bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting older people with cognitive impairment during and after hospital stays with intersectoral care management (intersec-CM)—results of a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Boekholt Melanie , Nikelski Angela , Schumacher-Schoenert Fanny , Kracht Friederike , Vollmar Horst Christian , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Kreisel Stefan Henner , Thyrian Jochen René
Published: January 2025

Background

The transition from hospital to primary care is a risk factor for negative health outcomes in people with cognitive impairment.

Objective

To test the effectiveness of intersectoral care management during the transition from hospital to primary care on repeated admission to hospital, functionality and institutionalisation in people with cognitive impairment.

Design

Longitudinal multisite randomised controlled trial with two arms (care as usual and intersectoral care management) and two follow-ups 3 and 12 months after discharge.

Setting

Three hospitals in two different primary care regions in Germany.

Subjects

n = 401 people with cognitive impairment: community-dwelling, age 70+. Randomised into control (n = 192) or intervention (n = 209).

Methods

Primary outcomes for the study after 3 months: admission to hospital, physical and instrumental functionality. Primary outcome after 12 months: institutionalisation, physical and instrumental functionality. Secondary outcomes: health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, cognitive status and frailty. Statistical analyses include descriptive analyses as well as univariate and multivariate regression models for all outcomes.

Results

There was no statistically significant effect of the intervention on hospital admission and activities of daily living after 3 months, as well as on institutionalisation and activities of daily living after 12 months. There were significantly fewer participants in the intervention group readmitted to the hospital 12 months after discharge.

Analyses show a significant effect on health-related quality of life 3 months and 12 months after discharge. Depressive symptoms were significantly less likely in the intervention group 3 months after discharge. No effects on cognition or frailty.

Conclusion

Intersectoral care management supports people with cognitive impairment during discharge and transition. Even though we were not able to show an impact of the intervention on the chosen primary outcomes everyday functionality and institutionalisation, the effects on health-related quality of life, hospital admission rate and mental health are solid indicators for an improved individual situation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03359408; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03359408
A benchmarking study of individual somatic variant callers and voting-based ensembles for whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Guille Arnaud , Adélaïde José , Finetti Pascal , Andre Fabrice , Birnbaum Daniel , Mamessier Emilie , Bertucci François , Chaffanet Max
Published: January 2025

By identifying somatic mutations, whole-exome sequencing (WES) has become a technology of choice for the diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions in many cancers. Despite advances in the field of somatic variant detection and the emergence of sophisticated tools incorporating machine learning, accurately identifying somatic variants remains challenging.

Each new somatic variant caller is often accompanied by claims of superior performance compared to predecessors. Furthermore, most comparative studies focus on a limited set of tools and reference datasets, leading to inconsistent results and making it difficult for laboratories to select the optimal solution. Our study comprehensively evaluated 20 somatic variant callers across four reference WES datasets. We subsequently assessed the performance of ensemble approaches by exploring all possible combinations of these callers, generating 8178 and 1013 combinations for single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels, respectively, with varying voting thresholds. Our analysis identified five high-performing individual somatic variant callers: Muse, Mutect2, Dragen, TNScope, and NeuSomatic. For somatic SNVs, an ensemble combining LoFreq, Muse, Mutect2, SomaticSniper, Strelka, and Lancet outperformed the top-performing caller (Dragen) by >3.6% (mean F1 score = 0.927). Similarly, for somatic indels, an ensemble of Mutect2, Strelka, Varscan2, and Pindel outperformed the best individual caller (Neusomatic) by >3.5% (mean F1 score = 0.867). By considering the computational costs of each combination, we were able to identify an optimal solution involving four somatic variant callers, Muse, Mutect2, and Strelka for the SNVs and Mutect2, Strelka, and Varscan2 for the indels, enabling accurate and cost-effective somatic variant detection in whole exome.
Children’s participation in social work research. A secondary data analysis of an umbrella review of children’s participation in child welfare
Authors: McCafferty Paul , Mercado García Esther
Published: January 2025

The real participation of children and young people (C&YP) in decisions affecting their lives and rights gained traction with the 1989 adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly Article 12, which asserts children's rights to express their views and have them respected. This principle recognizes children as active societal agents, not just passive subjects. This study, based on these principles, analyses secondary data from a prior umbrella review by the authors, focusing on children’s involvement in research processes. Using an adapted version of Shier's (2019) model, the study highlights a worrying dependence on traditional, adult-centred research methods that largely overlook young participants' perspectives. Although some creative, child-friendly methods are used, they are sporadic, revealing a gap in engaging younger children effectively. The study also finds that children's participation is often tokenistic rather than genuinely collaborative. These findings emphasize the need for more inclusive and innovative research practices to empower C&YP as co-creators of knowledge. Bridging these gaps is essential for promoting a more child-centred, equitable approach in research, which values every child's contribution and fosters a more inclusive society.
Performance and validation of a digital memory test across the Alzheimer’s disease continuum
Authors: Toniolo Sofia , Attaallah Bahaaeddin , Maio Maria Raquel , Tabi Younes Adam , Slavkova Elitsa , Klar Verena Svenja , Saleh Youssuf , Idris Mohamad Imran , Turner Vicky , Preul Christoph , Srowig Annie , Butler Christopher , Thompson Sian , Manohar Sanjay G , Finke Kathrin , Husain Masud
Published: January 2025

Digital cognitive testing using online platforms has emerged as a potentially transformative tool in clinical neuroscience. In theory, it could provide a powerful means of screening for and tracking cognitive performance in people at risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Here we investigate whether digital metrics derived from an in-person administered, tablet-based short-term memory task—the ‘What was where?’ Oxford Memory Task—were able to clinically stratify patients at different points within the Alzheimer’s disease continuum and to track disease progression over time. Performance of these metrics compared to traditional neuropsychological pen-and-paper screening tests of cognition was also analysed. A total of 325 people participated in this study: 49 patients with subjective cognitive decline, 57 with mild cognitive impairment, 63 with Alzheimer’s disease dementia and 156 elderly healthy controls. Most digital metrics were able to discriminate between healthy controls and patients with mild cognitive impairment and between mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease patients. Some, including Absolute Localization Error, also differed significantly between patients with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment. Identification accuracy was the best predictor of hippocampal atrophy, performing as well as standard screening neuropsychological tests. A linear support vector model combining digital metrics achieved high accuracy and performed at par with standard testing in discriminating between elderly healthy controls and subjective cognitive decline (area under the curve 0.82) and between subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment (area under the curve 0.92), while performing worse in classifying between mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease patients (area under the curve 0.75). Memory imprecision was able to predict cognitive decline on standard cognitive tests over one year. Overall, these findings show how it might be possible to use a digital memory test in clinics and clinical trial contexts to stratify and track performance across the Alzheimer’s disease continuum.
Basic helix–loop–helix ARNT like 1 regulates the function of immune cells and participates in the development of immune-related diseases
Authors: Shao Fanglin , Wang Zhipeng , Ye Luxia , Wu Ruicheng , Wang Jie , Yu Qing-Xin , Wusiman Dilinaer , Tuo Zhouting , Yoo Koo Han , Shu Ziyu , Wei Wuran , Li Dengxiong , Cho William C , Liu Zhihong , Feng Dechao
Published: January 2025

The circadian clock is an internal timekeeper system that regulates biological processes through a central circadian clock and peripheral clocks controlling various genes. Basic helix–loop–helix ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1), also known as aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (ARNTL1), is a key component of the circadian clock. The deletion of BMAL1 alone can abolish the circadian rhythms of the human body. BMAL1 plays a critical role in immune cell function. Dysregulation of BMAL1 is linked to immune-related diseases such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer, and vice versa. This review highlights the significant role of BMAL1 in governing immune cells, including their development, differentiation, migration, homing, metabolism, and effector functions. This study also explores how dysregulation of BMAL1 can have far-reaching implications and potentially contribute to the onset of immune-related diseases such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, sepsis, and trauma. Furthermore, this review discusses treatments for immune-related diseases that target BMAL1 disorders. Understanding the impact of BMAL1 on immune function can provide insights into the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases and help in the development of more effective treatment strategies. Targeting BMAL1 has been demonstrated to achieve good efficacy in immune-related diseases, indicating its promising potential as a targetable therapeutic target in these diseases.
Hacia un análisis comparativo de la política autoritaria de derechas: Argentina, India y Estados Unidos
Authors: Bauer A J , Roy Srirupa , Gago Verónica
Published: January 2025

Los partidos e ideologías de extrema derecha han adquirido mayor protagonismo en varios países a lo largo de la última década, en coincidencia con la amplia difusión internacional de las redes sociales. Esta entrevista, en la que participan especialistas situados en los contextos de Argentina, India y Estados Unidos, cuestiona los planteamientos deterministas de los medios de comunicación. Haciendo hincapié en la contingencia histórica y la especificidad política a nivel de país, plantea un enfoque comparativo para estudiar el autoritarismo de extrema derecha en distintos contextos nacionales, en contra del determinismo y a favor de la resistencia internacional.
Reported Neurologic Manifestations Among Persons With Syphilis by Stage of Infection—12 States, 2019–2022
Authors: Wondmeneh Sarah B , McDonald Robert , Quilter Laura A S , Workowski Kimberly A , Torrone Elizabeth A , Jackson David A
Published: January 2025

National case-based surveillance data show that reported neurologic manifestations of syphilis increased during 2019–2022 among persons with early and late-stage syphilis. Neurologic manifestations occurred across demographic groups and among those with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), highlighting the importance of evaluating for neurologic signs and symptoms in all persons with syphilis.
Insurance versus digital harm: a content analysis of home and cyber insurance policies in the USA and UK
Authors: Jain Rachiyta , Hrle Temima , Woods Daniel W
Published: January 2025

The adoption of digital technology creates the potential for new harms. Given that risk prevention solutions are imperfect, individuals may wish to transfer digital risk to an insurer. It is unclear whether existing insurance policies cover these harms, or whether specialized consumer cyber insurance products are available. We address this research gap by conducting a content analysis of 50 insurance policies, 32 in the USA and 18 in the UK. Our analysis of 26 home insurance policies reveals that insurers typically exclude digital perils (losses caused by computer viruses, hacking, or cyber attacks), but include coverage for digital assets (devices and downloaded data) impacted by conventional perils. A minority of home insurance policies affirmatively cover digital perils such as identity theft and social media defamation. Our analysis of 24 consumer cyber insurance products identifies 6 core perils that are generally covered: cyber attack, data breach, ransomware, online fraud, cyberbullying, and identity theft. Finally, pricing information from 21 policies reveals that specialist cyber policies typically cost between $20 and $150. One insurer’s actuarial calculations suggest that the expected losses range from $2 (online fraud) to $9 (computer attack). These findings can help users form strategies to manage digital risk.
Characterizing cardiac adipose tissue in post-acute myocardial infarction patients via CT imaging: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Xiaomeng , Leng Shuang , Adamson Philip D , Greer Charlotte E , Huang Weimin , Lee Hwee Kuan , Loong Yan Ting , Raffiee Nur Amirah Syahindah , Sia Ching Hui , Tan Swee Yaw , Tan Sock Hwee , Teo Lynette Li San , Wong Sung Lung , Yang Xiaoxun , Yew Min Sen , Yong Thon Hon , Zhong Liang , Shaw Leslee J , Chan Mark Yan Yee , Hausenloy Derek J , Baskaran Lohendran
Published: January 2025

Aims

To identify differences in CT-derived perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) characteristics that may indicate inflammatory status differences between post-treatment acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

Methods and results

A cohort of 205 post-AMI patients (age 59.8 ± 9.2, 92.2% male) was propensity-matched with 205 stable CAD patients (age 60.5 ± 10.0, 90.2% male). Coronary CT angiography and non-contrast CT scans were performed to assess PVAT mean attenuation across major coronary segments and EAT mean attenuation and volumes, respectively. For post-AMI patients, CT scans were conducted 28.6 ± 13.8 days after the AMI incidence. Post-AMI patients showed higher non-culprit PVAT and EAT mean attenuation than stable CAD patients (8.01 HU, 95% CI 5.90–10.11 HU, P < 0.001, 2.48 HU, 95% CI 0.83–4.13 HU, P = 0.003, respectively). The EAT volume percentage at higher attenuation levels was higher in post-AMI patients compared with stable CAD (33.93 cm3, 95% CI 16.86–51.00 cm3, P < 0.001), with the difference maximized at the −70 HU threshold (4.75%, 95% CI 3.64%–5.87%, P < 0.001). PVAT mean attenuation positively correlated with EAT mean attenuations and the percentage of EAT volume > −70 HU (P < 0.001 for both).

Conclusion

Post-AMI patients showed higher PVAT and EAT attenuation than stable CAD patients, potentially indicating AMI-associated inflammatory cardiac adipose tissue changes. A total of −70 HU can act as a potential cut-off for inflamed EAT. These findings highlight the potential of using CT-derived adipose tissue characteristics to assess inflammation and guide post-AMI management strategies.
Acute heart failure due to fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis with mononeuritis: eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis requiring cardiac multimodality imaging and systemic evaluation: a case report
Authors: Noiri Jun-ichi , Matsuzoe Hiroki , Nishio Ryo , Fujiki Youhei , Otani Kenichiro , Inaba Mayumi , Takaishi Hiroshi , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: January 2025

Background

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic vasculitis that affects small-to-medium vessels of various organs and can lead to eosinophilic myocarditis, a rare but life-threatening condition. The diagnosis of EGPA is challenging due to overlapping features with other forms of vasculitis. Additionally, various clinical presentations of EGPA make its management complicated.

Case summary

A 55-year-old man with a history of asthma presented with worsening chest pain. Peripheral hyper-eosinophilia, elevated troponin level, refractory pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and severe cardiac dysfunction suggested fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis. A multidisciplinary team comprising rheumatology, respirology, haematology, pathology, and cardiology specialists discussed the underlying cause of eosinophilia and diagnosed EGPA with the pathological findings of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). Immunosuppressive therapy and optimal medical therapy for acute heart failure resulted in remission of myocarditis, as confirmed by follow-up echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and EMB. Despite a good clinical course, mononeuritis rapidly worsened just before his discharge, requiring additional therapy. During the 2-year outpatient follow-up, the cardiac function remains well, and mononeuritis also improved.

Discussion

The multidisciplinary approach facilitated prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment, despite the disease’s diverse presentation, ultimately saving the patient’s life. This case highlights the importance of systemic evaluations in patients with EGPA, potentially affecting multiple organs, for monitoring disease status and guiding its treatment. This case report also emphasizes that close follow-up and careful monitoring with cardiac multimodality imaging are important to ensure optimal management of heart failure caused by EGPA myocarditis.
Micro-environmental changes indicate potential for subclinical intestinal tissue damage in early-age-onset colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Kraus Sean G , Johnson Katherine A , Emmerich Philip B , Clipson Linda , Pasch Cheri A , Zhang Wei , Matkowskyj Kristina A , Deming Dustin A
Published: January 2025

Background

While improved screening rates have contributed to an overall decrease in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), the incidence of early-age-onset CRC (EAO CRC; age <50 years) has increased. Here, we characterize the genetic alterations and tumor microenvironment (TME) for EAO and later-age-onset (LAO) CRCs to identify relevant biological differences that might point to etiologic factors.

Methods

A cohort of EAO (n = 60) and LAO (n = 93) CRC patients were evaluated for mutations by using targeted DNA sequencing and for TME differences by using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) PanCancer Atlas colorectal adenocarcinoma cohort was evaluated for transcriptional changes between EAO (n = 82) and LAO (n = 510) patients.

Results

KRAS and BRAF mutations were less frequent in EAO CRCs. Gene-set enrichment analysis of TCGA data revealed the downregulation of immune-related pathways in EAO CRCs. Both age cohorts had similar numbers of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), although LAO patients had more CD4+ TILs and Th1-polarized CD4s. While significant associations between immune subsets and versican (VCAN), versikine, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) were found, none of these trends differed between age cohorts. EAO patients trended towards greater VCAN accumulation in adjacent normal tissue, lower rates of VCAN proteolysis, and decreased αSMA accumulation vs LAO patients.

Conclusions

Overall, established EAO cancers are similar to LAO cancers in mutational profile and key TME features. High VCAN and αSMA expression in adjacent normal colon indicates a presence of factors that are associated with increased intestinal subclinical inflammation. Future mechanistic studies will be conducted to better understand the importance of these findings and related processes should be prioritized as potential etiologic factors for EAO tumorigenesis.
Direction finding in an active source experiment in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany using 6 DoF measurements
Authors: Izgi Gizem , Eibl Eva P S , Krueger Frank , Bernauer Felix
Published: January 2025

The seismic wavefield is fully described by translation, rotation and strain. Until recently, the seismological community has not been able to measure rotation directly with portable sensors with satisfactory resolution. Portable blueSeis-3A (Exail) sensors allow measuring three components of rotational motions. Colocated with conventional seismometers, one can locally observe six degrees of freedom (6 DoF) of ground motion. To test the performance of the rotational sensors, an active source experiment was carried out in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany, in 2019 November. Five explosions with different yields and distances from our sensors, were fired. In a first stage, eight rotational sensors were deployed inside a bunker next to a seismometer. In a second stage, the rotational sensors were installed in two clusters of four sensors each. We compare the backazimuths derived using two different methods: (i) a method using horizontal rotational components and (ii) a standard polarization analysis using only 3C translational data. Backazimuths calculated using rotational data for five explosions have an average $10.2^\circ$ deviation from the theoretical backazimuths. Estimates using 3C translational data for the first stage of the experiment have a $1.8^\circ$ deviation from the theoretical backazimuth. For the second stage, we found a $29.4^\circ$ deviation using the seismometer from stage 1. We conclude that within our distance range from 50 to 1070 m, all rotational sensors provide reliably backazimuths of explosive sources when using only horizontal rotational components. For future applications of rotational sensors in other environments, this is promising as backazimuths can be derived reliably.
Functional variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene are associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Prizment Anna , Standafer Abby , Qu Conghui , Beutel Kathleen M , Wang Shuo , Huang Wen-Yi , Lindblom Annika , Pearlman Rachel , Van Guelpen Bethany , Wolk Alicja , Buchanan Daniel D , Grant Robert C , Schmit Stephanie L , Platz Elizabeth A , Joshu Corinne E , Couper David J , Peters Ulrike , Starr Timothy K , Scott Patricia , Pankratz Nathan
Published: January 2025

Background

Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF; a recessive disorder) have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence suggests individuals with a single CFTR variant may also have increased CRC risk.

Methods

Using population-based studies (GECCO, CORECT, CCFR, and ARIC; 53 785 CRC cases and 58 010 controls), we tested for an association between the most common CFTR variant (Phe508del) and CRC risk. For replication, we used whole exome sequencing data from UK Biobank (UKB; 5126 cases and 20 504 controls matched 4:1 based on genetic distance, age, and sex), and extended our analyses to all other heterozygous CFTR variants annotated as CF-causing.

Results

In our meta-analysis of GECCO-CORECT-CCFR-ARIC, the odds ratio (OR) for CRC risk associated with Phe508del was 1.11 (P = 0.010). In our UKB replication, the OR for CRC risk associated with Phe508del was 1.28 (P = 0.002). The sequencing data from UKB also revealed an association between the presence of any other single CF-causing variant (excluding Phe508del) and CRC risk (OR = 1.33; P = 0.030). When stratifying CFTR variants by functional class, class I variants (no protein produced) had a stronger association (OR = 1.77; p = 0.002), while class II variants (misfolding and retention of the protein in the endoplasmic reticulum) other than Phe508del (OR = 1.75; p = 0.107) had similar effect size as Phe508del, and variants in classes III-VI had non-significant ORs less than 1.0 and/or were not present in cases.

Conclusions

CF-causing heterozygous variants, especially class I variants, are associated with a modest but statistically significant increased CRC risk. More research is needed to explain the biology underlying these associations.
Bacillus subtilis MZ-01 alleviates diarrhea caused by ETEC K88 by reducing inflammation and promoting intestinal health
Authors: Qin Jianwei , Liu Yang , Cao Mingming , Zhang Yue , Bai Guangdong , Shi Baoming
Published: January 2025

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis supplementation on the health of weaned piglets and whether B. subtilis supplementation can reduce the damage of piglets induced by ETEC K88.

Methods and results

The experiment was designed with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising the control group, B. subtilis (PRO) group, Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC) group, and B. subtilis + ETEC (PRO + ETEC) group. Regardless of the presence of ETEC, the addition of PRO increased the piglets’ final body weight, average daily gain, and daily feed intake. Additionally, PRO primarily achieves a reduction in heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) levels, suppresses the expression of NF-κB, TLR4, and MyD88 mRNA in the jejunum and ileum, lowers pro-inflammatory factors in the blood and small intestine, enhances the expression of tight junction proteins in the small intestine, improves the composition of the colonic microbiota, increases colonic short-chain fatty acid contents, thereby alleviating diarrhea and mitigating bodily damage caused by ETEC K88 infection.

Conclusion

The addition of B. subtilis MZ-01 alleviated ETEC K88-induced piglet diarrhea by reducing ST levels, decreasing pro-inflammatory factors in the blood and intestine, and enhancing the intestinal barrier and tight junction proteins.
Interdisciplinary systems may restore the healthcare professional–patient relationship in electronic health systems
Authors: Cauley Michael R , Boland Jr. Richard J , Rosenbloom S Trent
Published: January 2025

Objective

To develop a framework that models the impact of electronic health record (EHR) systems on healthcare professionals’ well-being and their relationships with patients, using interdisciplinary insights to guide machine learning in identifying value patterns important to healthcare professionals in EHR systems.

Materials and Methods

A theoretical framework of EHR systems’ implementation was developed using interdisciplinary literature from healthcare, information systems, and management science focusing on the systems approach, clinical decision-making, and interface terminologies.

Observations

Healthcare professionals balance personal norms of narrative and data-driven communication in knowledge creation for EHRs by integrating detailed patient stories with structured data. This integration forms 2 learning loops that create tension in the healthcare professional–patient relationship, shaping how healthcare professionals apply their values in care delivery. The manifestation of this value tension in EHRs directly affects the well-being of healthcare professionals.

Discussion

Understanding the value tension learning loop between structured data and narrative forms lays the groundwork for future studies of how healthcare professionals use EHRs to deliver care, emphasizing their well-being and patient relationships through a sociotechnical lens.

Conclusion

EHR systems can improve the healthcare professional–patient relationship and healthcare professional well-being by integrating norms and values into pattern recognition of narrative and data communication forms.
Adaptation and validation of the French version of the Hypoparathyroid Patient Questionnaire 28 (HPQ28) in the ComPaRe-Epi-Hypo e-cohort
Authors: Bertocchio Jean-Philippe , Soyer Jessica , Grosset Natalie , Bessonies Delphine , Nidercorn Christelle , Sido Coralie , Tran Viet-Thi , Toko-Kamga Leslie , Pane Isabelle , Hecini Akram , Siggelkow Heide , Houillier Pascal
Published: January 2025

Chronic hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease associated with an impaired quality of life. Recommendations suggest frequent monitoring of quality of life, but for French-speaking people, only generic scales are available despite the fact that chronic hypoparathyroidism has specific symptoms and impact. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the French version of Hypoparathyroid Patient Questionnaire 28 (HPQ28), an already validated tool in patients living with chronic hypoparathyroidism, available in English and German. HPQ28 was translated and back-translated from English into French. Translations were harmonized with the original author. Assessment of psychometric properties of the French version of HPQ28 was performed in the ComPaRe-Epi-Hypo e-cohort, a nationwide cohort of adult patients living with chronic hypoparathyroidism in France. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Dimensional validity was studied using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Construct validity compared the answers from the French version of HPQ28 with those from the EQ-5D-5L, EQ-5D-VAS, and MYMPO2 instruments. Reliability was evaluated by the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of a test–retest within a 2-wk interval. Between August 2023 and August 2024, 183 patients completed HPQ28, EQ-5D, and MYMOP2 scales. The majority (92%) of the participants were women, with a median[IQR] age of 52[44;60]. Etiology of the disease was neck surgery and genetic abnormalities in 82% and 8% of cases, respectively. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha 0.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.94). CFA found a unidimensional structure of the questionnaire. Construct validity showed positive correlation with MYMOP2 (r = 0.64) and negative correlations with EQ-5D VAS (r = −0.49) and EQ-5D-5L (r = −0.64) scores, as hypothesized. Reliability was adequate, with an ICC of 0.88 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.91). In conclusion, we adapted and validated HPQ28 for French-speaking patients suffering from chronic hypoparathyroidism. It can therefore now be used for both research and clinical follow-up.
Revisiting Productivity Dynamics in Europe: A New Measure of Utilization-Adjusted TFP Growth
Authors: Comin Diego , Quintana Javier , Schmitz Tom , Trigari Antonella
Published: January 2025

We compute new estimates of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth in the five largest European economies. Our estimates account for positive profits and use firm surveys to proxy for unobserved changes in factor utilization. These novelties have a major impact: our estimated TFP growth series are substantially less volatile and less cyclical than the ones obtained with standard methods. Based on our approach, we provide annual industry-level and aggregate TFP series, as well as the first estimates of profit and utilization-adjusted quarterly TFP growth in Europe/
Place-based policies: first-mover advantage and persistence
Authors: Chen Ying , Huang Teng , Xie Xiaochen
Published: January 2025

Researchers have explored various place-based policies for promoting economic growth, but the long-term effects and drivers of successful policies have not been thoroughly studied. In this article, we first document significant heterogeneity in growth trends between early and late national development zones in China. Then, we develop a theoretical framework to analyze the influence of their establishment timing on the spatial equilibrium dynamics. Using new archival data and novel empirical strategies, we demonstrate that the early zones consistently have higher firm entries, innovation, and labor pooling. These results highlight the importance of agglomeration for the long-term success of place-based policies.
A Unified Predictability Test Using Weighted Inference and Random Weighted Bootstrap
Authors: Yang Bingduo , Long Wei , Liu Xiaohui , Peng Liang
Published: January 2025

Predictive regressions play a pivotal role in assessing the predictability of returns for financial assets. However, the existence of a non-zero intercept in the predictive variable poses challenges for the popular IVX method, as the statistical properties of a nearly integrated predictive variable differ significantly with and without an intercept. This article presents a novel unified predictability test utilizing weighted inference and random weighted bootstrap. It addresses challenges posed by both conditional heteroscedasticity in linear predictive regression and the presence of a non-zero intercept in the predictor variable. Simulation results demonstrate the accurate size of the proposed test across various scenarios, including stationary, near unit root, unit root, mildly integrated, mildly explosive, and zero and non-zero intercepts. In an empirical application, we employ the proposed test to investigate the predictive capacity of eleven economic and financial variables on the monthly returns of the S&P 500 from 1980 to 2019. The findings reveal stronger evidence of predictability compared to the instrumental variable-based test.
Head and neck paraganglioma in Pacak-Zhuang syndrome
Authors: Rosenblum Jared S , Cole Yasemin , Dang Danielle , Lookian Pashayar P , Alkaissi Hussam , Patel Mayank , Cappadona Anthony J , Jha Abhishek , Edwards Nancy , Donahue Danielle R , Munasinghe Jeeva , Wang Herui , Knutsen Russell H , Pappo Alberto S , Lechan Ronald M , Kozel Beth A , Smirniotopoulos James G , Kim H Jeffrey , Vortmeyer Alexander , Miettinen Markku , Heiss John D , Zhuang Zhengping , Pacak Karel
Published: January 2025

Background

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are typically slow-growing, hormonally inactive tumors of parasympathetic paraganglia. Inactivation of prolyl-hydroxylase domain-containing 2 protein causing indirect gain-of-function of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α), encoded by EPAS1, was recently shown to cause carotid body hyperplasia. We previously described a syndrome with multiple sympathetic paragangliomas caused by direct gain-of-function variants in EPAS1 (Pacak-Zhuang syndrome, PZS) and developed a corresponding mouse model.

Methods

We evaluated a cohort of patients with PZS (n = 9) for HNPGL by positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography and measured carotid body size compared to literature reference values. Resected tumors were evaluated by histologic sectioning and staining. We evaluated the corresponding mouse model at multiple developmental stages (P8 and adult) for lesions of the head and neck by high resolution ex vivo imaging and performed immunohistochemical staining on histologic sections of the identified lesions.

Results

hree patients had imaging consistent with HNPGL, one of which warranted resection and was confirmed on histology. Three additional patients had carotid body enlargement (Z-score > 2.0), and 3 had carotid artery malformations. We found that 9 of 10 adult variant mice had carotid body tumors and 6 of 8 had a paraganglioma on the cranio-caval vein, the murine homologue of the superior vena cava; these were also found in 4 of 5 variant mice at post-natal day 8. These tumors and the one resected from a patient were positive for tyrosine hydroxylase, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A. Brown fat in a resected patient tumor carried the EPAS1 pathogenic variant.

Conclusions

These findings (1) suggest HNPGL as a feature of PZS and (2) show that these pathogenic variants are sufficient to cause the development of these tumors, which we believe represents a continuous spectrum of disease starting from hyperplasia.
Caregiver food allergy self-efficacy explains the relationship between perceived food allergy severity and burden
Authors: Barber Maegan , Griffin Danielle , Neshkes Rebecca , Kichline Tiffany , Sigel Sabrina , Herbert Linda Jones
Published: January 2025

Objective

Caregiver perceived food allergy severity is associated with food allergy burden, while caregiver food allergy self-efficacy has been linked to improved quality of life for caregivers. This study examined the mediating effect of caregiver food allergy self-efficacy on the relationship between perceived food allergy severity and caregiver food allergy burden.

Methods

Caregivers of children diagnosed with IgE-mediated food allergy were recruited from pediatric allergy clinics to complete demographic and medical questionnaires, the Food Allergy Independent Measure-Parent Form, the Food Allergy Self-Efficacy Scale for Parents, and the Food Allergy Quality of Life-Parental Burden. Hayes’ PROCESS was utilized to test mediation analysis. The TREND checklist is available in the Supplementary Materials section.

Results

Analyses consisted of 94 caregivers of children (Mage = 11.72 years, 52.7% male, 34.0% Black). Caregiver food allergy self-efficacy mediated the relationship between perceived food allergy severity and caregiver food allergy burden, B = 0.16, SE = 0.07, CI (0.04–0.33).

Conclusions

Caregiver food allergy self-efficacy may play an important role in food allergy psychosocial functioning. Interventions targeting self-efficacy could reduce caregiver food allergy burden. Future research should explore additional psychosocial and medical factors to better tailor food allergy interventions to the family’s unique needs.
Laparoscopic resection of an isolated iliac artery aneurysm with synthetic graft implantation
Authors: Kang Taifen , Huang Weihua , Li Yi , Zhong Guangyao , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2025

The current treatment options for isolated iliac artery aneurysm (IIAA) are mainly endovascular treatment (ET) and open surgery. ET carries risks such as endoleaks and stent displacement, while open elective surgical repair of IIAAs carries significant risk of mortality. Therefore, this report presents a case of laparoscopic surgery for IIAA, providing a new approach for treating IIAA. Under laparoscopic guidance, the IIAA was resected, and an artificial graft was implanted to complete the surgery. At 6 months follow-up, the patient remained well, and the artificial graft was patent.
Stepchildren in succession law across European jurisdictions – current landscape and legislative concerns
Authors: Miler Dorota
Published: January 2025

In many European countries, over 10 per cent of families are blended families. However, national succession laws often do not recognize the factual relationships existing within blended families. Only a few jurisdictions grant children rights to their parent’s spouse’s or unmarried partner’s estate. This article identifies and groups the relevant provisions. An analysis of the provisions shows that stepchildren and children of an unmarried partner have very limited succession-law rights, and nowhere in Europe do they have rights equal to those of legitimate children. To facilitate a change, this article identifies and examines the aspects to be considered when legislating succession-law rights for children in blended families.
(Un)usual spaces of refuge? The viewer’s perspective and the politics of knowledge on refugee-hosting geographies
Authors: Fakhoury Tamirace
Published: January 2025

Refugee-hosting geographies represent complex sites of encounter where power and knowledge intersect with territoriality. While they cannot be inherently ‘unusual’, they become so when they deviate from dominant discourses, categories and practices that seek to impose order and meaning within the global refugee regime. The introduction to the Special Issue sets the stage for the collection of papers by conceptualizing (un)usual spaces of refuge. It explores how complex entanglements between policy and knowledge production cast certain geographies of refuge as ‘unusual’, obscuring their role, relevance, and challenges within the global refugee regime. Drawing on perspectives from critical geopolitics, refugee studies and international relations, the collection seeks to achieve three aims. First, it pluralizes perspectives on refugee-hosting geographies beyond the core and periphery and the North/South divide. Second, it calls for mapping everyday cartographies that reflect refugees’ experiences of placemaking. Third, it highlights how policy assumptions about ‘interim’ versus ‘preferred’ geographies can obscure understanding of how refugees perceive durable solutions and destinations beyond the ‘territorial trap’.
Photometric light curve studies: potential bias induced by exposure time
Authors: Liu Dezi , Fan Zuhui
Published: January 2025

In photometric observations, the flux averaged over the preset exposure time is usually used as the representation of an object’s true flux at the middle of the exposure interval. For the study of transients and variables, it is also the default manner to build the light curves. In this work, we investigate the effect of this common practice on quantifying the photometric light curves. Our analysis shows that the flux averaged over the exposure time is not necessarily identical to the true flux so that potential bias may be introduced. The overall profile of the true light curve tends to be flattened by the exposure time. In addition, it is found that the peak position and photometric colour can also be altered. We then discuss the impacts of the bias induced by exposure time on the light curves of stellar flares, periodic stars, and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). The bias can lead to an underestimate of the total fluxes of stellar flares which has been noticed in the observational data. For periodic stars that follow a sinusoidal light curve, the bias does not affect the period and peak position, but can result in the peak flux being underestimated. Meanwhile, the bias can result in steeper structure function at short time-scales for AGN light curves. To obtain unbiased physical parameter estimates from the light curves, our analysis indicates that it is essential to account for this bias, particularly for transients and variables with very short time-scales.
Effects of regional variations and occupation on hand osteoarthritis: Insights from the research on osteoarthritis/osteoporosis against disability study
Authors: Kojima Ichiko , Uehara Kosuke , Iidaka Toshiko , Kodama Rie , Muraki Shigeyuki , Oka Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Akune Toru , Hashizume Hiroshi , Yamada Hiroshi , Yoshida Munehito , Morizaki Yutaka , Nakamura Kozo , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Noriko
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of radiographic hand osteoarthritis (HOA) in older Japanese individuals in three distinct regions with unique geographic and occupational characteristics and explore the regional variations and factors, including occupational workload, that affect HOA.

Methods

We analysed the radiographic images and data of 1642 participants aged ≥60 years (mean, 75.6 years). After grading the radiographs of both hands using the modified Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) classification, HOA was defined as at least one joint with a KL grade ≥2, and severe HOA was defined as at least one joint with a KL grade ≥3.

Results

The overall prevalence rates of HOA and severe HOA were 95.9% and 54.2%, respectively. Regional differences were observed: residence in the mountainous region was associated with HOA and severe HOA, whereas residence in the coastal region was associated with only HOA. Occupational workload was associated with severe HOA in a dose-dependent manner, and heavy work was associated with a higher number of osteoarthritis-affected joints.

Conclusion

The present study revealed a high prevalence of HOA in older Japanese individuals and highlighted regional variations in HOA prevalence. A higher occupational workload was associated with a higher risk of severe HOA.
Management of a Left Anterior Descending Artery Aneurysm in Behçet’s Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Subki Ahmed Hussein , Albeity Abdurahman , Mulla Israa Mohammed , Ismaeil Nabeel Hashim , Qarah Muhannad Basheer , Halabi Hussein
Published: January 2025

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that affects blood vessels of all sizes, potentially leading to severe complications such as coronary artery aneurysms. This report describes the case of a 33-year-old woman with BD who presented with recurrent chest pain. Imaging revealed a large saccular aneurysm in the left anterior descending artery. Management involved multiple percutaneous coronary interventions to stabilize the aneurysm, alongside infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor, to control the underlying vasculitis. The patient has remained in clinical remission for over three years, providing additional evidence supporting the role of infliximab in addressing vascular complications in BD. This case highlights the challenges in managing coronary artery aneurysms in BD and emphasizes the need for further research into the long-term safety and efficacy of infliximab for such cases.
Evaluation of Daptomycin Use in Outpatients With Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Kener Daisy , Childress Darrell , Andrus Ian , Olson Jared , Webb Brandon
Published: January 2025

Multiple observational studies in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and enterococcal infections have suggested that higher doses of daptomycin may be associated with better clinical outcomes. However, optimal daptomycin dosing in methicillin-sensitive S aureus bloodstream infections remains unclear. In this multicentered, retrospective, observational cohort study, we compared standard dose daptomycin (<8 mg/kg) vs high dose (≥8 mg/kg) for methicillin-sensitive S aureus bloodstream infections. In a propensity-weighted model, the composite outcome of treatment failure within 90 days was lower in the high-dose group relative to the standard dose group (odds ratio, 0.496; 95% CI, .306–.804). We did not detect any significant difference in safety outcomes.
The Promises and Perils of Periodization in Global History: Lessons from the Inter-War Era
Authors: Denning Andrew , Tworek Heidi J S
Published: January 2025

This article considers the role of periodization in global history through the lens of the inter-war era. The global turn has shifted the ‘metageographies’ of historical practice, focusing historians’ attention on the flows, mobilities and networks that connected peoples and places across the globe. Often left uninterrogated, however, are the ‘metatemporalities’ that structure historical inquiry, resulting in the perpetuation of Eurocentric definitions of historical epochs, particularly in the modern era. Periodizations are not objective or merely descriptive containers for historical events, but are themselves arguments that promote certain historical actors and dynamics from particular places, while relegating others to reactive roles, if not historiographical obscurity. The inter-war era offers a particularly compelling case study that shows how global history methodologies qualify, extend and dissolve inherited temporal frameworks. In place of singular, Eurocentric eras, polycentric global history presents the opportunity to elaborate polytemporal models that advance plural, overlapping periodizations. Aligning multiple global periodizations and becoming attuned to the rhythms they produced allows historians to reveal the particularity of historical eras.