bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Wavelength Analysis of AT 2023sva: a Luminous Orphan Afterglow With Evidence for a Structured Jet
Authors: Srinivasaragavan Gokul P , Perley Daniel A , Ho Anna Y Q , O’Connor Brendan , Postigo Antonio de Ugarte , Sarin Nikhil , Cenko S Bradley , Sollerman Jesper , Rhodes Lauren , Green David A , Svinkin Dmitry S , Bhalerao Varun , Waratkar Gaurav , Nayana A J , Chandra Poonam , Miller M Coleman , Malesani Daniele B , Ryan Geoffrey , Srijan Suryansh , Bellm Eric C , Burns Eric , Titterington David J , Stone Maria B , Purdum Josiah , Ahumada Tomás , Anupama G C , Barway Sudhanshu , Coughlin Michael W , Drake Andrew , Fender Rob , Fernández José F Agüí , Frederiks Dmitry D , Geier Stefan , Graham Matthew J , Kasliwal Mansi M , Kulkarni S R , Kumar Harsh , Li Maggie L , Laher Russ R , Lysenko Alexandra L , Parwani Gopal , Perley Richard A , Ridnaia Anna V , Salgundi Anirudh , Smith Roger , Sravan Niharika , Swain Vishwajeet , Thöne Christina C , Tsvetkova Anastasia E , Ulanov Mikhail V , Vail Jada , Wise Jacob L , Wold Avery
Published: February 2025

We present multi-wavelength analysis of ZTF23abelseb (AT 2023sva), an optically discovered fast-fading (Δmr = 2.2 mag in Δt = 0.74 days), luminous (Mr ∼ −30.0 mag) and red (g − r = 0.50 mag) transient at z = 2.28 with accompanying luminous radio emission. AT 2023sva does not possess a γ-ray burst (GRB) counterpart to an isotropic equivalent energy limit of Eγ, iso < 1.6 × 1052 erg, determined through searching γ-ray satellite archives between the last non-detection and first detection, making it the sixth example of an optically-discovered afterglow with a redshift measurement and no detected GRB counterpart. We analyze AT 2023sva’s optical, radio, and X-ray observations to characterize the source. From radio analyses, we find the clear presence of strong interstellar scintillation (ISS) 72 days after the initial explosion, allowing us to place constraints on the source’s angular size and bulk Lorentz factor. When comparing the source sizes derived from ISS of orphan events to those of the classical GRB population, we find orphan events have statistically smaller source sizes. We also utilize Bayesian techniques to model the multi-wavelength afterglow. Within this framework, we find evidence that AT 2023sva possesses a shallow power-law structured jet viewed slightly off-axis (θv = 0.07 ± 0.02) just outside of the jet’s core opening angle (θc = 0.06 ± 0.02). We determine this is likely the reason for the lack of a detected GRB counterpart, but also investigate other scenarios. AT 2023sva’s evidence for possessing a structured jet stresses the importance of broadening orphan afterglow search strategies to a diverse range of GRB jet angular energy profiles, to maximize the return of future optical surveys.
Theoretical study of Th iii energy levels and transitions for applications to kilonova spectra
Authors: Kitovienė L , Gaigalas G , Rynkun P , Domoto N , Tanaka M , Kato D
Published: February 2025

The neutron star merger is a promising site of heavy element production. By producing heavy elements, the neutron star merger gives rise to a thermal transient called a kilonova. Studying kilonova spectra enables us to quantify the heavy element production. Among the heaviest elements, doubly ionized Thorium (Th, Z=90) is one of the important candidates for producing detectable absorption features in kilonova spectra. This paper investigates the atomic properties of Th iii to provide energy level and transition data. The multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock and relativistic configuration interaction methods, which are implemented in the general-purpose relativistic atomic structure package Grasp2018, are used to compute energy levels of the 5f6d, 6d2, 7s2, 5f2, 6d7s, 5f7p and 5f7s configurations and electric dipole transitions between states of these configurations. The accuracy of energy levels is evaluated by comparing it with experimental data and with various theoretical methods. Our calculated energy levels are consistent with the experimental results with a root mean square (RMS) deviation of 436 cm−1. The accuracy of transition data is investigated using the quantitative and qualitative evaluation method. By performing radiative transfer simulations for kilonova spectra with our transition data, we show that kilonova including Th with a mass fraction of (3 − 10) × 10−5 can produce Th iii absorption features around 18 000 Å.
End-of-Life Care in Glioblastoma: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Ellenbogen Yosef , Taslimi Shervin , Shellenberger Jonas , Brogly Susan B , Zadeh Gelareh , Alkins Ryan
Published: February 2025

Background

The end-of-life (EoL) phase of care is inevitable for glioblastoma (GBM) patients; however, it lacks standardization. This study aimed to characterize the utilization of care at EoL in GBM patients, focusing on trends over time, regional variability, and the influence of socioeconomic factors.

Methods

This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of all patients with GBM treated in Ontario between 1994 – 2018 using administrative health data and registries available at ICES (formerly the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences). The proportion of patients with palliative care, supportive care, and in-hospital deaths by year of diagnosis was estimated, and trends assessed with the Cochrane-Armitage trend test.

Results

The cohort included 9,013 GBM patients. There was an increase in supportive care components over the study time-period (29.6% in 1994 – 1998 to 60.2% in 2014 – 2018; p < 0.0001). There was a simultaneous decrease in in-hospital deaths (50.5% in 1994 – 1998 to 21.4% in 2014 – 2018; p<0.001) and hospitalizations within 30 days before death (65.5% in 1994-1998 to 51.7% in 2014 – 2018, p<0.001). This coincided with an increased in chemotherapy administration within 14 days of death and ICU admissions within 30 days of death over the studied period of time. Patient neighborhood income level and geographic location influenced EoL care patterns with regards to both supportive and aggressive components.

Conclusions

Over time there was an expansion of both inpatient and outpatient palliative care use at EoL. Rurality and neighborhood income quintile significantly influenced the utilization of these resources, underscoring the need for standardized EoL care practices.
Hydrogen zoning in olivine from kimberlites based on coupled FTIR and SIMS analyses: Significance for H2O distribution in the lithospheric mantle and H2O concentrations in kimberlite melts
Authors: Giuliani Andrea , Gies Nils B , Faccanoni Alice , Hermann Jörg , De Hoog Jan C M , Padrón-Navarta José Alberto , Cayzer Nicola , Schmidt Max W
Published: February 2025

Kimberlite melts are widely considered to be enriched in volatiles, both CO2 and H2O. Yet, estimated H2O concentrations in primitive kimberlites vary between 3.0 and 12 wt.%, and it is unclear whether these variations are a true reflection of variable H2O in their mantle sources. The main problem rests with the origin of serpentine, the main H2O host in kimberlite rocks, and specifically, whether it derives from magmatic and/or crustal fluids. To obtain estimates of primary H2O contents in kimberlite melts, we have examined the systematics of proton incorporation in olivine point defects (referred as H) in grains from eight representative kimberlites from Africa, Canada and Greenland. These kimberlites show highly variable groundmass and therefore melt compositions, and include varieties enriched in serpentine, carbonate and/or phlogopite. Olivine grains are strongly zoned in major and minor elements based on BSE images and EPMA analysis and include mantle-derived xenocrystic cores and magmatic rims. FTIR maps and profiles show that the olivine cores are zoned with H2O decreasing outward due to diffusive loss most likely triggered by decompression and related H2O loss from the transporting kimberlite melt after xenocryst entrainment. The central portions of the cores exhibit homogeneous H2O contents representative of mantle values. A combination of Al-in-olivine thermometry with appropriate geothermal gradients and H2O determinations from SIMS analyses (from 9 to 241 μg/g across the entire sample set) shows similar systematics to those of olivine in mantle xenoliths from the same localities. H2O analyses of olivine cores in kimberlites are hence valuable to systematically examine the vertical distribution of H2O in the lithospheric mantle traversed by kimberlites. The magmatic rims examined by SIMS invariably show low H2O contents (<50 μg/g but mostly ≤20 μg/g) with very limited within-sample variation regardless of olivine major-minor element chemistry and groundmass composition. Experimentally derived hydrogen partition coefficients yield ≤1 wt% of H2O in the corresponding melts, values that probably reflect post-emplacement re-equilibration in the upper crust rather than equilibrium conditions during crystallisation. These low H2O contents reflect, at least in part, exsolution of C-O-H fluids during kimberlite ascent. The implication is that kimberlite melts contain insufficient H2O to crystallise the large amount (up to 50 vol%) of serpentine commonly observed in kimberlites. Serpentine rather requires contributions by crustal fluids and/or deeply exsolved kimberlite-related fluids that percolate upwards along the pipe- or dike-like emplacement structures, modifying the composition of previously crystallised kimberlites.
The Race Between Education, Technology, and the Minimum Wage
Authors: Vogel Jonathan
Published: February 2025

What is the impact of the real minimum wage on wages and inequality? I develop a theory that nests “The Race Between Education and Technology.” The theory predicts that the impact of changes in minimum wages is initially small but grows over time. I present empirical evidence of these dynamic effects: the elasticity of real wages grows substantially over a three-year period. I additionally show that minimum wages help rationalize a considerable decline in real wages of low-education workers in the 1980s and play a role in shaping the evolution of the U.S. college premium.
Rural-Urban Disparities in cardiovascular disease hospitalizations and its outcomes in gout: a nationwide U.S. study
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A , Chandrupatla Sumanth R
Published: February 2025

Objective

To assess whether patient residence is associated with the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) hospitalizations in people with gout.

Methods

We used the 2016–2019 U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to assess whether rural patient residence is associated with a higher risk of MI hospitalizations in gout, while adjusting for demographics (age, sex, race), comorbidity, median household income, insurance payer and hospital characteristics (location and teaching status, bed size, hospital control and hospital region). We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)

Results

We found that compared with urban residents, people living in the rural areas had higher crude rates of MI, 2,640 vs 3,145 per 100 000 area specific gout hospitalizations. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, compared with urban residents with gout, the rural area residents with gout were significantly more likely to have an MI with an odds ratio of 1.70 (95% CI, 1.61—1.79; p< 0.001). The association was confirmed in multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a significant rural-urban disparity in the risk of MI hospitalizations in people with gout. Policymakers and hospital systems need to design and implement interventions to reduce these disparities.
Identification, Characterization, Pathogenicity and Host range of Slafractonia indigofera sp. nov. (Dothidotthiaceae) causing Leaf spot disease of Indigofera pseudotinctoria in China
Authors: Xu Shan , Wang Wentao , Wang Sui , Sun Wanbin , Fu Meimei , He Shulin , Lyu Hui
Published: February 2025

Indigofera pseudotinctoria is an economically important perennial shrub in southwestern China. In recent years, leaf spot disease on I. pseudotinctoria has been frequently observed in commercial fields and the forage germplasm repository in Shuanghe County, Rongchang District, Chongqing Municipality, China. The typical symptoms, primarily on leaflets, appeared as sunken, necrotic, oval, circular, or elongated dark brown lesions, with an average incidence of 37.46% in 2023 and 47.81% in 2024, respectively. Three representative isolates were obtained and identified based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the combined LSU, SSU and ITS sequences. The results revealed that Slafractonia is a new member of the family Dothidotthiaceae, and the isolates belong to a novel species closely related to Slafractonia leguminicola. Morphologically, the species is characterized by branched hyphae with septa and a lack of conidia, significantly differing from S. leguminicola in growth rate, hyphal size, the presence of sclerotia or microsclerotia, and spherule-like structures. Pathogenicity tests were confirmed by inoculating representative isolates on living leaves from seedlings and developing plants, as well as on detached leaves. Pathogenicity tests on four locally grown perennial legumes suggest a broad host range for the pathogen, not restricted to I. pseudotinctoria alone. As a result of the phylogenetic, morphological, GCPSR, and pathogenicity analyses, we propose Slafractonia indigofera as the name for this pathogen of I. pseudotinctoria in Chongqing, China.
Pythium Root Rot of Wheat is not Suppressed by Indigenous 2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol-Producing Pseudomonads in Take-All Decline Soils
Authors: Allende-Molar Raul , Paulitz Tim , Thomashow Linda , Mavrodi Olga , Weller David Michael
Published: February 2025

Take-all, caused by Gaeumannomyces tritici and Pythium root rot, caused by a complex of Pythium spp., are important diseases of wheat in Washington state, USA, and they often occur on the same plant. During wheat monoculture, a natural biocontrol of take-all known as take-all decline (TAD) develops from a buildup in the rhizosphere of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG)-producing pseudomonads belonging to the Pseudomonas fluorescens complex. To determine if TAD also suppresses Pythium root rot, wheat seedlings were grown in two TAD soils and their homologous non-cropped virgin (conducive) soils amended with inoculum of Pythium abappressorium, P. (Globisporangium) irregulare group I, P. (Globisporangium) irregulare group IV or P. (Globisporangium) ultimum. TAD soils alone or mixed 1:9 with pasteurized conducive soil did not consistently reduce symptoms of Pythium root rot as compared to their homologous virgin (conducive) soils. In TAD and conducive soils, plant height, length of the first true leaf, number of root tips, and root lengths were similar. Wheat grown in Pythium-infested and non-infested TAD soils supported rhizosphere populations of DAPG-producing pseudomonads above 107 CFU g-1 of root. Mycelial growth of the Pythium spp. was inhibited in vitro by both DAPG-producers and synthetic DAPG. However, concentrations of DAPG required to inhibit mycelial growth of the Pythium spp. ranged from 15 to 30 µg mL-1, which is 5-10 times greater than the dose reported to inhibit the take-all pathogen. In conclusion, Washington TAD soils do not suppress Pythium root rot of wheat.
MutL Interaction with RaxM Regulates raxX Expression in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Cai Jing , Wang Meihua , Mi Duo , Wu Kejian , Li Chunxia , Tao Jun
Published: February 2025

Rice XA21 is the cognate resistance (R) protein of the avirulence protein AvrXA21 (RaxX) of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). RaxX precursor must be modified by the peptidase RaxB and the tyrosine sulfotransferase RaxST to transform into an active form that has ability to bind and active XA21. We previously found that a small protein, RaxM, regulates raxX expression, and thus affects XA21-mediated immunity response. However, the mechanism that through which RaxM regulates raxX expression remains unknown. Here we showed that RaxM can interact with MutL and enhance its endonuclease activity in Xoo. Mutation of mutL increased raxM expression but decreased raxX expression. In addition, MutL also positively regulated the expression of raxST and raxR that are required for raxX expression or modification. Therefore, mutL mutation increased Xoo virulence on XA21-expressing rice. These findings indicate that RaxM regulates raxX expression and modification by influencing MutL activity, and thus regulates RaxX-mediated immune response.
Androgen receptor ubiquitination links KCTD13 to genitourinary tract defects
Authors: Chahdi Ahmed , Jorgez Carolina , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Neetu Neetu , Seth Abhishek
Published: February 2025

The potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 13 (KCTD13) protein is a substrate‐specific adapter for cullin3‐based E3 ubiquitin ligase. Patients with copy number variants at this locus exhibit genitourinary tract anomalies. In this study, we show that decreased androgen receptor (AR) protein level correlated with increased AR ubiquitination in the testis of Kctd13‐deficient mice, suggesting that KCTD13 inhibits AR ubiquitination. KCTD13 increased CUL3‐dependent AR ubiquitination but had no effect on CUL3 binding to AR, confirming the role of KCTD13 as an adaptor of CUL3 ligase. Recombinant KCTD13 directly binds to recombinant AR, and the BTB domain of KCTD13 is critical for binding both the N‐terminal domain of AR and STUB1. Moreover, KCTD13 dose‐dependently decreased STUB1 binding to AR resulting in decreased AR ubiquitination. KCTD13 ΔBTB was unable to bind to AR and subsequently failed to block STUB1‐mediated AR ubiquitination, strongly suggesting that reduced AR ubiquitination is dependent on KCTD13 ability to dissociate AR/STUB1 complex. Furthermore, KCTD13 increased the expression of AR target gene, FOXJ1, whereas KCTD13 ΔBTB had no effect. Our data reveal a distinctive mode of action of KCTD13 on AR ubiquitination depending on the E3 ubiquitin ligase involved: (1) KCTD13 increased CUL3‐dependent AR ubiquitination but had no effect on CUL3 binding to AR; and (2) KCTD13 decreased STUB1‐mediated AR ubiquitination by decreasing STUB1 binding to AR thus preventing AR ubiquitination. We hypothesize that in the testes of Kctd13‐deficient mice, the absence of KCTD13 results in increased binding of STUB1 to AR leading to increased AR ubiquitination and degradation.
Exploring N400 Predictability Effects During Sustained Speech Comprehension: From Listening-Related Fatigue to Speech Enhancement Evaluation
Authors: Hsin Cheng-Hung , Lee Chia-Ying , Tsao Yu
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

This study investigated the predictability effect on the N400 as an objective measure of listening-related fatigue during speech comprehension by: (1) examining how its characteristics (amplitude, latency, and topographic distribution) changed over time under clear versus noisy conditions to assess its utility as a marker for listening-related fatigue, and (2) evaluating whether these N400 parameters could assess the effectiveness of speech enhancement (SE) systems.

Design:

Two event-related potential experiments were conducted on 140 young adults (aged 20 to 30) assigned to four age-matched groups. Using a between-subjects design for listening conditions, participants comprehended spoken sentences ending in high- or low-predictability words while their brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography. Experiment 1 compared the predictability effect on the N400 in clear and noise-masked conditions, while experiment 2 examined this effect under two enhanced conditions (denoised using the transformer- and minimum mean square error-based SE models). Electroencephalography data were divided into two blocks to analyze the changes in the predictability effect on the N400 over time, including amplitude, latency, and topographic distributions.

Results:

Experiment 1 compared N400 effects across blocks under different clarity conditions. Clear speech in block 2 elicited a more anteriorly distributed N400 effect without reduction or delay compared with block 1. Noisy speech in block 2 showed a reduced, delayed, and posteriorly distributed effect compared with block 1. Experiment 2 examined N400 effects during enhanced speech processing. Transformer-enhanced speech in block 1 demonstrated significantly increased N400 effect amplitude compared to noisy speech. However, both enhancement methods showed delayed N400 effects in block 2.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that temporal changes in the N400 predictability effect might serve as objective markers of sustained speech processing under different clarity conditions. During clear speech comprehension, listeners appear to maintain efficient semantic processing through additional resource recruitment over time, while noisy speech leads to reduced processing efficiency. When applied to enhanced speech, these N400 patterns reveal both the immediate benefits of SE for semantic processing and potential limitations in supporting sustained listening. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of the N400 predictability effect for understanding sustained listening demands and evaluating SE effectiveness.
Indirect Spinal Decompression in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures
Authors: Chen Hou-Tsung , Wu Re-Wen , Yang Fu-Shine , Chang Cheh-Yung , Hsu Chieh-Cheng , Chen Sung-Hsiung , Lu Meng-Ling
Published: February 2025

Study Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To evaluate the combined modified percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation technique by reducing and fixating the thoracolumbar burst fracture and checking the efficacy of indirect spinal decompression using intraoperative CT. This study aims to (1) demonstrate that using modified percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation is enough to rebuild spinal stability and decompress the spinal stenosis for thoracolumbar burst fracture and (2) prove the effects of spinal canal decompression by intraoperative portable CT with the surgical technique.

Summary of Background Data:

Various posterior instrumentation methods have been used to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures and decompress retropulsed bony fragments through ligamentotaxis, but no studies have assessed the efficacy of combining percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation with intraoperative CT.

Methods:

Using modified percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation to rebuild the spinal stability and ligamentotaxis effect to indirect decompression of the spinal stenosis without laminectomy and check parameters immediately after surgery by real-time intraoperative portable CT.

Results:

Fifty-seven patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures underwent modified percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation from 2018 to 2023 at a single medical center. Mean injured vertebral canal dimension increased from 90.8±26.3 to 122.1±30.3 mm2 (P<0.05) and mean canal encroachment index decreased from 44.8±9.5% to 25.6±4.8% (P<0.05), the anterior body height increased from 13.9±3.8 to 25.9±3.9 mm (P<0.01) and kyphotic angle decreased from 27.3±3.2 to 8.6±2.1 degrees (P<0.01). Neurological function was improved by at least 1 Frankel grade in neurological deficit patients. No significant difference in kyphotic angle between post-op and 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

Indirect decompression of the spinal canal with modified percutaneous short-segment fixation without laminectomy was an effective treatment for thoracolumbar burst fracture, even in selected incomplete neurological deficits patients.
Vonoprazan-based quadruple therapy is non-inferior to esomeprazole-based quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, phase 3 study
Authors: Song Zhiqiang , Du Qin , Zhang Guoxin , Zhang Zhenyu , Liu Fei , Lu Nonghua , Gu Liqun , Kuroda Shingo , Zhou Liya
Published: February 2025

Background:

Owing to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in China, bismuth-containing quadruple therapies have been recommended for H. pylori eradication. This study compared the efficacy and safety of quadruple regimens containing vonoprazan vs. esomeprazole for H. pylori eradication in a patient population in China.

Methods:

This was a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. Patients with confirmed H. pylori infection were randomized 1:1 to receive quadruple therapy for 14 days: amoxicillin 1000 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg after meals, bismuth potassium citrate 600 mg before meals, plus either vonoprazan 20 mg or esomeprazole 20 mg before meals, all twice daily. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori, evaluated using a 13C urea breath test at 4 weeks after treatment. The non-inferiority margin was at 10%.

Results:

The study included 510 patients, 506 of whom completed the follow-up assessment. The primary analysis revealed eradication rates of 86.8% (210/242) and 86.7% (208/240) for vonoprazan and esomeprazole therapy, respectively (treatment difference: 0.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.95, 6.17; non-inferiority P = 0.0009). Per-protocol analysis showed eradication rates of 87.4% for vonoprazan and 86.3% for esomeprazole (treatment difference: 1.2%; 95% CI: −5.03, 7.36; non-inferiority P = 0.0004). Vonoprazan and esomeprazole were well tolerated, with similar safety profiles.

Conclusion:

Vonoprazan was found to be well-tolerated and non-inferior to esomeprazole for eradicating H. pylori in patients from China.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04198363.
Free Vastus Lateralis Functional Muscle Transfer: An Approach to Facial Reanimation and Reconstruction in Radical Parotidectomy
Authors: Econ Michaelsam E. , Umezawa Hiroki , Mitsuwa Hideyuki , Bayir Sahin Atakan , Cho Hoyu , Kubo Genshiro , Ogawa Rei
Published: February 2025

Background:

Our report focuses on a new method for reanimating the facial nerve and reconstructing soft tissue after radical parotidectomy due to malignant parotid tumor infiltration. We found that using the free vastus lateralis functional muscle transfer (FVL-FMT) can be effective.

Methods:

FVL-FMT is an immediate single-stage reconstruction technique. It uses 2 branches of the vastus lateralis motor nerve—the descending (type 1) and oblique (type 2) branches—to supply the transferred free functional muscle. The descending branch also acts as a vascularized nerve graft that reconnects the facial nerve and its branches. It was used in a review of patients with stage IVA parotid cancer who underwent radical parotidectomy, with facial function assessed using modified House–Brackmann and Yanagihara facial nerve grading scales.

Results:

Seven patients underwent facial nerve reconstruction, 6 with type 1 and 1 with type 2 FVL-FMT. Three patients regained normal ocular function, whereas 4 achieved moderate dysfunction for the lower midface. The modified House–Brackmann scores were III (n = 3, 42.9%), IV (n = 2, 28.6%), and V (n = 2, 28.6%), whereas the Yanagihara system scores ranged from 4 to 30. All patients had minimal synkinesis, and 6 (86%) achieved acceptable symmetrical resting tone. All flaps survived, and ocular complications and feeding problems were absent.

Conclusions:

Immediate facial nerve reconstruction can improve the quality of life for patients with facial palsy after surgery. The vastus lateralis functional muscle transfer is a reliable method that restores function and appearance in facial nerve defects.
LIVE-SMART: A sequential, multiple assignment randomized trial to reduce falls in cirrhosis
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Nikirk Samantha , Evon Donna M. , Asrani Sumeet , Bloom Patricia , Hynes James W. , Alber J. Mark , Gill Anna , Mehta Shivang , Weinberg Ethan , Alexander Neil B. , Althuis Katie , Hoelscher Alise , Zhao Lili , Chen Xi , Burdzy Alex , Serper Marina
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Falls are a major threat to the well-being of patients with cirrhosis. We are performing a clinical trial to determine whether lactulose, TeleTai-Chi, or their combination will reduce falls in HE and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with cirrhosis.

Methods and Analysis:

Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension without HE will be enrolled in 3 US states and followed participants for 24 weeks. In stage 1 (12 wk), participants will be randomized to receive either lactulose therapy or enhanced usual care. In stage 2 (12 wk), participants will be randomized to either TeleTai-Chi or usual care. The primary outcome is a hierarchical composite: Injurious falls, noninjurious falls, incident HE, and death/transplantation. Secondary outcomes include cognitive function, days-alive and out-of-hospital, and HRQOL. After completion of the interventions, participants will be followed for 48 weeks for health and financial outcomes.

Ethics and Dissemination:

Our study has a central institutional review board with individual site IRB review. Dissemination includes the publication of study findings and patient-focused educational webinars.
Liver involvement in a large cohort of patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria or X-linked protoporphyria
Authors: Levy Cynthia , Naik Hetanshi , Overbey Jessica , Hedstrom Karli , Wang Kelly , McDonough Catherine , Freeman Mary , Keel Siobán B. , Erwin Angelika L. , Dickey Amy K. , Leaf Rebecca K. , Quigley John , Mazepa Marshall , Wang Bruce , Phillips John , Parker Charles , McGuire Brendan , Kazamel Mohamed , Bonkovsky Herbert , Rudnick Sean , Anderson Karl E. , Moghe Akshata , Thapar Manish , Saberi Behnam , Wheeden Kristen , Desnick Robert , Balwani Manisha ,   on behalf of the Porphyrias Consortium of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network
Published: February 2025

Background:

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) are characterized by the accumulation of protoporphyrin in the marrow, erythrocytes, plasma, skin, and liver, and present clinically with painful cutaneous phototoxicity. Liver abnormalities have been reported in over 25% of patients with EPP. Further characterization of liver involvement in protoporphyria is needed.

Methods:

Patients with EPP or XLP enrolled in the longitudinal studies of the NIH-supported Porphyrias Consortium were included. Medical history, laboratory, and liver histology data were abstracted and described.

Results:

A total of 322 patients were enrolled; 28 (8.7%) had XLP, 52% were female, and the median age at enrollment was 33.3 years. Liver chemistries were available for 235 patients, and 132 (56.2%) had abnormalities, mostly mild. Abnormal liver enzymes were associated with higher erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. Eleven patients had advanced protoporphyric hepatopathy. In total, 54 (16.8%) underwent cholecystectomy, 8 (2.5%) had a liver transplant, 4 (1.2%) had a bone marrow transplant, and 8 (2.5%) died. At least 4 deaths were caused by liver failure due to protoporphyric hepatopathy, 2 were complications of bone marrow transplant, and 1 from HCC, which developed in a patient with EPP without cirrhosis. Patients with XLP were more likely to develop liver-related complications compared to EPP.

Conclusions:

Liver abnormalities are common in patients with EPP and XLP. In this national registry, only 3.4% had protoporphyric hepatopathy, with most requiring a transplant. Of the deaths, 62.5% were attributable to liver disease. Further observations are needed for guiding hepatic evaluation and management of patients with protoporphyria with or without initial hepatic abnormalities.
Long-Term Clinical Outcomes Associated With the Veterans Health Administration’s Traumatic Brain Injury and Mental Health Screens
Authors: Miles Shannon R. , Toyinbo Peter A. , Belanger Heather G. , Venkatachalam Hari H. , Luther Stephen L. , Sayer Nina A.
Published: February 2025

Objective: Examine if the mandated Veterans Affairs traumatic brain injury (TBI) screen is associated with long-term postconcussive symptoms as compared to how the mandated mental health (MH) screen is associated with long-term MH symptoms. Setting: Veterans Health Administration. Participants: Patients (N = 1628) who were previously screened for TBI with current postconcussive symptoms and MH conditions completed a survey assessing current postconcussive symptoms, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol use, and physical and emotional well-being. Participants were mostly male (83%), less than 40 years old (38%), and identified as White (64%). Forty-five percent screened positive for MH conditions; 11% screened positive for TBI. Design: Cohort survey study of random sample of post-9/11 veterans combined with retrospective database analysis. Bayesian Network Analysis was used to compare how the TBI and MH screens related to long-term postconcussive and MH symptoms. The pathway on the Bayesian Network graph leading to postconcussive symptoms was thoroughly examined with a regression. Main Measures: Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory to measure postconcussive symptoms. Results: A Bayesian network arch demonstrated TBI screening was related to use of TBI services within 6 months after the screening but not related to long-term postconcussive or MH symptoms. In comparison, the MH screen led to post-screen MH services, postconcussive symptoms, and most of the other secondary outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. The regression model showed that a positive MH screen, more MH service use, negative life events, and moderate depression were associated with greater postconcussive symptoms years after screening. Conclusion: While both TBI and MH screening were associated with increased service use, only the MH screen was associated with long-term postconcussive symptoms. Findings raise questions about whether the TBI screening program adds value over and above the MH screening program.
Experimentally induced central sensitization is accompanied by alterations in electroencephalographical microstate parameters
Authors: Jaltare Ketan Prafull , Torta Diana M.
Published: February 2025

Pain perception is a dynamic and time-varying phenomenon. The high temporal resolution of electroencephalography (EEG) can be leveraged to gain insight into its cortical dynamics. Electroencephalography microstate analysis is a novel technique that parses multichannel EEG signals into a limited number of quasi-stable topographies (microstates) that have a meaningful temporal structure and have been linked to the activity of resting state networks. In recent years, several studies have investigated alterations in EEG microstate parameters associated with acute and chronic pain states, with mixed results. In the present study, we used high-frequency stimulation (HFS), in healthy human volunteers, to induce mechanical hypersensitivity (a perceptual correlate of central sensitization) and investigated (1) changes in microstate parameters before vs after the induction of mechanical hypersensitivity and (2) whether microstate parameters before HFS were linked to the development of mechanical hypersensitivity. Results showed that the duration of microstate E, typically related to the activity of the salience/default mode network, was consistently decreased post-HFS. The global explained variance of microstates A (Auditory network) and E and coverage of microstate A were positively associated with mechanical hypersensitivity. Conversely, the transition probabilities from microstates B (Visual network) to A and the bidirectional transition probabilities between B and C (saliency and default mode networks) were negatively associated with mechanical hypersensitivity. We discuss these findings in the context of the functional significance of EEG microstates. Our results highlight the potential utility of microstate analysis in understanding pain processing and its potential link to changes in the nociceptive system.
Advancements and prospects of transcranial focused ultrasound in pain neuromodulation
Authors: Shi Yu , Wu Wen
Published: February 2025

Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is an emerging noninvasive neuromodulation technology that has shown great potential in pain modulation. This review systematically elucidates the multilevel biological mechanisms of tFUS neuromodulation, from network-wide effects to cellular and molecular processes, as well as broader systemic influences. Preliminary animal pain model studies have revealed tFUS's ability to improve pain behavioral indicators and modulate neural circuit activity under pathological conditions. A small number of clinical studies also suggest that tFUS may have certain benefits in improving symptom experience and emotional state in chronic pain patients. However, current research generally has limitations such as small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. More high-quality studies are needed to verify the long-term effects and safety of tFUS pain treatment. Overcoming these limitations and advancing large-scale clinical translational research will help fully exploit the application potential of tFUS in precision pain medicine and provide new treatment options for pain relief.
The impact of workplace heat and cold on work time loss
Authors: Ioannou Leonidas G. , Tsoutsoubi Lydia , Mantzios Konstantinos , Gkikas Georgios , Agaliotis Gerasimos , Koutedakis Yiannis , García-León David , Havenith George , Liang Jack , Arkolakis Costas , Glaser Jason , Kenny Glen P. , Mekjavic Igor B. , Nybo Lars , Flouris Andreas D.
Published: February 2025

Objective: We investigated the impact of workplace heat and cold on work time loss. Methods: Field experiments in different industrial sectors were conducted in multiple countries across all seasons between 2016 and 2024. Hundreds of workers were video-recorded and their full shifts (n = 603) were analyzed on a second-by-second basis (n = 16,065,501 sec). Environmental data were recorded using portable weather stations. The Workplace Environmental Labor Loss (WELL) functions were developed to describe work time loss due to workplace temperature. Results: The WELL functions revealed a U-shaped relationship whereby the least work time loss is observed at 18 °C (64 °F), and increases for every degree above or below this optimal temperature. Conclusions: The WELL functions quantify the impact of workplace temperature on work time loss, extending to temperatures previously believed to be unaffected.
The Mystery of Diagnostic Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine Contained in Tianhui Medical Slips
Authors: LI Yitian , YAN Shiyun , CHEN Liyun , LI Guochen
Published: February 2025

Excavated from the Western Han tomb in Tianhui Town (天回镇), Jinniu District (金牛区), Chengdu, China, Tianhui Medical Slips (《天回医简》) were penned during the Warring States period by the renowned physician Bian Que (扁鹊) and his students. Since their discovery, the medical, historical, and archaeological communities have given them considerable attention. This paper sorts out the diagnostic content of Tianhui Medical Slips from various aspects of inspection, palpation, inquiry, listening and smelling examination and provides a summary and analysis of four features: the concept of the correspondence between heaven and man is the foundation, the idea of the five elements throughout the whole process, extremely focus on pulse diagnosis, emphasize a comprehensive analysis of four examinations. These analyses can investigate the value and significance of Tianhui Medical Slips in developing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis history. In this way, we aim to reproduce the overview and level of TCM diagnostics at that time, clear up some ambiguous understanding of its development history, and provide a reference for further research on the origin and development of TCM.
Delivering an integrated care systems approach for speech and language therapy head and neck cancer services in the UK: service development and redesign in Cheshire and Merseyside
Authors: Sheldrick Heulwen , Kingston Stuart , Crane Julie
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to share the implementation of an integrated care systems approach for head and neck cancer speech and language therapy services. Facilitating factors and barriers to change are highlighted and links to relevant literature are indicated. The intention is that this paper will provide a ‘non blueprint’ for others embarking on large scale integrative change.

Recent findings

Integrating health and social care provision across organizations is necessary for improving outcomes for people, reducing health inequalities and improving efficiencies in care. Whilst recognizing this intention, the current structure for providing care in NHS organizations does not foster cross-organizational working.

Integration enhances patient centred care, however implementation of change across organizations is challenging. Managerial support is pivotal and differences in organizational culture need to be acknowledged, respected and overcome. A clearly defined vision, to which all staff are committed provides an anchor in challenging situations. Transformational change is iterative and cannot always be predetermined. Success is possible; tenacity, flexibility and agility are key.
Sex Differences in Sepsis-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Other Short-Term Outcomes among Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Study in China.
Authors: Zhao Hui , Yang Bin , Dai Hong-kai , Li Cheng , Ruan Hang , Li Yong-sheng
Published: February 2025

Background

The evidence of sex disparity in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is scarce and varies widely.

Objective

This observational, retrospective study aimed to determine the effect of sex on the sepsis-related ARDS and other short outcomes in critically ill patients with sepsis.

Methods

A total of 2111 adult patients with sepsis who were admitted to three central intensive care units (ICUs) of Wuhan Tongji Hospital between 2012 and 2022 were included in our analysis. Sex was considered as an exposure factor, with sepsis-related ARDS as the primary outcome, and in-hospital mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation(iMV) support, septic shock, and other complications as secondary outcomes.

Results

Among the 2111 enrolled patients, 1287 were males (61%) and 824 were females (39%). The incidence of sepsis-related ARDS was higher in males compared to females (P = 0.001), as well as in-hospital mortality (P = 0.009). Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that male sex remained independently associated with an increased risk of sepsis-related ARDS (adjusted odds ratio(aOR) = 1. 493[1.034-2.156], P = 0.032). Propensity score matching analysis also indicated that males had 58% higher odds of developing sepsis-related ARDS (aOR = 1.584 [1.022-2.456], P = 0.040). Regarding secondary outcomes, male sex was identified as a risk factor for in-hospital mortality (aOR = 1.536 [1.087-2.169], P = 0.015) and iMV support (aOR = 1.313 [1.029-1.674], P = 0.028) in the fully adjusted model. Sensitivity analysis that included postmenopausal females and age-matched male counterparts showed that male sex still remained to be a risk factor of developing sepsis-related ARDS (aOR = 1.968 [1.241-3.120], P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Male sex was identified as an independent risk factor for sepsis-related ARDS and in-hospital mortality among critically ill patients with sepsis. Given the retrospective design of this study, the relationship between sex and sepsis-related ARDS requires further validation through large-scale randomized controlled trials in the future.
The origin and early evolution of feathers: implications, uncertainties and future prospects
Authors: Xu Xing , Barrett Paul M.
Published: February 2025

As a defining feature of the clade, feathers are key to understanding bird biology. Discoveries of spectacular dinosaur and pterosaur fossils preserving feathers and feather-like integumentary appendages demonstrate trends of increasing complexity in gross morphology and microstructure through avemetatarsalian evolution, and the acquisition of complex flight feathers before the origin of birds. Moreover, this material shows some early feathers differed from modern feathers morphologically, ultrastructurally, biochemically and developmentally, revealing integumentary evolutionary pathways absent in modern taxa. These advances have changed conventional understanding of dinosaurs and impacted conceptions of both birds and feathers. However, it remains unknown if ‘true’ feathers originated at the base of Avemetatarsalia or within Theropoda. The former scenario implies multiple feather losses, the evolutionary and developmental mechanisms of which require investigation; the latter suggests pterosaurs and ornithischians independently evolved filamentous integumentary appendages, which might have shared genetic regulatory networks with theropod feathers. Answering these questions requires additional data on avemetatarsalian integument, particularly for sauropodomorphs, early diverging theropods and dinosaur outgroups, and more information on those taxa with known integumentary features. An integrative approach combining morphological, developmental, biochemical and taphonomic data, including extinct and extant taxa, is essential for a clearer understanding of feather origin and evolution.
Risk-sensitive foraging in a tropical lizard
Authors: Banerjee Avik , Thaker Maria
Published: February 2025

Foraging opportunities can be unpredictable. When foragers face a choice between resources that vary in predictability, foraging decisions not only depend on the profitability of food but also on their physiological state. This risk-sensitive foraging approach, in which animals take greater foraging risks when starving, remains relatively untested in reptiles compared with other taxa. We tested the risk-sensitive foraging theory in the tropical lizard,
Psammophilus dorsalis
, by manipulating energy budgets (satiated versus 48 h starved) and measuring foraging preferences for options that differed in rewards: constant (two mealworms) versus variable (zero or four mealworms). We found that satiated lizards were risk averse to variability in reward amounts and chose the constant food option more frequently than the variable option. In contrast, starved lizards were risk-prone and chose the variable reward option more often than the constant one. At the end of foraging trials, these strategies resulted in both starved and satiated groups achieving similar net resource gains. As new support for risk-sensitive foraging in a tropical reptile species, these results provide insight into how resource uncertainty influences foraging strategies. For lizards in the tropics, which have high-energy requirements year-round, risk-sensitive foraging could be an effective strategy in stochastic environments.
Infrared absorbers inspired by nature
Authors: Mouchet Sébastien R.
Published: February 2025

Efficient energy harvesting, conversion and recycling technologies are crucial for addressing the challenges faced by modern societies and the global economy. The potential of harnessing mid-infrared (mid-IR) thermal radiation as a pervasive and readily available energy source has so far not been fully exploited, particularly through bioinspiration. In this article, by reviewing existing photon-based strategies and the efficiency of natural systems in harnessing light and thermal radiation, I highlight the promising role of bioinspiration in enhancing energy capture, conversion and recycling. Natural photonic structures found in various organisms, including insects, birds and plants, exhibit sophisticated optical properties that can be leveraged for energy-efficient applications. These developments pave the way for future research and innovation in bioinspired energy solutions. Ultimately, they contribute to the pursuit of a sustainable and environmentally conscious future by harnessing the beauty of nature’s designs to meet humankind’s energy needs.