Aldo , Mercado Moisés , Vargas-Ortega Guadalupe , Balcázar-Hernández Lourdes
Published: February 2025

Context

Genetic tests are part of the routine clinical approach to syndromic and nonsyndromic phenotypes of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Current data on phenotype–genotype associations in NENs, however, do not accurately represent all populations.

Objective

To describe the frequency, inventory, and clinical associations of germline defects associated with multiple types of NENs in a Mexican cohort.

Methods

Blood DNA from Mexican adults with NENs was analyzed with a 53-gene next-generation sequencing panel developed ad hoc (n = 90) or Sanger sequencing (n = 2). Single nucleotide variants, indels, and structural variants were identified, classified, and subjected to orthogonal confirmation. When possible, tumor samples and blood DNA from additional family members were tested using Sanger sequencing.

Results

Ninety-two probands (70.7% women, 51.5% sporadic) were included; 16 carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants and were significantly younger at disease onset than the rest (29.6 ± 10.7 vs 40 [21.5-51.5] years, P = .0384). Likely driving variants were identified in three-quarters of Von Hippel Lindau syndrome cases, one-third of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1, one-quarter of early-onset acromegaly/gigantism, and individual cases of Cushing's disease, MEN2A, and medullary thyroid carcinoma. One patient with clinical MEN1 associated with an SDHA variant and 1 with a pituitary tumor and neurofibromatosis type 1 were also identified. Probands with familial disease were more likely to carry P/LP variants than sporadic cases (26.7 vs 8.5%, P = .0282).

Conclusion

P/LP variants were identified in 17.4% of individuals with NENs. Our research provides a view of the landscape of NEN drivers in a population not previously characterized.
Intraoperative Endoluminal Pyloromyotomy Versus Stretching of the Pylorus for the Reduction of Delayed Gastric Emptying After Pylorus-Preserving Partial Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial (PORRIDGE Study; DRKS00013503)
Authors: Schrempf Matthias C. , Anthuber Matthias , Spatz Johann , Sommer Florian , Vlasenko Dmytro , Geissler Bernd , Wolf Sebastian , Schiele Stefan , Pinto David R. M. , Hoffmann Michael
Published: February 2025

Background

Pylorus-preserving partial pancreatoduodenectomy (ppPD) is a treatment for tumors of the pancreatic head. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications following ppPD. In a retrospective analysis, intraoperative endoluminal pyloromyotomy (PM) was shown to be associated with a reduction in DGE rates.

Objective

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of intraoperative endoluminal PM on DGE after ppPD.

Methods

Patients undergoing ppPD were randomized intraoperatively to receive either PM or atraumatic stretching of the pylorus prior to creation of the duodenojejunostomy. The primary endpoint was the rate of DGE within 30 days after surgery.

Results

Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to the PM group and 64 patients were assigned to the control group. There were no differences between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics. The DGE rate was 59.4% (76/126). In two patients (1.6%) DGE was not assessable. The most common DGE grade was A (51/126, 40.5%), followed by B (20/126, 15.9%) and C (5/126, 4.0%). The rate of DGE was 62.5% in the PM group versus 56.3% in the control group (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 0.69–2.90; p = 0.34). The complication rate did not differ between both groups (p = 0.79) and there were no differences in quality of life on postoperative day 30.

Conclusions

Intraoperative endoluminal PM did not reduce the rate or severity of DGE after ppPD compared with atraumatic stretching of the pylorus.
Ένα πολύγλωσσο νηπιαγωγείο: νέες παιχνιδοποιημένες τάσεις και προκλήσεις στην εκμάθηση της δεύτερης γλώσσας
Authors: Μπιζώτα Κατερίνα , Παπαδοπούλου Μαρία
Published: February 2025

Η έρευνα εστιάζει στην εκμάθηση της δεύτερης γλώσσας μέσω της παιχνιδοποίησης σε παιδιά πρoσχολικής ηλικίας με προσφυγική ή/και μεταναστευτική εμπειρία. Στόχος της είναι να χαρτογραφήσει και να αναλύσει καινοτόμες παιχνιδοποιημένες παρεμβάσεις που έχουν εφαρμοστεί στο πλαίσιο της προσχολικής εκπαίδευσης σε προσφυγικούς πληθυσμούς και να αναδείξει τα μαθησιακά τους οφέλη. Από την βιβλιογραφική έρευνα εντοπίστηκαν οκτώ (8) παιχνιδοποιημένες παρεμβάσεις, οι οποίες αναδεικνύουν τις πιθανές τάσεις, αλλά και τις τρέχουσες προκλήσεις στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση δίνοντας έμφαση στην τεχνολογία και την καινοτομία. Η ανάλυση δεδομένων ανέδειξε τις παιχνιδοποιημένες τεχνικές που εφαρμόστηκαν στον υπό μελέτη πληθυσμό και τα στοιχεία σχεδιασμού παιχνιδιού που ανταποκρίνονται στις κοινωνικές και γλωσσικές τους ανάγκες. Τέλος, αναδεικνύονται τα μαθησιακά οφέλη που προσφέρουν οι παιχνιδοποιημένες παρεμβάσεις σε παιδιά με μεταναστευτική/προσφυγική εμπειρία και οι προβληματισμοί για την ένταξη τους στο εκπαιδευτικό πλαίσιο του νηπιαγωγείου.
Παιχνίδι σε ετερογενείς τάξεις παιδιών με και χωρίς αναπηρία: Απόψεις υποψήφιων εκπαιδευτικών προσχολικής εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Βελλοπούλου Αγγελική , Καμπεζά Μαρία , Σκοπελίτη Ειρήνη , Φύσσα Αριστέα , Φωτοπούλου Βασιλική Σ.
Published: February 2025

Το παρόν άρθρο μελετά τις απόψεις υποψήφιων εκπαιδευτικών προσχολικής εκπαίδευσης (ΥΕΠΕ) για το παιχνίδι και τη σχέση του με τη μάθηση σε ετερογενείς τάξεις νηπιαγωγείου, όταν συνυπάρχουν παιδιά με και χωρίς αναπηρία. Εστιάζοντας στο παράδειγμα του Προπτυχιακού Προγράμματος Σπουδών του Τμήματος Επιστημών της Εκπαίδευσης και της Αγωγής στην Προσχολική Ηλικία (Τ.Ε.Ε.Α.Π.Η.) του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών, συζητούνται με δευτεροετείς και τριτοετείς ΥΕΠΕ θέματα που σχετίζονται με: τη νοηματοδότηση του παιχνιδιού και τη σχέση του με τη μάθηση, τον ρόλο του/της νηπιαγωγού την ώρα που τα παιδιά με και χωρίς αναπηρία παίζουν ελεύθερα, καθώς και τις προκλήσεις και τις δεξιότητες που αφορούν το μελλοντικό τους επάγγελμα στη διαδικασία προώθησης της ενεργούς συμμετοχής όλων των παιδιών στο παιχνίδι. Τα αποτελέσματα αναδεικνύουν ότι οι ΥΕΠΕ προσεγγίζουν με πολλαπλούς τρόπους το παιχνίδι και σπάνια συνδέουν το ελεύθερο παιχνίδι με τη διδασκαλία και τη μάθηση. Θεωρούν ότι ο ρόλος του/της νηπιαγωγού κατά την ώρα του ελεύθερου παιχνιδιού, περιορίζεται στην επιβολή κανόνων, στην παροχή σύντομης βοήθειας και στη στιγμιαία διαχείριση κρίσεων. Ακόμη, βρέθηκε να εκλείπει μία παιδαγωγική και ενταξιακή οπτική ως προς το παιχνίδι και τη μάθηση που συντελείται μέσω αυτού, για όλα τα παιδιά με και χωρίς αναπηρία, και ως προς τις δεξιότητες που συνδέονται με τη διενέργεια του μελλοντικού τους επαγγελματικού ρόλου. Τέλος, αναλύονται οι προεκτάσεις που έχουν τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας έρευνας στη διαδικασία εμπλουτισμού της αρχικής εκπαίδευσης των ΥΕΠΕ στο Τ.Ε.Ε.Α.Π.Η, με τρόπους που να αναδεικνύονται τα σημεία σύνδεσης ανάμεσα στο παιχνίδι, τη μάθηση και την παιδαγωγική της ένταξης.
Unsteady MHD flow of tangent hyperbolic ternary hybrid nanofluid in a darcy-forchheimer porous medium over a permeable stretching sheet with variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Tsegaye Moltot Asfaw , Haile Gorfie Eshetu , Awgichew Zergaw Gurju , Dessie Hunegnaw
Published: February 2025

Background This research investigates the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow, heat, and mass transfer of tangent hyperbolic ternary hybrid nanofluids over a permeable stretching sheet. The study considers three types of nanoparticles—aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), copper (Cu), and titanium oxide (TiO₂)—dispersed in a base fluid of ethylene glycol (C₂H₆O₂). This ternary hybrid nanofluid (Al₂O₃–Cu–TiO₂/C₂H₆O₂) has potential applications in cooling systems, biomedical uses for targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia treatments, heat exchangers, and polymer processing techniques like extrusion and casting. Methods The study examines the effects of various parameters, including the Weissenberg number, power law index, nanoparticle volume fraction, viscous dissipation, magnetic field, heat generation, nonlinear thermal radiation, temperature ratio, Joule heating, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, porous permeability, variable thermal conductivity, Eckert number, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, chemical reaction, velocity ratio, Forchheimer number, and unsteady parameters. The governing equations are transformed into similarity equations using appropriate transformations and solved numerically with the MATLAB BVP5C package. The results are validated against data from published articles to ensure reproducibility. Results The findings reveal that an increase in the Weissenberg and Forchheimer numbers reduces the velocity profile, while the temperature distribution increases. The variable thermal conductivity parameter (Γ) leads to a higher temperature profile, indicating improved heat transfer. Higher nanoparticle concentrations in the nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids result in enhanced skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number. Ternary hybrid nanofluids show the most significant improvement in heat transfer and thermal conductivity. Conclusions Ternary hybrid nanofluids significantly enhance heat and mass transfer, showing potential for applications in cooling systems, drug delivery, and polymer processing. The numerical results are consistent with previous research, confirming the reliability and reproducibility of the findings
A highly sensitive enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay allows accurate measurements of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor levels in human saliva
Authors: Akutsu Fumie , Sugino Shiro , Watanabe Mitsuo , Barde Yves-Alain , Kojima Masaaki
Published: February 2025

Background Hitherto, BDNF levels in humans have been primarily measured in serum and/or plasma where these levels are readily measurable, but primarily reflect the content of BDNF in blood platelets. By contrast, previous attempts to measure BDNF levels in readily accessible human body fluids such as saliva have been complicated by a lack of sensitivity and/or specificity of BDNF ELISAs (see Discussion). Recently, the suitability of a highly sensitive BDNF ELISA assay was validated using mouse plasma and serum where conventional BDNF ELISA fail to detect BDNF. In this report, we demonstrate that BDNF levels in human saliva are extremely low, in the low pg/mL range, yet detectable in all saliva samples tested. Methods Saliva samples were collected from healthy volunteers by a passive drool method. All samples were aliquoted and immediately frozen to keep at -80°C until use. At the time of use, the samples were thawed, centrifuged to remove any remaining particles and BDNF measurement conducted by using a previously validated BDNF ELISA assay (see below). Recombinant mature BDNF was used as a reference. Results The intra-assay variability was in the range of CV = 1.8 to 4.9%. Saliva samples could be kept frozen at -80°C for 2 months until use for measurements, but more than 4 freeze and thaw cycles caused BDNF losses presumably due to structural change of the antigen. The measurements were not affected by the method of collection provided the samples were diluted at least 2-fold. Conclusions The results indicate that human saliva samples collected in a non-invasive fashion can be used as a source of material to try and correlate BDNF levels with human conditions of interest. These results also confirm those of an independent study published recently using the same BDNF ELISA kit to measure BDNF levels in human saliva samples.